Puerto Rico’s Zafakon has released a lyric video for the new track, “Arbeit Macht Frei”, featured on their upcoming album, Release, due for release on December 6th. The clip can be found below.

Greek artist Giannis Nakos of Remedy Art Design (Keep Of Kalessin, The Crown, In Solitude, Mortal Torment) was the artist chosen to do the visuals for the new album album after working previously with the band on their debut album, War As A Drug.

“After his work on War As A Drug we knew right away with whom we wanted to do the whole artwork on the new album. Giannis knows how to capture the ideas we got and added a little of his flavor to it,” said bass player Weslie Negrón.

Release is due to come out on December 6th, on the weekend that Puerto Rico will be hosting the first ever Caribbean Heavy Metal Conference at La Respuesta in Santurce, Puerto Rico. The album will be mixed and mastered by Andy Classen (Destruction, Belphegor, Tankard).

Zafakon also announced they will be doing a US run in December/January with their Puerto Rican fellow mates Calamity. Dates are listed below:

December
18 - Brass Mug - Tampa, FL
19 - The Highlander - Atlanta, GA
23 - Girard Hall - Philadelphia, PA
26 - Lucky 13 Saloon - Brooklyn, NY
27 - Sammy’s Patio - Revere, MA

January
2 - Flights Pub - Everett WA
3 - Hawthorne Theater Lounge - Portland, OR
9 - Reno’s Chop Shop - Dallas, TX
10 - Dirty Dog - Austin, TX
12 - Uncle Lou’s - Orlando, FL

“It’s the first time we bring a Puerto Rican band along to tour. This will be the third tour for us, and this one will be on a bigger scale. More cities, more dates, and we wanted to share that with a band from our native land and Calamity meets all the requirements to do so. We’re really excited they will be coming along,” concluded Negrón.

Tracklisting:

“I. Conveyor Of Shame”
“Twisted Brains”
“Ecosfear”
“Prevaricator”
“II. Sirens”
“Valor Y Sacrificio”
“Arbeit Macht Frei”
“Phantom Scream”
“The Optimist”
“III. Release”

“Arbeit Macht Frei” lyric video:



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ARCH ENEMY's video for the song "You Will Know My Name", recorded live March 2015 in Seoul, Korea during the band's "War Eternal" world tour, can be seen below.

ARCH ENEMY's latest album, "War Eternal", sold around 8,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to enter The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 44. The CD was released on June 10, 2014 in North America via Century Media Records. The cover artwork was created by Costin Chioreanu.

ARCH ENEMY in November 2014 parted ways with guitarist Nick Cordle and replaced him with former NEVERMORE axeman Jeff Loomis. Loomis made his live debut with ARCH ENEMY on the band's fall 2014 European tour.

The tour edition of "War Eternal" contains "Stolen Life (2015 Version)" featuring additional leads by Loomis as bonus track as well as a DVD including an intense live set filmed in Korea plus all official videos.

ARCH ENEMY guitarist Michael Amott recently told the "Do You Know Jack?" radio show about the band's plans to write and record the follow-up to "War Eternal": "I think we're probably gonna write and record something next year, so it'll probably be 2017 when we put out a new record, realistically. We're a very fortunate band. We have a worldwide fanbase where we can go out and tour for two years, pretty much, all around the world successfully when we put out a new album. So it's a big job. It takes us a while to get around the world and play to everybody that wants to see us. So it takes time between albums."

Due to "unforeseen personal obligations," vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway of British/American grindcore pioneers NAPALM DEATH will be forced to miss the band's shows in Bologna, Italy (November 17) and Pratteln, Switzerland (November 19). "Unfortunately, this is unavoidable," says the band's bassist, Shane Embury. "Rather than not play those shows in Bologna and Prateln, we asked our friend Rees from the band CORRUPT MORAL ALTAR if he would come over and fill in for Barney for the next two shows. He agreed to go for it and help us out."

