Philadelphia-based sci-fi thrashers Vektor have revealed the title of their upcoming new album, along with dates for their first ever European tour.

Officially titled Terminal Redux, the brand new album was recorded and produced by the band at their home studio and at Panther Pro Audio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was re-amped and mixed by Byron Filson at Villain Studios in Arizona. The album is due to be released in early 2016 on Earache.

The First Contact European tour kicks off on November 21st in France and will see Spanish thrashers Angelus Apatrida co-headline, with Dutch thrashers Distillator opening.

Vektor vocalist/guitarist David DiSanto comments: "We are extremely excited to announce Vektor's first European tour! We will be playing new material to promote our upcoming album, Terminal Redux, and also a heavy mix of songs from both Outer Isolation and Black Future. Prepare yourselves for total annihilation! Europe, we are coming for you!"

Tour dates:

November
21 - Nantes, France - Ferrailleur
22 - Paris, France - Glazart
23 - Luynes, France - Korigan
25 - Brescia, Italy - Colony
26 - Rome, Italy - Traffic Club
27 - Prato, Italy - Exenzia
28 - Winterthur, Switzerland - Gaswerk
29 - Prague, Czech Republic - Modra Vopice
30 - Vienna, Austria - Escape

December
2 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
3 - Burglengenfeld, Germany - VZA Pfarrheim
4 - Oberhausen, Germany - Ruhrpott Metal Meeting (Vektor only)
5 - Cottbus, Germany - Gladhouse
6 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust
9 - Gothenburg, Sweden - Truckstop Alaska
10 - Oslo, Norway - Vulkan Arena
12 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Eindhoven Metal Meeting
13 - London, UK - The Black Heart

Podrooom Videos conducted an interview with FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares on July 12 at the Exit Festival in Novi Sad, Serbia. You can now watch the chat below.

Asked if he has read any funny comments about himself on the Internet, Dino said: "I try to read as many comments as I possibly can. I mean, obviously, there's so many different sites, so it's hard to red every one of them, but I do read the ones that are on the Facebook page, and I do read the ones that are on the Twitters and the Instagrams. And, you know, Blabbermouth. I read the comments there. I read 'em everywhere. I read a lot of funny comments about myself. It's usually comments about me being fat. But whatever… it's, like, I am fat. So what? It doesn't matter. I enjoy what I do, I play guitar, and that, to me, is what matters."

He continued: "When you're playing in a band, you have to have thick skin, because everybody… When your band puts out the first record and you start getting more known, you're under scrutiny and everybody's gonna make fun of you. And, obviously, with the Internet, anybody can leave any kind of comments that they want. It doesn't matter. You know what I mean? So you kind of have to have thick skin to be able to let… don't take these comments personally. Usually, when people make fun of me personally, I don't take it personally. But when they talk crap about the music, then I take it personally."

FEAR FACTORY's new album, "Genexus", was released on August 7 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment. The follow-up to 2012's "The Industrialist" was co-produced by longtime collaborator Rhys Fulber, along with guitarist Dino Cazares and vocalist Burton C. Bell and mixed by Andy Sneap (ARCH ENEMY, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, MACHINE HEAD). Artwork was once again handled by Anthony Clarkson. Drums on "Genexus" were performed by Mike Heller (MALIGNANCY).

The "Dielectric" video was filmed with director Ramon Boutviseth, who has previously worked with TRIVIUM, NONPOINT, DARKEST HOUR, INCUBUS and ALL THAT REMAINS, among others.

FEAR FACTORY recently parted ways with bassist Matt DeVries (previously of CHIMAIRA, where he played guitar, and SIX FEET UNDER) and replaced him with Tony Campos (ex-SOULFLY, STATIC-X, PRONG, MINISTRY).

In a brand new interview with Overdrive, IRON MAIDEN drummer Nicko McBrain was asked if he thought the band was over when it was discovered that MAIDEN lead singer Bruce Dickinson had a cancerous tumor.

"Well, I'd be a liar if I didn't think for a minute that IRON MAIDEN [was] finished," he said. "[But] I thought more about the possibility of losing my friend than anything else, to be honest. Then later, I was thinking, 'God forbid if the worst ever happened, the legacy would be the last 16 albums.'"

McBrain, who is a dedicated Christian, continued: "I've got to be honest, I did question his mortality at one point and thankfully that didn't last long. Honestly, I got down on my knees and said a prayer, picked my thoughts up and got positive about it all, thinking to myself, 'If anyone can beat this, it's Bruce.' He's so positive about everything he's ever done in his life, or whatever he is about to do. Basically, I prayed for him and my prayers were answered, as well as everybody else that knows and cares for him."

According to McBrain, Dickinson's diagnosis didn't affect the recording of MAIDEN's new album, "The Book Of Souls".

"Do you know that none of us knew that he was poorly until after the record was done?" he said. "He performed that whole album knowing that something wasn't quite right with himself, but didn't get diagnosed 'till after we'd finished the tracks. So this album, 'The Book Of Souls', is just very special to me and all the rest of the guys.

"Bruce didn't know until December 2014 and then started his treatment in January 2015. We weren't aware, and neither was he, that he had the tumor."

Wow, that’s such a short amount of time considering that you have yourselves a double / triple (vinyl) album there. That’s really good timing for a project of that length. Especially when you look at the likes of Metallica, taking up 8/9 years to make an album.

