No true Relapse celebration would be complete without a contribution from Pig Destroyer, the VA-based grindcore monarchs that have been hailed as revolutionaries by publications the world over.

The band’s landmark 2001 Relapse debut Prowler In The Yard will get the super-deluxe reissue treatment this September as another portion of Relapse’s 25th anniversary festivities.

Fully remixed and remastered by guitarist/engineer Scott Hull, the reissue will be available as a 2CD set, LP and digital download. All of the editions will include a never-before-heard bonus track from the original Prowler sessions, expanded artwork, exclusive photos and new liner notes.

The 2 CD set is strictly limited to 2000 copies and includes the original version of the album as well. A remixed/remastered version of "Scatology Homework" can be streamed below:

Trailer:

Pre-order here.

Legendary British crossover/thrash/punk pioneers Cerebral Fix will be entering Framework Studios in Birmingham on August 1st to record the band's fifth studio album to date, the first one in 23 years after their album Death Erotica in 1992.

Penned for an October/November 2015 release through Xtreem Music with a working title of Disaster Of Reality, the new album will feature new singer Al Osta (Ravens Creed) and the return of Steve Watson on bass, also from Ravens Creed, who already played in Cerebral Fix from '87-'89, together with Andy Baker (ex-Sacrilege, Varukers, Warwound) on drums along with original members Tony Warburton and Gregg Fellows on guitars. This means the old lineup that recorded their classic debut album Life Sucks... ('88) except former vocalist Simon Forrest who left the band in late 2014.

The album release will coincide with the band's appearance at Birmingham's FeatFest show in October 2015. As soon as recordings are finished and artwork is ready, we'll reveal both as well as settle a release date for the album, so stay tuned.

 

Slaves not only to the sword, but the road as well, the Los Angeles-based metal act Exmortus refuses to rest, as they've just announced a fall tour in support of Marty Friedman on the legendary guitarist's first North American tour in 12 years. The 21-date tour will kick off in Baltimore on September 9th.

Says guitarist David Rivera, "This tour is going to be insane! Touring with one of my idols is unreal!"

But that's not all, folks: Soon after stunning a capacity crowd at Prosthetic's West Coast Metal Meeting on Saturday, Exmortus headed east to Denver, where tonight the group kicks off a short summer tour with fellow Angelenos Kyng. The band will continue to shred faces and guitars alike as they sample new material from their upcoming album - which they recently completed recording at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, CA with Zack Ohren (Suffocation, Immolation) - on unsuspecting crowds.

Exmortus' forthcoming album will mark the band's sophomore release for Prosthetic Records, and the follow-up to their 2014 release Slave To The Sword. It sees the addition of bassist Michael Cosio (ex-Abysmal Dawn) to the group's existing line-up of Conan (vocals/guitars), Mario Moreno (drums) and Rivera.

Moreno commented on the new album,"Writing and recording this record was no easy task, but we got through it and are extremely happy with the end result. It's a 'metal buffet' with a little something for everyone to enjoy. Getting the chance to record with Zack again was great, especially to be tracking in a bigger studio than the last album. A tedious process but fulfilling none the less. Hard to believe we spent half a month tracking for this album. I'm confident in saying that this is the best Exmortus album to date. You can groove, headbang and air guitar to it, what's not to love!?"

Added Conan, "It was great to work with Zack again. He understands our vision and gets the best out of each of us. Our work is incomplete without his encouragement and sonic wizardry. Wrought in fires hotter than Hell itself, we are very proud of this new steel. This record is everything you love about Exmortus and then some. Revel in our battle cries, screaming guitars, crushing bass and thunderous drums! The storm is coming! We ride forth!"

Find the band’s live itinerary at this location.

The Anthropocene Extinction is the forthcoming new full-length from San Diego deathgrind icons, Cattle Decapitation. Set for world wide release August 7th via Metal Blade Records, the follow-up to 2012's Monolith Of Inhumanity was again captured by producer Dave Otero (Allegaeon, Cephalic Carnage) at Flatline Audio in Denver, Colorado, and includes guest appearances from the legendary Philip H. Anselmo, Tristan Shone/Author & Punisher and Bethlehem's Mr. Jurgen Bartsch.  

Check out a new “making of” documentary below:

Thematically, with The Anthropocene Extinction we are transported forward to man's last gasps, reminiscent of what is currently going on with the Laysan Albatrosses on the island of Midway Atoll. The birds and aquatic wildlife of the Pacific Ocean are mistaking the vast amounts of man-made plastic items for food, ingesting it and are dying in large numbers, rotting where they fall and exposing to the world what is happening to the ecosystems of the earth's oceans - the most unknown and unexplored part of our planet. The breakdown of the earth's ecosystems has begun long ago due to human interaction as well as the domino effect that will surely seal the fate for our species: The Anthropocene Extinction.

As a precursor to its release the band is offering up seventh track and second single “Mammals In Babylon”.

Offers guitarist Josh Elmore, "'Mammals In Babylon' was one of the earliest songs written for the new album. At that time we had completed several other tunes that fell more on the epic side of our writing style. As a foil to that strategy, 'Mammals' came about based upon a desire to concoct a no-BS, straight-forward ripper. Blending a brutal death metal assault with groovier passages that leads into a bleak, yet triumphant chorus, 'Mammals' has a pounding quality that gives way to a buzz-sawing completion. All the while [vocalist] Travis' [Ryan] lyrics frame humanity's infancy in paradise and our evolution to 'maturity' which now finds us dwelling in a wasteland of our own creation. We invite you to take a listen to the next track from The Anthropocene Extinction."  

The Anthropocene Extinction tracklisting:

“Manufactured Extinct”
“The Prophets Of Loss”
“Plagueborne”
“Clandestine Ways (Krokodil Rot)”
“Circo Inhumanitas”
“The Burden Of Seven Billion”
“Mammals In Babylon”
“Mutual Assured Destruction”
“Not Suitable For Life”
“Apex Blasphemy”
“Ave Exitium”
“Pacific Grim”

"Mammals In Babylon":

“Manufactured Extinct”:

The Anthropocene Extinction will be released August 7th. For pre-order bundles visit this location.

Cattle Decapitation:

Travis Ryan - vocals
Josh Elmore - guitar
Derek Engemann - bass
Dave McGraw - drums

 

Century Media Records recently started a collaboration with Anders Fridén (In Flames) and his label, Razzia Notes Records. Black Temple from Helsingborg, Sweden, will be the first release Razzia Notes licensed to Century Media for all territories outside of Scandinavia and North America.

Black Temple’s album debut, It All Ends, is an intense story with impressive dynamics. With Magnus Lindberg (Cult Of Luna) in the producer's seat the band, that has been called the country's most violent live act, explores new territory in their musical landscapes: A primitive primordial drive fights it out with immediate melodies, performed with an ever present sense that each note can be the last. The end may be near, but It All Ends is just the beginning.

Anders Fridén comments: ”First time I heard Black Temple I freaked and I said to myself, I gotta work with these guys somehow. The whole expression of their music is a perfect introduction to Razzia notes and our new collaboration with Century media. Do yourself a favor and get a copy of It All Ends, it’s a monster of an album.”

