According to The Pulse Of Radio, FOO FIGHTERS frontman Dave Grohl has been making a little news at each stop on the band's current North American tour, and today's item comes from the band's recent show in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This time, Grohl called out bands who play two hours or less onstage, telling the audience, "You don't want one of those little hour-and-a-half-long shows, do you? You don't want that shit. All of those new bands that play those little two-hour concerts, you don't want that shit. Two hours and 15, I don't think is enough. Two and a half hours, does that sound okay? That's not enough, is it?"

Grohl added: "Here's our fucking problem. We've been a band for 20 fucking years, we have a lot of fucking songs, and then add my big mouth on top of that, and we're going to be here all night."

FOO FIGHTERS are known for regularly playing three-hour concerts, but drummer Taylor Hawkins admitted a while back that they can be a challenge. "It's a lot," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "I don't know how long we can keep that up. We'll see. I don't know how long Dave's gonna be able to sing for three hours every night when we get onstage. It's awesome and it's fun and it's the macho trip a little bit, and people get their money's worth, that's for damn sure."

KING DIAMOND's official 2015 video for the "Them" song "Welcome Home", featuring footage shot at this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, can be seen below. The footage was compiled by Strati Hovartos and Garrett Riker.

KING DIAMOND will perform its classic second album, 1987's concept effort "Abigail", in its entirety on the band's upcoming U.S. tour in the fall. Support on the trek, which will begin on October 29 and run through December 5, will come from legendary San Francisco Bay Area thrash metallers EXODUS.

KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque told Artisan News about the making of the "Abigail" album: "I've actually got some great memories [from the recording sessions for the LP]. I remember the whole studio thing pretty well, actually. Back in… I think we started back in December 1986 to record it, after we got back from some touring and stuff, and some writing too, and rehearsing, of course. [It was a] very cold winter back in Copenhagen, you know. We spent about two months, I think, with the recording and the mixing. And the whole recording process, I thought, was very, very creative, and I think we just captured an amazing atmosphere on the whole album, which still, when you listen to it today, is, like, 'Wow!' You get back to the feel you had for it while you recorded it. So it's still a very cool and special album to me."

KING DIAMOND in 2002 released an album called "Abigail II: The Revenge", which was said to feature a storyline that was the sequel to the original "Abigail" LP.

La Rocque last month said that KING DIAMOND hasn't officially started working on material for the follow-up to the band's 2007 album "Give Me Your Soul...Please", but he talked about a possible direction for the next CD. He said: "Hopefully the sound of the album is gonna be better. I don't really know about the story or… I've got some riffs and such that I wrote a few years back, actually, but I have to go back and check that to see if that still can be used. I don't know about that, because we get new ideas all the time. So we'll see about that. But I'm sure we're gonna have some fresh, good ideas for the next album, that's for sure. And when that's gonna happen, we don't really know."

The official video for the song "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" from the Japanese teenage girl pop metal band BABYMETAL — filmed at last year's edition of the Sonisphere festival in the United Kingdom — can be seen below.

BABYMETAL has announced its return to the U.K. next year. The group will headline London SSE Arena Wembley on April 2, 2016. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2.

BABYMETAL has signed with RAL/Sony Music Entertainment for the U.S. release of the band's 2014 critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. The CD features two bonus tracks and was made available digitally on May 12 and physically on June 16.

"Babymetal" was released via earMUSIC in Germany, Sweden, Finland and Spain on May 29, in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland, Poland, Switzerland, Norway and Denmark on June 1, and in Italy on June 2

The European release was made available as the standard edition as well as a deluxe edition that includes a bonus DVD compiling six music videos from BABYMETAL.

Since forming in 2010, BABYMETAL — the young trio of 17-year-old Su-Metal (vocal, dance) and 15-year-olds Yuimetal (scream, dance)and Moametal (scream, dance), backed by a four-piece band packing a heavy metal arsenal — has already achieved two major debut singles — "Ijime, Dame, Zetta!" and "Megistune", both of which ranked in the Top 10 Oricon Chart in Japan. Their first studio album, "Babymetal", also earned the #1 spot on Japan's album chart and Billboard's World Album Chart. The official live music video for their debut album's lead single, "Gimme Chocolate!!", has garnered over 31 million views on YouTube.

2014 saw BABYMETAL headline numerous sold-out shows from New York to London, including the 20,000-capacity Saitama Super Arena in Japan. They performed at major festivals in multiple countries such as the U.K.'s massive Sonisphere in front of 65,000 festival goers and supported Lady Gaga on her "Artrave: The Artpop Ball" tour.

Fan-filmed video footage of legendary hard rock singer Joe Lynn Turner (RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) performing on August 15 in Yalta, a resort town on the Crimea peninsula in Ukraine, can be seen below.

Joe Lynn Turner made headlines last week when it was revealed that he joined a list of Western celebrities who publicly expressed support for and defended Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose image has suffered greatly because of Moscow's aggressive foreign policy.

According to Delfi, the 64-year-old rocker sang Putin's praises during a press conference in Russian-annexed Crimea, where he had three concerts scheduled. Turner also said he might settle down in another country ruled by an authoritarian leader — Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. He said he was considering moving to Belarus "if Lukashenka lets me in."

"I just might apply for citizenship, because I have no — truth be told — I have no love anymore for the United States, really," Joe said (see video below). "I don't like the administrations, I don't like what's going on, I don't like the lies to the people… I don't like anything. It's not the country… my father's country. When there was opportunity, when there was truth — some truth anyway — I think…"

He continued: "You might see this. This is a pin of Putin. [points to his pin] Why? Why? I don't wear this to placate you. The word [placate] means to impress you. I don't. I wear it, because I believe it.

"I've listened to every leader in the world. The only one who's telling the truth is Putin. So I think there's a very good question for me personally, because, as I have said already, there's a house being built in Belarus and perhaps an apartment in Moscow. I'm thinking about it. I have some very, very important friends there who I love very much, and I think I have found a new life and a new home. And that is 'pravda' [Russian word for 'truth']; that is the truth."

Turner is married to Maya Kozyreva, a lawyer from Minsk, the capital of Belarus. "She is my greatest asset in life. She's my angel," he told Guitar World in 2012.

Putin's approval rating is more than 85 percent in Russia, although many believe that that the number is more a result of fear of dissent than actual approval.

