Having released two critically acclaimed albums this year (debut full-length, Duende, and EP, Echoes), Sweden's The Great Discord is now launching a drum play-through for the track "L'homme Mauvais", taken from Duende. Watch Aksel Holmgren's performance of this progressive, technical masterpiece, below:

The group previously released a bass play-through for the track "A Discordant Call", taken from Duende. Watch Rasmus Carlson's performance below:

Transcending genre labels and lazy classification, The Great Discord is a musical enigma. Their layered, textured music is inspired by the likes of Genesis, King Crimson, Meshuggah and The Dillinger Escape Plan - but at the same time, individually they look up to an array of musicians beyond the confines of progressive music.

The quintet have left both media and fans awestruck at the talent and originality found on their two releases: Duende and Echoes. Duende, being The Great Discord's debut full-length,; the recently released Echoes EP expanded on their sound even further, with the band putting their spin on classics by The Mars Volta and The Deftones.

 



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BREAKING NEWS: We know a lot of you have been asking about this and Frontiers Music Srl is truly excited to announce the return of the mighty TREAT with their brand new, kick ass album entitled “Ghost of Graceland”! It will be released on April 15th.

Building on the success of their last album ”Coup de Grace” (2010), hailed by both fans and critics as a masterpiece, Treat is releasing an album packed with reflective, soul searching songs dressed in devilishly seductive yet hard hitting melodic rock.

“This is where we are today. As a band, as musicians, songwriters and individuals. It’s a statement: this is us in 2016”, says main songwriter and guitarist Anders Wikström.

”Ghost of Graceland”, produced by long time TREAT fan and respected writer/producer Peter Mansson and co-produced by Anders Wikström, showcases a band with a thirty plus career, that are hungrier and more energetic than ever!

To achieve the organic, pure, bold, (somewhat) cocky, contemporary sound with melodies and choruses to die for that they were going for, the band took a step back. Says Anders Wikström: ”It’s a musical as well as a personal soul searching. We traced us back to our roots, the music and the heroes that got us dreaming back in the 70’s: KISS, Van Halen, Sweet, Deep Purple and UFO. An era where music and musicianship really mattered and rock ’n’ roll was a matter of life or death.” TREAT got in the time machine and retrieved all that restless energy. But ”Ghost of Graceland”, with all it’s delicious, action packed and hook ladden melodic rock that could soundtrack a party, also sees a band that reflects on their personal lives.

”Ghost of Graceland” is Anders Wikström’s take on the world: both his own and the bands personal journeys, and perspective on modern life in general. ”I really wanted to express what goes on in my mind and talk about relationships, politics, economics and the choices we make. The title song is a metaphor… paradise or prison? It´s up to you to decide."

”I Don’t Miss the Misery” tells the story of a man on the brink of madness, going through hell and he finally sees the light; perspective changes in a crisis and you find new kicks in life. In ”Do Your Own Stunts”, which musically is in the same vein as the classic ”Get You On The Run”, Anders writes about a father trying to teach his kids how to live their lives to the fullest, and ”Together Alone” is a heartbreaking and powerful ballad, that sees Anders singing lead vocals for the first time. But, it wouldn’t be a TREAT album without a kick ass, Friday-night-let’s party-and-get-too-wild song: ”Too Late To Die Young” is a tongue in cheek classic rocker, with some clever name checking.

Robert Ernlund (vocals), Anders Wikström (Guitars and backing vocals), Patrick Appelgren (keyboards, guitar and backing vocals), Jamie Borger (drums) and new bass player Pontus Egberg (King Diamond) are a powerhouse. Pontus replaces the band’s songwriting partner Fredrik Thomander who has also been performing live with the band since 2013. ”When we started working on this album and in need of a permanent replacement on bass, Pontus was the only guy we had in mind. He´s a good friend of ours and a fantastic musician and live performer. He and Jamie just blow the roof off together on this new album!”

”We’re doing what we love. We’re proudly flying the flag for hard and melodic rock. Honestly, this is a very, very good TREAT album”, says Anders Wikström. TREAT are proud, confident and hungry for more!

Experience TREAT Live at Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo Sull’Adda (Milano) on April 23rd 2016.

“Ghost of Graceland” tracklisting:
1. Ghost Of Graceland
2. I Don’t Miss The Misery
3. Better The Devil You Know
4. Do Your Own Stunts
5. Endangered
6. Inferno
7. Alien Earthlings
8. Nonstop Madness
9. Too Late To Die Young
10. House On Fire
11. Together Alone
12. Everything To Everyone

TREAT

- Robert Ernlund – lead vocals
- Anders Wikström – lead guitars and background vocals (lead vocals on “Together Alone”)
- Patrick Appelgren – keyboards, guitars and background vocals
- Pontus Egberg – bass guitar
- Jamie Borger – drums

Produced by Peter Mansson / Co-produced by Anders Wikström

Mark Osegueda and Ted Aguilar of DEATH ANGEL joined ACT OF DEFIANCE on stage on January 31 at Milk Bar in San Francisco, California to perform a cover version of the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Ace Of Spades" as a tribute to MOTÖRHEAD frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister. Video footage of their appearance can be seen below.

ACT OF DEFIANCE is the band featuring former MEGADETH members Shawn Drover (drums) and Chris Broderick (guitar), alongside ex-SCAR THE MARTYR singer Henry Derek Bonner, and SHADOWS FALL's Matt Bachand (bass).

ACT OF DEFIANCE's debut album, "Birth And The Burial", was released on August 21, 2015 via Metal Blade Records. The CD recording was split between three studios in three different states: Broderick handled vocal and guitar production at his own Ill-Fated Studio in Los Angeles, Chris "Zeuss" Harris (ROB ZOMBIE, REVOCATION, MUNICIPAL WASTE) worked with Drover tracking the drums in Dexter's Lab in Milford, Connecticut, while Bachand laid down his bass at ManShark, in Southampton, Massachusetts.

Kentucky rockers BLACK STONE CHERRY performed a cover version of the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Ace Of Spades" as a tribute to MOTÖRHEAD frontman Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister on January 29 at Motorpoint Arena in Birmingham, England. Fan-filmed video footage can be seen below.

BLACK STONE CHERRY will release its fifth studio album, "Kentucky", on April 1 via Mascot Label Group. The band recorded the effort at Barrick Recording in Glasgow, Kentucky. Taking a "back-to-the-roots" approach, the CD was produced in the same way and same place as BLACK STONE CHERRY's eponymous debut album, which broke the band out of the small southern backwater and onto the world stage.

BLACK STONE CHERRY released its debut live DVD+CD, Blu+ray+CD, Digital Video and Digital Audio, "Thank You: Livin' Live" via Eagle Vision on October 30. The performance was shot on BLACK STONE CHERRY's "Magic Mountain" tour, exactly one year prior to the disc's release date, at the band's sold-out Birmingham LG Arena show on October 30, 2014.

Adam Crosier, vocalist/guitarist/songwriter for the band HYMNS, an avant-garde metal group hailing from Fayetteville, Arkansas, has defended Philip Anselmo against accusations of racism, saying that the former PANTERA singer is "one of the most caring, compassionate, loving, and intelligent individuals" that he has ever met.