Jonas, singer and bass player comments: "To become label mates with three of my favourite bands at the same time is a bit like a wet dream... I mean, c'mon - Dark Funeral, Marduk and Watain... And this is just the top layer, in my opinion, of what this behemoth of a label has released thru the years. Simply - such a great honour!"

More details about It All Ends will be released soon!

Black Temple will also be supporting In Flames on their European tour this fall and will soon kick off their Scandinavian tour with The Sword. See below for the exact dates.

August (with The Sword)
22 - Parkteatret - Oslo, Norway                    
23 - Sticky Fingers - Göteborg, Sweden                                
25 - Tavastia - Helsinki, Finland                     
27 - Debaser Strand - Stockholm, Sweden    
28 - KB - Malmö, Sweden                 
29 - Lille Vega - Copenhagen, Denmark                     

October (with In Flames)
13 - Pakkahoune - Tampere, Finland  
14 - Logo - Turku, Finland
15 - Lutakko - Jyväskylä, Finland       
16 - Rytmikorjaamo - Seinäjoki, Finland         
17 - Jäähalli - Oulo, Finland       
19 - Flygeln - Norrköping, Sweden    
20 - Garden - Linköping, Sweden      
21 - Appollon Folkets Hus - Trollhättan, Sweden       
22 - KB - Malmö, Sweden
23 - KB - Malmö, Sweden     
24 - Conventum Congress - Örebro, Sweden
25 - Katalin - Uppsala, Sweden         
27 - Luleå Enegri Arena - Luleå, Sweden        
28 - Idun Teatern - Umeå, Sweden     
30 - Nöjesfabriken - Karlstad, Sweden          
31 - Scandic Hallen - Hammar, Norway         

November
1 - Konserthus Ztlitz - Stavanger, Norway   
3 - Maritim Hall - Haugesund, Norway         
4 - USF Verftet - Bergen, Norway   
5 - Studentersamfundet - Trondheim, Norway         
6 - Gasklockorna - Gävle, Sweden  
7 - Folkets Park / Teaterladan - Huskvarna, Sweden
8 - Train - Aarhus, Sweden  
10 - Effenaar - Eindhoven, Netherlands   
11 - Zeche - Bochum, Germany          
12 - Le Splendid - Lille, France        
13 - Le 106 - Rouen, France
14 - L' Autre Canal - Nancy, France  
15 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland     
17 - L'Usine - Geneva, Switzerland
18 - Posthof - Linz, Austria  
19 - Batschkapp - Frankfurt, Germany
20 - Hellraiser - Leipzig, Germany       

Black Temple is:

Witold - guitars
Jesper - drums and electronics
Jonas - bass and vocals

(Photo: Kristoffer Granath)

West Coast psychedelic thrash collective, Vhöl, which features 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) - will unleash its sophomore full-length this fall via Profound Lore.

Titled Deeper Than Sky, the follow up to 2013's self-titled debut was recorded at Light Rail Studios in San Francisco and mastered at Trakworx Studio (also in San Francisco).

Issues the band of the forthcoming release, "Vhöl continues to explore unbridled, high energy metal with very little digital processing, and lots of sounds, riffs and ideas flying around. This music is all about the ascending side of the manic curve."

Vhöl's Deeper Than Sky will be released via Profound Lore on October 23rd, with artwork, tracklisting and teasers to be revealed in the coming weeks.

(Photo - Sarah Brady)

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich says that streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music are good for music but accepts that streaming platforms benefit established artists more than they do the aspiring ones who have yet to break through.

METALLICA famously sued the Napster file-sharing service in 2000 after the band discovered that a leaked demo version of its song "I Disappear" was circulating on the service before it was released. At the time fifteen years ago, Ulrich told The Pulse Of Radio that the Napster battle was not about getting money for the band's music, but about having control over how it was shared. "All we want as an artist is a choice," he said. "There's nothing to argue about that. Nobody has the right to do with our music whatever they want. We do. We're saying as much as the next band want to work with Napster, we have the right not to."

His views on the subject today have not changed, with the drummer telling BBC World Service's "The Inquiry": "I believe streaming is good for music, yeah. The one thing I read a lot is… People sit there and go, 'I'm not getting paid very much for streaming.' But there's one major thing that gets overlooked in that argument and in the whole thing, [and that] is that streaming is a choice on all fronts. It's a choice for the fan to be part of. It's a choice for the artists who are involved in making their music available on streaming services. It's a choice by the record companies that represent the artists. Fifteen years ago, those choices didn't exist."

He added: "[Having music available on a streaming service like Spotify] a choice. I'm presented with a choice. Somebody sends us an e-mail and says, 'Hi. We have a streaming service. Would you like to be on it?' I mean, of course, as an artist, you want you music to be heard."

However, Ulrich does acknowledge that streaming helps popular artists more than independent musicians. He admitted: "Streaming probably does benefit artists with higher profiles, yes. And if you listen to playlists that are being made available for people in the streaming services, they feature more higher-profile artists. That just seems to be the way it's, sort of, playing out right now."

Ulrich sees the quality of modern music as one of the main reasons newer artists have not connected with audiences the way bands like METALLICA have been able to.

"I think one of the main reasons I connect less with new music in my life now is because there's less great new music to connect with," he said. "I mean, a lot of the stuff that's been played is just regurgitated… There's not people on the leading edge, like THE BEATLES or the Miles Davises or the Jimi Hendrixes taking us all by the hand into these completely unknown, uncharted musical territories."

Lars also lamented the fact that diminishing record sales have resulted in record companies investing less funds into breaking newer artists, making it more difficult for up-and-coming bands to survive.

"It's all cause and effect," he explained. "When there's less people buying music, there's less money generated back and record companies take less chances. Instead of promoting five hundred records a year, they promote fifty records a year, and there's less and less and less and less money being put into younger artists. And there's a danger of younger artists coming close to extinction."

In December 2012, METALLICA made all nine of its studio albums, as well as various live material, singles, remixes and collaborations, available on Spotify.

METALLICA is now able to make these deals directly since, as of 2012, the band has complete control over the master tapes of all its audio and video recordings. The band has also launched its own label, Blackened Recordings.

Over the past 30 years, Joe Satriani has proven himself to be one of the most imaginative, brilliant and talented rock guitarists ever to strum six strings. When the guitar icon swung by the Rolling Stone office, he agreed to test his creativity by interpreting oblique concepts and words as impromptu solos.

Check out 9 clips in the playlist below:

Joe Satriani's new album is the springboard and creative center for his alter ego "Shockwave Supernova," the outlandish and extroverted 'performance side' of the normally shy and reserved guitar virtuoso. With this new persona as partner, Satriani will launch his wildly ambitious 15th solo album, Shockwave Supernova, on Friday, July 24th; making him one of the first to utilize the new “Friday, Global Release Day” for music. The album will be released on CD, download and 2 LP vinyl. Listen to the title track via the YouTube clip below.

As the street date draws closer, Satriani has filmed a pair of Behind The Songs video clips, detailing the tracks "If There Is No Heaven" and "On Peregrine Wings".

It would be easy to call Shockwave Supernova a “masterpiece” or “the last word on guitar” from the world’s most commercially successful solo guitar performer. Satch, however, sees it much more personally. He has consistently advanced the artistry of the instrument; an effort he dedicated himself to on September 18th, 1970, the day his idol Jimi Hendrix died.  

