Kaotoxin Records has announced the signing of a multi-album deal with French blackened death metal band Azziard. The band is fronted by A.S.A., vocalist for The Negation who released their newest album, Momento Mori, in July under the Kaotoxin banner. Azziard's lineup also features former and current members of Moonreich, Whispering Tears and Bran Barr.

Born in 2001, Azziard have released a pair of war-themed full-length albums, both with a conceptual focus on World War I. Where some bands become more polished over time, each release sees Azziard taking a darker and more primal approach to an already scathing brand of brand of blackened death metal. 

Azziard is currently putting the finishing touches to its third full-length at Vamacara Studio. Kaotoxin Records is planning an early-2016 release for the as-of-yet untitled album. For a taste of what's to come, the band has made a pre-production cut of album track "Unus Mundus" available for streaming and free download. This version will also be included on Weapons Of Self-Destruction: Volume 2, the free Kaotoxin Records Sampler, which is set to be released on September 14.

Finland’s Hooded Menace has returned with Darkness Drips Forth, their fourth full-length and most gruesome work to date. Recorded and mixed by Chris Fielding (Electric Wizard, Primordial) and the band´s usual sound engineer Mikko Saastamoinen, and graced by decrepit artwork from Justin Bartlett, the band employ a new approach on their latest effort, expanding their writing across four cataclysmically dense tracks, nearly all of which exceed ten minutes apiece. Cavernous vocals preside over mastermind Lasse Pyykko's rumbling riffs; while the rest of the band’s unshakable rhythmic core provides a grim backbone for the record.

A press release states: “The hint of melody Hooded Menace sought back in their earliest days has fully blossomed into an essential element of the band’s music; Darkness Drips Forth is as melodic as it is devastating and as emotionally disquieting as it is thematically stirring. Funereal, deliberate, and methodical, Darkness Drips Forth is sure to be an essential acquisition for fans of winter's crushing doom, the old-school death metal of Bolt Thrower and Asphyx, and the cruel, apocalyptic atmospheres of Dead Congregation and Coffins alike. Just in time for Halloween, Hooded Menace delivers a gruesome treat to chill your bones and crack open your coffin.”

The record is slated for an October 30 release via Relapse Records, and will be available on digital, CD, and vinyl formats. Preorder the album on CD or special edition vinyl at Relapse Records.

Darkness Drips Forth tracklisting:

“The Burning Oath / Dungeons Of The Disembodied”
“Elysium Of Dripping Death”
“Ashen With Solemn Decay”
“Beyond Deserted Flesh”

Album trailer:

The new album from classic rockers The Lizards, featuring members of Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Cactus and Riot, will be released in September on Hyperspace Records in partnership with drumming legend Carmine Appice’s Rocker Records. Titled Reptilicus Maximus, the band's 7th album features guest appearances by Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) and Vinnie Moore (UFO). Once again the breathtaking cover artwork was created by longtime Lizards artist Rick Klemann.

The Lizards are drummer Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow/Black Sabbath/BOC), vocalist/keyboardist Mike DiMeo (Riot/Masterplan), bassist Randy Pratt (who also plays harp with Cactus) and guitarist Patrick Klein (who recorded and mixed the album), and have released seven albums and three live DVDs in the past 13 years.

“Loved hearing The Lizards when they opened for UFO. Cool riffs, grooves and musicality with Mike DiMeo's killer vocals on top. Awesome new record and I am glad to be a part of it.” - Vinnie Moore, UFO

Says bassist and band leader Randy Pratt, “On our 7th CD, Reptilicus Maximus, we brought in a few of our touring buddies. David Lanik, of Sharks kicks ass on 'Ton On The One', the opening track on the CD. Frank Marino, of Mahogany Rush, was the headliner on our first tour and dazzles on 'Evil Eyes', the second track. Vinnie Moore and UFO were the headliners on our LAST tour (so far). Vinnie shreds beautifully on 'Crash', a song I wrote the lyrics to in the hospital after my brutal car crash that sidelined us for a while. We did a 2 month tour with Glenn Hughes and he came to New York to record four songs on our 6th CD, Against All Odds. 'Miracle Man' is a song that he wrote specifically for The Lizards, and I believe we slay it. He and Mike DiMeo do another one of their over the top duets on the closing number on the record. We added Scott 'The Doctor' Treibitz on keys for this CD, adding some new textures, from dark and brooding synths and majestic pipe organ to honky tonk piano and funky Hammond organ.”

“Having toured with The Lizards and getting to know the band personally, I was delighted when Randy asked me to play on a track with them.  And even if I hadn't gotten to know what a great bunch of guys they are, I still would have accepted the invitation gladly, because I just loved the track and the music they make.  With me it's always been about heart, and these cats bring it... straight from the heart. ” - Frank Marino, Mahogany Rush

Says Randy, “The music runs from progressive rock to swampy blues, lyrics ranging from the sacred to the profane…all in the name of rock. Bobby Rondinelli told us that we got some of the best playing of his career on this record. Since he played with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, you can believe the drums are world class throughout!”

ANATHEMA, one of the U.K.'s most cherished and critically acclaimed rock bands, will release a live Blu-ray/audio collection titled "A Sort Of Homecoming" on October 30 via Kscope. Directed by Lasse Hoile (Steven Wilson, KATATONIA, OPETH), "A Sort Of Homecoming" is a stunning concert film of ANATHEMA's homecoming show on March 7, 2015 in the spectacular setting of the Liverpool Cathedral. The concert was described by Prog magazine as "a once-in-a-lifetime experience that words can barely do justice."

"I'm really happy that this night in particular has been preserved," commented ANATHEMA guitarist/vocalist Vincent Cavanagh. "As anyone from Liverpool will tell you, to be given the chance to play the Anglican Cathedral is monumental and a huge honor. The place is absolutely huge. Just look at the cover, it was like doing a gig in Erebor!"

Having previously worked with ANATHEMA on the acclaimed "Universal" concert film, Lasse Hoile captured the 100-minute acoustic set in high definition against the sensational backdrop of Liverpool Cathedral. Featuring 15 songs selected from the albums "Distant Satellites", "Weather Systems", "We're Here Because We're Here", "A Natural Disaster" and "Alternative 4", the "Anathema Acoustic" trio of Daniel Cavanagh, Vincent Cavanagh and Lee Douglas were joined by rhythm section John Douglas and Jamie Cavanagh, alongside their very talented close friend David Wesling on cello who also played on "Hindsight" (2009) and "A Moment In Time" (2006). For this exclusive performance, the band was also joined by the renowned violinist Anna Phoebe on a haunting rendition of "Anathema". The audio has been produced and mixed by Christer-André Cederberg who worked on "Distant Satellites", "Universal" and "Weather Systems", with the cover and booklet artwork featuring the stunning photography from the show and behind the scenes by longtime collaborator Caroline Traitler. This is the first ANATHEMA live release to feature a 5.1 audio mix, engineered by Bruce Soord.