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 Crosier, whose band is signed to Anselmo's Housecore record label, has weighed in on the topic, posting a message on his Facebook page in which he said that accusations of racism against Philip "could not be further from the truth."

He wrote: "This slanderous attack against Phil Anselmo in the metal media right now is reaching a despicable level of ugly; inept judgment...and I feel it is necessary for me to now address the accusations of Philip.

"I have known Phil Anselmo for a little over six years now...and there are no words that can accurately describe how false the racism claims truly are.

"Philip is one of the most caring, compassionate, loving, and intelligent individuals that I have ever met. He truly wears his heart on his sleeve and is the most honest person I know. Fame and success never changed Philip's personality — he treats everyone as equals and with absolute respect; as long the person deserves that respect and conducts themselves in an appropriate manner.

"I've toured with Philip, worked with him musically, and I have spent a lot of time talking and hanging out with him over the years. I talk to him quite frequently since we are close friends now, and we have talked about every topic you could possibly imagine.

"In regards to the topic of racism — I know, without a doubt, that Phil Anselmo is NOT racist. This accusation could not be further from the truth.

"I could list numerous examples of Philip's impeccable character to reflect on why I feel so strongly about this...but I don't feel it's necessary to discuss all of our personal life encounters. However, I feel there is one example that could shed light on why the racism claims aren't true...

"For those of you unaware, Phil is an avid boxing fan and has a remarkable amount of knowledge on the sport. In fact, he knows so much about boxing... that Emanuel Steward, legendary boxing trainer who trained the long-reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko, would call Philip before EVERY Klitschko title fight/defense. Emanuel would ask Philip for his opinions on the opponent and his suggestions on strategy for the fight. The two would talk for hours. They loved and respected each other tremendously, and they made sure they let each other know that. If Phil Anselmo was truly a racist or 'white supremacist,' why would he take hours of time out of his insanely hectic schedule (and believe me, his schedule is stacked full 24/7) to talk to an African-American boxing trainer; and speak to him with the utmost respect? Why would he tell Emanuel he loves him dearly? Why would he take the time to appear at Emanuel's funeral after he died of colon cancer? Do you think a white supremacist, neo-Nazi, racist lunatic would really go to such great lengths to show immense compassion for an African-American? The answer is no — someone who is truly racist would never even entertain those notions. If anyone doesn't believe or understand that...that individual needs to educate themselves on what it means to truly be a racist.

"I cannot stand by and be silent amidst all of these ridiculous attacks against Philip's character or integrity. If any of the people who made these bogus claims about Philip knew him personally, they would be ashamed and embarrassed for the remarks they made.

"I'm ashamed to be part of a metal 'community' today that reacts in such a sanguine judgmental manner towards one of the greatest metal musicians/vocalists of all time."

Crosier added in a separate note to BLABBERMOUTH.NET: "I know what Philip said was inappropriate, I'm not denying that. But I know Philip's personality/character and know that he isn't 'that guy.' He honestly is very far from that ugly of a person. I think he has just made some mistakes in the past and obviously at the Dimebash — which added together may paint an ugly picture of his personality. It's very unfortunate, because he truly is a very compassionate and loving person."

The surviving members of LAST IN LINE have released a statement saying that the official cause of death of their bassist, Jimmy Bain, is lung cancer.

Bain died on January 23 aboard DEF LEPPARD's inaugural "Hysteria On The High Seas" cruise. He was 68 years old.

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

Said Vinny: "Jimmy didn't know he had lung cancer, but he did know he had pneumonia and was receiving treatment for it. This didn't stop him or slow him down.

"We had four rehearsals four hours a day, then a flight to Miami for the DEF LEPPARD rock cruise. A pre-sail gig and soundcheck was scheduled for the following day. At the gig, Jimmy played great and even sang that night while holding a heavy bass guitar on his back, never complaining or asking for help. Next day, we preceded to board the cruise ship for a five-day voyage of which we were scheduled to play Sunday, the fourth day. That gig never happened, as Jimmy passed away in his cabin the night before. We were devastated.

"Jimmy was a trooper. He gave his all to the band he loved, the music he loved and the fans. He didn't want to let anyone down.

"I don't know anyone that would have attempted this schedule while being this sick and not feeling well. A trooper.

"He was so happy and proud of the new album we recorded. It so unfortunate and sad he didn't live to see it released.

"We were all looking forward to being on the road and playing together again. There was such a magic between us.

"Our prayers go out to his family and so many friends and fans who will miss the amazing person that was Jimmy Bain."

LAST IN LINE's debut album, "Heavy Crown", will be released on February 19 via Frontiers Music Srl. The CD was recorded at a Southern California studio with producer Jeff Pilson, a veteran bassist who has played with DIO, FOREIGNER, DOKKEN and T&N, among others.

Born in Scotland on December 19, 1947, Bain joined RAINBOW in time to appear on the band's second album, 1976's "Rising". He was fired a year later and went on to guest with THIN LIZZY and work in THIN LIZZY frontman Phil Lynott's solo band, before forming WILD HORSES with ex-THIN LIZZY guitarist Brian Robertson. He appeared on Gary Moore's 1983 album "Dirty Fingers" before joining DIO and playing on seven DIO albums with vocalist Ronnie James Dio, from 1983 debut "Holy Diver" to 2002's "Killing The Dragon".

MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil has hinted in a new interview that his solo band is working on new material, with the possibility of road testing some of those songs on his current tour.

"I'll say that we're recording some stuff for a new record this year," Neil tells The Michigan City News-Dispatch. "You often hear some surprises at our shows. I don't want to give away some of those surprises, but let's just say you might have struck a nerve that could ring true… I think there's always room for this type of music. Some of the things we are working on will be in that same vein. The music is exciting. It's good, fun, nasty, raw energy and good songs. That's what is so important — good, fun songs. I mean, who wouldn't want to go out and not have a good time? Not me. So I'm thankful to be playing everywhere I am."

Neil's first solo album, "Exposed", came out in 1993, reaching No. 13 on The Billboard 200 chart. His follow-up effort, "Carved In Stone", arrived two years later. Neil's third and latest solo album, "Tattoos & Tequila", was released in 2010 and included two originals along with covers of classics songs from AEROSMITH, SCORPIONS and SWEET.

"Look, I'm going to always be the guy who was in MÖTLEY CRÜE, but my first solo record, with [the song] 'You're Invited (But Your Friend Can't Come)', was over a million seller, so a lot of people enjoyed it and 'Sister Of Pain' and many of those songs," Neil tells The Michigan City News-Dispatch. "I'm looking forward to recording more stuff, but I'm really a road singer. I love giving cool, fun performances with a big look."

"Tattoos & Tequila" sold 7,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 57 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Neil recorded "Tattoos & Tequila" in the winter of 2009 with his solo live backing band, which continues to consist of bassist Dana Strum and Jeff Blando (both of SLAUGHTER) and drummer Zoltan Chaney.

According to Billboard.com, MÖTLEY CRÜE's three final shows at the Staples Center (on December 28, December 30 and December 31) were seen by 37,000 fans, generating $2.7 million in box office revenue.

