Fan-filmed video footage of DEATH ANGEL's second annual Christmas show on December 18 at Slim's in San Francisco, California can be seen below.

DEATH ANGEL has just completed work on its follow-up to 2013's "The Dream Calls For Blood" album at AudioHammer studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof. DEATH ANGEL vocalist Mark Osegueda told SFWeekly.com: "It's the third time we've used him, and we couldn't really be happier."

He continued: "This time, all the music was written and lyrics were written with the exception of one song, which I purposely saved to write on the spot.

"Sometimes you can get a great vibe from a studio and draw inspiration from that. That song came out great.

"We're looking at an April 2016 release date and songs include 'Father Of Lies' and 'Lost'. I can't tell you any others just yet, though."

Mark added: "It's got the aggressiveness of the last two records, but our songwriting has improved dramatically. Really, it sounds like DEATH ANGEL should."

Osegueda recently told Rock Hard magazine about DEATH ANGEL's mindset going into the songwriting process for the upcoming CD: "When we started working with Jason Suecof for the last two records, [2010's] 'Relentless Retribution' and 'The Dream Calls For Blood', we thought we were gonna do two records intense like that and kind of go back [to the more] melodic [direction of 1990's] 'Act III', but the last two records, we've been loving so much writing that style, and the crowds have been enjoying them so much.

"In our minds, even if we think we're being more brutal than we've ever been, it's inevitable that we are obsessed with melody, so there's always gonna be melody that separates us from, say, different thrash bands or extreme bands, because we always veer to a melody and catchy hooks. No matter how brutal we think we're being, we like to throw in hooks, so we're just gonna carry on how we're doing now and try to pick as many of the young punters there and keep our stronghold on the old punters."

DEATH ANGEL released "A Thrashumentary" on July 24 via Nuclear Blast. The DVD was directed, shot and edited by Tommy Jones (KATAKLYSM, SOILWORK, LAMB OF GOD, CARCASS, TESTAMENT) of Videohammer Studios. The release also includes a full live album titled "The Bay Calls For Blood".

German Wolf metallers, Varg, will release their new album, Das Ende Aller Lügen, on January 15th via Napalm Records. German and English versions of the new music video for “Dunkelheit” are streaming below.

Says the band: “"The videos for “Dunkelheit” and “Darkness” are a visual journey into the abyss of the human soul. Naked, cold and brutal. Accompanied with the probably darkest track that Varg ever unleashed upon mankind!"

Although Varg are more monstrous than ever, Das Ende Aller Lügen is perhaps one of the best examples that the calm always comes before the storm. These calming moments prepare the listener for the coming thunder. Today the wolves have released their album artwork and tracklisting, which can be found below.

Tracklisting:

“Der große Diktator”
“Das Ende aller Lügen”
“Revolution”
“Streyfzug”
“Achtung”
“Dunkelheit”
“Totentanz”
“Einherjer”
“Wintersturm”
“Ascheregen”

Vary have announced tour dates in Germany and Switzerland for early 2016. Catch this chance to see the wolves live on the road together with their label mates Nachtblut, Eisregen, We Butter The Bread With Butter and more.

March

4 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser
5 - Berlin, Germany - K17
17 - Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp
18 - Geiselwind, Germany - Musichall
19  - München, Germany - Backstage

April
1 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
8 - Oberhausen, Germany - Turbinenhalle
9 - Stuttgart, Germany - LKA
10 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7

 



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Southern California’s Ignite are releasing their brand new album, A War Against You, on January 8th, and now fans can get their hands on two new tracks.

The first single, “Nothing Can Stop” me is available as strictly limited 7” and digital download / stream. Another brand-new track, “This Is A War”, is available as of today as digital download / stream. Check out “This Is A War” streaming below, or on Spotify.

“Nothing Can Stop Me” 7” single:

Side A:
“Nothing Can Stop Me” (Stream it now at Spotify and below)

Side B:
“Bleeding”
“Sunday Bloody Sunday”
(both taken from the Our Darkest Days Live DVD)

As mentioned above, these 7” singles are extremely limited and once they’re gone, they’re gone. White and transparent orange is already sold out, but you can still buy black vinyl here.

There is also a band exclusive that’s only available at shows in transparent green.

“Nothing Can Stop Me” is taken from Ignite’s new album A War Against You, that was produced by Cameron Webb (Motörhead and many more).

The following formats are available:

1) Ltd. Edition CD Box Set including: Ltd. CD Digipak (1 bonus track), Ignite dog tag on keyring, Ignite “A War Against You” button set (3 buttons) and foldout mini poster
2) Ltd. CD Digipak (1 bonus track)
3) Standard CD Jewelcase
4) LP+CD
5) Digital album

Various pre-orders are already available. If you preorder the digital copy of the album at iTunes, or Amazon you get an instant download of “Nothing Can Stop Me” and “This Is A War”:

Also available at Google Play (just digital preorder, but no instant gratification).

A War Against You tracklisting:

“Begin Again”
“Nothing Can Stop Me”
“This Is A War”
“Oh No Not Again”
“Alive”
“You Saved Me”
“Rise Up”
“Where I'm From”
“The Suffering”
“How Is This Progress?”
“You Lie”
“Descend”
“Work”

A War Against You will see a synced, worldwide release on January 8th, 2016.

Ignite just returned from a successful tour throughout South America and have the following shows already confirmed around the release of A War Against You.

January
8 - Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy
9 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
28 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
29 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra

The album will be released shortly before Ignite head out on the 2016 edition of the EMP Persistence Tour, in which the band will be performing as headliner. This amazing package also features label mates Terror, whom will be out supporting their own brand new album, The 25th Hour, as well as NYHC legends H20 and special guests, Iron Reagan, Twitching Tongues, Wisdom In Chains and Risk It.

Tour dates:

January
13 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresia
14 - Berlin, Germany - Astra
15 - Hamburg, Germany - Grosse Freiheit 36
16 - Oberhausen, Germany - Turbinenhalle
17 - Torhout, Belgium - De Mast
18 - Paris, France - Gibus
19 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
20 - Saarbrücken, Germany - Garage
21 - München, Germany - Backstage
22 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof
23 - Dresden, Germany - Event Werk
24 - Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivoli

Ignite 2015:

Zoli Teglas - Vocals
Brett Rasmussen - Bass
Brian Balchack - Guitar
Craig Anderson - Drums
Kevin Kilkenny - Guitar

 



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The creators of cinematic metal, Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody, have released their new single, a “reloaded” version of the song “Il Cigno Nero” (Reloaded).

The original song (from the album Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus; which was released June 19th, 2015 via Nuclear Blast) features in its reloaded version new powerful rhythmic guitar parts, a new bass arrangement and some additional orchestrations. It was re-mixed by Sebastian Roeder and Luca Turilli at the Backyard Studios in Kempten, Germany and re-mastered by Christoph Stickel at the MSM Studios in Munich, Germany. The cover artwork was realized once again by the great graphic artist Stefan Heilemann.

Get the song here for free.

Mastermind Luca Turilli has created a lyric video for the new track. Watch it below:

You can also buy the new single here.

“This song is one of our favorite tracks from the new Prometheus album and we are more than excited to offer it as a free download, in its new enriched version, to all our beloved sisters and brothers around the world. It is our personal Christmas gift to all of you!,” states the singer Alessandro Conti.

Luca Turilli, the composer, says: “There is a cool story related with “Il Cigno Nero”. I composed it in a couple of days on my grand piano and it was born as a bonus track only. But soon we all started loving its glorious melodies and the depth of the lyrics related with metaphysics and spiritual evolution. In a short time it defeated the whole “competition” of the other tracks becoming the new album opener. Now I am really looking forward to playing it on stage on our upcoming tour in this new special “reloaded” version!”