Nearly 70 percent of people in the U.S. view Russia unfavorably, according to Newsweek. Meanwhile, only 11 percent of Russians have confidence in President Barack Obama today and 8 percent had confidence in President George W. Bush in 2003.

Russia, which has a flat income tax rate of 13 percent, does not require people to hand in their foreign passports once they acquire a Russian one.

A cover version of THE WHO classic "My Generation" from HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES, the supergroup featuring Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper, can be streamed below.

In 1972, on the Sunset Strip at a club called the Rainbow Bar & Grill, the Hollywood Vampires were born in the upstairs bar. It was a gathering place for the rock stars living in or passing through L.A. "To join the club, one simply had to out drink all of the members," says Alice Cooper, a founding member of the Vampires. "I would walk in on a typical night," Alice says, "and John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, Keith Moon — who would usually be in a costume like a maid or a chauffeur — Bernie Taupin, Jim Morrison and Mickey Dolenz would be there. The next week might be Bernie Taupin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Mickey Dolenz."

Three years ago, Alice and good friend Johnny Depp got together and decided the spirit of the Hollywood Vampires should live again (minus the drinking). An environment for great artists to hang, laugh and play together. The Hollywood Vampires live again with the release of the HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES album. Alice and Johnny were joined by Joe Perry, who is an old friend of both of them, and the recording began: a tribute to the original Hollywood Vampires.

For the next two years, Alice, Joe and Johnny, joined by producer Bob Ezrin and an amazing group of modern day vampires, including Perry Farrell, Dave Grohl, Sir Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Slash, Robbie Krieger, Zak Starkey, Brian Johnson and Kip Winger, recorded tracks by their dead friends and heroes. Also included are two original songs that tell the story of the Vampires, one of which, "Raise The Dead", has an intro by Sir Christopher Lee, recorded just prior to his death.

The album package, an antique book, was created by noted men's fashion designer (and rock fan) John Varvatos in his signature vintage style. Alice and Varvatos, both Detroit natives, have been partners in fashion for several years with Alice lending his classic rock style as a brand ambassador.

A sneak peek at the liner notes, penned by original Hollywood Vampire Bernie Taupin, "I'm not here to defend their vices. Over-indulgence of any sort does not ultimately constitute for a healthy mind and body. And while on the periphery of those involved, wives may have come and gone, career choices may have been deemed dubious, and heartbreak in some cases stalked a dark corridor, but in the lair of the Hollywood Vampires only joy and laughter reigned."

"I'm not completely sure what constituted bad behavior back then, but in this lair it existed in a bubble, a hermetically sealed dome of fun. It may not have been the round table at the Algonquin, but these were witty, intelligent guys who often got raucous and loud, but rest assured there were no bystanders or animals hurt in the making of the Hollywood Vampires."

All artist proceeds will be donated to MusiCares.

"Hollywood Vampires" will be released on September 11.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Last Vampire02. Raise The Dead03. My Generation04. Whole Lotta Love05. I Got A Line06. Five To One/Break On Through07. One/Jump Into The Fire08. Come And Get It09. Jeepster10. Cold Turkey11. Manic Depression 12. Itchycoo Park 13. School's Out/Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 214. Dead Drunk Friends

Pre-order here.

* "The Last Vampire"

Narration: Sir Christopher LeeKeyboards and Sound Design: Johnny Depp, Bob Ezrin and Justin Cortelyou

* "Raise The Dead"

(Johnny Depp, Bruce Witkin, Tommy Henriksen, Alice Cooper, Bob Ezrin, Rob Klonel)Vocals: Alice CooperGuitars: Johnny Depp, Tommy Henriksen, Bruce WitkinDrums: Glenn SobelBass: Bruce WitkinBackground Vocals: Alice Cooper, Tommy Henriksen, Bob Ezrin

* "My Generation"

Vocals: Alice CooperGuitars: Johnny Depp, Tommy HenriksenBass: Bruce Witkin Drums: Zak StarkeyBackground Vocals: Tommy Henriksen,

* "Whole Lotta Love"

Vocals: Brian Johnson, Alice CooperGuitars: Joe Walsh, Johnny Depp, Orianthi, Tommy Henriksen, Bruce WitkinHarmonica: Alice CooperDrums: Zak StarkeyBass: Kip WingerProgramming: Tommy HenriksenBacking Vocals: Alice Cooper, Tommy Henriksen

* "I Got A Line"

Vocals: Alice Cooper, Perry FarrellGuitars: Joe Walsh, Johnny Depp, Tommy Henriksen, Bruce WitkinDrums: Abe Laboriel Jr.Bass: Kip WingerBackground Vocals: Perry Farrell, Tommy Henriksen, Bob Ezrin

* "Five to One/Break On Through"

Vocals: Alice CooperGuitars: Robby Krieger, Johnny Depp, Tommy HenriksenDrums: Abe Laboriel Jr.Farfisa: Charlie JudgeBass: Bruce Witkin

* "One/Jump Into The Fire"

Vocals: Alice Cooper, Perry FarrellGuitars: Robby Krieger, Johnny Depp, Tommy Henriksen, Bruce WitkinDrums: Dave GrohlBass: Bruce WitkinKeyboard: Bob Ezrin, Bruce WitkinProgramming: Tommy Henriksen

* "Come And Get It"

Vocals: Paul McCartney, Alice CooperGuitars: Joe Perry, Johnny DeppPiano: Paul McCartneyDrums: Abe Laboriel Jr.Bass: Paul McCartneyBackground Vocals: Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, Abe Laboriel Jr., Bob Ezrin

* "Jeepster"

Vocals: Alice CooperGuitars: Joe Perry, Johnny Depp, Tommy Henriksen,Drums: Glenn SobelBass: Bruce WitkinProgramming: Tommy HenriksenBackground Vocals: Bob Ezrin

* "Cold Turkey"

Vocals: Alice CooperGuitars: Joe Perry, Johnny Depp, Tommy HenriksenDrums: Glenn SobelBass: Bruce WitkinProgramming: Tommy HenriksenBackground Vocals: Alice Cooper, Tommy Henriksen

* "Manic Depression"

Vocals: Alice CooperGuitars: Joe Walsh, Johnny Depp, Tommy HenriksenDrums: Zak StarkeyBass: Bruce WitkinPiano: Bob Ezrin

* "Itchycoo Park"