MÖTLEY CRÜE's "The Final Tour" saw the band perform across five continents (North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia) for a total of more than 164 shows in 72 markets, grossing $100 million.

MÖTLEY CRÜE announced that a full-length concert film will be released this year. The movie will include exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of the last week of the band's five-continent tour, which began in July 2014.

New EVANESCENCE guitarist Jen Majura has weighed in on last week'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 Majura has offered her opinion, posting a two-minute video message in which she says Anselmo "behaved like a stupid dork with a very, very asshole-like attitude" and calls his "white wine" excuse "lame."

Majura said (see video below): "I've never been a big fan of reaction posts or YouTube comment videos and stuff like that, but after I saw this, I can't just shut my trap and say nothing. Especially me, as a half-Asian living in Germany, I just have to say something now.

"Metal, from my personal understanding, is more than just music; it's a lifestyle. And ever since I got [into] the metal scene, it's always been like a friendly community. You never experience hate stuff going on from metalhead to metalhead, like, 'Ewww… You're listening to SLIPKNOT. How can you do that? I hate you for it. Now you will have to listen to… whatever.' Stuff like that doesn't happen in metal. And I think especially the topic racism has absolutely no point in metal, in music, in life, on stage, backstage, wherever; there should be no point at all for this topic. I mean, we're living now, not, like, a hundred years ago.

"PANTERA had always been a big, big influence for a lot of musicians, and they still have a lot of young people following them. Obviously, this band has a front dude who is behaving like a stupid dork with a very, very asshole-like attitude. And I'm not afraid to say that, because it's just wrong. You can't be on stage and behave like that with that greeting and 'white power.' And then, even afterwards, telling something about white wine? That's lame. That's lame. That's stupid. And it's not correct to behave like this. So if this is his real opinion and his real way of thinking, I just have one thing to say: Phil Anselmo, fuck you!"

Majura made her live debut with EVANESCENCE last November. She has previously played with the German metal bands EQUILIBRIUM and KNORKATOR.

Today, January 30th, marks the first annual Florida Metal Fest. Organized by brothers John and Donald Tardy of death metal legends, Obituary, and set to take place at The Cuban Club, Ybor City in Tampa, year one of the brutal, two stage gala will see some of the Sunshine State's most iconic bands - including Obituary, Malevolent Creation, Atheist and Deicide - unite and return to their roots in the very heart of the death metal world. 

In a new story with  The Tampa Tribune, Tardy believes death metal can make a resurgence and be at the forefront of the metal scene in the US again.

“We meet fans who saw us on our first tour who now bring their kids to shows,” said Tardy. “People still love death metal.”

As for the future of the band, Tardy says, “We’ll keep going until it gets painful. I’d like another few albums and years of touring. By then hopefully the festival (Florida Metal Fest) takes off and that keeps me part of the scene because I’d miss it.”

Additionally, the Tardy brothers have invited some of their favourite bands from around the country to take part in this special event including Corrosion Of Conformity, Trouble, Madball, Broken Hope and Generichrist.
 
Two local Floridian bands, both winners of the Battle Of The Bands contest show, will be opening the fest. The first battle was held on November 27th at the BrassMug where the winning band was Untoten Krieg. The second battle took place on December 26th at the Crowbar in Ybor City, with Unsung Destroyer winning the proverbial belt.
 
Said John Tardy of fest: "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."

Tickets are still available at this location.

Florida Metal Fest I Schedule - Doors: 3 PM
 
Criss Oliva Stage:
Atheist: 4:30 - 5:15 PM
Madball: 5:45 - 6:30 PM
Trouble: 7 - 8:00 PM
Deicide: 8:30 - 9:30 PM
Corrosion Of Conformity: 10 - 11 PM
Obituary: 11:30 - 12:30 AM
           
Chuck Schuldiner Stage:
Untoten Krieg: 4 - 4:30 PM
Unsung Destroyer: 5:15 - 5:45 PM
Generichrist: 6:15 - 7 PM
Broken Hope: 7:40 - 8:20 PM
Malevolent Creation: 9:30 - 10:30 PM
Aftershow Party with Painkiller: 12:30 AM
 
The Cuban Club, Ybor City in Tampa, Florida, home to the Florida Metal Fest, is surrounded by dozen of bars and restaurants, includes easy parking and is in walking distance or a short cab ride to dozens of hotels at a variety of prices for further info visit this location where you'll find ticket, travel and lodging info.

 



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FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH recently received the prestigious "Soldier Appreciation Award" from The Association of the United States Army. The award was started in 1950 by the then newly founded AUSA. This was based on having Germany- and Europe-stationed U.S. troops that had a hard standing in the public. The soldiers had been under hard pressure and so the AUSA founded the Award to honor the organizations and/or people who supported the troops to make their daily life more easy and comfortable.

Comments FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory: "The Soldiers Appreciation Award is something very special. The only musician ever to receive this was Elvis Presley. Clearly what we have to say resonates with a lot of veterans and a lot of service members. To know that we are reaching people and touching their lives with our music is very rewarding, and to me this really is the sole purpose of being a musician — to be able to make a positive impact in somebody's life."

In other news, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH will team up with SHINEDOWN for a series of co-headlining shows this May, in conjunction with all of their performances at the biggest U.S. festivals of the year.

Local pre-sales will start Thursday, February 3 at 10 a.m. Eastern. The national public on-sale for the dates with will be Friday, February 4 at 10 a.m. Eastern.

For more information and VIP offerings (beginning Tuesday, February 2), go to www.fivefingerdeathpunch.com.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH tour dates:

April 30 - Ft. Myers, FL - Fort RockMay 01 - Jacksonville, FL - Welcome To RockvilleMay 03 - Evansville, IN - Ford Center (co-headlining w/ SHINEDOWN)May 04 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena (co-headlining w/ SHINEDOWN)May 06 - Virginia Beach, VA- WNOR Lunatic LuauMay 07 - Charlotte, NC - Carolina RebellionMay 09 - Pittsburgh, PA - Consol Energy Arena (co-headlining w/ SHINEDOWN)May 20-22 - Columbus, OH - Rock On The RangeMay 20-22 - Schaghticoke, NY - Rock 'N Derby May 27-29 - Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's latest album, "Got Your Six", entered the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 2, selling 119,000 copies in its first week of release. This was the band's third straight No. 2 debut, following both volumes of "The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell" in 2013. "Got Your Six", however, did rack up the band's best single sales week ever, surpassing the 112,000 copies sold of "The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell, Volume 1", in its first week.

Each of FIVE FINGER's previous albums has been certified gold in the U.S. for sales of 500,000 copies or more.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's video for the song "Wash It All Away" was shot by acclaimed music video director Wayne Isham (METALLICA, PANTERA, GODSMACK, DEF LEPPARD, BON JOVI, AVENGED SEVENFOLD). The clip was filmed at the band's headlining show at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut and showcases their highly visual stage show and the contagious energy that fuels the thousands of rabid fans in attendance.

ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian 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 Ian has offered his opinion, posting a message on his official web site in which he says "Philip's actions were vile" and insisting that "to not speak out against them is as dangerous as the acts themselves."

