SAVATAGE frontman Jon Oliva joined OBITUARY on stage this past Saturday, January 30 at the first annual Florida Metal Fest at The Cuban Club in Ybor City in Tampa, Florida to perform a couple of SAVATAGE classics: "City Beneath The Surface" and "The Dungeons Are Calling". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

OBITUARY frontman John Tardy, who helped organize Florida Metal Fest, said about the event: "My brother and I have been so fortunate and thankful to be part of some the best and biggest music festivals in the world. The amount of people, bands and energy these festivals can bring is just awesome. From the first time we played one, it has always been a dream of ours to put together a music festival that is not only fun for the fans, bands and crews, but one that also brings a closeness to all involved. After years and years of talking about it, we finally decided the time is now. We want to put together a first-class festival. From the venue to the PA, from the lights to the lineup we are trying our best to make this as memorable event as possible. No festival, anywhere in the world, even with the best possible lineup, would work if the area does not support it. I think that Tampa, and its surrounding cities, is a great music area and one that is ready to make this event come to life."

For further information, visit www.floridametalfest.com.

OBITUARY's ninth studio album, "Inked In Blood", sold around 5,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 75 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's first full-length CD in over five years, "Inked In Blood" was recorded by OBITUARY in April 2014 at the group's own RedNeck Studio in Gibsonton, Florida.

After more than a decade of band history and six albums released, Swedish power metallers Bloodbound are set to release their first ever Live DVD/CD, titled One Night Of Blood, on February 12th. The main DVD/CD feature is the band's performance from last year's Masters Of Rock festival; watch  the live clip "Metal Monster" below. The DVD also includes the band's official videos, a documentary, and additional selected live clips.

One Night Of Blood comes as DVD/CD package in Digipak format via AFM Records. The tracklist is as follows:

CD/DVD
"Bloodtale"
"Iron Throne"
"When Demons Collide"
"In The Name Of Metal"
"When The Kingdom Will Fall"
"Moria"
"Nightmares From The Grave"
"Metalheads Unite"
"When All Lights Fail"
"Book Of The Dead"
"Metal Monster"
"Stormborn"
"Nosferatu"
"Nosferatu Symphony

DVD Bonus Content:
"Stormborn" (video clip)
"In The Name Of Metal" (video clip)
"In The Name Of Metal" (performance Version)
"Moria" (Live at Masters Of Rock 2012)
"Stormborn" (Live at Out & Loud Festival 2015)
"In The Name Of Metal" (Live in Oberhausen 2015)
The Bloody Documentary

"Metal Monster":

"Moria":

Bloodbound's tour schedule is as follows:

February
12 - Dornbirn, Austria - Conrad Sohm
13 – Linz, Austria - Posthof
14 – Graz, Austria - Orpheum
15 – Innsbruck, Austria - Music Hall
17 – Solothurn, Switzerland - Kofmehl
18 – Lausanne, Switzerland Metropole
19 – Zürich, Switzerland - Komplex 457
20 – Chur, Switzerland - Palazzo
22 – Marseille, France - Espace Julien
23 – Bordeaux, France - Rocher de Palmer
24 – Nantes, France - Stereolux
26 – Norwich, UK – UEA
27 – Manchester, UK – Academy
28 – Birmingham, UK - O2 Academy
29 – Southampton, UK - O2 Guildhall

March 
2 – Aberdeen, UK - Music Hall
3 – Glasgow, UK - Barrowlands
4 – Belfast, UK - Limelight1
6 – Dublin, Ireland - Vicar Street
7 – Cardiff, UK - Tramshed
8 – Bristol, UK - Motion
10 – London, UK - The Forum
11 – Tilburg, Netherlands - O13 Poppodium
12 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Netherlands - Rockhal

 

 

 



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Thunderstone are back. The Finnish power metal act presents its new album Apocalypse Again on April 1st via AFM Records. It is not only the return of the band after almost six years, Apocalypse Again sees Pasi Rantanen re-unite with Thunderstone. The band’s original vocalist, who left after 2007’s Evolution 4.0, has been an integral part of Thunderstone’s characteristic sound ever since and was sorely missed after his departure back then.

Apocalypse Again is melodic metal perfection. From the speedy opening track “Veterans Of The Apocalypse” and the catchy single “The Path” with its uplifting chorus, to the epic completion with “Barren Land” - it clearly shows that Thunderstone are one of the finest offerings in the current scene and how much Rantanen was missing. 

Tracklisting:

“Veterans Of The Apocalypse”
“The Path”
“Fire And Ice”
“Through The Pain”
“Walk Away Free”
“Higher”
“Wounds”
“Days Of Our Lives”
“Barren Land”

First edition of the album will be available as a digipak.



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

UK's shark themed rock Sharky Sharky have premiered the video for the track "Bring The Rock", which is taken off the band's debut album, Super Awesome Mega Rock.

Sharky Sharky is a side project of the power metal band Ascension using a kids theme to introduce kids to music. It's based on a British kid’s band that was successful.

Lineup:

Sharky – guitars
Baxter – vocals
Andy – bass
Finley – drum
Jawnofin – keyboards, keytar 



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Texan trio, True Widow have completed recording their fourth full-length album with longtime producer Matt Pence at The Echo Lab in Argyle, Texas. The anticipated new album marks the band's first recordings since 2013's Circumambulation and is expected to see a summer release via Relapse Records. Photos and clips from the recording session can be viewed via the band's official Instagram here. 

Additionally, True Widow has announced a two week US tour this April following an appearance at this year's Spillover Fest in Dallas. Support will be provided by Slimy Member and Drab Majesty.

Tour dates:

March
19 – Dallas, TX – Spillover Fest

April
16 – Austin, TX – The Mohawk
17 – Houston, TX – The Satellite
19 – New Orleans, LA – Sisters In Christ Records
20 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl
21 – Raleigh, NC – Kings
22 – Richmond, VA – Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
23 – Washington, DC – DC9
24 – Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle
26 – Allston, MA – Great Scott
27 – Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus
28 – Pittsburgh, PA – Smiling Moose
29 – Columbus, OH – Double Happiness
30 – Chicago, IL – Subterranean

May
1 – St. Louis, MO – Firebird



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

At long last, Dynazty will release their fifth album Titanic Mass on April 15th via Spinefarm Records. Hailing from the musically lively mecca that is Stockholm, Sweden, Dynazty are a prime example of forward-thinking and evolutionary sound development.
 
It was with the Spinefarm-released album Renatus (2013) where Dynazty truly came to their own.
 
Opting for a sound more modern, more defined, and more addictive, Renatus saw the band take a leap towards a tighter sound with an arsenal of rapid rhythm patters and machine-gun riffs, ever-present soaring vocals plus huge, addictive choruses. Thanks to its massive arrangements, Renatus was an exceptional album.
 
