TOURNIQUET drummer Ted Kirkpatrick has assembled an all-star lineup to pay tribute to BLACK SABBATH as the legendary heavy metal pioneers get ready to embark on their final tour, "The End". Due on January 20, 2016 via Pathogenic Records, "The Doom In Us All - A Tribute To Black Sabbath" features the following tracks"

01. War Pigs

* Chris Jericho (FOZZY) - vocals* Scotti Hill (SKID ROW) - lead guitar* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) - bass* Ted Kirkpatrick (TOURNIQUET) - drums, guitars 02. Lord Of This World

* Trevor McNevan (THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH) – vocals* Bruce Franklin (TROUBLE) - lead guitar* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) - bass* Ted Kirkpatrick (TOURNIQUET) - drums, guitars 03. Into The Void

* Corey Glover (LIVING COLOUR) – vocals* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) - bass* Ted Kirkpatrick (TOURNIQUET) - drums, guitars 04. Electric Funeral

* Eric Wagner (THE SKULL, TROUBLE) – vocals* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) - bass* Ted Kirkpatrick (TOURNIQUET) - drums, guitars 05. Children Of The Grave

* Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST) - vocals* Karl Sanders (NILE) - lead guitar* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) - bass* Ted Kirkpatrick (TOURNIQUET) - drums, guitars

Fan-filmed video footage of OPERATION: MINDCRIME, the new band led by former QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate, performing on November 25 at Progresja Music Zone in Warsaw, Poland can be seen below.

"The Key", the first album of an ambitious trilogy from OPERATION: MINDCRIME, sold around 2,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD was made available on September 18 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Joining Tate on "The Key" are a hard-hitting cast of familiar faces and new collaborators: bass players David Ellefson (MEGADETH) and John Moyer (DISTURBED, ADRENALINE MOB), drummers Simon Wright (AC/DC), Scott Mercado (CANDLEBOX) and Brian Tichy (BILLY IDOL, OZZY OSBOURNE), guitarists Kelly Gray (QUEENSRŸCHE) and Scott Moughton (Geoff Tate's solo band), keyboardist Randy Gane (MYTH) and vocalist Mark Daly (THE VOODOOS).

Asked if the touring lineup of OPERATION: MINDCRIME will be the same as the one that recorded the bulk of "The Key", Tate told Myglobalmind: "Well, I hope so. Everybody that was involved with the recording has expressed interest in touring. It's just a matter of if it works into everybody's schedule."

He continued: "I wanted this project to be open; meaning that people could be part of it, and or they could continue working with other projects that they were working with. I didn't really want to limit anybody's creative involvement with something that they felt strongly about, and I didn't want the same limitations on myself either. So we all agreed that we would all try very hard to be part of the touring project if at all possible, and so you'll see some combination of the people that were on this record on the tour."

JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford and QUEEN frontman Freddie Mercury are among the men the Russian edition of Maxim magazine has "forgiven" for being homosexual.

In the article headlined "Gays We Respect," Maxim Russia reveals the actors, authors and musicians that have won their admiration despite their objections to their sexual orientation.

"We, men, do not consider men who love men to be men. This is the rule," reads the English translation of the article published Thursday on MaximOnline.ru. "But there are exceptions. There are gays who have earned our respect and the right to remain real men in our eyes."

Halford was held up as evidence that "if you're cool enough, it doesn't matter what your orientation is," while Mercury is an "exception to all rules," Maxim Russia wrote. "His creativity brought us so much joy, that we are willing to forgive him anything."

Other celebrities who made the list include Ian McKellen, Stephen Fry and Neil Patrick Harris.

Alexander Malenkov, the editor in chief of the Russian edition of Maxim, told the Russian News Service: "This is a joke article. It says so in it." However, there is nothing in the text to indicate that the article is meant to be a parody.

The magazine's editor told Buzzfeed: "Our position is clearly formulated in the introduction of the article."

But a spokesperson for U.S. Maxim slammed the article, saying: "We are deeply disturbed by the article in Maxim Russia and fully condemn it. It is entirely against the views of U.S. Maxim."

Gay people in Russia are under pressure over their sexual orientation, more than 20 years after the country decriminalized homosexuality.

It is estimated that just 1% of the country's LGBT population lives openly due to the discrimination and sometimes violence gay people face.

US Bay Area heavy/thrash metallers Hexx will release a 30th anniversary boxset entitled Under The Spell on January 15th, 2016 through Metal Blade Records.