Recorded late last year at Skywalker Sound in Lucas Valley, California, Satriani assembled the dynamic trio of world-class musicians who had recently been part of his global tour; renowned keyboardist and guitarist Mike Keneally, a veteran of several Satch outings and recordings; along with drumming whiz Marco Minnemann and bass extraordinaire Bryan Beller.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better band to help bring these songs to life,” says Satriani.

The album also sees Satriani once again joining forces co-producer and engineer John Cuniberti. Satch and Cuniberti share production on Shockwave Supernova, as they have on numerous albums - their shared history dates back to the guitar star’s 1986 debut album, Not Of This Earth and its follow-up, the platinum-selling, critically acclaimed, Surfing With The Alien.  

Minnemann and Beller handle the bulk of Shockwave Supernova’s rhythmic duties, with the exception of four cuts - the driving “Keep On Movin’”, full of wondrous Satch guitar wizardry and Keneally’s playful piano, “In My Pocket”, a deliciously greasy, souped-up take on Swing, along with “Crazy Joey” (a deliriously effervescent romp) and “Scarborough Stomp” (a relentless upbeat rocker) - find Satriani joined by another powerhouse rhythm section: the esteemed drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (whose work includes the likes of Frank Zappa, Sting, Paul Simon, among others) and Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney (whose resume includes Alanis Morrisette, Celine Dion and Rob Zombie, to name a few).

Check out this special reveal of the Shockwave Supernova album packaging that art director Todd Gallopo from meat and potatoes gives to Joe Satriani, showing off all of the cool aspects of the design.

Celebrate the release of Joe Satriani’s new album, Shockwave Supernova, with the artist himself as it releases on July 24th. Guests will enjoy a seat at an exclusive live interview taking place at the AOL studios in NYC, a meet and greet with Satriani, an autographed copy of Shockwave Supernova, plus complimentary wine and beer. Satriani will be interviewed one-on-one by legendary rock journalist Brad Tolinski, as they discuss the new album and much more.

Get tickets at this location.

Tracklisting:
“Shockwave Supernova”
“Lost In A Memory”
“Crazy Joey”
“In My Pocket”
“On Peregrine Wings”
“Cataclysmic”
“San Francisco Blue”
“Keep On Movin’”
“All Of My Life”
“A Phase I’m Going Through”
“Scarborough Stomp”
“Butterfly And Zebra”
“If There Is No Heaven”
“Stars Race Across The Sky”
“Goodbye Supernova”

Satriani recently announced The Shockwave UK Tour, which will take in nine dates from November 1st. The tour promotes Joe’s upcoming new studio album , and will also be the first time since he last toured the UK with his Unstoppable Momentum album in 2013. Joe’s touring band will include Bryan Beller (bass), Mike Keneally (keyboards, guitars) and Marco Minnemann (drums).

 

 

 

Deluxe editions of Led Zeppelin’s final three studio albums: Presence, In Through The Out Door, and Coda will be released in July. The reaction to the first six Led Zepplin album reissues has been extraordinary, with albums charting in the Top 10 around the globe whilst also garnering 5-star reviews and other critical accolades along the way.

As with the previous deluxe editions, Presence, In Through The Out Door, and Coda have been newly remastered by guitarist and producer Jimmy Page and are accompanied by companion audio comprised of previously unreleased music related to the original release selected and compiled by Page.

Take a glimpse inside the forthcoming Super Deluxe Edition of Coda with the following video:

Check out the contents of the Super Deluxe Edition of In Through The Out Door below:

Contents of the Super Deluxe Edition of Presence can be seen below:

Included as part of the Presence bonus disc, there's a "reference mix" of the track "Hots On For Nowhere”. The song by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page grew out of the sessions for 1975′s Physical Graffiti.

Presence, In Through The Out Door, and Coda will each be available July 31st from Atlantic/Swan Song in the following formats:

* Single CD – Remastered original album. Presence and Coda will be packaged in a gatefold card wallet. All CD and LP versions of In Through The Out Door will be wrapped in a brown paper page replicating its initial release.

* Deluxe Edition (2CD and 3CD) – Remastered album, plus a second disc of unreleased companion audio. Coda will feature two companion audio discs.

* Single LP – Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl, packaged in a sleeve that replicates the LP’s first pressing in exacting detail. All vinyl versions of In Through The Out Door will also include the water-sensitive insert that replicates the inner sleeve from the album’s initial release.  

* Deluxe Edition Vinyl – Remastered album and unreleased companion audio on 180-gram vinyl. Coda will feature two companion LPs.

* Digital Download – Remastered album and companion audio will both be available.

* Super Deluxe Boxed Set – This collection includes:          

- Remastered album on CD in vinyl replica sleeve.
- Companion audio on CD in card wallet.
- Remastered album on 180-gram vinyl in a sleeve replicating first pressing.
- Companion audio on 180-gram vinyl.
- High-def audio download card of all content at 96kHz/24 bit.
- Hard bound, 72+ page book filled with rare and previously unseen photos and memorabilia.
- High quality print of the original album cover, the first 30,000 of which will be individually numbered.

Originally released in 1976, Presence was recorded during a whirlwind 18-day session at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany. The album—which peaked at #1 in both the U.S. and UK and was certified triple platinum—crackles with energy on Zeppelin classics like “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” and  “Achilles Last Stand” and delivers powerful jolts of the group at its visceral best.

The companion audio disc that accompanies Presence has five unreleased reference mixes from the sessions, which reveal works in progress. Along with alternate incarnations of “For Your Life” “Achilles Last Stand” and “Royal Orleans,” there is also the previously unheard instrumental curiously titled “10 Ribs & All/Carrot Pod Pod (Pod).”

On its release in the summer of 1979, In Through The Out Door topped the U.S. and UK album charts and has since been certified six-times platinum. Sadly, it would be the last album that Led Zeppelin recorded prior to drummer John Bonham’s passing the following year. Among the seven album tracks are “Fool In The Rain” and “All My Love,” two songs that remain rock radio staples to this day.   

The album’s companion audio disc features an unreleased rough mix of every track from the original album, including early versions with working titles such as “The Hook” (“All My Love”),  “The Epic” (“Carouselambra”), and “Blot” (“I’m Gonna Crawl”).

The appropriately titled Coda was Led Zeppelin’s final album of studio recordings. Released in 1982, it was comprised of eight unreleased tracks recorded between 1970 and 1978. It peaked at #6 on the album charts and has been certified platinum in the U.S.  

The reissue campaign ends with a double-barrel blast of Led. Coda will be the only Led Zeppelin deluxe edition to include two companion discs, featuring 15 tracks recorded between 1968 and 1974. “Baby Come On Home” from the same session is also included in the set. Also included is the previously unreleased “St. Tristan’s Sword,” a rollicking instrumental recorded during the Led Zeppelin III sessions in 1970.

In 1972, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page took a fabled trip to India to perform with the Bombay Orchestra and now, for the first time, recordings from these sessions will be officially released with dynamic takes on “Friends” and “Four Hands” (“Four Sticks” from Led Zeppelin IV). Among the many other highlights featured here is an early version of “When The Levee Breaks” from 1970 titled “If It Keeps On Raining”; rough mixes of “The Wanton Song” and “In The Light,” from the Physical Graffiti sessions at Headley Grange, the latter a different alternate version than the one included in the Physical Graffiti deluxe edition; and an instrumental mix of “Poor Tom” from 1970.