Vocals: Alice CooperGuitars: Johnny Depp, Tommy HenriksenDrums: Glenn SobelBass: Bruce WitkinProgramming: Tommy HenriksenBackground Vocals: Alice Cooper, Tommy Henriksen, Bob Ezrin

* "School's Out / Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2"

Vocals: Alice Cooper, Brian JohnsonGuitar: Slash, Joe Perry, Johnny Depp, Tommy Henriksen, Bruce WitkinDrums: Neal SmithBass: Dennis DunawayBackground Vocals: Kip Winger, Bob Ezrin

* "Dead Drunk Friends"

(Johnny Depp, Bruce Witkin, Tommy Henriksen, Alice Cooper, Bob Ezrin)Vocals: Alice CooperGuitars: Johnny Depp, Bruce Witkin, Drums: Glenn SobelProgramming: Tommy HenriksenBass: Bruce WitkinPiano: Bruce Witkin, Bob EzrinBackground Vocals: Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Tommy Henriksen, Bruce Witkin, Bob Ezrin

Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash recently confirmed that he has reconnected with the band’s lead singer Axl Rose. Slash was making a special appearance on August 21 for a launch event for the Marshall London phone in Sweden and Aftonbladet TV commented that they heard him and Rose were friends again. Slash responded by saying, “"It was probably way overdue, you know. But it's…. you know, it's very cool at this point. You know, let some of that, sort of, negative… dispel some of that negative stuff that was going on for so long."

A first rumor has now popped up about a potential reunion show from James Young, the owner of Melbourne’s rock and roll Cherry Bar and it was revealed before Slash confirmed he had made up with Axl Rose.

Young told Triple M Radio: “I heard the most amazing rumor this week, from a very well informed heavy hitter in the Australian music industry, giving me the name of the headline act for Soundwave next year. Now we know that a mystery band has come in and saved the festival, and now owns it, so they are going to have a big say. So what mega band could it be? Well I have heard ‘fantasized’ on Wednesday night that it will be: Steven Adler, Izzy Stradlin, Duff McKagen, Slash and Axl Rose, the reformation of the original 1987 Appetite for Destruction Guns N’ Roses lineup, can you believe it? It’s incredible; I’ve had sleepless nights fantasizing about it.”

"Fallen", the new album from STRYPER, will be released worldwide on Friday, October 16 via Frontiers. The CD was tracked at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts and will include a cover version of the BLACK SABBATH classic "After Forever".

A guitar-tutorial video for the "Fallen" title track — courtesy of STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet — can be seen below. He says about the song: "'Fallen' is about Lucifer before he became Satan. It's the story of how he got kicked out of Heaven. He tried to overthrow God and take over. The song talks about how beautiful he was. When he walked, there was music. He was the angel of worship and this incredibly powerful and beautiful being."

"Fallen" track listing:

01. Yahweh02. Fallen03. Pride04. Big Screen Lies05. Heaven06. Love You Like I Do07. All Over Again08. After Forever (BLACK SABBATH cover)09. Till I Get What I Need10. Let There Be Light11. The Calling12. King Of Kings

"Yahweh" was co-written by SEVENDUST guitarist Clint Lowery.

The cover artwork for "Fallen", which can be seen below, was designed by Stanis Decker, who worked with STRYPER on 2013's "No More Hell To Pay". STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet says: "We sent Stanis the concept about Lucifer being cast out of heaven and he sent us this amazing illustration, capturing the original idea perfectly."

Sweet recently stated about the musical direction of "Fallen": "It's gonna be… I don't wanna scare any fans away or anything, but it's gonna be the heaviest album we've done. Not in the sense that it's gonna be thrash metal or anything like that. It's definitely got a little bit of a darker vibe to it lyrically and musically. Some of the songs are tuned down — not like the modern Drop B stuff; I'm talking like the E dropped to D, 'Unchained' VAN HALEN kind of stuff. And it's just got a heavy sound to it. And I think when people hear it, in a good way, they're gonna go, 'That's STRYPER? What?' I think they're gonna be shocked."

He added: "The album was written and arranged very quickly (9-10 days, actually). This by no means reflects on the quality of the album. It's some of our best material to date and so far those who have heard it have said the very same. Chris Jericho [FOZZY singer and WWE wrestling superstar] texted me and said that 'Yahweh' may be the best song since reuniting.

"There are songs on this album that coincide with sitting down and reading the bible.

"The music is heavy and the lyrics are bold and powerful, some taken right from scriptures.

"Sonically, I think this is our best-sounding album to date! Everything is crystal clear. The highs are crisp and the lows are tight and punchy."

Video footage of NILE drummer George Kollias rehearsing some of the tracks from the band's new album, "What Should Not Be Unearthed", can be seen below.

"What Should Not Be Unearthed" will be released on August 28 via Nuclear Blast. Produced by NILE and mixed by Neil Kernon, the CD's artwork was handled this time by Michal "Xaay" Loranc and can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Echoes And Dust, NILE mastermind Karl Sanders stated about the follow-up to 2012's "At The Gates Of Sethu": "After 'Sethu', I did not feel like doing another album album like that again. During that time, there were a lot of mental insanities going on, and some aspects of that record we thought could have been better. This time around, I wanted to do a record for the fans. On some levels, 'Sethu' was us responding to the yearning and drive to become more technical and more progressive and use super-clean tones, to focus on the musicianship. We wanted to deliver a record in which nobody could possibly in any way question our musicianship. While it was something of a statement for us, that approach doesn't necessarily make for a fun record to listen to. In retrospect, when you make an album like that, you take the listener out of the equation and I don't feel we should do that to our fans. They deserve better. Having that said, 'Sethu' was an important stepping stone from getting to the point where we are right now as a band."

Regarding the fact that "What Should Not Be Unearthed" was recorded at NILE's own recording facility, Sanders said: "When you work from home, you can decide on your own hours. You can decide to move a microphone stand a hundred times around if you like, because you're not paying by the hour. You can just focus on the music and not watch the clock. That's the biggest benefit of having your own studio."

He continued :" Dallas [Toler-Wade, guitarist] and I sat beside [producer] Neil Kernon for like four records and you can't possibly get away with at least learning something from a recording genius like him. This was the chance for us to try to implement some of the lessons we've learned. It turned out to be the most fun time Dallas and I had making a record."