Shane continued: "We have been rehearsing a set in soundcheck today for tomorrow's show and it is sounding brutal and intense and we hope you guys in will show him and us your support. Thanks in advance for understanding and see everyone tomorrow."

NAPALM DEATH is currently taking part in the "Deathcrusher 2015" European tour with CARCASS, VOIVOD and OBITUARY.

NAPALM DEATH's 15th studio album, "Apex Predator - Easy Meat", was released on January 27 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media Records. The CD's striking artwork was created by Danish designer Frode Sylthe (Friktion.com), who has previously worked on the band's "Utilitarian" album as well as with such other acts as AT THE GATES, TOTALT JÄVLA MÖRKER, THE HAUNTED and BURST.

Former CALIFORNIA BREED guitarist Andrew Watt recently released his debut solo EP, "Ghost In My Head", via John Varvatos Records/Republic Records. The digital EP includes the first single from Watt, the title track, "Ghost In My Head".

The official video for the "Ghost In My Head" song can be seen below. "Ghost In My Head" paves the way for Watt's blues-infused, guitar-driven rock prowess. Converging between a robust wall of distortion and a distinct vocal howl, the song and the EP in its entirety proves potent, powerful, and passionate with a surprise around every corner. The 24-year-old Watt is no stranger to the rock scene, having received critical acclaim from rock icons including Jason Bonham and Chad Smith of the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, who lent his skills to the percussion heard on the EP. At a recent performance, Watt was joined onstage not only by Chad Smith but rock and roll photographer and director Danny Clinch (who performed on harmonica). Born in New York and now based in Los Angeles, Watt conjured up a striking and soulful sound after touring and writing with numerous artists across genres since the age of 16. 2013 saw him co-found CALIFORNIA BREED with Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) and Jason Bonham (FOREIGNER, LED ZEPPELIN), release the group's incendiary full-length debut, and tour with Slash and many others. Watt is also a producer, songwriter and musical director, working with artists across multiple genres, including Justin Bieber and Skrillex, Kygo, DJ Snake, Cody Simpson, SNBRN and more. A devout CALIFORNIA BREED fan, John Varvatos asked to hear Andrew's solo music and offered him a deal in 2015.

"Ghost In My Head" is produced by Alain Johannes (ELEVEN, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, THEM CROOKED VULTURES) and features Chad Smith (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS) and Joey Castillo (ex-QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, DANZIG) on the drum throne. "Ghost In My Head" track listing:

01. High02. Ghost In My Head03. Seeing Red04. Runaway

OPERATION: MINDCRIME, the new band led by former QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate, played its second-ever show this past Sunday, November 15 at the Winter Masters Of Rock festival in Zlin, Czech Republic. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert 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."

"The End Is Near", the new video from German power metallers PRIMAL FEAR, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's new studio album, "Rulebreaker", which will be released on January 29, 2016 via Frontiers Music Srl. The effort will be made available in CD, deluxe CD/DVD and — in collaboration with Soulfood Music in Germany — on vinyl and a special super-limited vinyl edition featuring an eagle head on the vinyl.

"Rulebreaker" combines the strongest PRIMAL FEAR moments ever, with a well-balanced typical PRIMAL FEAR trademark riff vibe, crushing songs and some very ambitious musical journeys.

