Seattle, WA thrashers, Fallen Angels, return in 2015 with their third studio release, World In Decay, produced by Grammy award winning metal producer/engineer Michael Rosen (Forbidden, Testament, Death Angel, Flotsam And Jetsam). The album is set to be released on August 4th via their indie label Cyberdyne Records. The band also plans to tour extensively this summer, bringing their explosive live show full of thrash and shred, which they are known for as a local favourite in the Pacific Northwest.

"We want to thank everyone who has supported us, and we hope you're as excited as we are about the release of our upcoming album World In Decay. We know you've been waiting a long time for this third release and we can't wait for you to hear it. We hope this album will quench your thirst for new Fallen Angels music. See you on the road thrash fans!”, comments drummer Steve Spitzbart.

World In Decay tracklisting:

“The Hammer's Blow”
“Nightmare”
“Forsaken Existence”
“Leading The Blind”
“Fire At Eden's Gate”
“Into The Abyss”
“The Hour Of The Time”
“Mortis Ex Machina”

New Damage Records has announced the signing of Toronto-based hardcore band Sparrows, and plans to release their second EP this summer in Canada. The band joins the company’s family of bands that includes Silverstein, Cancer Bats, The Flatliners, Counterparts, Northlane, Architects, and more.
 
"We are very excited about being a part of the New Damage family,” comments Sparrows vocalist/guitarist Dan Thomson. “To be among the bands on their roster, and have their logo on the back of our record is truly an honour that can't be put into words”
 
Sparrows is comprised of Thomson, Jon Busby, Justin Sears and Matthew Sears. Since their inception in 2010, the bands focus has always been on their live show. Through four years, and two vans, Sparrows has been able to criss-cross North America, destroying any stage that would have them. They've also grabbed coveted spots on many festivals, including SXSW, NXNE, CMW and Ottawa Bluesfest.

(Photo: Kieran Meyn)

Oakland, California’s Survival released their third album of hardcore-based, thrash-infused muscularity earlier this year and listener bruises have yet to fade. Shayda follows in 2012 debut Love God and 2013 sophomore release Unity. Stream and/or purchase Shayda via the widget below. Shayda is also available on cassette tape at the same location.

Tracklisting:

“Living With Depression“
“Walls“
“Surface Of The Sky“
“Pose“
“Under The Knife“
“Set Me Free“
“Buried In Time“
“No Hope“

Album stream:

Shayda by Survival

MetalTalk conducted an interview with the reunited original lineup of ROCK GODDESS — the female power trio from the days of NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) featuring sisters Jody and Julie Turner along with bassist Tracey Lamb — prior to the band's first U.K. concert in 32 years on May 14 at the O2 Islington Academy. You can now watch the chat below.

Speaking about ROCK GODDESS's forthcoming comeback album, which was originally supposed to be titled "Unfinished Business", Lamb said: "We've got a track the same name, 'Unfinished Business', but we've decided to call it something else, which we haven't quite decided yet."

Asked who is producing the CD, Jody said: "It's produced by me and someone else. Whether another producer comes in at the end, that's still to be decided."

Lamb previously said that the new material "is sounding mega and awesome" and added that playing the band's classic songs feels "weird but wonderful."

ROCK GODDESS was formed in 1977 in Wandsworth South London by Jody Turner (guitar and vocals) and Julie Turner (drums) when they were thirteen and nine years old, respectively. They recruited school friend Tracey Lamb on bass guitar.

ROCK GODDESS first rose to the nation's awareness when they were first featured in Kerrang! No. 5 in 1981 in the "Armed And Ready" section as one of the bands to watch out for. After recording a four-track demo tape and an appearance at the Reading Festival in 1982, sharing a bill with IRON MAIDEN, plus regular shows at the Marquee club, the band landed a contract with the A&M label. They recorded their eponymous debut album with producer Vic Maile in 1983 and hit the lower end of the charts. A follow-up album, "Hell Hath No Fury", arrived a year later, by which time Lamb had left the band to form SHE and later to join GIRLSCHOOL.

After their contract with A&M expired in 1987, ROCK GODDESS' already recorded (in 1985) third album, titled "Young And Free", was released only in France. The effort saw the band taking on a more commercial sound.

ROCK GODDESS' career was cut short by financial and contractual problems, which forced them to disband shortly thereafter.

ROCK GODDESS did briefly reform in 2009 and was due to play Hard Rock Hell festival in Prestatyn, and was also booked to perform at the Headbangers Open Air festival in Germany the following summer, but split before they had a chance to appear at either event.

In March 2013, it was announced that the original ROCK GODDESS lineup of Jody Turner, Julie Turner and Tracey Lamb had reunited and would start recording a new album.

Interview:


Barcelona performance footage (April 10, 2015):

It was with great surprise that in 1988 Kai Hansen decided to leave Helloween: the band he co-founded and that in a very few years reached a very high level of success, ending up influencing and challenging the bands that were once their original inspiration.
Hansen left Helloween just when the band had finally reached international stardom and after having won the appreciation of metal giants such as Iron Maiden who often publicly championed the German band. Hansen, Gamma Ray and Helloween are now very good friends, often sharing the stage, but in 1987 the divorce was a proper rock and roll acrimonious one: a true shock for the metal scene. The reasons that brought Kai Hansen to leave the band are still the subject of interviews and fan debates, despite listening to the forthcoming reissue of “Heading For Tomorrow”, 25 years after its original release, it looks very obvious that Kai Hansen destiny was to lead his own band.
“Heading For Tomorrow (Anniversary Edition)” will be released on July 24th, 2015 on earMUSIC.
25 years after the official debut, Gamma Ray and earMUSIC have started a monumental work to re-release the entire production by Gamma Ray in deluxe double CDs.
The original albums will be re-presented in new shining, remastered version on the first disc (with the inclusions of all B-sides) while the second CD will be dedicated to old live recordings, demos digitalised for the first time from the original tapes saved by all members of the band, alternative versions and recent studio and live recordings.
“Heading For Tomorrow” was initially released as a Kai Hansen solo album. By extracting the LP out of its sleeve, “Heading For Tomorrow” revealed its “secret intention” (it was still the days of LP, or is it again?) revealing a second cover, introducing Kai’s new baby: GAMMA RAY.
After the global critical success of “Empire Of The Undead”, Kai Hansen has decided to continue the collaboration with Eike Freese and Alex Dietz (Heaven Shall Burn), the production team. Kai Hansen has spent hundred hours, digitalising and remastering hundreds of tapes, alternative versions and ideas that were so far jealously hidden in Gamma Ray’s private archive.
Adds Hansen: “I am incredibly thankful that after 25 fantastic years of Gamma Ray, I am still standing here, making music and performing on stage. It's awesome to see that fans from the first days keep on supporting us and that we still make new friends. It’s something you can't take for granted. After my departure from Helloween, it all could have gone the other way as well. Instead, we continue to make albums and tour the world. That's close to unbelievable!
Working on the first reissue for ‘Heading For Tomorrow’ brought back so many great memories and Ralf and I dug out some funny stories.
Two years ago, our studio, our harbour in Hamburg, burnt down and a lot of memorabilia and original tapes were lost, but we all searched our private archives and managed to find some great rarities and hopefully some highlights for the fans. We are proud to release our little babies in a new style with a brand new cover artwork done by Hervé Monjeaud and a new sound, a fantastic remastering done by Eike Freese and Alex Dietz.”
Kai Hansen is today the voice of Gamma Ray but it is important to remember that in the beginning of Gamma Ray’s history Kai had planned to focus on his role of songwriter and guitar player. If the original album still shines also thanks to the vocals of Ralf Scheepers, the second CD offers real treasures for all Gamma Ray fans, like the original demos of songs like “Money”, “Sail on”, “Heaven Can Wait” or “The Silence” featuring Hansen on vocals.
To celebrate their 25th anniversary in style, Gamma Ray is touring in Europe this autumn.

CD1
1. Welcome
2. Lust For Life
3. Heaven Can Wait
4. Space Eater
5. Money
6. The Silence
7. Hold Your Ground
8. Free Time
9. Heading For Tomorrow
10. Look At Yourself
11. Mr. Outlaw (Japanese Bonus Track)
12. Sail On (B-Side from “Heaven Can Wait” EP)
13. Lonesome Stranger (B-Side from “Heaven Can Wait” EP)

CD2
1. Who Do You Think You Are
2. Heaven Can Wait (Demo)
3. Money (Demo - Kai on vocals)
4. Sail on (Demo - Kai on vocals)
5. Heading For Tomorrow (Live)
6. Space Eater (Live)
7. The Silence (Demo - Kai on vocals)
8. Mr. Outlaw (Instrumental Version)
9. Heaven Can Wait (Demo - Kai on vocals)
10. Heading For Tomorrow (Karaoke Version)
11. Space Eater (Karaoke Version)
12. Lonesome Stranger (Demo)

Richmond, VA psychedelic doomsters Windhand’s third full-length album is ready. Grief's Infernal Flower is set for release September 18th on Relapse Records.

Recorded in Seattle at Soundhouse Recording with legendary producer Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden, High on Fire), the album contains nine songs and promises to be their most ambitious record to date. Stay tuned for more info.

Windhand tour dates:

July
28 - AS220 - Providence, RI
29 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East Upstairs
30 - Montreal, QC - RRROOAAARRR
31 - Toronto, ON - The Garrison

 

Original KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley, will issue his new album of covers later this year. SPV/Steamhammer has the release penciled in for an “Autumn 2015” release. Complete details are expected to be announced soon.

 

 

During an interview with 100% Rock Magazine back in December 2014, Frehley revealed that the upcoming album of cover songs will hold a special treat for his long-time fans — new takes on classic KISS songs:

Said Ace: "Yeah, absolutely, I’m re-recording some KISS tracks. I believe I’m going to be doing “Parasite”; I’m not sure which other ones, you know, and some covers that I’ve always wanted to do that I haven’t done. So, that’s going to be a fun record. I’m going to get a lot of different guest stars to play with me on these tracks. And it’s going to be a much easier record than this last one because I don’t have to write solos, and I don’t have to write lyrics because they’re already set. So, that’s going to be another fun record for me, and I’m looking forward to that, you know, start tracking it out in between tours and what-not."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

 

 

Ace Frehley performed in Sydney, Australia on April 30th. Fan-filmed video of the entire show can be viewed below:

Bay Area progressive metal wizards, Abnormal Thought Patterns, have released a new video for “Nocturnal Haven”, featuring Tommy Rogers of Between The Buried And Me. The video gives the viewer a peek into the recording process of Abnormal Thought Patterns:

After their 2013 debut album Manipulation Under Anesthesia Bay Area progressive metal wizards Abnormal Thought Patterns are now ready to show again their creative magic’s with the new album Altered States Of Consciousness.

Following the path of bands' debut, the Californians expand the framework of what progressive metal can be with their new album. The participation of well-known guests such as Tommy Rogers (Between The Buried And Me), Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore), Michael Manring, Tim Roth (Into Eternity), and John Onder (Artension-MSG) confirms the special position Abnormal Thought Patterns have among their peers and expresses the quality-conscious attitude, which underlies all band activities.

 

 

Twin brothers Jasun (guitar) and Troy Tipton (bass) along with Mike Guy (drums) are the collective creative force behind Abnormal Thought Patterns. Prior to forming this group in 2008, the trio was the backbone of prog-metal powerhouse Zero Hour.

Altered State Of Consciousness is set to be released on June 29th in Europe and June 30th in North America.

Back in April, Metallica announced the release of a 50 CD box set, Nights Down Under, featuring recordings from their tours of Australia with stops in New Zealand in 2010 and 2013. It is now available for purchase at this location. Pre-order shipping began on June 2nd.

Shows included in the box set:

Australia
Melbourne 
Sydney 
Perth
Adelaide
Brisbane

New Zealand
Christchurch
Auckland

Click the link above for complete content details. The page includes a Soundcloud player offering audio samples.