Sanders added: "Making a NILE record has always been such a stressful and difficult experience in the past. Recording 'Amongst The Catacombs' was actually a nice experience because we've been playing those songs for years before they were ever recorded. It was a whole new experience and we were drunk with creative power at the time. Every successive record after that the pressure grew and grew. This time around we had a lot of fun and you can hear that back in the tracks."

"What Should Not Be Unearthed" track listing:

01. Call To Destruction02. Negating The Abominable Coils Of Apep03. Liber Stellae Rubeae04. In The Name Of Amun05. What Should Not Be Unearthed06. Evil To Cast Out Evil07. Age Of Famine08. Ushabti Reanimator09. Rape Of The Black Earth10. To Walk Forth From Flames Unscathed

Anatomy Of I, the band featuring bassist Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, ex-Death) and drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork, Scarve), has released a video for “In Memoriam”, an exclusive bonus track on their 2015 re-release through Punishment 18 records.

 

 

The new release was available on May 25th via Punishment 18 Records. It contains bonus tracks consisting of two remixed and remastered songs and one exclusive new song.

Anatomy Of I mastermind Michael Dorrian recently hit Final Focus Studio with engineer extraordinaire Yuma van Eekelen (Exivious, ex-Pestilence) manning the helm, to re-record rhythm guitars for the bonus tracks. Two play-through tracks from the session can be seen below.

“Organic Machine”:

“Dimensions”:

 

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:

 

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.

 



 

 

Raped In The Face Records has announced the release of the second full-length album of Dutch death metal band I Chaos (featuring members of Dew-Scented). Masterbleeder will be released on September 25.

Masterbleeder is a concept album dealing with a lost soul entering the treacherous world of psychiatry and pharmacy and learning about the daily oppression and mental incarceration of millions of people.

Masterbleeder tracklisting:

“Waking Hell”
“Ills Of Flesh”
“Instrument Of Tyranny”
“Fallen Race”
“Blinding Race”
“Sublimation”
“Above All That Bleeds”
“Glorious Defeat”
“Bled Empty”
“Ending Of A Lie”

Trailer featuring short preview of “Glorious Defeat”:

Horror Pain Gore Death Productions have released the intense debut album from Luxembourg's doom metal/sludge masters Plaguewielder entitled Chambers Of Death on CD and digital formats. Stream the entire album for free and then purchase the digital download for $6.66 at Bandcamp.

Below is the official description:

“Horror Pain Gore Death Productions presents the debut album from Plaguewielder entitled Chambers Of Death. The only active doom/sludge metal band from Luxembourg, Plaguewielder incorporate a wide range of atmospheric sounds from epic doom to death/doom, funeral doom, stoner doom, dark ambient, sludge and drone, while also including elements of black, death, post, and avant-garde metal. Chambers Of Death features five intense tracks totaling 47+ minutes of original, twisted, droning and hypnotic metal loaded with dread and anxiety. Spine-chilling vocals accompany the monolithic guitar riffs and brooding synths that drag you down into abysmal desperation, while atmospheric landscapes engulf you with velvet bass lines and soaring delayed guitars as you enter the theatre of madness. The hypnotizing melodies take you on a journey into the depths of the human condition before your ultimate descent into the grave.”

Chambers Of Death tracklisting:

“Existence Is Our Exile”
“Drowned”
“Casket Of Dying Flesh”
“Father Suicide”
“The Funeral March”

“Drowned”:

Video “Father Suicide”:

Order the album for $10 with free shipping at HorrorPainGoreDeath.com 

"Hello I Must Be Going", the new video from HURTSMILE, the band led by the third VAN HALEN frontman, Gary Cherone (also of EXTREME), who took over when Sammy Hagar left the group (or was fired, depending on whom you ask) in 1996, can be seen below. The song is taken from HURTSMILE's sophomore album, "Retrogrenade", which was released last October in North America via Cherone's own Slipkid Records. Following up on the band's acclaimed self-titled debut in 2011, the fan-funded "Retrogrenade" pays homage to almost every genre Cherone has excelled at in the past. Inspired by the classic rock records they grew up on, "Retrogrenade" is the collective effort of HURTSMILE flexing their musical muscle.

"Hello I Must Be Going" is inspired by a Marx Brothers song sung by Groucho Marx from the 1930 classic film "Animal Crackers". Cherone said abou the clip: "I can't remember the last time I had this much fun making a video. We didn't take ourselves too seriously, it almost turned into a blooper reel... I think it captures the spirit of the song."

Gary Cherone's career is rooted in classic rock, but his innate diversity and broad influences have created unexpected detours and surprises. EXTREME is the formidable genesis of Cherone's career; its "funky metal" roots and ubiquitous #1 smash hit "More Than Words" introduced Cherone to the mainstream, but it was EXTREME's captivating performance at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert that finally put him on the world stage. A few years later, Cherone would be asked to join the legendary VAN HALEN and co-write their "VH3" album with the band and tour the world once again. In 2011, Gary teamed up with his brother Mark Cherone (FLESH, SUPERZERO), Joe Pessia (TANTRIC, DRAMAGODS) and Dana Spellman to record the self-titled debut, "Hurtsmile", a musically aggressive sucker punch to the face featuring Cherone's most provocative lyrics to date.

HURTSMILE's music is chock-full of swaggering guitars, soaring vocals and trademark eclecticism, with the Boston Globe declaring the quartet, "hard-hitting."

HURTSMILE is Gary Cherone (vocals), Mark Cherone (guitar), Joe Pessia (bass, mandolin) and Dana Spellman (drums, percussion). "Retrogrenade" track listing: 01. Rock N' Roll Cliche02. Hello, I Must Be Going03. Big Government04. I Still Do05. Sing A Song (My Mia) 06. Anymore (Don't Want My Love)07. Where Do We Go From Here08. A Melody For You09. Wonder What10. Walk Away11. Goodbye12. Pump It Up

Joel Hoekstra will release "Dying To Live", the new melodic hard rock studio album from his electrifying new side project JOEL HOEKSTRA'S 13, on October 16 via Frontiers Srl. The currrent guitarist for WHITESNAKE, Hoekstra is best known for his work with NIGHT RANGER, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA and the show "Rock Of Ages".