Ian wrote:

"Friends,

"Hate speech. Racism. Inflammatory rhetoric.

"All dangerous no matter what the context. I have ZERO TOLERANCE for any of this and to not speak out against them is as dangerous as the acts themselves.

"Philip's actions were vile and that should be the focus here, anything else is just noise.

"Philip has apologized and I would like to offer him the opportunity to really show how much he loves everyone by making a donation to the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

"Peace, Scott"

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.

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

In terms of pure album sales, "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.

MEGADETH's previous album, 2013's "Super Collider", sold 29,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 6 on The Billboard 200 chart. The disc followed up "TH1RT3EN", which opened with 42,000 units back in November 2011 to enter the chart at No. 11. The band's 2009 CD, "Endgame", premiered with 45,000 copies to debut at No. 9. This was slightly less than the 54,000 first-week tally registered by 2007's "United Abominations", which entered the chart at No. 8. 2004's "The System Has Failed" premiered with 46,000 copies (No. 18) while 2001's "The World Needs A Hero" moved 61,000 units in its first week (No. 16).

Featuring 11 brand new tracks, "Dystopia" was released on both CD and LP, as well as digitally through all online partners on January 22 on Universal Music Enterprises / Tradecraft / T-Boy Records.

With musical architect and band visionary Dave Mustaine at the helm, "Dystopia" was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee and mixed by Josh Wilbur (LAMB OF GOD, GOJIRA).

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".

Recently, MEGADETH announced the details for the North American leg of their "Dystopia" world tour, which will kick off in Dallas, Texas on February 20. The North American leg will take them across the U.S, visiting 12 states and throughout Canada.

With their mind-melting eighth epos, CULT OF LUNA and Julie Christmas bring you to the outer rim of the ever expanding boundaries of the cosmos — where the rules of man is not applicable and the cold, dark nothing envelops the harsh realities of the universe.

"Mariner" will be released on April 8 via Indie Recordings. Pre-orders will start on February 11.

Since its formation in 1998, CULT OF LUNA has released seven albums, been awarded the top rock/ metal award at the Swedish national radio awards and cemented their status as one of the true progressors of the metal genre, respected by most metal aficionados.

In 2013, the Swedes teamed up with Indie Recordings for the release of perhaps their most successful work to date in the shape of "Vertikal I" and "Vertikal II". These cohesive pieces of work received worldwide appraisal and only pillared CULT OF LUNA to even greater heights.

For their eight effort, the post-metal pioneers join forces with the talented Julie Christmas (BATTLE OF MICE, MADE OUT OF BABIES) from Brooklyn, whom bring an even larger depth to CULT OF LUNA's sound — powerfully displayed on "Mariner".

Atlantic recording group HALESTORM has announced details of a major North American headline tour. The dates — unveiled earlier today via BandsInTown — begin April 1 at Reading, Pennsylvania's Reading Eagle Theatre in the Santander Arena and extend through late May. Support throughout the trek comes from special guests DOROTHY and the legendary Lita Ford. In addition, the tour will include stops at a number of festivals and summer radio concerts as well as a pair of much anticipated dates alongside the one and only ROB ZOMBIE, slated for May 18 at Bloomington, Illinois' Cellular Coliseum and May 19 at Saginaw, Michigan's First Merit Bank Event Park. "This is a tour I've wanted to put together for a long time," said HALESTORM frontwoman Lzzy Hale. "Not just a package with every band featuring a girl — that's been done a million times. This tour is a different breed, showcasing loud, powerful female voices. Every frontwoman here holds her own both on and off the stage, and has fought more than her share of the good fight. This isn't your sister's woman music fest!

"I'm honored to have the legendary Lita Ford on this run and welcome newcomers DOROTHY who make me so proud of the future of rock. All fans of true rock music — men, women, everyone — need to see this show." Widely acknowledged as one of modern hard rock's most explosive live acts, HALESTORM are kicking off 2016 by crossing the Atlantic for an epic European tour. Highlights include the U.K.'s annual "Carnival Of Madness Tour", alongside fellow hard rock icons BLACK STONE CHERRY and Atlantic Records labelmates SHINEDOWN as well as headline shows in Belgium, Germany, France, Finland, Sweden, and Russia.

"Mayhem", the latest single from HALESTORM's third album, "Into The Wild Life", is set to impact rock radio outlets across the country later this month. The track's electrifying companion video can be seen below. In other news, HALESTORM is among the many top artists who have recorded cover versions of EAGLES OF DEATH METAL's "I Love You All The Time" as part of the Sweet Stuff Foundation's "Play It Forward" campaign to aid victims of last November's terrorist attacks in Paris. The track is available now on the iTunes Store, Amazon, and Spotify, as well as the official "Play It Forward Store." HALESTORM tour dates with LITA FORD and DOROTHY except * (festival appearance) and ** (show with ROB ZOMBIE): Apr. 01 - Reading, PA - Reading Eagle Theatre in the Santander ArenaApr. 02 - Hampton Beach, NH - Hampton Beach Casino BallroomApr. 05 - Huntington, WV - Big Sandy Superstore ArenaApr. 06 - Lexington, KY - Singletary CenterApr. 07 - Raleigh, NC - The RitzApr. 09 - Biloxi, MS - Hard Rock Live!Apr. 11 - Springfield, MO - Gillioz TheaterApr. 12 - Tulsa, OK - Brady TheaterApr. 13 - Wichita, KS - Cotillion BallroomApr. 15 - Fargo, ND - Civic CenterApr. 16 - Sioux City, IA - Hard Rock CasinoApr. 19 - Huntsville, AL - Mark C. Smith Concert HallApr. 20 - Spartanburg, SC - Memorial AuditoriumApr. 21 - Johnson City, TN - Freedom Hall Civic CenterApr. 23 - Orlando, FL - WJRR Earthday Birthday 22 *Apr. 24 - Charleston, SC - WYBB Rock Fest *May 18 - Bloomington, IL - U.S. Cellular Coliseum **May 19 - Saginaw, MI - First Merit Bank Event Park **May 21 - Schaghticoke, NY - Rock ‘N Derby *Aug. 05 - West Allis, WI - Wisconsin State Fair*

REDEMPTION, the U.S. progressive metal band featuring in its ranks guitarist/songwriter Nick Van Dyk and FATES WARNING vocalist Ray Alder, will release its sixth full-length, "The Art Of Loss", on February 26 via Metal Blade Records.

The song "Thirty Silver", featuring guest appearances by former MEGADETH guitarists Chris Poland, Marty Friedman and Chris Broderick, can be streamed below.

Containing over 70 minutes of their unique blend of passion, melody, aggression and complexity, "The Art Of Loss" was produced once again by Tommy Hansen (HELLOWEEN, PAGAN'S MIND, PRETTY MAIDS), who previously worked with REDEMPTION on 2009's "Snowfall On Judgment Day". The cover artwork was created by longtime REDEMPTION collaborator Travis Smith (OPETH, AMORPHIS).