The boxset includes both the Under The Spell and No Escape albums, as well as the Under The Spell 9-song-demo 1985, the Paradox 3-song-demo 1983, six new songs from 2013/2014 and five live bonus tracks clocking in at a total of 155 minutes on two CDs.

All audio songs have been remastered by Achim Koehler for Indiscreet Audio (Primal Fear, Brainstorm, Kamelot etc).

A four-hour bonus-DVD includes career spanning live performances including full shows and/or excerpts from: Headbangers Open Air 2015, Keep It True 2014, Omni Oakland Dec 1986, American Victorian Museum Nevada City CA March 1986, The Stone San Francisco CA May 1989, Quest for Sanity record release party at the Omni Oakland Oct 1988, Chatterbox San Francisco CA March 1990, Omni Oakland Feb 1990 & Mar 1990.

A 56 page thrilling history book includes lots of interesting stories and revelations from the legendary Bay area scene. The book also features tons of unreleased photos and special liner notes for each album. Check out a preview video below:

 

 



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On November 27th, Motörhead were forced to cancel their show in Berlin, Germany. The band issued the following statement:

“With great regret, Motörhead have to cancel the sold out show in Berlin today, November 27th. Our brother, guitarist Phil Campbell suddenly required hospitalization. He will be better soon but there is no choice other than to cancel our show in Berlin. We all wish Phil a speedy recovery.”

Unfortunately, Motörhead were forced to cancel their November 28th show in Hamburg, Germany due to Phil Campbell's continued hospitalization. Drummer Mikkey Dee has posted a video update here stating that Campbell is "recovering very well." He advises that fans hold on to their tickets, as the postponed Hamburg show is now taking place on December 9th and the rescheduled Berlin show on December 11th.

Motörhead have now issued the following statement

"We just wanted to say a hearty thank you to ALL our loyal Motörheadbanging fans for their support, understanding and community right now. It has obviously not been an easy time and with Phil recovering well, we are all doing everything we can to keep roaring right now. Your understanding and support is golden and very much appreciated. Again, THANK YOU!"

Watch the official Motörhead Facebook page here for further updates.



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Over four years have passed since Helheim released their last album, and now the veteran Norwegian Viking metallers are set to release their eighth full-length album on December 4th via Dark Essence Records. Titled raunijaR, the album was recorded at Conclave & Earshot Studio by Vulture Industries’ Bjørnar Nilsen and was mastered by Enslaved’s Herbrand Larsen. The album is streaming in full below.
 
In the intervening years between 2011's Heiðindómr ok Mótgangr and the upcoming release of raunijaR, Helheim have been both experimenting with, and building on, their unique take on the Viking metal genre. As well as completing the themes that have woven their way through Helheim's music since the very beginning, it is with raunijaR that the band completes the Åsgards Fall storyline that began with the EP of that name in 2010.
 
Helheim's lineup comprises V'gandr on bass and vocals, H’grimnir on guitar and vocals, Hrymr on drums and Noralf on guitars. V'gandr himself has been expanding and perfecting his clean vocals, and now, when the two vocalists combine to sing clean vocals, new elements are added to the band's sound. Guest vocals on raunijaR come from Alfahanne’s Pehr Skjoldhammer and Norwegian musician William Hut, with additional guests performing on violin, piano and horns to further enhance Helheim's dark and heavy atmospheres and create a truly epic masterpiece.

Artwork is by H'grimnir from coverart.no.

Tracklisting:

“Helheim 9”
“raunijar”
“Åsgards Fall III”
“Åsgards Fall IV”
“Odr”

Album stream:

Commenting on raunijaR V'gandr had this to say: "The opening track "Helheim 9" is actually the last in the line of the Helheim tracks where Hrymr in particular has been the creative force. He has combined his unique creativity and symbolism in a way that overwhelms everything that came before, and the result is a truly fitting closure.

"The title track "raunijaR" continues on from Helheim's "Heiðindómr ok Mótgangr", and has a relentlessly driving sound that showcases the confrontational, yet familiar, black metal sound in the vein of "Dualitet og Ulver". "Åsgards Fall" Parts 3 and 4 will be the final and vital link in the completion of the theme that was begun in both lyrical and musical terms with the "Åsgards Fall" MCD. Closing the album is "Odr", a solemn track that gives the album an ending full of the grandeur and respect that it deserves."

