DEAD CROSS, the new "punk" outfit featuring former SLAYER and current PHILM drummer Dave Lombardo alongside members of THE LOCUST and RETOX, has begun recording its debut album for a 2016 release.

DEAD CROSS's lineup is as follows:

Dave Lombardo (PHILM, ex-SLAYER) - DrumsJustin Pearson (THE LOCUST, RETOX) - BassMike Crain (RETOX) - GuitarGabe Serbian (THE LOCUST, RETOX, ex-CATTLE DECAPITATION) - Vocals

Lombardo described DEAD CROSS's sound to Noisey: "It's just straightforward brutal punk— metal-esque, but it's definitely not metal. I think it definitely leans more towards the punk style, because I feel that the way things are in the world, a punk attitude is definitely necessary to help you along with the shit that's going on. There's no time to sing, 'We Are the World', or all this bullshit, we're all pissed right now, and there's no better way to release anger than to be in a punk band and write punk music."

Regarding DEAD CROSS's recording plans, Lombardo told Noisey: "I don't know exactly when we'll be able to release anything, but I'd love to get something out by the end of the year, two singles just to release something, and then do a full-length next year. The level of musicianship we have is very high, so I dont think it'll be too much of a problem to create music and put something out. These guys are driven like I am. I've learned a lot from being in this industry, and sometimes it's a lot better when you grab the bull by the horns yourself and don't wait around for other people."

Photo credit: Robin Laananen

Recording the Dead Cross album. Tama Drums Paiste Cymbals Evans Drumheads with @JustinPierce @GabeSerbian... https://t.co/scwxtR2ePx

— Dave Lombardo (@TheDaveLombardo) December 10, 2015

PRONG's new album, "X - No Absolutes", will be released on February 5, 2016 through SPV/Steamhammer as a digipak (including bonus track+poster), 2LP gatefold version (colored vinyl, CD in paper sleeve) and as a digital download.

The official teaser for "X - No Absolutes" is available below.

"X - No Absolutes" track listing:

01. Ultimate Authority02. Sense Of Ease03. Without Words04. Cut And Dry05. No Absolutes06. Do Nothing07. Belief System08. Soul Sickness09. In Spite Of Hindrances10. Ice Runs Through My Veins11. Worth Pursuing12. With Dignity 13. Universal Law (digipak bonus track)

Comments PRONG mainman Tommy Victor: "PRONG is excited about the upcoming release of our tenth studio release of new material, 'X - No Absolutes'. It seems as though our recent records keep getting better and this new recording definitely appears to be a testament to this.

"PRONG has maintained aggression while tackling the challenge of creating classic songs and anthems in the past, but we have gone even a step further with this mentality on 'No Absolutes'. Here you will find a collection of riff-intensified crushers, furious barn burners, and fist pumping sing-a-longs. Also, this record exhibits even more technical proficiency, showing progress again on all fronts. We feel the listener needs to be excited about every lyric, performance, sound, etc. for the duration of the record. This record throws a powerful punch, yet we feel it to be memorable and in demand of future listens with its energy, strong production and overall catchiness.

"Our themes on this record will certainly inspire some thought. Whether it be a dose of self discovery, a dialogue of a personal challenge or a viscous finger pointing at what we believe to be a falsehood, those attentive to messages and lyrics in general will be supplied. And we feel they will be compelled to shout aloud with, mimic a riff, sing along or cry out in pain with 'X - No Absolutes'!"

After a self-prescribed hiatus, 2012 saw PRONG blow the hinges off the door with the release of "Carved Into Stone". Seemingly out of nowhere, Tommy Victor and company managed to combine all the previous elements of the band's formula: thrash, hardcore, industrial metal, etc. with a new urgency and angst that struck a deep nerve with the band's loyal fan-base and beyond. The band marched onwards with 2014's highly acclaimed "Ruining Lives", which spawned a number of instant classics. "Turnover", "The Barriers" and the title track became staples in their live set when embarking on a bone-breaking schedule of concerts around the world in support of the record. A video for "Remove, Separate Self" was released creating even more interest in this significant recording. Recorded over the summer of 2014 and released in early 2015, PRONG's covers album "Songs From The Black Hole" was loved by fans and critics alike. Always game to make the unexpected move, the album featured songs from artists as diverse as HÜSKER DÜ, BAD BRAINS, BLACK FLAG, THE SISTERS OF MERCY and Neil Young. After yet another headline tour, it was straight back to the studio for another studio album. Just days after mixing was completed, PRONG went on the road with DANZIG and SUPERJOINT in North America and released the first single "Ultimate Authority" on the day the tour began. "X - No Absolutes" is PRONG at their very best. The sheer intensity and ferocity of the albums opening triumvirate "Ultimate Authority", "Sense Of Ease" and "Without Words" leaves the listener gasping for air. The title track is crunchy and catchy at the same time. "Do Nothing" may be as close as you will ever hear PRONG get to a ballad and shows the enormous progress and confidence Victor has made vocally. It is hard to find a weak spot here, notably Victor mentions that "sequencing the album was a difficult task; every song is so strong in its own way." Again produced by Tommy Victor, this time with trusted collaborator Chris Collier as co-producer and engineer, "X - No Absolutes" also broadens the horizon sonically. With over 55 headline shows already announced for right after the album release, PRONG can seem to do everything but stand still. Photo credit: Neil Zlozower

Impericon.com recently met up with BRING ME THE HORIZON vocalist Oliver Sykes and guitarist Lee Malia and asked them "25 important either-or questions." Check out their responses below.

BRING ME THE HORIZON's fifth studio album, "That's The Spirit", debuted at No. 2 last month on The Billboard 200 album chart, selling 62,000 copies in its first week of release. The chart and sales numbers were career highs for the British act.

"That's The Spirit" marks a surprising change in BRING ME THE HORIZON's sound and Oliver Sykes told The Pulse Of Radio how it came about. "Really, we were wrapping up 'Sempiternal', and we just felt like we'd progressed a lot just in that short space of time since releasing 'Sempiternal' and touring it, so, yeah, I guess when we finished the campaign, we just really felt like we had a big opportunity. Like, 'Sempiternal' really got us out to the public a lot more than the previous record and stuff, and it felt like people were waiting to see what we did next and people were really hungry for it, you know what I mean? So we just wanted to take the opportunity and really smash it out of the park, I guess."

"That's The Spirit" not only marks a change in the band's sound but also has a concept behind it.

Sykes explained recently: "It's a celebration of depression. A way of making light of it. That's the spirit — it's quite a depressing phrase when you think about it — the sort of thing you only ever use when you know there's no positive answer to the situation."