"Well, Metallica take about 2 years to tune up the guitars for starters! (laughs) Only joking mate! The thing is, when you are in a situation where there clock is ticking, sometimes it can work against you and other times there is no pressure, but you just have to get on with your own work schedule and do the best you can. Look at Def Leppard, Pyromania, that took 2 years and that was down to Mutt Lange (producer), who was doing his “Mutt Lange” thing back in those days and it worked for them.

For us in the first 5 songs we were like hmm… these are a bit long. I mean, fucking hell, The Red and The Black comes in as long as Rime of the Ancient Mariner, for crying out loud, ha ha! But at the end of the day, we just get on with it and we had the best time and it was the greatest record I’ve ever made with the band. In my personal opinion, the way we did this record, with the choice of studio and having Kevin Shirley involved, turned out to be a great album for us, sound-wise. Too be honest with you, sonically I think this is the best album we have ever done."

"The Book Of Souls" debuted at No. 4 on The Billboard 200, having shifted 75,000 equivalent album units in the week ending September 10. That equals MAIDEN's highest rank ever, first achieved with 2010's "The Final Frontier".

Released globally on September 4 through Parlophone Records (Sanctuary Copyrights/BMG in the U.S.), "The Book Of Souls" was recorded in Paris, France with producer Kevin "Caveman" Shirley in late 2014, with the finishing touches added earlier this year.

IRON MAIDEN announced in May that touring plans to support the album wouldn't happen until 2016 to allow Dickinson time to fully recuperate after his successful cancer treatment.

Germany's Rock Hard magazine recently conducted an interview with SLAYER bassist/vocalist Tom Araya. You can now watch the chat in six parts below.

Asked what he thought when he first heard the final version of SLAYER's eleventh studio album "Repentless" — the band's first without both founding guitarist Jeff Hanneman and drummer Dave Lombardo — Araya responded: "When I heard it… After I heard the whole thing, 'My God, this is SLAYER.' It's SLAYER. When someone [asks], 'How do you feel about the record?' I say, 'It's SLAYER. Well, half of SLAYER, but it still sounds like SLAYER.' It sounds like a SLAYER record. When you listen to it, you go, 'This is SLAYER.' But then you have to sit back and [go], 'Well, part of SLAYER… It's half of SLAYER.' You know what I mean? Because of what we've gone through. I listen to it and… Inside, yeah, I feel like, 'Okay, well this is…' Because of my perspective, it's half of SLAYER. But when I listen to it, it's SLAYER; it's identifiable."

He continued: "I think it's really good for half of SLAYER. That's what I'm saying. When you listen to it, [you go], 'Oh my God, this is SLAYER.' I said that without the thought that it's just me and [guitarist] Kerry [King from the original lineup]. I said it with, 'Oh my God. this is SLAYER.' 'Cause I'm a fan. You know what I mean? And my concern is, 'What are people gonna think?' 'What am I gonna think?' And so when I heard it, I was, like, 'Oh my God, this is SLAYER.' But deep inside, I know… I know that Jeff's not here, and that we were lucky enough to have a song of his on the record. So that, to me, was… 'Oh my God, this is SLAYER.' But inside I correct myself. I go, 'Well, half of SLAYER, but this is SLAYER.' As a fan, I can sit back and go, 'My God…' And it sounded awesome."

"Repentless" was released on September 11 via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 2009's critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated "World Painted Blood" was produced by Terry Date, who has previously worked with PANTERA, DEFTONES and SOUNDGARDEN.

The artwork was created by Brazilian artist Marcelo Vasco in collaboration with the band's Tom Araya and Kerry King.

David Gunnarsson, the airbrush artist who works with the best goalies in the National Hockey League, has unveiled his latest creation for Buffalo Sabres goaltender Robin Lehner. Inspired by In Flames, as both hail from the same hometown of Gothenburg, the mask is dubbed Inferno - Come Clarity.

Gunnarsson writes on Facebook: “Robin Lehner and I have been working together since Robin was a kid. It is an awesome feeling to cooperate for so many years and see a goalies hard work and see his way to become a pro.

It is time to unleash Robin Lehner’s lastest mask art for his new team Buffalo Sabres. A mask design from a series of totally unique masks…

Robin and I had a vision to create a dark and gritty design, inspired by nightmares… With a violent look filled with scratches and marks and splatter, the design transforms into a tribute to Robin Lehner´s favorite music…

The matte finish of the mask helps the design to become something totally spectacular…

The closer you come the more details you will discover and the design transforms in front of your eyes.

And be ready, Robin and I have more stuff in the pipeline…

Thanks Robin, I am so proud to be your artist. And thank you all for your interest.”

Visit David Gunnarsson on Facebook.

OTEP, the band led by singer, poet, illustrator, author and activist Otep Shamaya, has signed with Austria's Napalm Records. Famed producer Howard Benson will helm the band's new album, due in 2016. Shamaya commented on joining the Napalm Records roster: "Signing with Napalm Records is one of the most exciting alliances I've ever made. I haven't felt this excited to write a new album since 'Sevas Tra'. There's a lot of work to do, a lot of music to write, a lot of things to say, a lot of injustices to confront and a lot of madness to summon and capture. To be able to forge this sacred alchemy with the dark brilliance of producer Howard Benson is a dream come true." Napalm Records A&R Demetri Benoist said about the signing of OTEP: "Beyond excited to be working with such a polarizing artist who stands for something and is not afraid to speak their mind.

"This is a new beginning in OTEP's history and Napalm Records is committed to making it the most successful! Let the OTEP revolution begin."