Now, Titanic Mass sees the Swedes take the next logical step in the never-ending flux that is their sound.
 
This time, they chose to maintain the overall bite and tightness of Renatus while taking a courteous nod in the direction of power metal and adding a symphonic element; yes, the arrangements are "Titanic" this time! The band has succeeded in making the songs yet another notch more addictive than before.
 
The edgy yet massive production of Peter Tägtgren (Sabaton, Pain, Dimmu Borgir) elevates Titanic Mass to Dynazty's ultimate statement to date.
 
"Titanic Mass is the culmination of all the knowledge we've learned and all the experience we've gained over the years writing songs and making albums. Our efforts combined with the mastery of producer Peter Tägtgren has resulted in an album that we feel is really strong. To us, Titanic Mass is without a doubt our ultimate effort,” comments the band.

Tracklisting:

“The Human Paradox”
“Untamer Of Your Soul”
“Roar Of The Underdog”
“Titanic Mass”
“Keys To Paradise”
“I Want To Live Forever”
“The Beast Inside”
“Break Into The Wild”
“Crack In The Shell”
“Free Man’s Anthem”
“The Smoking Gun”

Preorders launch on February 12th. At that time, "Roar Of The Underdog" will be available as an instant grat track. The first single is "The Human Paradox", which will be accompanied by a video directed by Tage Rönnqvist (Swallow The Sun, Santa Cruz) on March 18th.
 
Dynazty are: 
Nils Molin - vocals 
Love Magnusson - guitar 
George Egg - drums 
Mike Lavér - guitar
Jonathan Olsson – bass

(Photo by: Tallee Savage)



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Hard rockers Crossing Rubicon, who features Jeanne Sagan – formerly of All That Remains – on bass, have set the release date for their hotly anticipated album entitled No Less Than Everything. The twelve track album, which can be described as a throwback to metal of the ‘80s and early ‘90s mixed with modern rock, will be released February 12th on Pavement Entertainment. The lead single for the debut full length is the album’s second track, entitled “Unhinged”.

"There were a lot of people that thought I was crazy for walking away from my career and pursuing this record, and there were a lot of people who believed in me, both were my inspiration during the recording process. I did this to prove the first group wrong and to inspire both." – Scotty Anarchy (Vocals)

Tracklisting:

“Tomorrow Never Comes”
“Unhinged”
“Never Again”
“The Fallen”
“Bittersweet Day”
“Cut Deep”
“Who’s Gonna Save You”
“Violet Carson”
“Reason To Beg”
“Do We Not Bleed”
“I’m Here”
“Return To Atlantis”

“Unhinged” lyric video:



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

A Perfect Day have signed a deal with Scarlet Records for the release of the band’s second album, 'The Deafening Silence' on March 18th.

Formed in 2011, A Perfect Day is the brainchild of Andrea Cantarelli, guitar player and co-founder of Italian heavy metal band Labyrinth, and includes drummer Alessandro Bissa (Labyrinth), singer Marco Baruffetti, and bass player Gigi Andreone (Odd Dimension).
 
Inspired by post-grunge, metal, rock and hard rock sounds, A Perfect Day is one of those bands in which melody plays a leading role, as well as class-A musicianship and classy arrangements.
 
The band released their debut album on Frontiers Records with talented musician Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth) on vocals and bass, and got immediate attention for being able to combine a very relaxed atmosphere with aggressive sounds in quite a unique way. Roberto left the band in 2014, but he was replaced by Marco Baruffetti, who has been able to bring his many talents and a very positive vibe in the APD camp.
 
The band states: "We are extremely excited about the release of this new album. We worked very hard for more than two years, trying to keep intact the stylistic stamp that marked our debut album whilst evolving in multiple directions. The songs are in-your-face, the melodies are immediately able to capture the listener's attention and the extremely diverse sound will surely attract a wide and diverse audience." 
 
Produced in collaboration with Giovanni “Meniak” Nebbia (co-producer and sound engineer of Labyrinth, Vision Divine, Timo Tolkki), described as “the fifth member of the band”, the album – whose track listening will be revealed to the fans via Facebook on February 18, 2016 – offers a feast of listening experiences. “We put the record together with a lot of confidence,” Cantarelli reveals, “and without the need to include commercially-driven songs. We did it for ourselves, something to be proud of ourselves for years to come. 'The Deafening Silence' will take you on a ride that you will not forget!"

(Photo by: Emmanuel Mathez)



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Former DEEP PURPLE and current WHITESNAKE singer David Coverdale is featured in the new episode of BangerTV's "Sam Dunn's Metal Journeys". Sam visits David's home studio to talk about his life in beautiful Lake Tahoe, Nevada — bear attacks and all.

"Sam Dunn's Metal Journeys" follows documentary filmmaker Sam Dunn as he travels the world exploring the global metal community. It continues the mission Banger Films began with its 2008 feature documentary "Global Metal": to examine what metal means in different cultures by meeting with the musicians and other passionate metalheads who've devoted their lives to this music.

Banger Films' documentaries include two on heavy metal, 2006's "Metal: A Headbanger's Journey" and 2008's "Global Metal", 2010's "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage" and 2009's "Iron Maiden: Flight 666", as well as the TV documentary miniseries "Metal Evolution".

WHITESNAKE is continuing to tour in support of its twelfth studio album, "The Purple Album", which was released in May 2015 via Frontiers Music Srl. The effort is billed as "a re-imagination of classic songs from Coverdale's time as the lead singer for DEEP PURPLE's Mark III and Mark IV studio albums." Coverdale was DEEP PURPLE's frontman from late 1973 to early 1976 and sang on the albums "Burn", "Stormbringer" and "Come Taste The Band".

Fan-filmed video footage of TROUBLE's January 30 performance at the first annual Florida Metal Fest at The Cuban Club in Ybor City in Tampa, Florida can be seen below.

TROUBLE's first studio album in six years, "The Distortion Field", landed at position No. 25 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Released in Europe on August 23, 2013 via FRW Records, the 12-song follow-up to 2007's "Simple Mind Condition" was helmed by veteran producer Bill Metoyer (SLAYER, W.A.S.P., ARMORED SAINT, DARK ANGEL, SACRED REICH, CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER, D.R.I.) and marked the recording debut with TROUBLE of lead singer Kyle Thomas following the departure of the group's frontman of four years, Kory Clarke (of WARRIOR SOUL fame).

TROUBLE played its first show with the band's new lineup — featuring Thomas and bassist Rob Hultz — on October 12, 2013 at the Day Of Doom festival in Barcelona, Spain.