PRIMAL FEAR recently parted ways with Brazilian drummer Aquiles Priester (HANGAR, ANGRA) and replaced him with Francesco Jovino (U.D.O.). In addition, founding PRIMAL FEAR guitarist Tom Naumann — who has been touring with the group for the past couple of years years — has now officially rejoined the band as a full member. Singer Ralf Scheepers says: "We have so much energy, fantastic melodies and a hell of a drum groove on each and every song. There is no doubt that the fans will love it as much as I do! And again we have achieved to combine bombastic and atmospheric orchestral sounds with soaring heavy metal riffs and licks, together with ear-splitting screams and also emotional sequences. We have kept the promise of being a heavy metal band with all the trademarks for which people love PRIMAL FEAR." After the massive "Delivering The Black" world tour, PRIMAL FEAR started the songwriting in spring 2015 and recorded at Hansen Studios in Denmark, with producer/bassist Mat Sinner and engineer Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, PRETTY MAIDS, AMARANTHE). Mat Sinner adds: "We learned a lot during the 'Delivering The Black' sessions and the following world tour. We tried to put this know-how and all the positive energy into the songs and production of 'Rulebreaker'. Working the second time with Jacob Hansen and even recording in his studio, gave another dimension to our sound, plus the recording comeback of founding member Tom Naumann was the right move." Classic and ultra-fresh PRIMAL FEAR have created riff-rockers like the album opener "Angels Of Mercy", and groove monsters "The End Is Near" and "Bullets And Tears", which hit the bulls-eye from the beginning. The album features another untamed speed killer "In Metal We Trust" and the metal anthem and title track "Rulebreaker". The melodic and unique ballad "The Sky Is Burning" shows a different side of PRIMAL FEAR with a new vibe and a monster chorus. And of course, PRIMAL FEAR included again an 11-minute plus prog metal tour de force entitled "We Walk Without Fear", spiced with big orchestral arrangements and complex sound designs. "Rulebreaker" track listing:

01. Angels Of Mercy02. The End Is Near03. Bullets & Tears04. Rulebreaker05. In Metal We Trust06. We Walk Without Fear07. At War With The World08. The Devil In Me09. Constant Heart10. The Sky Is Burning11. Raving Mad12. Final Call (bonus track; deluxe edition only)11. Don't Say You've Never Been Warned (bonus track; deluxe edition only) DVD (deluxe edition only):

* The End Is Near (video clip)* Angels Of Mercy (video clip)* Making Of "Rulebreaker" PRIMAL FEAR is:

Ralf Scheepers - VocalsAlex Beyrodt - GuitarMagnus Karlsson – Guitar, KeyboardsTom Naumann - GuitarFrancesco Jovino - DrumsMat Sinner - Bass, Vocals

Band photo by Alex Kuehr Photography

The ALICE COOPER band — Tommy Henriksen (guitar), Ryan Roxie (guitar), Nita Strauss (guitar), Chuck Garric (bass) and Glen Sobel (drums) — played a special show Sunday night (November 15) at the Hard Rock Café in Stockholm, Sweden and was joined by the legendary rocker himself for three songs: "Be My Lover", "Lost In America" and "School's Out". Fan-filmed video footage can be seen below.

ALICE COOPER is currently on the road in Europe as the support act for MÖTLEY CRÜE on their "The Final Tour".

Cooper has previously said that he prefers playing small venues over large arenas.

"I always prefer to play theatres because it makes the theatrics of our show so much more intense," he said.

Asked what there is left to do after five decades of playing rock and roll, Alice told The Herald: "You wanna write that song that wins the Academy Award.

"I'd love to do some sort of a Broadway show, but on my terms. I don't want a watered-down show. If it was gonna be a real rock Broadway show, you'd have to bring in a real rock band and make that the basis.

"I've had scripts sent to me about my life and I keep telling them it's already written and it's called 'Welcome To My Nightmare'.

"The music and words are ready, we just need to find somebody that want to actually produce it."

Fan-filmed video footage of GHOST's November 14 performance at Amager Bio in Copenhagen, Denmark can be seen below.

GHOST's third album, "Meliora", entered The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 8 with first-week sales of just over 29,000 units — nearly all from pure album sales. The set follows the No. 28-peaking "Infestissumam", which was released in 2013 and has sold almost 70,000 copes in the U.S. to date.

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

"Meliora" was released on August 21 via Loma Vista Recordings. The CD was helmed by Klas Åhlund, a prolific songwriter, producer and guitarist who is also a member of the Swedish rock band TEDDYBEARS, and was mixed by Andy Wallace (SLAYER, NIRVANA, SEPULTURA, LINKIN PARK, GUNS N' ROSES).