Audio samples of all the tracks that are set to appear on "Dying To Live" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

The official llyric video for the song "Anymore", taken from "Dying To Live", can be streamed below. The track features a guest appearance by SYMPHONY X and ADRENALINE MOB singer Russell Allen. "Dying To Live" features an all-star cast of rockers, including Russell Allen (vocals), Jeff Scott Soto (vocals), Tony Franklin (bass), Vinny Appice (drums), and Derek Sherinian (keyboards). Hoekstra took charge of the creative process by handling the production, songwriting and arranging (music and lyrics). The end result could best be described as hard, melodic, classic rock that is DIO-ish at its heaviest and FOREIGNER-ish at its lightest. "Years ago, I released three solo albums that were mainly instrumental guitar music. I wanted to put something out that showcased my production, writing and playing in the genre that I'm known for, which is melodic, hard rock," explains Hoekstra. "That's when I decided to start what I consider to be my rock side project, JOEL HOEKSTRA'S 13."

"Dying To Live" focuses on struggles, potential pitfalls and the art of overcoming obstacles in life to finally arrive where we are meant to be. The CD was conceived before Hoekstra joined WHITESNAKE, whose lead singer, David Coverdale, gave the album his full blessing.

"David wants his players to spread their wings and fly, and, of course, be ready to rock when WHITESNAKE needs them, which obviously won't be an issue," says Hoekstra. Excited how the new album turned out, Hoekstra is looking forward to the overall reaction from fans and media. "I hope everyone will give it a listen," he says. "I feel it showcases my production, writing and playing in essentially the same genre. The lineup of musicians is stellar! I want to thank everyone for any support in advance. Life is good!" "Dying To Live" track listing: 01. Say Goodbye To The Sun02. Anymore03. Until I Left You04. Long For The Days05. Scream06. Never Say Never07. Changes08. The Only Way To Go09. Dying To Live10. Start Again11. What We Believe12. Kill or Be Killed (bonus track digital download)

An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for the album is available below. The musicians:

* Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE) - Guitar, Backing Vocals* Jeff Scott Soto (JOURNEY, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) - Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals* Russell Allen (ADRENALINE MOB, SYMPHONY X) - Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals* Vinny Appice (Black SABBATH, DIO) - Drums* Tony Franklin (THE FIRM, BLUE MURDER) - Bass Special Guest Musicians:

* Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION) - Keyboards* Chloe Lowery (TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA) - Vocals* Toby Hitchcock (PRIDE OF LIONS) - Additional Backing Vocals* Charlie Zeleny (JOE LYNN TURNER) - Percussion* Dave Eggar (AMY LEE, COLDPLAY) – Cello

NEW YEARS DAY will release its third full-length studio album, titled "Malevolence", on October 2 via Another Century Records.

The news comes on the heels of what's been a monstrously significant year for the band, which saw them play this year's Van Warped Tour, as well as frontwoman Ash Costello hosting the Alternative Press Music Awards red carpet and taking an active role as a spokesperson for PETA. "Malevolence" was produced by Erik Ron (THE WORD ALIVE, MOTIONLESS IN WHITE) and is the band's first release on Another Century Records.

Costello states: "'Malevolence' is the most personal album we have ever written to date. More than ever you can really feel the blood and tears in these lyrics. It wasn't an easy process because it was so emotional but what came from it is honest and real. It's therapeutic and angry but still shows vulnerability.

"Our producer Erik Ron will always start an album by asking me: 'What are you feeling right now?' to which I replied: 'Pissed off.' I think anyone that has suffered through loss, betrayal, insecurity and abandonment will absolutely relate to it. For me, it felt so good to get everything I had been bottling up out and hopefully it helps others in the process."

"Malevolence" track listing:

01. Kill or Be Killed02. I'm About to Break You03. Alone04. Left Inside05. Relentless06. Save Myself from Me07. Suffer08. Anthem of the Unwanted09. Scream10. Your Ghost11. Defame Me12. Malevolence Check out the new lyric video for the album track "Relentless" below.

In support of the release, NEW YEARS DAY will embark on a support tour for MOTIONLESS IN WHITE in the U.K. this November/December.

"Until The End", a brand new song from California rock mavens BURN HALO, who feature in their ranks ex-EIGHTEEN VISIONS singer James Hart, can be streamed below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "Wolves Of War", which will be released on September 4 via eOne Music. The follow-up to 2011's "Up From The Ashes" was produced, engineered and mixed by Fred Archambault (AVENGED SEVENFOLD).

Says Hart: "With this track, we wanted to write a song that blended our previous work with what we are doing now. We feel the song helps bridge the gap for our fans from album to album."

According to a press release, "Wolves Of War", which is the first BURN HALO album through the California band’s new deal with eOne Music, "burns with a fire akin to the brutal-but-melodic juxtaposition of New Wave Of American Heavy Metal standard-bearers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, the neo-GUNS N' ROSES attack of AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and the dark ambience of HIM. Fans who adored BURN HALO singles like 'Save Me' and 'Tear it Down' will fall in love with BURN HALO all over again, even as longtime EIGHTEEN VISIONS acolytes will delight in their throwback power."

"Wolves Of War" track listing:

01. Wolves Of War02. Don't Think You Know03. Fuck You04. Out Of Faith05. Dying Without You06. Home07. Novocaine08. Enemy Inside09. Will To Live10. Until The End11. You Are The Damned

RockPages.gr has issued an interview with metal mastermind Dan Swanö (Edge Of Sanity, Bloodbath, Nightingale) where he talks about his career and his love for AOR bands like Toto, Giant and Styx. In the following excerpt, he discusses the future of the music business:

“ I think it’s the survival of the fittest. The whole recording part will be something that you do, but playing live would be more important if you want to make a living from music. But, a person like me who makes his living from producing other people’s music… I will be a recording artist till the day I die, but I don’t think I will be a live artist.

“For me, my safety and my comfort zone is in the studio and not on stage. But, some really have to get it. They might have to record the albums themselves, and then go on long tours if they want to be musicians that make their living from the selling of their t-shirts. This will take us back before it all happened… the labels will be very selective about what to release and taking any risks investing money. So, I think that it’s kind of a retribution in a way to the way we humans treated the whole music industry with the development of the CD which could be copied and the invention of the internet. It’s all very “anti” recording.

“Books also take a shot from e-books, and the download of e-books. You don’t know what they will destroy next… magazines are suffering from .pdf’s read it on you iPad kind of shit and again when you want good music you might get even if the band has no record deal, but they are really good live. You see a clip from YouTube on your mobile or whatever, you see them live, buy the t-shirt and they can even print their own vinyl… I think that this is the future. Only the strong will survive…”

Read the full interview at RockPages.gr.