TROUBLE 2016 is:

Kyle Thomas: VocalsBruce Franklin: GuitarRick Wartell: GuitarMarko Lira: DrumsRob Hultz: Bass

Lizzies, the Madrid, Spain-based heavy metal band that has managed to quickly build a reputation in the European scene, announce the inking of a record deal with Swedish label The Sign Records (Night, Beast!, Throne Of Heresy) to release their first album, scheduled on April 1st.

The title of this first effort will be Good Luck, and it features nine songs recorded and produced by Ola Ersfjord (Dead Lord, Tribulation, Primordial) at Moontower Studios in Terrassa and Cuervo Studios in Madrid during August 2015. Mastering was handled by Magnus Lindberg.
 
Patricia, guitars, states: "Good Luck is the result of an intense year of growth and evolution together. We were looking for something fresh and catchy, something that lasts! Recording it was as natural as possible - no metronome, playing together... which was an amazing experience we will never forget thanks to our producer, Ola Ersfjord.”
 
Additionally, the band has started to announce their first summer shows with their appearance at popular Swedish festival Muskelrock, which will take place on June 4th and 5th, and where they will be sharing stage with bands such as Diamond Head and Rock Goddess.
 
It’s been six really intense years since Lizzies' inception in 2010. Their particular sound, which blends the aggression and melodic edge of NWOBHM with a punk attitude, helped them building an reputation that has taken them to Metalheadz Open Air and Headbangers Open Air (Germany), Muskelrock (Sweden) and Live Evil (England).

The band released their single “Viper” in 7” format alongside a video that can be seen below:



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine was interviewed for a recent episode of "That Metal Show" co-host Eddie Trunk's podcast, "Eddie Trunk Podcast". You can now listen to it at this location. A few excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On why drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick left MEGADETH on the same day in November 2014:

Mustaine: "Well, they were unhappy. David Ellefson [MEGADETH bassist] has come out and shared that it was his idea to do the 'Rust In Peace' reunion [with guitarist Marty Friedman and drummer Nick Menza], because when it didn't happen, people were bashing me pretty hard on the 'Net. And Dave said, 'Wait a minute! Mustaine's been totally open-minded and supportive to this whole thing. And don't bash him because it didn't work out. It was my idea.' And I thanked him for that. I thought it was really great that he stood up for me. But what happened was when Chris and Shawn were in the band, David had shared with them that the fans want the 'Rust In Peace' lineup. And if you were in the band and someone tells you something like that, if you're anything like me, you'd probably say, 'Well, screw you!' And we had some management at the time we were really, really not happy with; it was really not working for us. And there was a person there who had told Shawn and Chris after… It was during the middle of 2014 that we needed to come off the road for a year because IRON MAIDEN wanted us to be their support band for August, September and October of [2015] before Bruce [Dickinson, IRON MAIDEN singer] had contracted… or they diagnosed him with cancer. And when that happened, all bets were off. And we understood. I'm glad that he's healthy now. I would rather he was healthy and there was MEGADETH / IRON MAIDEN dates than him being unhealthy and there was the dates. I would never want anything to happen to him. So I digress. Back to the thing with Shawn and Chris. They were told, 'You need to go find something to do for a year.' And they evidently had had enough. And I found out about [them leaving] the same way you did; it was through the press. And, you know, I think that all MEGADETH fans should give those guys the courtesy of listening to their [new] music [with ACT OF DEFIANCE] and see if they like it or not. I'm not gonna say that it's good or bad, 'cause I haven't heard it. But, you know, I totally get why they left. I would probably have too, if someone would have said, 'You go find something to do for a year. And by the way, people want somebody else besides you being here.'"

On how close the "Rust In Peace" lineup reunion came to becoming a reality:

Mustaine: "Well, we had… If you remember, my mother-in-law had Alzheimer's and she had gone missing. So we were out at my house in California. And while we were there… 'Cause I live in Tennessee now, and we still have the house in San Diego. So we went out there to go look for her. And David Ellefson had picked up Nick Menza and brought him down from L.A. down to San Diego. And we started playing, and we did 'Rattlehead'. And we didn't get through the first chorus, and the song got messed up, so we stopped. We started again, it got messed up, we stopped. We started again, it got messed up, we stopped. I put my guitar down and I walked out of the studio. 'Cause I didn't wanna say anything mean to Nick. And David Ellefson came up to me and he goes, 'Man, this is a lot worse than I thought it was.' I had talked to Chris Adler [LAMB OF GOD drummer] about him playing on the new MEGADETH record. 'Cause I said, even if we do a reunion tour with these guys [Menza and Friedman], when we make a new record, we wanted to have someone who was just a monster on drums; we wanted [Chris Adler] to play [on it]. And when we did the rehearsal thing [with Menza] that didn't pan out, it was, like, 'Man, I'm worried.' So we were at the NAMM show, and we [Mustaine, Ellefson, Friedman and Menza] met there. And the guy that was managing us at the time had said something at dinner. We all had a band dinner with this guy. And he said something that really pissed Marty off really bad. And it was so obvious that it wasn't meant to be. It's like trying to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic; the boat's going down [and] there's no sense doing it. I think it's better off that the fans just hold on to that wonderful memory of the four of us playing together and the music that we made than trying to do something that, obviously, there's a lot of history and a lot of scars and a lot of tension and stuff like that. 'Cause if you remember how everything ended, Marty had a nervous breakdown and wanted to play more J-Pop. And when we were doing 'Risk', he said that we needed to go even more alternative than that record was. And I said, 'No.' We needed to go back to our roots. And Nick had injured his arm, so his playing ability had been challenged. Now, do I still love those guys? Of course I do. They are my friends and brothers from the band's alumni. Now, do we all get along? Well, you know, what day is it?"

On whether Nick's playing was simply not up to par during his rehearsal with Mustaine and Ellefson:

Mustaine: "Don't get me wrong. Nick is a good player, but 'Rattlehead' is straight-forward all the way through the song, and the beats would get mixed up [when we tried rehearsing it with him]. As well as, he had said that I make him nervous and that he wasn't feeling well and this and that and the other thing. And it just wasn't meant to me. I think that Nick has got the talent and the capability to play whatever he wants, and if he does form a band, it'll be great. But it just wasn't happening. Maybe it was just that day. But it wasn't happening."

On whether MEGADETH held any rehearsals with Friedman while attempting a reunion of the "Rust In Peace" lineup:

Mustaine: "No, we didn't play with Marty. Marty had sent some e-mails saying, 'Oh, man, you know, the fans have this self-inflated importance of 'Rust In Peace' beyond what it really is. And I was, like, 'Huh?' So I didn't know if that was a backhand to the face of the fans or not, but he had basically said that if we were gonna do anything, it had to be better than 'Rust In Peace'. And he sent me over some links to some songs that he thought should be the direction that we were going in, and one of it was this J-Pop band with some Japanese girl singing, and I was, like, 'Uh-uh. This ain't gonna work.' More power to [Marty for being into that stuff]. Do what you want, Marty. He's a great guitar player. But I'm not gonna sing like a Japanese girl."