OTEP's sixth full-length studio album, "Hydra", sold around 2,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 155 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was issued in January 2013 via Victory Records.

OTEP was formed in Los Angeles in 2000 and immediately signed to Capitol Records, an achievement based solely on the strength of its live performance. They were selected to appear at Ozzfest after Sharon Osbourne witnessed one of these incendiary performances. Their debut at Ozzfest was only their ninth live show, a major achievement for any band. It would be the kick-off for a career spanning 15 years.

Founding GUNS N' ROSES members Slash and Duff McKagan reunited this past Saturday (September 12) to perform at a benefit event for the Wonderland Avenue School in Los Angeles, California. They were joined by their VELVET REVOLVER bandmate Dave Kushner, APOCALYPTICA singer Franky Perez and drummer Bill Burr for a cover version of AC/DC's "Highway To Hell". Check out fan-filmed video footage below.

Founded in 1927, Wonderland is a public kindergarten through fifth grade campus nestled in the Hollywood Hills above Los Angeles.

Slash recently revealed that he and GUNS N' ROSES lead singer Axl Rose had repaired their estranged relationship after nearly 20 years, immediately leading to a storm of speculation about a possible reunion of the classic GUNS lineup.

VELVET REVOLVER has never found a new singer following its April 2008 split with Scott Weiland and is more or less on hiatus, although it reunited with the former STONE TEMPLE PILOTS frontman for a short one-off performance at a benefit concert in January 2012.

All the members of VELVET REVOLVER insist that the band is not dead, and the four instrumental players have periodically held quiet auditions for a new frontman.

At one point it was reported that VELVET REVOLVER was going to team with STONE SOUR and SLIPKNOT vocalist Corey Taylor, but the idea was ultimately vetoed by Slash. The group and Taylor recorded demos of 10 songs together.

The official lyric video for "King Of Kings", the title track of the new album from LEAVES' EYES — the German/Norwegian band formed by ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull and members of ATROCITY — can be seen below.

"King Of Kings" was released on September 11 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded in Germany, Norway, England, Netherlands, Belarus and Switzerland and was produced by Liv's husband, ATROCITY singer and LEAVES' EYES co-vocalist Alexander Krull, at his Mastersound Studio in Germany.

"King Of Kings" features a guest appearance by the London Voices Choir ("Lord Of The Rings", "Star Wars", "The Hobbit", "Harry Potter"). The artwork was once again created by Stefan Heilemann (LINDEMANN, NIGHTWISH, EPICA, KAMELOT).

Said Kristine about "The Waking Eye" video: "It was filmed at several locations in Norway and Germany. Moreover, our son Leon plays the role of the child king Harald, while Alex performs as the grown-up Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway. I’m proud of my two Vikings!"

Added Krull: "For the battle, we recruited a horde of Vikings from several Viking groups: Værjaborg, Franci Saravi, Blodorn, Blodhvitnir and Ziu Zynir. As the battle was going on, Rainer 'ZIPP' Fränzen and his team filmed in rain and mud. It was epic fun to be one of the Viking warriors!"

Kristine previously stated about the lyrical themes covered on "King Of Kings": "With our [new] album, we would like to take you on a journey through a highly interesting chapter in Scandinavia's history.

"Hafrsfjord, Norway's west-coast. A.D. 872. Did you hear what happened?

"Harald Hårfagre (c.850-932), remembered by medieval historians as the first king of Norway. The battle of Hafrsfjord is described in the Saga of Harald Hårfagre (Harald Fairhair) in Snorri's Heimskringla. Harald defeated several petty kings and the battle is considered decisive in the unification of Norway. The seabed in Hafrsfjord hides many secrets and many traces. Moreover, Hafrsfjord is my birthplace."

Multi-camera video footage of Marty Friedman's (ex-MEGADETH) September 15 performance in Cleveland, Ohio can be seen below.

Friedman recently embarked on his first tour of North America since 2003 — a 21-date headlining run that kicked off September 9. The trek marks the latest leg of Friedman's ongoing world tour in support of "Inferno", his solo album that so far has seen him complete a record-breaking tour across South America; perform extensively in Europe with acts such as Gus G. (FIREWIND, OZZY OSBOURNE), ARCH ENEMY and KREATOR; and play multiple high-profile gigs in his current home country of Japan, including a set at the country's largest heavy metal festival, Loud Park.

Friedman commented on his return to his home continent: "On the rare occasion that I stop and think I about it, I realize I've done an insane thing: I left a successful international band to concentrate my efforts on the domestic music scene of a country thousands of miles from my home. Different culture, different language, different planet. Since I went to Japan, so many Americans have supported me, and while many doubted I would ever play live in my homeland again, now it's happening. Choosing the setlist and doing prep for this tour has been a blast. Words can not describe how excited I am about finally touring North America!"

The North American leg of the "Inferno" tour started in Friedman's former hometown of Baltimore and will wrap up on the West Coast on October 3.

California heavy rock veterans MOTOGRATER will enter the studio in January 2016 to begin recording their long-awaited sophomore album. Ahrue Luster (ILL NIÑO, TERROR UNIVERSAL, MACHINE HEAD) will handle production and all engineering duties. This marks MOTOGRATER's first official full-length release since the band's 2003 self-titled album, "Motograter", released through Elektra/No Name. That effort featured former MOTOGRATER vocalist Ivan Moody, who left the band in 2006 to front FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH.