In 1968, Jimmy Page formed Led Zeppelin, one of the most influential, innovative and successful groups in modern music, having sold more than 300 million albums worldwide. The band rose from the ashes of The Yardbirds, when Page brought in Robert Plant, John Bonham and John Paul Jones. In 1969, Led Zeppelin released its self-titled debut. It marked the beginning of a 12-year reign, during which the group was widely considered to be the biggest and most innovative rock band in the world.

Led Zeppelin continues to be honored for its pivotal role in music history. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, and a year later was awarded with the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm. Founding members Page, Plant, and Jones, and along with Jason Bonham, the son of John Bonham – took the stage at London’s O2 Arena in 2007 to headline a tribute concert for Ahmet Ertegun, a dear friend and Atlantic Records’ founder. The band was honored for its lifetime contribution to American culture at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2012. In January of 2014, the band won their first ever Grammy award as Celebration Day, which captured their live performance at the Ertegun tribute concert, was named Best Rock Album.

Presence tracklisting:

“Achilles Last Stand”
“For Your Life”
“Royal Orleans”
“Nobody’s Fault But Mine”
“Candy Store Rock”
“Hots On For Nowhere”
“Tea For One”

Companion Audio:
“Two Ones Are Won”  (Achilles Last Stand – Reference Mix)
“For Your Life”  (Reference Mix)
“10 Ribs & All/Carrot Pod Pod (Pod)” (Reference Mix)
“Royal Orleans” (Reference Mix)
“Hots On For Nowhere” (Reference Mix)

In Through The Out Door tracklisting:

“In The Evening”
“South Bound Saurez”
“Fool In The Rain”
“Hot Dog”
“Carouselambra”
“All My Love”
“I’m Gonna Crawl”

Companion Audio:

“In The Evening” (Rough Mix)
“Southbound Piano” (South Bound Saurez - Rough Mix)
“Fool In The Rain” (Rough Mix)
“Hot Dog” (Rough Mix)
“The Epic” (Carouselambra - Rough Mix)
“The Hook” (All My Love - Rough Mix)
“Blot”  (I’m Gonna Crawl - Rough Mix)

Coda tracklisting:

“We’re Gonna Groove”
“Poor Tom”
“I Can’t Quit You Baby”
“Walter’s Walk”
“Ozone Baby”
“Darlene”
“Bonzo’s Montreux”
“Wearing And Tearing”

Companion Audio:

Disc One
“We’re Gonna Groove”  (Alternate Mix)
“If It Keeps On Raining” (When The Levee  Breaks - Rough Mix)     
“Bonzo’s Montreux” (Mix Construction In Progress)
“Baby Come On Home”
“Sugar Mama” ( Mix)
“Poor Tom” (Instrumental Mix)
“Travelling Riverside Blues” (BBC Session)
“Hey, Hey, What Can I Do”

Disc Two
“Four Hands“ (Four Sticks - Bombay Orchestra)
“Friends” (Bombay Orchestra)
“St. Tristan’s Sword” (Rough Mix)
“Desire” (The Wanton Song - Rough Mix)
“Bring It On Home” (Rough Mix)
“Walter’s Walk” (Rough Mix)
“Everybody Makes It Through” (In The Light - Rough Mix)

The oldest song in the collection is perhaps the most interesting. The frenetic blues jam “Sugar Mama” was recorded in 1968 at Olympic Studios during sessions for the band’s eponymous debut. The song was completed but never officially released. Check it out below:

Pre-order links for all formats can be found at this location.

 

All-star band Metal Allegiance will be releasing an album of original material. The self-titled album is scheduled for worldwide release on September 18th via Nuclear Blast Entertainment.

The album features a collection of hard rock and heavy metal’s most notable perfromers. Brought together by principal partner Mark Menghi, Metal Allegiance contains appearances by Philip H. Anselmo, Charlie Benante, Chuck Billy, D. Randall Blythe, Rex Brown, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Phil Demmel, David Ellefson, Alissa White-Gluz, Matthew K. Heafy, Gary Holt, jamey Jasta, Chris Jericho, Andreas Kisser, Misha Mansoor, Mark Osegueda, Tim “Ripper” Owens, dUg Pinnick, Mike Portnoy, Troy Sanders, Cristina Scabbia, Alex Skolnick, Steve “Zetro” Souza and Ben Weinman.

Check out Webisode #2 featuring Mastodon’s Troy Sanders, Kill Devil Hill’s Rex Brown and Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe:

Webisode #1 can be seen below, featuring Lamb Of God’s Randy Blythe and Exodus’ Gary Holt:

“It's always my pleasure to jam with such esteemed musicians and brothers, and my contribution to this project is further proof of that fact. Hail to all Heavy Metalers the world over!”, states Philip H. Aneslmo.

Mike Portnoy adds, “I could not be any more excited or proud of the Metal Allegiance album... it's everything I’ve always dreamed of and hoped for & 100x more!"

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 9 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.

D. Randall Blythe adds, "When Lamb Of God asked Alex Skolnick to rip a guest solo on “Ashes Of The Wake”, it was a big deal to us to have one of the legends of our scene play on our record. Much to my amazement, years later he returned the request, and it's an even bigger deal to me to be asked on a peer level to contribute to a project with so many stellar players. I was honoured to be chosen – “Gift Of Pain” rips! Play it LOUD!"

 
Metal Allegiance tracklisting:

“Gift Of Pain”
Vocals: D. Randall Blythe
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy Additional
Lead Guitar: Gary Holt

“Let Darkness Fall”
Vocals: Troy Sanders
Lead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums & Percussion: Mike Portnoy
Additional Bass: Mark Menghi & Rex Brown
Additional Screams: D. Randall Blythe

“Can’t Kill The Devil”
Vocals: Chuck Billy
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Additional Lead Guitar: Phil Demmel & Andreas Kisser

“Dying Song”
Vocals: Philip H. Anselmo
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: Mark Menghi
Drums: Mike Portnoy

“Scars”
Vocals: Mark Osegueda & Cristina Scabbia
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy

“Destination: Nowhere”
Vocals: Matthew K. Heafy
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Additional Lead Guitar: Matthew K. Heafy

“Wait Until Tomorrow”
Vocals: dUg Pinnick & Jamey Jasta
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums, Percussion & Additional Vocals: Mike Portnoy

“Triangulum”
I. Creation
II. Evolution
III. Destruction
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Additional Lead Guitar: Misha Mansoor, Ben Weinman, Charlie Benante, Phil Demmel, Matthew K. Heafy& Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal

“Pledge Of Allegiance”
Vocals: Mark Osegueda
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Additional Lead Guitar: Charlie Benante, Gary Holt & Andreas Kisser

“We Rock” (Deluxe Edition Only)
Vocals: Mark Osegueda, Chris Jericho, Tim "Ripper" Owens, Alissa White-Gluz, Chuck Billy & Steve “Zetro” Souza
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Additional Lead Guitar: Andreas Kisser, Phil Demmel & Gary Holt

“Can’t Kill The Devil” lyric video:

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.