In November Helheim will make a special appearance at BlekkMetal Festival which runs from the 13th to the 15th November at USF Verftet in Bergen. The one-off event is billed as a tribute to the birth of the Norwegian black metal scene, and will hark back to the atmosphere, bands, art and individuals from the scene pre 1994. Helheim will perform their debut album Jormundgand on Saturday, November 14th to mark the 20th Anniversary of its release. They will also be interviewed live on stage along with Enslaved, and will be discussing how their lyrical narratives and their musical craft have been influenced by their Viking roots and traditions.

Included on the BlekkMetal bill are veteran bands such as Taake, Kampfar, Aeternus, Hades Almighty, Gehenna, Enslaved, and brand new bands such Gaahls Wyrd, and a special onetime only reunion of the legendary Old Funeral. Also appearing will be The C.L.A.S.P. Ritual /Dirge Rep - a tribute band consisting of legendary musicians such as Dirge Rep himself, Skagg, Gaahl, Garm and many more.

Some of the top Norwegian tattoo artists will be present at the event, and will be available for appointments, including, Colin Dale, Kai Uwe Faust and Tor Ola Svennevig, three Viking tattooists who work entirely by hand, without the use of machines. Art exhibitions, movies and guest speakers will also be featured at the event. More information about the BlekkMetal Festival, as well as ticket details can be found at www.blekkmetal.com.



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Italian symphonic metal kings Rhapsody Of Fire are set to release their new album, Into The Legend, on January 15th in Europe and February 5th in the US. An official trailer is streaming below.

Tracklisting:

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

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

Official trailer:

“Into The Legend” video:

 



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Edmonton, AB-based death metallers Tales Of The Tomb has released their debut EP, Volume One: Morpras, today (November 27th). The EP, a concept album about murder, can be streamed in full via the Bandcamp player below:

Volume One: Morpras by Tales of the Tomb

"Out of the gates we have just under a year have played over a half dozen shows and recorded our debut 3-song EP entitled Morpras. The name is old English for 'secret killing of a person, unlawful killing.' The EP is a compilation of serial killer themed music not celebrating but elaborating on the heinous crimes committed by infamous murderers. It is old school death metal with its blending of melody and groove, gives Morpras its unique sound. The first track, 'Snowtown', will ease you into this murderous journey with a heavy groove and plenty of vocals. 'Pig Farmer', the second song on the EP is as fast and brutal as the slaying of Robert Pickton; the song is also accompanied with our lyrical video which will be available on YouTube. 'Dr. Death' also makes an appearance as the final track, a chilling slower tempo song that depicts the heinous crimes of Harold Shipman." - John Thomson (Drums)

This album was recorded by Greg Wright at Hillbilly Wizard Sound Studio, and mixed/mastered by Euro-death metal master Dan Swano (ex-Bloodbath, Unisound) and is just the first of many more sonic crimes to come from Tales Of The Tomb.

Every town has stories to caution or warn, every police officer has a seen a crime that keeps them awake at night, and every coroner has seen death in ways that the rest of us could never imagine. Murder, conspiracy, supernatural horror, and real-life terror are stains on the cutting room floor where Edmonton-based group Tales Of The Tomb paints their canvas.

Unified by the desire to have the grotesque power of '90s era death metal, Tales Of The Tomb started as a thought that grew into an insatiable need to make extreme music. Core Skerlak and Connor Adams divided duties to guitar and vocals respectively, Bryn Herbert was sewn on to cover bass, John Thomson is the machete-swinging drummer, and finally Tres Thomas to draw out the gruesome tone as the second guitarist. Much of their inspiration is drawn from the pulp-and-grim of throwback horror comics that glorified hideous crimes and creatures, and such was the inspiration for the name; Tales Of The Tomb.

Tracklisting:

“Snowtown”
“The Pig Farmer”
“Dr Death”

Digital pre-orders here, CD pre-orders here.

(Photo - Stephanie Bell at Slayer of Pixels)

 



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Venice Beach, CA's purveyors of psychedelic violence, The Shrine, have released the video for "Coming Down Quick”, from their upcoming Century Media Records debut, Rare Breed. The record will see a release on January 15th (with extended content) in North America. The video can be seen below.

Produced by Dave Jerden and recorded through the very amp that Greg Ginn recorded Black Flag's Damaged on, Rare Breed exists in a space that once was was bleeding with razor sharp lines separating punks, metal heads and hippies, where a violent clash in the parking lot of the Cuckoo's Nest was inevitable.