Watch the concert trailer below.

Kscope will release "A Sort of Homecoming" as:

* Four-disc box set: 2-CD concert audio (100 mins), DVD with full concert plus an additional behind-the-scenes film "A Temporary Peace" and concert on Blu-ray disc. In a deluxe rigid media book with 36-page booklet, presented in a slipcase - 2CD + DVD-V: The set features the full 100-minute audio and DVD-V of the concert with 5.1 audio mixed by THE PINEAPPLE THIEF's Bruce Soord - Blu-ray disc: The full 100-minute concert plus an additional behind-the-scenes film "A Temporary Peace" with 5.1 audio mixed by THE PINEAPPLE THIEF's Bruce Soord LP: A gatefold triple 180g black vinyl LP including MP3 download code Digital: Concert audio only All formats, excluding digital download, are available to pre-order via the Kscope webstore at www.kscopemusic.com/store.

"A Sort of Homecoming" track listing:

01. The Lost Song Part 202. Untouchable Part 103. Untouchable Part 204. Thin Air05. Dreaming Light06. Anathema07. Ariel08. Electricity09. Temporary Peace10. The Beginning And The End11. Distant Satellites12. Take Shelter13. Internal Landscapes14. A Natural Disaster15. Fragile Dreams

MOTÖRHEAD was forced to cancel its concert in Salt Lake City earlier tonight (Thursday, August 27) after playing only three or four songs due to the fact that the band's frontman, Lemmy Kilmister, was not feeling well. Various reports indicate that he complained to the crowd that he couldn't breathe and/or was experiencing severe back pain prior to stopping the show and leaving the stage.

A statement on the official MOTÖRHEAD Facebook page gave the following explanation for why the Salt Lake City concert was cut short: "The people are great, but the air is just too thin. The high altitude makes it difficult for breathing, and that's what happened with Lemmy tonight in Salt Lake City. He feels very bad to have cut the show short, but being that high up, he had some trouble breathing well. Lemmy appreciates everyone's concern. The fans always rally round!"

Lemmy, who turned 69 years old in December, in 2013 suffered a haematoma (where blood collects outside of a blood vessel), causing the cancelation of a number of the band's European festival shows. The band has since scrapped a couple of tours and, during last year's Wacken Open Air festival in Germany, abandoned its set midway through so Lemmy could be taken to the hospital.

"I've had some health scares," Lemmy told Kerrang! for last week's issue of the U.K. magazine, "and I've had to really cut back on smoking and drinking and whatever. But it is what it is. I've had a good life, a good run. I do what I do still. I'm sure I'll die on the road, one way or another."

Asked if he is afraid of death, Lemmy said, "No."

The rocker told Classic Rock he didn't expect to still be here at 30,

"I don't do regrets," he said. "Regrets are pointless. It's too late for regrets. You've already done it, haven't you? You've lived your life. No point wishing you could change it.

"There are a couple of things I might have done differently, but nothing major; nothing that would have made that much of a difference.

"I'm pretty happy with the way things have turned out. I like to think I've brought a lot of joy to a lot of people all over the world. I'm true to myself and I'm straight with people."

Asked if his illness in 2013 has made him more aware of his own mortality, Lemmy said: "Death is an inevitability, isn't it? You become more aware of that when you get to my age. I don't worry about it. I'm ready for it. When I go, I want to go doing what I do best. If I died tomorrow, I couldn't complain. It's been good."

Founded in 2011 in Modena, Italy and fronted by emotional vocalist Federica Lanna, symphonic metallers Sleeping Romance have joined forces with legendary metal and hard rock label, Napalm Records and signed a worldwide record deal.

Napalm Records on the brand new signing: “We are proud to announce the worldwide signing with Sleeping Romance! Here’s a young band that mystifies listeners with atmospheric melodies over darkened dynamics, creating an undeniably epic wall of sound. We are sure you will be just as impressed when you hear the upcoming album! Welcome to the Napalm Family.”

Federico Truzzi (guitars) states: "We are really excited about this new co-operation and adventure with Napalm Records, without a doubt one of the best labels in the industry. We all consider it a great opportunity in our professional lives and an amazing step forward for the band. We are so thankful for this new agreement and we will do our best to grow as musicians and as a band.”

Sleeping Romance is currently working on the pre-production for their second album that will continue the evolution of the band’s sound without moving away from the original concept and vision of Sleeping Romance.

“We are really excited about it! There is a lot of work ahead but we are sure it will be a killer album. Il metallo!!”

Sleeping Romance lineup:

Federico Truzzi- Guitar/Orchestra
Federica Lanna - Vocals
Lorenzo Costi - Bass
Francesco Zanarelli - Drums
Fabrizio Incao – Guitar

Death Dealer will drop their second full-length, Hallowed Ground, on October 2nd, via Sweden Music Group (SMG), and BraveWords is debuting their hard-hitting video for "Break The Silence" below:

Featuring members that have previously played with the likes of Manowar, the Dictators, Rob Halford, Lizzy Borden and Cage, Death Dealer are a true heavy metal force to be reckoned with, and 'Hallowed Ground' certainly proves this.

The follow-up to their over-the-top debut, Warmaster, features Sean Peck, guitarists Ross the Boss and Stu Marshall, bassist Mike Davis, and drummer Steve Bolgnese, and as always, Death Dealer is setting out to convert the metal masses to their brand of manly metal.

The 13-track CD was mixed and mastered by Stu Marshall at Frontier Studios in Sydney, Australia, and contains massively epic orchestrations, speed metal anthems, and sing along headbangers, as well. 

Fresh off a summer European tour, Death Dealer are primed to rock the world with their killer new album. 