Previous participants in Metal Allegiance live events have included: Philip Anselmo/Rex Brown (Pantera), Joey Belladonna/Frank Bello/Charlie Benante/Scott Ian (Anthrax), David Ellefson (Megadeth), Gary Holt/Kerry King/Dave Lombardo (Slayer), Chuck Billy/Alex Skolnick (Testament), Troy Sanders (Mastodon), Mike Portnoy (The Winery Dogs) and Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) to name a few. These unforgettable events have also spawned surprise appearances by the likes of Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Phil Campbell/Mikkey Dee (Motöhead), Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan (The Winery Dogs).

(Photo - Igor Rockxposure)

Former Mutiny Within frontman Chris Clancy and Sacred Mother Tongue guitarist Andy James recently revealed details of an exciting new project. Accompanied by Sacred Mother Tongue’s former rhythm section – drummer Lee Newell and Bassist Craig Daws - and guitarist Daniel Woodyer, Wearing Scars deliver a refreshing blast of modern rock, mixing heavy, syncopated grooves, glorious riffs, Andy’s signature shred and Chris’s angelic, soaring vocals.

Wearing Scars have launched a brand new video for the track “Stand Alone”, taken from their debut album, A Thousand Words, which will be released via Candyman Records on July 24th.

Singer Chris Clancy explains: "“Stand Alone” explores that time when you have to find your feet again after being knocked down. The war within your mind as you let go of the past and dauntingly stare into an uncertain future.”

“The concept of Wearing Scars started as an idea I had on the way home from the pub one night”, explains Chris. “To have the concept evolve into a band and album is really incredible. Some of these songs were written over 4 years ago and never reached their potential until I met Andy and he helped take them out of their shell and turn them into something really special. For the first time in my career I'm doing the music I want to do, the way I want to do it.”

The band have recently announced their first ever live show, at London’s Black Heart on July 28th, which sold out immediately.

“Become Numb” lyric video:

(Photo - John McMurtrie)

Swedish hard rockers Bonafide have released an official music video (see below) for their track “One Kiss”, featured on their 2015 album, Denim Devils.

Denim Devils tracklisting:

“Round And Round”
“Hold Down The Fort”
“Killer”
“Get A Grip”
“50/50”
“Good Stuff”
“Rock 'N' Roll Lifestyle”
“One Kiss”
“Who Am I To Judge”
“Missing You”
“The Game”
“This One's For You”

“One Kiss” video:

Immortal Bird vocalist Rae Amitay (Thrawsunblat) has checked in with the following update:

"The new Immortal Bird album, Empress/Abscess, is now officially released digitally and on CD via our Bandcamp. Cassettes (they're purple!) are available via Broken Limbs Recordings as well as pre-order for vinyl. Get that stuff here.

I want to thank my bandmates Evan Anderson Berry, John Picillo, and Garry Naples for their inspiring performances as musicians and for their presence in my life as some of my best friends. Peter Browne, thank you for giving this music new opportunities to be shared by BLR, and for the incredible support. Lars, Justin, and Joseph, thank you for giving us an outlet for our songs through your esteemed publications. Thank you Liz Ciavarella-Brenner for being there for us since 2013. Thank you to the reviewers who have taken the time to delve into the material and offer insight, and the interviewers who have asked difficult and thoughtful questions.

Lastly, massive gratitude to everyone who has listened to our music, seen us play a show, recommended us to a friend, and helped us move forward."

Empress/Abscess by Immortal Bird

The complete tracklist for Empress/Abcess is as follows;

"Neoplastic"
"Saprophyte"
"The Sycophant"
"To A Watery Grave"
"And Send Fire"

The Loud & Proud Records team and Lynyrd Skynyrd have enjoyed success together for over 15 years and they will continue the tradition with the release of the 2CD/DVD Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans, a celebration of the band s incredible musical legacy for release on July 24. Check out "Freebird" from the package below:

On one special night last November 12, 2014, at a live event headlined by Lynyrd Skynyrd, an extraordinary collection of artists came together at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA to perform the music of Skynyrd, one of the most influential bands of our time. The unique concert featured incredible performances by Lynyrd Skynyrd, including an unforgettable rendition of “Travelin Man”, performed as a duet between Johnny Van Zant and his late brother Ronnie, who appeared via archival video.

Special guests who took the stage that night include Gregg Allman who performed his bluesy version of the classic “Tuesday’s Gone”, Cheap Trick doing “Gimme Back My Bullets”, Peter Frampton rocking out to “Call Me The Breeze”, Alabama doing “Gimme Three Steps” as well as appearances by Trace Adkins, Blackberry Smoke, Charlie Daniels, Gov’t Mule, Warren Haynes, John Hiatt, Randy Houser, Jason Isbell, Jamey Johnson, Aaron Lewis, moe., O.A.R., Robert Randolph, Donnie Van Zant and an all-star band led by Don Was, performing songs from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s extensive catalog of music.

As part of the campaign to save the Fox Theatre from demolition in 1976, Lynyrd Skynyrd recorded their live album, One More From The Road, at the landmark theatre. The title Lynyrd Skynyrd - One More For The Fans, was inspired by that legendary album’s title.

With a catalog of over 60 albums and sales beyond 30 million worldwide, Rock & Roll Hall Of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd remains a cultural icon that appeals to multiple generations. Lynyrd Skynyrd continues to build on the legacy that began over 40 years ago in Jacksonville, Florida. Their last album, Last of a Dyin’ Breed, debuted at #14 on the Billboard Top 200, making it their highest charting album since 1977.

Led by core members Gary Rossington (guitar), Johnny Van Zant (vocals) and Rickey Medlocke (guitar), along with longtime drummer Michael Cartellone, the band also includes Mark "Sparky" Matejka (guitar), Johnny Colt (bass), Peter Keys (keyboards), Dale Krantz Rossington (Honkettes backing vocals) and Carol Chase (Honkettes backing vocals).

One More For The Fans tracklisting:

“Whiskey Rock-A-Roller” (performed by Randy Houser)
“You Got That Right” (performed by Robert Randolph and Jimmy Hall)
“Saturday Night Special” (performed by Aaron Lewis)
“Workin’ For MCA” (performed by Blackberry Smoke)
“Don’t Ask Me No Questions” (performed by O.A.R.)
“Gimme Back My Bullets” (performed by Cheap Trick)
“Simple Man” (performed by Gov’t Mule)
“That Smell” (performed by Warren Haynes)
“Four Walls Of Raiford” (performed by Jamey Johnson)
“I Know A Little” (performed by Jason Isbell)
“Call Me The Breeze” (performed by Peter Frampton)
“What’s Your Name” (performed by Trace Adkins)
“Down South Jukin’ (performed by Charlie Daniels and Donnie Van Zant)
“Gimme Three Steps” (performed by Alabama)
“Tuesday’s Gone” (performed by Gregg Allman)
“Travelin’ Man” (performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd with Jonny and Ronnie on big screen)
“Free Bird” (performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd)
“Sweet Home Alabama” (performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd and the entire cast)

Trailer:

 

 

 

Relapse Records and Publicist UK are presenting "Cowards," a brand new track taken from the band's forthcoming debut album, Forgive Yourself. Out on Friday, August 21 through Relapse Records, the full-length from the post-punk four-piece comprised of members of Municipal Waste, Revocation, Goes Cube, Discordance Axis, Burnt By The Sun & more is a nine-song showcase sounding like Michael Gira (Swans) on a Saul Bellow bender and presents itself as one of the most intriguing cross-genre debuts in recent years.