MEGADETH's new album, "Dystopia", debuted at No. 3 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 49,000 equivalent album units in the week ending January 28.

In terms of pure album sales, "Dystopia" opened with 48,000 copies, marking MEGADETH's highest-charting album since 1992's "Countdown To Extinction" debuted and peaked at No. 2 on the chart dated August 1 of that year. "Dystopia" also logs the group's best sales week since 2007, when "United Abominations" landed at No. 8 with first-week sales of 54,000.

The rest of the MEGADETH lineup is comprised of new member Kiko Loureiro (of ANGRA), David Ellefson on bass, and drummer Chris Adler, who took time away from LAMB OF GOD to record "Dystopia".

In a brand new interview with Sleaze Roxx, former SKID ROW and ANTHRAX singer Matt Fallon spoke about his brief stint as the frontman of the latter band prior to the recording of the group's "Spreading The Disease" album.

Asked how he ended up joining ANTHRAX and how his time in the band was, Fallon said: "Back in the early '80s, METALLICA were doing some promo appearances prior to the release of their first album, [which was originally supposed to be called 'Metal Up Your Ass' [eventually retitled 'Kill 'Em All']. At the time, I was playing with Dave Sabo [future SKID ROW guitarist] in a cover band called STEEL FORTUNE and we had a strong local following so we were asked to open for METALLICA at their last show. ANTHRAX was also on the bill and that's where I first met the band. Scott Ian [ANTHRAX guitarist] approached me a while after that during one of our shows at L'Amour in Brooklyn and asked if I'd be interested in joining them. The band needed to get back in the studio quickly to record a follow-up to 'Fistful Of Metal' and wanted to replace their current singer [Neil Turbin]. The whole thrash metal thing was new to me at the time, so I wasn't really sure at first, but after playing in cover bands for several years, the idea of being able to record an album sounded pretty cool, so I figured what the hell and went for a tryout. After jamming with the band and getting the thumbs up, Scott gave me a cassette with some raw tracks they had been working on and asked me to write lyrics, so that's exactly what I did."

Regarding why he left ANTHRAX prior to the completion of "Spreading The Disease", Fallon said: "Once we had enough material ready, we went directly into the studio to lay down the tracks, and that's where I got to know the band's producer, Jon Zazula. Jon seemed to have a lot of control over the band and was involved in every decision, even those involving songwriting. This was a different situation than I was used to, but I was a cocky kid, so maybe I rubbed someone the wrong way. Who knows? Anyway, it didn't work out, and we parted ways before finishing the album. However, one big mistake I made was not getting copyrights for the songs I wrote, because they wound up using a lot of my lyrics and I never received any credit. In fact, the album simply said, 'All songs written by ANTHRAX' instead of listing the individual writing credits that you would usually see. That was tough to take, especially when you turn on the radio and have to hear someone else singing the words to songs you wrote… and the fact that no one but myself and ANTHRAX knows the truth… but I guess you live and learn."

Fallon was replaced in ANTHRAX by Joey Belladonna, who became associated with the band's most commercially successful era.

In his book "I'm The Man: The Story Of That Guy From Anthrax", Ian stated about ANTHRAX's split with Fallon: "When Matt started [laying down vocals for what became 'Spreading The Disease'], we realized he was green and was in way over his head. When he sang, it was like he suddenly lost his voice. He did a lot of takes and nothing sounded good, so it became pretty clear right away that he wasn't going to last. He had way more attitude than experience, and he had a big mouth.

"While we were in Ithaca [recording 'Spreading The Disease'], we got an offer to open a show for the SCORPIONS in New Jersey, and we were all pumped about it. Then Matt said, 'We can't open for the SCORPIONS.' 'What are you talking about' I said. 'We can't be on the same stage as them. They'll fucking blow us away.'

"That was the last straw. It only took two months for us to tell we weren't happy with this guy anyway, and after that comment, Charlie [Benante, drums], Danny [Spitz, guitar], Frankie [Bello, bass] and I decided to send him packing.

"If you don't have confidence in your own band, you might as well work in a car wash.

"Within hours of that conversation, we pulled a Mustaine on him. We literally went and bought him a bus ticket back to New York, gave it to him and said, 'Sorry, man. This isn't going to work.'"

FnA Records has just released a collection of recordings from FALLON, the early 1990s band featuring Matt Fallon.

PUDDLE OF MUDD's January 30 concert at The Adelphia Music Hall in Marietta, Ohio ended abruptly when the band's lead singer, Wes Scantlin, walked off stage after berating an audience member for "stealing" his house.

According to WQLZ.com, Scantlin stopped the show in the middle of a song to go off on someone in the crowd. He said (see video below): "This motherfucker right here stole my motherfucking house and now he's standing right fucking in front of me laughing at me. And he fucking figures I'm a fucking joke. This motherfucker right here. This motherfucker right here. Get his ass on camera. Right. Get his ass on camera. Get his ass on camera. This is the dog. Right here. This is the motherfucker right here. This guy stole my fucking house."

Scantlin then put his jacket on and walked off stage.

After the abbreviated concert, the venue posted a message on its Facebook page, saying: "Thank you everyone who attended tonight's show! We apologize for the actions of the lead singer. Unfortunately, it was beyond our control! Please send us a PM and we will issue you a ticket to the next show of your choice!"

Scantlin was arrested in January for the second time in less than a month, this time for trespassing in and vandalizing a house that used to belong to him. According to TMZ, Scantlin returned to the house — which he lost to foreclosure last year — and was using a hatched to destroy parts of it. He allegedly trashed audio electronics, surveillance cameras and an alarm system while inside the home on January 9.

TMZ captured footage of Scantlin being led out of the home in handcuffs, telling police, "Come on, this is my house, man."

Scantlin was arrested in December on charges of possession of a controlled substance after being pulled over by police in Beverly Hills, California for having an expired registration on his vehicle.

When the officers at the scene realized there was also a warrant out for Scantlin's arrest, the car was searched and the alleged substance was discovered.

He was booked on misdemeanor drug charges for that incident and was released on $51,000 bail.

Scantlin was last arrested in early August in South Dakota, where police cited him for driving under the influence and being in possession of marijuana.

Previous to that, he was busted in Minnesota last July 26 for driving while intoxicated and leading police officers on a 100 miles-per-hour chase.

He forced the band to cancel a show in Flint, Michigan in June when he missed his flight. Before that, he was arrested in mid-April on charges of disorderly conduct after an incident at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport.

Scantlin was also arrested in January 2015 after taking what was described as a "joyride" into a restricted area on an airport baggage carousel at Denver International Airport.