The album, which has a street date of January 15th (with extended content) in North America and is out now in the rest of the world, is available for physical pre-order in a variety of packages, including special edition merchandise and music product such as limited edition test pressing vinyl (with individual artwork), a coffin-style skate deck, and even an American GI style hand-painted Rare Breed war helmet. The album can also be pre-ordered from iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and CM Distro.

Tracklisting:

“Coming Down Quick”
“Death To Invaders”
“Rare Breed”
“Acid Drop”
“What's Let For Me”
“Savage Skulls & Nomads”
“The Vulture”
“Never More Than Now”
“Pull The Trigger”
“Dusted & Busted”
“Space Stepping”
“Never More Than Now” feat. Keith Morris *
“Symptom Of The Universe” *
 
* Bonus tracks on North American digipak release only

“Coming Down Quick” video:

On January 15th in Los Angeles, the band will host The Rare Breed Experience, a special record release party flashback trip to another dimension -- stay tuned for more details, and RSVP to the event on Facebook here.

Fresh off of headlining tours of Japan and Australia, a stint on Motörhead's Motörboat Cruise and an epic 16-city trek with Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity, the group is now in Europe with Kadavar and Horisont. Tour dates here.

 



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Swedish melodic doom/death metallers, October Tide, have released an in-studio video, featuring a preview of a new song, along with a comment from the band's vocalist, Alexander Högbom. The video can be seen below:

October Tide's new album, thesuccessor to Tunnel Of No Light (2013), is expected to be released in early 2016 via the band's new label home, Agonia Records. Cover artwork, tracklisting and other vital details will be revealed soon.

Alexander Högbom (vocals) commented on the upcoming album: "This is undoubtedly the best and most emotionally charged material October Tide has created, in my opinion. I know how much hard work Fredrik has put into making this album and you can really feel the thought behind it all. I almost injured myself physically and was close to pass out a couple of times during the recording of the vocals. I gave it all to match the intense music and those powerful lyrics and I'm very happy with the result.”

On the new record deal, Emil Alstermark (guitars) added: "During the first glance at this label you KNOW they are into metal. We have always had an good eye to Agonia Records and their great ways of spreading heavy sounds all over the world. As for the deal itself we are very pleased with the terms and conditions which are some serious shit. Agonia is a killer label and a perfect partner to October Tide.”

Formed in 1995 by Katatonia members, Jonas Renkse and Fred Norrman, October Tide spawned two, now-cult releases: Rain Without End (1997) and Grey Dawn (1999), before going on hiatus for over 11 years. Reunited in 2009, the Swedes continue to push their vision of characteristic melodic doom/death metal to the next level. With a new full-time drummer Jocke Wallgren (Valkyrja, Astrophobos), October Tide are fully engaged in working on their fifth studio album, due out in 2016.

Lineup:

Alexander Högbom - vocals
Fredrik Norrman - guitars
Mattias Norrman - bass
Emil Alstermark - guitars
Jocke Wallgren - drums



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Imminence Records’ French death metal outfit, Kombur, will be releasing the follow-up to their 2013 EP Catharsis on December 18th. The release, entitled I Am Alpha, will be the band’s first, and last, full length as the band disbanded earlier this year after touring for two straight years in over ten different countries.

“It was certainly the best thing that Kombur had the opportunity of signing to an American label. Imminence Records and its staff have done an incredible job for making this release happen, even after we had disbanded, and we are really happy to have our album out with them.” - Pierre Barre (vocals)

Tracklisting:

“I Am Alpha”
“Challenge The Clock”
“My Last Goodbye”
“Asymetric”
“When Comes The Sun”
“The Way I Breath”
“The Fallen”
“I’ll Never Fall”
“Prisms”
“Seasons”
“Golden Age”



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MetalVideo.com has posted live videos of Seattle, WA thrashers, Fallen Angles, performing their tracks “Forsaken Existence”, “Guerilla” and “Mortis Ex Machina”.

The videos were taken during the band's tour stop in Grants Pass, OR last August, which was in support of their third studio release World In Decay, produced by Grammy award winning metal producer/engineer Michael Rosen (Forbidden, Testament, Death Angel, Flotsam And Jetsam).

Fallen Angles is also offering a free download of their track “Nightmare” at this location. A lyric video for the track can be seen below:

 



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Laughing In The Face Of Death, the new studio album by The Carburetors, has entered the official album charts at #40 in their homeland Norway.

The band has released a brand new video from Laughing In The Face Of Death, for the the song "Lords Of Thunder" featuring Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir, Chrome Division) alongside Eddie Guz on vocals. Check it out below.