Rhapsody have announced their 2016 North American co-headlining tour with German power metallers, Primal Fear. The tour will kick off at a very special show on April 28th at Stage 48 in New York City. Pre-sale tickets for the exclusive NYC date are now on sale.

"We are all extremely excited and looking forward to playing a memorable show in New York on April 28th, 2016", commented Luca Turilli. "It will be a true honour to co-headline that special evening with our friends of Primal Fear. And that will be just the beginning, as the two bands will bring their glorious music across US from the east to the west coast. Many more dates will be announced in 10 days. Stay tuned!"

The band are touring in support of their latest album, Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus, released by Nuclear Blast Records. More dates will be announced soon. For additional information, tickets and VIP tickets visit this location.

European Prometheus Cinematic Tour dates are listed below.

January
15 - Annecy, France - Le Brise Glace
16 - Mannheim, Germany - Alte Seilerei
17 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
18 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix
20 - Hamburg, Germany - Logo
21 - Berlin, Germany - Columbia Theater
22 - Prague, Czech Republic - Nova Chmelnice
23 - Wroclaw, Poland - Alibi
24 - Warsaw, Poland - Proxima
26 - Kosice, Slovakia - Collosseum
27 - Budapest, Hungary - Club 202
29 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Majestic Music Club
30 - Vienna, Austria - Szene
31 - Augsburg, Germany - Spectrum

February
1 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colossaal
3 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
4 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
5 - Lyss, Switzerland - Kufa
6 - Paris, France - Divan Du Monde
8 - Glasgow, Scotland - Audio Glasgow
9 - London, England - 02 Academy Islington
10 - Vosselaar, Belgium - Biebob
12 - Madrid, Spain - Caracol
13 - Barcelona, Spain - Salamandra 1
16 - Lyon, France - Ninkasi Kao
17 - Bologna, Italy - Estragon
18 - Rome, Italy - Orion
19 - Milan, Italy - Live Club

 



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Austin, TX’s The Crowned has plotted up something murderous and BraveWords is their accomplice hosting the premier of their new video “Kill”.

"Kill" was shot and filmed in San Antonio and Austin, TX. Filmed by professional videographer Mark Aaron with Elite films. Mark has filmed The Crowned on three separate occasions now each with excellent quality production. As the videos keep on coming, the more extreme they get. This time, The Crowned added in a new flavor and brought on board Corpse Queen from a band called The Graves babes based out of San Antonio. Her beautiful looks and evil intentions in this video went together very well along with her gorgeous singing voice.

The Crowned has been killing it on stage since late 2013. With four singles available online, three of which are music videos now, The Crowned will be anticipating a full-length album in 2016. As crazy as The Crowned's videos are, fans can definitely expect something extreme in the future.

The Crowned play a music style similar to All That Remains, As I Lay Dying, and Unearth compiling heavy riffs with melodic parts, guitar solos, breakdowns, singing, and screaming putting forth lots of energy on stage with great concert performances. 



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Inner Wound Recordings announce the signing of Greek progressive metal band Sunburst to the label. Their debut album, Fragments Of Creation, will be released on February 26th in Europe and North America. The music video for the song "Dementia" was directed by Bob Katsionis and is streaming below.

The sound of Sunburst can be described as Dream Theater meets Nevermore and Conception, and with Fragments Of Creation they show that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Fragments Of Creation tracklisting:

“Out Of The World”
“Dementia”
“Symbol Of Life”
“Reincarnation”
“Lullaby”
“End Of The Game”
“Beyond The Darkest Sun”
“Forevermore”
“Break The Core”
“Remedy Of My Heart”

“Dementia” video:

Fragments Of Creation (CD + shirt bundle available) can be pre-ordered at this location.

Sunburst are:

Vasilis Georgiou (Black Fate, Innosense) - Vocals
Gus Drax (Biomechanical, Paradox, Black Fate, Suicidal Angels) - Guitars
Kostas Milonas (Blacklegs, N.U.R.V, G.K Group) - Drums
Nick Grey (End Of Innocense, Jailcat) - Bass

 



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Following its original release in 2014, Devin Townsend's debut as Casualties Of Cool will see a full worldwide release on the January 15th, with the two CDs joined by a brand new bonus live DVD featuring a full set filmed at London's beautiful Union Chapel during the short run of shows that took place around the albums launch.

Now they launch a video taken from the DVD; you can watch the live version of “Daddy” below.

Devin had this to say: "Casualties Of Cool is a project that means a great deal to me, and also one that we have only had the chance to play live with three (3) times (!). This DVD we made was the second show we ever played and the first with Morgan on drums, so there's an element of 'warts and all' involved that I take into consideration. However, Casualties is very refreshing for me. No click tracks, no backing tracks, no talking and a hefty dose of live improvisation make this a situation that I believe with some exposure could hold an absolute ton of potential. The idea is to take a typical folky aesthetic and wrap it in a moody, kind of haunted David Lynch type aura. It's great fun and Che is brilliant.

I have always said that having played metal and then trying to do something different is akin to having had done porn and then trying to be a 'legitimate' actor. I love metal and will always play it, but damn... I think given half a chance Casualties Of Cool could be really awesome as a live entity. So anyways, I'm not holding my breath but we took some time and 3 cameras to our second gig ever at the Union Chapel last year in London, and here is a song. I hope some of you enjoy it.” :)

The release is now available to pre-order at this location.

The expanded album tracklisting is as follows:

CD 1
"Daddy"
"Mountaintop"
"Flight"
"The Code"
"Moon"
"Pier" (Instrumental)
"Ether"
"Hejda"
"Forgive Me"
"Broken"
"Bones"
"Deathscope"
"The Field"
"The Bridge"
"Pure" (intrumental)

CD 2 - Ghost B-Sides
"Ghost Wives"
"Drained"
"Dig for Gold"
"Dead Eyes"
"Drench"
"Mend" (instrumental)
"Where You’ve Been"
"Gone is Gone"
"Fight"
"Glass World"
"Aquarius"
"Perspective"
"Moonshine"

DVD - Live At Union Chapel, London
"Daddy"
"The Code"
"Mountaintop"
"Flight"
"Ether"
"Moon / Pier"
"Bones"
"Forgive Me"
"Jam"
"The Field"
"Deathscope"
"Gone Is Gone"
"The Bridge"

Bonus features:
Interview
"Mountaintop" (video)
"Flight" (video)

For Townsend, Casualties Of Cool is an escape - from over 20 years of relentless productivity, of the pre-conceptions of him that come with being one of the biggest names in his sphere. A project over four years in the making, largely at night when home from turning the dial up for the day job in the studio, Casualties Of Cool has seen Townsend look at himself in order to go forward. Digging out a battered old Fender amp and telecaster, he revisited the rootsy country and North American folk music of his youth. It provides the backbone of the album that's eventually come to fruition, opening with “Daddy’s” shuffling percussion and bluesy finger-picked motif, resurfacing during “The Code” and it’s sultry twilight atmospherics and “Forgive Me” with it’s hushed ambience. It's a subtly applied but vital part of this record, providing the bones for the flesh to hang from.

"My childhood was full of that type of music," says Townsend. "At Christmas my grandfather would insist on the whole family sitting around singing uncomfortably along to Johnny Cash songs and Irish stuff like the Clancy Brothers. It was a big part of my childhood, it's not like I'm putting on a new hat here."  