He previously made news in April 2014 when he melted down onstage, threw a beer and microphone into the audience, and threatened several attendees with violence at a show in Scottsdale Arizona.

Going back to 2013, his arrests included one for vandalism against a neighbor's property, as well as one stemming from his 2012 cocaine possession case and another on charges of domestic violence.

MOTÖRHEAD guitarist Phil Campbell has offered more details about his upcoming book of funny anecdotes and stories that happened during his time with the band.

Asked by Headbangers Lifestyle's Lilo at the end of last year if there are any plans for him to write and an autobiography or have a film made about his life, Campbell responded (see video below): "I don't want a film about my life; no way. I'm working on a book of the funny stuff. I don't want a life story; I just want the funny stuff. [It's] gotta be documented, 'cause some of it's pretty bizarre and unbelievable. It's totally funny, though. [It's a book about] my experiences. It's what would normally not happen if you weren't in this band."

Regarding when fans can expect to see his book released, Campbell said: "I'm seriously working on it now in January. It'll be a year or two [before it comes out], but it'll be worth it."

Asked in a 2012 interview if he has ever considered making a solo album, Phil responded: "Yes, I have thought about it a lot. But I shelved it a couple years ago, because I've decided that I want to write a book about all the insane things that happen on tour. So, I'm trying to compile all of those stories and funny situations. So, at this point, I'm working on that. But, I'm a bit lazy, so it's taken a while. But as far as a solo record, I do have a studio at home, it's just hard finding the time. With MOTÖRHEAD, we've been working so hard, for so long."

MOTÖRHEAD was forced to cancel three shows last November after Campbell became ill and required hospitalization.

MOTÖRHEAD frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Christmas Eve (December 24), learned two days later that he was afflicted with an aggressive form of cancer. He died two days later, on December 28, at his home in Los Angeles.

The MOTÖRHEAD frontman had dealt with several health issues over the past few years, including heart trouble, forcing him to cut back on his famous smoking and Jack Daniels habits.

The band was forced to cancel a number of shows last year, although they did manage to complete one final European tour on December 11.

Swedish occult rockers GHOST are among the nominees for the 58th annual Grammy Awards, which will be held on February 15 at Staples Center in Los Angeles and broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m. ET. GHOST is nominated for the song "Cirice", from the band's third album, "Meliora".

Speaking about the nomination, one of GHOST's nameless ghouls told Grammy.com (see video below): "Being nominated for a Grammy is obviously a big honor for any band or artist — obviously, ourselves included. Especially for us, as a Swedish band, it feels extra honoring, I guess. Especially us maneuvering in the rock genre, where traditionally it's usually British or American bands.

"To my knowledge, we are the first Swedish rock band to ever be nominated for a Grammy, which is also the reason why when we got the news that we were nominated, I just got a text saying, 'You're nominated for a Grammy.' In Sweden, we have another prize called Grammis, which, internationally, is referred to as the Swedish Grammy. So when I got the text, I told my friend next to me that we were nominated for a Grammis. So it took like an hour later until I actually got it confirmed that they were actually talking about a Grammy, not a Grammis, which was a very mind-boggling experience. So winning or not winning, just being nominated is a big honor, and for us it's definitely a sign of recognition that we can suck on for the rest of our lives."

"Meliora" entered The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 8 with first-week sales of just over 29,000 units — nearly all from pure album sales. The set follows the No. 28-peaking "Infestissumam", which was released in 2013 and has sold almost 70,000 copes in the U.S. to date.

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).

"Meliora" was released on August 21, 2015 via Loma Vista Recordings. The CD was helmed by Klas Åhlund, a prolific songwriter, producer and guitarist who is also a member of the Swedish rock band TEDDYBEARS, and was mixed by Andy Wallace (SLAYER, NIRVANA, SEPULTURA, LINKIN PARK, GUNS N' ROSES).

Devin Townsend, the mastermind behind acts Strapping Young Lad, Ocean Machine and Punky Brüster, recently posted the following message:

"Squid Squiderson, bassist on Punky Brüster and Ocean Machine, could use a little help. He's been battling MS (Multiple Sclerosis) for a while now and things are getting a little tough. Please, help if you can, even if it is just sharing this post and link..."

A benefit show for Squiderson has been announced for February 17th in Vancouver, BC at The Fox. Townsend will perform an acoustic set on the night, other acts on the bil include Hot Panda, Catlow, Library, and the sexy sounds of DJ Jason Corbett, More acts may be announced soon. Watch the event page here for updates.

Squiderson has posted the following update on the GoFundMe page.

"I've been dealing with MS for many years and it's progressed to the point of me not being able to work my job. I require special equipment and I hope to go to school to earn a living again but I'm struggling to meet simplest daily needs and I need help. Anything helps and despite my pride I'm asking for a bit 'o help."

Check out the GoFundMe campaign here.



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

According to TMZ, Scott Weiland's second wife Mary Forsberg was barred by police from taking some of his instruments last week.

Mary allegedly showed up at a recording studio in Burbank, California with the 15-year-old son she had with Scott because Noah wanted one of his dad's guitars — but an employee of the recording studio refused to give them access. An argument ensued and cops were called to calm everyone down.

Mary was told it was a civil issue and that she would need her lawyer to work out any division of property.

Forsberg filed court documents on December 30 asking to be named the executor of Weiland's will. She also filed a copy of the will, written in April 2007, with his signature as proof. The will was reportedly written just seven months before the couple separated and later divorced.

Weiland's estate is reportedly worth $2 million. There is also said to be a trust with undisclosed assets.

Mary Forsberg was Weiland's second wife and mother to his children, Noah and 13-year-old Lucy. He was married to Jamie Wachtel Weiland, whom he wed in 2013, at the time of his death. His first marriage to Janina Castenada lasted from 1994 to 2000.

Forsberg posted a brutally candid letter about Scott at RollingStone.com following his death on December 3, writing that his children "lost their father years ago. What they truly lost on December 3rd was hope."

Meanwhile, a new report at Billboard.com revealed more details about the final year of Weiland's life. According to the report, Weiland was dealing with hepatitis C, mental illness and the knowledge that both his parents had cancer shortly before his death. The article features new interviews with Scott's widow Jamie, his mother Sharon, his WILDABOUTS bandmates Tommy Black and Nick Maybury, tour manager Aaron Mohler and others.

Weiland was found dead on his tour bus at the age of 48 from a toxic mix of drugs and alcohol. The vocalist was also dealing with self-medication, estrangement from his children, financial difficulties and a steadily increasing drinking problem. Mohler said, "If I had known he was going to die, I would have taken every bottle away from him and thrown it. Just broke it right there."

Jamie said that Scott had been experiencing episodes of paranoia and mania caused by bipolar disorder.