"Hallowed Ground satisfies from start to finish…it is what metal should sound like!" --Ross The Boss

Hallowed Ground tracklisting:

“Gunslinger”
“Break The Silence”
“Plan Of Attack”
“Séance”
“Llega El Diablo”
“The Way Of The Gun”
“K.I.L.L.”
“I Am The Revolution”
“Total Devastation”
“The Anthem”
“Corruption Of Blood”
“Skull And Cross Bones”
“U-666”

Los Angeles based metal/hardcore band Twitching Tongues has announced plans to release their third studio album, Disharmony, on October 30 via their new label Metal Blade Records. The band has also unleashed a new video, directed by Tyler Bradberry, for the record's title track and launched a pre-order for the record today at Metal Blade.

Led by brothers Colin Young (vocals) and Taylor Young (guitars/vocals; also of grindcore band Nails), Twitching Tongues has carved out a prominent place in Los Angeles' burgeoning music scene over the last several years. With two albums, Sleep Therapy (2012) and In Love There Is No Law (2013), under their belts and extensive worldwide touring, the band has quickly managed to become one of the underground’s most discussed bands and is on the cusp of a major breakout with the release of Disharmony this fall.

"This record represents every single thing we have done and have worked towards these past 5 years…It is a new beginning for this band, and it feels incredible to finally share it with all of you." - Colin Young

Disharmony is a powerful display of unrelenting sound. The band wastes no time ripping into the record with the title track that perfectly showcases their unique blend of doom, sludge and hardcore. Disharmony features ten aggressive tracks like "Asylum Avenue" and "Sacrifice Me" that find a balance between accessibility and cataclysmic destruction.

Disharmony tracklisting:

“Disharmony”
“Insincerely Yours”
“Asylum Avenue”
“Love Conquers None”
“Insatiable Sin”
“Cannibal”
“Sacrifice Me”
“Arrival”
“The End Of Love”
“Cruci-Fiction”

Video "Disharmony":

International Spanish hard rock project Paco Ventura Black Moon is working on a new album which will feature a number of guest appearances from well-known bands.

Paco Ventura is considered one of the top rock guitar players in Spain and is a member of the band Medina Azahara, one of Spanish and Latin America’s most notorious bands. 

The record was mastered by Andy Vandette (Dream Theater, Rush, Gotthard and Bruce Dickinson) in New York and it will be released worldwide in October. Artwork by Stan W.D (Stryper, Blackmore's Night, Jorn, Tarja).

Featuring guest appearances by: 

-Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow/Deep Purple)
-Bruce Kulick (Kiss)
-John Norum (Europe)
-Roland Grapow (Helloween/Masterplan)
-Patrick Rondat (Jean Michelle Jarre)
-Fabio Lione (Rhapsody/Angra)
-Göran Edman (Yngwie Malmsteen)
-Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth/Angra)
-Carlos Marin (Mago de Oz)

Lineup:

Paco Ventura – guitar 
Javier González – vocals  
Tini Fernández – drums  
Charly Rivera – bass  
Rafa Peña – keyboards 

Grammy Award-winning iconic rock band MOTÖRHEAD was honored by the Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday, August 26 in celebration of the band's 40th anniversary and the release of the group's new album, "Bad Magic". Councilmember José Huizar conducted the honor, which took place at 10:00 a.m. at the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Video footage of the event can be seen below.

Huizar said (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We are here today to honor MOTÖRHEAD's 40th anniversary. It's about honoring music in the city of Los Angeles and MOTÖRHEAD's place in that history.

"This year signals the 40th year of MOTÖRHEAD's triumphant existence, something which will be celebrated throughout the rest of 2015 and 2016. They will tour the world once more and show that if it's too loud, you're too old.

"Throughout the 40 years, this is a band that stuck to its artistic guns and has never been interested in musical fads and trends, the kind that happen in every generation.

"MOTÖRHEAD has chosen to lose themselves in their music.

"Lemmy and company have stayed true to their own vision and execution of incredibly mesmerizing and thundering, feel-it-in-your-gut rock and roll.

"Lemmy lives here in Los Angeles, and the band has recorded a number of albums here. He's an Angelino; he calls Los Angeles home. And they will be releasing their latest album, 'Bad Magic', which comes out this Friday. We're all looking forward to it, right?

"They are the precursor to the 1970s with the British invasion of heavy metal. They set a trend, and they have had hits like 'Motörhead', 'Ace Of Spades' — which is one of my top three songs of all time — 'Bomber', 'Iron Fist' and many, many others, and they have created a legacy that is hard to match. And here in the city of Los Angeles, home of many great influential rock bands — more than you can count — greats like GUNS N' ROSES and METALLICA have cited MOTÖRHEAD as a major inspiration for their sound. In fact, GUNS N' ROSES member Duff McKagan once penned a column titled, 'Without Lemmy and MOTÖRHEAD, there wouldn't be GUNS N' ROSES, NIRVANA or METALLICA. Period.' I couldn't agree more, and that's why we're here: to honor a band that continues to make brilliant music while inspiring other musicians here in Los Angeles and all over the world to play well, to play hard and to honor their own visions and rock and roll, just like MOTÖRHEAD has done for 40 years.

"Lemmy and crew epitomize what it means to live rock and roll, and fans from throughout the world continue to view MOTÖRHEAD as the torchbearers of that elusive music we call rock and roll. And who couldn't love a group that starts its live concerts with these words: 'We're MOTÖRHEAD and we play rock and roll.'"

Lemmy thanked Huizar and added: "Well said. As none of us are from Los Angeles, this is a very great honor. [Drummer Mikkey Dee is] Swedish, [guitarist Phil Campbell is] Welsh and I'm English. So… I came over here years ago, and I love it over here, so it's a great honor for me. Thank you."

Said Dee: "What can I say? I used to live here — eleven years. I moved back to Sweden in 1996. And this is great. We've been honored here and there for music in the music industry, but nothing like this before, so, of course, this is very, very special for us. So, thank you very much. It's great. We're gonna continue another 40 years — I hope."

Added Campbell: "It's just something you never expected to get — an honor like this. We enjoy playing our music and writing our songs, and this is unbelievable, so thank you very much."

Lemmy has lived in Los Angeles for 25 years. "Home is in here," he told The Independent, tapping his temple. "Where you live is just a geographical preference. I like it [in L.A.] because the sun shines a lot and you don't get the cynical fucking English bitching about everything. I find the Americans quite refreshing. Everybody sneers at the 'Have a nice day' thing but it's a lot nicer than having your change thrown at you."

MOTÖRHEAD's 22nd studio album, "Bad Magic", will be released on August 28. The CD was recorded at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood with longtime producer Cameron Webb.