MOTOGRATER now features James Anthony Legion on vocals, formerly of THE BREATHING PROCESS and DEADFORM. Luster says: "As a producer, I plan to help them make the best record of their careers, something they'll be proud of for the rest of their lives, and something that will bring them to the next level." MOTOGRATER guitarist Matthew "Nuke" Nunes states: "We are all really fucking proud of this new material... proud and grateful for the opportunity to finally see the second official MOTOGRATER record come to light." MOTOGRATER has launched a $10,000 crowdfunding campaign through GoFundMe.com as part of an online pre-order. MOTOGRATER recently released a new demo song called "Portrait Of Decay". MOTOGRATER is:

Matthew "Nuke" Nunes (guitar)Mylon Guy (bass)Joey Vice (smur drums/samples/backing vocals)Noah "Shark" Robertson (drums)

"Ruptured Perpetually", the new video from German thrashers DEW-SCENTED, can be seen below. The song is taken from the band's tenth studio album, "Intermination", which was released on June 30 in North America. The CD was mixed by Dan Swanö (Unisound Studio) and features cover artwork by Gustavo Sazes (Abstrata.net).

The "Ruptured Perpetually" video was directed and produced in Germany by Philipp Hirsch (AMON AMARTH, HEAVEN SHALL BURN, TRIPTYKON) of Film-M.

Says DEW-SCENTED guitarist Marvin Vriesde: "For the video for 'Ruptured Perpetually', we reached out to Philipp from Film-M. Philipp also directed our first video, 10 years ago, for the song 'Turn To Ash'. During the shoot, I painfully remembered how Philipp makes you push the envelope with the performance for the video. It was a long day of shredding and headbanging, but judging by the end result, it was definitely worth it!"

Vriesde further elaborates on the clip's meaning, stating: "In short, the song is about someone who devotes his life to religion and finds out right before the end that there is no afterlife. It just ends. I love how the video captures the dark atmosphere of the lyrical and musical concept. The devotion towards the light in a world filled with darkness. The riffs in the song symbolize religion. They all are variations based on the main riff in the song. Constantly shifting in perspective and posing a constant threat, building up to a climax and all returning to the uniform beginning at the end. The alpha and the omega, ending in silence. Nothingness."

All formats of "Intermination" include a cover of REPULSION's "Radiation Sickness", while the digital edition and the limited-edition gatefold vinyl (dark green and 180-gram black variants) include two bonus tracks, "Those Who Will Not See" and "Survival Reaction" (SOLSTICE cover).

"Intermination" track listing:

01. Declaration Of Intent (1:00)02. On A Collision Course (3:49)03. Scars Of Creation (3:46)04. Affect Gravity (3:56)05. Means To An End (4:41)06. Ode To Extinction (4:05)07. Demon Seed (3:48)08. Power Surge (3:53)09. Ruptured Perpetually (3:35)10. Living Lies (4:19)11. Atavistic (3:38)12. Reborn (3:32)13. Radiation Sickness (2:05) (REPULSION cover)

Bonus tracks (only available on vinyl and digital versions)

14. Those Who Will Not See15. Survival Reaction (SOLSTICE cover)

DEW-SCENTED will embark on a European tour dubbed "Thrash Mercenaries" in October with ANGELUS APATRIDA from Spain and NO RETURN from France.

"Fast Worms", a brand new song from the post-metal progressive powerhouse INTRONAUT, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's fifth studio album, "The Direction Of Last Things", which will be available November 13 via Century Media in the following formats; CD digipak, digital download, and limited-edition first-run LP. The disc was mixed by Devin Townsend.

The initial LP run of "The Direction Of Last Things" will be limited to 2000 copies worldwide and presented in an awe-inspiring package. This double LP piece will be housed in a matte-finished gatefold with a spot UV print over highlighted art elements. Collectors will also be treated to a rarely utilized packaging element, a printed inner-gatefold tube, which not only houses the LP's, but also a 12"x24" poster, showcasing the full cover art in all it's glory. Just when you thought it was over, LP's will be pressed on mint green-and-black splatter, red-and-black marble, solid dark green or standard black wax with an etching, which surrounds the music grooves, on side D. Actual color-run numbers to be announced at a future date.

"I don't care how cliché it is to say; this is our best record yet!" states INTRONAUT frontman Sacha Dunable. "This is INTRONAUT at our most technical, brutal, catchy, and straight up fearless. I haven't been this proud of an album since we recorded our first demo 10 years ago. We took a somewhat unusual approach and tracked most of it live over the course of four days, then handed it off to Devin Townsend to mix. The result is pure magic. Prepare your earholes for fornication."

On the heels of the new album release, INTRONAUT will hit the road on "The Coma Ecliptic Tour III", alongside BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, ENSLAVED and NATIVE CONSTRUCT.

"It's been over a year since our last North American tour. What better way to dust it off than with these three amazing bands. These shows are going to be insane, and we can't wait to play some new songs for you guys!" adds Sacha.