Neil Turbin (Deathriders, ex-Anthrax) recently spoke with King Diamond's Andy LaRocque for Canada's The Metal Voice. Check out the interview below along with a few excerpts

On what it is like to be in the King Diamond band for so many years: "I have been in the band for about 30 years, it's crazy, time just flies, it's been awesome."

On concerns about King Diamond's Satanism when first joining the band: "I always was really into the theatrically stuff on stage, like Alice Cooper, KISS, Black Sabbath, stuff like that. I look at it in a different way I see it more as a theatrical rock horror show than a satanic thing."

On when they will begin work on a new King Diamond album: "We are going to have a little break after this tour, and after that break we are going to start writing music for the next album. We have some riffs but I'm sure once we start getting into the process it's going to be lots of brainstorming, somewhere around February 2016."

Metal Blade will reissue King Diamond's The Spider's Lullabye on vinyl and CD with exclusive and rare bonus footage on November 27th.

The CD will be released as a double-Digi-CD featuring a bonus-CD that includes the rare and previously unreleased demos for the album. The LP comes as a double gatefold vinyl including all the bonus tracks as well.

Tracklisting:

CD1
“From The Other Side”
“Killer”
“The Poltergeist”
“Dreams”
“Moonlight”
“Six Feet Under”
“The Spider’s Lullaby”
“Eastmann’s Cure”
“Room 17”
“To The Morgue”

CD2 (Demos)
“Moonlight” 
“From The Other Side”
“The Spider’s Lullaby”
“Dreams”

Preorders are available at EMP.



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DEFTONES have canceled the remaining dates on their European tour just two days after the deadly attacks in Paris that targeted the venue where the band had been scheduled to play.

Some of the DEFTONES members were at EAGLES OF DEATH METAL's concert at Bataclan just prior to several armed gunmen storming the venue and killing 89 people in attendance. In addition, some of the DEFTONES family members were just blocks away during the attack.

Said DEFTONES in a statement: "We have been to Paris many, many times, and we've had some of the most amazing shows in this tremendously electric city.

"With this being said, and with our deepest condolences, love and respect to everyone affected, and to all of us who share this planet, we must return home to our loved ones. We will return when appropriate."

DEFTONES are canceling a total of five concerts, including those in Paris, Germany and the United Kingdom.

MEGADETH performed at a special Cyber Army fan-club convetion/party on Friday, November 13 at the 12 Bar Club in London, England. Fan-filmed video footage can be seen below.

As previously reported, MEGADETH is rumored to be teaming up with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, CHILDREN OF BODOM and HAVOK for a U.S. tour in early 2016. The four-band package, which will tentatively launch in February, will mark MEGADETH's first U.S. run of dates in support of its new album, "Dystopia", slated for release in January.

Denver, Colorado thrashers HAVOK, who last year signed with Century Media, are managed by Justis Mustaine, the 23-year-old son of MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine.

The follow-up to 2013's "Super Collider", "Dystopia" was recorded earlier in the year in Nashville, Tennessee and was mixed by Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with LAMB OF GOD, ALL THAT REMAINS and GOJIRA.

Richie Faulkner, who was once the guitarist in the backing group for Lauren Harris, daughter of IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris, was asked in a brand new interview with GigsAndFestivals.com if he was "on the subs bench for IRON MAIDEN" prior to joining JUDAS PRIEST as the replacement for K.K. Downing. He responded: "Yeah, you never know! I worked with Steve and Lauren, and [Steve] was one of the first ones that I told when I got the PRIEST gig. I said I've been approached by another band, and he was over the moon when I told him it was PRIEST. He's one of these guys who's really supportive, and he said: 'I would have had you in my band. If anything would have happened to any of my guys, you were the guy that was going to do it.'"

Faulkner continued: "[Steve is] a great guy, and like the guys in PRIEST, he's an idol and he's a teacher. He wished me all the best and sent me on my way. We saw him at Download [festival] a couple of months ago. He loves the music; he loves the vibe, and he's a genuine fan of all things heavy. So, it was great to get his endorsement right from the beginning."