In 2013, Lemmy underwent an operation to implant a cardioverter-defibrillator into his chest, a device that helps prevent an irregular heartbeat turning into no heartbeat. Then, shortly afterwards, he suffered a hematoma. Earlier this year, MOTÖRHEAD was forced to cancel shows after he suffered a gastric illness.

Lemmy has cut back on booze and cigarettes — he's down to a pack a week, and has swapped from Jack and Coke to vodka and orange, apparently to help with his diabetes.

According to The Pulse Of Radio, METALLICA frontman James Hetfield and AVENGED SEVENFOLD singer M. Shadows are among the celebrities who are seen "auditioning" in a new promotional clip to play zombies in the upcoming video game "Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3". The clip is part of a contest for players and fans to win a chance to become a zombie in the game, which will be released on November 6.

The contest also has a charitable component, with proceeds helping veterans find work.

METALLICA and AVENGED SEVENFOLD are no strangers to showing up in video games and Shadows told The Pulse Of Radio a while back about the experience of being digitally captured for an appearance in "Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2". "We had two full days of motion capture, so the band went in there, put on silly outfits and we danced around and pretended like we were playing in front of an audience," he said. "Hopefully none of those pictures will leak. But we did that, and then we went in there and for vocals I had to sit there and put my head in this vise, and they did motion capture of me singing the words a bunch of times. Between acting and pretending that you're playing onstage when there's nobody there, it was a pretty fun experience."

AVENGED SEVENFOLD has been working on a new album and recently parted ways with drummer Arin Ilejay after four years.

The official lyric video for the song "Not Today" from SEVENDUST can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's eleventh studio album, "Kill The Flaw", which will be released on October 2 via 7Bros. Records with ADA/Warner Brothers distribution. The CD was produced by SEVENDUST and recorded at Architekt Music in Butler, New Jersey with engineer/mixer Mike Ferretti.

"Kill The Flaw" is available for digital pre-order at iTunes. Fans who order the album will receive an instant download of the first single, "Thank You", which can be streamed below as well as via streaming partners Spotify and Apple Music.

"We took some time off from the heavy side of SEVENDUST, and when it came time to record some new music, Clint, John, Vinnie, Morgan and I put everything we had in to what became 'Kill The Flaw'," states vocalist Lajon Witherspoon. "We love this new music and we can't wait to share it with our amazing SEVENDUST family!" Throughout the album, SEVENDUST's musical development flourishes while never losing the signature sound that has garnered the band fans worldwide.

Tracks like "Death Dance", "Cease And Desist" and "Not Today" showcase the growth of the band as songwriters.

"Kill The Flaw" track listing: 01. Thank You 02. Death Dance 03. Forget 04. Letters05. Cease And Desist06. Not Today07. Chop08. Kill The Flaw09. Silly Beast10. Peace And Destruction11. Torched

In a recent interview with Loudwire, SEVENDUST guitarist John Connolly stated about the band's new material: "It's funny, you come out of acoustic world and immediately you're, like, 'All right, let's get metal again. Let's get heavy.'"

He continued: "There's a lot of heavy on this one, but there's also a lot of melody. There's a lot of spillover from where our headspace was at on an acoustic perspective, which is great.

"I love being as heavy as we can be but Lajon, he's a melodic singer, and I think he's going to be excited about a lot of stuff. As heavy as we're trying to be, there's still a ton of melody on it."

Connolly added: "We've had such a good time during the last two records, collaborating together as a five-piece which is something we haven't done since the first album. All we had was a rehearsal room, each other, paying the rent and a few shows. Someone would come up with a riff or a demo and bring it in and we'd really hammer it out as a band. We had so much fun on 'Black Out the Sun' and 'Time Travelers & Bonfires', really, just being in each other's face instead of wondering is this going to work or is that going to work?

"Having five cooks in the kitchen at all times, most times, with most bands can be counterproductive, but for us, it just works so much better for us; we're so much more efficient. We're much happier without the guesswork. You play a riff, then Vinny [Hornsby, bass] starts playing, then Clint comes in, and questions get answered, and then you move on to the next thing.

"It's the stuff that we create together that's usually the stuff that gets us the most excited."

SEVENDUST is comprised of vocalist Lajon Witherspoon, guitarists John Connolly and Clint Lowery, bassist Vince Hornsby and drummer Morgan Rose.

Former IN FLAMES and current THE RESISTANCE guitarist Jesper Strömblad has posted the following message on his Facebook page:

"Fans and friends, I decided it was time for me to write something about the current situation with me.

"As you noticed, I've been pretty inactive with the band and with updating my site, etc. Want to explain a little why.

"I am battling severe depression and anxiety problems, and have done for over 20 years now. My problem, at least 5/10 times, [has been] to take the easy way out. I've been drinking, and threw back what ever I get my hands on, just to numb my constant pain both in my broken soul and body.

"I'm on a great program now that will take me back to the person I once was, and [am] very positive about it, so don't doubt I will be back — obviously, with my family in THE RESISTANCE, finishing my solo album and other projects. But I have to get well first; that's my No. 1 priority. But I pick up the axe every day and I find it more and more exciting to play again!

"I want to give my apologies for people that came from far to see the real lineup with THE RESISTANCE this summer, and I haven't be able to do it. I'm really sorry about that. But be sure I [will] be back with a vengeance!

"I will fight my demons 'till the day I die, and I will play 'till the day I day die....

"I do everything in my power to get better. And I'm on the right path.

"See you on stage somewhere soon, and my soloalbum will be in [your] ears soon.

"This takes time, but I will FIGHT!

"I would be so glad if you have you guys behind me! Love ya all. May the force be with you!!!!!

"Love and respect to the death."

In an October 2014 statement on his Facebook page, Strömblad claimed that his alcohol addiction was only a "small" part of the reason he left the band and said that IN FLAMES' current musical direction did not match his original "vision" for the group. "All respect to IN FLAMES and their new approach, but, for me, the band was a guitar/riff-based melodeath band," he explained. "And it's not anymore, but still amazing musicianship and I don't think it's wrong. But it's not the vision I had when we started out. But still, all respect to them and the huge success; [it is] highly deserved!"

Asked to respond to Strömblad's comments, IN FLAMES guitarist Björn Gelotte told Germany's EMP Rock Invasion in November 2014: "Of course [alcohol addiction was] not the only reason that he quit. Of course not. It was several things, but it was a part of it.