CD / LP tracklisting:

“Hellfire”
“Lords Of Thunder”
“Don’t Touch The Flame”
“Water Into Wine”
“Blood For Blood”
“The Undertaker”
“The Wolves Are Gonna Howl Tonight”
“Bullet”
“Days Of Metal”
“Shot Full Of Noise”
“(Tonight We’re Gonna) Die Like Heroes”

“Lords Of Thunder” video:

“Shot Full Of Noise” video:

More on the band, including their live itinerary, at this location.



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Toronto, Ontario-based extreme metallers, Fragile Existence, have released a video for “The Pathogenic Nightmare”, a second single from their Cataclysms And Beginnings album, released back on May 19th. The video features multi-cam footage taken at the band's recent hometown concert in support of tech death giants Beyond Creation.  

Recorded in various locations across Toronto throughout 2014, Cataclysms And Beginnings is band's second album to be produced by bassist Matt Hems, and is the first to feature drummer Morten Siersbaek, previously a member of Danish death metal forerunners Spectral Mortuary and Exmortem.

 

 

Cataclysms And Beginnings tracklisting:

“A Malignant Design”
“Cataclysms And Beginnings”
“Limitless Genocide”
“Four Walls Of Emptiness”
“Accommodating Demise”
“Clandestine Laboratories Of Unbridles Malevolence”
“Exiled To Desolation”
“The Pathogenic Nightmare”
“Upon Serpents They Prey”
“The Skin Casket”

“Upon Serpents They Prey”:

The album is available for order at this location.



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Ulterium Records recently released US heavy metal band Millennial Reign’s new album, Carry The Fire, on CD, LP and digital. The band has just unveiled the first video from the album for the track “Way Up High” below:

Millennial Reign was formed as a solo album project by Aska bassist Dave Harvey, and the self-titled debut album was released independently in 2012. After new members joined Millennial Reign the decision was made to make Millennial Reign a full band, rather than just a recording project.

Carry The Fire was mixed and mastered at Nomad Studio (King Diamond, Solitude Aeternus, Absu) and the artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco (Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, Theocracy).

Carry The Fire tracklisting:

“Forever Changed”
“Way Up High”
“Millennial Reign”
“Men Stand Alone”
“Save Me”
“This Day”
“Will You”
“Innocent Cry”
“Not On My Own”
“I'll Try”

“Forever Changed”:

“Men Stand Alone” lyric video:

Album teaser:

Carry The Fire (CD/LP) can be pre-ordered at the Ulterium Records Store, here.

Millennial Reign is:

James Guest - Vocals
Dave Harvey - Guitars
Jason Donnelly - Guitars
Daniel Almagro - Bass
Wayne Stokely – Drums



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British melodic rock icons MAGNUM will release their new album, "Sacred Blood 'Divine' Lies", on February 26, 2016 via Steamhammer/SPV as a digipak version (including a DVD), 2LP colored version, CD and as a digital download.

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

Track listing

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

DVD

Bonus Videos

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

Bonus Audio Tracks

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

Side A

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

Side B

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

LP2

Side A

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

Side B

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

GUNS N' ROSES and THE DEAD DAISIES guitarist Richard Fortus was recently interviewed by the Social lifestyle magazine. You can now listen to the chat in the YouTube clip below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On how he felt when he was first asked to join GUNS N' ROSES in 2001:

"To be honest with you, it sort of wasn't my thing. I wasn't really… I wasn't into metal as a kid, I was sort of a punk rock kid, and all the bands that I was in were all very different; they weren't metal. So when I first got that call, I thought it was unusual, but it sort of made sense because of the people that were in that band at the time: Robin from NINE INCH NAILS, Tommy from THE REPLACEMENTS, Brain from PRIMUS. Those were all guys that I knew and [from] the same type of genre that I was in, so it sort of made sense. And Axl [Rose, GUNS N' ROSES singer] sort of wanted that — he wanted a diverse type of thing. He didn't want guys that were just, you know, L.A. metal guys. 'Cause, you know, GN'R always had some roots in punk rock as well."

On his relationship with Axl Rose:

"We get along really well. You know, I guess we come from a very similar place as far as our influences and definitely relate on that level. And I think, essentially, with Axl, ultimately, that's all that really matters to him — is the music. So if we relate on that point, then everything else sort of falls into place."

On whether he thought he would stay in GUNS N' ROSES for as long as he has:

"I never really thought about it. And I've always done other things as well. Because I have to work; I just have to do stuff. Otherwise, I get really depressed, if I'm not working. So I've always done other things. And it always keeps it sort of fresh — when you can step outside of something and then come back to it. You have a new sense of appreciation for it, or a new perspective to add to it."