The luxuriant vocals of Ché Aimee Dorval have draped themselves over a previous Townsend release - 2009's Ki - and so it was perhaps no surprise that the two would find their way back to each other. Recorded by Aimee herself on her laptop, her voice is as important as the shuffling folk that permeates the record, in acting as a glue for the whole thing - her wistful tones hold together constructs so free-form at times they might disintegrate.

Check out the video for the track “Mountaintop”:

Directed by Jessica Cope (Steven Wilson, Storm Corrosion), Devin had the following to say about it: “Uere is the video for “Mountaintop”, from Casualties Of Cool. I have been a fan of Jessica Copes' work for a while now, and the opportunity to work with her rose for this album and we are thrilled with the result.  Although the concept of the video is loosely based on the concept of the record, we found it worked better as a standalone piece. Ché Aimee Dorval and I therefore decided not to have the characters in the video portray us personally. I hope you enjoy this, I'm so happy to have an opportunity to work with brilliant artists in the career. I'm very proud of this album and video!"

For Townsend, the themes of the record surround what he believes to be a bridge in his career; an acceptance of the artist he is today and embracing the fear of leaving behind what people know of him.



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"Snake Charmer", a brand new song from Texas heavy rockers DROWNING POOL, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "Hellelujuah", which will be released on February 5 via eOne Music. The follow-up to 2013's "Resilience" was recorded with renowned producer Jason Suecof (AUGUST BURNS RED, DEICIDE, DEATH ANGEL).

DROWNING POOL bassist and founding member Stevie Benton says: "'Snake Charmer' has such a mean groove, but underneath that funky feel lies the same raw dark energy you'll find throughout the entire new record."

He continues: "This is a tune about the poisonous souls we have endured during our time in the music business. We won't name any names, but you know who you are. Basically, it's about how to keep kicking ass when things go bad."

The cover art for "Hellelujuah" was designed by world-renowned artist Brian Mercer, who has previously worked with Chris Cornell, LAMB OF GOD and HIGH ON FIRE.

"Hellelujuah" track listing:

01. Push02. By The Blood03. Drop04. Hell To Pay05. We Are The Devil06. Snake Charmer07. My Own Way08. Goddamn Vultures09. Another Name10. Sympathy Depleted11. Stomping Ground12. Meet The Bullet13. All Saints Day

DROWNING POOL earlier in the year embarked on the second leg of its "Sinner Unlucky 13th Anniversary Tour", on which the band played its 2001 debut album, "Sinner", from start to finish.

The "Sinner" album arrived in June 2001 and featured the monster single "Bodies", plus follow-up rock radio hits "Sinner" and "Tear Away".

Original DROWNING POOL frontman Dave Williams, who sang on "Sinner", passed away from heart disease on the band's tour bus in August 2002, while the group was out promoting the record.

In January 2004, the band announced the addition of singer Jason "Gong" Jones. Their sophomore effort, "Desensitized", followed several months later. In 2006, Ryan McCombs assumed the vocal duties, and a year later they released "Full Circle", followed by a self-titled album in 2010. McCombs, the only singer to ever record more than one album with the group, departed the following year, and was replaced by SUICIDE HOOK vocalist Jasen Moreno, who made his official debut on "Resilience".

Toxicology tests have revealed Scott Weiland died of a toxic combination of drugs and alcohol.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner in Minneapolis, near where the former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and VELVET REVOLVER singer died, says the results show Scott overdosed on cocaine, methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA; also known as "sally" or "the love drug," and chemically related to the drug ecstasy) and ethanol. The report also indicates heart disease and asthma were "significant" conditions. The test results also revealed Scott's "multi-substance dependence" was a factor.

Weiland was found dead on his tour bus on December 3 at the age of 48.

A small amount of cocaine was found on the bus and Tommy Black, bassist for Scott's band THE WILDABOUTS, was arrested for possession.

Both STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and VELVET REVOLVER issued statements on his passing, while musicians and fans around the world have also posted tributes.

Weiland had a history of drug abuse. He was arrested in 1995 for attempting to buy crack cocaine before being arrested again two years later for heroin possession. In 1999, the singer was ordered to spend a year in a county-jail recovery center due to a probation violation. He also entered rehab following a DUI arrest in November 2007.

STP fired Weiland in February 2013 after reuniting with him in 2010 for a series of tours and one self-titled album. The band had previously been on hiatus since 2002, primarily due to the singer's struggles with drugs and alcohol. STONE TEMPLE PILOTS then recruited a new frontman, Chester Bennington of LINKIN PARK, and released one critically acclaimed EP, "High Rise".

Speaking to a Canadian reporter last year, Weiland denied that his "demons" were still a factor as he continued to tour with THE WILDABOUTS. "Past demons are past demons; that's stuff that I dealt with 14 years ago," he said. "I mean, I guess Keith Richards [of THE ROLLING STONES] gets asked about [his past drug use], so why shouldn't I? But it's not something that I think about, ever. Those days of my dope abuse, and use, are long since by me."

Weiland's passing is the second death for THE WILDABOUTS. Back in March, THE WILDABOUTS guitarist Jeremy Brown died as a result of intoxication from multiple drugs. Brown's death was ruled accidental.

THE UNGUIDED — the Swedish band featuring former SONIC SYNDICATE members Richard Sjunnesson (vocals), Roland Johansson (vocals) and Roger Sjunnesson (guitar; Richard's brother) — will release its new album, "Lust And Loathing", on February 26, 2016 via Napalm Records.

The official lyric video for the CD's first single, "The Worst Day (Revisited)", can be seen below.

Says Richard Sjunnesson: "This song broadcast a little different angle of THE UNGUIDED; with its punky verses and drop-dead 'death metal'-tasting features, it tosses us straight into uncharted grounds in terms of our sound. Obviously, it still manages to capture that trademark hooky chorus dynamics of the band, and it's delicately underlined by a beautiful piano melody. Lyrically, it's very open hearted and exposed. If you want it more up close and personal, you'd actually have to undress us. Perfect example of what's to come on 'Lust And Loathing'!"

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

Comments Richard Sjunnesson: "Sitting on the new songs for what felt like a lifetime and finally get[ting] to shed some light on what's to come from camp THE UNGUIDED is a sensation on its own.

"This is the last part of an album trilogy that's been in the making for six years, and what a climax it is indeed. Expect the unexpected! We poured everything and more into this one."

"Lust And Loathing" track listing:

01. Enraged02. The Worst Day (Revisited) 03. King Of Clubs04. Heartseeker05. Photobs Grip06. Black Eyed Angel07. Operation: E.A.E.08. Boneyard09. Hate (And Other Triumphs)10. Mercy (bonus track)11. Judgment (bonus track)12. Betrayer Of The Code (live)

Photo credit: Patric Ullaeus

Showcasing their passion for classical music, Los Angeles-based neoclassical metal-inspired extreme shred quartet, Exmortus, have revealed a new track from their upcoming release, Ride Forth. In celebration of iconic composer Ludwig van Beethoven's birthday, the band has covered one of his most famous pieces, “Appassionata." Check out the instrumental track's animated video below.

Having previously covered Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata (Act 3)" on their Prosthetic debut Slave To The Sword, drummer Mario Moreno chimed in on their decision to include "Appassionata" on the new album: "Being classical music fans, we thought it would be cool to do another classical piece for 'Ride Forth,' and once again we picked something from Beethoven because he’s rad and shreds the keys. What better time to release this track than on the month and guesstimated day he was born?"