Musically, "The Art Of Loss" follows its predecessor (2011's "This Mortal Coil"), but their newest work finds composition, musicianship and production taken up another notch, with an array of songs ranging from hard-hitting melodic metal to the 23-minute epic "At Day's End" — plus, special guest appearances from Chris Broderick (MEGADETH), John Bush (ARMORED SAINT, ANTHRAX), Marty Friedman, Simone Mularoni and Chris Poland (MEGADETH).

"The Art Of Loss" track listing:

01. The Art of Loss (feat. Simone Mularoni and Chris Poland) 02. Slouching Towards Bethlehem (feat. Simone Mularoni and Chris Poland) 03. Damaged (feat. Marty Friedman) 04. Hope Dies Last (feat. Chris Poland) 05. That Golden Light06. Thirty Silver (feat. Chris Poland, Marty Friedman, and Chris Broderick) 07. The Center Of The Fire (feat. Chris Poland) 08. Love Reign O'er Me (THE WHO cover; feat. John Bush and Chris Poland) 09. At Day's End (feat. Chris Poland and Simone Mularoni)

REDEMPTION's current lineup is rounded out by bassist Sean Andrews, drummer Chris Quirarte and guitarist Bernie Versailles, who is presently on an indefinite medical leave of absence from the band.

REDEMPTION's fifth studio album, "This Mortal Coil", sold around 1,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at No. 32 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.

The official lyric video for the song "Havoc" from Norwegian progressive metallers CIRCUS MAXIMUS can be seen below. The track is the title cut of the band's new album, which will be released on March 18 via Frontiers Music Srl. "Havoc" is CIRCUS MAXIMUS's highly anticipated fourth studio album and one that will certainly make a huge impact on the progressive metal scene. The band's musical formula is not easy to pull off. Take jaw-dropping musicianship, singer Michael Eriksen with a voice from the heavens and put it together with hooks, anthemic melodies, and enough groove and heavy riffing to satisfy any prog metal fan, and you've got the CIRCUS MAXIMUS sound. "The theme on this new album is about moments and experiences in life that lead to love and hate," says guitarist and producer Mats Haugen. "Metaphorically, it's about succumbing to fire and striving to cope with the aftermath of decisions when overshadowed by the love we have for others and ourselves." Musically, the band offers the usual mixture of very heavy moments intertwined with extremely accessible melodies. Songs like "Pages", the opener "The Weight", "After The Fire" and "Remember" show the full range of the CIRCUS MAXIMUS sound. Still, the album has very heavy songs ("Havoc") and slow and melodic moments ("Loved Ones") too. The band is set to tour heavily in support of this new release with shows in Europe, U.S. (they are already confirmed for the ProgPower USA festival) and more territories to come. The redefining sound, the songwriting and the clever production, highlights the band as one of the leading, original progressive metal bands around.

"Havoc" track listing:

01. The Weight02. Highest Bitter03. Havoc04. Pages05. Flames06. Loved Ones07. After The Fire08. Remember09. Chivalry CIRCUS MAXIMUS is:

Michael Eriksen - VocalsMats Haugen - Guitar, backing vocals and programmingTruls Haugen - Drums, backing vocals and percussionLasse Finbråten - Keyboards, samples, programmingGlen Møllen - Bass

MINISTRY mainman Al Jourgensen's new project, SURGICAL METH MACHINE, has inked a deal with Nuclear Blast. The band's self-titled debut album, which was recorded primarily at Jourgensen's home studio in Burbank, California with his longtime engineer Sam D'Ambruoso, is due on April 15.

"Surgical Meth Machine" track listing:

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

"Surgical Meth Machine" LP track listing:

Side A

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

Side B

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

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

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

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

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

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

PERIPHERY, the Washington D.C.-based technical metal band whose double album, "Juggernaut: Alpha" and "Juggernaut: Omega", debuted at No. 15 and No. 16 on Billboard's Top Albums' chart, have returned to the studio to record their fourth full-length CD. "I'm really stoked to be back writing and recording new material with the band," said bass player/production wizard Adam "Nolly" Getgood. "It feels like everyone is really on the same wavelength. I can't wait for people to hear the new songs — we're exploring a lot of new territory for PERIPHERY, I'm very excited to hear the results once the whole process is finished.” The as-yet-untitled album will arrive in early summer via Sumerian.

PERIPHERY recently announced the "Periphery Summer Jam", a four-day immersive experience (July 25 to 29) featuring instrument and production clinics, songwriting tutorials and exclusive live performances set amidst the mountains off the Hudson Valley at the Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York. "We're going to give you an in-depth look at our songwriting process, what we do in the studio and on tour," said guitarist and Guitar Player columnist Mark Holcomb. "We also just kind of wanted to hang out with our fans."

Photo credit: Alex "Pressplay" Wohleber

"Girl In A Vortex", the new video from Finnish/Swedish death rockers GRAVE PLEASURES, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's new album, "Dreamcrash", which was released last September through Sony Music's Columbia label.

Formed out of the debris of the band BEASTMILK — the band that had indie kids, goths, punks and the music press dancing to their highly praised debut album "Climax" in 2013 — GRAVE PLEASURES are taking the concept of the apocalypse one step further. This time it's personal.

GRAVE PLEASURES consists of singer/songwriter Mat McNerney (also of HEXVESSEL), bassist Valtteri Arino, guitarist/songwriter Linnéa Olsson (THE OATH, SONIC RITUAL), drummer Uno Bruniusson (IN SOLITUDE, PROCESSION) — as well as live and studio session guitarist Juho Vanhanen (ORANSSI PAZUZU).

In May 2015, this impressive lineup entered the studio together with award-winning producer Tom Dalgety (KILLING JOKE, ROYAL BLOOD). The result is a complex and feverish set of modern rock songs. Urban tribal rhythms; potent melancholia; raw pop sensibility; irreverent ferociousness — "Dreamcrash" is seductive in its surrealism one minute, and a cold shower of harsh reality the next.

"I am concerned with a total collapse of our dreams," says Mat McNerney. "Hacking out this feverish, frantic and very uninhibited music, it exposes and lays raw some intense emotions. As we get deeper and closer to capturing the spirit of what we set out for this band to be, we are touching some vital nerves. It's getting under the skin, under the flesh."

The stunning artwork is made by Samantha Muljat at Bloodbank Design and can be seen below.

A fire broke out during ENTOMBED A.D.'s set at Trädgår'n in Gothenburg, Sweden Saturday night (January 30). Luckily, the flame was quickly put out by the staff and the show continued without any further interruptions.

According to RockSverige.se, the promoter said the fire was ignited by a new lamp that was used at the venue, but this has not been confirmed.

A couple of photos of the incident can be seen below (courtesy of RockSverige.se photographer Josefin Wahlstedt).

ENTOMBED A.D. is currently touring Europe with BEHEMOTH, ABBATH and INQUISITION. The trek kicked off on January 29 in Copenhagen, Denmark and will wrap on February 14 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

ENTOMBED A.D. will release its second album, "Dead Dawn", on February 26 via Century Media. The CD production was handled by a team consisting of Tom Van Heesch and Jacob Hellner of Big Island Sound in Stockholm as well as Nico Elgstrand, who produced a majority of the tracks whereas Svante Forsbäck of Chartmakers mastered this new beast.