She explained: "At one point, it was so bad I had to move out because he was unstable." Eventually they found a medication that leveled him out, with Jamie adding "For the last couple of years, he was doing pretty great."

Scott's last text to Jamie was on the morning of December 3, when he wrote, "I'm so in love with my beautiful wife."

Jamie also opens up in the article about the legal battle with Mary over his estate, saying, "I don't know under what mattress she thinks she's going to find $2 million, because it sure as shit isn't here… He was broke."

Fan-filmed video footage of THE WINERY DOGS performing a cover version of David Bowie's "Moonage Daydream" on January 31 in London, England can be seen below.

THE WINERY DOGS' previously unreleased studio recording of "Moonage Daydream" was made available online in January as a tribute to the British art-rock icon, who died last month.

THE WINERY DOGS is the power trio featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ADRENALINE MOB), legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, TALAS, DAVID LEE ROTH) and guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen (MR. BIG, POISON).

Portnoy paid tribute to Bowie by saying: "Just thinking of all the ways David Bowie's music affected my life for the past 45 years when I began listening to him. I loved the song 'Memory Of A Free Festival' when my dad introduced me to it when it was released; I was about three years old.

"'The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars' to this day is still in my top five albums of all time (along with [THE BEATLES'] 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', [THE WHO's] 'Tommy', [PINK FLOYD's] 'The Wall' and [Elton John's] 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'). An absolute masterpiece from the opening of 'Five Years' to the closing of 'Rock 'N' Roll Suicide'. I covered 'Rock 'N' Roll Suicide' on my 'Cover To Cover' CD with Neal Morse. Hard to believe Ziggy has now been reunited with two of his Spiders From Mars [bandmates]: Mick Ronson and Trevor Bolder.

"As much as 'Ziggy' is my favorite Bowie album, my two favorite songs of his did not appear on that album: both 'Space Oddity' and 'Life On Mars' are among my favorite songs EVER. Both of them absolute masterpieces in terms of writing, performance and production. The mellotron on 'Space Oddity' and the cellos on 'Life On Mars' both still give me goosebumps every single time.

"Two later career memories that really touched me:

"The song 'Slip Away' from the 'Heathen' album (written for two of my childhood TV faves Uncle Floyd and Oogie) still makes me cry every time I hear it. I am not exaggerating.

"His appearance on Ricky Gervais' 'Extras' was one of the greatest cameos of all time. My fave episode of the whole series.

"Finally... I don't think many people ever caught this, but look at the shirt I am wearing on the cover of THE WINERY DOGS' first album...yep, Ziggy Stardust is right there with me, Billy [Sheehan]and Richie [Kotzen]. And one of the unreleased covers we recorded during that first session was 'Moonage Daydream'.

"Thank you, David Bowie, for being a part of my entire life. Your music and memory will live with me and millions of your fans forever."

THE WINERY DOGS' sophomore album, "Hot Streak", debuted at No. 30 on The Billboard 200 chart, having shifted 13,000 equivalent album units in the week ending October 8.

"Hot Streak" was released on October 2, 2015 in North America on Loud & Proud Records via RED (a division of Sony Music Entertainment) and in the rest of the world via earMUSIC.



(Thanks: NJthrasher)

Brazilian metallers ANGRA have weighed in on last month's incident when ex-PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo made a "white power" gesture onstage at a concert.

Anselmo performed the PANTERA classic "Walk" at the January 22 "Dimebash" event at the Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, California in honor of his former bandmate, late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. As he left the stage, he made a Nazi-style salute. He appeared to say "white power" as he made the gesture, but he later claimed he was referring to drinking white wine as part of an "inside joke." Anselmo 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."

Several 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."

Now the members of ANGRA have offered their opinion, posting a message on their Facebook page in which they say they "deeply disapprove" of Anselmo's actions and expressing hope that "this kind of attitude is more and more exposed and opposed."

ANGRA's statement reads as follows: "We at ANGRA are sorry for and deeply disapprove of vocalist Phil Anselmo's attitude a few days ago. As PANTERA fans, the disappointment is even greater because we are against any act of discrimination. We sincerely hope that this kind of attitude is more and more exposed and opposed, so that we can keep on moving towards a more dignified, fair and equal world."

ANGRA features in its ranks guitarist Kiko Loureiro, who joined MEGADETH last year as the replacement for Chris Broderick.

Swedish metallers AVATAR played a brand new song called "For The Swarm" on January 30 in Dallas, Texas. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

AVATAR last year entered the studio with producer Sylvia Massy to begin recording the follow-up to 2014's "Hail The Apocalypse" for a 2016 release via Entertainment One Music in the U.S./Canada and Another Century in other parts of the world. The band split its time between three studios throughout Europe with all of the music being made in the aptly named Castle Studios in Röhrsdorf, Germany. Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland and Spinroad Studios in Lindome, Sweden also played a part in the process.

"Every band makes a point out of saying they're pushing boundaries, but I see few who keep on challenging themselves the way we do," said AVATAR frontman Johannes Eckerström. "There is no formula, no cheapness, no shortcuts. We are once again embarking on a journey completely new to us."

Massy, who is perhaps best recognized for her work on 1993's "Undertow", the full-length double platinum-selling TOOL debut, and her works with SYSTEM OF A DOWN, said: "AVATAR is an amazing band! The singer has the wild energy and charisma I love, and the players are relentless. The album we’re making is an epic. Each song powerfully stands on its own, but is only a piece of a larger story. This album is the project I've been dreaming about for years!"

After making more trips to the U.S. than ever before over the last two years, the band is ready to sink their teeth into a new album, Eckerström continues: "AVATAR is growing higher and deeper and I am proud to say we are outdoing ourselves again. If we didn't make sure to feel like this every time, we wouldn't bother at all. I'm very excited, and you should be too."

According to Ohio.com, 70 cases of beer was stolen over the weekend from Tim Owens' Travelers Tavern, the Akron, Ohio bar and restaurant co-owned by former JUDAS PRIEST and ICED EARTH singer Tim "Ripper" Owens. The estimated $1,500 of brew was taken from an outdoor walk-in cooler, which was protected with heavy-duty locks. The thief or thieves apparently cut through the door with what were apparently a crowbar and a hammer and made off with beer.

"It's a really sad thing that someone had to do this," said Owens. "Any time you get ahead in a business and someone does this, it's hard."

Owens added that the culprit "was probably an old employee or a regular who knew the cooler was back there and happened to steal that night."

Since the theft was discovered Saturday morning, precautions have been taken to ensure it won't happen again. A new fence with razor wire has been erected around the cooler, additional security cameras have been built and there are plans to add new locks to the cooler door.