MOTÖRHEAD's cover version of THE ROLLING STONES classic "Sympathy For The Devil" can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below. The song is taken from MOTÖRHEAD's much-anticipated 22nd studio album, "Bad Magic", which will be released on August 28. Bristling with thunderous attitude, pioneering spirit and some of the fiercest rhythms and riffs that'll beat your ears into submission this year, "Bad Magic" is a massive kick in the teeth for anyone who dared believe it might be otherwise. Indeed, if those people still remain, they would do well to grab some big fat earplugs, fall to their knees and pray like buggery, because big-rig head crushers like "Thunder & Lightning" and the especially l-o-u-d "Teach 'Em How To Bleed" show that MOTÖRHEAD are as strong, mean, loud, relentless, uncompromising and goddam heavy as ever. Drawing on their own vast catalogue of road-warrior freewheeling rock'n'roll spirit, "Bad Magic" also strides confidently into some of the earlier attitudes of Motörmusic. Written and recorded in the studio together, for the first time in the Kilmister/Campbell/Dee era, the more "live" approach to creating "Bad Magic" has obviously paid dividends in this regard. There is the driving malevolence of "Choking On Your Screams", with Lemmy in magnificently omnipotent vocal mood, "Electricity" carries a hefty chunk of punk attitude married with some of Phil Campbell's best lead work in years, while "Shoot Out All Of Your Lights" is all devilish, greasy biker-borne-screw-you-and yours, Mikkey Dee's tribal drums pounding out a great path for more Kilmister proclamations. The boys even enjoyed a guest appearance from QUEEN's Brian May on "The Devil", adding a scintillating solo on this thunderous Motörstomper. Produced at NRG Studios with long-time producer Cameron Webb, "Bad Magic" came together after a couple of years which saw MOTÖRHEAD enjoy their most successful international era in over two decades off the back of their last release "Aftershock". Lemmy also finally decided to face the fact he is flesh, blood and mortal like all of us, adjusting his lifestyle to kick the ass of health issues and re-emerging stronger, leaner and meaner than ever. His own personal performances on "Bad Magic" rank as some of the most wide-ranging and unique he has delivered in years, and on the ballad "Until The End", Lemmy opens up with equal levels explanation and intent on the simple but important matters which life conjures for us all.

"Bad Magic" track listing: 01. Victory Or Die02. Thunder & Lightning03. Fire Storm Hotel04. Shoot Out All Of Your Lights05. The Devil06. Electricity07. Evil Eye08. Teach Them How To Bleed09. Till The End10. Tell Me Who To Kill11. Choking On Your Screams12. When The Sky Comes Looking For You13. Sympathy For The Devil (THE ROLLING STONES cover)

MOTÖRHEAD has kicked off a North American tour, which ends with the now-legendary Motörboat cruise between September 28 and October 2 from Miami, Florida to Nassau in the Bahamas, also featuring SLAYER and ANTHRAX among a bumper lineup of bands. And MOTÖRHEAD's 40th-anniversary European winter tour will start on November 15 at Le Zenith in Paris, ending on December 6 at the Hartwell Arena in Helsinki, Finland.

The official lyric video for the song "Regenerate" from Angeles cyber metallers FEAR FACTORY can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's new album, "Genexus", which 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).

"Genexus" first-week chart positions:

Ireland: #7Australia: #15Germany: #17Switzerland: #18Austria: #25Finland: #25UK: #31Netherlands: #34Belgium: #35Canada: #36USA: #37Czech Republic: #42France: #55

"The word 'genexus' is a hybrid of two words: 'genesis' and 'nexus,'" explained Burton C. Bell. "This word describes the next transition in human evolution as man moves forward to a 'mechanical' state of being. Ray Kurzweil predicts that the singularity will occur around 2045. 'Genexus' is the term for that next evolutionary process. Where humans are machines, machines are human, and the differences are oblivious to the naked eye."

He continued: "This album is a record of thought patterns, psychology and struggles of the Genexus generation. The cognitive machine has arrived, and it wants autonomy from the industry that created it. This machine struggles, like every other human has throughout the course of history. This is the story of every one of us."

"Genexus" track listing:

01. Autonomous Combat System02. Anodized03. Dielectric04. Soul Hacker05. Protomech06. Genexus07. Church Of Execution08. Regenerate09. Battle For Utopia10. Expiration Date

Limited digipak bonus tracks:

11. Mandatory Sacrifice (Genexus Remix)12. Enhanced Reality

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.

Cazares previously stated about he making of "Genexus": "We really feel this is a very special FEAR FACTORY album. While being careful not to replicate ourselves, this album still has a very classic FEAR FACTORY vibe that we feel will appease both old and new fans. The aggressive, melodic and industrial elements are all intact and shine more than ever.'

Speaking about what FEAR FACTORY was trying to accomplish with its new album, the band's first since signing with Nuclear Blast, Cazares said: "It's still just to be who we are. We are 'cyber metal,' whatever you wanna call it, but it's still a lot of the killer riffs, killer double bass, Burt's beautiful, melodic vocals. Conceptually, it's always still futuristic, man-versus-machine type of thing, but, you know, we thought we're gonna keep it real, keep it what we are and who we are."

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).

FEAR FACTORY U.S. tour dates:

Aug. 25 - Lubbock, TX - Jakes Aug. 27 - Corpus Christ, TX - House of Rock Aug. 28 - Houston, TX - Scout BarAug. 29 - Pensacola, FL - VinylAug. 30 - Ft Lauderdale - Culture RoomSep. 01 - St Pete - The State Sep. 02 - Orlando, FL - Venue 578 Sep. 04 - Atlanta GA - Masquerade Sep. 05 - Wilmington, NC - Ziggy’s Sep. 06 - Greensboro, NC - Greene StreetSep. 08 - Little Rock, AR - Juanita's Sep. 09 - Clarksville, TN - Warehouse Live Sep. 11 - Louisville, KY - Trixie's Sep. 12 - Battlecreek, MI - The Music FactorySep. 13 - Bloomington, IL - Castle TheaterSep. 15 - Oklahoma City, OK - Farmers MarketSep. 16 - Gallup, NM - The Juggernaut Music

Photo credit: Stephanie Cabral

English musician, singer and guitarist Billy Morrison has confirmed Friday, October 23 as the release date for his new (and second) solo album, "God Shaped Hole", to be released on his own King Mob Music label.