The "Dead Dawn" cover artwork was created by WATAIN frontman Erik Danielsson.

Singer Benji Webbe of the Welsh "ragga metal" act SKINDRED and his partner were assaulted Friday night in their hometown of Newport.

Benji and Julie Christian were returning home after attending his friend Iffy Harris's birthday party when the attack happened. Webbe says that he was "slashed across the face and throat" while Christian was "dragged around" by a group of women.

He says: "Thank you all so much for all your concern and well wishes, it makes all the difference and means the world to us. As you can imagine, this has been quite an ordeal.

"Julie, fortunately, was not physically hurt but the whole thing has taken a toll on us both. For me to be slashed across the face and the throat, for Julie to be dragged around and spat at by a group of women who glassed me... just know that we will rise above this and remain positive and in love.

"Newport is my home town and I still love it and the community we have. Big up."

Webbe has uploaded a couple of pictures of his injuries to his Facebook page, saying he will live with the scars for the rest of his life.

SKINDRED's latest album, "Volume", came out last October via Napalm Records.

Almost 20 years after Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL released their debut album, "The Secrets Of The Black Arts", and six years after the release of their last full-length CD, they are finally entering the studio again to create another blasphemous masterpiece.

DARK FUNERAL guitarist Lord Ahriman comments: “We've been waiting for this day a long time! Today we've finally entered Dug-Out studios in Uppsala to begin the recording of our sixth studio album! Last we were here, we recorded the 'Nail Them To The Cross' single and that was indeed a great warm-up for the new album. It introduced Heljarmadr as the new vocalist and lyricist, showing that we are unstoppable and that we still hold the world in our hands, ready to crush and destroy! We are extremely eager to bring this monster into this world and after months of preparations we are finally here to summon the beast!!”

The album will be recorded and produced by Daniel Bergstrand (IN FLAMES, MESHUGGAH, SOILWORK, DIMMU BORGIR, BEHEMOTH) and will be released via Century Media Records.

DARK FUNERAL last year announced the addition of frontman Heljarmadr and bassist Natt to the group's ranks.

With roots in the second half of the '90s black metal scene and with tentacles in bands such as highly respected GRÁ, DOMGÅRD and CURSED 13 comes Heljarmadr, a raw force from the underground. Known as a fierce frontman, both on stage and on recordings with his previous bands, he will now step up and claim a seat in the throne room of DARK FUNERAL to inflict deep scars and infect wounds in the black metal scene. The name Heljarmadr derives from the old Scandinavian languages, simply meaning "a man belonging to hell." With a lot of experience in the arts of creating dark satanic music, he will play a key role in shaping the future vocal and lyrical direction of DARK FUNERAL. Expect nothing but excellence, pure darkness and uncompromising evil!

Treading into this world, Natt has always had a strong, deep interest in music and the arts of the great unknown. Spending time during the nights, exploring the Swedish ancient forests, avoiding the common mass that wanders this simplistic world, made his relations and visions to that which lies beyond, stronger.

Before DARK FUNERAL, Natt was a member of the black/thrash metal band ANGREPP where he met his now-close friends Adrian Lawson (ANGREPP, IXXI) and Fredrik Widigs (THE UGLY, MARDUK) and later on joined the deeply devoted black metal act WITHERSHIN.

"Behind The Nut Love", the new video from former MARILYN MANSON and current ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5, can be seen below. Originally recorded for his 2005 album "Songs For Sanity", this new version of the song was recorded with John 5's band, THE CREATURES (Ian Ross and Rodger Carter), and is available anywhere digital music is sold. The clip was directed by Lord Zane and shows John 5 sitting in a high-backed chair with a rare 1950 Fender Broadcaster, amazingly playing behind the nut to emulate the sound of a lap-steel guitar.

"Behind The Nut Love" will appear on John 5's new solo album, "Guitars, T!ts, And Monsters", due later in the year.

John has had an illustrious career collaborating with chart topping artists such as LYNYRD SKYNYRD, Ricky Martin, and Rod Stewart. John has performed on critically acclaimed world tours with Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie. Later, John ventured into the world of film score composing for Rob Zombie's "The Lords Of Salem". In 2004 he branched out into a successful solo career and has since released eight studio albums.

Catch JOHN 5 AND THE CREATURES live on tour:

March 02 - Milwaukee, WI - Rave BarMarch 04 - Westland, MI - Token LoungeMarch 05 - Indianapolis, IN - VogueMarch 06 - Chicago, IL - ReggiesMarch 08 - Nashville, TN - 12th & PorterMarch 09 - Lexington, KY - Manchester HallMarch 10 - Newport, KY - Southgate HouseMarch 11 - Cleveland, OH - BeachlandMarch 12 - Hagerstown, MD - Hard Times CafeMarch 13 - Sellersville, PA - Sellersville TheatreMarch 14 - Pittsburgh, PA - Hard RockMarch 15 - Falls Church, VA - The State TheatreMarch 16 - New York, NY - Highline BallroomMarch 17 - Rochester, NY - MontageMarch 18 - Syracuse, NY - WestcottMarch 19 - Stafford Springs, CT - PalaceMarch 20 - Londonderry, NH - TupeloMarch 23 - Orlando, FL - [to be announced]March 24 - Jacksonville, FL - [to be announced]March 26 - Melbourne, FL - Boondocks LiveMarch 29 - Des Moines, IA - Lefty’s Live MusicMarch 30 - Omaha, NE - Lookout Lounge

British melodic rock icons MAGNUM will release their new album, "Sacred Blood 'Divine' Lies", on February 26 via Steamhammer/SPV as a digipak version (including a DVD), 2LP colored version, CD and as a digital download.

The video for the song "Crazy Old Mothers", taken from "Sacred Blood 'Divine' Lies", can be seen below.

MAGNUM's Tony Clarkin says about the song: "The song is about working in a job you hate, when you had such big plans for yourself but you were too scared to take a chance and follow them through!"

The video was shot by Tim Sidwell for Toward Infinity. He also produced the MAGNUM DVD "Livin' The Dream" in 2005 and is well known for his visual work with MARILLION.

