German power metallers Iron Savior released their first ever DVD/Live CD Live At The Final Frontier on May 29th. It includes the recordings of the band's show in their hometown Hamburg (from January 2015) and comes as exclusive DVD/2CD digipak. A live clip of "Revenge Of The Bride" can be seen below:

Tracklisting:

DVD

“Ascendence (Intro)”
“Last Hero”
“Starlight”
“The Savior”
“Revenge Of The Bride”
“Break The Curse”
“Burning Heart”
“Mind Over Matter”
“Hall Of The Heroes”
“R U Ready”
“Condition Red”
“I’ve Been To Hell”
“Heavy Metal Never Dies”
“Coming Home”
“Iron Watcher (Medley)”
“Atlantis Falling”
“Breaking The Law” (Judas Priest cover)

 

*Also additional backstage/concert footage

CD1

“Ascendence (Intro)”
“Last Hero”
“Starlight”
“The Savior”
“Revenge Of The Bride”
“Break The Curse”
“Burning Heart”
“Mind Over Matter”

CD2

“Hall Of The Heroes”
“R U Ready”
“Condition Red”
“I’ve Been To Hell”
“Heavy Metal Never Dies”
“Coming Home”
“Iron Watcher (Medley)”
“Atlantis Falling”

“Breaking The Law” (Judas Priest cover)

Finland's Concrete Swine are streaming their new track, “Darkness”, the opening track from their upcoming Siberia Jam 74 EP.

Siberia Jam 74 EP was recorded by Tero Kalliomäki at Killhill Studio,Riihimäki, Finland. Mixed by Paul Bento (Type O Negative, Carnivore) at Beak Owl Sound Studio in New York, and mastered by Collin Jordan (Ministry, Voivod, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, Eyehategod) at the Boiler Room in Chicago.

Siberia Jam 74 tracklisting:

“Darkness”
“Choises”
“Destiny”
“Liquid Bullet”

“Darkness”:

(Photo by: Johanna Penttinen)

Necrostable Records has announced that Mortado (Colombia) will release their first album Human Mistaken Experiments digitally through the label.

"Embalmer", the eighth track from Human Mistaken Experiments will be available on all major digital services, such as Spotify, ITunes, Amazon on Sunday, June 14.

Mortado, founded in 2010, plays grind death metal and hails classic acts such as Repulsion, Autopsy and Napalm Death. Their first official release was the EP Rancid And Corroded in 2013, after having promoted their second demo Ultimate Punishment throughout Colombia.

Human Mistaken Experiments features ten devastating tracks, including promising titles such as “Annihiliation Of Human Scum”, “Kill Them With Hate” and “Cannibalistic Obsession”.

Dutch vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen (The Gentle Storm, ex-The Gathering) recently checked in with the following update:

"Hey everybody! A beautiful 4CD box set collecting the four Agua De Annique albums will be released June 15th. This release also features additional photos and artwork as well as extensive liner notes collected by Carl Begai (BraveWords). When I started my solo career in 2007 I felt the sky was the limit. The four albums under the Agua de Annique tag (2007-2010) mark a very important part of my career and my life in general. The freedom to explore various musical styles and forms was super exciting. It also gave me the opportunity to collaborate with many artist friends. I am very proud of this wonderful box set and I have been actively involved in this creation. Mark Uyl is responsible for the cover picture and he also created the atmospheric short introduction video:"

The complete box set tracklist is as follows:

Disc 1 - Air

"Beautiful One"
"Witnesses" 
"Yalin" 
"Day After Yesterday" 
"My Girl" 
"Take Care of Me" 
"Ice Water" 
"You Are Nice!" 
"Trail of Grief" 
"Come Wander with Me"
"Sunken Soldiers Ball" 
"Lost and Found" 
"Asleep" 
"Notthemostprettygirl" (bonus track)

Disc 2 - Pure Air

"The Blower's Daughter" (feat. Danny Cavanagh) 
"Beautiful One" (feat. Niels Geusebroek) 
"Wild Flowers" 
"Day After Yesterday" (feat. Marike Jager) 
"Come Wander with Me" (feat. Kyteman) 
"Valley of the Queens" (feat. Arjen Lucassen) 
"To Catch a Thief" (feat. John Wetton) 
"Ironic" 
"What’s the Reason?" (feat. Niels Geusebroek) 
"Yalin" 
"Somewhere" (feat. Sharon den Adel) 
"Witnesses" 
"The Power of Love"

Disc 3 - In Your Room

"Pearly"
"Hey Okay!" 
"I Want" 
"Wonder" 
"The World" 
"Sunny Side Up" 
"Physical" 
"Home Again" 
"Wide Open" 
"Longest Day" 
"Just Fine" 
"Adore"

Disc 4 - Live In Europe

"Intro"
"The World" 
"My Girl" 
"Who I Am" 
"Day After Yesterday" 
"Hey Okay!" 
"Fury" 
"Beautiful One" 
"Adore" 
"I Want" 
"Laugh It Out" 
"Witnesses" 
"Shrink"

Following is an excerpt from the liner notes:

Anneke's solo sound is often referred to as pop-rock oriented but the first Agua de Annique record, Air, exhibited dark undertones similar to The Gathering's latter years with her behind the microphone. A song such as 'Witnesses', could have easily found a home on How To Measure A Planet?, or 'Sunken Soldiers Ball’ might have appeared on Nighttime Birds, but Anneke effectively turned the tables on any "copycat" thinking with stripped down tracks like 'My Girl', 'Asleep' and 'Yalin' or the dark rock contrasts of 'You Are Nice!'. Air offered an easily travelled bridge between Anneke's past and her new musical vision, making the single 'Day After Yesterday' a welcome first step out on her own.