Candlelight Records has set a November 13 as release date for "Razed To The Ground", the new album from New York's VISION OF DISORDER. Produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, DEMON HUNTER, ROB ZOMBIE), it is the band's second recording for Candlelight. In conjunction with the release, the band has confirmed a special November 14 Long Island performance at Revolution Music Hall in Amityville, New York. Tickets for the show will go on sale Friday, September 18. Official pre-orders for "Razed To The Ground" are set to launch October 9. Recorded during July and August, "Razed To The Ground" contains ten hearty and provocative new songs from the hardcore luminaries. Vocalist Tim Williams notes: "We are very excited for our fans to hear this record. We believe it offers everything VOD does well. I am especially excited about the growth of the songs; the brutality, the melody, and the overall sound of the record." Bassist Mike Fleischmann adds: "As a band, VISION OF DISORDER strives to evolve musically with each album. Having Zeuss as producer really allowed us to achieve that goal. 'Razed To The Ground' contains some of this band's finest moments and we are extremely grateful to Candlelight that we have been given the opportunity to demonstrate that we are still at the top of our game." The album's first single, "Hours In Chaos", is set to premiere in early October. Questioned about the track, Williams stated, "Upon hearing the first riffs of the song, I knew it was gonna be a monster and needed strong vocals and lyrics to bring it where it needed to be. It is a song to awaken people to what is going on around them; the unrest, the guns, the utter disregard for human life. The world has become a dangerous place. I feel I have illustrated the feelings of anxiety and insecurity that is so prevalent today." Guitarist Mike Kennedy asserts: "This song embodies everything that is VOD. Politically relevant and musically explosive, 'Hours In Chaos' is one of the most raw and powerful tracks VOD has ever written. Lyrically, it is a stark reflection of the state of the world today. The frenetic pace of the song mirrors the chaos we see on the streets. The vilification of the police by media and citizens alike is simply the status quo today. 'Hours' shines a harsh spotlight on these events and the tragedies surrounding them." "Razed To The Ground" comes three years after the release of "The Cursed Remain Cursed", the first newly recorded material by the band in over ten years.

"Razed To The Ground" track listing:

01. Heart Of Darkness02. Hours In Chaos03. Electric Sky04. Razed To The Ground05. The Craving06. Cut My Teeth07. Red On The Walls08. Nightcrawler09. Severed Wing10. Amurdica: A Culture Of Violence VISION OF DISORDER is guitarist Mike Kennedy, drummer Brendon Cohen, vocalist Tim Williams and bassist Mike Fleischmann.

German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS have posted a previously unreleased demo version of a song called "Running For The Plane", written and recorded during the "Blackout" sessions in 1982. The song thrills with a classic SCORPIONS guitar riff on a groovy backbeat and shows why Klaus Meine is one of the best singers in heavy rock. "Blackout" is, for sure, a masterpiece in rock music and the demo of "Running For The Plane" is a rare piece from the band's heaviest era.

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

With the November 6 release of the 50th Anniversary Deluxe Editions, the SCORPIONS celebrate their impressive achievements and open their vaults to unleash hitherto unreleased songs, alternative versions of big hits, rough mixes and rare live concert footage.

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

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

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

"Blackout" track listing (CD+DVD):

Disc 1:

BlackoutCan't Live Without YouNo One Like YouYou Give Me All I NeedNow!DynamiteArizonaChina WhiteWhen The Smoke Is Going DownBlackout (Unreleased demo)Running For The Plane (Unreleased demo song)Sugar Man (Unreleased demo song)All My Love (Unreleased demo song)Searching For The Rainbow (Unreleased demo song)

Disc 2:

No One Like You (Video clip)Arizona (Video clip)Blackout (Rock Pop In Concert)Loving You Sunday Morning (Rock Pop In Concert)Coming Home (Rock Pop In Concert)Always Somewhere (Rock Pop In Concert)Holiday (Rock Pop In Concert)Can't Live Without You (Rock Pop In Concert)Dynamite (Rock Pop In Concert)Can't Get Enough (Rock Pop In Concert)Make It Real (Not broadcasted/ Rock Pop In Concert)The Zoo (Not broadcasted/ Rock Pop In Concert)Interview special with R. Schenker, K. Meine, M. Jabs, H. Rarebell

"Love At First Sting" track listing (2CD+DVD)

Disc 1:

Bad Boys Running WildRock You Like A HurricaneI'm Leaving YouComing HomeThe Same ThrillBig City NightsAs Soon As The Good Times RollCrossfireStill Loving YouComing Home (Unreleased demo)Living At Night (Unreleased demo song)First Sting Jam No. 1 (Unreleased demo)Anytime (You Want It) (Unreleased demo song)Still Loving You (Unreleased demo)

Disc 2 (Live At Madison Square Garden, New York City (June 7, 1984)

IntroComing HomeBlackoutBad Boys Running WildLoving You Sunday MorningBig City NightsHoliday (Acoustic)Still Loving YouRock You Like A HurricaneThe ZooDynamite

Disc 3:

Rock You Live A Hurricane (Video clip)I'm Leaving You (Video clip)Big City Nights (Video clip)Rock You Like A Hurricane (TV Show Germany 1985)Still Loving You (TV Show Germany 1985)Still Loving You (TV Show Germany 1984)Big City Nights (Monsters Of Rock Germnay 1986)Interview special with R. Schenker, K. Meine, M. Jabs, H. Rarebell

"World Wide Live" tracklisting (CD+DVD):

Disc 1:

CountdownComing HomeBlackoutBad Boys Running WildLoving You Sunday MorningMake It RealBig City NightsCoast To CoastHolidayStill Loving YouRock You Like A HurricaneCan't Live Without YouAnother Piece Of MeatDynamiteThe ZooNo One Like YouCan't Get Enough (Part 1)Six String StingCan't Get Enough (Part 2)

Disc 2:

Coming Home (Originally only available on VHS)BlackoutBig City NightsLoving You Sunday MorningNo One Like YouHolidayBad Boys Running WildStill Loving YouRock You Like A HurricaneDynamiteInterview special with R. Schenker, K. Meine, M. Jabs, H. Rarebell