BRING ME THE HORIZON recently completed a North American headlining tour and is now doing the same in Europe.

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH canceled a show in Milan, Italy on November 22 amidst rumors that the Islamic State (ISIS) was planning to attack the show as part of a series of multiple attacks spread across several countries.

The hacktivist group Anonymous claimed to have uncovered plots by ISIS for several terrorist attacks to occur on Sunday, including at a pro wrestling event in Atlanta and other locations in Paris, Rome, Lebanon and Indonesia, in addition to the concert in Milan.

The rumors of the attacks came a week after a deadly terrorist attack at seven locations in Paris, including an EAGLES OF DEATH METAL concert where 89 people were killed.

The hacktivists said the information about the fresh attacks was received from "several pro-(ISIS) accounts."

Speaking to U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH guitarist Zoltan Bathory stated about the band's decision to call off the Milan concert (see video below): "The first moment when that happened, when our name popped up as a potential threat, at first I was… You try to make a joke [about it and say something like], 'C'mon, guys, our record wasn't that bad.' But there's nothing really funny about it. But it happened, actually — our name popped up. And it wasn't necessarily… The band wasn't the target. The situation was the target — that there's a crowd. It doesn't matter what band would have played that particular venue. And afer Paris, obviously, that was actually one of the venues we did worry about. We know that venue, we know the security, we know the ways in and ways out. And generally, the security there is pretty relaxed to begin with. So that's why it became a target. It's not because [of] the band; it was because it was another soft target. So, immediately, obviously, we talked with the local security, and then realized that they can't really provide the security we required for this. Then we said, 'We cannot put…' Even if it's 90 percent safe, is that safe enough? Would you put your fans or friends or whoever into… 'Yeah, most likely you'll survive.' No, you won't. It's a concert. You go there to…"

He continued: "I'm a thrill seeker; I put myself in danger all the time. But when regular people go to a concert, they wanna be entertained. They're not there to… 'Let's see if I survive.' That's absolutely crazy. That's absolutely insane.

"So, when we analyzed the situation and we knew that it is credible — credible enough… Anonymous groups are separate groups. One group can claim, 'We don't know.' The other one says, 'We know.' That's the power of Anonymous — that they are decentralized, smaller groups — cells, basically — and that is their security, that they operate that way. So one group can know something that the other is not necessarily aware of. So you have to take it seriously."

Bathory also defended other groups — including LAMB OF GOD, PAPA ROACH, FOO FIGHTERS and DEFTONES — who chose to cancel their European tours in the wake of the Paris terror attacks. He said: "Again, would you wanna be the band…? I mean, I read Randy Blythe from LAMB OF GOD, his explanation [for LAMB OF GOD canceling their tour], and there's not much to add to that. Would you be the band who were warned, were threatened, and you ignored it and you still did the show, and when something happens, then it's all your fault. So it's kind of like all these bands are in the 'I'm damned if I do it, I'm damned if I don't,' because if you don't do it, [people will say], 'Oh, those pussies.' And all you can do it is, like, look, I don't care about what these people… I can't care about… To some degree, I wanna shake your head, like, 'Jesus, man, can you understand what's going down here?' But you can't. So all we can do is be logical, be methodical, check out all the intel you get, analyze it, and be thorough with that."

He continued: "Again, 90 percent good enough is not good enough — not for the fans, not for thousands and thousands of people. It's just not good enough. So any of the shows that we couldn't provide the security, or it wasn't on the level we required, we just [went], 'Okay, we're not gonna do those, 'cause we can't pull it [off].' Brussels, we couldn't even get in, so that was not even our choice at that point. But even if we could get in, that was already dicey. And I also have a crew…

"Again, back to the same thing. I have to ask these guys to go… The sound guy and the light guy and the merch guy, they're out there with their backs to the door. I have to ask my sound engineer to sit there. If I can't promise him an absolute 100 percent safety, how can I ask him to do that? Or any band… PAPA ROACH, LAMB OF GOD — how can they possibly ask their crew to sit out there after we all lost people we knew and we were friends with in Paris? How can I ask them, like, 'Hey, is it your turn to sit down there and chance it?' No. it has to be a hundred percent."

MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx has commented on the events of November 13 in Paris, France, 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.

Speaking on a recent edition of his syndicated radio show "Sixx Sense", Sixx said (hear audio below): "I'm on the road with a rock band, and I have a road crew and tour buses and fans and everything that's extended off of what we're doing out here. And the same thing happened in Paris; there was a band playing and fans.

"I found out about this when I walked off stage in Munich. At the same time that we [MÖTLEY CRÜE] were playing, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL were playing in Paris, and it was a totally different experience, even though it was similar in a lot of ways. That's really what touched me and touched all of us out here even a little bit deeper than the news. Because we were, like, 'It could have happened here.' Not just one country over."

He continued: "Our bus company that we use is also used by EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, so there's all these photos outside of the venue, and you see the bus and crew members, and we all know each other. I know that band; I know their crew. It could have happened to us, it could have happened to any of us bands touring in Europe, and the fans.

"What message does this send just into the entertainment industry?

"People go to a rock concert, or a pop concert, or a country concert, they go just to have a good time — have some beers, sing their favorite songs. This was never on the list of things to worry about in the music industry.

"Sporting events… People go out to a meal to just have a nice meal and sip on some wine and talk and live their life. And there's dead bodies everywhere."

Sixx added: "I'm just kind of, with everybody else, blown away. But in our little world, our little touring world, of musicians and crew and just everything that we do, it's weird, because it was just a mere one country over."

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

The attacks in Paris led to a military response by France against the radical Islamic organization ISIS, as French jets bombed a series of targets in Syria.

The attacks have stepped up worldwide concern over ISIS, as well as a debate in the U.S. over whether to accept Syrian refugees.

In a brand new interview with Vanyaland, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY frontman and DOWN guitarist Pepper Keenan was asked if the recent massacre at an EAGLES OF DEATH METAL concert in Paris and the onstage murder of PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott more than ten years ago has made him more concerned about his own personal safety while performing with any of his bands.

"I think about it every night," he admitted. "From Dimebag's death on. I mean, [at the concert CORRROSION OF CONFORMITY played] last night, the lights were blinding; I couldn't see two feet in front of my face. So I've been thinking about it long before the Paris thing, but you just kind of hope that it's not your thing."

He continued: "When it comes to the Paris show, DOWN played that venue a couple years ago, sold it out like [EAGLES OF DEATH METAL] had. And I remember how packed it was in there; it was probably one of the hottest shows DOWN ever played. But I also remember there wasn't any way to get out of that place except the front door. The second I heard Bataclan, I was, like, 'Man, those people were fucked.' But it's terrible."