Fortus joined GUNS N' ROSES in 2001 and became the band's longest-serving post-Slash guitarist.

Fortus is currently promoting the musical collective supergroup THE DEAD DAISIES' new album, "Revolución".

GUNS N' ROSES recently parted ways with guitarists DJ Ashba and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal.

The last GUNS N' ROSES album, "Chinese Democracy", came out in 2008 and ended a 17-year absence of new material.

The most recent lineup of GUNS N' ROSES toured intermittently since 2006 and played its second Las Vegas residency last year.

SIXX: A.M., the band featuring MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist Nikki Sixx alongside guitarist DJ Ashba and vocalist James Michael, is putting the finishing touches on a new double album, to be released in two parts next year. Sixx writes on his Facebook page: "Fuck yes. Finished all my bass parts for both SIXX: A.M. albums today. Tour dates and album releases being planned as we speak. DJ Ashba has just a few more solos and guitar tracks to go as James Michael is finalizing his lead vocals and then starting the mixing process."

He adds: "I feel like we have topped ourselves on both albums song-wise, but in the end, our fans will make that decision for us."

SIXX: A.M. last spring completed its first headline tour, a limited run of North American dates that was a huge success and the catalyst for the group's most prolific period.

Speaking to Rolling Stone about SIXX: A.M.'s as-yet-untitled new records, Sixx said: "They'll be companion pieces, named 'Volume One' and 'Volume Two', and they'll come out with a little bit of space between them. Because when a band releases a double album, a lot of times, about halfway through the second record, you say, 'Sounds like they ran out of gas…' So by putting them out separately we'll give the fans time to absorb each one fully. They'll get the first one. They'll stream it. They'll feel it. They'll hear it live. And then it'll be, 'Here comes another one…' "

According to Sixx, the two albums will be linked thematically and sonically, although it is not clear to what extent. "There are tent poles that we're working with, but they could still change," he said. "The one thing I can say is that, in SIXX: A.M., we always connect darkness to light, whether it's something like 'Life Is Beautiful' or 'This is Gonna Hurt', or even 'Stars'. There's a lot about our own experiences in our songs, but there's also always a light at the end of the tunnel, because we've lived through those experiences. And on the new material, those themes are maybe even a little bit heavier."

Sixx described the new SIXX: A.M. music as heavy. "I'll give you an example," he told Rolling Stone. "We have two ballads that we've written, and they're both heavier than the heaviest song on our last record. This thing we're working on is like a monster hiding in the shadows. It's beautiful. It'll seduce you. But it'll also pounce on you and eat your heart."

Nikki previously said that the band's new effort would contain over 22 songs and would be tied in with a 24-month world tour.

German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS performed in Paris, France on November 24, marking the first time the band has played the city since an extremist group orchestrated a terror attack on Paris that left 130 dead.

The sold-out concert at the Bercy arena included an emotional moment when SCORPIONS drummer James Kottak beat the rhythm of the French national anthem, "La Marseillaise", which the crowd sang a capella.

Speaking to Christian Platz of Agentinnen.net, SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker stated about the band's decision to carry on their French tour (see video below): "I mean, for us, we called the promoter, the French promoter, and asked him what he thinks. And he said the people will go to the concert. Maybe five percent [will decide against] coming [to the gig] because [of continued terror threats] and stuff like this, but it would be very important if we go back to a normal life. And also, for us, it was important to please our fans. Because, we said, 'Okay, after this tragedy, we have to stick together and music is a bridge which can help people to overcome this tragedy.' It was like that — people were singing together. And it was not an easy decision, but, for us, it was important, especially [since] we have a very strong connection to France and [we wanted] to please [the fans] and be there. It was an amazing concert, and also Strasbourg and Lille, all the French concerts were fantastic. The people are looking for a new future and they wanna really go over it. And I think music is the best bridge to help people, and that's what we felt when we played there."

SCORPIONS singer Klaus Meine told DPA ahead of the concert: "Our France tour is overshadowed by these sad and terrible events. Of course we're also here to deal with the situation... this tragedy, respectfully."

He added: "We all feel threatened, we all feel attacked. This has hurt all of us."

However, he explained that people shouldn't live their lives on the knife's edge, somehow persuaded that a terrorist's bomb or bullet has their name on it.

"It's a rock show," he said. "We simply want to have a wicked night with our fans and make a statement in favor of life."