 

Originally conceived as a long-distance experiment, Publicist UK quickly and effortlessly became a fully functioning band. Featuring Dave Witte (Municipal Waste, ex-Burnt by the Sun, Discordance Axis, Melt-Banana), Zachary Lipez (ex-Freshkills), Brett Bamberger (Revocation, ex-East of the Wall), and David Obuchowski (Goes Cube, Distant Correspondent), many expected speedy, aggressive metal. Instead, the band defied expectations with Forgive Yourself by creating nine rousing songs that are as moody and melodic as they are heavy and driving. After writing and rough-recording songs from the band members’ respective homes in Virginia, New York, New Jersey and Colorado during its early days, Publicist UK released two demos. Shortly thereafter, the band signed to Relapse Records and recorded its full-length in New Hampshire at The Wild Arctic Studio with producer Dean Baltulonis.  

Obuchowski commented "We went into the studio full of inspiration and energy, intent on getting straight to work---no experimenting, no messing around,” said guitarist David Obuchowski. “Dean had the same mindset, and the album was recorded at a breakneck pace and completed in a matter of days. We feel like Dean captured not only the atmosphere and mood but that urgency too."

With the forthcoming release of Forgive Yourself, Publicist UK will be making numerous appearances across North America in support of it. Tour dates to be announced soon. Pre-order the album here.

Tracklisting:

“Cowards”
“Slow Dancing To This Bitter Earth”
“Levitate The Pentagon”
“Blood Relative”
“I Wish You’d Never Gone To School”
“Canary”
“Telegraphing”
“You Are The Stars”
“Away”

“Levitate The Pentagon”:

EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA project will release a new studio album, "Ghostlights", in early 2016 via Nuclear Blast. An EP/single will precede the full-length effort in the fall.

AVANTASIA's all-star lineup will embark on the "Ghostlights" world tour next year. The trek will kick off in Berlin on March 4, 2016.

Comments Tobias Sammet: "In the past months, I've spent a lot of time in the studio, an odd recluse in the basement, secretly working obsessively on something that reads and feels and sounds like a new — very strong — chapter in the story of AVANTASIA.

"I must say AVANTASIA is a fantastic outlet for creativity, and it's truly inspiring to create a piece of music for so many great vocalists and instrumentalists.

"The new material is very bombastic and dynamic, and even though it's extremely diverse, every minute of it sounds like AVANTASIA.

"I'm really proud of what we're creating right now. And as if that wasn't enough: I'm anxiously looking forward to hitting the road again.

"I didn't necessarily expect this to happen, as in the past, it has always been difficult to align the individual schedules of the guest stars, but things have worked out, and we're ready to make it happen one more time! We'll put on a big show, we're gonna play over three hours, and we'll take the fans to a magical world all its own — to AVANTASIA. The live setlist is going to embrace the entire history of AVANTASIA, from 'The Metal Opera' to 'Ghostlights' and, of course, everything in between!"

AVANTASIA tour dates: Mar. 04 - Germany - Berlin, Huxley'sMar. 05 - Germany - Hamburg, Große FreiheitMar. 06 - Germany - Bremen, AladinMar. 08 - England - London, The ForumMar. 09 - France - Paris, Le TrianonMar. 11 - Spain - Barcelona, Razzmatazz 1Mar. 12 - Spain - Madrid, La Riviera Mar. 15 - Germany - Frankfurt-Langen, StadthalleMar. 16 - Czech Republic - Prague, Forum KarlinMar. 18 - Germany - Kaufbeuren, All-KarthalleMar. 19 - Germany - Bamberg, brose-ArenaMar. 20 - Germany - Oberhausen, TurbinenhalleMar. 22 - Italy - Milan, AlcatrazMar. 24 - Switzerland - Pratteln, Z7Mar. 25 - Switzerland - Pratteln, Z7 Mar. 27 - Slovakia - Banska Bystrica, Ice StadiumMar. 28 - Slovakia - Bratislava, SportshallMar. 31 - Germany - Saarbrücken, SaarlandhalleApr. 01 - Germany - Ludwigsburg, ArenaApr. 02 - Germany - Fulda, Esperantohalle AVANTASIA's latest album, "The Mystery Of Time", was released in March 2013. The effort was made available as a regular CD, limited-edition vinyl and limited-edition hardcover book with a 28-page booklet containing ten regular songs and two bonus tracks ("The Cross And You", "Death Is Just A Feeling"). The cover artwork was hand-painted by world acclaimed British fantasy artist Rodney Matthews. Among Rodney's most famous artworks are not only album covers for rock legends such as MAGNUM, THIN LIZZY, ASIA and NAZARETH, he has also designed the characters for the TV series "Lavender Castle" and created the covers for novels by British fantasy author Michael Moorcock and many more.

AVANTASIA made its North American debut on July 7, 2013 at the Quebec City Summer Festival (Festival D'été De Québec) in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.

German hard rockers Bonfire has released a video for “Remember”, taken from their new album Glörious, released on April 24 via Borila Records.

The band says:

“Dear all…………..!!!!
A lot of people are angry about of getting old, but that's not necessary. Because life is full of memories. You can compare it in this way with an old book of photos.

“Years gone by but we are still able to revive those long gone times, as if they currently happened. Just use your heart for this. So, never forget those Days.....it's Time to :                    

"R E M E M B E R"

Bonfire is:

Hans Ziller- guitars/backing vocals
David Reece (ex-Accept)- lead vocals
Harry Reischmann- drums
Ronnie Parkes- bass/backing vocals
Frank Pane´- guitars/backing vocals

Frankfurt's The Green River Burial has released the official video for new song "Armilus". The track is taken from upcoming 7" Blight.

The band will release Blight on vinyl 7” and digital formats August 1 on Bastardized Recordings. The two-song release showcases the German band's movement into darker, groovier territory. The EP is the first chapter of a developing concept project that will be continued on the group's upcoming full-length release.

 Blight follows 2012 Bastardized Recordings release Separate & Coalesce. The Green River Burial’s sound mirrors and translates the ambition, passions and influences of the four members resulting in an unique, individualistic style. Growing from hardcore roots, the new EP demonstrates a shift toward more of a groove-oriented, modern metal style.

Blight tracklisting:

“Armilus”
“Dajjal”

Canadian shooting stars Unleash The Archers have been on the road since their inception in 2007.  Since then they have created a loyal North American fan base. With a fresh sound, precise songwriting and the incredible feeling for heaviness and melodies, this power quintet with singer Brittney Slayes are now ready to take the rest of the world. Their new studio album Time Stands Still is fast-paced and wildly entertaining; the combination of power vocals, death screams, tasty guitar licks and complex drumming provide a little something for everyone.

The band has released their new video for the song “Test Your Metal”:

In support of Time Stands Still, Unleash The Archers will be hitting the road for an extensive tour of North America. The band will be providing direct support of Brazilian metallers Hibria.  The tour starts September 8 in Philadelphia, PA and wraps up October 17 in Edmonton, AB.  On Halloween night, the band will play a special hometown show in Vancouver, BC at Smiling Buddha Café.