Pepper added: "EAGLES OF DEATH METAL are really good friends of mine and it's a fuckin' tragedy. Especially guys like that; it ain't like SLAYER or something. Not that it makes any difference, but the world that those guys are in… they got nothin' to do with any of that shit, nor do their fans. The whole thing was just ridiculous.

"And with EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, they've got great songs, but the fact is they're almost a tongue-in-cheek band. People are going there to have fun. So for that to happen there, it just blew my mind.

"Hopefully they can find some degree of healing, and spread some love and healing. That's the route I would take."

Asked if the events in Paris put him back to a headspace like when Dimebag was killed where everybody was on edge, Pepper said: "Obviously, it's kind of got everybody fucking insane. Just walking down the street now. And for me, I'm probably a little dumber than the average person when it comes to that, but I've gotta live my life, and I hope that I would be prepared in a situation if it arises, or when it arises, and act accordingly."

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

The attacks in Paris led to a military response by France against the radical Islamic organization ISIS, as French jets bombed a series of targets in Syria.

The attacks have stepped up worldwide concern over ISIS, as well as a debate in the U.S. over whether to accept Syrian refugees.

Power thrash champions Sanktuary hail from the harsh and blisteringly cold of the deep far North of Canada’s Yukon Territory situating themselves in the city of Whitehorse (pretty far north, like the Siberia of Canada eh!). They have been trekking across the country for the past 6 years to bring their fierce and dynamic high speed riffs, catchy hooks, and belted out lyrics to the metal crowds.

2016 see the band’s return with their sophomore album Winter’s Doom set for release on January 22nd, 2016. The album features seven killer high speed, breakneck thrash metal tracks inspired by the Yukon’s far north they call home along with other issues such as politics, technology, and more. BraveWords is premiering the new track, “Space Race”:

A collective vision that began in high school with a group of like-minded teens fed up with the constraints of mainstream music who wanted to emulate the lifestyles of their favourite bands. Their straight-forward, no-bullshit attitudes shape their signature brand of heavy metal, which has lead them to release the full length, 2013’s Something Fierce, which reached #19 on the national college radio loud charts, 2011’s Tundrastruck split with Nova Scotia’s Black Moor and Montreal’s Metallian plus two EPs 2010’s Black Magic and 2009’s self-titled.

Members of the band write harmoniously, basing each song off of a key riff from either Alan Binger (vocals and guitar), Glen Emond (guitar), or Cole Hume (bass), and then Anders Grasholm (drums) works his magic on the rhythm of each tune.

“In the title track and album cover we portray ourselves as heavy metal warriors thriving in a habitat where most would perish instantaneously. That’s our homeland, the Yukon,” comments the band.

Album artwork by Tyler Grasholm:

Tracklisting:

“Space Race”
“Wild Is The Wind”
“Vermin Lord”
“Winter’s Doom”
“Open Your Eyes”
“Corpse Blockade”
“Maximum Authority”

Track by track breakdown:

“1. ‘Space Race’: It’s about… the race to space! Superior technology, more advanced weapons, a more modern cold war kind of feel.

“2. ‘Wild Is The Wind’: You can make of this one whatever you want but to me it’s about home. It’s our ode to the Yukon.

“3. ‘Vermin Lord’: The rats are coming for you!

“4. ‘Winter’s Doom’: Another track loosely based around the Yukon. I guess you can see that we were happy to be home.

“5. ‘Open Your Eyes (To The Lies)’: Don’t feed the propaganda machine. Expose them and they are weak.

“6. ‘Corpse Blockade’: A necromancer summons the dead and forms a wall of corpses as his entourage. Don’t fuck with this necromancer.

“7. ‘Maximum Authority’: Another political one. Police State USA.”

Pre-order Winter’s Doom here.



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Inner Wound Recordings will release Warsaw, Poland-based prog band Votum’s new album, :KTONIK:, on February 26th in Europe and North America. A new album teaser video can be found below.

Votum combines dark and vibrant atmosphere with metal traditions, bringing both force and ambience to play. The band is no stranger to musical diversity with subtle cinematic frailty and modern electronica. Dealing in powerful guitars and acoustic ballads Votum creates a very specific blend of fresh and unusual approach to progressive rock and metal.

:KTONIK: was recorded and mixed by David Castillo at Ghost Ward (Katatonia, Opeth, Bloodbath).

Tracklisting:

“Satellite”
“Greed”
“Spiral”
“Blackened Tree”
“Simulacra”
“Prometheus”
“Horizontal”
“Vertical”
“Last Word”

Teaser:

Votum will tour Europe with Kingcrow in February and March. Below you'll find the first confirmed dates, more to be announced soon.

February
26 - Progresja - Warsaw, Poland
27 - Exit-US - Prague, Czech Republic

March
3 - Boerderij - Zoetermeer, Netherlands
10 - Barrio's Cafe - Milano, Italy

Votum is:

Bartosz Sobieraj - vocals, accustic guitar
Piotr Lniany - guitar
Adam Kaczmarek - guitar
Zbigniew Szatkowski - keyboards
Bartek Turkowski - bass
Adam Lukaszek - drums



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In the wake of yesterday's murders of 14 people at a San Bernardino, California center for the developmentally disabled, ALL THAT REMAINS singer Phil Labonte has once again reiterated his opinion that Americans should have a right to carry weapons and protect themselves.

Whenever there's a mass shooting, the ongoing debate over gun control comes back into the national spotlight. But amid all the arguing and finger-pointing that always accompanies a topic this controversial, nothing seems to break the legislative stalemate that exists on this issue.

In a posting earlier today (Thursday, December 3) on his personal Facebook page, Labonte offered his opinion on the matter, explaining that it is wrong to believe that more gun-control laws for law-abiding citizens will do anything to stop criminals or terrorists.

Said Labonte: "Remember a while back when those two dudes grabbed some long guns and headed out to kill a bunch of people at a 'Draw Muhammad' thing in Texas? [Remember] how that worked out? They got smoked before they could kill anyone. Notice how a shitload of people died yesterday?

"Regardless of if you like guns or not. They are out there. In America, there are a whole shitload of them.

"Laws didn't work in Paris [referring to last month's terror attacks that left more than 129 people dead. — Ed.] and they won't stop this stuff here. The police will do everything they can to help you when they get there, but 'till then, you're on your fucking own.

"Fuck, most of my friends don't think it's weird to have a rifle in the truck or car all the time.

"There's nothing wrong with having a small bag with a first-aid kit and a handgun in your desk or toolbox at work.

"Get your local carry license, go to a couple classes, have a first aid kit, and have a gun."