The new fully authorized SCORPIONS documentary "Forever And A Day" wrapped up its theatrical run and will come to DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms on November 27 (in German with English subtitles). The movie takes a look at the German hard-rock legends' long career, while focusing on the band's "Final Sting" trek, which initially was intended to be a farewell tour.

SCORPIONS recently completed the 2015 U.S. leg of their 50th-anniversary tour, which also is in support of their latest studio album, "Return To Forever".

Interview:


Performance footage:

Swiss rockers Sideburn will enter the studio in January to begin recording the follow-up to 2013's Electrify album.

Drummer Lionel Blanc states: "The composition process is almost over as we have so far 12 songs that are more or less finished. Expect some straight ahead rock'n'roll and some great surprises."

Regarding the songwriting process guitarist Mike Riffart says: "It's very collaborative, Roland, Lawrence and myself bring riffs in and the whole band decide to use them or not, then we play it till we are able to create the whole structure. Then Nick and Roland work on the lyrics to put together the catchier song.”

The new album will be be released during the summer of 2016. Stay tuned for updates.



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Saigon Kick guitarist Jason Bieler has posted a new update for his side project, Owl Stretching:

"Greetings Enlightened Earth Dwellers! As you arise from a post holiday food coma, I wanted to quickly let you know there is a new song up as part of a new EP called Luminosity. Hope you are surrounded by friends and family this weekend! Thanks for all the support, more music on the way!"

The Luminosity EP tracklist is as follows:
"Dead Man"
"True North"
"Book Of Love"
"Shepherd Of Death"

Luminosity EP by Owl Stretching

Saigon Kick performed at The Social in Orlando on May 30th. Founding members Matt Kramer (vocals) and Jason Bieler (guitars) were backed by Jonathan Mover (drums) and Jason Rosner (bass), who replaced the recently departed Phil Varone and Chris McLernon respectively. Fan-filmed video from the show can be viewed below:



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The release date of the Dawn Hawk album, Judas, on CD is set for January 15th via Karthago Records. The pre-order phase will start on January 1st in their webshop.

Dawn Hawk from Essen, Germany are known to all collectors of rarities because of their extremely hard to get same-titled album from 1990. The second album from 1991, Judas, is even rarer because of its missing distribution.

1991 was not a good time for LPs and for traditional heavy metal. This does not change the quality of the material. “Wonderful World”, “Keep On Moving” and “Flying High” are all very professional and harmonious. If you didn’t hear the extremely hard and exceptional song “Judas” together with the other songs, you wouldn’t believe that it is a song by Dawn Hawk.

But also the two ballads “Into The Night” and “Freedom” in new editions were on highest level. This is a hint to where the band was going to: more experiments and more originality. But unfortunately the band didn’t get that far. Judas is a forgotten classic and thus is definitely right to be included in the Karthago Records Heavy Metal Classics series.  

Frank Noak’s strangely nasal voice gave the band an original touch. The bonus tracks on this Karthago Classics CD were from the totally obscure Rosebud  album and show also the great quality of the band with classics like "Running Home" or another fantastic ballad called "Time To Live, Time To Die".

Tracklisting:

“Freedom”
“Wonderful World”
“Flying High”
“Our Way To Rock”
“Into The Night”
“Keep Moving”
“Judas”
“Love At First Sight”
“Armageddon” (Bonus track)
“Running Home” (Bonus track)
“Kick it Down” (Bonus track)
“Time To Life, Time To Die” (Bonus track)
“Fire” (Bonus track)
“Break My Heart” (Bonus track)
“Fall From An Angel” (Bonus track)
“So Shy” (Bonus track)

Band lineup:

Frank Noak – vocals
K.D. Haak – bass
Frank Vandevera – guitars
Werner Lieder – drums



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Chilean metal unit Mano Humana have unleashed their debut album, Sombras, via Sick Bangers. Stream the album in its entirety below.

Mano Humana is a Chilean metal band formed in early 2012 by brothers José Ignacio and Osvaldo Guzmán as a band free from traditional canons, writing diverse music, with no creative limitations. In early 2015 they recorded their debut album Sombras in AudioCustom Studios, produced by Sebastián Puente (from Chilean thrash metal band Nuclear). Mano Humana strives to fulfill their primal goal; to express their thoughts in various fields of violent music, full of energy and always exploring new sounds within their aggressive field.