JUDAS PRIEST's latest album, "Redeemer Of Souls", marks the band's first release with Faulkner, who was also previously a member of the Steve Harris=approved U.K. band DIRTY DEEDS.

Asked by Premier Guitar if he was concerned how the new band dynamic with Faulkner would impact the writing process for "Redeemer Of Souls", JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton said: "We hadn't worked with Richie before on a writing level, so the first couple of things he presented to us were quite crucial. It was amazing, because everything Richie came up with was just so PRIEST, and it evolved from that point on. For the first time ever, we actually wrote on the road. Richie would go down in the afternoon, set up his recording rig, and kick stuff out. When we had time off, we sat down and started piecing everything together. What we normally do is write our own ideas — including Rob's [Halford] lyrics and vocals — pool them, and before you know it, it takes shape into songs."

Steve Vai and Martin Turner (formerly of Wishbone Ash) guest on episode 167 of One On One With Mitch Lafon.

In the episode's first interview, guitar legend Steve Vai discusses the upcoming Tony MacAlpine benefit show, his time with David Lee Roth and Whitesnake, the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Eat 'Em And Smile album, bee keeping, working with Ozzy Osbourne, his guilty pleasure desire to join the Alice Cooper band and much more. The second interview is with former Wishbone Ash member, Martin Turner, who talks about his new album Written In The Stars, classic Wishbone Ash albums, twin guitars and much more.

Quotes from the Steve Vai interview:

On Whitesnake: "I started getting full of myself and to David Coverdale's credit he tolerated it all."

On almost joining Ozzy Osbourne's band: "I love Ozzy, but can you picture me touring with him? I can't see myself playing Paranoid every night. When it came to the Ozzy thing, saying that it would be step backwards is too strong, but I'd done it. I'd been with the big rock stars doing that kind of thing. My instincts said, 'no no no'."

On wanting to play with Alice Cooper: "I would have to say yeah... I could do this for a while (like a tour). How cool would that be?"

Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde and John 5, along with drum powerhouse Mike Portnoy, bass icon Billy Sheehan and keyboard phenomenon Derek Sherinian are joining forces to play a benefit concert for guitar and keyboard virtuoso Tony MacAlpine, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer.

The Benefit for Tony MacAlpine will take place at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles on December 12th, at 7 PM, featuring performances from John 5 & The Creatures, Zakk Wylde with Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and Derek Sherinian; Steve Vai and band, and culminating in an all-star jam with house band Portnoy, Sheehan, Sherinian, and featuring special guests. Eddie Trunk will serve as master of ceremonies for the night.

In addition to this extraordinary musical event, Steve Vai, John 5, Paul Gilbert, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather, Steve Stevens, and Joe Satriani have all graciously donated personal guitars to be auctioned during the event. In addition, Rudy Sarzo has offered private lessons as an auction item, and Simon Phillips has donated a signature snare. Tony’s gear manufacturers Ibanez, Hughes & Kettner, EMG, Ernie Ball, Source Audio and Voodoo Lab have also generously donated equipment to be raffled.

Tony’s cancer diagnosis comes on the heels of his wife’s diagnosis with breast cancer in June, making the situation even more trying for Tony and his family.

“Tony is a dear friend, an absolutely sweet human being and one of the most talented musicians I've ever worked with,” says Mike Portnoy, “We are coming together to help raise money and awareness to help him fight his battle and come out on top!”  

Adds Steve Vai, “It's a great privilege to take to the stage with my friends Zakk, John, Mike and Billy in support of our dear friend Tony. Tony has always been blessed with an exceptional talent and more so, he's an exceptionally cool guy. It's a great cause and will be a magical evening of guitar extravaganza.”

“Tony has been such an inspiration to me,” says John 5. “He is an incredible musician and an unbelievable talent. Please let's all come together and beat this!”

"Tony is our brother. We look forward to making a historical night, and raising a lot of money to help our friend in need.” said Derek Sherinian.