Tim Owens' Travelers Tavern (formerly Ripper's Rock House) was featured in a November 2015 episode of "Bar Rescue", the Spike TV series in which bar consultant Jon Taffer dispenses advice to the owners and staff of struggling operations.

Owens called Taffer to give Ripper's Rock House a makeover because the restaurant was pigeonholed as just a heavy-metal bar.

Owens opened Ripper's Rock House in 2013 after the closing of Ripper Owens Tap House. Tim's current partner is local businessman Micah Posten, who owns and operates Impact Landscaping.

Posten and Owens "never owned a restaurant," Owens told Ohio.com. "We don't know how to run one. We need help to figure that out."

Part of the makeover included a name change to Tim Owens' Traveler's Tavern. In addition, Owens' hard-rock memorabilia has been taken down to make room for a more contemporary look, and the paper-lined plastic baskets that served food have been replaced with ceramic plates.

"Nowadays, it's hard," Owens told Ohio.com. "In this day and age, even being open for two years is good. But we've never made any money. We're gradually losing money, and people don't see that. If people see one show going on, or a show on the weekend, they think, 'You guys are doing really good.' But they forget what happens Sunday to Thursday."

Owens recorded two studio albums with JUDAS PRIEST — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — before the band reunited with Rob Halford.

Travis Neal (THE BLOODLINE, DIVINE HERESY) has weighed in on last month's incident when ex-PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo made a "white power" gesture onstage at a concert.

Anselmo performed the PANTERA classic "Walk" at the January 22 "Dimebash" event at the Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, California in honor of his former bandmate, late PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott. As he left the stage, he made a Nazi-style salute. He appeared to say "white power" as he made the gesture, but he later claimed he was referring to drinking white wine as part of an "inside joke." Anselmo 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."

Several 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."

Now Neal has offered his opinion, posting a message on his Facebook page in which he calls Anselmo an "asshole" and says that "there is no room for racism or hate."

Writes Neal in his post: "Fuck this guy! Damn shame when someone that has paved the way for so many and so many looked up to and still look up to would do this and shit on Dime and a tribute to him by so many great musicians that respected and loved him and his band. It is okay to be proud of who you are and where you come from but not the way that this asshole did on stage. Fuck you, Phil, and fuck your apology! We live in 2016; there is no room for racism or hate. If we as a human race want to remain, then we all need to unite. One world, one blood, we are all one!"

THE BLOODLINE's debut album, "We Are One", was released last May via Another Century. The CD was recorded in 2014 with producer Joel Wanasek (RIGHTEOUS VENDETTA, VINYL THEATRE).

SOTO, the band led by vocalist Jeff Scott Soto, has completed work on its second studio album, "Divak", due on April 1 via earMUSIC.

"Divak" (pronounced "dee-vock") comes shortly after the band's debut release, "Inside The Vertigo". It's a mere 15 months later, partly due to Jeff Scott Soto's insistence on continuing to create and build a true brand for his new venture.

Once again, the album is produced by Jeff Scott Soto and drummer Edu Cominato. It was mixed by long time JSS engineer/associate John Ellis.

The band features Soto on vocals; Cominato on drums; lead guitarist Jorge Salan; bassist David Z; and keyboardist/guitarist BJ. They are heavily featured on "Divak" with their writing contributions together. The first single, "FreakShow", was co-produced/written by Tony Dickinson, who also co-wrote "The Fall", which was the first single from "Inside The Vertigo". The track is an extension of the SOTO sound created especially for this new band.

The official lyric video for "FreakShow" can be seen below. SOTO will make its live debut in February with a string of East Coast U.S. dates, leading into the annual Monsters Of Rock cruise (East), alongside Steve Vai, EXTREME, QUEENSRŸCHE and countless headliners. SOTO, formed in 2014, are the dream band created when Jeff Scott Soto realized how much he missed the "heavier side" of his career after fronting artists like Yngwie Malmsteen, TALISMAN and JOURNEY, and even his own solo albums. The band hopes to continue its role as a driving force in today's current hard rock and metal scene.

"Divak" track listing: 01. Divak (Intro)02. Weight of the World03. FreakShow04. Paranoia05. Unblame06. Cyber Masquerade07. In My Darkest Hour08. Forgotten09. SuckerPunch10. Time11. Misfired12. The Fall From Grace13. Awakened Bonus tracks (all digital retailers):

14. Final Say (live)15. The Fall (live)16. Break (live)17. When I'm Older (live)18. Stand Up (live)

Additional bonus tracks (iTunes/Apple Music):

19. My Life20. Cracking The Stone

California rockers BUCKCHERRY have posted a B-side called "Cannonball", which is featured on the digital deluxe-edition release of the band's album "Rock 'N' Roll" (available now via F-Bomb/Caroline). Check it out below. BUCKCHERRY's seventh full-length record was produced by the band's renowned guitarist Keith Nelson along with Todd, Stevie D (guitar), Xavier Muriel (drums) and Kelly LeMieux (bass). The new deluxe edition features the record’s original track list as well as a new version of "The Feeling Never Dies" (featuring guest vocals from Grammy Award-winning country artist Gretchen Wilson), a brand new song titled "Gettin' Started" and "Cannonball".

On "Rock 'N' Roll", BUCKCHERRY staunchly upholds the commandments of rock music with an arsenal of new anthems primed to explode on impact and teeming with riotous energy, sexy swagger, and primal chops intact. It's something that the boys have done since day one, but it's more necessary now than ever. "There's been so much talk about how rock 'n' roll is dead and all of this bullshit," says Todd. "The funny thing is, that's been going on since we put out our first record in 1999. We wanted to call the new album 'Rock 'N' Roll', because this is what we've been doing our whole lives. We focused on making a record that encompasses all of what we are. You get every flavor of BUCKCHERRY." BUCKCHERRY has added fuel to the genre's fire for nearly two decades now. The Grammy Award-nominated outfit is responsible for smashes including "Lit Up" off their gold-certified 1999 self-titled debut as well as "Crazy Bitch" and "Sorry" from 2006's platinum "15". Along the way, they've shared stages with everybody from AC/DC and MÖTLEY CRÜE to SLIPKNOT and ROB ZOMBIE, among others.

THE WINERY DOGS guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen, who made a name for himself via his hard rock, blues-influenced solo albums, has released a new solo DVD, titled simply "Live", via CD Baby. The set, which was made available in Japan under the title "020215BLITZ-RK", features footage of Kotzen's concert on February 2, 2015 at Akasaka Blitz in Japan.

"Live" is now available for streaming in its entirety below.

Speaking with The Boca Raton Tribune, Kotzen stated about "Live": "I did [a concert DVD] years ago in Brazil and it was a great show but the cameras that were used were lower resolution and it wasn't a high-def thing and the audio was okay, but it wasn't that great. This time, we were able to go in with great cameras and great audio equipment, and they really capture what I do with my band. It's an exciting DVD. I play at a level that I don't really reach when I play with THE WINERY DOGS, just by the nature of the kind of music that we do on the trio, so i think it's going to be very interesting for people to watch me playing in that environment."