"He's still one of my best friends, and I'll support him every day, all the time. If he needs anything, I'm there. But our schedules are so different now, so we rarely see each other. We almost need to do a tour together to hang out, and that's rarely happened. So touring was a part of what was tough for him. But yeah, he's free to say whatever he wants."

Regarding Strömblad's claim that IN FLAMES' current musical direction did not match Jesper's original "vision" for the group, Björn said: "Yeah, that could be one reason too [for his departure from the band]. But he was part of it all the way up until two records ago. So that's not the whole truth either."

Strömblad announced his departure from IN FLAMES in February 2010, explaining in a statement, "I'm determined to fight and defeat my demons once and for all." The remaining members of IN FLAMES added: "The door to IN FLAMES is always open to Jesper. We are, and will always be, behind Jesper 100% on his way to recovery."

Speaking about his current relationship with Strömblad, IN FLAMES singer Anders Fridén told Loaded Radio in a March 2015 interview: "I live in a different city, but I still love the guy. We didn't part ways because we were enemies; we parted ways because we couldn't work together anymore and didn't want to work together. And I know he's in contact with some of the other guys [in the band] here and there. So he's off doing his thing, and I hope he feels good about it. We're doing our thing and continuing being IN FLAMES."

Asked if he would have any problem with Jesper coming up on stage at an IN FLAMES show and jamming a song like "Leeches" with the current version of the band, Anders replied: "[That would be] no problem at all."

Danish / American rock singer Maryann Cotton has signed a worldwide deal with 7hard Records for the release of his second album, Into Eternity. The album will be available on Friday, November 13th. The official album artwork can be seen below.

Maryann Cotton previously stated: “As many of you know, I lost my mentor, producer, co-writer, and my friend Dick Wagner last year, which led to a lot of personal and emotional distractions for me. I was most honoured to perform at the Dick Wagner Remember The Child Memorial Concert at the Fillmore in Detroit this year, where we celebrated his beautiful friendship and majestic legacy. I was enveloped in the warm welcome of so many great musicians and Dick Wagner fans. This has helped me to move forward, as my Maestro would so encourage.

“Dick and I managed to finish all the songs and pre-production for our announced album Chester Rose – The Legend Begins – but we never reached the studio process. When he died, we were in negotiations with one of the world’s biggest record companies, and future plans were falling into place.

“My manager Susan Michelson, Dick Wagner’s business partner and personal manager, has continued moving ahead with the project and is currently working on contracts and related details. The record company remains very enthusiastic about the Chester Rose concept. They are dedicated to recording Dick Wagner's final album, but the many details of this substantial project and its offshoots take some time to fall into place. I cannot wait till our album is ready to share with you!

“With all that said… I’m proud to let you know that I secretly over four months has been in a writing, studio recording, and mixing / mastering process, and completed a full new album – to please my fans. I have together with my manager decided to release the album in autumn, which also means new upcoming shows and tour this year.”

More details to follow.

Lineup:

Maryann Cotton - Vocals
Hal Patino - Bass
Shawn Kernon - Drums
Sebastian Sly - Guitar

In support of their latest release, Pure Heavy, Norwegian hard rockers Audrey Horne hit the road later this month on their European tour.

The band comments: “Good people of the rock community! Check out our new single “Waiting For The Night”, learn the words and join us on the second leg of our Pure Heavy tour. The song has the vibe of a good Saturday night out on the town, and that happens to be the vibe at each and every one of our shows too. We can’t wait to get started on this tour, but we will however be waiting for the night!"

Audrey Horne tour dates:

August
31 - Copenhagen, Denmark - KB18                           

September
1 -  Berlin, Germany - Magnet
2 - Hamburg, Germany - Headcrash
3 - Leiden, Netherlands - Gebr. De Nobel
4  -  Antwerp, Belgium - Trix
5 - Paris, France - Divan du Monde
8 -  Madrid, Spain - Sala Caracol
9 -  Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz
10 - Bordeaux, France - iBoat
11 - Marseille, France - Poste a Galene
13 -  Pratteln, Switzerland - MiniZ7
14 - Milano, Italy - Lo Fi Club
15 - Vienna, Austria - Viper Room    
16 - München, Germany - Backstage    
17 - Stuttgart, Germany - Kellerklub
18 - Oberhausen, Germany - Kulttempel    
19 -  Wiesau, Germany - Storm Crusher Fest

 

Their fans have long known that the 20-year veteran vikings of Månegarm are not afraid of developing their melodic pagan sound further. With their latest, self-titled album the band keeps true to course: Månegarm remains expressive and varied from the first note to the last.

The band based around singer Erik Grawsiö unveils details for the upcoming studio album, set to be released on November 20th via Napalm Records. From Swedish folk ballads reminiscent of campfires to wild and forceful black metal interludes, everything the metal sounds of the north are known for is represented on this album. Those looking for the soundtrack to life as a seafaring warrior will get just the thing with Månegarm.

Tracklisting:                                                                                                                     

“Blodörn”
“Tagen av daga”
“Odin owns ye all”
“Blot”
“Vigverk - del II”
“Call of the runes”
“Kraft”
“Bärsärkarna från Svitjod”
“Nattramn”
“Allfader”
“Månljus” (Bonus Track)
“Mother Earth Father Thunder” -
(Bonus Track, featuring Jennie Tebler - sister of Quorthon/Bathory, Alan Nemtheanga (Primordial) and Mikael (Ereb Altor))

Band lineup:

Erik Grawsiö - Vocals, bass
Markus Andé - Guitar
Jonas Almkvist - Guitar
Jacob Hallegren - Drums

New Zealand's hottest export since Peter Jackson, LIKE A STORM have released a lyric video for the third single from their latest album, "Awaken The Fire" (Another Century Records). "Become The Enemy" is impacting radio and is the #2 Most Added at Active Rock Radio this week in between rock legends Chris Cornell and the FOO FIGHTERS. The lyric video was filmed during the band's recent European tour and can be seen below. LIKE A STORM are no strangers to success at the Active Rock format. Their previous singles, "Love The Way You Hate Me" and "Wish You Hell", have both charted at the format. "Love The Way You Hate Me" reached #22 at Active Rock, was #1 for five weeks on SiriusXM Octane, and the video was a viral hit that has been viewed over 3.2 million times to date. The follow-up, "Wish You Hell", reached #17 and gave the band the distinction of being the only artist from New Zealand to break in to the Active Rock Top 20. LIKE A STORM is currently on tour opening for THREE DAYS GRACE after building a rabid fan base supporting the likes of ALTER BRIDGE, SHINEDOWN, STEEL PANTHER and Slash. They will also be performing at the Food Truck & Rock Carnival (September 20), Sonic Boom (September 26), Louder Than Life (October 3) and next year's Shiprocked cruise (January 18-22, 2016). Known as one of the hardest working bands out there, LIKE A STORM fought hard to be heard. The New Zealand brothers— Chris Brooks (lead vocals, guitar, didgeridoo, keys/programming), Matt Brooks (vocals, lead guitar, keys/programming), and Kent Brooks (bass, vocals, keys/programming) — came to the United States knowing no one, and built a diehard and devoted fan-base by tirelessly touring. Their intense work ethic fosters the fertile creativity that is apparent in everything they do even today. LIKE A STORM write, perform, record and produce all of their records themselves.