Tony MacAlpine is widely known as a guitar virtuoso who is just as skilled on the keys. Edge of Insanity, his classic debut album, was recently ranked by Guitar World magazine as one of the Top Ten Shred Guitar Albums of all time. Aside from his solo work, Tony has also been part of several rock supergroups including Planet X with Derek Sherinian and Virgil Donati; PSMS (Portnoy/Sheehan/MacAlpine/Sherinian); as well as the Grammy nominated CAB with bassist Bunny Brunel and drummer Dennis Chambers. MacAlpine also spent seven years playing guitar and keys in Steve Vai‘s touring band The Breed.

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

Tickets are on sale Saturday, November 7th at 10 AM PT through LiveNation.com, with all proceeds going to help Tony and his family. A GoFundMe campaign will be set up for fans who can’t make the show, but still want to contribute.

Doors will be at 7 PM with the show set to begin at 8 PM. For tickets, visit livenation.com.



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On October 14, Holland's FaceCulture conducted an interview with guitarist/vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt of Swedish progressive metallers OPETH. You can now watch the chat in two parts below.

Speaking about his plans for the next few months, Mikael said: "I'm thinking of a project, actually — a thing that I want to do with a couple of friends of mine, that I will be writing for. And also, of course, [I will be working on the] new OPETH album, hopefully. I have written snippets of music that I haven't decided where they're gonna end up yet — or I haven't decided if they're gonna end up anywhere yet."

Pressed for more details on the new project, Mikael said: "Well, it will be… I can probably with confidence say that it will happen. But it will be in Swedish. I've asked one of my friends, I've e-mailed him asking him if he would be interested, because we did a song a long time ago together. Dan Swanö — he's a producer; he produced the first two OPETH records. So I asked him if he wants to play drums on this project. And another friend of mine from Stockholm, who is a classically trained piano player, but he plays bass and has a really cool vintage studio too, so I'm thinking of doing something like that. But I'm not sure how it's gonna end up. I want it to be not so progressive, really, but maybe more 'folky' and psychedelic, I think."

Asked why now is the right time for him to pursue this project, Mikael said: "Good question. I don't really know. I've just been thinking about… I've been thinking about it a lot. I can't get it out of my head. So it means something."

In a 2014 interview with Ultimate Guitar, Mikael spoke about the status of his long-rumored solo album. He said: "There's no need for me to do that because I'm really comfortable writing for OPETH. I can put pretty much anything into OPETH and there's no need for me to create some type of solo project in order to fulfill my dreams as a musician, because I put everything into OPETH. I said that a few years ago because I was interested in doing a singer/songwriter record because I loved that so much. Which obviously would need a full band. But it was also something I wanted to do just to see if I could produce a record from scratch on my own in my own studio. It was a bit of an experiment and to be honest not something I yearned for. I had a big mouth and then people thought it was actually gonna happen. 'When is it coming?' And I was like, 'Well, it's talk. Just talk.' But who knows? If I end up with a bunch of songs like that, maybe I'll put it out."

Perttu Kivilaakso and Eicca Toppinen, members of the world-famous heavy metal cello band APOCALYPTICA, have written an opera for the Finnish National Opera, combining heavy rock music with unabashedly Romantic melodies. "Indigo" will be premiered in Helsinki on January 22, 2016.

Year 2016 for the Finnish National Opera will begin with the world premiere of an opera from the cutting edge of Finnish music. "Indigo" is a full-fledged opera that seamlessly blends heavy rock music with unabashedly Romantic melodies.

"We have created the most beautiful opera since 'Turandot'," the two composers say. "No one else would have the guts to write such lovely arias and such a Romantic story in the 2010s." The music was edited and orchestrated by Jaakko Kuusisto, who will also be conducting the performances. The opera is scored for traditional symphony orchestra, with no drum kit or electric guitars added.

The libretto is by Sami Parkkinen, an exciting tale addressing the fundamentals of the human condition. The narrative focuses on the powers of an all-pervasive intercontinental corporation, the perils of technology and the quest for happiness. The corporation has developed an efficiency-boosting drug that has unpredictable side effects. As the number of victims increases, only the original developer of the drug can save the day. Someone must brave the journey into a parallel reality through a strange machine. Will the key to happiness be found there? As is often typical for opera, "Indigo" operates on a number of levels: the parallel reality, the dream world and the subconscious of individuals, where the deepest state is known as the "indigo state."