Exmortus  will further their claim that "metal is king" in early 2016 with their blistering new album, Ride Forth. The band recently unveiled another pulverizing new track from their forthcoming release. The heroic lyric video for "Death To Tyrants" can be seen below:

Ride Forth was recorded earlier this year with producer Zack Ohren (Suffocation, Immolation) before the group hit the road alongside guitar legend Marty Friedman on his recent North American tour. More details about the new album will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Having previously shared stages with the likes of Kyng, Destruction, Dark Tranquillity, Krisiun and Hatchet, Exmortus will next appear at Southern California's Winter Slaughter Fest with Flotsam & Jetsam and label mates Holy Grail before kicking off the new year with an intense seven-week jaunt alongside Enforcer, Warbringer and Cauldron.

Full dates and information can be found here.

The menacing cover for the new release – featuring oil-painted artwork by the legendary Philip Lawvere (Kreator, Celtic Frost), who previously contributed his epic artistry to the band's 2014 label debut, Slave To The Sword – can be seen below.

Tracklisting:

“Speed Of The Strike”
“Relentless”
“For The Horde”
“Let Us Roam”
“Black Sails”
“Hymn Of Hate”
“Appassionata”
“Death To Tyrants”
“Fire And Ice”

“Relentless” lyric video:

Exmortus recently premiered a new song, "For The Horde”.

The song is now available for download on Bandcamp, Amazon and iTunes. You can also stream it on Spotify or via the lyric video below:

"For The Horde" is also released as a limited-edition 7”, which features an exclusive cover of Yngwie Malmsteen's "As Above, So Below" as its B-side. Order it now. The artwork, shown above, was contributed by Cyril van der Haegen, who also designed the cover art for the group's sold-out 2013 7”, "Immortality Made Flesh”.

(Photo: Stephanie Cabral)

 



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Progressive guitar virtuoso Angel Vivaldi is fresh off of his successful Touring You Apart tour and already planning his touring schedule for spring 2016. In the meantime, Vivaldi has been hard at work putting the finishing touches on his cover of "Crystal Planet" (featuring As Blood Runs Black's Dan Sugarman), originally performed by guitar legend Joe Satriani.
 
Angel Vivaldi is pleased to unleash this re-imagined track along with its accompanying music video, streaming below.
 
Vivaldi's modern progressive take on Satriani's guitar rock anthem sees the song in a much heavier light. "The original has practically no rhythm guitar in it at all. A lot of those progressions were fantastic but were often overlooked by, of course, Joe's stellar playing. My goal was to make the song groovier and exaggerate the leads with different dynamics/harmonies," Vivaldi says. "I've always admired Joe's ability to say a lot with the simplest phrasing. I wanted to honor these melodies with more dramatic, sometimes even aggressive variations to compliment the feel of the rhythm guitars."
 
The video was directed by Tony Stewart, who also sat in the director's chair for Vivaldi's video for the track "A Martian Winter". The "Crystal Planet" cover was produced by Will Putney at Graphic Nature Audio (After The Burial, Shadows Fall, Northlane). Putney also produced Vivaldi's latest release, Away With Words, Part 1 (iTunes) and the critically acclaimed Universal Language EP (iTunes).

 
"Crystal Planet" and more releases are available on iTunes and Bandcamp.

 



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Oakland, CA quartet Lycus are streaming the new track, “Obsidian Eyes”, from their upcoming Chasms album. Listen below:

Chasms is an intensely powerful and emotive masterpiece of funereal doom metal that marks the band's first full-length recording since 2013's Tempest and their first venture with new allies Relapse Records. Chasms is due out on January 15th, and promises to be the new year's heaviest offering. Pre-orders are available now for both physical and digital versions.

Also streaming is the first track off Chasms, a lumbering, menacing dirge entitled "Solar Chamber”. As Lycus drummer Trevor DeSchryver commented, “Serving as one of the more sonically diverse songs on the album, 'Solar Chamber' was inspired by the unavoidable horrors of this world revealed by the sun. It is based on the notion that one may find serenity and solace in the darkness of night, as opposed to the crippling fear and anxiety brought on by the oppressive light of day."

Originally formed in the fall of 2008, Lycus began as one of the very few doom metal bands in the Sacramento area. After relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area, founding members Trevor DeSchryver and Jackson Heath reformed the band and recorded Demo MMXI at Earhammer Studios in Oakland, CA. Demo MMXI was released on cassette by Graceless Recordings, then on vinyl through The Flenser in January 2012.

More recently, Lycus experienced tremendous growth and recognition that belie the band’s youth and early obscurity. The band issued their debut full-­length, Tempest, in July 2013 (20 Buck Spin) to extensive critical acclaim. The reception was enough to catch the attention of Relapse Records, who signed the Oakland undertakers in January 2015.

Recorded at Atomic Garden Studios with producer Jack Shirley and featuring art from celebrated Italian mastermind Paolo Girardi (Inquistion, Bell Witch), Chasms is four immense tracks of deep, unbridled gloom for acolytes of Mournful Congregation, Inter Arma, Evoken, and YOB. Complete with massive clean / bellowing vocal arrangements, atmospheric cello accompaniments, and enormous compositions, LYCUS have created another mournfully expressive work of timeless doom.  

 



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According to The Pulse Of Radio, SICK PUPPIES have stayed relatively low-key since splitting with singer and guitarist Shim Moore in 2014, but now the band is starting to drop hints that it is ready to resurface. The group has released a new black-and-white teaser video that shows quick images of bassist Emma Anzai, drummer Mark Goodwin and the new frontman, whose identity has yet to be revealed.

SICK PUPPIES stated via Facebook: "To all of our incredible fans who have been patiently waiting, here is a sample of what’s to come. We are so excited to unleash this upon the world! We have poured everything we have into it and are stoked for you to hear it."

The music in the clip sounds heavier on first listen than what the trio has done in the past.

The band has not provided any further details about the identity of its newest member, but said the announcement of the new singer "will be sooner than you think."

There's no word yet on a new album but SICK PUPPIES have booked several festival dates for next year, including Welcome To Rockville on May 1, Carolina Rebellion on May 6 and Rock On The Range on the weekend of May 20.

Infamous extreme metal instigators, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, have returned with the first in a series of four EPs designed to decimate your total being. Led by the distinctive howl of vocalist Kat Katz, Agoraphobic Nosebleed has unleashed a crushing, three-song onslaught of misanthropic, musical violence.

Simply titled Arc, the over twenty-five-minute long sludge-fueled feast finds Agoraphobic Nosebleed sounding heavier, doomier and more destructive than ever before. Believe it. Each EP in the series will represent the musical influences and tastes of each member. Details on the others will be revealed at a later date. Arc will be officially unveiled on January 22nd. Listen to the track “Not A Daughter”, streaming below.

Arc tracklisting:

“Not A Daughter”
“Deathbed”
“Gnaw”

“Not A Daughter”:

Trailer:

In related news and in conjunction with the release of Arc, both Agoraphobic Nosebleed's Frozen Corpse Stuffed With Dope and Altered States Of America full-lengths will be available on vinyl for the first time in over a decade.
 
Sample the trailer below:

An overwhelming, concentrated outpouring of perceptual stimuli, Agoraphobic Nosebleed's second full-length, the 2002-issued Frozen Corpse Stuffed With Dope, referenced the glory days of early '00s grindcore while disregarding the genre's current ideals, becoming one of the most talked-about grindcore records in recent history. The album and band were featured in numerous high-profile media outlets. Perhaps Frozen Corpse's best description came from vocalist J. Randall who surmised, "Frozen Corpse Stuffed With Dope is like ripping through back catalog Earache blastbeat shit armed with a submachine gun at 400 rounds per minute."
 