Labonte, a staunch gun-rights advocate, in 2012 penned his own op-ed piece for Alternative Press supporting the Second Amendment rights of Americans to bear arms. He wrote at the time: "The Second Amendment is a right that was given to us to prevent the federal government from becoming tyrannical. Proponents of gun control would do well to learn the history of gun control and the terrible tragedies that often follow the disarming of a population."

On December 6, Kaaos TV conducted an interview with MOTÖRHEAD drummer Mikkey Dee at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On the recent Paris terrorist attacks:

"I don't know where to start, really. I mean, these fucking assholes, you know… I just don't get it. I said to TV and to media, the press we've done, animals don't even do this shit to each other. So I don't know where these people come from. Are they from another planet or something? I don't know. So I don't even wanna talk more about it. I hope France can heal. And there's more countries than France that suffers from these fucking complete lunatics, you know. So… well, fuck 'em! And I hope people can get back to a normal life and refuse to give up anything for these fucking pricks, because I don't know what to call them. I wouldn't call them animals, 'cause animals are nice, and these fuckers are not."

On whether MOTÖRHEAD considered canceling any shows after the events in Paris due to security concerns:

"No. Not really. We are here to play. And the show in Paris got moved. But it actually was on… after the attacks, it still was on. And then the police and the French government, I guess, the city took the decision of canceling the shows. But we were actually there and ready to play, if they wanted us to play. I didn't think it was very proper to play, but if they wanted us to play, we would have played. But I think it was good that it got moved."

On whether he is personally more concerned about safety because of what happened at the EAGLES OF DEATH METAL concert in Paris:

"No. Not at all. Not whatsoever. Because this shit happens all the time, and we have to get used to it; it's gonna happen more and more. These radical fucking freaks. No. It makes me be a bit more aware. But I'm aware of it. Walking around Paris the next day, obviously, people were looking at each other a bit more. But, no, I really just… I hope it gets into a routine. I'm not gonna get scared of these fucking pricks. And you just have to be more aware, I guess. But you have to be able to continue your life the way you've been dealing with it.

Vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway of British grindcore pioneers NAPALM DEATH has commented on the events of November 13 in Paris, France, 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 (hear audio below): "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.

The attacks in Paris led to a military response by France against the radical Islamic organization ISIS, as French jets bombed a series of targets in Syria.

The attacks have stepped up worldwide concern over ISIS, as well as a debate in the U.S. over whether to accept Syrian refugees.

Metal Wani editor in chief Owais "Vitek" Nabi conducted an interview with OBITUARY drummer Donald Tardy before the band's November 20 concert in Berlin, Germany as part of the "Deathcrusher 2015" tour alongside CARCASS, NAPALM DEATH, VOIVOD and HEROD. You can now listen to the chat in the YouTube clip below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether the Paris terrorist attacks have affected his way of thinking while being on the road:

"Yeah, I mean, it does. You wouldn't be human if it didn't affect you. What are you supposed to say? It's a terrible thing that happened. To stay focused on stage is a little bit different now, 'cause, in the back of your mind, you know what happened in Paris. It wasn't just targeted to a metal crowd. I mean, people were having dinner and were murdered, and people were at a soccer stadium. So it wasn't about metal music or music in general; it's just terrorists and they're just cowards and they kill the innocent. So it's in the back of your mind. But we also know that, you know what? You can't allow fear to rule your life. And OBITUARY, just like CARCASS and just like NAPALM [DEATH], we knew the answer was not to pack our bags and run home and go hide in our closets. We knew that we had to just realize it's a terrible thing. We hope that local promoters and the venues take extra precautions just to be safe, to keep the bands and the fans safe. And we know that we're here for a job; we're here to let people enjoy themselves when they have a long week of work, or they get off work that day, to at least come for just a few hours and enjoy some music. And we know that's what we needed to do."

On performing in Paris ten days after the terrorist attacks:

"[The Paris fans] deserve to see this show. We just keep our fingers crossed and we just hope that everything's gonna be okay and we're gonna be safe. Because nowhere on this planet is safe right now. It's not like Paris is more dangerous than anywhere else. Nobody's safe, but you just have to move on with life. You've gotta just hope that you're gonna be okay and go on about your business."

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

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

Dimitri de Larocque of "Tête-À-Tête" last month conducted an interview with former W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On being in Paris shortly after last month's terrorist attacks:

"Screw the terrorists. I don't care what… It's shitty what they did last week, but it doesn't bother me. I like the city. The city is a beautiful city. I never got to go around on the subway and stuff, but this time I did. I like the city. It's beautiful."

On whether he's afraid of terrorists:

"No. No. No. What are they gonna…? I'm not gonna let them disupt my life or whatever."

On whether heavy metal is a job or a way of life for him:

"It's a way of life, for sure. It's the way you live. It's a way of life."

On whether he would say he has chosen the music or that it is the music which has chosen him:

"I guess when I was a kid, it's the music that chose me. Definitely, it's the music that chose me when I was a kid."

On why he left the United States of America and move to France:

"It's because the culture's changed. The kids, they don't listen to rock anymore; they listen to hip-hop. They listen to black culture… rap. All the white kids listen to rap there now… most of them. And I play hard rock, and so if they don't listen to it or buy it, why even stay there? That's why I decided to come over here. 'Cause the culture hasn't changed over here."

On his relationship with God:

"Well, I used to pray all the time, and then my prayers weren't answered, so I got tired of praying. So I guess my relationship with God isn't that good anymore. But I don't believe in the Devil either. I'm a skeptic. You know what a skeptic is? A skeptic is… I've gotta touch it. Like, this is a table [and I can touch it], you know? I can't touch God, so I don't believe in him. He never answered my prayers, so…"

Holmes's latest album, "Shitting Bricks", was released earlier in the year via M & O Music.

Holmes joined W.A.S.P. in 1982 and remained with the group until 1990. In 1996, Holmes rejoined W.A.S.P. and stayed with the band until 2001. Holmes has not played with W.A.S.P. since.

SLAYER guitarist Kerry King says that canceling the remainder of the band's current European headlining tour was "never an issue" following the events of November 13 in Paris, France, 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.

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

Speaking to Kerrang! magazine, King said: "[Scrapping the rest of the tour] was never an issue for us. Our perspective is: if you cave in and you go home, you're letting the terrorists win. That's not what we're about, and that's not what we want to convey. I have to live my life and be happy with what I do every day, and not spend all my time looking over my shoulder."