SLAYER filmed a music video for an unspecified new song yesterday (Wednesday, August 26). The clip will feature a guest appearance by actor Danny Trejo, the star of Robert Rodriguez's "Machete" film series and a frequent collaborator with the director. His previous films include "Desperado", "Con Air", the "Spy Kids" movies, and "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas". On television, Trejo had memorable roles in "Breaking Bad" and "Sons Of Anarchy".

SLAYER's eleventh studio album, "Repentless", will be released on September 11 via Nuclear Blast. The highly anticipated 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 "Repentless" title track is an ode to SLAYER's late guitarist, Jeff Hanneman, who passed away in 2013. "I call it the Hannemanthem!" King said of the song. "I wrote that for Jeff. Oh, dude, it's fast as fuck. You don't know what the fuck's coming!"

He added: "It's my perspective of Jeff's perspective. It's what I think... If Jeff wrote a song for himself, 'Repentless' would be it."

ABBATH, the new band led by ex-IMMORTAL frontman Olve Eikemo (a.k.a. Abbath), will release its debut album in January 2016 via Season Of Mist.

ABBATH made its live debut in June at the Tuska open-air metal festival in Helsinki, Finland.

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

At Tuska, ABBATH premiered a brand new song titled "Fenrir Hunts" alongside classic IMMORTAL material, including "One By One". A handful of songs from Abbath and King's 2006 project I were performed live for the first time.

Fan-filmed video footage of ABBATH performing on August 8 at the Heavy Montreal festival in Montreal, Quebec, Canada can be seen below.

Abbath announced earlier this year that he was moving forward under his own name.

The musician last year claimed that he rightfully attempted to secure exclusive rights to the IMMORTAL name and logo after lyricist/guitarist Demonaz (real name Harald Nævdal) and drummer Horgh (real name Reidar Horghagen) effectively quit the legendary Norwegian black metal group.

"I didn't want to go solo in the first place," Abbath told U.K.'s Metal Hammer magazine. "I wanted the best for IMMORTAL. I didn't want it to end this way. First of all, I just wanted my music out. I wanted to record the [next] album [because] it's been so many years since 'All Shall Fall'. And both Demonaz and Horgh, they have kids and families now, and it just hit that point where I couldn't work the way they wanted to work any more. I wanted things on my terms and they wanted things on their terms, and it was very difficult."

He continued: "I wanted to rehearse at least three times a week, but often it was only once a week and things went so slow. I sat there with all this material, I kept the rehearsal space and recorded the stuff on click track, but it was a very strained atmosphere and the Last time we worked together was in early June last year."

Asked if the decision to part ways and seek out new band members was inevitable, Abbath said: "I was forced to do it this way. I wanted IMMORTAL to continue, but not the way it was. The dialogue has not been there and it's also my mistake. I should have brought up this shit a long time ago, but IMMORTAL, after Demonaz's problems with his arms, it never became a band after that."

He continued: "IMMORTAL is a very special situation. [Demonaz] hasn't been in the band, but then I always wanted to do the best for everybody, to have the band spirit, and that's why when we decided to start IMMORTAL again, we tried to get the spirit back, and bring him on tour, and just share our thing and be a band and have a kick-ass time. But it never worked out. The chemistry wasn't there with the IMMORTAL guys and hadn't been for a while."

Abbath added: "I believe in my music and I believe in my expression, but time flies and we grow apart. Maybe in the future we can go back again, I don't know, but right now I just want to do my thing and just be ABBATH and have people around me who support that."

"It is with great pleasure that I can announce the Beast From The North to join forces with Avantasia once again. The STRIKING VIKING: Jorn Lande! We've just finished his vocal recordings and he sounds - what a surprise - KILLER! Jorn is a monster! It is with even greater pleasure to let you know that Jorn is gonna do the world tour next year, kicking off in March! AVANTASIA LIVE - 3hours every night, from the Metal Opera to the new album Ghostlights. We'll be an epic line up and we'll deliver an epic show. Check tourdates at avantasia.net and get your tickets before we sell out (sic Смайлик «wink» )
Stay tuned & cheerz, Tobi"

SHINEDOWN's much-anticipated new album. "Threat To Survival" — the rock band's first new album in three years — arrives everywhere on September 18 via Atlantic. "Threat To Survival" follows 2012's RIAA gold-certified "Amaryllis".

The "Threat To Survival" song "State Of My Head" can now be streamed below.

"'Threat To Survival' refers to that primal instinct in all of us that determines how we respond to crisis and conflict — the idea of 'fight or flight' and the choices we make in any given situation," explains SHINEDOWN frontman Brent Smith. "This album represents those deciding moments for us as a band. It's a collection of scenarios that made us who we are, and is, by far, the most autobiographical album we've created to date."

"Cut The Cord" — produced by SHINEDOWN's own Eric Bass — arrived last month and fast ascended to #1 at Active Rock radio outlets across the country. The single's immediate success continues a record-setting streak in which every one of the 19 singles released over SHINEDOWN's decade-plus career has ascended to the upper regions of the radio charts — a feat that no other rock band has achieved.

In addition, the "Cut The Cord" companion video recently had its world premiere on Billboard.com. The powerful clip — directed by the band's longtime collaborator Darren Doane ("Devour", "Sound Of Madness", "Bully") — has already earned over 1.5 million individual views and can now be viewed at SHINEDOWN's official YouTube channel.