"I was very, very excited," Anneke says. "To leave The Gathering was a huge step but I wasn't scared of the future because I had no idea what was going to happen. My thinking was 'Why should I be scared of that?' I had no idea what people were expecting. Some people thought I'd go in a completely different direction from The Gathering, other people thought I was just going to do the exact same kind of music. I didn't listen to anyone when I was writing the songs; I was focused on doing my own thing."

Guitar legend Tony MacAlpine's webmaster has checked in with the following sad news and is asking for the fans' help in recovering the band's stolen gear:

"Friends, our trailer was broken into overnight at our hotel in Austin, TX, and the thieves stole all of Tony's guitars. As you can imagine, this has completely disabled our tour. When you take a musician's instruments you remove their livelihood. Please share this post! We hope our network of friends and fans can help us recover our gear."

Serial numbers will be added shortly:

- his black Ibanez Guitars custom 7-string with EMG Pickups installed (serial LA071509)
- his white Ibanez 7-string with black EMG 707 pickups (serial LA0168)

The above guitars are Tony's only two Ibanez 7's and he has been photographed with them extensively.

Also stolen were a Peavy EVH sunburst, a white Carvin 7-string; plus Tony's pedalboard.

All of Bjorn's basses were stolen:
- Carvin Amplifiers Blue PB 4 custom
- Carvin Black PB 5 custom
- Carvin SeaFoam Green PB 5
- 2 Carvin wireless transmitters with Guitar straps (inkl 1 red custom alligator)
- Misc. Tools, strings, batteries etc etc

Aquiles Priester's drum gear was also stolen:

Mapex USA Drums Saturn IV
1 X 8"X7" Rack Tom
1 X 10"X8" Rack Tom
1 X 12"X9" Rack Tom
1 X 10"X4" Snare (Steel)
1 X 6"X4" LP Timbale
1 X Eletronic bag with:
- cables
- heaphones
- ipod support
- 4 roland triggers
- TM-2 roland module
- gibraltar spare parts

Paiste Cymbals

Paiste Bag 1:
1 X Rude China Basher 14”
2 X Rude Splash 10”
1 X 602 Splash 10”
2 X Signature Splash 8”
2 X 2002 PsychOctopus Giga Bell Ride 18”
1 X Signature Heavy Hi-Hat 14”
1 X 2002 Sound Edge Hi-Hat 15”

Paiste Bag 2:

1 X Signature Power Crash 17”
3 X Signature Power Crash 18”
1 X Signature Power Crash 19”
1 X Rude Basher 18”
1 X Rude Thin Crash 18”
1 X Rude Thin Crash 19”
2 X Signature Heavy China 18”

Anyone with a lead on finding the gear should message MacAlpine via Facebook here.

MacAlpine and his band are forging on using borrowed equipment, but there's no indication of how long they will be able to continue. Go to this location for his tour schedule and updates.

Photo by Alex Solca

UK heavy metal legends Judas Priest were honored with the Inspiration award at the Kerrang! Awards, held last night (June 11) in London, UK.

The winners at the Kerrang! Awards were:

- Best Event: All Time Low/You Me At Six co-headline tour
- Best British Newcomer: Royal Blood
- Best International Newcomer: Pvris
- Kerrang! Inspiration Award: Judas Priest
- Kerrang! Legend: Alice Cooper
- Best Single: Enter Shikari – “Anaesthetist”
- Best Video: New Years Day – “Angel Eyes” (feat. Chris Motionless)
- Best Live Band: Black Veil Brides
- The Relentless Award: Rolo Tomassi
- Best Album: Marmozets – The Weird And Wonderful Marmozets
- Best International Band: All Time Low
- Best British Band: Bring Me The Horizon
- The Lifetime Achievement Award: Marilyn Manson
- The Spirit Of Independence Award: Babymetal
- The Spirit Of Punk Award: Slaves
- Best Fanbase: Pierce The Veil
- Best Film: Guardians Of The Galaxy
- Best TV Show: Adventure Time
- Best Radio Show: Nights With Alice Cooper (Planet Rock)
- Best Video Game: The Walking Dead
- Best Comic Book: The Walking Dead (Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard)
- Best Festival: Slam Dunk
- Best Comedian: Russell Howard
- Tweeter Of The Year: Hayley Williams (Paramore)

Moribund Records has set an international release date of August 21 for Nekro Drunkz’s third album Absolute Filth.

The disgusting duo's debut for the label, Absolute Filth could not be any more accurately titled: 33 tracks of the foulest, filthiest, most insanely gutter-dwelling grind yet laid to tape. Buttressed by a bevy of hilarious/hellish samples, Nekro Drunkz blast forth and bulldoze all across Absolute Filth, indulging their basest sensibilities while busting a load all over a memorability that's firmly within the sleaze-rocking realm of The Mentors and Gut.

Absolute Filth tracklisting:

“Reverse Tubgirl”
“Insane Masturbatory Rampage”
“Knocked Out Knocked Up”
“Hump The Stump”
“Flatulent Angel”
“Shit Slurper”
“Hot For Trots”
“Bearded Clam Bake”
“Doo-Doo Doughnuts”
“Gore In The Gutter”
“Yeast Erection”
“Menstrual Monsoon”
“Two Lumpy Tits Riding Sidecar”
“Creamatory Suppository”
“Uncomfortable Squish”
“Teenage Bung-Tonguers”
“Taste My Waste”
“Splatter Pattern”
“Tampon Torturers”
“The Shagbag”
“Gruesome Grease Train”
“Septic Slut”
“Do It To Ya Real Bad”
“Satanic Stool Sample”
“Fukking Kunts”
“Pornado”
“Lick ‘Em And Stick ‘Em”
“Mongoloid Mangler”
“Mummified In Pubic Hair”
“Menstrual Mince”
“Manure Connoisseur”
“Sandwich Of Love” (Mentors cover)
“Noise Outro Fuk”