Kerry made similar comments last month when he spoke to Belgian journalist Tom De Smet. He said: "I am suprised that it took the terrorists this long to target a rock concert. Because they hate rock music. They hate our lifestyle. They hate our freedom and they hate that we enjoy ourselves. And, of course, it sucks. What happened makes everybody think twice about risking their lives to see a band play. But if you stop going to concerts or stop playing at them, you just do what the terrorists want you to do. It is very important to carry on and to do what you do, what you love doing. And, you know, I am not the kind of guy that goes through life worrying all the time. We took airplanes right after 9-11. We played shows right after Dimebag [late PANTERA guitarist] was shot. Sure, things can go wrong. But you might also step out this building here and get run over by a car. Just do what you love doing and stop worrying."

He continued: "I have written a lot of songs about the negative influence of organized religion. What happened in Paris is once again an example of that. I don't believe what ISIS — or ISIL or whatever you have to call them these days — believe, so therefore I must perish. That's the most ridiculous thing I have heard in my life. People have been killing each other for centuries because of organized religion."

The attacks in Paris led to a military response by France against the radical Islamic organization ISIS, as French jets bombed a series of targets in Syria.

The attacks have stepped up worldwide concern over ISIS, as well as a debate in the U.S. over whether to accept Syrian refugees.

Following is a brief update from Devin Townsend Project drummer Ryan van Poederooyen:

"In writing mode at rehearsal with Mr. Townsend. It's going awesome and the tunes are a blast to play! Recording the new album in Spring 2016. Onwards..."

Earlier this year, Devin Townsend Project played an incredible sold-out show at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall, bringing the story of Ziltoid to life on stage, as well as playing tracks from across his back catalogue. This larger-than-life evening was captured on film and is set to be released on November 13th via Inside Out Music.

Check out “Deadhead” from the upcoming release:

Shot on 15 high-definition cameras, it was directed by Paul M Green (Devin Townsend, Opeth, BB King, Steve Hackett) and features special guests such as Dominique Lenore Persi (Stolen Babies), Chris Jericho (Fozzy) and Jean Savoie, with video narration by Bill Courage, as well as 12 singers and actors as cast and choir.

Townsend states: “The show at The Royal Albert Hall was a great experience. To be able to make artistic expression rooted in creativity and then to be able to articulate it in these sorts of ways - at this sort of venue- was pretty awesome. The whole thing was quite a challenge, but ultimately it worked and we were all very satisfied with it. I completely appreciate the support that has allowed this to happen from the audience, and I thank my team and Inside Out Records for busting ass to make this DVD a reality. I think if you enjoy what I do, you'll really dig it. Thank you so much for the opportunity!”

The release will arrive on several formats including an artbook of 44 pages including the entire concert as well as extensive behind-the-scenes bonus footage and a full documentary, pressed on 3 CDs, 2 DVDs and a Blu Ray Disc, as Special Edition Digipak with 3 CDs and a DVD and as BluRay including the entire show and bonus material.

"March Of The Poozers" :





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LAMB OF GOD guitarist Mark Morton has commented on the events of November 13 in Paris, France, 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.

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

Speaking to Fuse, Morton was asked how LAMB OF GOD's feelings about touring in general have been affected by the recent concert tragedy. He said: "I think that Paris, obviously, was just kind of devastating for everyone involved in the music world, either as fans or as artists. At least in the context of politics and global terrorism and war, it's the first real instance I can think of that they really, really entered our world on a very, very extreme and obvious level. Our crew guys knew some of the people that were in that room, and I've played that room a half a dozen times. It really, really did hit home."

He continued: "I don't think that for me, personally, it really changes anything that I do. In terms of what my approach is, man, I just want to play my guitar. Every night before we play, I have a little moment with myself where I sit and think about what we're doing and why we're doing it and hope or pray, or whatever you want to call it, that what we're doing translates into joy for people. Whether that be on a level of catharsis for them, so that they can process some of their own emotions, or just unity for the crowd, for people to come together and have a good couple hours rallying around music and the energy in the room. For my part, I think that's all I can do."

LAMB OF GOD singer Randy Blythe recently wrote a lengthy statement defending his band's decision to cancel their European tour following terror threats on the continent. The frontman revealed that the group had continued touring even after learning of the deadly attack on EAGLES OF DEATH METAL's concert, playing shows in England and Germany, before news of "a specific occurrence" that Blythe did not explain in detail prompted the band to return home to Richmond, Virginia.

The attacks in Paris led to a military response by France against the radical Islamic organization ISIS, as French jets bombed a series of targets in Syria.

The attacks have stepped up worldwide concern over ISIS, as well as a debate in the U.S. over whether to accept Syrian refugees.

Fan-filmed video footage of DEF LEPPARD performing the instrumental song "Switch 625" on December 6 at 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland can be seen below.

DEF LEPPARD released its new, self-titled studio album on October 30. The effort was made available through earMUSIC worldwide (excluding North America, Japan) in the following formats: CD, 2LP gatefold, digital download and on all streaming services.

"Def Leppard" entered The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 10 with first-week sales of just over 30,000 units — nearly all from pure album sales.

DEF LEPPARD singer Joe Elliott recently spoke to the "BBC Breakfast" show about the glue that has kept the band together for nearly four decades. He said: "I think the essential thing is that we're always… so far… You never know, it could all end tomorrow. But so far, we've all been on the same page. Musically, we all know what we want, we all agree on… We disagree on a lot of things, but it's normally who's got the remote for the telly and stuff. But musically, we've always been on the same page. And we've always found out, a lot of things that split bands up, we let it ride out. If somebody is in a bit of a funk or a bad mood, you just [go], 'Leave him alone.' And three weeks later, it just goes away. Sometimes [it takes three weeks], [and other times] it takes three minutes. When you've been around for 38 years, three weeks is the blink of the eye; it's no big deal. I think it's just a case of having mutual respect for each other as musicians. And the fact that we all came from these working-class backgrounds. There is an element of, like, 'Don't let this go.' Because you don't wanna end up working back down the pit or in the factory, or wherever you came from. It's our passion — it really is — so that makes it easy."

Frontiers Music Srl will release the self-titled debut album from NORDIC UNION on January 29, 2016.

NORDIC UNION is the name behind the new musical collaboration, built by Frontiers president Serafino Perugino, between singer Ronnie Atkins of the legendary Danish hard rock institution PRETTY MAIDS and the up-and-coming Swedish songwriter and producer Erik Martensson of ECLIPSE and W.E.T. fame.

The partnership between the two fellow Scandinavians worked well and together they have created some musical magic, which will truly impress the fans of these highly regarded musicians. Atkins says: "The music on the album has a focus on good melodies and there's some good guitar work as well. I had a good gut feeling ever since I heard the first songs from Erik Martensson, and I was right he's a very gifted and talented songwriter!"