While the fires left burning in Frozen Corpse's wake were still smoldering, Agoraphobic set to work on a concept so bizarre, no one would believe it. With a focused mindset, and a plethora of mind-confounding ideas, the band wrote and recorded Altered States Of America, a 100-track three-CD set. Initially released on April Fools Day, 2003, Altered States Of America delivered the most ambitious Agoraphobic Nosebleed yet: completely inhuman music with a consummate disregard for its listener. Round after round, clip after clip, Agoraphobic Nosebleed unloaded an arsenal of stupefying guitar work, experimental noise and drum machine-gun blast beats while swarming vocalists hatefully taunted the listener into the crossfire. Initially released as a 10", Altered States Of America will receive the 12" treatment for the first time ever.
 
Arc, along with the vinyl editions of Frozen Corpse Stuffed With Dope and Altered States Of America, will be available on January 22nd. Physical preorders are available now here. Desirers of the digitals, head here.

 



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After a memorable CD launch show in their hometown of Porto Alegre, Brazil, for their fifth and new self-titled album released earlier this August, power metallers Hibria want to share some of that experience with their fans and friends with the a new live video for their track “Lonely Fight”.

The track is from their 2013 release Silent Revenge. The concert also included special participation from Distraught vocalist André Meyer and former Hibria members Marco Panichi and Diego Kasper. Watch the video below:

Hibria, formed in 1996 in Porto Alegre/Brazil, has been recognized worldwide, both by the media and the audience, after the release of the debut album Defying The Rules in 2004 and a highly successful journey began. With a lot of attention in their home country, the Brazilians were able to establish itself as superstars in Asia and especially in Japan, where each of their albums ended up in the Top 100 charts and where they are easily able to fill the largest venues at their live performances for over a decade. Meanwhile Hibria is a real international force and a hot contender when it comes to climb the global metal throne.

Hibria is:

Iuri Sanson (Vocals)
Abel Camargo (Guitars)
Renato Osorio (Guitars)
Benhur Lima (Bass)
Eduardo Baldo (Drums)



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Our Oceans have released a playthrough video for “Tangled”, a track from their debut album. Watch the clip below;

Our Oceans are streaming their debut album in it’s entirety. Physical copies are exclusively available at ouroceans.net. The album is also available as a digital download in all major online music stores.

Our Oceans is a new band, formed by guitarist Tymon Kruidenier (Exivious, ex-Cynic). Featuring Robin Zielhorst (Exivious, ex-Cynic) on fretless bass, Jasper Barendregt (Dodecahedron, Ulsect) on drums and Michel Nienhuis (Exivious, Dodecahedron) on additional guitars. Their music can be described as immersive, otherworldly and deeply melancholic.

Album stream:

Our Oceans by Our Oceans

“What If” lyric video:

“Let Me” lyric video:



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Swedish melodic rockers Solution .45 released their new album Nightmares In The Waking State – Part I on November 20th via AFM Records. A new video for “After (The Unbearable Weight Of Nothing)” is streaming below.

The album is available on CD and gatefold blue 2LP (limited to 500 units) as well as most digital platforms.

Tracklisting:

“Wanderer From The Fold”
“Perfecting The Void”
“Bleed Heavens Dry”
“Winning Where Losing Is All”
“In Moments Of Despair”
“Second To None”
“Targeting Blaze”
“After (The Unbearable Weight Of Nothing)”
“Wield The Scepter”
“I, Nemesis”

“After (The Unbearable Weight Of Nothing)” video:

“Winning Where Losing Is All” video:

“Perfecting The Void” lyric video:



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The second single from Hellion lead guitarist and solo artist Maxxxwell Carlisle’s upcoming solo album, When The Clock Strikes Metal, has been released. Featuring Michael Yancy on vocals, the track is a cover of U.D.O.'s "Black Widow" originally from the 1987 Animal House album.

"I've tried to pick out cover songs that are a little off the beaten path. This is one of my favourite deep cuts from the U.D.O./Accept catalog. It's a hard hitting classic metal track that was a total blast to record. It was also great to work with Michael Yancy again. He always brings a lot of enthusiasm to the project and think it really comes through in the finished product."

"Black Widow" is available now on iTunes and Amazon. Listen to the track below:

Carlisle previously released a cover of "Like Hell", originally recorded by Japanese metal legends Loudness on their 1985 Thunder In The East album. Featuring Fang VonWrathenstein (Lords Of The Trident) on vocals, the cover track is one of several singles to be released for Carlisle's upcoming full-length solo album, which will feature covers and new original material.

"I've long been a huge fan of Loudness and in particular, Akira Takasaki's guitar playing. My upcoming album features covers as well as originals
so it was a perfect opportunity to pay tribute to some of my favourite players and bands."

The single can be streamed below:

When The Clock Strikes Metal will be Maxxxwell's sixth solo album and features a host of guest vocalists and guitarists, playing a mix of original songs and carefully selected covers. In addition to his upcoming solo album, Maxxxwell continues to work with Hellion on a new live album, new studio tracks and touring. Hellion is scheduled to perform on the East Coast Monsters of Rock Cruise in February.

Maxxxwell also hosts a weekly radio show on Metal Express Radio, playing select power metal and classic metal cuts.



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The return of UK rock legends Thunder, who had a Top 10 UK album earlier this year, continues into 2016 with full details of a three-disc set documenting the story of the band’s latest album, Wonder Days, plus a Limited Edition 12“ vinyl album of the band’s fulminant show at Loud Park Festival 2014.

Entitled All You Can Eat, it documents the story of Wonder Days, Thunder’s first studio album for six years, and includes a live album, an in-the-studio session, and a documentary film. As a special treat, Live At Loud Park will be released as a limited edition 12” single vinyl album.

All You Can Eat will be released on January 29th on earMUSIC as 2CD+DVD, Blu-ray+2CD and download.

Disc 1 - Starter – Live At RAK Studio 1
The band was asked by their record label to record some live B-Sides and extra tracks for formats. The session took place at the famous RAK Studio 1 on November 4th and 5th 2014, during the two days preceding the band’s show at Brooklyn Bowl in the O2 in London. The band set up in the studio to record 100% live, and as quickly as possible. They played fourteen songs one after another, with no breaks, no stops, overdubs or fix ups. The end result is astonishing. There was also a live acoustic session the next day, which is currently being considered for possible release later next year (the tracks didn’t fit on the CD).

Disc 2 – Main Course - Live At The Brooklyn Bowl
The Brooklyn Bowl show on November 6th 2014 was offered free to fans, in association with Classic Rock Magazine. There was no fee for tickets, and fans applied online in their thousands for the chance to hear the band play brand new songs from ‘Wonder Days’, three months ahead of the release, alongside Thunder classics, and some never played before covers. The rules were pretty simple - no cameras, no video, no social media updates, just word of mouth. Thunder fans duly obliged, and the evening was stunning. The show was captured; audio and video, and eight of the songs were given away on the cover of Classic Rock Magazine in January 2015. The rest have stayed in the filing cabinet, until now…

Disc 3 - Dessert - Wonder Days The Film
A documentary made by Tim Sidwell from Toward Infinity, this film details the story behind the making of the Wonder Days album, and features extensive band interviews, along with studio footage from the WD session, clips from the live session at RAK Studio 1, the Brooklyn Bowl live show, the triumphant March 2015 UK shows, and the Loud Park show, filmed for TV in Tokyo (Oct 2014). 60 minutes of pure Thunder fan joy…

Trailer:

Pre-order exclusive bundles here.

The band will be blowing the roof off arenas around the UK in February, with Terrorvision and King King in support, including a date at London’s SSE Arena, Wembley.