Perttu Kivilaakso and Eicca Toppinen are confident in their vision and believe in bringing extremes together. They say: "Put simply, this is the opera that we would like to see. It has no target group as such, just as APOCALYPTICA doesn't. If we love it, we can't be the only ones. That's how we do everything we do."

The energetic production will be directed by Vilppu Kiljunen. "Indigo" will be performed in English, and its cast will include prominent Finnish singers. The sets are by Sampo Pyhälä, the costumes by Kalle Kuusela and the choreography by Reija Wäre. The last of its eight performances in Helsinki will be on February 18, 2016. Tickets are available at Lippupiste.

MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson celebrated his 51st birthday backstage before the band's November 12 concert in Manchester, England. Video footage of the celebrations, as posted on MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine's account on Periscope, a live video streaming platform owned by Twitter, can be seen below.

As previously reported, MEGADETH is rumored to be teaming up with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, CHILDREN OF BODOM and HAVOK for a U.S. tour in early 2016. The four-band package, which will tentatively launch in February, will mark MEGADETH's first U.S. run of dates in support of its new album, "Dystopia", slated for release in January.

Denver, Colorado thrashers HAVOK, who last year signed with Century Media, are managed by Justis Mustaine, the 23-year-old son of MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine.

The follow-up to 2013's "Super Collider", "Dystopia" was recorded earlier in the year in Nashville, Tennessee and was mixed by Josh Wilbur, who has previously worked with LAMB OF GOD, ALL THAT REMAINS and GOJIRA.

An Ocean Of Void is a five-piece from Bordeaux, France. It is a project that plays hard-to-classify heavy music with plenty of contrasts since 2010. Its inspiration goes from different scenes as post-rock, atmospheric metal or progressive metal, with a Pink Floyd influence clearly established.

After a self-produced demo (2012), the band's debut album The Great Escape will see the light December 4 through Inverse Records. With melancholic nuances and latent sadness, The Great Escape is a perfect soundtrack for dark winter days, a real journey through feelings and emotions.

Tracklisting:

“Diving In The Deepest Sea”
“Enigma”
“Silent Storm”
“Resonance”
“Behind Red Clouds”
“An Ocean Of Void Part. 1”
“A Faded Light”
“An Ocean Of Void Part. II”

“Resonance”:



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In the video below, former Megadeth guitarist Jeff Young and vocalist Sherri Klein, working together under the moniker of Jeff Young & Sherri perform the classic Ted Nugent track, “Stranglehold”:

 

Young was the lead guitarist on Megadeth’s platinum selling So Far, So Good… So What album and world tour. He hasn’t performed any track from that album live since leaving the band, but at the special request of the producers of the Hard Rock Cafe 25th Anniversary Celebration, this happened.

Watch front row footage of Jeff and vocalist Sherri Klein can be seen below:

Working together under the official moniker of Jeff Young & Sherri, they recently posted live performance footage from a recent show in Las Vegas in The Lounge @ The Palms. Check out covers of "Ain't No Sunshine" / "Funk #49" (Bill Withers and James Gang repectively) below:

The Band:

Sherri - lead vocals
Jeff Young - guitars
Jeff Tortora - drums
AJ Johnson - bass, vocals
David King - keyboards

For information and updates on Jeff Young & Sherri go to this location.



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Prosthetic Records has teamed with their friends and neighbors at Three Weavers Brewing Company to combine their love of beer and heavy metal by brewing and bottling the Blood Junkie Imperial Red Ale. Roping in acclaimed artist and fellow beer aficionado Dan Mumford (The Black Dahlia Murder, Parkway Drive) to design the bottle's menacing artwork, the bottled version of Blood Junkie will make its debut on November 21. 