"Savage Amusement" track listing (CD+DVD):

Disc 1:

Don't Stop At The TopRhythm Of LovePassion Rules The GameMedia OverkillWalking On The EdgeWe Let It Rock…You Let It RollEvery Minute Every DayLove On The RunBelieve In LoveTaste Of Love (Unreleased demo song)Edge Of Time (Unreleased demo song)Don't Wait Too Long (Unreleased demo song)Fast And Furious (Unreleased demo)Dancing In The Moonlight (Unreleased demo)Living For Tomorrow (Unreleased demo song)I Can't Explain

Disc 2:

Rhythm Of Love (Video clip)Passion Rules The Game (Video clip)Believe In Love (Video clip)I Can't Explain (Video clip)* Documentary with clips and live material To Russia With Love* Interview special with R. Schenker, K. Meine, M. Jabs, H. Rarebell

Check out a trailer below.

Fan-filmed video footage of W.A.S.P. performing the title track of the band's new album, "Golgotha", on September 12 at O2 Academy in Leeds, United Kingdom can be seen below.

"Golgotha" will be released on October 2 via Austria's Napalm Records.

"Golgotha" track listing:

01. Scream02. Last Runaway03. Shotgun04. Miss You05. Fallen Under06. Slaves Of The New World Order07. Eyes Of My Maker08. Hero Of The World09. Golgotha

Lawless previously stated about the making of the "Golgotha" CD: "The rehearsals for this album started in the spring of 2011. A lot of time was spent just talking about the direction of the songs and really trying to turn the songs inside out to see exactly where they wanted to go.

"One thing you learn over the years in the songwriting process is that after the songs begin to take shape, they will eventually start to talk back to you and they will tell you where they wanna go. The trick is learning to listen when they speak.

"This process of writing and arranging and the demos went on for several months before we even began to record the album for real.

"One of the first tracks we recorded was 'Miss You'. It's interesting because, ironically, it was the first song ever written for [1992's] 'The Crimson Idol' [album].

"There were three songs that were originally supposed to be on the 'Idol' [CD] but never made it and 'Miss You' was one of them. When you see the lyrics, you'll understand that Jonathan is clearly talking to his brother Michael, as he kneels at his graveside."

Regarding the song "Last Runaway", Lawless said: "Forty years ago I came to Hollywood as a teenager. Terrified and scared out of my mind, I had no idea what waited there for me. The song 'Last Runaway' is an intensely personal account of what happened to me, not only then but over the years and the success that followed after. Be it a kid looking for success in the music business or any life-challenging endeavor that someone would 'run away' from in life, I'm certain that everyone can relate to this story one way or another. It's another kid 'chasing the dream' and trying to survive it in the process. We've all been there."

At the 2014 edition of the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden, Lawless stated about the lyrical inspiration for the new W.A.S.P. CD: "'Golgotha' is Hebrew for place of the skull, and it's the hill where Christ was crucified. And it's interesting, when you see a lot of bands going around using Satanic images or images of death and things like that, and I'm thinking, all they need to do is look at the source, 'cause it's right there. I mean, if you want death, there's enough to go around there."

Drummer Mike Dupke recently left W.A.S.P. after a nine-year stint with the band. He has since been replaced on the road by YNGWIE MALMSTEEN drummer Patrick Johansson.

Eagle Rock Entertainment will release RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's "Live At Finsbury Park" on DVD, Blu-ray and digital formats on October 16.

Filmed in high definition at London's Finsbury Park on June 6, 2010, this concert, which includes "Killing In The Name", "Bulls On Parade", "People Of The Sun", "Guerrilla Radio", "Bullet In The Head", "Bombtrack", "Sleep Now In The Fire" and a cover of THE CLASH's "White Riot", comes with an interesting back story… In late 2009, a successful campaign was launched by English DJ Jon Morter and his wife Tracy to promote an alternative to the omnipresent "X-Factor" winner being the Christmas No. 1 hit in the U.K. singles chart. The track they nominated was RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's "Killing In The Name". The band supported the campaign, donated the proceeds from the sales to charity and lead singer Zack de la Rocha promised that RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE would perform a free concert in the U.K. to celebrate the achievement. This is that concert. As bonus features, "Live At Finsbury Park" includes the "Behind The Scenes At Finsbury Park" feature and an interview with Jon and Tracy Morter. Sonically blending elements of heavy metal, punk and hip-hop with social consciousness, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE earned acclaim as the thinking man's rock band. With de la Rocha's vicious lyrical delivery and guitarist Tom Morello's guitar innovations (at times "scratching" riffs akin to a DJ) backed by heavy bombastic rhythms, RAGE delivered scathing commentary about corporate America, government oppression, and other problems of the world at large, amassing a rabid fan following in the process.

"Live At Finsbury Park" track listing: 01. Testify02. Bombtrack 03. People Of The Sun 04. Know Your Enemy 05. Bulls On Parade 06. Township Rebellion 07. Bullet In The Head 08. White Riot 09. Guerrilla Radio 10. Sleep Now In The Fire 11. Freedom 12. Killing In The Name

The "Bulls On Parade" performance clip from "Live At Finsbury Park" can be seen below.

Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA have canceled the remaining dates on their North American headlining tour.

The band says in a statement: "A couple of days ago, Simone [Simons, vocals] had to fly back to the Netherlands to be with her family due to an emergency. Sadly there has been no major improvement in that situation, so it is impossible for Simone to return to the tour at this moment. Therefore, we have no other option than to cancel the remaining dates. However, the Revolver tour will carry on as scheduled with ELUVEITIE, THE AGONIST and Martina Edoff.