These songs are guaranteed not to leave your head for a long time. Just have a listen to the gorgeous anthemic opener "The War Has Begun" and some killer melodic gems like "When Death Is Calling", "21 Guns" and "Hypocrisy" with great hooks and epic guitar riffs. "Wide Awake" can be described as a combination between pop and melodic rock with a modern production. There's really something for everyone here!

"While PRETTY MAIDS is still my first priority" explains Ronnie, "the production process and the work on this record went very smoothly. I think what came out is a killer melodic hard rock album with a lot of good songs on it. I could really feel the songs as mine and identify with those. So I hope the fans will be able to share my view and it's been some kind of a little fresh breath in between albums for me, really."

"Nordic Union" track listing:

01. The War Has Begun02. Hypocrisy03. Wide Awake04. Every Heartbeart05. When Death Is Calling06. 21 Guns07. Falling08. The Other Side09. Point Of No Return10. True Love Awaits You11. Go

The song "When Death Is Calling" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

NORDIC UNION recording lineup:

* Ronnie Atkins: Lead, background vocals* Erik Martensson: Lead guitar, bass, keyboards and background vocals* Magnus Ulfstedt: Drums

Guest guitar solos:

* Thomas Larsson, guitar solo on "Every Heartbest" and "Wide Awake"* Fredrik Folkare, guitar solo on "Point Of No Return" and "Hypocrisy"* Magnus Henriksson, guitar solo on "The War Has Begun"

STAIND singer Aaron Lewis paid tribute to late STONE TEMPLE PILOTS frontman Scott Weiland by performing a cover version of the STP classic "Creep" on December 4 at 8 Seconds Saloon in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can watch video footage of his rendition below.

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.

In his 2011 autobiography "Not Dead & Not For Sale", Weiland wrote: "I'm a tenacious drug addict. I give it up and I don't give it up. I put it down and I pick it up. But I'm also a tenacious recoverer. I never quit trying to quit. That counts for something."

Former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS manager Steve Stewart, who handled the band from 1990 to 2000, told Alternative Nation, "What always struck me most about Scott was how alone he really was. For all the people and things he had around, I always felt he was somehow separated from people… I thought he'd always beat his demons, and maybe in the end, he finally did. My prayers are with his family and children."

Former MARILYN MANSON and current ROB ZOMBIE guitarist John 5 (real name: John William Lowery) will welcome 2016 with a song called "Black Grass Plague". There will be a video release on the same day to accompany the track. The clip was filmed this past summer with John 5's buddies from THE CREATURES — drummer Rodger Carter and bassist Ian Ross —in North Hollywood, California. Directing and producing the video was Coffin Case founder Jonny Coffin, who previously worked with John 5 on the mini-series "Tales From The Crossroads" as well as the DVD for "God Told Me To" in 2012.

The cover artwork for the "Black Grass Plague" single, designed by John 5, can be seen below.

John 5 celebrated 11 years of solo work with a "Greatest Hits Vol. 1" album. The set includes a live DVD, featuring footage of John 5 in concert. John 5 also released three brand new singles, the first of which came out in October.

John 5 last month completed the "Mad Monster Tour" featuring his band JOHN 5 AND THE CREATURES. Select dates also featured former MISFITS member Doyle Wolfgang Von Frankenstein and his band DOYLE. JOHN 5 AND THE CREATURES kicked off the tour with a special show in Ramona, California on November 4.

JOHN 5 & THE CREATURES toured in support of John 5's eighth solo album, "Careful With That Axe", which was made available on August 12, 2014 through 60 Cycle Hum. The effort features Rodger Carter on drums and Matt Bissonette on bass.



(Thanks: NJthrasher)

Minneapolis, Minnesota hard rock/industrial metal outfit AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE will release its fourth album, "Tango Umbrella", on March 25, 2016 via Napalm Records. The cover artwork was created by Sam Shearon and can be seen below. Comments AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE's Chad Hanks: "'Tango Umbrella', sonically, feels like a combination of 'The War Of Art' and 'The Feeding'. It's a logical progression for us, as we continue experimenting with different feels, sounds, vocal styles, etc. It's heavy in every way possible, and I really think our fans are going to love it. We made the record we wanted to hear, and I feel like we definitely achieved that."

AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE's sound remains firmly rooted in catchy alternative metal, the NWOAHM, with industrial influences and groovy heaviness. "Tango Umbrella" track listing:

01. Let All The World Believe02. Drowning Under Everything03. Perfectionist04. Sacred05. I Will Have My Day06. A King Among Men07. Suffer Elegantly08. Antidote09. Prolific Catastrophe10. Down And Depraved

AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE released the "Shoot" EP in July 2013. The disc was recorded by Don Debiase at Studio D Productions in Cleveland, Ohio and was mixed by Dave Fortman at Balance Productions in New Orleans, Louisiana.

AMERICAN HEAD CHARGE split in August 2009 and reformed two years later.

SHINEDOWN frontman Brent Smith and guitarist Zach Myers kicked off their acoustic tour on December 4 in Destin, Florida by paying tribute to late STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland with a performance of the STP classic "Big Empty". Fan-filmed video footage of their rendition can be seen below.

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.

SHINEDOWN has done acoustic shows throughout its career and Smith told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that it's always fun. "Yeah, we love it, man," he said. "We still don't strip the songs down, though, even when we play 'em acoustic. We still rock the hell out of 'em. But I mean, it's a lot more intimate, it gets more personal, you know, with the audience. They're like, it's really up close and, you know, it kind of gives the audience a chance to dive into the band's psyche and we love it. We love doin' it. We never say no to it."

In January 2014, the pair released a digital EP called "(Acoustic Sessions)" under the name SMITH & MYERS.

The EP contained covers of songs from THE CLASH, METALLICA, OTIS REDDING, THE BLACK CROWES, SOUL ASYLUM and KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD.

The final selection was chosen from thousands of submissions by fans and narrowed down through daily voting on Facebook.

"Count The Dead", a brand new song from ABBATH, the band led by ex-IMMORTAL frontman Olve Eikemo (a.k.a. Abbath), can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below. The track is taken from ABBATH's self-titled debut album, which will be released on January 22, 2016 via Season Of Mist.

"Abbath" track listing:

01. To War02. Winter Bane03. Ashes of the Damned04. Ocean of Wounds05. Count The Dead06. Fenrir Hunts07. Root Of The Mountain08. Endless09. Nebular Ravens Winter (bonus track)

The album can be pre-ordered at this location.

ABBATH will release a seven-inch single, "Count The Dead", on December 11 via Season Of Mist. 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".