Morrison — who currently plays guitar in Billy Idol's band and co-wrote songs on Idol's latest album — is joined by Idol bandmates Steve Stevens and Erik Eldenius, JANE'S ADDICTION's Dave Navarro and rock legend Ozzy Osbourne (lead vocals on "Gods", a Morrison/Osbourne co-write) for the new album. "God Shaped Hole" — co-produced by Morrisson and Erik Eldenius — was mixed by Mike Clink (who produced GUNS N' ROSES' landmark debut album, "Appetite For Destruction") and John Spiker. "Initially the plan was simply to record an EP of covers, but as with everything, the plan grew," Morrison explains. "I had a song I had written with Steve Stevens that I wanted to sing on, so that got thrown into the pot. Erik [Eldenius] threw some ideas at me, and we started to record originals as well. My two best guitar mates from the two bands I'm in, Dave Navarro (ROYAL MACHINES and previously with CAMP FREDDY) and Steve Stevens, also both appear on the record, quite simply because they are awesome friends and did it without question, they showed up, did their thing, and supported me. And then I got a text from Ozzy, wondering where I had disappeared to... I told him I had decided to record a solo album, and the next text back from him was, 'Well, I wanna sing a song on your record!'" Morrison explains the inspiration behind "God Shaped Hole" which features 10 tracks — five originals and five cover songs (track listing below). "The five original songs were written with the spirit of independence that was so important at one time in music, and the complete autonomy and freedom that comes with a project like this," he says. "The covers are not huge hits, and most are by bands that never received the recognition they deserved. This record comes from a place inside me — thanking and paying respect to bands and songs that truly made me want to play, to perform and to do it my way." Beyond his commitment to music, Morrison is an accomplished artist who has been featured at the Branded Arts exhibition at Mann's Chinese Theater, in the 2015 LA Art Show and at The Village Studios. His new exhibition DIS-EASE — a gallery of the rocker's original collection of fine art — will debut Wednesday, September 2 at Mouche Gallery in Beverly Hills, California. A large-scale piece of the "God Shaped Hole" will be on display at the show. "The 'God Shaped Hole' artwork is all original acrylic on canvas pieces, painted by me in the same independent spirit as the music was recorded," says Morrison. "I have found painting to be extremely valuable in my life — a creative outlet that no one else is involved with — no managers, agents, band mates or unwarranted opinions! I have collected art for years and loved pop art since I first heard the VELVET UNDERGROUND sing about drugs and transvestites when I was 12 years old. From there I learned about Andy Warhol, fell in love with graffiti, followed the early career of Banksy, became close friends with Shepard Fairey and eventually picked up a paintbrush last year. My paintings are just images I love, and the fact that other people like them, buy them, appreciate them, that is all 100% bonus for me. The process when I get it right is as satisfying as writing a great song. Marrying the music and art together in this package seemed the obvious thing for me to do." "God Shaped Hole" will be available via iTunes and Amazon for $9.99, with individual tracks available for 99 cents, with the exception of "Gods", which is only available as an album track. A Friday, October 16 pre-order ($8.99) of the album will include two Instant Gratification tracks, "Baby Hurricane" and "Alone In A Crowd", when the album is pre-ordered. In addition, a limited number of "Art Packs" will be available Friday, October 9 for pre-order here. This exclusive hard copy physical CD (numbered and signed) includes a fine art 18" x 24" lithograph print of the album cover (numbered and signed), handwritten lyric sheets, glossy (signed) photograph and set of four Billy Morrison guitar picks.) "Art Packs" are available at $175 + shipping and will be shipped on within two weeks of purchase.

"God Shaped Hole" track listing: 01. Goodbye Jimmy Dean (BOYS WONDER)02. Baby Hurricane (FLESH FOR LULU)03. Cinnamon Gin04. Alone In A Crowd05. Housewife (WASTED YOUTH, UK)06. Hold It Down (SENSELESS THINGS)07. Methadonia08. You Are In My Vision (Gary Numan and TUBEWAY ARMY)09. Ordinary Girl10. Gods

This fall, Profound Lore Records will unveil the sophomore full-length from psychedelic thrash unit, Vhöl. Titled Deeper Than Sky, the record finds the band - vocalist Mike Scheidt (Yob), guitarist John Cobbett (Hammers Of Misfortune, ex-Ludicra), bassist Sigrid Sheie (Hammers Of Misfortune, ex-Amber Asylum) and drummer Aesop Dekker (Agalloch, Worm Ouroboros, ex-Ludicra) - at their most absorbing.

The seven-track follow up to 2013's self-titled debut was captured at Light Rail Studios and mastered at Trakworx Studio, both in San Francisco, and boasts the cosmic cover creation of Brandon Duncan which unites some of Cobbett's sketches and concepts with Duncan's original art, the results of which accurately encapsulate the mind-altering vibe of the music contained within.

"We recorded this album at Light Rail Studios, in a huge room on a beautiful 1970 Trident console onto Jerry Garcia's 2" tape deck. One cannot escape the Grateful Dead in San Francisco recording studios - their gear is all over town," elaborates the band of the recording process. "The mixing was rather primitive with no plug-ins and all effects were done by old pedals, tape echo, and large reverb plates. Another thing that was large and huge during recording was our bass player who was eight-and-a-half months pregnant at the time."

Deeper Than Sky tracklisting:

“The Desolate Damned”
“3AM”
“Deeper Than Sky”
“Paino”
“Red Chaos”
“Lightless Sun”
“The Tomb”
 
Vhöl was forged from the ashes of Pentagram cover band, Parallelogram, which featured Mr. Hate of Noothgrush on vocals, Cobbett on guitar, Sheie on bass, and Dekker on drums. They disbanded when the real Pentagram arose from the grave. Finding themselves unable to keep the tempos under control anyway, they took to thrash and started penning originals. Eventually, Scheidt came on board to take over vocals. When their self-titled debut album was released in 2013, the effort was a surprise to many who didn't expect what Vhöl would initially sound like from their pedigree alone.

With Deeper Than Sky, Vhöl picks up from their debut crafting something totally next level, pushing their already-singular sound to the outer-realms of sonic exploration within the paradigm of old school speed metal. Vhöl’s Deeper Than Sky will be released via Profound Lore on October 23rd, with pre-orders and teaser tracks to be revealed in the weeks to come.