"We will again be rescheduling the North American tour in support of 'The Quantum Enigma' for the beginning of next year.

"If you wish to refund your tickets, you can do this through the venue. VIP tickets purchased through Soundrink will be refunded automatically. Tickets for this tour will not be valid for the rescheduled dates.

"We want to thank all our fans and partners for their understanding and support in this difficult situation."

EPICA's current run was supposed to mark the band's long-awaited return to North America after their tour with MACHINE HEAD in late 2014 got canceled. It was also to be the group's first North American trek in support of their latest album, "The Quantum Enigma", which hit the charts all over Europe and beyond.

Simons and her husband, KAMELOT keyboardist Oliver Palotai, welcomed their first child, Vincent G. Palotai, in October 2013.

Germany's Rebellious Spirit have released the second video for their second album, Obsession, scheduled for release on September 19th in Germany, September 22nd in Europe, and September 30th in North America via SPV/Steamhammer.

Singer and guitar player Jannik Fischer says about the meaning of the "In My Dreams" clip: "Life is full of setbacks. Rock n' roll can be a way to get over them and continue!"

Rebellious Spirit, who caused a stir on the scene last year with their debut Gamble Shot, presenti themselves as even more confident and accomplished on Obsession. The four musicians - Jannik Fischer (vocals, guitars), his brother Jens (bass), Silvio Bizer (drums) and Corvin Domhardt (guitar) - have recorded twelve new tracks, a full dozen haunting rock numbers which document one thing first and foremost: this quartet has evolved to an amazing degree.

“The events of recent years, the production of our debut album Gamble Shot, the shows, the tours with Axel Rudi Pell, UFO and Freedom Call, all those things have helped us” explains vocalist Jannik Fischer. Obsession sees Rebellious Spirit take the logical second step, going even further in terms of toughness and dynamism. “You’ve got to bear in mind that Jannik was just 15 and I was 18 when we recorded the first demos for Gamble Shot,” Jens Fischer recalls. “Now, four years later, we’re all even better and more accomplished on our instruments, and Jannik’s voice in particular has audibly matured, which of course benefits the new material enormously.”

 

 

Video teaser:

The "Lost" video below was directed by Tim Assmann (Kingdom Come) and is the first single from Obsession and is available in digital form on all platforms from today onwards.

Bass player Jens Fischer says: "The video's and the song's message: Every low-pressure zone is soon followed by a high-pressure zone. Every new day may change your life positively!"

Rebellious Spirit will go on tour in October with The Poodles and later in the year they play several shows together with Bonfire and as a headliner.
 

For tour dates visit 

 

 

 

 

 

Earlier this year, Norwegian bashers Susperia announced they were parting ways with vocalist Athera (Pål Mathiesen). It is an amicable split and he will play his last show with the band on October 3rd at the Trondheim Metal Fest in Trondheim, Norway. The band has now checked in with the following update:

"Finally, we are ready to reveal who the new singer of Susperia is! It is no other than the great Bernt Fjellestad from Guardians Of Time! We have known Bernt for a long time and he has stepped in as a vocalist for Susperia on several occasions over the last years. We know that this talented singer and good friend will fit perfectly in the Susperia family, and we will now let you listen to a few snippets from the pre-production of our new album. Hope you like it!"

Athera announced his departure back in May, issuing the following statement:

"Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you farewell. At least for a good while. Considering my health situation and lack of progress contributing anything to my beloved band the last few years I have decided to pull myself out of the mix and let the guys continue on without me. We remain the best of friends and this is not a breakup due to any bad circumstances. It's simply me realizing I cannot deliver what you as fans and the band expects of me anymore. And I do not want to hold this brilliant band back anymore. They deserve better and you guys deserve to hear more new music. It is with regret and sadness I now do this, but trust me, it is the best for all parties involved. 

I am left with a strange feeling. Susperia has been with me for almost half my life and it is my family. So this hurts. But for me staying in the band any further would hurt you guys and the band even more. I don't know what will happen in the future, if they will get a new inspired vocalist or if Memnock will do the vocals (I vote YEAH!!) But something good will come of this in the form of a new album, or maybe even two! Maybe I'll pull the Bruce Dickinson/Rob Halford and make a return one day to the band. But for now I am out guys. I thank you so much for all the support through the years. From the bottom of my broken heart. Sorry we've been away for so long. Susperia will be back. One way or another. All my love and gratefulness."

Fan-filmed video footage of ANGRA's September 12 performance at the ProgPower USA festival in Atlanta, Georgia can be seen below.

ANGRA's latest album, "Secret Garden", was released on January 16 via earMUSIC. The CD, which was pre-produced by Roy Z (JUDAS PRIEST, BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD) and recorded and produced in Sweden by Jens Bogren (KREATOR, ARCH ENEMY, OPETH, DRAGONFORCE), was the band's first to feature Italian vocalist Fabio Lione following the 2012 departure of Eduardo "Edu" Falaschi.

ANGRA guitarist and co-founder Rafael Bittencourt recently revealed that the band will eventually have to "find a substitute" for their guitarist Kiko Loureiro, who was recently named the new axeman in MEGADETH. He told Revolver magazine: "As a brother-in-life and friend, we're proud of/for [Kiko]. I think he's worked his way into something bigger from the beginning. He deserves it. He earned it with his hard work."