The dates can be seen on the poster below:

 

The release date of the Shadowkiller album Until The War Is Won on CD is August 28. Preorders will start on August 14. 

An album description:

“With Shadowkiller there is yet another new, intense power metal band from Northern California that has signed with Pure Steel Records. The quartet did already release their debut album Slaves Of Egypt in 2013 through Stormspell Records and with that, they were quite successful in the underground.

“Now, 2 years later, they unleash the successor Until The War Is Won on which the horde around Hellhound musicians Gery Neff and Joe Liszt present nine innovative new tracks. Contemporarily and greatly produced, with a progressive hint, tight rhythms, distinctive leads and charismatic, strong vocals; on their label debut Shadowkiller prove all their strengths and musical qualities and show impressively that sophisticated classical metal is still alive and well in the USA!”

Until The War Is Won tracklisting:

“Flames Of War”
“Generation Strong”
“Legacy”
“A Price For Freedom”
“Staring Into Oblivion”
“Survival”
“The Blood Of Many”
“Until The War Is Won”
“We Stand Unbroken”

Lineup:

Joe Liszt – lead vocals, guitars
Dan Lynch – bass
Gary Neff – drums
Marc Petac – lead guitar

Canadian grinders Barrows are gearing up to release their debut full length album, Swine Race, on August 21, in both digital and digipack format.  In conjunction with this release, Barrows has also teamed up with Inverse Records who will have the album available for pre-order in their online store.

Two tracks are currently available for free download on Barrows' Bandcamp page.  Swine Race is 30 minutes of intense, self-described, "swine grind", which can only be described as a crushing slab of filth.

Swine Race tracklisting:

“Child Of Matricide”
“Long Drop”
“Breaking Wheel”
“River Blindness”
“Interficio Panton”
“Iapetus”
“Martyr”
“Veil On The Throng”
“Uxoricide”

Forged In Hell's Basement - Medicine Hat, Barrows, was formed as an outlet for three musicians with a passion for all things heavy and disturbing.  With a lineup of Lee Newton (vocals), Owen Matz (guitars), and Joey Stannard (drums), Barrows is hell bent on playing fast, disgusting metal. In spring, Barrows was part of the Medicine Hat Music Society's compilation featuring other bands from Medicine Hat.

Neurasthenia has announced a new guitarist has joined the band. Since 2011 they have been searching for the fourth member and they took advantage of session men to engage all live shows in Italy and abroad.

Alex Zannoni is the name of the newcomer, who will take over the management of all solo parts of the next album.

(Photo by: Simone Furia (Anomalia Photo Art))

Neurasthenia are in pre-production phase for their third studio album, that will be entitled as the very first moniker of the band (it was 1996): Animalator.
 
These are Neil Grotti’s (vocaslit, guitarist) words:

"We spent four years to find someone that could join our family, first of all. We are a strange band, with resolute targets. We like to give the best to our fans and to be 200%. It was a long searching, but Alex fits perfectly our lifestyle and musicianship... we're ready to restart, at last!"
 
Animalator's cover artwork will be looked after by the Russian artist Vladimir Chebakov, artwork, photos and videos by Simone Furia.

Spanish brutal death metal band Virulency has announced the guest vocalists to be featured on The Anthropodermic Manuscript Of Retribution. They are two of the European brutal death’s most renowned vocalists; Konstantin 'Konni' Lühring (ex-Defeated Sanity, Despondency, Revulsed) and Paolo Chiti (ex-Putridity, Devangelic). Their contribution is the perfect culmination to this high-level sheer brutality album.

More details will be announced soon, but the band has also revealed the stunning artwork created by Andrew Tkalentko ‘Daemorph’:

The Anthropodermic Manuscript Of Retribution is scheduled to be released this fall by New Standard Elite.

New Jersey grindcore fiends have released their new album Visceral Infection via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. Listen to the album for free and then order the Digital Download for only $6.66 on Bandcamp.

Formed in a damp basement in June of 2013, Organ Dealer are a a flash point of sound, 100% full speed and relentless mayhem. Visceral Infection is 20 intense minutes of pain, frustration and relief... the sum of experiences only brought on by living in a place like NJ. This is REAL grind with a death metal backbone and an honest representation of what fast, heavy music is when crammed into one tight space. Prepare yourself to have the back of your head splattered against the wall.

Tracklisting:

“Intro”
“KPC-OXA48”
“No Answer”
“Piss And Gasoline”
“The Pear Of Anguish”
“Festering Maze”
“Anencephaly”
“Consumed ”
“Black Dolphin”
“The Creeper”
“Pyrophillia”
“Small Talk”

“KPC-OXA48”:

Order the CD for only $10 with free shipping at this location. 

 

Norwegian occult heavy metal band Magister Templi will release new album Into Duat September 18 in North America on Cruz Del Sur Music.

After having deeply explored the different aspects of Crowley's philosophy on their previous releases Iao Sabao and Lucifer Leviathan Logos, Magister Templi returns with its second full-length, Into Duat, in which they focus thematically on some of the central myths and gods of Egyptian mythology ("Duat" is the realm of the God Osiris).

As in their vinyl 7'' release Nyarlathotep (2014), the band had moved even further away from their doom-inspired beginnings, towards a more open-minded musical experience strongly based on filthy traditional heavy metal. Heavy guitars, intense drumming and commanding vocals are key ingredients.

The album was recorded in Oslo between Evil Octopus and Sorcerer studios, with former band member Simon Aarset as technician. The cover painting was done by the German painter Stefan Bleyl.
 
Following the release of Into Duat the band will embark on a major live campaign which will bring the band to play at the No Sleep Til Dublin Festival 2015 and afterwards on a European tour with Christian Mistress.

Into Duat tracklisting:

“Creation”
“The Lord Of The Morning”
“Osiris”
“Horus The Avenger”
“Anubis”
“Sobek”
“Slaying Apophis”
“Destruction”

Pop Evil have debuted an all new track from their fourth studio album titled "In Disarray".

"It definitely has a different musical texture than anything we have previously released," says front man Leigh Kakaty. "In Disarray" comes on the heels of their highly successful first single "Footsteps", which was debuted last month and has already cracked the top ten on the Rock Radio Charts. "Footsteps" was officially the band's fastest charting single to date.

Leigh continues, "There’s something about this song that didn’t make us second guess releasing it as our next instant gratification track. We are humbled by the success so far, and can’t wait to spread the word with these songs with our live show."

Pop Evil recently released the fourth of seven in the series of studio / making of documentary videos surrounding their fast approaching album, UP, due out in August. See all four episodes below:

Episode #1:

Episode #2:

Episode #3:

Episode #4:

Pop Evil will release UP on Friday, August 21st via eOne Music. The album’s artwork and tracklisting, as well as a lyric video for the track “Footsteps”, can be found below.

Purposefully assembled at Studio Litho, Robert Lang Studios and London Bridge Studios with producer Adam Kasper (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Foo Fighters), UP is the sound of a rock band cementing a powerful identity that’s steadily materialized over the course of three prior full-length slabs. The inspirational soon to be live (June 1st) staple “Footsteps” - Pop Evil prove their burgeoning success is no accident.