Tracklisting:

“Jueces
“Desintrospeccion”
“Larga Vida Al Rey”
“Grita En Silencio”
“Acata y Ataca”
“Demencia”
“Arbol”
“Pigmentos de Vacio”

Album stream:

Sombras by Mano Humana

Band lineup:

Osvaldo Guzmán (Vocals)
JoséIgnacio Guzmán (Bass Guitar)
Felipe Valenzuela (Guitar and Support Vocals )
Diego Valenzuela (Drums)

 



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Heavy/speed metallers Instigator, in cooperation with Gates Of Hell Records and Troma Entertainment, have released a teaser video from upcoming 7" Bad Future. Instigator worships Class Of Nuke 'Em High, Lloyd Kaufman and Troma movies.

 

The track "Inseminoid" is streaming below. Inspired by Norman J. Warren's masterpiece from 1981, Instigator's "Inseminoid" will get your women pregnant and enslave mankind.

After the 2010 Future Shock tape, new barbarians Instigator have returned with the Bad Future 7" vinyl EP. The black vinyl EP will be released December 11 on Gates of Hell Records (a Cruz Del Sur Music sub-label).

Featuring members of Antichrist, Portrait, Devil Lee Rot, Trap, Autopsy Torment and more, Instigator offers four tracks (15 minutes) of pure speed/heavy metal, strictly on black vinyl. Preorders are available at Cruz Del Sur Music.

Tracklisting:

Side A
“Anabolic”
“Inseminoid”

Side B
“Black Magic”
“Undetecable”

“Inseminoid”:

2015, after the fall of Europe:  Human beings are nothing more than consumers. Everything is a product that must be sold to everyone. A fashion created to be suitable for all. In a globalized world, mankind has grown weak. And controllable. Technology, the way to profit, power and mass enslavement. But as the world leaders' confidence increases, a far more aggressive tyrant is about to take over. Out of the ashes of civilization and into the future, Instigator will twist your children's minds with metal, Satan, hate towards society and disrespect for authority.



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Unsigned Canadian progsters Pyramid Theorem, hailing from Toronto, Ontario have released a new single entitled "Outlaw For Good". It's available for streaming and purchase via the band's official Bandcamp page Check out the track below.

Pyramid Theorem spoke with BraveWords scribe Carl Begai about "Outlaw For Good" and another new song, "Drive", released last week:

"We approached things a little differently with these two specific tunes. Early in the new year we are releasing two other tunes, more along the lines of Rush meets Symphony X." 

Outlaw for Good by Pyramid Theorem

Watch the video for "Drive" below. The track is also available for download via the band's official Bandcamp page.

Drive by Pyramid Theorem

Pyramid Theorem released their self-titled album in July 2012, available via CDbaby.com here.

The tracklist is as follows:

"The Old Knew"
"Forever In Chains"
"Another Day Slips By"
"Primitive Design"
"The Dream"

Pyramid Theorem is:
Stephan Di Mambro - synth/guitars/vocals
Sam Ermellini - guitars/vocals
Christian Di Mambro - bass/vocals
Vito De Francesco - drums/percussion

Check out their official website here.


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According to The Pulse Of Radio, "Montage Of Heck: The Home Recordings", a collection of previously unheard demos and other recordings by late NIRVANA frontman Kurt Cobain, sold just 5,000 copies in its first week of release. The album was a companion piece to the recent HBO documentary, also titled "Montage Of Heck", and featured recordings that director Brett Morgen unearthed while researching in Cobain's personal archives for the film. Although the record managed to hit No. 1 on Billboard's soundtracks chart and No. 6 on its alternative albums chart, it limped to just No. 121 on the Billboard 200.

Spin called the set "pretty inessential" and noted that "only the biggest, most dedicated Cobain superfans really had any reason to pick up the album."

Alternative Nation said that the soundtrack "allows a rare, unfiltered glimpse into Cobain’s creative progression."

Morgen told The Pulse Of Radio earlier this year about the material he found in the archives: "I knew that there was gonna be all this art, but what I didn't know was there was gonna be all this audio. I opened up a box and there were 108 tapes with over 200 hours of never-before-heard audio. And this ran the gamut from music — dozens of hours of unreleased music — to sound collage, and then there was this amazing spoken word material that I discovered."

The album arrived earlier this month on CD, cassette and digital, in standard, deluxe and "super deluxe" editions, with a two-LP vinyl package arriving on December 7. "The Home Recordings" includes never-heard snippets, demos, "musical experiments" that would make it on to later NIRVANA albums, comedy, and a cover of THE BEATLES' "And I Love Her".