SHINEDOWN is currently traveling the U.S. on a very special summer tour, their first major trek in more than two years. The dates see SHINEDOWN visiting theatres and other intimate venues across the country, performing a unique set that includes classic hits, deep cuts, and best of all, new songs from the upcoming "Threat To Survival". Support on most dates comes from special guests NOTHING MORE.

SHINEDOWN will then return to the road in October to headline a string of festivals: Mobile, Alabama's Bayfest (October 2), Louisville, Kentucky's Louder Than Life (October 4) and Sacramento, California's Monster Energy Aftershock (October 24). The band is already set to kick off 2016 by crossing the Atlantic for the inaugural United Kingdom version of the "Carnival Of Madness Tour", joining fellow hard rock icons BLACK STONE CHERRY, Atlantic Records labelmates HALESTORM, and newcomers HIGHLY SUSPECT for arena dates slated through mid-February. More fall touring plans in support of "Threat To Survival" will be announced soon.

"Threat To Survival" track listing:

01. Asking For It02. Cut The Cord03. State Of My Head04. Outcast05. How Did You Love?06. It All Adds Up07. Oblivion08. Dangerous09. Thick As Thieves10. Black Cadillac11. Misfits

SHINEDOWN singer Brent Smith told The Pulse Of Radio what we can expect from the record. "A lot of bands and a lot of artists take the initiative to say — if they're lucky enough to get to a fifth album — 'Yeah, it's such a different record' and all these things," he said. "And you listen to it and you go, 'That's cool, it sounds exactly the same as your last records.' That's really not the case with this. It's a devastating record. It's a heartbreaking record. It's a beautiful record, but it's ferocious."

Smith said in a statement about "Cut The Cord": "In your truest moment of weakness… When everyone and everything has betrayed you, and evil and hatred has wrapped itself around your mind, body and soul… this is the song that you play. This is the statement to the world that you will not give up, you will not give in, and you refuse to fail!!! Now is your time… to 'cut the cord.'"

In last week's issue of U.K.'s Kerrang! magazine, MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister was asked for his opinion on the current state of rock and roll. "I think it's pretty poor right now," he responded. "We're waiting for something, and I'm not sure what it is. Maybe it's for the death of rock 'n' roll, y'know? I really don't know. I don't understand what we're waiting for at the moment, because we've been waiting for a long time. We deserve something, but we ain't getting it."

He continued: "I don't know why half of [modern bands] are together; 'cause they don't deserve to be. All they do is make a fucking racket. I think we're still looking for an answer to punk, to be quite honest with you, 'cause NIRVANA wasn't it, y'know? They were the closest, but that didn't last. I like some bands. I like FOO FIGHTERS and EVANESCENCE and stuff. But I don't know if we're going to get a real thing like punk again."

Lemmy told A.V. Club earlier this month that the definition of success in the music industry has changed from what it was in 1975 when MOTÖRHEAD was first formed. "Sure it has, yeah," he said. "People who play in a different fashion don't get signed anymore. I mean, you can still make it through word of mouth in the clubs, but it's a lot harder. I remember before Chuck Berry, and I remember that early world of rock 'n' roll, so, yeah, it's been weird. It's been all right. Now is the worst time for rock 'n' roll, I think. There's no radio time for a new band. All the radio stations have been bought by five guys, and Ted Turner owns three of them. That doesn't leave much room for choice."

MOTÖRHEAD's 22nd studio album, "Bad Magic", will be released on August 28. The CD was recorded at NRG Studios with longtime producer Cameron Webb. Lemmy told A.V. Club about the source material for the new CD: "More war, death, sex, and drugs. [Laughs] There's plenty of writing material in there. There's always things that people want to hear, like war, death and love. You can keep them going forever, and I do. I've done the other stuff like '1916', but more or less it's all been war, death, sex, and murder. [Laughs] But really, we seem to have it down now to a fine science, and it's a good album."

Former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash joined Swedish classic rock heroes GRAVEYARD on stage this past Friday, August 21 at the Marshall London party at Berns in Stockholm, Sweden, where the company introduced its brand new smartphone.

GRAVEYARD opened the set by playing two new songs, "Magnetic Shunk" and "The Apple And The Tree", before welcoming Slash for cover versions of CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL's "Fortunate Son", THE BEATLES' "Helter Skelter" and BLACK SABBATH's "Children Of The Grave".

Fan-filmed video footage of the "Children Of The Grave" performance can be seen below.

GRAVEYARD's fourth full-length album, "Innocence & Decadence", will be released on September 25 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was recorded at Atlantis Studios in Stockholm, Sweden with Janne Hansson (ABBA, THE HIVES, OPETH) and Johan Lindström (TONBRUKET).

Fan-filmed video footage of legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION), nicknamed the "Voice Of Rock," performing on August 24 at Teatro Nescafé de las Artes in Santiago, Chile can be seen below.

Hughes's backing band features drummer Pontus Engborg and ex-WHITESNAKE/DIO guitarist Doug Aldrich. The group's U.K. leg of the European tour stars on October 17 at the Southampton Engine Rooms and ends at London's Electric Ballroom on November 1. Special guest on the tour is Jared James Nichols, who recently released his critically acclaimed debut album, "Old Glory & The Wild Revival". The concerts will showcase highlights from Glenn's career, including TRAPEZE, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, CALIFORNIA BREED, along with his solo material. "I felt it was time for me to start touring with my solo band," says Glenn, who is currently on tour in Brazil. "I called my drummer Pontus Engborg, and guitar player Soren Andersen. Soren had made a contractual commitment to do an autumn tour in Scandinavia, so I had to find a replacement. There was only one man on my mind... Doug Aldrich." "I've known Doug from his time with Ronnie Dio , and, of course, WHITESNAKE. Doug played with me on a couple of PURPLE songs at a festival the night before Ronnie passed away. We had great chemistry, and talked about playing together again, when schedules permitted." Continues Hughes: "Doug is a welcome addition to my band, and is a dear friend, both loving and nurturing, and is a rock phenomenon.

"I'm beyond grateful to return to a solo band touring cycle, that will see me travel across many continents these next 12 months. See you down the front."

METAL ALLEGIANCE — the all-star metal band consisting of a rotating cast of musicians, including members of MEGADETH, TESTAMENT — which debuted on MOTÖRHEAD's Motörboat cruise last year, and performed at this year's NAMM show and on the ShipRocked cruise, will release its self-titled debut album on September 18 via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

Brought together by METAL ALLEGIANCE principal partner Mark Menghi, the project's original material came together from the creative minds of David Ellefson of MEGADETH, Mike Portnoy of THE WINERY DOGS, and Alex Skolnick from TESTAMENT, alongside Menghi. The four writers then reached out through their metal rolodexes to a diverse lineup of performers, each adding their own personal musical stamp to the collection of nine original songs.