A statement from the band reads: "The Nekro Drunkz, Purveyors of Toilet Metal Music, are extremely proud to sign to the Moribund Records roster! A label that features many of our personal influences like The Meatshits, Whore, Fornicator, Infester, and a long list of some our personal favorite drinking tunes – ‘Thy Infernal’, ‘Winter Of Apokalypse’, ‘Drawn And Quartered’, ‘Hacavitz’, ‘Masochist’, ‘NME’, and more! A label that shows no compromise for any false-metal trendy wimp shit! A label that doesn't take shit from anyone and relentlessly bulldozes onward, just as the Nekro Drunkz will do until their livers give out! The new album, Absolute Filth, is just fucking that - 33 songs of sleaze metal, featuring a slew of notable psychopath guest vocalists and a grinding cover of the Mentors' 'Sandwich Of Love.' This new Nekro Drunkz/Moribund Records release will have you shitting blood and bashing your head through your walls in no time at all."

Deadened, the new album from Germany's Dying Humanity is out today on Bastardized Recordings. Order the album at this location.

Coinciding with the album's release, the band has launched a new lyric video for the title track, which can be seen below.

On fourth record Deadened, Dying Humanity unveils a more versatile approach to songwriting, not the least of which is due to the new vocalist Marcus Friedrich. Deadened is fast, tough, and gains attention through sophisticated arrangements. The album, which was recorded in Jörg Uken's Soundlodge, features horror-style artwork and is jam packed with powerful songs dealing with mental disorders. The new material plants its hooks in the front of the cerebral cortex and there it will remain.

Deadened tracklisting:

“Deadened”
“Delusion”
“Beyond Redemption”
“I Am King”
“Psychotic Illusion”
“Feed Him To The Lions”
“Oblivion”
“Ashes Of Destiny”
“Devious Greed”
“Bloodshot Eyes”

Lyric video “Deadened”:

Video “I Am King”:

 

German power metallers PRIMAL FEAR have parted ways with Brazilian drummer Aquiles Priester (HANGAR, ANGRA) and have replaced him with Francesco Jovino (U.D.O.). In addition, founding PRIMAL FEAR guitarist Tom Naumann — who has been touring with the group for the past two years — has now officially rejoined the band as a full member.

Says PRIMAL FEAR in a statement: "We knew it would be a hard mission for us [to make it work with Aquiles], but we've given it a try, and, unfortunately, to combine our present obligations and our future endeavors, it has become impossible to have a cohesive band together. Due to our schedules and the distance between the continents, we have decided to part ways. From both sides, we do not have any regrets at all and we are very happy that we have tried our best to make it happen. We are all still good friends and we wish all the best for each other in the future."

Guitarist Magnus Karlsson will remain a member of PRIMAL FEAR, having already co-written the material for the band's new album, which will be recorded starting mid-July at Hansen Studio in Ribe, Denmark with producer (and PRIMAL FEAR bassist) Mat Sinner and engineer Jacob Hansen. 12 new PRIMAL FEAR songs have been completed in pre-production for the upcoming CD, which will be released worldwide in January 2016 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Priester made his live debut with PRIMAL FEAR on December 20, 2014 at the Knock Out Festival in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Priester joined PRIMAL FEAR in September 2014 as the replacement for Randy Black, who left the group a month earlier.

Black joined PRIMAL FEAR in 2003 and played on the band's last six studio albums beginning with 2004's "Devil's Ground".

PRIMAL FEAR's tenth studio album, "Delivering The Black", was released on January 24 in Europe and January 28 in North America via Frontiers Records. The follow-up to 2012's "Unbreakable" landed at position No. 16 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

As witnessed by tens of thousands in attendance at FOO FIGHTERS' June 12 show at Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Dave Grohl took a nasty spill during the second song of the set. With the help of on-site medical staff who patched him up temporarily, Dave was able to rejoin the band to complete that performance. While the full extent of Dave's injuries are still being determined, it was confirmed at a post-show hospital visit that he sustained at least one fracture. As a result, FOO FIGHTERS have been forced to cancel their June 14 appearance at the Pinkpop festival as well as their June 16 show at the AFG Arena in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

FOO FIGHTERS are scheduled to kick off a massive North America tour in Washington D.C. on July 4, the 20th anniversary of the release of the band's first album.

Thank you Gothenburg. That was amazing. pic.twitter.com/BXvuxIfVEv

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) June 12, 2015

Professionally filmed video footage of SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS' June 12 performance at the Pinkpop festival in Landgraaf, The Netherlands can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. You're A Lie02. Nightrain (GUNS N' ROSES cover)03. Back From Cali04. You Could Be Mine (GUNS N' ROSES cover)05. The Dissident 06. World On Fire07. Anastasia08. Sweet Child O' Mine (GUNS N' ROSES cover)09. Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)10. Paradise City (GUNS N' ROSES cover)

On September 25, 2014, shortly after the release of their "World On Fire" album, SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS took the stage at the legendary Roxy Theatre on Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. The atmospheric venue, steeped in rock history, gave fans a brilliant opportunity to experience the band up close as they delivered a set packed with more recent solo tracks, including several from the new album, and classics from Slash's earlier career with GUNS N' ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER. The intimate setting inspired the band to deliver a scintillating, dynamic performance, "Live At The Roxy 25.9.14", due for release on June 16 on 3LP set, as well as 2CD, DVD and Blu-ray.