For a musician like Tony Clarkin who composes constantly, viewing and selecting the material he has written is always one of the most significant moments during the creation process of a new MAGNUM album. On the one hand, it's a luxury to have the opportunity to separate the wheat from the chaff and to be in a position to use only the strongest numbers. On the other hand, it's also a difficult process, because after all the creator of those songs has grown fond of every single one of them. "I usually start composing for our next album immediately after the release of the previous one," Clarkin explains. "When 'Escape From The Shadow Garden' arrived at the stores in March 2014, my thoughts had already turned to our next recording." Clarkin wrote 25 new songs during the subsequent months, the most promising 13 of which were selected for "Sacred Blood 'Divine' Lies". Ten of those tracks made it onto the new album, the other three onto the included bonus CD. "It would have been too much of a shame to disregard them," Clarkin reckons, "particularly since our fans want to know after every release what happened to the rest of the material. This time they're getting it in addition to the album tracks." The ten numbers on the regular album present MAGNUM from their most rocking side again. The epicentre of this soundquake features, along with frontman Bob Catley's charismatic voice, Clarkin's awesome riff and lead guitar which provides the all-important substructure to the songs. Courtesy of his driving style, "Sacred Blood 'Divine' Lies" counts without a doubt among the group's most dynamic releases. Clarkin: "I've always been into rock numbers. But it isn't necessarily that easy to write really good rock material. It's much more simple to compose a ballad. But that dynamic pace suits MAGNUM perfectly." Clarkin is referring mainly to the title track and opener of the new album. "I feel that Bob delivered it really well," Clarkin praises his vocalist Bob Catley. "As far as I am concerned, 'Sacred Blood 'Divine' Lies' is definitely likely to join the ranks of great MAGNUM classics." So it comes as no surprise that "Sacred Blood 'Divine' Lies" with its significant message became the album title. Of course, there are more highlights on this thoroughly powerful recording. Clarkin was inspired to write the anthemnic "Gypsy Queen" at a concert in St. Petersburg, a city which deeply impressed him with its unique atmosphere. By no means less memorable is "Your Dreams Won't Die", which is based on a piano chord sequence and could lead you to believe that MAGNUM have put to music their own band philosophy. "To me, the title and lyrics have an almost religious depth," says Clarkin. "There's a saying that somebody is not forgotten if their name is remembered." A successful rock group like MAGNUM should be entitled to eternal renown, shouldn't it? Says Clarkin: "You want my honest opinion? I don't think that far ahead, but of course it's a nice notion that this band may always be remembered because so many people love our music." And last but not least: "Sacred Blood 'Divine' Lies" closes with a song which surprised even Clarkin. "I liked the general sound of 'Don't Cry Baby' from the start," he remarks. "Although I initially didn't have a lyric, the melody kept going through my head, as well as the chorus with acoustic and e-guitars plus piano. We even kept the drums from the demo version because our drummer Harry James liked them so much. He said: 'I love it the way it is. We shouldn't change a thing about it.'" "Sacred Blood 'Divine' Lies" once again features a fantastic cover by Rodney Matthews.

Track listing

Digipak version CD+DVD 01. Sacred Blood "Divine" Lies (6:41)02. Crazy Old Mothers (5:48)03. Gypsy Queen (4:29)04. Princess In Rags (The Cult) (5:27)05. Your Dreams Won't Die (5:25)06. Afraid Of The Night (4:32)07. A Forgotten Conversation (4:56)08. Quiet Rhapsody (5:40)09. Twelve Men Wise And Just (6:18)10. Don't Cry Baby (5:05)

DVD

Bonus Videos

01. Sacred Blood "Divine" Lies (6:41)02. Crazy Old Mothers (5:48)

Bonus Audio Tracks

01. Phantom Of Paradise Circus (5:54)02. Don't Grow Up (4:47)03. No God Or Saviour (5:53) Jewel Case Version 01. Sacred Blood "Divine" Lies (6:41)02. Crazy Old Mothers (5:48)03. Gypsy Queen (4:29)04. Princess In Rags (The Cult) (5:27)05. Your Dreams Won't Die (5:25)06. Afraid Of The Night (4:32)07. A Forgotten Conversation (4:56)08. Quiet Rhapsody (5:40)09. Twelve Men Wise And Just (6:18)10. Don't Cry Baby (5:05) 2LP Version LP1

Side A

01. Sacred Blood "Divine" Lies (6:41)02. Crazy Old Mothers (5:48)

Side B

01. Gypsy Queen (4:29)02. Princess In Rags (The Cult) (5:27)03. Your Dreams Won't Die (5:25)

LP2

Side A

01. Afraid Of The Night (4:32)02. A Forgotten Conversation (4:56)03. Quiet Rhapsody (5:38)

Side B

01. Twelve Men Wise And Just (6:18)02. Don't Cry Baby (5:05)

After the departure of guitarists Andy Dawson and Edd Liam in August 2015, the Swedish hair metal outfit Crazy Lixx have been on the lookout for two new axe men to fill the vacancy. Now, months after the band announced they’ll be looking for replacements, Crazy Lixx have released a new music video revealing the identity of the two new guitar players for the first time!

“We’ve recruited two local guys with loads of experience in the field and the way things are shaping up, I truly think the fans will feel we’ve put together a great new line-up for Crazy Lixx. We’re currently rehearsing a new set of fan favorites from our discography and it’s sounding tighter, more focused and better than ever before. I can’t wait to get this outfit up on stage,” says lead singer Danny Rexon.

Spitfire Audio has a new 30-minute interview with drummer Matt Sorum who goes deep into the recording of Guns N’ Roses’ legendary albums Use Your Illusion I and II that were released in September of 1991.

“It was an amazing time,” Sorum remembers. “We recorded 35 songs here and the intention was to make one great record, which a lot of bands do. Then I remember Axl (Rose) telling us that we were going to put out all the songs - we're going to do a double album. But Axl came up with this incredible idea, he said ‘I want to put two volumes of one record out, with the same album cover in different colors.

The problem was a guy by the name of Garth Brooks, and when we opened up the Billboard charts, he was number one and we were number two and three. We were like ‘who the fuck is Garth Brooks?!’ The next week we topped the charts at number one and two.

And those records gave us an amazing three and a half-year run out on the road. We continued to put up videos and we stayed out on the road forever.”

Check out the chat filmed at Henson Studios in Los Angeles.



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Metal Church will release their new album XI on March 25th via Rat Pak Records. The band’s 11th studio release also marks the return of legendary vocalist and front man Mike Howe.

Guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof posted on the band's Facebook page about how Metal Church feels like a “real band” again.

Vanderhoof writes: “I can’t begin to tell you how great it’s been having Mike Howe back!! We have great chemistry, we all love metal music, and for the first time in a very long time, it feels like (a) REAL band again! Thanks to everyone who has preordered so far!”

The new album is available for preorder in various exclusive bundles at this location. A limited number of the Deluxe International Version are available on the website and features a bonus disc of 8 extra songs. Other bundles include guitar picks, stickers, a special edition behind the scenes photo book, t-shirts and even a limited number of personal phone calls from Mike Howe himself.

The album is also available for pre-order on Amazon (link below), Google Play and via iTunes, and fans that order the digital version will receive an instant download of “Killing Your Time” from the new album. XI was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and co-produced by Chris “The Wizard” Collier.

From the first guitar riff of album opener “Reset” through the driving outro of album closer “Suffer Fools”, it is clear Metal Church is back and better than ever. “Needle And Suture” and “Soul Eating Machine” showcase the songwriting that made the early Mike Howe albums The Human Factor, Blessing In Disguise and Hanging In The Balance such fan favorites. Musical opuses “Signal Path” and “Sky Falls In” clock in at over 7-minutes each and put the musicianship that Metal Church was known for on full display in 2016.

XI tracklisting:                                                                        

“Reset”
“Killing Your Time”
“No Tomorrow”
“Signal Path”
“Sky Falls In”
“Needle & Suture”
“Shadow”
“Blow Your Mind”
“Soul Eating Machine”
“It Waits”
“Suffer Fools”

“No Tomorrow” video:

Behind the scenes:

EPK Part 1:

 

 



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Dream Theater's new album, The Astonishing,  a character-based two-act double album that tells the story of dystopian future in which only machines can create music, was released on January 29th. The band has made the entire 34-track album available for streaming; check it out below.