"Count The Dead" will be released in two versions, which are both limited to 500 copies worldwide and exclusively available for pre-order through the Season Of Mist shop.

Bass duties for ABBATH are being handled by a man familiar to metal fans across the world — Tom Cato Visnes, more widely known as King Ov Hell and main composer for several GORGOROTH albums as well as his own bands OV HELL, with singer Shagrath from DIMMU BORGIR, and GOD SEED, with exceptional black metal vocalist Gaahl.

In a recent interview with Australia's TheMusic.com.au, Abbath spoke about the circumstances surrounding his departure from IMMORTAL and his decision to launch a new group. "I feel like I've been fired," he said. "It was never my intention to go solo but I really feel like I've been forced into it. Apparently they [lyricist/guitarist Demonaz and drummer Horgh] are going to continue on [as IMMORTAL] without me and that's fine — but it was very disappointing that no one, not even [IMMORTAL's record label] Nuclear Blast, wanted to hear my side of the story. The other guys wanted to do things solely on their timetable and also claimed that I need to go to rehab, which was just nonsense, because I've always delivered, live and in the studio — always. My plan was to go into the studio last year. If I had my way, IMMORTAL would have been on tour right now."

He continued: "I just think they ended up being in it for the wrong reasons. They weren't showing any passion for what we were doing.

"Even though my new band is called ABBATH, it finally feels like I'm in a real band — part of a group of musicians who have a great dialogue and share a passion for the music. It didn't feel like that in IMMORTAL for a long time."

ABBATH is:

Abbath: Guitars, VocalsKing: BassCreature: DrumsValla: Session Guitar (live)



"Abbath" cover artwork:



"Count The Dead" cover artwork:

"Strength Of The Mind", the new video from Massachusetts metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, can be seen below. The song, which the band has been performing live at recent shows, is taken from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's seventh album, which will be released next spring via Roadrunner Records.

The "Strength Of The Mind" clip was filmed with the direction team of Ian McFarland and Mike Pecci, which has previously worked with MESHUGGAH and FEAR FACTORY.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE appears on the January 2016 cover of Revolver magazine, paying homage to classic and beloved "Star Wars" characters.

"We are very pleased to have 'Strength Of The Mind' finally released," said KILLSWITCH ENGAGE singer Jesse Leach. "It is a big moment to have this be the first listen to the album.

"The video visually captures a bit of the anxiety and chaos that the song touches on lyrically. It is almost a bit surreal and dream-like with the camera effects, called 'whacking.'

"It is always a pleasure to work with McFarland and Pecci, as they are both artists who give it their all with no shortcuts. Watching Mike work the camera live, while Ian paces around and directs, is a very involving and creatively satisfying experience."

Leach added: We are all also very excited to have the pleasure of being on the cover of Revolver dressed as a characters from 'Star Wars'! We had a total blast dressing up and trying not to laugh the entire time. It is such a fun cover and represents who we are as people. I am just very grateful to see the beginnings of an album cycle that I feel will define a whole new chapter for us."

"Strength of the Mind" will be available at all digital retailers and streaming services tomorrow, December 11.

Fans can get the exclusive insight into the album by picking up the new issue of Revolver, which lands on stands on December 22.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE drummer Justin Foley recently told Louder Noise that the band's follow-up to 2013's "Disarm The Descent" will "definitely [be] a little different record than last time. Last time, it was really, really fast the whole way through. This one doesn't have quite the same speed to it, but has a different kind of heaviness to it, I think — a little bit of moodiness to it. I don't really know how to describe it yet."

He also talked about "Strength Of The Mind", which the band has been performing live. He said: "I think that one is a good representation of stuff that we do. But I also think it's a song that would sound good live. It's a song that wasn't crazy, crazy fast, it wasn't crazy different from any of our stuff, so I think it was a good song to kind of ease into new material. I think live, it was the kind of thing that we could get it to sound tight fairly quickly, which is helpful, 'cause we didn't have a whole lot of time to get it ready for [the last] tour. So that kind of helped us influence picking that song."

"Disarm The Descent" sold around 48,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 7 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD arrived in stores on April 2, 2013 via Roadrunner Records.

"Disarm The Descent" was KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's first album with Jesse Leach at the vocal helm since 2002's now-classic, genre-defining "Alive or Just Breathing".

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE contributed a new song, "Loyalty", to the mixtape for HBO's hit fantasy series "Game Of Thrones".

Greek extreme metallers ROTTING CHRIST will release their new album, "Rituals", on February 12 via Season Of Mist.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. In Nomine Dei Nostri02. Ze Nigmar03. Elthe Kyrie04. Les Litanies De Satan (Les Fleurs Du Mal)05. Apage Satana06. Tou Thanatou07. For A Voice Like Thunder08. Konx Om Pax09. Devadevam10. The Four Horsemen11. Lok'tar Ogar (bonus track)

The track "Elthe Kyrie" can now be streamed below.

Frontman Sakis Tolis comments: "It is not an easy task to pick only one song to represent a whole album as diverse as this, but as it has to suffice for the time being, the choice fell on 'Elthe Kyrie', which translates as 'Come Lord' and was influenced by the tragic ancient Greek poet Euripides and more specifically his creation 'Bakxais'. This pure bacchanalian play refers to the coming of the new god. The ritualistic atmosphere of this historical theatre drama influenced us lyrically as well as musically and resulted in this song that you are currently listening to. There only remains one thing, which is us taking you on a mystical journey into ancient Greek bacchanalian occultism. The amazing female guest vocals are courtesy of the fabulous Danai Katsameni, an actress of the National Hellenic Theater."

Sakis Tolis in collaboration with his brother Themis on drums achieve a perfect balance of amalgamating their classic and unique style of riffing and rhythm with exciting new elements sprinkled in to keep their material exciting and fresh. Carefully chosen guests are being added for better effect, including the spoken words of Nick Holmes (PARADISE LOST) on "A Voice Like Thunder" and SAMAEL's Vorph mesmerizingly quoting from Charles Baudelaire's "Les Fleurs Du Mal" throughout the song "Les Litanies De Satan". Goosebumps moments such as these are liberally sprinkled throughout the record, which manages the feat to sound rock solid and made out of one heavy piece as well as diverse and far ranging at the same time. The experienced is enhanced by Jens Bogren's equally clear and transparent yet also massive as well as sombre mix and mastering at his widely renowned Fascination Street Studios (AMORPHIS, BORKNAGAR, MOONSPELL, DEVIN TOWNSEND).