Speaking about his working relationship with his backing band THE CONSPIRATORS — Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums), Todd Kerns (bass) and Frank Sidoris (touring guitarist) — Slash told Australia's Moshcam: "It's just something that clicked right from the very beginning. Initially, Myles and I just had that spark, sort of a creative connection, from the very, very beginning. And that's something that's established; it always happens when we work together. And then, with Brent and Todd, it's the same kind of thing where we just have a really great writing and performing and recording chemistry, where everybody just really digs what we are about individually and collectively, and it just works."

Asked if he thinks more in terms of being a solo artist or as a bandmember, Slash said: "I don't think I ever really thought in terms of solo artists, per se. Ever since I first started playing guitar, I've always been drawn to the band dynamic. But being in a position to steer it where I want it to go, and be more of a captain of the ship was how it first started. And at this point, now that we've been working together for a while, it definitely has turned very much into a band. But all if do is spearhead it."

Slash recently told Classic Rock magazine that he has "already started working" on material for the follow-up to "World On Fire".

"On the road is the platform that I find is the easiest for me to work on new material," he said. "It's easier here than it is for me to do when I'm at home. So I just get going. I take my phone and I record ideas on the phone and then we jam stuff at soundchecks; when we have soundchecks. So we compile a bunch of ideas, and then when the tour is over, we go home and, sort of, hash them out."

"World On Fire" sold around 29,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD arrived in stores on September 16, 2014 via Slash's own label Dik Hayd International distributed through Roadrunner Records (Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America).

"World On Fire" is the second album to feature Slash's regular backing band, MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS, and follows up 2012's "Apocalyptic Love", which sold around 38,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 4 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Slash's self-titled debut album scored the highest new entry on The Billboard 200 chart in April 2010, with first-week U.S. sales of around 60,000 copies.

On Slash self-titled solo effort he employed a different vocalist on each track, before settling on ALTER BRIDGE member Kennedy for both touring and eventually recording.

Fan-filmed video footage of British heavy metal vocalist Blaze Bayley (IRON MAIDEN, WOLFSBANE) performing on June 11 in Sandviken, Sweden can be seen below.

The 51-year-old Bayley, who was born in Birmingham, was the original frontman in WOLFSBANE, but left in 1994 to join MAIDEN, with whom he recorded two studio albums — 1995's "The X Factor" 1998's and "Virtual XI" — before Bruce Dickinson returned to the group.

Bayley released a career-spanning double-disc collection, "Soundtracks Of My Life", on October 31, 2013.

The singer's latest studio album, "The King Of Metal", was released in March 2012. The CD was recorded at Fear Studio in Ravenna, Italy.

Asked about the progress of the songwriting sessions for his next studio album, Blaze told Angel last November: "I'm working on it bit by bit. I absolutely don't wanna rush it. I want it to evolve the same way that 'Silicon Messiah' [2000] did and 'Blood & Belief' [2004] did and 'The Man Who Would Not Die' [2008]. Those albums all were really solid, because they evolved. We wrote things, we went back, we polished, we tried… we decided what to leave off and what to make the most of. So the next one, I've worked it out so I could do it when I want. It can come out [in 2015], or it can come out in 2016."

He continued: "I've got a few ideas for it. It's probably gonna be a concept album. And we'll see how it goes, really. The most important thing is that it must have some absolutely standout songs. I've kind of set myself the goal of I wanna write at least equal to the best songs I've ever written and hopefully stuff that will really, really come to life… I want something that will live on, really. 'Cause it seems to me that 'Silicon Messiah' has got a life and lived and breathed more than I ever thought it would. I was just making an album at the time. [I was trying] to get an album out after IRON MAIDEN, so I would still have a career."

Reading, Pennsylvania-based modern progressive death metallers RIVERS OF NIHIL will release their sophomore full-length album, "Monarchy", on August 21 via Metal Blade.

A brand new track, "Perpetual Growth Machine", taken from "Monarchy", can be streamed below. RIVERS OF NIHIL began its musical journey in 2009, and recorded its first EP, "Hierarchy", with Carson Slovak. Six years and multiple tours later, the band returned to Slovak and Atrium Audio in Pennsylvania, after having recorded its previous effort, "The Conscious Seed Of Light", in 2013 with Erik Rutan at Mana Studios in Florida. Since the release of that album and signing with Metal Blade, RIVERS OF NIHIL found themselves quickly climbing the global metal ranks on the strength of overwhelmingly positive reviews and tours with DEATH TO ALL (DTA), OBITUARY, WHITECHAPEL, DYING FETUS, BLACK CROWN INITIATE, plus an appearance at the New England Metal & Hardcore Festival. During the album campaign, the band recruited new drummer Alan Balamut and guitarist Jon Topore. Balamut and Topore join guitarist Brody Uttley, bassist Adam Biggs, and vocalist Jake Dieffenbach to form the up-and-coming force of modern death metal that is RIVERS OF NIHIL.

Topping their full-length debut is no elementary task; Terrorizer magazine declared that RIVERS OF NIHIL "manage to do something unashamedly modern, and yet make death metal sound twisted and malevolent," while HeavyBlogisHeavy.com simply noted that it was "Definitely one of the best debuts to come out this year." Guitarist Brody Uttley cites recent personal hardships as a major factor in the creative process for "Monarchy". He divulges that "I lost a few close friends. The loss of these people had a profound influence on the creation of the music for this record. I was having strong feelings of rage, sadness, hope, and frustration as a result. The songs turned out heavier, darker, sadder, and more frightening than I had ever hoped that they would." The mood of this album, and the song sequence, reflect these emotions. "Monarchy" begins with the most heavy and darkest tracks, and continues to develop more progressive leanings until the end when Uttley says "the emotional tension completely falls apart."

The seasonal concept that began with spring on "The Conscious Seed Of Light" continues, of course, with "Monarchy", as it welcomes the oppressive heat of summer. The story takes place millions of years after the events in "The Conscious Seed Of Light". Adam Biggs, who also serves as the band's primary lyricist, explains: "The Earth has been transformed into a vast desert wasteland, where after aeons of lifelessness, new beings begin to take shape and begin their journey as shepherds of the planet. But after a while, a class system forms from a sun-worshiping religious dictatorship, and these beings start to lose their way. Only the guidance of an ancient earthly force can help them save themselves as well the planet."

FOO FIGHTERS frontman Dave Grohl apparently broke his right leg after he fell from the stage earlier tonight (Friday, June 12) during the band's headlining concert in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Grohl's injury occured just two songs into the band's set, and his bandmates seemed just as surprised as the audience when the incident happened.

The former NIRVANA drummer remained calm after the fall, telling fans (see video below): "I think I just broke my leg again. I think I really broke my leg. So you have my promise, right now, that the FOO FIGHTERS, we're gonna come back and finish the show. But right now… I'm gonna go to the hospital, I'm gonna fix my leg, but then I'm gonna come back, and we're gonna play for you again. I'm so sorry."

Grohl stayed true to his word, returning less than an hour later to finish out the set while seated and with his leg in a cast.

FOO FIGHTERS will kick off a massive North America tour in Washington D.C. on July 4, the 20th anniversary of the release of the band's first album.

Frontiers Music Srl will release of CHAOS MAGIC's self-titled debut album on July 3 in Europe and July 10 in North America.

The official video for the CD's first single, "I'm Alive", can be seen below.

CHAOS MAGIC is the new alliance between Finnish songwriter/producer Timo Tolkki (formerly of STRATOVARIUS) and Chilean singer Caterina Nix. Nix previously collaborated with Timo on the second chapter of the AVALON rock opera "Angels Of The Apocalypse", where she shared lead vocals on songs with such singers as Simone Simons (EPICA), Elize Ryd (AMARANTHE), and Floor Jansen (NIGHTWISH).

Caterina's career started by singing lead vocals for the Chilean metal band AGHONYA with whom she opened shows for such bands as AFTER FOREVER, EDGUY and WITHIN TEMPTATION.

"I met Timo in Chile some years ago, during one of his visits to the country with STRATOVARIUS," says Caterina. "I remember going to a meet-and-greet with the band, and Timo and I just started talking like we had known each other for ages. We developed a very nice sort of father-to-daughter friendship and we have been in contact ever since. One day I decided to send him my music, just to know his opinion about it, and thankfully, he was pleasantly surprised. That's how it all started, really."

The "Chaos Magic" album was written, performed and produced by Tolkki to develop the vocal talent of Caterina and shows a diverse side of Timo's musical talents.

"I feel the music Timo created for this project is very current, it's strong and also shows some more delicate moments, without losing its edge," says Caterina. "It was a joy for me to sing these beautifully contagious songs. I did my best to bring emotion and passion into the songs, which I guess wasn't so hard, since I was truly so excited."

She adds: "I hope this album reaches several layers of music listeners. It's quite captivating and nothing would make me happier than singing these songs live... giving myself to the audience and feeling that connection, which is truly priceless to me."

"Chaos Magic" track listing:

01. I'm Alive02. Dangerous Game03. One Drop Of Blood04. Seraphim05. From The Stars06. A Little Too Late07. Passionflow08. Dead Memories09. Please Don't Tell Me10. Right Now11. The Point Of No Return

CHAOS MAGIC is:

Caterina Nix - Lead VocalsTimo Tolkki - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, ProductionJami Huovinen - Drums

Japanese teenage girl pop metal band BABYMETAL joined British epic power metallers DRAGONFORCE on stage Friday night, June 12 at the U.K.'s Download festival. Video footage of their appearance can be seen below.

BABYMETAL's song "Road Of Resistance" (formerly referred to as "The One"), which was debuted during the band's November 8, 2014 concert at the Brixton O2 Academy in London, England, is a collaboration between BABYMETAL's production team and guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman of DRAGONFORCE, whose guitar playing can be heard in the studio version of the track.

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

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

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

Since forming in 2010, BABYMETAL — the young trio of 17-year-old Su-Metal (vocal, dance) and 15-year-olds Yuimetal (scream, dance)and Moametal (scream, dance), backed by a four-piece band packing a heavy metal arsenal — has already achieved two major debut singles — "Ijime, Dame, Zetta!" and "Megistune", both of which ranked in the Top 10 Oricon Chart in Japan. Their first studio album, "Babymetal", also earned the #1 spot on Japan's album chart and Billboard's World Album Chart. The official live music video for their debut album's lead single, "Gimme Chocolate!!", has garnered over 24.5 million views on YouTube.

DRAGONFORCE will release its debut DVD, "In The Line Of Fire", on July 10 via Metal Blade. Shot in high definition during the band's show at 2014’s Loud Park festival at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan, the DVD was filmed using nine camera angles to capture the raw energy of DRAGONFORCE's show and instrumental dexterity for which they are rightly celebrated worldwide.

DRAGONFORCE is in the middle of the "Maximum Overload" world tour, which commenced in September 2014 and is due to conclude in 2016.

Project Terror vocalist Ronnie Stixx has confirmed that Crimson Glory’s Ben Jackson has joined the band full time as their second guitarist.

Says Ben: “I look forward to writing new material with the band and seeking more live opportunities around the world… and exciting things to come with Project Terror.”