The Astonishing is available in a wide range of distinctive versions, including standard 2-CD set, 4-LP vinyl box set and a limited edition deluxe box set, all of which are currently available at this location.

Recorded at Cove City Sound Studios in Glen Cove, New York, with John Petrucci producing, studio luminary Richard Chycki (Aerosmith, Rush) engineering/mixing and legendary arranger, composer and conductor David Campbell orchestrating, The Astonishing paints a tale of a retro-futurist post-apocalyptic dystopia ruled by medieval style feudalism. It’s a place aching for a Chosen One to rise above the noise and defeat an Empire defined by the endless drone of noise machines and the illusion of safety in bland conformity.

The Astonishing follows 2013’s worldwide smash album Dream Theatrer, which earned a second Grammy nomination for the band, topping Billboard’s Hard Rock Albums while simultaneously entering at #7 on the Billboard 200. The extraordinary chart position marked the group’s third consecutive top 10 debut, and also saw Dream Theater making top 5 chart debuts in Japan, Germany, Italy, Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, Holland, and Finland, as well as top 10 debuts in Denmark, Austria, and Norway, with career high debuts in the United Kingdom and Australia.

The band comments on the artwork: “This album cover extends an ominous invitation into the retro-futurist dystopian setting of The Astonishing. The deceptively beautiful yet chillingly totalitarian image is a bold harbinger of the visual components and ideas presented by the sonic story that is our most ambitious creative work to date. We are very proud to soon bring you…The Astonishing.”

Tracklisting:

Act I
“Descent Of The NOMACS”
“Dystopian Overture”
“The Gift Of Music”
“The Answer”
“A Better Life”
“Lord Nafaryus”
“A Savior In The Square”
“When Your Time Has Come”
“Act Of Faythe”
“Three Days”
“The Hovering Sojourn”
“Brother, Can You Hear Me?”
“A Life Left Behind”
“Ravenskill”
“Chosen”
“A Tempting Offer”
“Digital Discord”
“The X Aspect”
“A New Beginning”
“The Road To Revolution”

Act II
“2285 Entr’acte”
“Moment Of Betrayal”
“Heaven’s Cove”
“Begin Again”
“The Path That Divides”
“Machine Chatter”
“The Walking Shadow”
“My Last Farewell”
“Losing Faythe”
“Whispers In The Wind”
“Hymn Of A Thousand Voices”
“Power Down”
“Astonishing”

“Moment Of Betrayal”:

"The Gift Of Music":

Dream Theater has announced their first North American tour of 2016, which will see the pioneering group performing a historic set in immersive and interactive settings for a unique and unparalleled live experience.

Set to kick-off April 14th at Quebec City’s Theatre Du Capitole, the spring trek will see the prog-virtuosos delivering a one-of-a-kind show in which they will perform their forthcoming double concept album, The Astonishing, live in its entirety. The momentous tour will continue through May with the band making stops at prestigious theaters throughout North America including New York’s Radio City Music Hall, Los Angeles’ The Wiltern, and Boston’s Orpheum Theatre with additional dates to be announced.

For up-to-the-minute news and ticket information visit this location.

Tour dates:

February
18 - London, England - Palladium
19 - London, England - Palladium
22 - Amsterdam, Holland - Carre Theater    
23 - Amsterdam, Holland - Carre Theater
24 - Amsterdam, Holland - Carre Theater        
26 - Oslo, Norway - Konserthus
27 - Oslo, Norway - Konserthus
28 - Oslo, Norway - Konserthus

March
1 - Stockholm, Sweden - Cirkus
2 - Stockholm, Sweden - Cirkus
4 - Hannover, Germany - Kuppelsaal
5 - Paris, France - Palais des Congres    
6 - Paris, France - Palais des Congres
8 - Copenhagen, Denmark - DR Koncerthuset
9 - Berlin, Germany - Friedrichspalast
10 - Bochum, Germany - Ruhrcongress
14 - Nurnberg, Germany - Meistersingerhalle
15 - Frankfurt, Germany - Alte Oper Hall
17 - Milan, Italy - Teatro Degli Arcimboldi
18 - Milan, Italy - Teatro Degli Arcimboldi
19 - Milan, Italy - Teatro Degli Arcimboldi
22 - Stuttgart, Germany - Liederhalle Hegel-Saal
23 - Zurich, Switzerland - Kongresshaus

April
14 - Quebec City, QC - Theatre du Capitole
15 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
16 - Toronto, ON - Sony Centre
18 - Albany, NY - Palace Theatre
19 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre
20 - Hartford, CT - Oakdale Theatre
23 - New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall
24 - Baltimore, MD - Hippodrome Theatre
26 - Greensburg, PA - Palace Theater
27 - Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theatre
30 - Chicago, IL - Chicago Theater

May
1 - Minneapolis, MN - State Theater
3 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
7 - Los Angeles, CA - The Wiltern
10 - Portland, OR - Schnitzer
11 - Seattle, WA - Paramount Theater



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Fan-filmed video footage of KISS's January 29 performance at Choctaw Grand Theater in Durant, Oklahoma can be seen below (courtesy of John Erigo).

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Detroit Rock City02. Deuce03. Psycho Circus04. Creatures Of The Night05. I Love It Loud06. War Machine07. Flaming Youth08. Calling Dr. Love09. Hell Or Hallelujah (with "Let Me Know" ending)10. Guitar Solo11. Lick It Up12. Bass Solo (Gene spits blood)13. God Of Thunder (Gene flies up to lighting truss)14. Cold Gin15. Love Gun (Paul flies out to second stage)16. Black Diamond

Encore:

17. Shout It Out Loud18. I Was Made For Lovin' You19. Rock And Roll All Nite

KISS has earned more gold album record awards than any American band in the history of the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) gold and platinum awards certifications.

In the last 42 years, KISS has earned 30 gold albums (26 KISS albums and 4 solo albums that were all released simultaneously — a feat never before achieved by any band). KISS has 14 platinum albums, with three albums being multi-platinum. KISS remains one of the most influential bands in the history of rock and roll. Decades of record-breaking tours around the globe have included high-profile appearances at Super Bowl XXXIII, the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, the Rockin' The Corps concert dedicated to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, special guest appearance on the 2009 "American Idol" finale that boasted 30 million viewers and a 2010 Dr. Pepper Super Bowl commercial and advertising campaign in support of their Hottest Show On Earth tour. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, with longtime members, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer, are stronger than ever with a legacy that continues to grow, generation after generation. Their last album, "Monster", proved that they are still at the top of their game with impressive sales and topping the charts worldwide debuting at No. 3 in the U.S. on The Billboard 200 album chart and Top 10 in twenty other countries. The unparalleled devotion and loyalty of the KISS Army to the "Hottest Band in the World" is a striking testament to the band's unbreakable bond with its fans. KISS is celebrating two other major milestones, their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April of 2014, as well as the band's 40th anniversary. "Kiss 40", an album celebrating 40 years of rock and roll, is available now.