"Metal Allegiance" contains appearances by:

* Philip H. Anselmo (PANTERA, DOWN)* Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX)* Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT)* D. Randall Blythe (LAMB OF GOD)* Rex Brown (PANTERA, DOWN, KILL DEVIL HILL)* Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (GUNS N' ROSES)* Phil Demmel (MACHINE HEAD)* Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY)V* Matthew K. Heafy (TRIVIUM)* Gary Holt (EXODUS)* Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED)* Chris Jericho (FOZZY)* Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA)* Misha Mansoor (PERIPHERY)* Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL)* Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH)* Doug Pinnick (KING'S X, KXM)* Troy Sanders (MASTODON)* Cristina Scabbia (LACUNA COIL)* Steve "Zetro" Souza (EXODUS)* Ben Weinman (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN)

The eighth studio webisode for "Metal Allegiance", which covers the recording of the track "Triangulum", is available below.

From the blistering opening of album starter "Gift Of Pain" to the final notes of closer "Pledge Of Allegiance", it is clear this collective have created something special. The diversity of the individual tracks is apparent through each musical collaboration.

The standard edition CD of "Metal Allegiance" will feature the nine original songs. A digipak edition will be available that features an all-star tribute to Ronnie James Dio with a cover of his classic song "We Rock" as well as a 45-minute behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the album. A double vinyl version will also be available that will feature all 10 songs as well.

"Metal Allegiance" track listing:

01. Gift Of Pain

Vocals: D. Randall BlytheLead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex SkolnickBass: David Ellefson Drums: Mike PortnoyAdditional Lead Guitar: Gary Holt

02. Let Darkness Fall

Vocals: Troy SandersLead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars: Alex SkolnickBass: David EllefsonDrums & Percussion: Mike PortnoyAdditional Bass: Mark Menghi & Rex BrownAdditional Screams: D. Randall Blythe

03. Can't Kill The Devil

Vocals: Chuck BillyLead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex SkolnickBass: David Ellefson Drums: Mike PortnoyAdditional Lead Guitar: Phil Demmel & Andreas Kisser

04. Dying Song

Vocals: Philip H. AnselmoLead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex SkolnickBass: Mark Menghi Drums: Mike Portnoy

05. Scars Vocals: Mark Osegueda & Cristina ScabbiaLead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick Bass: David EllefsonDrums: Mike Portnoy

06. Destination: Nowhere

Vocals: Matthew K. HeafyLead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex SkolnickBass: David Ellefson Drums: Mike PortnoyAdditional Lead Guitar: Matthew K. Heafy

07. Wait Until Tomorrow

Vocals: Doug Pinnick & Jamey JastaLead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex SkolnickBass: David EllefsonDrums, Percussion & Additional Vocals: Mike Portnoy

8. Triangulum I. Creation II. Evolution III. Destruction

Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex SkolnickBass: David EllefsonDrums: Mike PortnoyAdditional Lead Guitar: Misha Mansoor, Ben Weinman, Charlie Benante, Phil Demmel, Matthew K. Heafy & Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal

09. Pledge Of Allegiance

Vocals: Mark OseguedaLead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex SkolnickBass: David Ellefson Drums: Mike PortnoyAdditional Lead Guitar: Charlie Benante, Gary Holt & Andreas Kisser

10. We Rock (DIO cover) (deluxe edition only)

Vocals: Mark Osegueda, Chris Jericho, Tim "Ripper" Owens, Alissa White-Gluz, Chuck Billy & Steve "Zetro" SouzaLead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex SkolnickBass: David Ellefson Drums: Mike PortnoyAdditional Lead Guitar: Andreas Kisser, Phil Demmel & Gary Holt Stemming from an initial idea in 2011, METAL ALLEGIANCE was born as a way to unite a collection of hard rock and heavy metal's most notable musicians in a setting born under one ideal, a love of music and performing. In 2015, that ideal still holds true and has become the foundation for everything METAL ALLEGIANCE; furthered with the release of the upcoming debut album. While the lineup may change, the passion, the energy and the emotion all remain the same. METAL ALLEGIANCE is more than just a record or a concert, it’s an experience and a lifestyle.

Former QUEENSRŸCHE and current OPERATION: MINDCRIME singer Geoff Tate was interviewed by rock journalist Mitch Lafon for a recent edition of the "One On One With Mitch Lafon" podcast (Facebook page). You can now listen to the chat using the Spreaker widget below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET).

On whether he has any regrets about the way his time with QUEENSRŸCHE came to an end:

Geoff: "Oh, absolutely, I wish it could have ended civilly, and without all the negativity surrounding it all. That was really quite ridiculous. Yeah, I wish it would have been a quieter, sort of, a coming to a conclusion, definitely. But it is what it is, and I've got to move on and try new things."

On rumors that QUEENSRŸCHE's albums "Operation: Mindcrime II" (2006), "American Soldier" (2009) and "Dedicated To Chaos" (2011) were, essentially, Geoff Tate solo recordings that did not feature all members of QUEENSRŸCHE:

Geoff: "Ehhh…. No, everybody's played on every record, to some extent. Umm… You know, in a band, in any group, there is a person, or typically two people, that come up with the majority of the ideas; they're just the driver. And for a band to work and to last as long as QUEENSRŸCHE did, for example, it takes a driver and it takes other people who are passengers who are willing to put their seatbelts on and go for a ride; it requires that kind of chemistry in order to work. And I am a driver. I've got ideas — I have definite ideas on things — and visions of how I want to do things, and I just present them, and everybody either gets on board, or they don't, and we continue on."

On whether any of those albums — "Operation: Mindcrime II", "American Soldier" and "Dedicated To Chaos" — are mostly him and some studio musicians, and not the other guys in QUEENSRŸCHE:

Geoff: "Every album is me… that I've ever done. It started on the first ones. They invited me to play music with them, and this is what you get. You get a guy with a lot of ideas, and you have to decide if you wanna be a part of them. If you do, great. If you don't, well, I'll do it some other way."

OPERATION: MINDCRIME's debut album, "The Key", will be released 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).