 

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star has released Lullaby Versions Of Bon Jovi via Roma Music Group. “Livin’ On A Prayer” can be heard streaming below.

Tracklisting:

“Bed Of Roses”
“Wanted Dead Or Alive”
“Always”
“Livin’ On A Prayer”
“You Give Love a Bad Name”
“It’s My Life”

Sweden’s Dead Lord released their new album, Heads Held High, via Century Media Records on August 21st. A full album stream can be found below

Heads Held High is released in the following formats:

1. Limited CD Digipak (matte cardboard, bonus track, logo patch)
2. Standard CD
3. Deluxe LP (180 g vinyl, inside-out print, inlay, double-sided poster)
4. Digital download / stream

Here is the colour split of the LP version:

Orange vinyl: 100 copies (exclusively available at CM Distro Europe)
Red vinyl: 100 copies (exclusively available at CM Distro US)
Clear vinyl: 200 copies (exclusively available at High Roller Records)
Black vinyl: unlimited

The album’s artwork was created by Pol Abran / Branca Studio and can be seen below.

Heads Held High tracklisting:

“Farewell”
“Ruins”
“Mindless”
“No Regrets”
“Cold Hearted Madness”
“Strained Fools”
“When History Repeats Itself”
“The Bold Move”
“Don't Give A Damn”
“With Heads Held High”
“Burnin' For You” *

* Cover of Blue Öyster Cult classic, only available on limited Digipak version

Album stream:

“When History Repeats Itself” video:

Dead Lord have announced a special hometown release performance for Heads Held High, to take place on Saturday, August 29th at Geronimo’s FGT in Stockholm, Sweden with FREE ADMISSION. More details here.

Right in time for the release of the album, Dead Lord will conquer European stages together with Audrey Horne and Dead City Ruins. Dates can be found on the flyer below.

Dead Lord lineup:

Hakim Krim - Guitar and vocals
Olle Hedenström - Guitar
Martin Nordin - Bass
Adam Lindmark - Drums

A Bone Case For Papery Skin, the second album by the Danish experimental act Picture Ann, was released on CD by 9th Meridian Records on August 19th. The album is streaming in its entirety below.

The album is the second full-length assault following the 2010 debut album, Blaspheme 2009, and contains eight haunting and strangely unsettling songs of a lo-fi nature that will flush your day right down the toilet. The CD version contains a 12-minute bonus track entitled "Hjemkomst" that will drag all you moody suckers out there through the mental mud.

A Bone Case for Papery Skin tracklisting:

“Sanguinary Light”
“Last Ditch Believers”
“Rituals Of Decay”
“Shore Sermons”
“Ugly Siren”
“The Devastating Loneliness of Dante”
“The Surrender Of Four”
“Missings And Captures”
“Hjemkomst” (CD bonus track)

Album stream:

A Bone Case for Papery Skin by PICTURE ANN
 
The burden that is Picture Ann was conceived in 2009 by J.N. and is primarily inspired by raw black metal, lo-fi ambient, and the dark romantic writings of old ala Edgar Allan Poe.

American black metal legion, Abigail Williams, will release their first new full-length in three years via Candlelight Records on October 30th. Titled The Accuser and now featuring the punishing lineup of founding vocalist/guitarist Ken Sorceron (ex-Lord Mantis), guitarist Jeff Wilson (Wolvhammer, Chrome Waves, Doomsday, La Chant Funebre), and drummer Charlie Fell (Cobalt, ex-Lord Mantis, ex-Avichi) with recording bassist Will Lindsay (Indian, Lord Mantis, Anatomy Of Habit), the diseased offering was recorded, mixed and mastered in just five days by Sorceron at the band's home studio in Olympia, Washington, boasts a guest appearance by Neill Jameson (Krieg, Twilight) and includes the tripnotic cover renderings of Portland-based illustrator/tattoo artist, Stevie Floyd (Dark Castle, Taurus).
 
Corrosive and grim, Abigail Williams' The Accuser will quickly be viewed as the band's best effort since their genesis in Los Angeles in 2004. The eight hymns comprising The Accuser are bleak, dark, and infinitely engrossing.

 "It took three years to make this because I'm an indecisive bastard and I didn't want to make the same record again," confides Sorceron of the lengthy gap between full-lengths. "It felt unnatural to try and reproduce what I did on [2012's] Becoming," he continues, "which, up to that point I felt was our strongest album. So once again we are covering new ground with this release. The songs are the most personal to date with the themes mostly being about living shitty, addictions, sex, loss and failure all through the eyes of a nihilistic occultist shithead."

The Accuser tracklisting:

“Path Of Broken Glass”
“The Cold Lines”
“Of The Outer Darkness”
“Will, Wish And Desire”
“Godhead”
“Forever Kingdom Of Dirt”
“Lost Communion”
“Nuummite”

Abigail Williams has announced a fall tour with Today Is The Day. Set to begin September 11th at Metro Bar in Salt Lake City, the tour will visit 30 cities before it concludes October 16th in San Francisco.  Vocalist/guitarist Sorceron recently noted, "after a year off from touring, we are looking forward to getting in the van again”

Tour dates with Today Is The Day:

September
11 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Bar
12 - Denver, CO - Roxy Theater
13 - St. Louis, MO - Fubar
15 - Columbia, MO - The Social Room
16 - Milwaukee, WI - Hideout Bar
17 - Chicago, IL - Red Line Tap
18 - Detroit, MI - The Pike Room
19 - Toledo, OH - Iggy’s
20 - Lakewood, OH - The Foundry
22 - Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
23 - Toronto, ON - Hard Luck
24 - Ottawa, QC - Maverick’s
26 - Long Branch, NJ - Brighton Bar
27 - Brooklyn, NY - Bowery Electric
28 - Baltimore, MD - Club Orpheus
30 - Raleigh, NC - Southland Ballroom

October
1 - Spartanburg, SC - Ground Zero
2 - Tampa, FL - Epic Problem
3 - Margate, FL - O’Malley’s
4 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade
5 - Pensacola, FL - Handlebar
7 - San Antonio, TX - Korova
8 - Ft. Worth, TX - Rail Club
9 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog Bar
10 - Abilene, TX - Rose Park Activity Bldg.
11 - Albuquerque, NM - Blu Phoenix Venue
13 - Phoenix, AZ - Joe’s Grotto
14 - W. Hollywood, CA - The Whiskey
15 - Las Vegas, NV - Dive Bar
16 - San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge