Professionally filmed video footage of BLACK VEIL BRIDES performing at the Day 1 2015 Vans Warped Tour webcast on June 18 in Pomona, California can be seen below.

BLACK VEIL BRIDES vocalist Andy Biersack told MikeJamesRockShow.com about the band's plans for the immediate future: "We're gonna keep touring the rest of the cycle on this record and then go back and probably make another record in the winter… We're headlining the Warped tour this year, so that's really exciting. And then, after that, we're gonna do maybe one more tour. We might come back [to England] before the end of the year. And then we're gonna take a couple of months off and probably start making a new record."

He continued: "We put out, I guess, coming up on our fifth record, and… So, I mean, we really like to write records and record records. I mean, it's fun for us. So, every time we think, 'Oh, after this one, we'll take a couple of years off,' six months go by and I'm, like, 'Ah, let's get back in the studio and make music.'"

BLACK VEIL BRIDES will release its first-ever concert DVD and Blu-ray, "Alive And Burning", on July 10. The cover artwork for the set was designed by the band's longtime friend and previous album cover illustrator Richard Villa.

"Alive And Burning" will feature footage of BLACK VEIL BRIDES' sold-out hometown show in Los Angeles at the Wiltern Theater on November 1, 2014. The concert was part of the group's inaugural Halloweekend event as part of "The Black Mass" tour. The DVD was directed by Casey Tebo, known for his work on the acclaimed AEROSMITH documentary "Rock For The Rising Sun".

BLACK VEIL BRIDES' latest, self-titled album skyrocketed to No. 1 on the iTunes Rock Chart, No. 4 on the iTunes overall album chart, and to Top 10 on iTunes in over 20 countries when it was released. It debuted at No. 10 on The Billboard 200 album chart, giving BLACK VEIL BRIDES their second consecutive Top 10 album.

"Black Veil Brides" was helmed by producer Bob Rock, whose resume includes albums by METALLICA, MÖTLEY CRÜE, THE CULT and many others.

Fan-filmed video footage of AC/DC's June 19 performance in Cologne, Germany can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Rock Or Bust 02. Shoot To Thrill 03. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be 04. Back In Black 05. Play Ball 06. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 07. Thunderstruck 08. High Voltage 09. Rock 'N' Roll Train 10. Hells Bells 11. Baptism By Fire 12. You Shook Me All Night Long 13. Sin City 14. Shot Down In Flames 15. Have A Drink On Me 16. T.N.T. 17. Whole Lotta Rosie 18. Let There Be Rock

Encore:

19. Highway To Hell 20. For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

AC/DC's sixteenth studio album, "Rock Or Bust", has sold around 533,000 copies since debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart back in December.

It's the band's first album without founding guitarist Malcolm Young, who is suffering from dementia. He has been replaced by nephew Stevie Young.

AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd was arrested last November at his home in Tauranga on charges of threatening to kill and possession of methamphetamine and cannabis.

Although Rudd played on "Rock Or Bust", he did not appear in photos or videos for the disc.

One-time AC/DC drummer Chris Slade officially joined the band's lineup for its performance on the February 8 Grammy Awards telecast. Slade is also behind the kit for the group's current world tour.

The band will return to North America later this summer for 13 more tour dates, starting on August 22 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts and wrapping up on September 28 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Fan-filmed video footage of WHITESNAKE's June 4 performance at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel And Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada can be seen below.

WHITESNAKE's new touring lineup — David Coverdale (vocals), Joel Hoekstra (guitar), Reb Beach (guitar), Michael Devin (bass), Tommy Aldridge (drums) and Michele Luppi (keyboards) — made its live debut on May 28 at Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights, Washington.

Singer David Coverdale is celebrating his past in the present with last month's release of WHITESNAKE's 12th studio album, "The Purple Album". The new set is billed as "a re-imagination of classic songs from David Coverdale's time as the lead singer for DEEP PURPLE's Mark III and Mark IV studio albums." PURPLE classics revamped for the new set include "Stormbringer", "Lady Double Dealer", "Soldier Of Fortune" and "Sail Away". Coverdale was DEEP PURPLE's frontman from late 1973 to early 1976 and sang on the albums "Burn", "Stormbringer" and "Come Taste The Band". Coverdale explained that shortly before DEEP PURPLE co-founder Jon Lord's 2012 death, he was eyeing a DEEP PURPLE gig featuring all the band members throughout the lineups. The Pulse Of Radio asked Coverdale what if any relationship he has with the frontman he replaced — the great Ian Gillan. "Ian was one of the nicest blokes I met," he said. "I'd flown over to [England to] do a charity show for Roger Glover at the [Royal] Albert Hall — a thing called 'Butterfly Ball' [in 1975] — and Ian was there and we ended up carousing for, like, four days and nights. I ended up sleeping from the moment the plane took off from Heathrow back to Los Angeles. Woke up as we landed. The perfect journey! [Laughs] But, yeah, I have absolutely no problem sharing a microphone with Ian. None. Y'know? To me, it would be the ultimate expression of gratitude to breathtaking loyalty from PURPLE fans. It's amazing. It truly is."

The deluxe edition of "The Purple Album" features two bonus tracks, four music videos and a "Behind The Scenes" featurette on the recording of the album.

Fan-filmed video footage of the Swedish/British death metal supergroup BLOODBATH, which features in its ranks KATATONIA's Jonas Renkse and Anders Nyström, along with OPETH's Martin Axenrot and PARADISE LOST's Nick Holmes, performing on June 20 at the Copenhell festival in Copenhagen, Denmark can be seen below.

Holmes made his BLOODBATH debut on the band's latest album, "Grand Morbid Funeral", which was released on November 17, 2014 via Peaceville. The effort features guest appearances by Chris Reifert and Eric Cutler from AUTOPSY. "Ever since I got into 'Lost Paradise' back in 1990," Renkse told Metal Hammer magazine, "Nick Holmes has been one of my favorite growling vocalists out there. He was always audible and articulate but still deep and definitely morbid. It is a great pleasure to work with him some 25 years later after I was introduced to his thunderous roar!"

Added Nyström: "Little did I expect to be working with the voice behind the death metal classic 'Lost Paradise', or the genre-defining 'Gothic' and yet here we are decades later, fullfiling another death metal dream. With his sinister and ominous vocal delivery, it's an absolute pleasure to make Old Nick the bell-ringer in BLOODBATH's 'Grand Morbid Funeral'!"

Regarding the musical direction of "Grand Morbid Funeral", Nyström said: "We're proud of all these different styled releases and we loved doing each and every one of them, but the objective was never to settle with a certain style, so our time has come to shift once more.

"It was already decided right after the last album that the next record would not become a 'Fathomless Part 2', but in certain aspects it would actually to become its antithesis! So prepare yourselves for an ultimate blueprint of destructive, raw, heavy, organic and sludgy death metal! The time has come to stomp those HM-2 pedals once more and close the circle of the death metal archives with our 'Grand Morbid Funeral'!" Recorded once again at Ghost Ward Studios and the City Of Glass Studios in Stockholm, and mixed by David Castillo, "Grand Morbid Funeral" is undoubtedly the band's darkest and dirtiest opus yet; an organic collection of filth-ridden tracks straight from the grave, boldly eschewing the approach of somewhat over-produced modern death metal in favor of something altogether more rotten to the bone. Formed in 1998 with a mutual fascination for horror and the glory days of death metal (especially the old Florida and Stockholm "Sunlight" scenes), the band has remained a leading light of extreme metal since its "Breeding Death" EP was unleashed back in 2000, and a formidable force for 15 years, further cemented by the devastating — and most successful album to date — "The Fathomless Mastery" in 2008.

Fan-filmed video footage of original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley's performance at the 2015 edition of the U.K.'s Download festival, which was held last weekend in Donington Park, can be seen below.

Asked what he is going to be working on for the remainder of the year, Ace told Planet Rock: "I'm working on a new covers and remix record for eOne Music, and in Europe, it's SPV. And after that, I've already started working on a new studio record. And between those two things, I'm touring, and I'm doing a cruise after the New Year to the Bahamas, I think — a classic rock cruise. So that's gonna be a lot of fun. That's a first for me."

Regarding which songs he is planning on recording for his covers album, Frehley said: "I'm trying to pick songs that, kind of, influenced me through my career. You know, groups and certain songs… I'm doing another [THE ROLLING] STONES song. That's no… I'm not a stranger to redoing STONES songs. But, yeah, I'm working on an ANIMALS song, and maybe a [Jimi] Hendrix song. And a couple of… I think I'm gonna be doing 'Parasite' and 'Cold Gin' — songs that I wrote that I didn't sing on the original KISS records. So that'll be a treat, too, for the fans."

"Space Invader", the first new solo album from Frehley in five years, sold around 19,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 9 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD arrived in stores on August 19, 2014 via Entertainment One Music (eOne Music).

Ace's previous CD, "Anomaly", opened with around 17,000 units back in September 2009 to debut at No. 27.

"Space Invader", which was made available in Europe on August 18, 2014 (three days earlier in Germany and Scandinavia) through SPV/Steamhammer, included 11 brand new original songs as well as a cover of Steve Miller's "The Joker".

Sweden's Evergrey have released a music video for “Black Undertow”, a track from Hymns For The Broken, released on September 26th, 2014 via AFM Records. The clip can be found below.

Hymns For The Broken tracklisting:

"The Awakening"
"King Of Errors"
"A New Dawn"
"Wake A Change"
"Archaic Rage"
"Barricades"
"Black Undertow"
"The Fire"
"Hymns For The Broken"
"Missing You"
"A Grand Collapse"
"The Aftermath"

“Black Undertow”:

"The Grand Collapse" video:

"King Of Errors" video:

EPK (Electronic Press Kit):

Evergrey's tour schedule includes the following dates:

June
26 - BasineFireFest - Plzen, Czech Republic    
27 - Metal Hammer Festival - Katowice, Poland    
30 - Fossato del Castello di Barletta - Barletta, Italy (supporting Dream Theater)

July
1 - Cavea dell'Auditorium Parco della Musica - Rome, Italy (supporting Dream Theater)
3 - Peace and Love - Borlänge, Sweden

August
26 - Reggies - Chicago, IL
27 - Agora - Cleveland, OH
28 - Token Lounge - Detroit, MI
29 - Opera House - Toronto, ON
30 - Café Campus - Montreal, QC

September
1 - Le Circle - Quebec City, QC
3 - The Marlin Room - New York, NY
4 - Mr. Smalls - Pittsburgh, PA
5 - Soundstage - Baltimore, MD
6 - Empire - Springfield, VA
8 - The Casbah - Charlotte, NC
9 - Midweek Mayhem - Atlanta, GA (ProgPower USA)

 

Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell, who has been recovering from cancer treatment, has checked in with the following update:

"I'm saddened by the fact that my cancer has returned. However, I'm beyond consolation that its return will prevent me from being able to do my job for a while.

I’m still working on a schedule of treatment with my doctors, but I will see you all very soon.

My apologies."

It was rumouzred that Trixter guitarist Steve Brown would be filling in for Campbell, and Brown did post a schedule link here, but it has since been removed from the page. Stay tuned for updates.

Brown previously filled in for Vivian Campbell when the band performed the pre-game show at the first of last year’s three NFL International Series games on Sunday, September 28th at Wembley Stadium, when the Oakland Raiders host the Miami Dolphins. Video is available below:

Def Leppard will be touring this summer with Styx and Tesla. The 48-date outing will kick off in Tampa, Florida., on June 23rd and will wrap in Jacksonville, Florida on October 17th.

Tour dates:

June
23 - Tampa - FL - MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
25 - West Palm Beach - FL - Coral Sky Amphitheatre
27 - Birmingham - AL - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
28 - Atlanta - GA - Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
30 - Charlotte - NC - PNC Music Pavilion

July
2 - Bristow - VA - Jiffy Lube Live
3 - Virginia Beach - VA - Farm Bureau Live at Virginia Beach
5 - Uncasville - CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
7 - Gilford - MD - Bank of NH Pavilion at Meadowbrook
9 - Mansfield - MA - Xfinity Center
11 - Bethel - NY - Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
12 - Darien - NY - Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
14 - Toronto - ON - Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
15 - Youngstown - OH - Covelli Centre
17 - Clarkston - MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre
21 - Mt. Pleasant - MI - Soaring eagle Resort & Casino
23 - Saratoga Springs - NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center
24 - Wantagh - NY - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
25 - Holmdel - NJ - PNC Banks Art Center

August
7 - Sturgis - SD - Buffalo Chip Campground
8 - Sioux Falls - SD - Sioux Falls Arena
10 - Oklahoma City - OK - Chesapeake Energy Arena
11 - Kansas City - MO - Starlight Theatre
14 - Sedalia - MO - Missouri State Fair
15 - Des Moines - IA - Iowa State Fair
17 - Cincinnati - OH - Riverbend Music Center
18 - Nashville - TN - Bridgestone Arena
21 - Dallas - TX - Gexa Energy Pavilion
22 - Woodlands - TX - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
23 - Austin - TX - Austin360 Amphitheater
27 - St. Paul - MN - Minnesota State Fair
28 - Grand Forks - ND - Alerus Center
30 - Noblesville - IN - Klipsch Music Center

September
1 - Allentown - PA - The Great Allentown Fair
3 - Louisville - KY - KFC Yum! Center
4 - Maryland Heights - MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
5 - Tinley Park - IL - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
16 - Auburn - WA - White River Amphitheatre
17 - Ridgefield - WA - Amphitheater Northwest
19 - Mountain View - CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre
22 - Chula Vista - CA - Sleep Train Amphitheatre
23 - Phoenix - AZ - Ak-Chin Pavilion
25 - Albuquerque - NM - Isleta Amphitheater
26 - Denver - CO - Pepsi Center
28 - West Valley City - UT - USANA Amphitheatre
30 - Spokane - WA - Spokane Arena

October
2 - Bozeman - MT - Brick Breeden Fieldhouse
4 - Bismarck - ND - Bismarck Civic Center

Art Gates Records has announced the signing of Belgian thrash combo Indemnity.

The band defines their style as “raw in punk and d-beat wallowing thrash metal with a slice of hardcore."

Formed as a bunch of angry kids in 2005, it took a while for the band to strength their lineup, starting their first gigs at local bars, defining the genre of the band, until the point Indemnity performed in the whole country, from small clubs to big stages.

In words of the band: “Indemnity is extremely proud, grateful and excited to release the album through Art Gates Records! With a gigantic boner in our tight pants, we’d like to thank Art Gates Records to spread the germs, let the sickness rage on and hopefully let ‘em infect all of your fucked up little minds.”*

After releasing the demo Violent Opposition Threat and a first LP The World Is Beautiful For Those Who Live In Another One, the band is ready to release their new opus through Art Gates Records worldwide.

German nautical doomsters Ahab have checked in with the following update:

"Exclusively in the Napalm Records store there will be an Ahab Box. It includes the new album The Boats Of The Glen Carrig, a flag, a patch and the 7" vinyl single of our cover song 'The Turn Of A Friendly Card by Alan Parsons Project. You remember: he guy who recorded Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon. The song is sung by Olav Iversen courtesy of Sahg."

Check out an edit of the track below:

The Boats Of The Glen Carrig tracklisting:

“The Isle”
“The Thing That Made Search”
“Like Read Foam (The Storm)”
“The Weedmen”
“To Mourn Job”
“The Light in the Weed (Mary Madison)” (Bonus Track)

The Boats Of The Glen Carrig will be released on August 28th via Napalm Records and will be available as limited edition 6-page Digipak with bonus track, 2LP Gatefold edition, strictly limited Wooden Box Edition and Ultra Deluxe Canvas Edition. Pre-orders will start on June 18th.

Inner Wound Recordings released melodic metal band Pyramaze’s new album, Disciples Of The Sun, last month. Check out the album track, “Perfectly Imperfect”, streaming now:

Pyramaze are devoted to making music that mirrors their souls, combines all of their influences, and stimulates the mind and spirit of their listeners... Pyramaze continue to make music that is dark, thought provoking, all with a sense of fearlessness. The band will forever be committed to making the melodic art of a group that understands the importance of staying true and faithful to one's passion.

 

 

"Disciples of the Sun tracklisting:

“We Are The Ocean”
“The Battle Of Paridas”
“Disciples Of The Sun"
“Back For More”
“Genetic Process”
“Fearless”
“Perfectly Imperfect”
“Unveil”
“Hope Springs Eternal”
“Exposure”
“When Black Turns To White”
“Photograph”

“Back For More”:

“Disciples Of The Sun” video:

“Fearless” lyric video:

Album teaser:

Disciples Of The Sun (CD, LP, t-shirt) can be pre-ordered at the Inner Wound Store at this location.

The vinyl edition of Disciples Of The Sun is strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide and includes an insert with lyrics. 400 copies comes with a standard black disc, and 100 copies with a white disc.

Pyramaze lineup:

Terje Harøy - vocals
Jacob Hansen - guitars, bass
Jonah W. - keyboards
Toke Skjønnemand - guitars
Morten Gade Sørensen - drums

Metal production/engineering god Chris Tsangarides has agreed to put the finishing touches on the opera metal project Lyraka's follow up to Lyraka Volume 1.

Composer-guitarist Andy DiGelsomina has issued the following statement: "We are hugely honored and grateful for the opportunity to work with Chris, who is a true icon of not just metal, but of rock in the broadest perspective. Chris will be both mixing and mastering the album, as well as adding the final touches to the production. The collaboration is set to begin in earnest in the summer of 2016, with Lyraka Volume 2 slated for release immediately after. I must take the time now to apologize to all Lyraka fans who have waited this long, you have all been supremely patient, and both Jasmine and I are deeply grateful for all the support. To quote our beloved Manowar, 'In our eyes you're immortal, in our hearts you'll live forevermore'!"

Lyraka recently announced the recruitment of Bulgarian metal goddess Maria Diese for Lyraka Volume 2. Maria is best known for being the guiding force behind the power metal band Rampart, as well as having been enlisted in the upcoming Vivaldi Four Seasons metal project.

The announcement includes these words from composer-guitarist Andy DiGelsomina: "Maria Diese is a fascinating contralto with an immense amount of talent and skill. She is a perfect addition to our operatic metal world, and we are more than confident she will be sensational portraying her character."

 

 

For more info visit this location.

 

Annihilator founder/frontman Jeff Waters has checked in with the following update:

"J. Waters here in lovely Hannover, Germany once again and just finished up shooting 2 videos for a few songs from the new Suicide Society record (out September 18th). Lots going on but I will fill you in on all the awesome things going on very soon, but I have some sad news that I need to share. 

Our new bassist Cam Dixon informed us all (Tuesday night, in Germany, after shooting the second video) that his fiancée had just recently been diagnosed with terminal lung and breast cancer. Cam hid this the best he could during the video shoots and none of us know how he even got through them, but he did! All at UDR Records, all of us in and working with Annihilator and BuntMetal (the video company) give her, Cam and their families/friends our deepest best-wishes, thoughts and some prayers. Cam is back home from Germany and with her. 

After hearing this news, our bassist for the last few years, Oscar Rangel offered to come back for the summer festival run we have soon and possibly for the rest of the touring cycle, if needed. Very cool of him, too. Oscar had briefly left us in February to work on his metal project Operus. 

Talk to you all soon about what is coming quick in the Annihilator world but, for now, thoughts to them."

Annihilator will release their brand new (and 15th) studio album, Suicide Society, on September 18th via UDR Music worldwide.

As usual, guitar wizard Jeff Waters handles all songwriting duties, plays all guitar & bass, engineers, produces, mixes and masters Suicide Society… and Waters is also back commanding lead vocal duties, as he did on the critically acclaimed King Of The Kill (1994), Refresh The Demon (1996), Remains (1997) and other Annihilator albums over the years.

Waters on his return to vocal duties: “Dave (Padden/vocalist from 03-14) and I have, essentially, been Annihilator since 2003 but he resigned last December, citing having had enough of touring, being away from home and other commitments. I thank him for his 11 years with Annihilator. That said, Annihilator and I are known for never giving up and, occasionally, coming up with something even better than its former offering(s): this is undeniably the case with Suicide Society!”

Waters later elaborated on his initial statement: "Those who expect a King Of The Kill vocal are in for something interesting! I intentionally tried to avoid the cliché metal vocal/rock stuff I did then (but didn't realize I was doing it then!) and weed out the bad in my voice and style; try to find the good stuff and only do those things! I guess you will be the judge but I am stoked!"

With Suicide Society, Annihilator goes headfirst into some of the most technically perfect, crisp, and crushingly taut, riffage Waters has ever produced. Although Waters’ vocals keep traces of stylings from his King Of The Kill album, they now evoke a surprising blend of legends such as Staley, Osbourne, Hetfield and Mustaine. This, in a twisted way, mirrors Waters’ signature blend of riffing, drums grooves and bass; all drawing from multiple sources and genres.

Waters has built a worldwide reputation as being a premier guitarist and songwriter; the conciseness and arrangement of “Creepin’ Again” is both an air-guitarist’s dream and a sharp reminder of this. The gloriously-brutal thrash of “My Revenge” calls up a vintage of ’85 with the technical chops of 2015. The neo-classic title track defiantly expresses anger at the state of world affairs, while offering up hope in closing. With the multi-layered power of the anthem “Snap”, Waters illustrates the diversity of Annihilator’s sound, without sacrificing one decibel of attack.

“Metal fans will likely sport evil, satisfied grins on their faces, when they hear this record”, chuckles Waters, “but in the words of Joe Perry: “Let the Music Do the Talking”!”

Tracklisting:
“Suicide Society“
“My Revenge“
“Snap“
“Creepin’ Again“
“Narcotic Avenue“
“The One You Serve“
“Break, Enter“
“Death Scent“
“Every Minute“

Audio clips:

German death metal act, Debauchery, will release their new album, Fuck Humanity, on CD, limited 3CD digipak and numbered gatefold vinyl LP editions on July 10th via Massacre Records. The album was recorded by Dennis Ward and produced by Debauchery mastermind Thomas Gurrath.

A new video for the track “German Warmachine” is now available:

Fantasy icon Adrian Smith is once again responsible for the cover artwork.

 

 

The first digipak bonus disc contains some of the new songs and two Debauchery classics in the so-called Balgeroth version in German, the second bonus disc contains some of the new songs in the Blood God version as well as a Judas Priest cover.

Debauchery have released the official video for "Ironclad Declaration Of War”. Watch below:

“Teaser”:

 

Having signed Chicago-based Sweet Cobra for their new studio album, Earth, Magic Bullet Records is now preparing the LP for release in July, as the first single is made publicly available through a video of "Future Ghosts" (streaming below).

Sweet Cobra's first full-length recording since their 2010-released Mercy, the thundering Earth was recorded and produced by Matt Talbot of Hum and Kurt Ballou of Converge at Talbot's Earth Analog Studios in Illinois, mixed by Ballou at his Godcity Studio in Massachusetts, and mastered by Carl Saff. Additionally, both Ballou and Talbot make guest appearances on the album. Earth shows the band hungrier than ever, with the trusted and infectious ferocity fans will expect as well as a slick, more accessible approach. There's no rough edges; no jarring moments. From the first note to the conclusion of the twelve-song bang-ouevre, there is crystal clear purpose and cohesiveness throughout. It has the confidence and catchiness of the heavier moments of Queens Of The Stone Age with the drive of The Jesus Lizard. It has the surge and wallop of Quicksand while delving into far more diverse sonic territories. The pairing of Talbot and Ballou as co-producers has truly yielded a stunning, classic heavy album for the ages.

The bizarre official video for first single from Earth, "Future Ghosts" was directed and animated by Katie Kapuza with assistance from Molly Mccandleuss and props and masks created by Christine Ciarleglio. Showcasing not only the crushing and vibrant tones of their new LP, the video also brings out the imaginative and amusing angles of the Sweet Cobra trio.

Magic Bullet Records will issue Earth on digital formats July 17th, and on LP and CD July 24th.

Earth tracklisting:

“Far Too Temp”
“Future Ghosts”
“He Tall He”
“Complaints”
“Flight Risk”
“Sunburned Sons”
“Repo”
“Stiff Fits”
“Blue Rose”
“Jealous of Drugs”
“Old Haunts”
“Walls”

“Future Ghosts” video:

Sweet Cobra will play a local show for Earth this Friday, June 19th at the Empty Bottle in Chicago as a special advance for their diehard local audience, with another show in Madison later in the month. Much more touring from the band is to be expected in the coming months as well.

Live dates:

June
19 - The Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL (with Cloakroom, Electric Hawk (record release), Paletazo)
27 - The Frequency - Madison, WI (with The Life And Times)

(Photo: Nick Thieneman)

 

Mastodon have premiered the video for their latest single "Asleep In The Deep” (see below). The band teams up once again with Once More 'Round The Sun's cover artist Skinner to push the boundaries of psychedelia as far as they can. Skinner is the mastermind behind "Asleep In The Deep”.

The video tells the psychedelic and epic journey of a house cat who unknowingly travels into a bizarre gypsy catacomb where it encounters a giant bullfrog, a three-headed evil rat king, cat gnomes, cheese slaves and a warrior squirrel. "Asleep In The Deep” is directed by Atlanta-based director, Video Rahim, and co-directed by Special FX guru, Shane Morton (Head of SPFX Make-Up on Adult Swim's Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell) and Skinner. Hey Beautiful Jerk, a NYC-based design and visual effects boutique, provided creative direction and all post production services.

The creator and co-director of "Asleep In The Deep”, Skinner, has this to say about the video: "This concept was birthed out of my curiosity about what a cat really does at night while we are asleep. Where do they go? Cats have a very mysterious myth to them and I thought it would be cool to explore that, as little nocturnal heroes. I decided to put a sort of Joseph Campbell hero myth spin on it and add some Jodorowsky psychedelia as well. I'm more than excited about the way it came out! I love it!"

Mastodon is excited to have a limited webstore exclusive bundle to celebrate the video premiere, which includes the "Asleep In The Deep" t-shirt and larger-than-life 24"x36" old school movie-style poster printed on 100# text paper. Both the "Asleep In The Deep" shirt and poster feature the exclusive art by Skinner.

This is a pre-sale item. Bundles will begin shipping by July 1st. Order your limited web store exclusive bundle here.

SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor joined Los Angeles glam metal jokesters STEEL PANTHER on stage on May 29 at Val Air Ballroom in Des Moines, Iowa to perform two songs: "Asian Hooker" and "Eyes Of A Panther". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

In a 2014 interview with Revolver magazine, Taylor stated about STEEL PANTHER's latest album, last year's "All You Can Eat": "It's top to bottom so damn good. I would listen to it on the way to the studio to make the SLIPKNOT album [2014's '5: The Gray Chapter'] every day. There's nothing like driving through Hollywood listening to STEEL PANTHER. It's so fulfilling in so many different, weird ways. They write amazing songs and that's one of the reasons why they have the kind of legs that it takes for what they do keep going. They're great musicians and they're funnier than shit. They're some of the smartest, funniest dudes I've ever met."

Taylor was featured on STEEL PANTHER's 2009 album "Feel The Steel", singing "Death To All But Metal" and contributing backup vocals on "Asian Hooker" and "Eyes Of A Panther". STEEL PANTHER drummer Stix Zadinia told Juice magazine last year that Taylor attended some of the band's shows in Hollywood, eventually getting up on stage with them. Stix described STEEL PANTHER as being "bros" with Taylor since then. The drummer added: "Plus, he looks great naked. You can print that."

Ugly Kid Joe has launched a PledgeMusic campaign for their first full-length album in 19 years, Uglier Than They Used Ta Be. Check it out at this location. Now the album's cover art, created by Daniel Mercer, has been unveiled.

In live news, UKJ will be touring The UK in September with the amazing Richards/Crane as special guests. Richards/Crane is an acoustic project featuring Ugly Kid Joe vocalist Whitfield Crane, and original Godsmack guitarist Lee Richards. The pair are featured in an audio interview with Team Rock that can be heard below:

The duo has also issued a video for their debut single, "Black & White". It features cameos from: Snake (Skid Row), Ginger Wildheart, Andy Copping, Chris Jericho (Fozzy), Chris Catalyst (Eureka Machines), Michael Starr & Satchel (Steel Panther), Benji Webbe (Skindred), Phil Anselmo (Down), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Crossfaith, Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge/Slash), CJ Wildheart, Mikey Demus (Skindred) and Dan Devita (TKO).

 

 

 

Vancouver-based female fronted metallers, Unleash The Archers, have released a preview of their upcoming Napalm Records album, Time Stands Still, to be released on June 26th (Europe/Australia/Rest of the World) and on July 7th in North America via Napalm Records.

 

 

Tracklisting:

“Northern Passage” (Intro)
“Frozen Steel”
“Hail Of The Tide”
“Tonight We Ride”
“Test Your Metal”
“Crypt”
“No More Heroes”
“Dreamcrusher”
“Going Down Fighting”
“Time Stands Still”

Preview:

“Tonight We Ride” (Video Edit) {Bonus Track}

Unleash The Archers on their signing with Napalm Records: "We are so honoured to be joining the team at Napalm! The roster is fantastic, and there are actually already some of our Canadian friends on there so we know it's a great fit. We can not wait to share our new album with the world, and we have the utmost confidence in Napalm to help us do that!"

Fan-filmed video footage of EXODUS's June 18 performance at the Copenhell festival in Copenhagen, Denmark can be seen below.

Guitarist Gary Holt was unable to join his EXODUS bandmates for the Copenhell appearance due to his commitments with SLAYER. Replacing him at the event was HEATHEN's Kragen Lum.

EXODUS and TESTAMENT recently joined forces for the "Dark Roots Of Thrash II" tour. The trek conquered North America for five weeks, beginning April 1 in San Francisco, and included select TESTAMENT and EXODUS festival performances. Support on the tour came from Texas melodic metal assailants SHATTERED SUN.

EXODUS's latest album, "Blood In Blood Out", sold around 8,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 38 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released in North America on October 14, 2014 via Nuclear Blast, the CD art was illustrated by Swedish artist Pär Olofsson, known worldwide for his incredible renderings that have graced the covers of countless heavy metal albums, including EXODUS' "Let There Be Blood".

"Blood In Blood Out" is EXODUS' first album since the departure of the band's lead singer of nine years, Rob Dukes, and the return of his predecessor, Steve "Zetro" Souza, who previously fronted EXODUS from 1986 to 1993 and from 2002 to 2004.

Bassist/vocalist David Vincent of Florida death metal veterans MORBID ANGEL has released the following statement:

"I had good communication with Trey [Azagthoth, MORBID ANGEL guitarist] yesterday and we agree that there are incompatibilities with regards to us working together.

"Trey and I have accomplished amazing things together over the past 30 years and I wish him the best with his future projects. Out of respect for the legacy of these accomplishments, I encourage MORBID ANGEL fans to not take sides, because I am not.

"I look forward to sharing my new endeavors with all of you in the near future. Until then, stay Morbid!"

As previously reported, Azagthoth announced on June 15 that MORBID ANGEL had reunited with Steve Tucker and that they were working on material for the band's next record. Later that same day, Vincent, who rejoined MORBID ANGEL in 2004 after first parting ways with the band in 1996, issued a statement of his own claiming that he had not left the group and had not been asked to do so. Also on June 15, drummer Tim Yeung confirmed his exit from MORBID ANGEL, explaining in a statement: "There have been some lineup changes with MORBID ANGEL. Unfortunately, due to financial differences, I will not be continuing with [the band]… I wish Trey and MORBID ANGEL all the best. As for myself, I'm always up for the next opportunity life throws my way."

On Thursday, June 18, Norwegian guitarist Destructhor (a.k.a. Thor Anders Myhren) announced that he had officially left MORBID ANGEL "due to issues of them wanting to work with someone more local." He added that this was "actually pretty good news to me, since I personally decided to leave MORBID ANGEL after the last tour we did in Europe in November/December 2014. It is definitely time for me to move on with the Norwegian extreme act MYRKSKOG. This is where I truly belong and exciting things are happening!"

MORBID ANGEL's controversial 2011 album, "Illud Divinum Insanus", which incorporated industrial and electronic elements into the band's traditional death metal sound, marked the group's first CD to feature Vincent since 1995's "Domination".

"Age Of Disgust", a brand new song from metal/hardcore pioneers PRO-PAIN, can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below. The track is taken from the band's latest album, "Voice Of Rebellion", which was released through SPV/Steamhammer on June 17 in Scandinavia, June 19 in Germany, June 22 in the rest of Europe, and June 23 in the USA. It was made available in the following configurations: * Standard jewel edition* Limited edition digipak (with three bonus tracks and double-sided poster)* Limited-edition vinyl LP in red color* Download

CD digipak track listing:

01. Voice Of Rebellion02. No Fly Zone03. Righteous Annihilation04. Souls On Fire05. Take It To The Grave06. Age Of Disgust07. Bella Morte08. Cognitive Dissonance09. Blade Of The Cursed10. Crushed To Dust11. Enraged12. Hellride13. DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)14. Fuck This Life15. Johnny Black 2015 (bonus track)16. Stand Tall (live 2013) (bonus track)17. Make War (Not Love) (live 2013) (bonus track)

Jewel case track listing;

01. Voice Of Rebellion02. No Fly Zone03. Righteous Annihilation04. Souls On Fire05. Take It To The Grave06. Age Of Disgust07. Bella Morte08. Cognitive Dissonance09. Blade Of The Cursed10. Crushed To Dust11. Enraged12. Hellride13. DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)14. Fuck This Life

LP track listing:

Side A

01. Voice Of Rebellion02. No Fly Zone03. Righteous Annihilation04. Souls On Fire05. Take It To The Grave06. Age Of Disgust07. Bella Morte

Side B

01. Cognitive Dissonance02. Blade Of The Cursed03. Crushed To Dust04. Enraged05. Hellride06. DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)07. Fuck This Life

Aggressive, meticulous, passionate, righteous — all distinguishing traits that have come to symbolize the fundamentals of metal/hardcore pioneers PRO-PAIN. Since their crushing 1992 NAIRD-nominated debut album "Foul Taste Of Freedom", PRO-PAIN have become a staple in the diets of heavy music listeners around the globe. Their successful and enviable career has perpetually prospered throughout its course, and yet they still manage to find room to improve, and more importantly, impress. Each and every PRO-PAIN album is a paragon of intensity, inspiration, honesty and unwillingness to compromise. Their latest (and fifteenth) studio effort, titled "Voice Of Rebellion", is a testament to those very same qualities. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Corey Williams at Sound Lounge Recordings in Venice, Florida, "Voice Of Rebellion" features 14 punishing tracks which are sure to satisfy die-hard fans and new fans alike. Production credits are shared by Williams and PRO-PAIN mainman Gary Meskil.

"This time around, I decided to get back into assisting with certain aspects of production, and we are thrilled with the end result," says Meskil. "Corey is a young and talented engineer/producer, and the sonic brutality we collectively achieved speaks for itsel, in my opinion." "Voice Of Rebellion" kicks off with a blistering and infectious title track (which is destined to become a PRO-PAIN classic). Songs like "No Fly Zone" and "Age Of Disgust" take the listener back to the bands groove laden glory days, while new ground gets forcefully broken with tracks such as "Hellride" and "Souls On Fire". The entire spectrum of the bands musical influences are proudly displayed and are tastefully explored within the contents of this explosive album. Lead guitarist Adam Phillips states: "The writing process for 'Voice Of Rebellion' was a complete collaborative effort, unlike its predecessor. So, the end result is a multi-dimensional onslaught of heaviness." Meskil adds, "This is a definitive album for PRO-PAIN, as it speaks very well for us with regard to who we are and what we represent as a band." Formed by vocalist/bassist Gary Meskil (ex-CRUMBSUCKERS), PRO-PAIN's current lineup includes Marshall Stephens (rhythm guitar), Adam Phillips (lead guitar) and Jonas Sanders (drums).

SLAYER's eleventh studio album, "Repentless", will be released on September 11 via Nuclear Blast.

"Repentless" track listing:

01. Delusions Of Saviour02. Repentless03. Take Control04. Vices05. Cast The First Stone06. When The Stillness Comes07. Chasing Death08. Implode09. Piano Wire10. Atrocity Vendor11. You Against You12. Pride In Prejudice

"Repentless", the album's title track, goes on sale digitally virtually everywhere today (Amazon, iTunes, Google). The "Repentless visualizer" clip can be viewed below.

"'Repentless' is my Jeff [Hanneman] tribute," said King. "I call it the 'HannemAnthem.' It's my perspective of Jeff's perspective, it's what I think... If Jeff wrote a song for himself, 'Repentless' would be it."

The full lyrics for the "Repentless" title track can be found below.

"Repentless" will be made available in a wide array of formats, as detailed below:

* Limited CD + Blu-ray digipak (includes Blu-ray of "Slayer Live at Wacken 2014" and the "Making of Repentless" documentary)* Limited CD + DVD digipak (includes DVD of "Slayer Live at Wacken 2014" and the "Making of Repentless" documentary)* Strictly limited 12-inch sized Box (includes CD + Blu-ray digipak, DVD, exclusive Repentless 12-inch picture vinyl, "Slayer Live at Wacken 2014" CD, 12-inch photo card, 12-inch fold-out poster)* CD jewel case* Vinyl in gatefold (audio mastered for vinyl)* Digital (all digital platforms)* Limited edition "Metal Eagle Edition"

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

"We had a number of submitted ideas for the cover artwork," said Araya, "and we felt Marcelo's was the best. We made some suggestions and the result is an awesome album cover."

The Metal Eagle Edition of "Repentless", is made of aluminum alloy, measuring 15" x 17" x 3" and weighing in at a hefty 7.8 pounds (yes, the final version is heavier than previously announced), the Metal Eagle Edition will house a deluxe digipak of the "Repentless" CD plus bonus material detailed below. The limited (only 3,000 copies worldwide) and numbered Metal Eagle Edition will be a direct-to-consumer item and available exclusively via the Nuclear Blast mailorder online store. The Metal Eagle will include the following exclusive items: * Deluxe digipak (folds out into "inverted cross")* Bonus Blu-Ray and DVD including "Slayer Live At Wacken 2014" and "Making Of Repentless Documentary"* Bonus live CD "Slayer Live At Wacken 2014"* Fold-out poster* Album sticker* Numbered certificate The highly anticipated "Repentless" is SLAYER's eleventh studio album, the first since 2009's critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated "World Painted Blood" and the first with producer Terry Date (PANTERA, SLIPKNOT, SOUNDGARDEN). The band — Tom Araya (bass, vocals), Kerry King (guitar), Paul Bostaph (drums), and Gary Holt (guitar), who recorded lead guitar parts for about a half-dozen of the album's new tracks — started recording "Repentless" in March 2014, and made the track "Implode" available as a free download in April of that year. The band and Date continued to record between September 2014 and mid-January 2015 at Henson Studios in Los Angeles. For the album, "Implode" was completely re-recorded from the ground up, and "When The Stillness Comes", used as an instrumental track in a Scion commercial, got a revamped intro and all new vocals.

"Repentless" also includes "Piano Wire", an unfinished song from the "World Painted Blood" sessions written by Hanneman. About the track, Rolling Stone wrote that it "begins with an eerie guitar line before evolving into a full-on-doom (and classic SLAYER) riff onslaught." King put it this way: "When I hear it, I think 'Jeff.' It sounds like a Jeff Hanneman song."

The 12-track "Repentless" is, according to those who have heard it, a sonic assault of brutal, ominous, lightening-fast and heavy-as-hell music with lyrics that unmask what SLAYER knows best — the terror, the corruption and the societal turmoil that dominates our world.

"The new album sounds like SLAYER," said Araya. "In the past, our fans have always known what to expect, this time they don't. But we really like it, and I don't think the fans are going to be disappointed."

As is expected from SLAYER, the band will support the release of "Repentless" with extensive touring across the globe, beginning this summer when the band headlines the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. That tour kicks off June 26 at Sleep Train Amphitheater in San Diego, California.

Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM will release their ninth studio album, "I Worship Chaos", worldwide on October 2 via Nuclear Blast. The artwork for the CD was created by Finnish artist Tuomas Korpi and can be seen below.

"I Worship Chaos" was once again recorded at Helsinki, Finland's Danger Johnny Studios and was produced by CHILDREN OF BODOM and Mikko Karmila, who worked with the band on their earlier albums "Halo Of Blood", "Hatebreeder", "Follow The Reaper" and "Hate Crew Deathroll". The CD was mixed and mastered at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland.

"I Worship Chaos" will be available in following formats:

* CD + DVD digibook (incl. bonus DVD and three bonustracks!)* CD* 2LP (black, clear, silver, yellow, picture)* digibook + canvas (Nuclear Blast mailorder edition)

The album can be pre-ordered at this location. Comments CHILDREN OF BODOM guitarist/vocalist Alexi Laiho: "We are close to putting the finishing touches on the new CHILDREN OF BODOM record, 'I Worship Chaos', and as much fun (but most importantly raw, literally bloody knuckled hard work) it has been making it, I'm more than happy and even more anxious to share this chaos with the rest of the world. So people, put your shades and helmets on, it will get very dark and it might hurt, in a perfect CHILDREN OF BODOM fashion, of course!" "I Worship Chaos" track listing:

01. IHurt02. My Bodom (I Am The Only One)03. Morrigan04. Horns05. Prayer For The Afflicted06. I Worship Chaos07. Hold Your Tongue08. Suicide Bomber09. All for Nothing10. Widdershins

Bonus tracks (digibook only):

11. Mistress Of Taboo (PLASMATICS cover)12. Danger Zone (KENNY LOGGINS cover)13. Black Winter Day (AMORPHIS cover)

CHILDREN OF BODOM has recruited Antti Wirman, the younger brother of the band's keyboardist Janne Wirman, to handle second-guitar duties for their upcoming shows.

Antti, who has been a member of Janne's band WARMEN since 2001, made his live debut with CHILDREN OF BODOM on May 30 when the group played a surprise six-song set at Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland.

"We wanted to go with someone close to the band we can count on and who can nail these songs. Antti was the obvious choice," said Janne.

Antti will continue playing with CHILDREN OF BODOM through the band's appearance at the Kuopio RockCock festival on August 1. The group will then decide what to do about the second-guitarist position on a more permanent basis.

CHILDREN OF BODOM's first official concert with Antti took place on June 4 at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

CHILDREN OF BODOM last month announced the departure of the band's guitarist of the past decade, Roope Latvala. The band explained in a statement: "As we parted ways with no bad blood, we wish him nothing but the best and thank him for allowing us to share the last twelve years of our lives with him. [We] hope [the fans] know that this will not affect the upcoming shows or the new album as we recorded it as a four-piece and it is already mixed, mastered, heavy as shit and ready to go!"

New Jersey progressive metal masters SYMPHONY X will release their ninth studio album, titled "Underworld", on July 24 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The official lyric video for the track "Without You" can be seen below. The song has just been released as a digital single via Amazon, iTunes and Google Play.

Comments SYMPHONY X guitarist Michael Romeo: "'Without You' is a bit mellower than the first single, 'Nevermore', with a big chorus and a sweeping feel. I don't know if I would call the track a ballad, but it's a little bit softer, not so much about riff, but more the acoustic and electric interplay. Those two are good single choices, if you will, because they represent what the record is: it's heavy, but at the same time, there are some of these soaring melodic parts."

"Underworld" track listing:

01. Overture02. Nevermore03. Underworld04. Without You05. Kiss Of Fire06. Charon07. Hell And Back08. In My Darkest Hour09. Run With The Devil10. Swansong11. Legend

"This new one is about the song, really crafting each one on its own, to be as strong as it could be," says Romeo, chief writer in the band, and proprietor of The Dungeon, the tricked-out studio in which the album was crafted, newly equipped with the latest in technology required to execute the band’s famous symphonic and orchestrated touches.

"Musically, 'Underworld' has things reminiscent of the bands previous albums but this one definitely has its own individuality," he continues. "Every element added was in service of the song, so the album flows and becomes a total listening experience from start to finish. Every song is to the point and fine-tuned, with us paying a lot of attention to the hooks, voices, riffs, and keeping the interest and the energy high for the entire record. It is heavy and aggressive as fuck when it needs to be, yet soaring and emotional at other times. I think the balance is just right. It had to have all the elements of what we normally would do, just tweaked up a notch and really fine-tuned."

Michael adds: "You know, industry people have talked about how we'll never see a complete album again, and that idea. I wanted to defend the reputation of the album, and really try to make 'Underworld' worth listening to as a whole record. It's what I love about great individual songs, but still an album experience.

"I don't want to sound like I'm preaching, but it was a point we wanted to make. It was about the progression of the whole record. It speeds up here and then it dips down here. It all makes sense together, it all works together and it all flows together."

Although "Underworld" is not a concept album, Michael says, "Like the last couple of records, there's a theme that carries through, without it being storytelling.

"We try to find something to key in on and get the juices flowing, and here the goal was to find something a little dark but with emotional content. I started looking at Dante, and Orpheus in the underworld, where he's going to go to Hades or hell to save this girl. So there's the theme of going to hell and back for something or someone you care about."

Heavily inspired by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, "Underworld" draws on the themes from "Divine Comedy" most notably the part on "Inferno". As homage to Dante's use of the number 3 and its multiples, the band utilizes this motif in its music either in a lyrical or melodic context. The first song on the album is a three-syllable, three-note melodic phrase, and in the verses there are three references to three songs on the bands third album, "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy". "There's cool shit like this all over the record," Romeo reports.

For the "Underworld" cover art, SYMPHONY X went with their established illustrator Warren Flanagan (Watchmen", "The Incredible Hulk", "2012") who similarly tapped into the "secret knowledge" vibe Michael and band embedded in the record.

"Warren went with the masks, similar to the first record," explains Romeo. "But when I discussed with him Dante and the underworld, he did his own research and designed a little symbol for each of the nine circles of hell. So there are these little geometric symbols that mean something. That's just what he does. He gets in there and finds these things that maybe no one really besides us knows what it means and yet it has meaning."

Fan-filmed video footage of SUICIDAL TENDENCIES' June 18 performance at the Copenhell festival in Copenhagen, Denmark can be seen below.

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES' latest album, "13" sold around 3,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 187 on The Billboard 200 chart. The first studio album in 13 years from SUICIDAL TENDENCIES was produced by vocalist Mike Muir and Grammy-nominated engineer/mixer Paul Northfield (DREAM THEATER, HOLE, RUSH).

In a May 2013 interview with Loudwire, Muir stated about the making of "13": "We were close to [having] 160 songs, but there were a lot of changes in the studio right up until the very end. I think if it hadn't been so long we probably would still be recording right now, but we actually kind of enjoyed that process. Putting records out isn't very fun, but recording is fun."

He continued: "I think one of the things is the way music is now and doing your own thing. It used to be you put out a record and you went on tour for a year or so, you got back, took a little time off and then you went in the studio and recorded 15 or 20 songs and you picked them and put it out. I don't think that is necessarily the way things are anymore and the fact that things don't sell or anything like that. Then it gets to the point, like, 'Why are we putting out something and kind of defend it in a sense because all of our records always get attacked when it's something we love?'"

Muir added: "Ten years ago, we got our own studio and we have that ability where it's not, like, 'Okay, we got three or four weeks, we have to get everything done and then that's it.' You're able to go into the studio anytime and write and when you do that you're not sitting there going, 'How's this song going to fit in on a SUICIDAL record?' You just record and you do what you like and you have a lot of fun. I think it was at the end when it started getting to so many years where we were, like, 'We need to kind of get this done.'"

The Journeys Alternative Press Music Awards, fueled by Monster Energy Drink, has added even more performers and presenters, in addition to this year's official red carpet hosts and esteemed recipients of the Vanguard and Icon Awards. The APMAs will take place on July 22 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. The APMAs is pleased to present the revered Vanguard Award to hard-rock legend and respected filmmaker Rob Zombie. As a rock icon and filmmaker with a unique vision, Zombie has continuously challenged audiences as he stretches the boundaries of both music and film. He has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide and is the only artist to experience unprecedented success in both music and film as the writer/director of six feature films with a worldwide gross totaling more than $150 million. This year's Icon Award honorees are none other than American punk-rock mavericks X. X were one of the most influential bands to emerge from the Los Angeles punk scene of the late '70s. The group's first two albums, "Los Angeles" and "Wild Gift", appear on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time list. Frontwoman Exene Cervenka shares: "Alternative Press came out of the American heartland as a local fanzine, and grew to be an important source for music lovers everywhere. Thank you for bringing X along with so many other artists into people's lives! We are honored to be recognized and given this award." The APMAs is very excited to reveal this year's energetic AXS TV Red Carpet hosts: EVERY TIME I DIE's wisecracking frontman Keith Buckley and NEW YEARS DAY's striking frontwoman Ash Costello. The pair will interview many of this year's stars as they make their way down the red carpet and into the main event. Voting on all awards is open now via www.altpress.com/apmas, in addition to the Best Music Video award, which can be voted upon exclusively at any Journeys retail location via voter mobile device and store-provided QR codes or via journeys.com/bestmusicvideo. Voting ends on July 6.

Norwegian guitarist Destructhor (pictured; a.k.a. Thor Anders Myhren) has officially left MORBID ANGEL. He says in a statement: "I would like to announce that I, Destructhor, as well am out of MORBID ANGEL. Due to issues of them wanting to work with someone more local. Actually pretty good news to me, since I personally decided to leave MORBID ANGEL after the last tour we did in Europe in November/December 2014. It is definitely time for me to move on with the Norwegian extreme act MYRKSKOG. This is where I truly belong and exciting things are happening! A new record is being released next year with coming tours, festivals and so on. So it's time to step it up and prepare for war with my Norwegian/Swedish brothers in MYRKSKOG."

He adds: "As for MORBID ANGEL, I wish them all the best with everything! It's been a lot of great experiences! No hard feelings at all and may the future bring us all to another dimension!"

As previously reported, MORBID ANGEL guitarist Trey Azagthoth announced on June 15 that the band had reunited with Steve Tucker and that they were working on material for MORBID ANGEL's next record. Later that same day, David Vincent, who rejoined MORBID ANGEL in 2004 after first parting ways with the band in 1996, issued a statement of his own claiming that he had not left the band and had not been asked to do so. Also on June 15, drummer Tim Yeung confirmed his exit from MORBID ANGEL, explaining in a statement: "There have been some lineup changes with MORBID ANGEL. Unfortunately, due to financial differences, I will not be continuing with [the band]… I wish Trey and MORBID ANGEL all the best. As for myself, I'm always up for the next opportunity life throws my way."

MORBID ANGEL's controversial 2011 album, "Illud Divinum Insanus", which incorporated industrial and electronic elements into the band's traditional death metal sound, marked the group's first CD to feature Vincent since 1995's "Domination".

DOWN's official performance video for the song "Hogshead/Dogshead" can be seen below. The clip was filmed at Southport Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana by Mike Holderbeast and the Cement Level Crew. The audio was recorded and mastered by Steven W. Richardson.

"Hogshead/Dogshead" is taken from DOWN's latest EP, last year's "Down IV - Part Two", which sold around 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 23 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's previous EP, "Down IV Part I - The Purple EP", opened with around 12,000 units in September 2012 to land at No. 35.

"Down IV - Part Two" was released on May 13, 2014 via Down Records/ADA Music. Tracked at Nodferatu's Lair — iconic vocalist Philip H. Anselmo's home studio — and produced by Michael Thompson, Anselmo and DOWN, the new EP is the eagerly anticipated sequel to "Down IV - Part One". The new offering from DOWN is packed with the quintet's signature gargantuan riffs, swamp blues leads, crashing drums and hypnotic howls, upholding a certain tradition that countless fans celebrate, expanding their own musical mythos as they leave its pillars intact and untouched. When Anselmo, Pepper Keenan, Jimmy Bower, Pat Bruders, and Bobby Landgraf retreated to Nodferatu's Lair at Anselmo's Lousiana home in the fall of 2013, things had changed a bit. For the first time in the band's storied career, Kirk Windstein wouldn't be handling guitar duties alongside Keenan. Instead, longtime "family" member, stage manager, and HONKY guitarist Landgraf took the reins. "He was immediately at home," affirmed Anselmo. "Bobby had always been that guy in case of anything. Knowing his personality, he really locked in with what we do and took it to heart. He made himself belong. Honestly, the first day he came down he contributed a very strong riff to a key song. There's that Southern element, which is imperative. I also catch a real old heavy metal vibe from this record. I can't stress this enough. He took it all on, and he did a fucking awesome job." Keenan added, "Even with the lineup differences, it's interesting how the songs still sound very DOWN. Bobby and I have always locked in. It's not just physically either, but mentally as well. We see eye-to-eye, and he's been watching for a long time." "It was a big deal for me," beamed Landgraf. "I drove ten hours up from Texas that first day, cracked a beer, and plugged in. We jumped right into the room, and I played this part. They all smiled. That was the moment for me. I'm a longtime fan, and I knew we were friends, but being a part of the writing and working towards something together was just incredible. As a guitar player, one of my goals was to be in a group like this. I want to make everyone proud." Making good on DOWN's promise of a series of EPs, the second installment sees a pronounced progression amongst the individuals themselves as well. "We wanted to back up our word as far as releasing these EPs," Anselmo added. "Everybody was fixated on that. This is the shortest period of time between our releases, and every one stepped it up and upped his game. Keenan, Bower, Bruders and Landgraf all contributed some excellent riffs. Having all of this fresh input makes for a different listen and a new perspective on what DOWN should and does sound like. All of that yields a unique record off the bat." "Down IV - Part Two" track listing:

01. Steeple02. We Knew Him Well03. Hogshead/Dogshead04. Conjure05. Sufferer's Years06. Bacchanalia

In a brand new question-and-answer session with Greece's Rock Overdose, former JUDAS PRIEST and ICED EARTH singer Tim "Ripper" Owens was asked if he would make another album with JUDAS PRIEST if he had the opportunity. He responded: "I would, for sure — not for the money, because I do better [financially] now [as a solo artist] than ever, and I work a lot more [laughs], but for the good times. I mean, while I was in PRIEST, it was like a family; we did everything together, and the hotels and bus was nicer. [Laughs] I miss my times with them, the stories the beers and dinner. I miss just hanging with them."

Asked how it feels to have been the lead vocalist for two groups as big as ICED EARTH and JUDAS PRIEST, Owens said: "It feels great. I had a wonderful time. I mean, JUDAS PRIEST is one of the top bands in the world, and I grew up listening to them. Then I made two great CDs (overlooked CDs ) [with them] and two great live CDs and a DVD, and, most importantly, I made great friends. I mean, JUDAS PRIEST was the big leagues and my college."

Owens recently told Dubai's Mainstage Events that parting ways with JUDAS PRIEST in 2003 after a seven-year stint with the band "was all right. We knew if was gonna happen — I did, at least. And you know what? It wasn't upsetting. I had just recorded an ICED EARTH record, and it kind of felt like my time in JUDAS PRIEST was probably over. And [I was] kind of wishing it was over, in a way, to move on to ICED EARTH and do other things. And it was definitely best for JUDAS PRIEST, it was definitely best for Rob Halford, and it was definitely best for me. I would have never quit JUDAS PRIEST; I would have stayed in it forever, because I love the guys and I love what I was doing with 'em. But, as a career, to do things for my career, I had to move on. So it was okay. It was something that… It didn't offend me when JUDAS PRIEST let me go. I think it offended some family and friends and stuff at the time, but it didn't change my relationship with JUDAS PRIEST either, not has it changed with Rob Halford; we're all still good friends."

Owens recorded two studio albums with JUDAS PRIEST — 1997's "Jugulator" and 2001's "Demolition" — before the band reunited with Rob Halford.

In a separate interview with CantonRep.com, Tim was asked if he thinks metal fans who didn't accept him fronting JUDAS PRIEST are able to view that period more fondly now that time has passed.

"I think some," he responded. "Some will never give it a shot. The funny thing about me is I'm a JUDAS PRIEST fan from the old school. If I had listened to 'Jugulator' or 'Demolition' and saw it live, I'd have said, 'This is pretty good.' Some fans look at those records and go, 'I'll never accept it.' And that's cool. I understand it 100 percent. When you think of JUDAS PRIEST, you think of Rob [Halford], Glenn [Tipton], K.K. [Downing] and Ian [Hill]."