Sharing a common affinity for assertively hopped ales, Three Weavers brewmaster Alexandra Nowell and Prosthetic co-founder E.J. Johantgen melded minds and sought to develop a ruby-hued imperial red that was big and malt-driven, yet dry and balanced. Johantgen commented, "I have been obsessed with beer and the process of making beer for years – almost as long as I've been obsessed with metal. Alex and Three Weavers are even more passionate about making some of the best beer imaginable. So it only made sense that the hop-heads here at Prosthetic be a part of something as special as Blood Junkie. We are very proud of the result and think fans of craft and metal will be equally pleased."  

To commemorate the special event, Prosthetic and Three Weavers will host a "bottle-release party" at the brewery's tasting room in Inglewood, CAon Saturday, November 21 featuring live entertainment provided by Prosthetic's own heavy metal group Exmortus along with support from Three Weavers brewer Chris' progressive rock quartet Litaoa. Additionally, a limited amount of exclusive t-shirts featuring the bottle's artwork will be available for purchase on site. Doors open at 8:00 p.m., and tickets will be available at the door for just $5.

About Blood Junkie:

Blood Junkie is built on a grain base of 2-row, Munich, and a healthy dose of British crystal malts for color and body, coming in at 8.7% and 70 IBUs. The beer is then double dry-hopped to the hilt with a combination of Mosaic, Simcoe, Summit, and experimental hop variety 342, giving Blood Junkie a bright, tropical hop character and a distinctly west coast spin on the imperial red style.

 

 

 



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U2 place flowers on the pavement outside of Paris' Bataclan. Bono has called the attacks at the club, "the first direct hit on music that we've had in this so-called War on Terror." Jeff J Mitchell/Getty
U2 were rehearsing at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris Friday night, less than three miles away from the Bataclan concert hall where the Eagles of Death Metal were playing, when they got word of the terrorist attack on the city.

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"Our security locked it down pretty quickly and we got our team and our crew out of there safely," Bono told Irish DJ Dave Fanning in a radio interview Saturday. "We came to the back door of the hotel. Everyone congregated and watched the TV like everybody else in disbelief with what was happening. We're all safe."

U2 have been gigging all over Europe for the past two months, leading up to a planned show Saturday night in Paris set for broadcast on HBO. That gig has now been postponed, along with the following evening's show at the same venue. "We didn’t call it off," Bono said. "It was cancelled, honest, and I understand perfectly why … It's up to the French authorities and the city to decide when we can go back."

Right now, the band is trying to make sense of the horrific carnage. "Our first thoughts at this point are with the Eagles of Death Metal fans," he said. "If you think about it, the majority of victims last night are music fans. This is the first direct hit on music that we've had in this so-called War on Terror or whatever it's called. It's very upsetting. These are our people. This could be me at a show. You at a show, in that venue. It's a very recognizable situation for you and for me and the coldblooded aspect of this slaughter is deeply disturbing and that’s what I can’t get out of my head."

The city of Paris is still in lockdown and there's no word on when the U2 shows will be rescheduled, but Bono pledges that they will go forward. "Music is very important," he said. "I think U2 has a role to play and I can't wait till we get back to Paris and play and that's what I’m feeling from the messages we're receiving from music fans is these people will not set our agenda. They will not organize our lives for us."

U2 were on a short break from their 2001 Elevation Tour during the September 11th attacks. They began playing North American dates just one month after the attacks, playing three nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden in late October. They were among the most emotional shows of the band’s long career. "The feeling of Madison Square Garden was just unbelievable and the feeling was just this is who we are, you can’t change it," Bono said today. "You’re not going to turn us into haters or you're not going to turn us around in the way we go about our lives. That was the feeling of Madison Square Garden back then and I hope that will be the feeling at Bercy when we get back there."

U2's tour heads to Ireland for a series of shows in Belfast and Dublin that were supposed to wrap up the 2015 leg of the Innocence + Experience Tour, though it now seems likely the rescheduled Paris shows will be held sometime after the final night in Dublin on November 28th.