Project Terror lineup:

Ronnie Stixx - Vocals
Jospeh Benjaming - Guitars
Doug Bell - Drums
Ian Train - Bass
Ben Jackson - Guitars

IRON MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris will take his solo/side project BRITISH LION back out on the road with a 22-date U.K. tour starting on July 29 in Harlow and rounding off with a London show on August 26. Support on the trek will come from THE RAVEN AGE, the band led by Steve's son George Harris.

Says Steve: "As MAIDEN fans know, the band is unable to tour this year so I thought I'd do some BRITISH LION live dates and make it a full U.K. tour this time round so we could get to places we didn't get a chance to play during the previous tours.

"We have a lot of fun doing the BRITISH LION shows and we're playing clubs again to keep that same vibe and intimacy which the fans seem to love as much as we do.

"We have some new songs in the setlist, so are really looking forward to getting out there and seeing everyone!"

The dates are as follows:

Jul. 29 - Harlow, England - The SquareJul. 30 - Bristol, England - BierkellerJul. 31 - Cardiff, Wales - UniAug. 02 - Birmingham, England - Rainbow WarehouseAug. 04 - Chester, England - Live RoomsAug. 05 - Lincoln, England - Engine ShedAug. 07 - Manchester, England - Club AcademyAug. 08 - Newcastle, England - The RiversideAug. 09 - Edinburgh, Scotland - Studio 24Aug. 10 - Aberdeen, Scotland - Lemon TreeAug. 12 - York, England - DuchessAug. 13 - Blackburn, England - King Georges Hall Windsor SuiteAug. 14 - Doncaster, England - Diamond Live LoungeAug. 15 - Grimsby, England - YardbirdsAug. 16 - Nottingham, England - Rescue RoomsAug. 18 - Colchester, England - Arts CentreAug. 20 - Oxford, England - O2 Academy 2Aug. 21 - Plymouth, England - The HubAug. 22 - Southampton, England - 1865Aug. 23 - Poole, England - Mr KypsAug. 24 - Norwich, England - The WaterfrontAug. 26 - London, England - O2 Academy Islington

BRITISH LION's debut album sold around 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 3 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"British Lion" was released in the U.S. on September 25, 2012 via Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Mixed by Kevin Shirley — whose credits include IRON MAIDEN as well as Led ZEPPELIN, JOURNEY and RUSH, among many others — the CD, which features Harris alongside vocalist Richard Taylor, guitarists Graham Leslie and David Hawkins and drummer Simon Dawson, presents a different side of the bassist's musical visions.

"British Lion" comprises ten songs that Steve and his collaborators have been working on between IRON MAIDEN tours and releases and is described by Harris as "'70s-influenced, British-sounding hard rock." "I'd say it's more mainstream rock than metal... and quite commercial… but good commercial," he said. "There's all kinds of stuff going on, with nods to THE WHO and UFO and some classic British rock bands, but it's not the progressive rock album some might be expecting."

"British Lion" track listing: 01. This Is My God02. Lost Worlds03. Karma Killer04. Us Against The World05. The Chosen Ones06. A World Without Heaven07. Judas08. Eyes Of The Young09. These Are The Hands10. The Lesson

Brazilian death metal veterans KRISIUN have finished recording their new album, "Forged In Fury", for an August 7 release via Century Media. Featuring cover artwork by renowned artist Joe Petagno (MARDUK, VADER), the CD was produced by Erik Rutan.

As the brain and heart of death metal masters HATE ETERNAL and former guitarist of MORBID ANGEL, Rutan has worked as a producer for his own band as well as for CANNIBAL CORPSE, SIX FEET UNDER, MALEVOLENT CREATION, MADBALL, AGNOSTIC FRONT, to name just a few. In addition, he co-produced KRISIUN's "Conquerors Of Armageddon" album back in 1999.

Said KRISIUN in a statement: "'Forged In Fury' marks our return to the studio after three years of constantly touring all over the globe.

"Things were working well, as we were always satisfied with the results of the previous records, but we thought that it was time for a change. Erik Rutan was the chosen one to be the producer, at Mana Recording Studios in Florida.

"This album could be described as a 'more natural'-sounding album; the songs came out with more ambience and more low end, making it sound even more brutal and straightforward. It took us a lot of hard work and dedication. No fashions or tendencies were followed.

"This is a true relentless metal album to the bone, with a huge, natural sound.

"The songwriting captures all the experience and feelings we gathered through all the years of touring and recording. It has more variation and dynamics, but is still 100% KRISIUN.

"Erik has a huge participation within the whole process, especially with regards to the band's performance. He was able to get the best out of each one of us, as we have been friends for a long time, so it was a pleasure working with him.

"This album was made with a lot of heart and passion for metal music. Hopefully you metal maniacs enjoy it as much as we did working it out. See you on the road."

KRISIUN is confirmed for various European shows and festivals this summer, followed by a North American co-headlining tour with ORIGIN in September/October.

France’s nihilistic black metal act, The Negation, will release their sophomore album, Memento Mori, via Kaotoxin Records on July 7th in North America, July 10th for the rest of the world. It will be issued as a 500-copy limited edition deluxe three-panel DigiSleeve CD first press (followed by crystal / jewel box reprint) with 20-page booklet, as well as digitally. The album is streaming in full below.

Produced at the Hybreed Studio (Temple Of Baal, Glorior Belli) and with artwork by Metastazis (Morbid Angel, Behemoth, Watain), Memento Mori features ten tracks of powerful, heavy, intense and extremely dark black metal. But don't expect straightforward Satan-praise here: there's far more than meets the eye with The Negation. Their lyrical conceptual is a call to resistance against the so-called élite who are making this world a living Hell. It's about a stand for liberty, free speech, and free will! Folks that got the chance to witness The Negation on stage during their recent tour with Marduk and Belphegor will testify their live performance is as extreme as their lyrical content is dark. You've been warned.

Tracklisting:

“Intro”
“The True Enemy”
“Sacrifice The Weak”
“Parasite Fall”
“A Prayer For The Ones I Will Have To Kill”
“Faith In God's Corpse”
“End Of Cycle”
“Visions Of Doom”
“Résistance”
“Outro”

Album stream:

Teaser:

The Negation will also take part in the second annual KaotoxinFest on December 5th in Lille, France. Until further details are announced, enjoy the official music video for the track "Red Wrath" taken from their debut full-length, Paths Of Obedience.

South Asian thrash/groove metal heavyweights, Zygnema, are back to wreak havoc on our collective eardrums with their new studio album after almost five years, What Makes Us Human Is Obsolete.

Following their debut album Born Of Unity in 2010 – which spawned such favourite songs and live staples as “Scarface”, “59” and “Theory Of Lies And Negation” – this latest opus by the Mumbai metallers will bring their trademark sound mixed with progressive touches and apocalyptic soundscapes previously unheard of from the group. Metal Wani is hosting the worldwide exclusive premiere of What Makes Us Human Is Obsolete in its entirety (streaming below).

Consisting of vocalist Jimmy Bhore, guitarist Siddharth Kadadi, bassist Leon Quadros and drummer Mayank Sharma, Zygnema are ready to cash their chips into what has been a productive year for Indian metal music (Demonic Resurrection’s The Demon King and Inner Sanctum’s Legions Awake released earlier this year). Prepare to have your cochleas assaulted by the lean, mean and thrashy sound of What Makes Us Human Is Obsolete.

Tracklisting:

“Embryo”
“What Makes Us Human Is Obsolete”
“Shell Broken Hell Loose”
“Endangered”
“Conflict”
“Invidious I”
“In-Kog”
“Misguided” (Prelude)
“Reform Rebirth”
“The Phoenix Effect”
“A Design To Choose” (Ft. Sunneith Revankar)

Fans can buy limited physical copies of the new album (featuring a 12-page inlay) for Rs. 300/- at Control Alt Delete 8.0 in Mumbai on June 13th, and in Out Of The Box at Hauz Khas Village, Delhi on June 17th. What Makes Us Human Is Obsolete will be released worldwide on June 20th.

Stream the album below:

Zoax have released an official music video for their track “Jekyll Meets Hyde”, featured on the group’s 2014 Century Media release, XIII. Watch the new clip below:

Earlier this year, Zoax premiered their blistering video for the single “Zero Point Seven”, off their Is Everybody Listening? EP.

Zoax is the project of Joe Copcutt (bassist for Axewound and original bassist for Rise To Remain). Is Everybody Listening? was produced and engineered by Derya Oisin Nagle, Ciaran O' Shea and Adam "Nolly" Getgood, Mixed and Mastered by Adam "Nolly" Getgood.

 

 

Tracklisting:

"?"
"Lonely Souls"
"Click"
"Zero Point Seven"
"Right Words"
"Innocent Eyes"

"Lonely Souls" video:

 

When does a Gothenburg melodeath band not sound like a Gothenburg melodeath band? When they’re Archaea, who roll out a hybrid of thrashy yet symphonic leanings in their melodeath. Markus Heidarsson has a whiff of Ola Englund about his guitar playing, particularly in the solos, playing against the harsh roar of Nils Bossius and the tightly-wound rhythm section. Orchestral stabs punctuate tracks such as “Silhouette”, while “Vacuum” revels in a circus-like atmosphere, and “Salt” dances around a piano and strings melody amid the groovy stomp. Rounding out on “Sol” is a simple yet stunning finale, far removed from metal.

In their own words, Archaea describe their lyrical themes as “describing struggles on a personal and global scale, elusive antagonists and the unyielding indifferent elements”, although “Quad Damage” reveals the band’s love of video games with a sly reference.

The band have revealed the release date for the physical version of Catalyst, set for August 28th. The CD comes in a digipack with stunning artwork and photos from Demithréa Mikulasi and Jessica Blomé.

Archaea was founded in 2007 by the Heidarsson brothers Hannes and Markus, on keyboard and guitar. After a few intense formative years in the Gothenburg underground scene, Archaea set its sights putting their songs to tape. During this process Archaea was radically reshaped, with half the original lineup making way for new talent in­ guitarist Magnus Lindegård, drummer Alexander Molnar, bassist Richard Mikulasi and former guitarist Nils Bossius Klintenberg switching to take center stage as vocalist.

Despite little studio experience, they built their own studio to record the first album Catalyst during 2014. With the help of Johan Treptow for mixing and mastering, and with original artwork by Demithréa Mikulasi, Catalyst has turned out to be a creation that surpassed expectations.

Catalyst is an album that showcases the current form of Archaea, as well as capturing material from throughout the band’s existence. Ranging from crushing darkness to brilliant melody, with sharp contrasts and fluently shifting dynamics, Catalyst constitutes an intense musical journey. Archaea is now eager to unleash their unique form of melodic death metal upon the world.

Archaea are:

Nils Bossius - Vocals
Hannes Heidarsson - Keyboard
Markus Heidarsson - Guitar
Magnus Lindegård - Guitar
Richard Mikulasi - Bass
Alexander Molnar - Drums

“Helios Ascend” live video:

Venice Beach, California’s purveyors of psychedelic violence, The Shrine, have joined forces with legendary metal and hard rock label, Century Media.

The Dogtown triumvirate (guitarist/vocalist Josh Landau, bassist Court Murphy, drummer Jeff Murray) has been spray painting the walls of rock’s collective (un) consciousness over the course of two critically much ballyhooed LP’s: 2012’s Primitive Blast and 2014’s Bless Off (both on the Tee-Pee label). Along the way, they won over the hearts and minds of rock, punk and hesher communities and received blessings from the likes of skate legends including Jeff Ho as well as music luminaries like Black Flag founder Chuck Dukowski.

“When we walked into Mike Gitter's office and there was a giant framed photo of Dennis Hopper from Easy Rider next to a Stooges poster next to an original handbill from a Slayer/Venom gig, we knew this man and the company he keeps, Century Media, was more than good enough to butter our bread," says Landau of The Shrine’s new label home.

“Listening to The Shrine is the sonic equivalent of rifling through old issues of Thrasher and Action Now Skateboarder with Charles Manson while blasting California Jam bootlegs and Black Flag’s My War,” says Century Media A&R man Mike Gitter. “They’re the resin scraped from several generations of no-bullshit American rock distilled into its purest essence. What they’ve accomplished on their own is nothing short of awesome. The Shrine’s legend is only going to grow larger and louder.”

Shortly after signing with Century Media, the members of The Shrine found themselves in the studio with legendary producer, Dave Jerden. Jerden is known for his landmark productions with the likes of Alice In Chains, Jane’s Addition, Social Distortion, but also having spent time working with a Frank Zappa, Herbie Hancock, Jerden discovered The Shrine while visiting the Timewarp Guitar shop in Venice where the band actually played its first show in 2009.

“When I first heard The Shrine at the guitar shop, they were the best blend of punk, thrash and hard rock I’ve ever heard,” says Jerden. “I had to work with them. The record we’re making right now is an over-the-top, in-your face, rebirth-of-rock record!”

 "When Dave walked into our garage and immediately began talking about Captain Beyond, I knew we had the right dude." Landau says about meeting Jerden for the first time.

Having toured the globe exhaustively and gigging with everyone from heavy rock supremos, Graveyard to metallurgists like Municipal Waste to indie rockers, Dirty Fences, The Shrine will exit the studio and headline a tour of Japan in August. Shortly after that they will join with none other than Motörhead, Slayer, and Suicidal Tendencies on the 2015 Motorboat cruise on September 28th - October 2nd. In addition, 2015 looks like a crushing year for The Shrine with dates throughout the world – including a European tour as direct support for Kadavar in November and December.

Italian / Swedish death metal worshippers Daemoniac have inked a deal with Xtreem Music for the imminent release of their debut EP, Lord Of Immolation, as well as their upcoming albums.

Out from the ashes of the legendary italian band Horrid (now re-formed with a totally new lineup), comes Daemoniac, formed in 2013 and leaded by bass player and vocalist Max, which together with also ex-Horrid drummer Matt and guitarist Pier, have created a new death metal monster destined to preserve the true essence of good old 90's Swedish death metal.

In fact, this Lord Of Immolation EP was recorded, mixed and produced at Sunlight Studios by Tomas Skogsberg to ensure the perpetuation of the true spirit from bands like Nihilist, Crematory, early Necrophobic, Carnage… There's also collaborations from Johan Jansson (Interment, Moondark) and Urban Skytt (Crematory, General Surgery) and cover artwork was created by mythic artist Chris C. Moyen.

Lord Of Immolation EP tracklisting:

“Intro”
“Away From Christ”
“Demonic Possession”
“Chunks Of Flesh” (Crematorycover)
“Desecration Of Christianity”
“Lord Of Immolation”

“Demonic Possession”:

Lord Of Immolation EP is due out through Xtreem Music on July 10th.

 

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

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”

“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

 

France’s BlackRain have released a new lyric video, for the track “Back In Town”, the opening cut and first single from their upcoming new album, entitled Released.

The legendary Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, Cheap Trick) is on production duty once again on BlackRain’s fourth CD, Released, tentatively scheduled for a fall release. The band is currently in talks with a few record labels. All the details about this release and future tour dates will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The band is also keeping busy with its visuals. The guys have already collected enough footage to edit several music videos. The first one will likely accompany the track “Killing Me”, which will be available online in a couple of months. Talking about images and photos, BlackRain posed for the famous photographer Dean Karr (Tool, Marilyn Manson) for some shots that will be included in the artwork of the upcoming album.

And last but not least, following a successful crowdfunding campaign via Pledgemusic, BlackRain has been able to finalize the recording of this new album. The campaign is still running, so don't hesitate to check it out and pre-order the new record here.

German nautical doomsters Ahab cast their net across the oceans and capture their fans with their impressive soundscape. The German quartet has now unveiled the first details of their upcoming album, The Boats Of The Glen Carrig. In addition, they have posted a second teaser , this time for the song "The Weedmen"; check it out below.

Ahab: "By the way, we are talking about seaweed..."

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.

Following last month's Western Migration live takeover, Windy City-based blackened death grind unit, Immortal Bird, confirms the official details of their Empress/Abscess LP.

Set for release on July 14th, the follow-up to 2013's Akrasia EP was captured by Pete Grossmann (Weekend Nachos, Harm's Way, Dead In The Dirt) at Bricktop Recording in Chicago, Illinois earlier this year and mixed and mastered by Colin Marston (Gorguts, Atheist, Origin) at Menegroth, The Thousand Caves in Queens, New York. Empress/Abscess includes a guest appearance by John Hoffman of Weekend Nachos and finds former drummer/vocalist, Amitay, swapping in her drum stool for a full-time position at the mic with longtime live drummer, Garry Naples (Novembers Doom) taking her place at the kit.

The cover art to Empress/Abscess, created by by Kikyz1313, can be seen below.

The album will be released as a collaborative effort, with Broken Limbs Recordings taking charge with vinyl and cassettes, while Immortal Bird will be self-releasing the CD and Digital Versions under the moniker Manatee Rampage Recordings.