He continued: "At this moment, [Kiko] is managing to finish the 'Secret Garden' world tour with us, coupled with the first touring with MEGADETH. Soon, that won't be possible, so he will be taking MEGADETH as a priority, most probably as his exclusive band. So, since we won't be able to count on having him with us very soon, the solution will be to find a substitute for him."

"Secret Garden" "brings together everything that has established ANGRA as one of biggest bands in its style: contemporary sound combined with inspired compositions," according to a press release. It shows the maturity of a band that, after 23 years on the road, continues with the same motivation and passion for music that drove the glorious beginning of the group. The compositions mend together elements that made the band known around the world, foregrounding the unity of seemingly distinct styles and combining in a unique way styles such as rock — in its various forms, classical music and Brazilian music.

One of the great strengths of the album is the variety of great guest musicians: Simone Simons from the Dutch band EPICA divinely interprets the song "Secret Garden" while the great metal diva Doro Pesch sings an exciting vocal duet with Rafael Bittencourt on "Crushing Room". Actually, the various appearances of Rafael's lead vocals make for some of the strongest moments on this album, causing a contrast in tone and interpretation in comparison to Fabio. This also becomes evident in the cover that the band chose to record, "Synchronicity II" by THE POLICE.

In the making for years, Songs From A Different Room is Lars Eric Mattsson’s first all acoustic vocal album, very different from anything you have heard from him before. The songs were written in 2008 and most of the backing tracks were also recorded at that time. Originally another singer was scheduled to record them but things didn't work out and finally in 2014 Lars decided to do them by himself, something he feels very good about now. A new track "Just Let It Rain" is streaming below.

Lars says: "I am very proud of this album, I think these ten songs are really great and they do present another very personal side of me, both as a person and as a musician. I put a lot of work into the guitar playing and the singing as well as the actual writing of the songs. I think there is no other album out there that sounds like this one, so it's quite unique stuff in an over saturated world where there are too many artists sounding the same.”

"Releasing an all acoustic album might be something of a challenge, but something I always wanted to do" Lars recalls. Currently Lars is performing with Roadhouse a blues/rock band for which he has made some fresh arrangements of some cool rock and blues classics.

Songs From A Different Room tracklisting:

“All We've Got”
“Keep Pushing Me On”
“Hold On”
“I Feel Your Spirit”
“Temporary State of Confusion”
“Just Let It Rain”
“Shadow of Doubt”
“Keep On Burning”
“Sweet Taste of Mystery”
“Remain Unsolved”

"Just Let It Rain":

Guitar legend Steve Vai recently checked in with the following announcement:

"Hey Folks, Steve here. We are thrilled to be posting The Space Between The Notes one leg at a time (nine in total) once a week over the next nine weeks, in full resolution! This bonus footage was culled from multiple sources including pics and vids from fans, band, crew, family, and myself. It’s a chronological video diary that has bits from each of the 253 engagements and 52 countries we visited on the last tour, The Story Of Light tour. It was a glorious life experience for us and we are stoked that we can present it here for you. Enjoy!"

Story of Light Tour: The Space Between the Notes (Tour Mischief) runs down as follows:

Leg 1 (Rehearsals/USA)
Leg 2 (Europe/Eastern Europe)
Leg 3 (Vegas/Netherlands/Russia/Ukraine/Europe)
Leg 4 (Australia/NZ/Indonesia/China/S. Korea/Japan/Taiwan/Thailand)
Leg 5 (Europe...again)
Leg 6 (USA...again)
Leg 7 (Mexico/South America/China)
Leg 8 (Vegas/Singapore/Malaysia/Israel/Europe/Russia/Ukraine)
Leg 9 (USA/St. Barths/Japan/France/Poland)

Leg 1:

Leg 2:

Leg 3:

Leg 4:

 

Leg 5:

 

Leg 6:

Leg 7:

Leg 8:

Back in April, Vai released  a video for the song “The Story Of Light” from the Stillness In Motion DVD. This selection opens The Space Between The Notes – a fascinating tour diary and video montage of life on the road with Vai and the band.

Vai states: “This is the piece that took the most time and the one I’m most happy with.”

An exclusive full performance of guitar legend Steve Vai's "Weeping China Doll" from the 2DVD release, Stillness In Motion: Vai Live In L.A. can be viewed below:

The double album and DVD, was released April 7 through Sony Music Entertainment and Legacy Recordings, were recorded October 12, 2012, at L.A.’s Club Nokia. It was the 49th show from Vai’s Story of Light World Tour.

 



 

 

A new episode of Dream Tour has been uploaded by Digital Tour Bus and each episode features a touring act discussing who they would put on their ideal tour if there were no limits. In this episode, the Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura reveals their dream tour lineup, during their recent 30th Anniversary North American tour with Destruction, Arsis, Boris The Blade, The Last Ten Seconds Of Life, Starkill and Micawber.

Bassist Paulo Jr. says his dream tour would be Sepultura and Rush.

Upcoming Sepultura tour dates include:

November
11 - Tallinn, Estonia - Tapper
12 - Vilnius, Lithuania - Siemens Arena
13 - Wroclaw, Poland - Stary Klasztor
14 - Weissenhäuser Strand/Ostsee, Germany - Metal Hammer Paradise
15 - Osnabruck, Germany - Rosenhof
17 - Manchester, UK - Club Academy
18 - Glasgow, UK - Classic Grand
19 - Bristol, UK - Marble Factory
20 - London, UK - Electric Ballroom