Says lead singer Danny Bowes: “The shows in March were incredible, and the new songs went down just as well as the Thunder favourites. We can’t wait for February, so we can do it all over again.”

Tour dates

February
15 - Nottingham, England - Royal Concert Hall
16 - Bristol, England - Colston Hall
18 - Glasgow, Scotland - SECC Clyde Auditorium
19 - Sheffield, England - Sheffield Arena
20 - London, England - SSE Arena Wembley



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Protest The Hero have unveiled the new single and artwork from their recently launched 6-month long Pacific Myth subscription service, titled “Cold Water”. Structured as a subscription service for fans, Pacific Myth promises to deliver one track on the 15th day of each month over a 6-month period of recording, as well as access to a gamut of original content not available anywhere else.

Says Luke Hoskin, "The reaction to Pacific Myth has been astounding. While the subscription idea itself tends to be polarizing, our hearts are warmed by the fact so many of our fans have come with us despite hesitation. We are committed to bolstering the value of everyone's subscription more and more with each month. We continue in that mindset as we release another new song and another episode in our doc-series. "Cold Water" will definitely challenge listeners - layering tons of music ideas and bordering on psychedelic at times! We hope it's as fun to listen to as it was for us to create."

Artwork for the latest single is by the talented Jeff Jordan who is currently busy painting the artwork for the 4th single in the series.

Those who subscribed to Tier 2 of the subscription-based platform will also be able to access Episode 3 of a very special documentary series titled “Of Our Own Volition” filmed by award-winning director Marc Ricciardelli.

Episode 3 focuses on the departure of friend and drummer Moe Carlson and sheds light on a band who until this point, managed to maintain an entirely original lineup - a rarity to say the least. Fans get an inside look as the band overcomes the loss of one of their brothers and faces the time-sensitive task of replacing him. Enter drummer Chris Adler who provides an honest account of what he went through joining the project, and how close he came to throwing in the towel. His obsessive determination was not only key to completing the project, but also a source of motivation for the other members as Adler lays the groundwork for one of PTH’s best efforts. Watch the teaser for the documentary below.
 
For those who had signed up for Tier 1 but would like to upgrade in order to access the documentary series, you can upgrade to Tier 2 at this location.

Hailing originally from Whitby, ON, Protest The Hero consists of four core members, Rody Walker (vox), Luke Hoskin (lead guitar/vox), Tim MacMillar (guitar/vox), and Michael Ieradi (drums) alongside their longtime friend Cam McLellan filling in on bass. The band has always prided themselves on approaching their craft differently than the rest of the pack exemplified in 2013 when their record label contract was up, and they set a precedent by approaching their rabid fanbase directly to help fund the recording of Volition. The band raised a little over $341,000 of their $125,000 goal, surpassing their goal the very first day the crowdfunding page went live. For more on Protest the Hero, visit the band’s website and social media links below.
 
Check out the video regarding the subscription service here. For more information, visit the band’s custom FAQ here.

 

Fan-filmed video footage of NAPALM DEATH's entire November 23 performance at La Cigale in Paris, France during the "Deathcrusher 2015" European tour with CARCASS, OBITUARY, VOIVOD and HEROD can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Apex Predator – Easy Meat02. Silence Is Deafening03. On The Brink Of Extinction04. Smash A Single Digit05. Timeless Flogging06. How The Years Condemn07. Scum08. Life? 09. The Kill10. Deceiver11. You Suffer12. Cesspits13. Nazi Punks Fuck Off (DEAD KENNEDYS cover)14. Unchallenged Hate15. Suffer The Children16. Siege Of Power

NAPALM DEATH vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway of British grindcore pioneers NAPALM DEATH recently commented on the events of November 13 in Paris, when more than 129 people were killed in seven coordinated terrorist attacks.

The greatest number of deaths took place at the Bataclan, a French music venue where EAGLES OF DEATH METAL were performing when terrorists began a siege that ended with 89 people in the club either shot to death or killed in explosions.

Asked by Metal Wani editor in chief Owais "Vitek" Nabi how he and his bandmates were affected by the Paris terror attacks, Greenway said: "Everybody reacts in different ways. Me personally, I kind of feel like I spent many, many years speaking out against the oppression and the violence and the lack of humanity. So my resolve is constant. I'm actually… Of course, I understand the gravity of it, but I'm not scared by it, 'cause I won't be beat by people like that. That's not meant to be any kind of machismo statement or anything like that; it's actually more of a humanitarian statement. Because I don't think anybody should have to put up with that."

He continued: "I think one thing that is a danger — it's not to justify — but I think you cannot put that incident in isolation. There are many things that go on in the world — violence on a local level, intimidation… and all of it is not acceptable — not just one piece. I mean, obviously, there was a lot of grandstanding involved with the attacks in Paris. It was significant in the sense that it was made for maximum publicity — clearly. But there are other things equally abhorrent in the world, and I think it all has to be looked at on the same level."

Greenway added: "One point I used the other day… We were doing a roundtable discussion with a magazine and I said that… I [talked about] the way that Israel behaves sometimes. Now, I believe, of course, as a human being, that the state of Israel has a right to exist — completely. I would never deny that, because we are all human beings, as they are too, and they have a right to a home. They were escaping from some equally fucking grim circumstances. But that doesn't excuse the way the state of Israel behaves towards the Palestinians, who have been evicted from their lands. And let's face it: there's not a lot of affluence there in Palestinian society, generally across the board. So for them to be oppressed even further, I mean, it's just not right. How can that ever be right? So, you know, just to illustrate the example: everything is equally abhorrent in terms of a human… from a human angle."

A number of artists halted their European treks in the wake of the Paris attacks, including LAMB OF GOD, FOO FIGHTERS, DEFTONES and others.

Niclas Müller-Hansen of RockSverige.se recently conducted an interview with MÖTLEY CRÜE and SIXX: A.M. bassist Nikki Sixx. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On MÖTLEY CRÜE's "The Final Tour" coming to and end:

"I'm a person who believes in manifesting stuff, and I'm usually about 24 months ahead of whatever I'm doing at this moment. So when we were putting together the final tour for MÖTLEY CRÜE, it was a couple of years ago. We were working on and talking about how we were gonna end it and where we were gonna end it and what it would look like and what it would smell like and feel like. So we've been in this for a while, even though we're winding down now.

"We all know what's coming, and we're all in the same place, which is: we love each other, we love what we've achieved, but we all wanna do something else as well. And we think that the only way to do something as well — well, we know — is to leave this intact. Because there isn't enough time. I haven't been able to tour with SIXX: A.M. because of MÖTLEY CRÜE. I don't blame MÖTLEY CRÜE — MÖTLEY CRÜE's my No. 1 band — but I wanna make SIXX: A.M. my No. 1 band. And the other guys feel the same way. Tommy's [Lee, MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer] into a totally different kind of music; he's into electronic music. And Mick [Mars, MÖTLEY CRÜE guitarist] wants to do something more bluesy, guitar driven, and Vince [Neil, MÖTLEY CRÜE singer] has a lot of businesses he's involved in. So for us to look at our calendar in 2016 and go, 'There's no MÖTLEY CRÜE. What can I do with my time?' And I'm already planning what I'm doing, and I'm sure so is everybody else."

On whether he will ever play any MÖTLEY CRÜE songs again after "The Final Tour":

"I said, 'I will never play MÖTLEY CRÜE music again,' because I wanted people to hear me. I wanted them to hear that we [SIXX: A.M.] have five hit singles right now, we have a double record coming out, we've got two years of touring. It's really not part of the plan. After seeing my own words in the press, I was, like, who knows? Maybe four or five years down the road, maybe we'll do an acoustic version of 'Live Wire' or do some interesting… But you will never see this band [SIXX: A.M.] lean on MÖTLEY CRÜE, because I don't think that's fair. I wrote the songs, so I guess I'm entitled to play them if I want. I just want some distance."

On the two new SIXX: A.M. albums which are going to be released in 2016:

"We have an eight-… It might even end up being a nine-minute long song. That will probably end up ending one of the records. We have a very short song that's really simple — just basic guitar and James's [Michael, SIXX: A.M. singer] voice and a powerful lyric. It'll find a home, because we have another slow song. So we're starting to do that. It's kind of exciting. Thematically, they're not a concept, but they do tie together sonically."

On the biggest misconception about him:

"I think that people might think I'm a little more exciting than I am. I'll be honest with you, I'm really quite boring. But I'm always looking for something, and I think because of that, I'm not really that rock and roll. I don't think I'm very rock and roll at all. I'll be honest with you. I'm the 'anti rock star.' I am boring. If you're watching this, don't pay any attention to me. [Laughs]"

MÖTLEY CRÜE's "The Final Tour" kicked off last year and will end New Year's Eve at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

MÖTLEY CRÜE first announced plans for their two-year "Final Tour" by signing a Cessation Of Touring Agreement at a press conference in Los Angeles in January 2014, solidifying the end of their touring career with their last show ever on New Year's Eve at Staples Center in their hometown of Los Angeles. Since the announcement the band has been touring tirelessly to say goodbye to fans around the world. The 2014 leg of "The Final Tour" was one of last year's top-grossing tours, selling close to a million tickets across 72 cities and grossing more than $45 million.

Rikki Rockett says that "it's time" for POISON to return to activity, explaining that the group will "get killed off if we don't do anything."

POISON appeared at the 2013 Indy 500 Miller Lite Carb Day, but has otherwise been mostly playing private shows, including one this past January. The band's last major dates were with LITA FORD and DEF LEPPARD as part of the 2012 "Rock Of Ages" tour.

POISON lead singer Bret Michaels is continuing to focus on his solo career and recently released the video for "Girls On Bars", his new rock-and-country-crossover track which was written with Grammy Award-winning songwriter Luke Laird.

During an appearance on the December 14 edition of Eddie Trunk's SiriusXM satellite radio show, "Eddie Trunk Live", Rockett stated about POISON's current status: "There's talk of a tour. There's been some discussions here and there. I don't know where that sits yet. I mean, it's the thirtieth anniversary [of the band], so it would be good [for us to get back out there]."

He continued: "Well, you know, we wanted to get out there and do something. We haven't toured in a couple of years. We have done some private stuff. Like last year, we did San Diego and a bunch of different corporate gigs. They were cool gigs."

Asked about the current vibe within the band when they get together to play these corporate shows, Rikki said: "It feels a little bit 'business.' There's some hurt feelings, there's some weirdnesses… I mean, there just is. I don't know that we can ever fix all of it or any of it."

The drummer also spoke about the possibility of new music from POISON, whose most recent album was 2007's covers set "Poison'd!", while the band's last collection of new, original music was 2002's "Hollyweird".

"I don't know that Bret wants to do another record with us," he said. "I think he'll do shows, I think he'll do maybe a tour." As for whether he wants to make a new POISON album, Rikki said: "I absolutely do. I've got a lot to write about. I mean, I've developed as a drummer so much more than the last time we made a record. I've developed as a recording engineer since I've made the last record; I could probably engineer our own record. So I do wanna do all those things. I wanna work. I'm not done, but I'm not a kid either. So it's kind of like, 'Shit or get off the pot.' I mean, literally. And I can't hang out in the wings forever. Who can?"

Rockett also talked about the formation of THE SPECIAL GUESTS, the touring project he launched with fellow POISON members Bobby Dall (bass) and C.C. DeVille (guitar), plus vocalist/rhythm guitarist Brandon Gibbs (CHEAP THRILL, DEVIL CITY ANGELS). He said: "You know, there's no reason to say, 'Okay, POISON is broken up.' There's no reason to do that, because [if] the thirtieth [anniversary] comes up and there's some special show [that we end up doing]… But I think that we do need to start looking in other directions, and Brandon was an obvious choice because I had already worked with him [in DEVIL CITY ANGELS], Bobby met him, C.C.… Everybody likes the guy. I mean, he's super freakin' talented, he's great on stage, girls love the guy. And he's not Bret, and he doesn't wanna be Bret; we're not trying to make him Bret. If he would ever replace Bret in whatever capacity you wanna call it, it would be a different chapter, and there would be some pushback from fans. But at the same time, we have this amazing catalog of [POISON] songs, and half of those songs — more than half of those songs — we never play. And there's some great stuff that we could be out there doing."

He continued: "Again, some of this talk about a tour would have been with Bret, or could be, and I hope it does; I mean, I wanna do some stuff. And if it is gonna end, just put an ending to it and move on.

"I have committed to working with Brandon in some capacity probably forever. He's like one of my best friends; I've been knowing this guy almost twelve years. But I don't want that to be my reason to do something — just because he's one of my best buddies. I want it to make sense. But guess what? It does. I mean, if you've seen him, he really is great."

Rockett concluded: "I'm not sitting here saying that POISON's gonna go out and it's gonna be Brandon [singing for the band], POISON's gonna go out and it's gonna be Bret. I don't know. We're trying to figure all this stuff out. And you can't just take the name and just go, 'I'm gonna do this.' It gets legal.

"I'm trying to be as delicate as I can with this, because POISON is my baby, you know what I mean? Thirty years. I don't wanna kill it off. But at the same time, it will get killed off if we don't do anything. It'll just automatically start to suffocate itself. And so, it's time to do something. This year is definitely decision time."

Rockett recently completed nine rounds of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation after being diagnosed with oral cancer this past summer. The 54-year-old rocker will undergo a PET scan in February to determine if the treatment was successful.

Pioneer thrash rock band MEGADETH has announced today that it will give its fans the ultimate cutting edge experience in Virtual Reality. The band will head into a special Virtual Reality set-up with director Blair Underwood where they will perform and film five songs from their upcoming album "Dystopia": "Fatal Illusion", "Dystopia", "The Threat Is Real", "Poisonous Shadows" and "Post American World".

As a director, DGA member, Underwood directed the 2009 independent feature "The Bridge To Nowhere", as well as several music videos, short films and commercials. He is currently recurring on ABC's hit series "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." The band's performance will appear within the fallen city of a dystopian world modeled after the world created in MEGADETH's new music video for "The Threat Is Real".

Next Galaxy Corp., a leading developer of innovative content solutions and immersive consumer virtual reality technology, will create a dystopian universe surrounding the band, and allow fans to virtually enter, engage and explore this parallel world.

Released on January 22, 2016, fans will be able to purchase the new album, a CEEK Virtual Reality cardbox headset with instructions, and a download code to access and unlock exclusive content, which will also be simultaneously launched with the release of "Dystopia" to begin their VR Experience. This special CD package will be available at all physical and online retailers.

Featuring 11 brand new tracks, "Dystopia" will be 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". The result marks a true return to form, adding new blood and injecting a new burst of creative energy into the new album.

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, 2016. The North American leg will take them across the U.S, visiting 12 states and throughout Canada.

Vocalist Mark Osegueda of San Francisco Bay Area metallers DEATH ANGEL spoke to SFWeekly.com about the band's forthcoming follow-up to 2013's "The Dream Calls For Blood" album. He said: "We just finished recording at AudioHammer [studios] in Sanford, Florida with [producer] Jason Suecof again. It's the third time we've used him, and we couldn't really be happier."

He continued: "This time, all the music was written and lyrics were written with the exception of one song, which I purposely saved to write on the spot.

"Sometimes you can get a great vibe from a studio and draw inspiration from that. That song came out great.

"We're looking at an April 2016 release date and songs include 'Father Of Lies' and 'Lost'. I can't tell you any others just yet, though."

Mark added: "It's got the aggressiveness of the last two records, but our songwriting has improved dramatically. Really, it sounds like DEATH ANGEL should."

Osegueda recently told Rock Hard magazine about DEATH ANGEL's mindset going into the songwriting process for the upcoming CD: "When we started working with [producer] Jason Suecof for the last two records, [2010's] 'Relentless Retribution' and 'The Dream Calls For Blood', we thought we were gonna do two records intense like that and kind of go back [to the more] melodic [direction of 1990's] 'Act III', but the last two records, we've been loving so much writing that style, and the crowds have been enjoying them so much.

"In our minds, even if we think we're being more brutal than we've ever been, it's inevitable that we are obsessed with melody, so there's always gonna be melody that separates us from, say, different thrash bands or extreme bands, because we always veer to a melody and catchy hooks. No matter how brutal we think we're being, we like to throw in hooks, so we're just gonna carry on how we're doing now and try to pick as many of the young punters there and keep our stronghold on the old punters."

DEATH ANGEL released "A Thrashumentary" on July 24 via Nuclear Blast. The DVD was directed, shot and edited by Tommy Jones (KATAKLYSM, SOILWORK, LAMB OF GOD, CARCASS, TESTAMENT) of Videohammer Studios. The release also includes a full live album titled "The Bay Calls For Blood".

Spark TV, which is part of the Czech monthly magazine Spark, conducted an interview with Swedish power metal masters HAMMERFALL before their show in Pardubice on December 11. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked if HAMMERFALL will release a follow-up album to 2014's "(r)Evolution" next year, singer Joacim Cans said: "I really hope so. We have an almost scheduled date for the new album, but it all depends when we can get the producers to work for us and with us. But we're gonna do two shows early February, then the whole year is gonna be devoted to writing and recording and releasing a new album. So it's gonna be out there at the end of next year."

HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak stated about the songwriting process for the band's next album: "We have been [working on new material] for a couple of months, actually. 'Cause we have always an idea, we wanna release the album at this point and then we do the tour at that point. And then if you have a sort of a release date in mind, you have to start preparing for it really early. And this time there won't be any… 'Cause we tour a lot more this time than we normally do, so there hasn't been this period of rest between end of tour and start of the album recording. So we have to start writing early, basically."

Regarding whether it's "easier" for HAMMERFALL to write new music after "(r)Evolution", Oscar said: "No, it's not easier. '(r)Evolution' was quite easy, because it's been a while, so we had a lot of inspiration that was dying to come out, Whereas now, I find it hard… For me, I always want to be removed from the live situation when I write songs, and it's very difficult when you know that in three weeks you're gonna go out on tour again. So now, we at least have Christmas and the whole January, and then we only do one… this 70000 Tons Of Metal thing, so that's sort of an off… And a show in Mexico after that, 'cause it's in the same area. But those [two] things are the only thing we do before the album recording."

He continued: "I don't think I would be able to do it if I was like I was when I was younger, but now I plan ahead much more. I have to. It's what Joacim has always done, but I've never really cared about it because I didn't have to. But now I have a family and everything I have to take care of, so I think about things like that."

"(r)Evolution" sold around 1,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release.

The band's previous CD, "Infected", opened with around 1,700 units back in 2011. The CD debuted at No. 16 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.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's first three studio albums — "American Capitalist", "War Is The Answer" and "The Way Of The Fist" — will be reissued on vinyl in Europe on February 12 via Spinefarm Records.

The LPs will include the following: "The Way Of The Fist" (originally released outside the U.S. in 2009)

* Colored vinyl* Camouflage inner bag* Gatefold sleeve with ‘international artwork’* Lyrics

"War Is The Answer" (originally released in 2009) * Colored vinyl* Camouflage inner bag* Gatefold sleeve* Lyrics "American Capitalist" (originally released in 2011)

* Colored vinyl* Camouflage inner bag* Gatefold sleeve* Lyrics* Bonus Remix

An unboxing video for the reissues can be seen below.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has released a live performance music video for the band's new single, "Wash It All Away", which reached the Top 10 at rock radio. The track is taken from the band's new album, "Got Your Six", and the clip was shot by legendary video director Wayne Isham, who has been behind the camera for videos from METALLICA, GODSMACK, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, PANTERA and many other top-shelf heavy rock acts.

"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.

BARONESS's fourth album, "Purple", is available for streaming in its entirety below. The CD will be released on December 18 through Abraxan Hymns).

The "Purple" cover artwork was created by BARONESS frontman John Baizley. Baizley has done the artwork for all of BARONESS's releases as well as fine art and album art for bands including SKELETONWITCH, BLACK TUSK, KVELERTAK and KYLESA.

"Purple" was helmed by producer Dave Fridmann (FLAMING LIPS, SLEATER-KINNEY, MGMT), who recorded the album at his Tarbox Road Studios in Cassadaga, New York. Baizley told Rolling Stone about working with Fridmann: "Yeah, I loved 'The Soft Bulletin' [by the FLAMING LIPS] — that was a record that really proved to me the impact that a producer could have on a band. Same thing with the 'Yoshimi' record that came after that; they were just unbelievably rich sonic masterpieces. I loved the way he produced the first MGMT record, too. But there are also bands he's worked with — and I'm not going to name names — that frankly, I don't like; but I love the records he did with them, because there's just an incredibly rich and creative sonic thing happening. If you can make a band that I'm not a fan of sound good, and keep me interested in listening to them, then you are doing something terrific from a production standpoint."

Pre-order packages for "Purple" — which feature an instant download of "Chlorine & Wine" as well as a limited-edition colored vinyl version of the new album, two picture discs, t-shirts and other unique items — are available now. Digital pre-orders, which also include an instant download of "Chlorine & Wine", are available via iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.

BARONESS is John Baizley (guitar, vocals), Pete Adams (guitar, vocals), Nick Jost (bass, keyboards) and Sebastian Thomson (drums).

"Blvd. Nights", the new video from TEAM SLEEP, the side project of DEFTONES frontman Chino Moreno, can be seen below. The track was captured last fall during the band's live/in-studio sessions at the Applehead Recording studio in Woodstock, New York. Dubbed "Woodstock Sessions", the performance was made available on July 10 via LP/CD and was the collective's first official release in over 10 years!

An experimental and at times unclassifiable amalgamation of styles, TEAM SLEEP's loose roster includes Moreno, Chuck Doom (CROSSES), CrookOne, Rick Verret and Todd Wilkinson. New to the fold and manning the drum throne for the album is Gil Sharone (of MARILYN MANSON and THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN fame).

Since their self-titled debut in 2005, the group has only sporadically reconvened for touring and demo recording. However, in October 2014, TEAM SLEEP descended on Applehead Studios to record "Woodstock Sessions Vol. 4". The album includes powerful reworkings of the band's classic material as well as official versions of songs heretofore only appeared in demo form.

As is the format for "Woodstock Sessions" events, a live audience attended the two-day session and watched the band compose, perform and record the album.

The "Woodstock Sessions" produce events that are a hybrid between audience-attended recording sessions and live performance. The products of these sessions are unique recordings and the ultimate fan experience. Sessions have included Rich Robinson (BLACK CROWES) and the BAD BRAINS.