“People ask me all the time, ‘What it's like to hear your song on the radio?’ It never gets old!”, frontman Leigh Kakaty declares. “It's a reminder of hard work, and of having that dream sitting in your garage, trying to write a song that someone would love one day. That dream happened for our band and it's something that we don't want to take lightly.”
“Now it's time to step up our game and let people know we can back it all up,” he adds. “We want to prove we aren’t a one hit wonder. We didn’t just get lucky.”

UP is a bold reintroduction and step forward, with guitarists Nick Fuelling and Davey Grahs, bassist Matt Dirito, drummer Chachi Riot and Kakaty at the top of their game. It’s always a bit cliché, not to mention questionable, when a band says their new album is the best one yet. But in the case of Pop Evil, it’s an absolute fact.

Pop Evil smashes through the odds like a battering ram, weathering the trials and tribulations of paying dues with a steadfast resilience owing much to their blue collar and middle class backgrounds, and building a worldwide audience one fan at a time. As the moniker promises when emblazoned on a CD or radio dial, Pop Evil conjures aggressive riffs and hard charging sing-a-longs with emotional heft and melodic power in equal measure. It’s music by the people, for the people.

Tracklisting:

“Footsteps”
“Core”
“In Disarray”
“Take It All”
“Ghost Of Muskegon”
“If Only For Now”
“...”
“Ways to Get High”
“Lux”
“Vendetta”
“Dead In The Water”
“Seattle Rain”
“Til Kingdom Come”

“Footsteps” lyric video:

The band is gearing up for a truck load of European and Canadian tour dates including illustrious festivals such as Download and Graspop. Click here for all tour dates.

Norwegian black metal titans Ancient and Alpha Omega Management have announced the signing of the Management Deal. The band's upcoming seventh studio album, Back To The Land Of The Dead, will have the final mix done in Italy in August.

Comments Ancient’s Aphazel: "We are very excited and enthusiastic in starting to work with Alpha Omega Management, especially since Alex Azzali is a friend of ours for about 20 years. Now we will start making plans to come out and find all you maniacs out there, and prepare for long series of Night Visits, worldwide!!"

Comments Alpha Omega Management team: “We are extremely delighted to announce the signing of the management deal with the legends like Ancient, formed back in 1992 by the charismatic Aphazel. The longtime friendship and mutual respect of these past 20 years has brought us to this thrilled moment to start to work together for the future towards new frontiers. The future of black metal will be re-written, stay tuned!"

Ancient are:

Zel (aka Aphazel): Vocals, guitars and keyboards
Dhilorz: Guitars and bass
Nick Barker: Drums

SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR singer Corey Taylor has slammed GUNS N' ROSES frontman Axl Rose for being a "douchebag" by "making fans wait" for hours to see the current version of GN'R perform live.

Taylor revealed a few years ago that when SLIPKNOT was on the same festival bill with GUNS N' ROSES in Europe, he was told only GN'R members were permitted in a certain corridor. The SLIPKNOT vocalist proceeded to sneak in, play Rose's grand piano and place he genitals on the piano while playing a few notes.

During an appearance on the July 9 edition of the "Opie Radio" talk show, a listener called in and derided Taylor for messing with Axl's piano, arguing that Rose "has more musical talent in his pinkie" than Corey has in his "entire friggin' body."

After explaining that fans know and accept that they will be forced to wait for Axl and the rest of GUNS N' ROSES to begin each concert, the listener pressed Taylor about the piano incident. He asked: "How dare you do that to someone like Axl?" Corey responded (see video below): "Knowing Axl, it's quite easy, my friend. I mean, anybody who makes his fans wait for two to three hours for him to go on stage, I have no respect for…"

He continued: " I love GUNS N' ROSES, dude. I love 'Appetite [For Destruction]'; I think that's a fantastic album. But when you make your fans wait that long — and I don't give a fuck what hard-on just said: 'Oh, we expect it.' Well, you're a fucking idiot then. All right? Figure it the fuck out."

Taylor added: "You know why there are really no original fucking members of GUNS N' ROSES left? Because [Axl] made 'em wait three fucking hours! You want an 'Appetite' reunion? Tell him to fucking stop being a douchebag."

GUNS N' ROSES keyboardist Dizzy Reed, not an original member of GUNS but a 25-year veteran of the group, told The Pulse Of Radio that unpredictability has always been part of being in the band. "The volatility is definitely still there, especially for me, because I've seen a lot," he said. "It keeps you on your toes for sure. I just show up every night as prepared as possible to do my job, and anything else that happens is out of my control. There's really no way to truly deal with that."

Taylor released his third book, "You're Making Me Hate You: A Cantankerous Look At The Common Misconception That Humans Have Any Common Sense Left", on July 7 via Da Capo Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group. The book acts as a commentary on society and pop culture and has been described as "Taylor's take on Peter Griffin's 'You Know What Really Grinds My Gears'."

Taylor is promoting the book with a combination of bookstore events and a solo tour which are one-of-a-kind shows featuring readings from the book, acoustic performance, and audience discussion.

“You Will Never Walk Alone” is the second single to be released from Nubian Rose’s sophomore album, Mental Revolution. The first single was the heavy metal tasting “Break Out”, but with “You Will Never Walk Alone” Nubian Rose is proving that they truly are a melodic force to reckon with.

The video is also the first public appearance of the bands latest new member, bass player Micke Danielsson from Sweden’s melodic Mekka, Upplands-Väsby, north of Stockholm, where such heavy weights like Europe and HEAT derive from. In a few days Nubian Rose will perform on Europe’s number one melodic rock festival, Väsby Rock festival, with HEAT, Danger Danger, Michael Schenker, Eclipse, W.A.S.P. etc.

Nubian Rose are:

Sofia Lilja Åkerlund - vocals
Christer Åkerlund - lead guitar
Micke Danielsson - bass
Thomas Weijnesjö - Drums

Nubian Rose evolves around the magnetic charisma and majestic voice of Sofia Lilja, combined with the unique talent of guitarist Christer Åkerlund. In combination with powerful guitar riffs and great melodies, they put a new spirit in the classic melodic hard rock.

Italian guitarist Dario Mollo is working hard to put the finishing touches on the long awaited third Voodoo Hill album, entitled Waterfall. The official release date is October 16th. Check out the album artwork below:

Voodoo Hill is a collaborative effort between the Italian musician and legendary singer/bassist Glenn Hughes. The new album marks the first rock release from Glenn since the demise of the short lived power trio California Breed. The musical direction of this new album has a solid foundation in hard rock with some very melodic moments and diverse influences ranging from classic Deep Purple/Rainbow and Led Zeppelin to Van Halen.

Listen to a snippet of the album’s title track:

Dario Mollo says, “I put a huge amount of work on this record, even though Glenn also helped a lot giving me a lot of suggestions for improvement. Glenn did an amazing job in songwriting/performing and I’ve never heard him so pleased about the results! I think this is the album we did together that suits his singing and style the most and in the end this truly became a team effort. Maestro Dario Patti did also a fantastic job arranging the orchestral parts in two songs. Every time I listen to the album a stupid smile appears in my face, so I just can’t wait to see people reactions!”

Musicians completing the lineup are Andrea Maiellano on bass, Riccardo Vruna, Vladimir Ruzicic Kebac on drums and Dario Patti on keyboards and bass.