Secretly locked away in the studio for most of the year, King’s X guitarist Ty Tabor will finally release his new solo album in 2016 via Rat Pak Records. A new album teaser is streaming below. Tabor’s last solo album, Nobody Wins When Nobody Plays, was released in 2013 via Molken Music.

In late 2014, Tabor released his first DVD, Live From Alien Beans Studio. The release contains ten songs plus extras with each song made up of individual live performances combined to create an almost live band performance.

As for King's X, it's been seven years since a new studio album has been offered up by the band since 2008's XV. But there were certainly understandable reasons for this break - including the health of drummer Jerry Gaskill's (who suffered two separate heart attacks). However, the trio - which also includes singer/bassist Doug Pinnick - appear to be back on track again. Pinnick spoke with BraveWords correspondent Greg Prato in June about the possibility of a new album.

"We actually committed to a new record. We don't know when we're going to do it yet, but everyone says, 'OK. Let's go forward.' So that's all I can tell you at the moment. I don't know when, but we're planning on doing a record - finally I've got everybody to say, 'Let's do it'."

Read more at BraveWords.



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Hailing from Long Island, New York, epic folk metallers Yonder Realm have officially released their Beyond A Long Lost World EP worldwide through Maple Metal Records. Yonder Realm’s debut full-length The Old Ways was released by the label earlier this year.
 
Beyond A Long Lost World EP was mixed by Marco Bobadilla (Grimus) of Crimson Recordings, New Jersey, and mastered by Bill Henderson. The EP’s artwork was designed by Gragoth. The first three tracks are streaming below.

Beyond A Long Lost World EP tracklisting:

“An Oath”
“By The Fangs That Weep”
“The Mystic”
“Nemeton (The Realm Of Suffering)”
“The Lindow Song”
“To Never Return”
 
“An Oath”:

“By The Fangs That Weep”:

“The Mystic”:

Yonder Realm was founded in the summer of 2009 by vocalist/guitarist Jesse McGunnigle, and he quickly recruited four members to round out the lineup.

Yonder Realm headlined the Pocono Folk Metal Fest 2015, and the Maryland Folk Metal Fest 2015, earlier this summer. They have shared the stage with Korpiklaani, Alestorm, Arkona, Turisas, Tyr, Metsatoll, Heidevolk, Arsis, Sonata Arctica, Swashbuckle, Blackguard, plus many more in the New York area.  The band also performed at the Semana Del Rock Festival in 2013, Equador, South America.
 
Yonder Realm lineup:

Jesse McGunnigle - Vocals, guitars
Jorge Dominguez - Lead guitar
Dana Lengel - Keyboards, violin
Eddie Carrella - Bass
Vinny Cuomo - Drums

 



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Rhode Island-based doom metal trio, Pilgrim, have released a video for “Paladin”, a track from their second album, II: Void Worship (Metal Blade Records). The new video was directed by Jon Schnepp (Metalocalypse, Upright Citizens Brigade, The Venture Brothers).

 

 

Pilgrim's Jon "The Wizard" Rossi (guitar and vocals) comments: "We feel so lucky to have gotten to work with Jon Schnepp. He was amazing and fun to work with. We have always been huge Metalocalypse fans so it was a dream come true to add that show's style and art to our music. It truly is an honour.
We shot the video about a year and a half ago, and since then we've been waiting eagerly and impatiently to see its release. We are more than happy with the end results and, quite frankly, pretty shocked - it's really far out."

Director Jon Schnepp adds: "Making the music video “Paladin” for Pilgrim has been a blast! The band was totally down with me taking a literal D&D visual approach, and letting it get crazy! Rossi and the entire band performed incredibly in dual roles, as the Wizard and the Paladin, with great backgrounds by Sam Shearon, and special effects makeup by Cig Neutron and Rannie Rodil as the Demoness. I'm very excited for the rest of the world to experience 'Paladin' by Pilgrim!"

 



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Norway's Ragnarok, a band that has been active for over twenty years on the black metal scene, have completed work on their eighth full-length album, which is set to be released in early 2016 via Agonia Records. Recorded, mixed and mastered at the Endarker Studio in Sweden by Marduk’s Devo, the album will be titled Psychopathology.

Founder and frontman Jontho had this to say about fans can expect from it: "Your wait will finally come to an end in 2016 when we release Psychopathology, our eighth full-length album. I can say with absolute certainty that this album will be the best in Ragnarok's career to date. It is the result of dedication, hard work, and the musical skills of our lineup, and is the next stage in the band's development, both musically and lyrically. Psychopathology is about to unleash total chaos upon you as it invites you to dive deeper into the dark recesses of the human mind".
 
This will be the first album in Ragnarok's history that doesn't feature founder Jontho on drums. Having taken over the role of frontman, his place behind the drum kit is taken by Dauden drummer Malignant, who joined the band in 2014. Bolverk, is on guitars, and DezeptiCunt makes his swansong appearance with the band on bass as he leaves to concentrate on new projects.

Commenting about the band's future plans and DezeptiCunt's departure, Jontho said: "Shortly after completing the recording of our latest album, our bass player DezeptiCunt informed us that he would be leaving the band to concentrate on a new project. As a recording and touring band, Ragnarok requires 100% commitment from its members and at this point neither he nor Ragnarok felt that he would be able to give both bands that necessary commitment. We would like to thank him for the eight years he was with us and wish him all the best for the future.

"Going forward we will be concentrating all our energies on promoting the new album, and plan to take our time choosing the right bass player to take his place, so in the meantime we will be using a session musician for the upcoming live shows".

DezeptiCunt himself explained "I have had eight good years with Ragnarok, both in the studio and live, but the time has come, as indeed it does for many musicians, to move on and explore new avenues. I know it might seem strange that I announced my departure from the band just as they are about to release their new album, but the opportunity came up for me to join a brand new project whose music I liked immediately, and whose ideas greatly appealed to me, and of course, being able to join them right at the start just as they begin rehearsals to take the band live was something I very much wanted to be a part of.

"At the same time I felt that I wouldn't be able to give 100% of my attention to each of the two demanding projects, and therefore I decided that it would be fairer for all concerned if I was to cut my ties with Ragnarok straight away, so that they can move forward without any uncertainty. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to wish Ragnarok all the best for the future, and much success for the new album".

Ragnarok's next confirmed live appearances are at Sequane Fest VIII in France in March and Steelfest Open Air in Finland in May.



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Finland-based thrashers, Lost Society, will release their third record, Braindead, on February 12th via Nuclear Blast. The band have revealed the tracklisting for the album, as well as a second studio trailer.

The artwork was created by Jan Meininghaus (Bolt Thrower, Sick Of It All, UDO, Holy Moses, Debauchery).

Tracklisting:

“I Am The Antidote”
“Riot”
“Mad Torture”
“Hollow Eyes”
“Rage Me Up”
“Hangover Activator”
“Only (My) Death Is Certain”
“P.S.T.88”

Bonus:
“Terror Hungry” (Californian Easy Listening Version)

Studio video Part 1:

Studio video Part 2:

You can already pre-order the exclusive NB-Mailorder Editions of the new album here.

 



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Swedish prog outfit, New Keepers Of The Water Towers, are preparing themselves for the release of their fourth full-length album, entitled Infernal Machine, a concept album based on the classic sci-fi novel The Forever War. Tthey have transcribed this tale of an interstellar Galactic battle into a musical odyssey that supersedes anything you have heard to date.

From the moment you start to play this latest conquest, you are taken into their world where classic prog meets it’s unlikely counterparts of pure, vintage space rock, perfectly haunting harmonizing vocal lines, and just enough of the far from modest power riffs to keep you gasping for air with anticipation for the next track to begin as you move forward on your journey.

Infernal Machine is to be released via Listenable Records on March 4th.

Tracklisting:

“The Forever War”
“Tracks Over Carcosa”
“Tachyon Deep”
“Misantropin Kallar”
“Escape Aleph Minor”
“Jorden”
“This Infernal Machine”



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Spanish heavy metallers, Kilmara, have parted ways with singer Christian Wolfgang Kohl and have replaced him with North American singer Daniel Ponce.

The break with Christian Wolfgang Kohl has been done in a friendly manner, the rest of the band members intend on continuing to forge, maintain and increase the status that they have worked so hard in building these past 15 years with Kilmara. The band is confident that they have chosen well, and they are sure that Daniel Ponce is the right candidate with whom they will be able to reach new goals, new fans worldwide and new horizons.

Daniel Ponce, who has the American nationality, was born in Tampa, Florida from a circus family (he is the fifth generation) and has traveled all his life around the world starting to appear on stage at the early age of 2. It would have been normal for him to have followed his father or his older brother’s steps, and also become a juggler like them, but from a very young age, what he really liked and what motivated him the most was music and singing. Since Daniel became 18 and settled in the south of Barcelona, he began his career as a singer, studying the voice and becoming a part of numerous projects, most of them related to hard rock and heavy metal, that gave him the opportunity to perform all around the Iberian Peninsula, some points of Europe and even in a few venues at Los Angeles in California.

Now a new chapter begins full of motivation, the best of hopes and of course a lot of work with Kilmara, to whom he is immensely grateful for this opportunity and with whom he will give his absolute best so that they can grow the most possible together and reach the highest goals.

As Daniel says; “The truth is that the try outs to become the singer have been very very hard and I know that there were very talented candidates also trying out for the position… So I really want to thank my band mates of Kilmara for trusting in me and for choosing me. And I want both them and the fans to know, that I will strive to the maximum to keep Kilmara’s name and legacy high where it belongs! Destiny has given me this chance and I don’t intend on letting down!!!”

Kilmara are:

Daniel Ponce (vocals)
Jonathan Portillo (guitar)
Kike Torres (guitar)
Didac Pla (bass)
Javier Morillo (drums)

 



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THE TREATMENT, the critically acclaimed British hard rock band, will release its new studio album, "Generation Me", on Friday, March 18, 2016 via Frontiers Music Srl. The band's highly anticipated third album will be THE TREATMENT's first to feature new lead singer Mitchel Emms and new guitarist Tao Grey.

Early reports of THE TREATMENT's "Generation Me" album points to a triumphant return to form, celebrating a raft of spectacular big-sounding rock songs bursting with high-octane rock energy.

"Generation Me" track listing

01. Let It Begin02. The Devil03. Tell Us The Truth04. Generation Me05. Backseat Heartbeat06. Cry Tough07. We Are Beautiful08. I Know She Knows09. Bloodsucker10. Better Think Again11. Light The Sun

Produced by Laurie Mansworth, mixed by Tony Newton and mastered by Ade Emsley, "Generation Me" is the follow up to 2014's "Running With The Dogs" album. It's a hands-down, mind-blowing rock extravaganza that will leave rock fans wanting more than what they bargained for.

"We're absolutely delighted to announce that the recording of our third full-length album 'Generation Me' is now complete," says THE TREATMENT's new guitarist Tao Grey. "We honestly all believe this album is a huge step forward for THE TREATMENT and we can't wait for you to hear it. We will be touring throughout 2016/17 and we look forward to seeing all you TREATMENT troops at our shows next year." Ever since THE TREATMENT first arrived in 2011 with their debut album, "This Might Hurt", they've played numerous festivals, including Sonisphere, Download and most recently, Steelhouse, and toured extensively with ALICE COOPER, STEEL PANTHER, KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE, SLASH and W.A.S.P. THE TREATMENT is:

Mitchel Emms (vocals)Tagore Grey (guitar)Tao Grey (guitar)Dhani Mansworth (drums)Rick "Swoggle" Newman (bass)

Former JOURNEY singer Steve Perry has confirmed that he is putting the finishing touches on a new solo album for a tentative 2016 release. The legendary vocalist revealed the news during a call-in to the "Mark In The Morning" show on KSWD-FM in Los Angeles. He said: I'm in the studio, actually. I started… There's been so many rumors going around that I'm in the studio, I've been there for years. The truth is, I finally went into the studio in March, and I've been in there ever since, just trying to finish this record."

Asked when fans can expect to hear the album, Perry joked: "Well, I've asked myself that today." He then added: "I mean, I certainly am looking forward to finishing it, put it that way. I wanna get it done probably in the early part of this coming year."

Perry last released a solo album in 1994. That effort, "For The Love Of Strange Medicine", was certified gold in the U.S. for sales in excess of half a million copies.

Perry made three surprise guest appearances with EELS last year, prompting JOURNEY's current frontman, Arnel Pineda, to write in a tweet that Perry would be welcome to reclaim "his righteous place."

Perry — whose rumored return to JOURNEY has been the cause of rock gossip and band denials for several years — performed two JOURNEY classics with EELS — 1981's "Escape" power ballad "Open Arms" and 1979's "Departure" album standout "Lovin,' Touchin', Squeezin'" — but didn't attempt to hit the highest notes, telling Classic Rock magazine, "I sounded more like Otis Redding than I did in JOURNEY; and I love Otis, so that's not a bad thing. But after twenty years, wherever you hit that golf ball is where it lands. I just wanted to go out there and hit the ball. I was pretty pleased with what I pulled off."

Perry's unannounced appearance with EELS in Saint Paul marked his first relatively high-profile public performance since his last solo tour in 1995.

The singer told The Pulse Of Radio that the passage of time only further solidified his opinion of how incredible JOURNEY was during its heyday. "What a great band we once were," he said. "What a great band. I think the older I get, the more I'm able to look back at the forest now, 'cause I certainly walked out of the trees. I think everybody was just following their heart and their nose and following that lead. Just doing what we do. We're a band. We record, we rock, we instinctually reach for what we believe's a good idea — and argue about stuff, agree, disagree and move forward. And we were just crankin'."

STEEL PANTHER's Michael Starr has commented on the ongoing feud between GODSMACK frontman Sully Erna and MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx, saying that he wants to invite the two musicians to "have a fight" at his home in Los Angeles.

The tension between Erna and Sixx began when they clashed during the 2009 "Crüe Fest 2" tour, on which GODSMACK was a support act and CRÜE was the headliner. GODSMACK later wrote the song "Cryin' Like A Bitch" about Nikki, fueling what has now become a six-year feud.

Asked who he thinks would win the fight between Sully and Nikki, Starr told Meltdown of the WRIF radio station in Detroit, Michigan: "Man, Sully is… He's kind of burly. He may be little, but he can go at the knees, right? I think he'd punch the shit out of Nikki's knees. 'Cause Nikki's older now, so his knees are a little weak."

He continued: "I'll tell you what: if they wanna have a fight, I'll set up a ring in my backyard and we'll televise it, and it'll be killer. So I wanna invite them to have a fight in my backyard in Sherman Oaks, Southern California. It's out there… C'mon, Nikki. C'mon, Sully. Let's see who wins this fight."

Back in January 2012, Sixx poked fun at Erna's diminutive stature, joking on Twitter that MÖTLEY CRÜE was looking for someone to play "an angry midget" during the band's first Las Vegas residency and "was thinking of using the singer from GODSMACK."

During an appearance on a recent installment of HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta's official podcast, "The Jasta Show", Erna stated about Sixx: "I'll say it straight out: I've never met a bigger fucking dick in my life than Nikki Sixx. He's a douchebag. He's straight-up a fucking douche, and I don't give a fuck what he says. He knows exactly where I am, and he knows exactly how he can find me anytime that motherfucker has the balls to come and look me up. And I'll say it straight out on your podcast. He's a dick, man. He just treats people like shit."

In 2011, Sixx had the following to say regarding Erna's complaints about how GODSMACK was treated on the Crüe Fest 2 tour, "Every person — from road crew, fans and even all the bands on the tour (including [Sully's] band) — was so happy, but [Erna] just seems to be crying like a bitch," Sixx replied. "Funny, even his manager told me he's an asshole... Maybe the problem is just in his head... I got no problem with him."

Fan-filmed video footage of Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH performing on December 11 at the Eindhoven Metal Meeting at the Effenaar in Eindhoven, The Netherlands can be seen below.

As previously reported, BEHEMOTH will perform its critically acclaimed current album, "The Satanist", in its entirety on the band's upcoming European run in early 2016. They also plan to bring a brand new exhibition concept, "The Congregation", on tour. The exhibition will be dubbed "A Symbiosis Of Behemoth And Toxic Vision" and will showcase collaborative work between BEHEMOTH and Toxic Vision, the artist that BEHEMOTH has been working closely with over the past few years in terms of stage outfits, music videos, stage/photo props and such. The exhibition is planned to be held in tent, a capsule created to capture an experience on its own and built a solely for this purpose, and was first shown by Toxic Vision (in a similar way) at this year's installment of renowned Inferno festival.

Commented BEHEMOTH leader Adam "Nergal" Darski: "We've always pushed ourselves very hard trying to reach the highest picks of artistic creativity. This time around, we are not only coming back to perform 'The Satanist' in its entirety, but are also bringing along a collaboration that's unheard of! Toxic Vision, renowned and absolutely brilliant artist and designer from Canada whom we have worked with on several projects in the past (BEHEMOTH stage gear, video clip costumes), will be accompanying us on this European trek with a unique exhibition called 'The Congregation'!

"We are beyond excited to see how these synergies coexist! Sharon, it's an honor to welcome you on board!"

Added Toxic Vision CEO Sharon Toxic: "It is a real honor to work alongside BEHEMOTH and have this opportunity to bring a vision to life!

"We aim to dazzle and inspire.

"I am inviting everyone to step into the dark world of 'The Congregation' — an exclusive showcase of my work with BEHEMOTH. Nothing like this has been done before, and, of course, nothing is really as it seems with Toxic Vision. This is a culmination of craft and magic ... once you step inside, you might never find your way out."

"The Satanist" sold around 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 34 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Asked about BEHEMOTH's plans to follow up "The Satanist", Nergal told Australia's "Rabid Noise" podcast: "Well, I don't really think about following it up yet. I have to change my way of thinking. I focus on the present moment — on here and now — and just make we squeeze the fuck out of this album, all the juices, and make sure all the touring [is completed successfully]. We have this attitude that we want people to have this impression that it's the last time we play on stage. When you see us live, it's now or never, if you know what I mean. So I'm not like… I used to be like that… I'd go into the studio and spit out the record, and the record… Name any record, it's been every time I did that. And I was already thinking of the next one, because I knew that I'm gonna top myself, and I really attempted that every time. But I was never satisfied. And this time, it's quite the opposite. So this is it — this is the ultimate BEHEMOTH album — and there's no plans to record the next one yet. So what we focus on, we focus on the quality of the touring for 'The Satanist', and let's see what the future brings after that."

Guitar legends Tom Morello (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE), Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE), John 5 (ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON) and Nuno Bettencourt (EXTREME), along with drum powerhouse Mike Portnoy (THE WINERY DOGS, DREAM THEATER), bass icon Billy Sheehan (THE WINERY DOGS, MR. BIG) and keyboard phenomenon Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER) joined forces last night (Saturday, December 12) to play a benefit concert for guitar and keyboard virtuoso Tony MacAlpine, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer.

Fan-filmed video footage of the show can be seen below. The benefit for Tony MacAlpine took place at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, and featured performances from JOHN 5 & THE CREATURES, Zakk Wylde with Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Derek Sherinian; Steve Vai and band, and culminating in an all-star jam with house band Portnoy, Sheehan, Sherinian, and featuring special guests. Eddie Trunk served as master of ceremonies for the night. In addition to this extraordinary musical event, Steve Vai, John 5, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather, Steve Stevens, and Joe Satriani all graciously donated personal guitars to be auctioned during the event. In addition, Rudy Sarzo offered private lessons as an auction item, and Simon Phillips donated a signature snare. Tony's gear manufacturers Ibanez, Hughes & Kettner, EMG, Ernie Ball, Source Audio and Voodoo Lab also generously donated equipment to be raffled. Tony's cancer diagnosis came on the heels of his wife's diagnosis with breast cancer in June, making the situation even more trying for Tony and his family. "Tony is a dear friend, an absolutely sweet human being and one of the most talented musicians I've ever worked with," said Mike Portnoy prior to last night's event. "We are coming together to help raise money and awareness to help him fight his battle and come out on top!" Added Steve Vai: "It's a great privilege to take to the stage with my friends Zakk, John, Mike and Billy in support of our dear friend Tony. Tony has always been blessed with an exceptional talent and more so, he's an exceptionally cool guy. It's a great cause and will be a magical evening of guitar extravaganza." "Tony has been such an inspiration to me," said John 5. "He is an incredible musician and an unbelievable talent. Please let's all come together and beat this!"

"Tony is our brother. We look forward to making a historical night, and raising a lot of money to help our friend in need," said Derek Sherinian. Tony MacAlpine is widely known as a guitar virtuoso who is just as skilled on the keys. "Edge Of Insanity", his classic debut album, was recently ranked by Guitar World magazine as one of the Top Ten Shred Guitar Albums of all time. Aside from his solo work, Tony has also been part of several rock supergroups including PLANET X with Derek Sherinian and Virgil Donati; PSMS (Portnoy, Sheehan, MacAlpine, Sherinian); as well as the Grammy-nominated CAB with bassist Bunny Brunel and drummer Dennis Chambers. MacAlpine also spent seven years playing guitar and keys in Steve Vai's touring band THE BREED.

Tony's most recent album, "Concrete Gardens", was released in May. Tony toured the U.S. in June to promote the album, but was forced to cancel tours of Asia, Australia and Europe when his health deteriorated.

British heavy metal vocalist Blaze Bayley (IRON MAIDEN, WOLFSBANE) has set "Infinite Entanglement" as the title of his eighth solo album, tentatively due in March 2016. Speaking to Rock-Radio UK last month, Bayley stated about the upcoming effort (hear audio below): "It's a concept album. My first solo album was influenced by science fiction and a lot of my favorite books and also things that are happening in science fiction and artificial intelligence — with 'Silicon Messiah'; that was my first one. And then I did a full concept album with my second solo album called 'Tenth Dimension'. This follows on, really, from both of those albums, some of the ideas that I had back then, as well as some of the things that are happening in quantum physics; I've become more interested in that. So, using that, really, it's a story about someone who doesn't know if they're human. And I'm writing a book, and the album is based on the things that happen in the book."

He added: "All the fans that I've spoke to and told them about the concept and the idea, they all seem really into it. So I'm very excited."

Regarding the musical direction of his upcoming disc, Blaze said: "I'm not really limiting myself on this album. So there are elements of music that are the same as my first two solo albums, and also of my last album, and of my acoustic album."

He continued: "We've got most of the album finished. I've still got some lyrics that I've left open, but most of it's finished. And now it's listening through to these demos from rehearsals and going through those lyrics and checking them and making sure that they're not embarrassing, and all of that, and then we start recording on the 1st of December."

Bayley also talked about how he is getting his hardcore fans involved in the making of his new album. He said: "I had an idea for a song. Because it's a concept, there's a certain part of the story where my central character is in a dream, and he doesn't quite know what he's hearing. And it's messages from his past, and it's people saying, 'Where are you?' And so, I thought, well, what I wanted was, not just in English, but in different languages, I wanted this phrase: 'Where are you?' And I thought it might be something that I could involve my fans in, 'cause I need about a hundred people saying 'Where are you?' at different times to create this kind of dream, almost nightmare, and it's an intro to one of the songs on the album. So what I've asked people to do is say the phrase, and I've put a demo of the phrase and a couple of different people saying it, so they know the kind of cadence to use. And they say it in their own language, and then they send me the sample. And the best ones then I'll use in the song on the album. Someone would have to do it, so I thought, 'Well, why not get my fans who actually support me to do it?'"

The 52-year-old Bayley, who was born in Birmingham, was the original frontman in WOLFSBANE, but left in 1994 to join MAIDEN, with whom he recorded two studio albums — 1995's "The X Factor" 1998's and "Virtual XI" — before Bruce Dickinson returned to the group.

Bayley released a career-spanning double-disc collection, "Soundtracks Of My Life", on October 31, 2013.

The singer's latest studio album, "The King Of Metal", was issued in March 2012.

METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo and RATT guitarist Warren DeMartini joined ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA — the national touring project that finds guitar virtuoso Dweezil Zappa recreating the music of his late great father, Frank Zappa — on stage on Friday, December 11 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, California to perform a couple of Frank Zappa songs. DeMartini lent a hand on "I'm The Slime" while Trujillo came out for "Muffin Man". Video footage of their appearances can be seen below (courtesy of California Rock News).

"The whole purpose of this is to have musicians who had no previous affiliation with Frank," Dweezil told The San Diego Union-Tribune about his current band, "and to show that with — dedication and application — you can play this music the way it was meant to be played."

Trujillo and his wife Chloe recorded a cover version of Frank Zappa's "The Torture Never Stops" for "The Frank Zappa AAAFNRAAAA Birthday Bundle 21. Dec 2010", which is available on iTunes.

METALLICA is working on its long-awaited follow-up to 2008's "Death Magnetic" album for a tentative 2016 release.

DeMartini is involved in a legal battle with RATT drummer Bobby Blotzer over Blotzer's decision to use and tour under the RATT trademark with an all-new lineup of musicians.

DeMartini filed a lawsuit in September against Blotzer, claiming that the drummer is falsely advertising his "tribute band" as the real thing.

French drummer Kevin Foley (pictured) has left ABBATH, the band led by ex-IMMORTAL frontman Olve Eikemo (a.k.a. Abbath). Foley says in a statement: "As a few of you might already know, I've been busy this year playing with the Norwegian band ABBATH as a mysterious character called 'Creature' (Sorry to disappoint you if you thought it was the amazing Baard Koldstad! hehe). For some personal reasons, I've decided to leave the band. Still, it's been a great experience and an honor to play all the band's shows so far and record the upcoming album in Sweden with [producer] Daniel Bergstrand. I'm really happy with the result. I love the songs, the sound and I'm proud of my drumming on this one.

"As for the near future, I will be touring for the last time ever with my brothers from BENIGHTED in January and February, opening for THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER all over Europe. It will be the best way possible to close a ten-amazing-years-long chapter of my life. These guys are my absolute best friends and I have no doubt that we'll have a lot of fun on this tour! After that, it will be time for me to move on, look for new projects and do my best to keep making a living out of music. I'm looking forward to 2016!"

Kevin Foley previously played shows with both SABATON (2011) and SEPULTURA (2013) when their regular drummers sustained injuries on the road.

ABBATH's self-titled debut album will be released on January 22, 2016 via Season Of Mist.

ABBATH has just released a seven-inch single, "Count The Dead". The A-side features the title track while the B-side consists of a cover version of the JUDAS PRIEST classic "Riding On The Wind".





"Abbath" cover artwork:



"Count The Dead" cover artwork:

Japanese teenage girl pop metal band BABYMETAL will release its second album on April 1, 2016 via earMUSIC. A world tour in support of the record will follow the CD's arrival.

BABYMETAL's 2016 world tour will include an appearance at London, England's SEE Wembley Arena on April 2. The trek will conclude at the 55,000-capacity Tokyo Dome on a yet-to-be-announced date BABYMETAL has branded "Doomsday."

BABYMETAL played a show on December 12 at the Yokohama Arena, where they performed two new tracks.

BABYMETAL's Su-Metal says: "I will be putting my everything into the production of our upcoming album because I believe that many of you are waiting for it. We are looking forward to meeting our fans abroad again next year at Wembley Arena right after the release of our second album, so you can expect to hear our new songs for the very first time live there.

"Performing at Tokyo Dome next year still feels like a dream, but I am going to work towards building up my confidence to stand on that stage and I hope to continue growing through our upcoming world tour."

BABYMETAL's Moametal adds: "Despite the revelation tonight, I still can't imagine that that day would come, when we would perform at Tokyo Dome. On top on that, our new album will be released on Fox Day, so I promise you that we will come up with an album that will betray your expectations — in a good way, of course."

BABYMETAL mastermind Kobametal says: "I continue to believe that the songs of BABYMETAL continue to push them forward to discover new possibilities.

"Since the release of BABYMETAL's debut album in 2014, we have been racing across the globe non-stop on our world tour. Through the last tour I have come across people from all over the world and have had the chance to feel that miraculous moment when everyone came together via BABYMETAL."

BABYMETAL signed with RAL/Sony Music Entertainment for the U.S. release of the band's 2014 critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. The CD features two bonus tracks and was made available digitally on May 12 and physically on June 16.

Established in 2010, BABYMETAL is the offshoot of the Japanese pop idol group SAKURA GAKUIN that performs a distinctly Japanese mix of schoolgirl J-pop and heavy metal.

BABYMETAL's members — Suzuka Nakamoto (a.k.a. Su-Metal, who handles vocals and dancing), Yui Mizuno (a.k.a. Yuimetal) and Moa Kikuchi (a.k.a. Moametal), the latter of whom both scream and dance — admit that they had never listened to metal before joining the group. The girls wear gothy schoolgirl costumes, do choreographed dance routines and bang their heads violently.

Many heavy metal fans have been reluctant to embrace BABYMETAL — which also includes producer Kobametal and a backing band of corpse-painted virtuosos — with some Internet forums calling them "the definition of a gimmick", "awful" and "metal for hipsters."

"Karma After The Storm", the new video from MONSTRANCE, the band featuring former CARCASS guitarist Carlo Regadas alongside vocalist Tony Glover (ex-DEVOID) and drummer Nicholas Barker (BENEDICTION, CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR, TESTAMENT), can be seen below.

MONSTRANCE is the brainchild of Regadas, former lead guitar player with grind gods CARCASS, post-CARCASS outfit BLACKSTAR and DEVOID. Following his tenures with CARCASS and BLACKSTAR, Carlo continued to write and record music, mainly for his own enjoyment.

In 2013, after a stint living in the Canary Islands, Carlo returned to the U.K. and met up with old friend and former DEVOID bandmate Tony Glover. Tony had recently unearthed some never-released material of Carlo's, some of which was penned during his tenure with CARCASS. Upon hearing this material again and realizing the strength of the songs, Carlo sent the material to some trusted, musically minded friends for their opinion, and the response was nothing short of astounding!

On the back of this enthusiasm, although reluctant at first, Carlo was urged to send the material to several established record labels, who also responded extremely positively and were very keen to hear more.

Carlo decided to approach some old friends and fellow musicians from the original death metal scene and decided to put together a full lineup, although at first, the intention was just to record an album as a studio project. Such was the friendship, camaraderie and enthusiasm for the project, the decision was quickly made to become a full-time band.Carlo's focus in recruiting band members was not to look for big-name musicians from the genre with previous credentials but rather to source like-minded individuals who were also very accomplished musicians.

The vocal position was immediately filled by Tony, building on their long-standing friendship, previous experience with DEVOID and long-held ambition to do a further project together. Tony has honed his vocal delivery since the DEVOID era, now projecting a unique blend of power, clear diction and articulation. Such is the power of Tony's delivery, the mic level during the vocal demo sessions had to be backed off by -20db!

Belgrade-born Aleksandar Kokai, from Liverpool band CRUSH DEPTH EXPERIMENT, was recruited on bass. A supremely talented and technically gifted bass player who will provide energy and heaviness to a rhythm section of dynamism and power.

The lineup is bolstered further with the addition of yet another old friend, and former ORNAMENT guitar player, Steven Hargraves, who completes the band's live lineup on second guitar. Carlo and Steven have worked closely together to forge a tight, melodic and crushing guitar duo, guaranteed to turn heads in the live setting.

Music-wise, MONSTRANCE cannot be easily pigeon-holed. As far as the band is concerned, it's just metal, albeit with downtuned guitars and extreme vocals. The music is as crushingly heavy as it is melodic and catchy. Carlo's original demos have now finally been completed with the addition of Tony's savage vocal attack, perfectly showcasing the quality and originality of the material.

MONSTRANCE is:

Tony Glover - VocalsNicholas Barker - DrumsAleksandar Kokai - BassCarlo Regadas- Lead, Rhythm GuitarSteven Hargraves - Rhythm Guitar

For more information on MONSTRANCE, click here.

THE RESISTANCE, the Swedish extreme metal band featuring former and current members of IN FLAMES and THE HAUNTED, will release its sophomore full-length album, "Coup De Grâce", on January 22, 2016 via earMUSIC. According to a press release, "Coup De Grâce" "reconnects with the one and only, original extreme hardcore and slams it straight down your throat and into the present age. The ferocious and relentless pureness makes it a masterpiece, as the overwhelming aggression encloses and doesn't let you go."

Joining singer Marco Aro (also in THE HAUNTED) in THE RESISTANCE's current lineup are IN FLAMES founding member Jesper Strömblad on guitar, Glenn Ljungström (ex-IN FLAMES) on guitar, Chris Barkensjö (ex-KAAMOS, GRAVE) on drums, and the band's latest addition, Rob Hakemo (ex-M.A.N.) on bass.

"Coup De Grâce" track listing:

01. Death March 02. I Welcome Death 03. Smallest Creep 04. Violator 05. Felony 06. Death Blow 07. Resolution 08. World Order 09. Enslavement 10. Art Of Murder11. For The Venom 12. The Drowning 13. As It All Came Down

Asked how THE RESISTANCE compares to IN FLAMES, Jesper told Highware Daze: "Well, I would have to say, if I have to compare, THE RESISTANCE is a totally different band. The only common thing is that me and Glenn used to play in IN FLAMES. So, I guess, musically, it's much more simple. It's heavy and aggressive and it comes from another school, I would say. I wanted to do something that all of us wanted to do, like keep it simple [and have a] little bit more of death metal style. Also, we have some melodies, but they are very, very restricted, so to speak. So I would say for fans of IN FLAMES, do not expect to hear what they think they would. If you would call IN FLAMES the Ambassadors of Gothenburg sound, I would say that THE RESISTANCE — we're talking to a step back and have done something of a marriage between the Stockholm and Gothenburg sound."

Regarding how Ljungström became involved with THE RESISTANCE, Jesper said: "It started with me and Marco talking about starting something up again. We didn't want to do the dog years again; we just wanted to do the good stuff and have fun again. And we were talking about who should be the second guitar player, and I was, like, 'Well, I should call Glenn,' because I hadn't talked to him in ten years. We kind of drifted apart because of various reasons. He moved out of town. He got a family and has a quite demanding job. So I just called him up and asked, 'Do you want to dust off your old guitar and decide to jam with me again? And we'll see what comes up.' And he was, like, 'Hell yeah! I've been waiting for this call for years!' He was all excited. So we met up, we had a great time; it was like two weeks had gone by. He's the same jerk that he's always been and I love him to death. He just picked up the guitar and said, 'Well, I've had some ideas through the years.' 'Okay let's hear them.' And he started playing and my jaw was dropped! He hadn't touched the guitar for in ten years, and he's still one of the most amazing rhythm players there is. It's quite cool to have him back. For that reason, if you connect, you would see that actually the founders of IN FLAMES is now in this band together — in a whole different style."

THE RESISTANCE released its debut EP, "Rise From Treason", in North America on January 29, 2013 via earMUSIC. Another EP, "Torture Tactics", followed in February 2015.

THE RESISTANCE made its live debut on October 8, 2011 at Club Distortion in Stockholm, Sweden.

Strömblad quit IN FLAMES in February 2010 in order to continue receiving treatment for his alcohol addiction.

Capital Chaos TV has uploaded video footage of SOULFLY performing the SEPULTURA classics "Arise" and "Dead Embryonic Cells" live on December 11 at The Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, California. Check it out below.

SOULFLY will embark on a European headlining tour in early 2016 in support of the band's latest album, "Archangel".

Said SOULFLY mainman Max Cavalera: "Now it's Europe's turn to have a taste of the 'We Sold Our Souls To Metal' tour 2016. It's gonna be epic and unforgettable. Plus, we got LODY KONG, INCITE and KING PARROT. No stone will be left unturned. Prepare your metal head, we'll see you in the pit!"

SOULFLY tapped Mike Leon (HAVOK) to play bass on the band's current North American headlining tour. Leon said: "I've been a fan of Max and his music since I was a little kid, and to be playing with him and the guys now is truly unbelievable!"

Handling bass duties for SOULFLY during some of the band's shows earlier in the year was Max Cavalera's son Igor, who also sings for the Phoenix, Arizona band LODY KONG.

Former STATIC-X bassist Tony Campos left SOULFLY in May and is now touring with FEAR FACTORY.

Fan-filmed video footage of Swedish doom metal legends CANDLEMASS performing on December 11 at the Eindhoven Metal Meeting at the Effenaar in Eindhoven, The Netherlands can be seen below.

CANDLEMASS is back to celebrate 30 years of doom with a brand new EP. Four studio tracks featuring Mats Levén on vocals were recorded during September/October for a special anniversary release early next year on Napalm Records. The cover artwork for the EP was created by Erik Rovanperä.

CANDLEMASS has also announced that Levén, who's a longtime friend of the band, is now the permanent singer for the Swedish doom metal squad. Also, Per Wiberg is today an essential part of CANDLEMASS's touring lineup on keyboards and filling in for bassist Leif Edling until he's back in shape again.

"The live shows we've done after 'Psalms For The Dead' (2012) have been fantastic," says CANDLEMASS guitarist Mats "Mappe" Björkman. "Mats has done a great job fronting CANDLEMASS and I don’t think we’ve ever been this good on stage before! Wacken, Bang Your Head!!!, Sweden Rock, Hellfest, Metal Days, Metallsvenskan, Maryland Death Fest... We have conquered them all."

CANDLEMASS is currently working on an anniversary box set together with Peaceville Records. The set will include the band's legendary breakthrough show at the Dynamo festival in 1988 on DVD and some rare rehearsal stuff from the "Epicus" days. In the box, there will also be a 72-page book about the doom maestros.

Leif Edling is slowly getting better from his chronic fatigue syndrome, and participated in the EP recordings. Next year you can expect some very cool anniversary shows with Leif back on stage.

New TRIVIUM drummer Paul Wandtke made his live debut with the band on December at Knotfest in Mexico. More video footage of the concert can be seen below.

Wandtke previously drummed for the hit musical "Rock Of Ages" and sat behind the kit for KILL HANNAH during the band's main-support run with the SMASHING PUMPKINS.

In a statement posted on TRIVIUM's Facebook page, the band says: "We are writing this to let you all know that TRIVIUM has amicably parted ways with Mat Madiro as our drummer.

"Mat stepped up for us at a dire moment where it was either leave a tour, or carry on. With Mat, we will forever be eternally grateful of everything he helped us out with. Mat's time filling in for us was much appreciated. Creatively though, we felt at this time we needed to make a change. And every change, every difficult decision and every evolution that TRIVIUM has either decided, or been forced to make has been for the necessary for us to continue on as a functioning band.

"The things that go on behind the scenes that directly involve the TRIVIUM members aren't always apparent from an outside fan's perspective.

"With that said, our new drummer is Paul Wandtke from Chicago, Illinois. With Paul, we took our careful time deciding exactly what had to happen and how.

"We spent our time checking out, trying out and feeling out many drummers this time around. After much deliberation, Paolo [Gregoletto, bass] said to Matt [Heafy, guitar/vocals] one day, 'You should hit up John Petrucci [DREAM THEATER] and see if he has an ideas.' We figured our friend John may have some ideas from the Berklee world. John brought Mike Mangini into the conversation and within minutes of describing our conundrum to Mike, he had a name: Paul Wandkte. Paul studied under Mike at Berklee, and obviously made an impression on a man we consider to be one of the greatest drummers on the planet.

"Paul made his debut with us in thunderous fashion this past weekend by playing to 40,000 fans at Knotfest Mexico. And he nailed it.

"We hope to work with Paul for a long time and we hope the TRIVIUM fans around the world welcome him with open arms."

Added Paul in statement: "I was blown away when TRIVIUM had contacted me. I have been looking for a place to call home all my life, a home of brothers with similar tastes in music, musicianship and goals.

"I'd like to thank DREAM THEATER's Mike Mangini for getting us in contact. I couldn't be happier, this is literally life-changing.

"Never give up, be yourself and rock on."

TRIVIUM in May 2014 parted ways with drummer Nick Augusto due to personal differences.

The band's latest album, "Silence In The Snow", debuted at No. 19 on The Billboard 200 chart, having shifted 18,000 equivalent album units in the week ending October 8.

The Billboard 200 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).

"Silence In The Snow" was released on October 2 via Roadrunner. The follow-up to 2013's "Vengeance Falls" was produced by Michael "Elvis" Baskette (SLASH, ALTER BRIDGE, THE AMITY AFFLICTION) and was mixed by Josh Wilbur (GOJIRA, LAMB OF GOD).

CANDLEBOX paid tribute to late STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland by performing a cover version of the STP classic "Creep" during CANDLEBOX's December 4 concert in Santiago, Chile. Video footage of their rendition can be seen below.

CANDLEBOX rontman Kevin Martin told the audience before the performance: "I first met Scott in 1993. We became fast friends. He was an incredibly talented human being. Scott fought with his demons for a long, long fucking time. And when I woke up this morning, [I had gotten] e-mails and texts and all sorts of shit… It broke my heart. So this one's for Scott."

Weiland was found dead on his tour bus on December 3 at the age of 48. The suspected cause of death is cardiac arrest, although an official report has yet to be released.

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 of Scott's former bands, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and VELVET REVOLVER, issued statements on his passing, while musicians and fans around the world have also posted tributes.

TRAPT paid tribute to late STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland by performing a cover version of the STP classic "Plush" during TRAPT's December 9 concert at at Durty Nellie's pub in Palatine, Illinois. Video footage of their rendition can be seen below (video credit: Nicole Elsen).

Scott has not only been a musical influence for TRAPT but also a dear friend to TRAPT guitarist Ty Fury, who previously worked as a guitar tech for Scott's band THE WILDABOUTS.

Weiland was found dead on his tour bus on December 3 at the age of 48. The suspected cause of death is cardiac arrest, although an official report has yet to be released.

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 of Scott's former bands, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and VELVET REVOLVER, issued statements on his passing, while musicians and fans around the world have also posted tributes.

TRAPT will release its sixth studio album, "DNA", next spring via Crash Collide.

The band recently released a video for the song "It's Over". The clip was directed by Vicente Cordero with Industrialism Films and was shot in downtown Los Angeles.

Video credit: Nicole Elsen

STONE SOUR's cover versions of SLAYER's "Seasons In The Abyss" and MÖTLEY CRÜE's "Too Fast For Love" can be streamed below. The songs are taken from STONE SOUR's new covers EP, "Straight Outta Burbank", which was released last month as part of Record Store Day's annual Black Friday bonanza. The effort includes additional cover versions of songs by BAD BRAINS, THE ROLLING STONES and IRON MAIDEN. Making a guest appearance on STONE SOUR's rendition of THE ROLLING STONES classic "Gimme Shelter" is HALESTORM singer Lzzy Hale.

"Straight Outta Burbank" track listing:

01. Sailin' On (BAD BRAINS cover)02. Running Free (IRON MAIDEN cover)03. Gimme Shelter (THE ROLLING STONES cover) (feat. Lzzy Hale)04. Too Fast For Love (MÖTLEY CRÜE cover)05. Seasons In The Abyss (SLAYER cover)

Now in its eighth year, Record Store Day is an annual day-long celebration of record store culture taking place on the third Saturday in April, with an annual Black Friday event occurring the day after Thanksgiving. This year, RSD has named Dave Grohl as Record Store Day Ambassador 2015.

During a September 15 appearance on the Des Moines, Iowa radio station Lazer 103.3, STONE SOUR singer Corey Taylor stated about "Straight Outta Burbank": "It's done, it's mixed. We've got the album artwork all together. And it's awesome. It's really, really, really good."

He continued: "We're actually more into this one than we are [STONE SOUR's first covers EP, 'Meanwhile In Burbank…']. And that's nothing against the first one; the first one's super solid. This one, man, is so diverse, but it all feels really, really good. We're really stoked about it. We're doing everything from THE STONES to SLAYER. Like, it is on. It is so on, it's not even funny."

In a recent interview, Taylor said that the band's third covers EP — titled "No Sleep 'Till Burbank" — will also feature five songs, and will include new versions of tracks from the following artists: VAN HALEN, VIOLENT FEMMES, BUZZCOCKS, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and AC/DC.

Released this past April as a Record Store Day exclusive , "Meanwhile In Burbank…" contained songs originally done by BLACK SABBATH, JUDAS PRIEST, METALLICA, KISS and ALICE IN CHAINS.

Asked why STONE SOUR decided to release three separate EPs of covers, Taylor said: "This is something we've been talking about for years. And we decided, instead of putting it all on one, and trying to make that work, we were, like, 'Let's have fun with it.' It was kind of the same spirit of why we wanted to do 'em in the first place — is 'cause we wanted to have fun, just to kind of take the edge off, take the pressure off and just go in and have fun and kind of show the world what got us into making music in the first place. So we broke it up into three. That way, we could kind of play with the artwork, make it fun for the fans, and just have a good time with it. 'Cause we're making our nut on covers. But at the same time, when you do something like that, you wanna represent to the best of your ability. And by spacing it out and letting the fans get into five at a time, nothing gets lost in the shuffle. It just felt like by doing it that way, people would have time to digest each five before the next one comes on."

Regarding the "Burbank" tie-in in the titles of the three EPs, Taylor explained: "[Burbank, California is] where [STONE SOUR drummer] Roy [Mayorga] lives, and we did all the music in his home studio. So I was just, like, 'Dude, the title's gotta be, 'Meanwhile In Burbank…' And then it just became, like, 'How can we play on that?' 'No Sleep 'Till Burbank'… 'Straight Outta Burbank'… It was just hilarious. At one point, I wanted us to dress like a black metal band in his front yard and play volleyball. Because there's this giant palm tree in the front, and there's always sun and people walking their kids, or whatever, and we're dressed like MAYHEM. And we didn't have time, 'cause [STONE SOUR bassist Johny] Chow is out with CAVALERA [CONSPIRACY], and Roy's been doing some stuff. So we just didn't have that time where we were all in the same state. But I was, like, 'We've gotta remember that one, 'cause that could be rad.'"

On its last North American tour, STONE SOUR played a different cover every night, including songs that made the EP such as METALLICA's "Creeping Death", KISS's "Love Gun" and JUDAS PRIEST's "Heading Out To The Highway".

Guitarist Christian Martucci joined STONE SOUR in late 2013 as the replacement for Jim Root, who was fired from the group after deciding he wanted to sit out the band's last tour in order to start work on the next album from SLIPKNOT, of which he is also a member.

1965 marks the starting point of one of the most successful rock bands of our time. Hailing from Hannover, Germany, the SCORPIONS embarked on a journey that would lead them around the globe and would establish them as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

With the November 6 release of the 50th-anniversary deluxe editions of "Blackout", "Love At First Sting", "Animal Magnetism", "Lovedrive", "Savage Amusement", "Taken By Force", "Tokyo Tapes" and "World Wide Live", the SCORPIONS celebrated their impressive achievements and open their vaults to unleash hitherto unreleased songs, alternate versions of big hits, rough mixes and rare live concert footage.

In addition to dozens of previously unheard studio tracks and live recordings, all CD releases are contain extended booklets featuring rare photos and, single covers, backstage passes and additional liner notes by Edgar Klüsener, a former editor in chief of Metal Hammer who has followed the band's career closely over several decades. Five of the eight albums are accompanied bya DVD that contains live concert footage from the respective period, together with TV performances and in-depth interviews with the band. In these interviews, they talk about the background history and the creative process of each of these albums: "Lovedrive", "Blackout", "Love At first Sting", "World Wide Live" and "Savage Amusement".

The remastered LP formats are released on 180-gram vinyl in a sleeve replicating the first pressing. They also come with an audio CD, featuring the original track listing and the same bonus audio as the CD formats. A limited and numbered deluxe box set contains all remasted vinyl discs.

SCORPIONS said: "It's hard to summarize 50 years in words, but listening back to all those songs — many of them them previously unreleased — recorded in one of our most creative periods, really took us back in time. This was a very heartfelt project for all of us. It brought back great memories whilst we rediscovered our musical DNA by listening to the archives, selecting dozens of unreleased songs and early versions of well-known SCORPIONS anthems. We really worked on the material to improve the sound quality, but always taking great care to preserve its original feel."

"Tokyo Tapes" reissue track listing:

Disc 1

01. All Night Long02. Pictured Life03. Backstage Queen04. Polar Nights05. In Trance06. We'll Burn The Sky07. Suspender Love08. In Search Of The Peace Of Mind09. Fly To The Rainbow10. He's A Woman - She's A Man11. Speedy's Coming12. Top Of The Bill13. Hound Dog14. Long Tall Sally15. Steamrock Fever16. Dark Lady17. Kjo No Tsuki

Disc 2

01. Robot Man02. Hell Cat (previously unreleased live track) (Japan 1978) (bonus track)03. Catch Your Train (previously unreleased live track) (Japan '78) (bonus)04. Kimi Ga Yo (previously unreleased Japanese hymn '78) (bonus track)05. Polar Nights (previously unreleased live track) (Japan '78) (bonus track)06. He's A Woman She's A Man (previously unreleased live track) (Japan '78) (bonus)07. Top Of The Bill (previously unreleased live track) (Japan '78) (bonus track)08. Robot Man (previously unreleased live track) (Japan '79) (bonus track)

Audio samples of the "Tokyo Tapes" reissue are available below.

As a member of the SCORPIONS from 1973 through 1978, Uli Jon Roth helped pioneer the neo classical style that has influenced countless guitarists to this day. His extraordinary playing can be heard on four classic SCORPIONS records, "Fly To The Rainbow" (1974), "In Trance" (1975), "Virgin Killer" (1976) and "Taken By Force". This lineup also recorded what many still consider to be one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, "Tokyo Tapes".

"At first I didn't realize the impact it had on the rock music scene," Roth told JamMagazine.com about the live album. "When I left the band in 1978, I disconnected myself from the past and was only interested in my new band, ELECTRIC SUN. I didn't follow the success of 'Tokyo Tapes'. Over time, I began to realize that musicians and fans kept referring to that album like it was something extra special. Gradually I understood why. Now I actually see the recording in a different light than what I thought back then."

British metallers, Amulet, have just launched a great cover version of “Levitation” - originally released by Hawkwind on their 1980 album Levitation. Check it out below:

The band recently released their music video for the title track of their 7" single, “Bloody Night”, which featured the above mentioned “Levitation” as the b-side.

“Bloody Night” is taken from the band’s debut album The First, that was released in 2014 and took the heavy metal world by storm. If you haven’t heard the band before, check out the video or the previously released track “Mark Of Evil”:

Amulet lineup:

Jamie Elton - vocals
Heathen Steven - guitar
Nippy Blackford - guitar
Bill Dozer - bass
Dave Sherwood - drums



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MEGADETH's animated video for the new song "The Threat Is Real" can be seen below. The track was released last month as a 12-inch single as part of Record Store Day's annual Black Friday bonanza. The effort also includes the title cut and a cover of FEAR's "Foreign Policy", both of which are taken from MEGADETH's forthcoming fifteenth studio album, "Dystopia".

"Dystopia" will be released on January 22, 2016. The follow-up to 2013's "Super Collider" was recorded earlier in the year in Nashville, Tennessee and was produced by MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine. The CD was mixed by Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with LAMB OF GOD, ALL THAT REMAINS and GOJIRA.

"Dystopia" marks the recording debut of MEGADETH's new lineup, featuring founding members Mustaine (guitar, vocals) and David Ellefson (bass) alongside LAMB OF GOD drummer Chris Adler and Brazilian guitarist Kiko Loureiro, best known for his work with ANGRA.

"Dystopia" final track listing:

01. The Threat Is Real02. Dystopia03. Fatal Illusion04. Death From Within05. Bullet To The Brain06. Post American World07. Poisonous Shadows08. Look Who's Talking (iTunes bonus track)09. Conquer Or Die10. Lying In State11. The Emperor12. Last Dying Wish (iTunes bonus track)13. Foreign Policy (FEAR cover)

The band also recorded a cover version of "Melt The Ice Away" (BUDGIE).

The song "Poisonous Shadows" features piano playing from Kiko as well as orchestration from famed Nashville arranger Ronn Huff, the father of former MEGADETH producer Dann Huff. Mustaine described the track to Rolling Stone as "a really haunting piece" and added that "the part that [Kiko] played is very Chopin-meets-MEGADETH, if that makes sense."

After signing a worldwide deal with Century Media Records back in 2012, Finnish crusaders of heathen metal MOONSORROW, are now ready to open a new chapter with the release of yet another epic and majestic masterpiece. "Jumalten Aika", which means "The Age Of Gods", will be made available on April 1, 2016. The band comments: "MOONSORROW welcomes you to The Age Of Gods! 'Jumalten Aika' is a journey to the deepest North and into the darkest mythologies created in the depths of human soul. Narrated by the voice and sound of MOONSORROW!" In April 2016, MOONSORROW will head out for a European co-headline tour with fellow countrymen KORPIKLAANI. The two powerhouses of Finnish folk metal will join forces once again, with both bands playing extended sets. There will also be an official MOONSORROW album-release show at Virgin Oil in Helsinki on April 1.

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

To give fans a taster of the album before Christmas, Ricky has released the first track from the electric album, "When Patsy Cline Was Crazy (And Guy Mitchell Sang The Blues)". Listen to "The Road To Damascus Street" below.

Ricky commented on the track: "Belfast has always been the heart and soul of my creative center. The longing for home is a constant for a touring musician and Sam's lyrics inspired me to write the music. I am delighted to finally be releasing this song."

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

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

Double CD track listing:

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

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

Bonus tracks:

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

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

Bonus tracks:

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

Vinyl track listing:

Side A

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

Side B

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

Bonus tracks

05. Love Owes06. Eight Bells (Demo)

Side C

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

Side D

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

Bonus tracks

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

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

To kick things off, RICKY WARWICK & THE FIGHTING HEARTS will be supporting Belfast's own favourite sons STIFF LITTLE FINGERS on their U.K. tour in February/March of 2016.

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

A few days after the official release of their brand new full-length album, French metallers Khynn have unleashed an official music video for the single "Tainted impression". The song is extracted from Supersymmetry, available on CD and digital formats through the main platforms (iTunes, Amazon, Deezer) and full streaming (below).

Have a look at the "Tainted Impression" music video below:

At the beginning, Fab (guitar, vox), Max (drums) and Sam (guitar) decided to create Khynn in 2004. Soon after they were joined by Nel (synths) and Joker (bass) and in 2007, the band, based in Besançon (France), released a 7-track demo called Breakin’ The Fury. With influences from Metallica to Children Of Bodom, Khynn delivers a heavy trash melodic debut record, allying power and emotion. A blast of energy serving a limitless spirit.
 
Then, some changes occurred in the original lineup: Sam replaced Fab as a singer, Joker was replaced by Guillaume and then by Rémi as new bass player. Nel left the band too but was not replaced, Khynn using samples instead of synth, further broadening its musical universe.



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