ROTTING CHRIST is:

Sakis: vocals, guitarsThemis: drumsVan Ace: bassGeorge: guitars

Guest musicians (in order of appearance):

* Magus (NECROMANTIA) - "In Nomine Dei Nostri"* Danai Katsameni (NATIONAL HELLENIC THEATER) - "Elthe Kyrie"* Vorph (SAMAEL) - "Les Litanies De Satan (Les Fleurs Du Mal)"* Nick Holmes (PARADISE LOST) - "For A Voice Like Thunder"* Kathir (RUDRA) - "Devadevam"

Dutch symphonic metallers DELAIN will release a new EP, "Lunar Prelude", on February 19 via Napalm Records. Mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Ted Jensen, the set offers two brand new songs in the shape of the catchy "Suckerpunch" and the melancholic "Turn The Lights Out". "Don't Let Go" (taken from 2014's "The Human Contradiction") comes in a brand new version, while the EP also contains four incredible live cuts, as well as an orchestral reprise of "Suckerpunch", all of which proving once again how DELAIN are blatantly known for their extremely catchy hooks, bewitching melodies, symphonic bombast, and, of course, a good solid dose of metal!

DELAIN states: "Our latest album, 'The Human Contradiction', has taken us on a great ride, performing hundreds of stages around the globe for all of you. We barely managed to catch our breaths from our most recent tours, yet we've already got some new music that we simply can't wait to share. In preparation of our next full-length studio album, we'd like to present to you 'Lunar Prelude', a collection of several brand new tracks, a new version of a familiar one, and live versions of some our favorite 'The Human Contradiction' tracks. Today, we reveal the songs and face on 'Lunar Prelude'. Check out the track listing below and Glenn Arthur's cover art! We hope you enjoy this new release, Delainers. Thank you for inspiring us and sharing amazing moments with us. See you at the next gig!"

"Lunar Prelude" track listing:

01. Suckerpunch02. Turn The Lights Out03. Don't Let Go04. Lullaby (Live 2015)05. Stardust (Live 2015)06. Here Come The Vultures (Live 2015)07. Army Of Dolls (Live 2015)08. Suckerpunch Orchestra DELAIN recently announced the addition of guitarist Merel Bechtold to the group's ranks.

Bechtold said: "I'm excited to become a permanent DELAIN member and hugely looking forward to the upcoming tours and albums. See you on the road!"

LIFE OF AGONY lead singer Mina Caputo and guitarist Joseph Zampella (a.k.a. Joey Z) paid tribute to late STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland by performing a stripped-down cover version of the STP classic "Plush" during LOA's December 6 concert at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. Fan-filmed video footage of their rendition can be seen below.

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.

LIFE OF AGONY has played sporadic shows after completing its successful touring cycle for the 2005 Epic Records release, "Broken Valley".

During an interview at this summer's Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium, Mina Caputo (formerly known as Keith Caputo), who came out as transgender in 2011, was asked if there are any plans for LIFE OF AGONY to release new music. She said: "We can't predict the unseen. We have spoken about some stuff. We're shooting around some ideas, but [there's] nothing solid at the moment. But we may pop out with a song or two. We're not one hundred percent sure. We're having a great time. [There's] no pressure. We're getting offers from so many different kinds of companies and labels that just wanna throw money at us. But we're just, like… We don't even know if we wanna be with a label. We're tired of it. We make our money. We do all of these big shows in between the festivals. We're selling out. We don't need tour support. We don't need anybody."





(Thanks: NJthrasher)

EXTREME guitarist Nuno Bettencourt paid tribute to late STONE TEMPLE PILOTS singer Scott Weiland by performing an acoustic version of the STP classic "Creep" during last night's (Wednesday, December 9) "Ultimate Jam Night" at Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, California. Check out video footage of his rendition below (filmed by California Rock News).

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.

In his 2011 autobiography "Not Dead & Not For Sale", Weiland wrote: "I'm a tenacious drug addict. I give it up and I don't give it up. I put it down and I pick it up. But I'm also a tenacious recoverer. I never quit trying to quit. That counts for something."

Former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS manager Scott Stewart, who handled the band from 1990 to 2000, told Alternative Nation, "What always struck me most about Scott was how alone he really was. For all the people and things he had around, I always felt he was somehow separated from people… I thought he'd always beat his demons, and maybe in the end, he finally did. My prayers are with his family and children."

European symphonic metallers SERENITY will release their fifth album, "Codex Atlanticus", on January 29, 2016 via Napalm Records. According to a press release, the CD boasts thrilling storytelling about art and science. Leonardo Da Vinci is the center of attention here, but lovers of conspiracy theories, Illuminati and so forth will also rejoice when mastermind Georg Neuhauser gives free rein to his compositional genius. This album is full of monumental, movie score-ish orchestral arrangements mean riffing and lush melodies."

The lyric video for the song "Iniquity" can be seen below. Commented the band: "After three months of hard work, 150 unhealthy McDonalds meals and 200 bottles of Jägermeister, we're done — our fifth full-length album, 'Codex Atlanticus', is ready to conquer the universe! Inspired by the life of Leonardo Da Vinci we created a bombastic album with melodies that can easily fit as a soundtrack for 'Game Of Thrones'!" "Codex Atlanticus" track listing:

01. Codex Atlanticus02. Follow Me03. Sprouts of Terror04. Iniquity05. Reason06. My Final Chapter07. Caught in a Myth08. Fate of Light09. The Perfect Woman10. Spirit in the Flesh11. The Order SERENITY will hit the road with labelmates in XANDRIA for an extensive European tour in February.

SERENITY parted ways with female singer Clémentine Delauney in February 2015 — two years after she joined the band as a full member. The group explained in a statement: "Though we have worked with female voices since our second album, we think that we have pushed this aspect far enough with our latest album, [2013's] 'War Of Ages'. Though we love to add different voices to Georg's one, we no longer think these moments will be significant enough to justifiy to have a female singer within our ranks."

Switzerland’s Broken Fate released their debut album, The Bridge Between, on November 6th via Massacre Records. The album was produced, mixed and mastered by Christian Schmid and R.D. Liapakis at Music Factory/Prophecy Studios.

The band’s official video for the song "Rising To The Dream" can be seen below. The video was produced by LensFlareClips/BOB-MEDIA and directed by Ivan K. Maras.
 

Broken Fate have also introduced their new bassist Patrick von Gunten, who will replace Dario Stutz, who's leaving the band at the end of this year.

The Bridge Between tracklisting:

“The Beginning (Intro)”
“Your Night”
“Mind Control”
“The Bridge Between”
“No Chance”
“Thorns Of A Rose”
“Rising To The Dream”
“Freedom”
“Fall Of Serenity”
“The Moment With You”
“Take You Away”
“Forever In Me”
“Broken”
“Steel Grove”
“Layla”
 
“The Bridge Between”:



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