"Live" track listing:

01. War Paint02. Love Is Blind03. Bad Situation04. Cannibals05. Walk With Me06. Fear07. Doing What The Devil Says To Do08. Peace Sign09. Drum and Bass Solo 10. Help Me11. Remember12. Fooled Again13. You Can't Save Me14. Go Faster

The "You Can't Save Me" performance clip from the "Live" DVD can be seen below.

Kotzen's 20th solo album, "Cannibals", was digitally released on January 8, 2015 via his Headroom-Inc label.

THE WINERY DOGS, which also features drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ADRENALINE MOB) and legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, TALAS, DAVID LEE ROTH), released its sophomore album, "Hot Streak", on October 2, 2015 in North America on Loud & Proud Records via RED (a division of Sony Music Entertainment) and in the rest of the world via earMUSIC.

Italian symphonic metal kings, Rhapsody Of Fire, released their new album, Into The Legend, on January 15th in Europe. The band are celebrating the success of the new album, which hit the charts in Germany (#47), Switzerland (#34), Italy (#76) and France (#91), with the release of a new lyric video for the track “Volar Sin Dolor”, which can be found as a bonus track on the Into The Legend digipak. The video can be found below.

On February 5th the album will be released in North America. Audio samples for all tracks of the album can be found below.

Tracklisting:

“In Principio”
“Distant Sky”
“Into The Legend”
“Winter’s Rain”
“A Voice In The Cold Wind”
“Valley Of Shadows”
“Shining Star”
“Realms Of Light”
“Rage Of Darkness”
“The Kiss Of Life”

Digipak bonus tracks:
“Volar Sin Dolor”
“Into The Legend” video

“Volar Sin Dolor” lyric video:

Audio snippets:

"Distant Sky":

“Shining Star” lyric video:

Official trailer:

“Into The Legend” video:

 



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Tucson, AZ-based trio North have premiered the track “Earthmind”, from their upcoming Light The Way album. Listen to the track below:

In the decade-plus they’ve been a band, North has ebbed and flowed their way into becoming one of the most respected outfits in the underground metal scene. Despite a series of lineup changes and personal setbacks, North has returned stronger and more focused than ever on their debut full-length release for Prosthetic Records, Light The Way.

One week prior to the album's March 18th worldwide release, the band will play a hometown record release show at Tucson's Club Congress before embarking on a North American jaunt with Intronaut. A full listing of dates can be found listed below. Tickets are available here.

Originally starting off in 2005 as an instrumental act, North has continued to push the boundaries of the heavier side of post-rock. Formed by Evan Leek (bass) and Zack Hansen (drums) and rounded out by guitarists Ty Engle and Matt Mutterperl, the band’s first recordings were done in Hansen’s bedroom and self-released. With their debut 2006 EP Siberia, they soon made a name for themselves in the Arizona scene, supporting others in the genre such as Caspian, Tera Melos and This Will Destroy You on those bands’ southwestern tour stops.

Eventually, the group decided to expand the sound of the band, adding vocals on 2008’s What You Were, which was met with critical acclaim and expanded touring throughout the US. When it came time for the band to begin work on their next record, numerous line-up changes occurred. Writing stopped, started, stopped again and at times the band wondered if it would ever restart again. Amazingly enough, this turmoil produced their best material to date. The Great Silence, released in the summer of 2012, was a compelling fusion of post-rock and metal and garnered their finest reviews yet. The band toured for a year to support the album, but after two members left the group, North once again questioned its future.

The three remaining members, Leek, Hansen and Mutterperl, regrouped and sat down to write for the first time as a three-piece and found the chemistry the best it had ever been. Four tracks came together quickly, which was released as the Metanoia EP, and the guys did what they do best: play live. There seemed to be a genuine rebirth in the band as they embarked their most extensive touring to date. It was shortly after this that the group signed to Prosthetic Records – which reissued Metanoia and Siberia last year – and quickly began working on new material, not wanting to lose the momentum they were feeling. The two-track single, "Through Raven’s Eyes”, recorded in early 2015, saw the band at possibly its darkest and heaviest, musically speaking. Now, with Light The Way, North begins a new chapter – one that kicks off with the highest-profile shows of the band's career.

Tour dates:

March
12 - Tucson, AZ - Club Congress (Record Release Show)
15 - Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy
16 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
17 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Underground
18 - ALbuquerque, NM - Launchpad
19 - Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre
20 - Lawrence, KS - Aftershock
21 - Ft Worth, TX - Tomcats
22 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog
23 - Houston, TX - Walters
24 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
25 - Tampa, FL - Orpheum
26 - Jacksonville, FL - 1904 Music Hall
27 - Charlotte, NC - Rabbit Hole
28 - Washington DC - Rock And Roll Hotel
29 - New York, NY - Marlin Room at Webster Hall
30 - Boston, MA - Middle East
31 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz

April
1 - Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace
2 - Detroit, MI - Loving Touch
3 - Chicago, IL - Reggies Rock Club
4 - Minneapolis, MN - Skyway Theatre
5 - Winnipeg, MB - Goodwill
6 - Regina, SK - Exchange
7 - Edmonton, AB - Skylite
8 - Calgary, AB - Dickens
9 - Vancouver, BC - Rickshaw Theatre
11 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile
12 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
13 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom Of The Hill

 



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});

Legendary glam rockers, Vain, have announced a campaign to assist with the funding of their upcoming album, Rolling With The Punches, which will be released on April 14th.

The PledgeMusic site for Vain‘s Rolling With The Punches album states (with slight edits):

“Vain’s new album – Rolling With The Punches, is coming out on April 14th, 2016 and you can be part of it! Come along for the ride with some exclusive items and stuff you can only get here on PledgeMusic during a limited time.

“Vain want to invite our fans to be a part of our new album. This is your chance to meet the band, visit the recording studio, have a private talk with Davy Vain, get personalized stuff and loads of more exclusive offers.

“We want this project to be all about our fans. Therefore, we have done our best to make it all about you! We have been listening to what you and other fans wants from us and set up tons of exclusive offers only for you guys!

“This is a must for all fans. Thanks for checking it out everybody. And a huge thanks to everybody for all the support over the years! Vain has definitely got the best fans in the world and we can´t wait to take this ride together will all of you!”

Check out the PledgeMusic page at this location.

 



window._taboola = window._taboola || [];
_taboola.push({
mode: 'thumbnails-a',
container: 'taboola-below-article-thumbnails',
placement: 'Below Article Thumbnails',
target_type: 'mix'
});