Boston rock radio station WAAF 97.7 presented Halestorm and The Pretty Reckless at the House of Blues on Tuesday, May 12th. Before the show, WAAF hosted listeners for an exclusive acoustic set from both bands. Check out footage of Halestorm performing "Apocalyptic", "Dear Daughter" and "Amen", all taken from their new album Into The Wild Life, below:

Halestorm vocalist Lzzy Hale is, of course, known for her killer voice and good looks, but in keeping with her next generation Joan Jett appeal, she also plays guitar. In fact, she looks rather strange on stage without her signature Explorer in hand. Asked by BraveWords scribe Carl Begai if she’s at all disappointed by most people treating her axe-playing as as afterthought – although Premier Guitar recently did their best to remedy that with a rig rundown – Lzzy doesn’t worry about it.

“I got into playing guitar because I wanted to be a bad-ass,” she admits. “That really was the only reason. I followed Tom Keifer from Cinderella and decided I had to get off the piano (laughs). As I learned more about the instrument it became more of a personal journey for me. I don’t really mind being in the shadows guitar-wise because I’m becoming a better player year after year. As that happens people will start noticing me as a guitar player. I don’t pay a lot of attention to people paying a whole lot of attention to me (laughs).”

Go to this location for more. Check out BraveWords' new feature story with Lzzy here.

The Premier Guitar rig rundown with Halestorm can be viewed below.

Footage of Halestorm's complete set Rock On The Range 2015, which they played on May 17th, can be viewed below. It also includes some pre-show interview footage with Lzzy Hale (vocals, guitars) and Joe Hottinger (guitars).

The setlist was as follows:

"Love Bites (So Do I)"
"Freak Like Me"
"Amen"
"Scream
"Apocalyptic"
"I Miss The Misery"

Berlin-based heavy metal blues rockers, Lucifer, will release their debut Lucifer I June 16 via Rise Above Records.

There has been a ton of anticipation and excitement behind the band featuring Johanna Sadonis that rose from the ashes of The Oath.  Today another song from the album has been made available for streaming with “Purple Pyramid”.

In support of Lucifer I the band will play their first ever North American tour alongside High on Fire, Pallbearer, and Venomous Maximus.  The tour begins July 30 in San Diego, CA and wraps up August 23 in New Orleans, LA.  

 Following the premature demise of The Oath, Johanna Sadonis formed Lucifer.  Whilst The Oath was a much-celebrated band, she wasted no time in creating a new beast to go beyond previous limitations.  That beast is Lucifer and this is their stunning debut album titled Lucifer I.
Having released their debut single, "Anubis" earlier in 2015, there has been a significant buzz generating around Lucifer. T

With the addition of Garry Jennings (ex-Cathedral/Death Penalty) as co-songwriter and studio guitarist, Lucifer have moved forward into a realm of rock music which is very rare and very special in this time. Genuine, classic, heavy, studied and passionate are just a few words that instantly spring to mind upon first listen. Lucifer's instinctive take on the very soul of early heavy metal is the electrified essence of rock 'n' roll at its nascent purest.

Lucifer I tracklisting:

“Abracadbra”
“Purple Pyramid”
“Izrael”
“Sabbath”
“White Mountain”
“Morning Star”
“Total Eclipse”
“A Grave For Each One Of Us”

"Purple Pyramid":

Video "Izrael":

 

 

Up and coming Texas shredders, Immortal Guardian, have released a new music video for "Walk Alone”, taken from their Roy Z-produced EP, Revolution Part I.

The video's narrative follows a schizophrenic sleeper-cell who's been brainwashed and sent on a mission to assassinate his target, Immortal Guardian. The main character is programmed in a Manchurian Candidate / Clockwork Orange fashion and then throughout the video is tormented while seeing vocalist Carlos Zema in his subconscious before finally being activated and sent on his mission. Filming and direction for "Walk Alone" was done by director/cinematographer and longtime friend of the band, Andrew J. Gonzales. The video, which was shot on a shoestring budget, stands as a testament of what good friends, talented individuals and pure passion can do for an independent band not fortunate enough to have the video budgets of some of their signed peers.

Immortal Guardian will be out on their infamous Shred Sled during the X Games this Friday, June 5th, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Immortal Guardian's Shred Sled comes one day ahead of Metallica’s June 6th X Games performance.

In case you're unfamiliar with the Shred Sled, it's a mobile heavy metal spectacle on wheels that has made appearances at festivals such as SXSW, Fun Fun Fun Fest, and River City Rockfest.

The Immortal Guardian Shred Sled will be making three appearances throughout Friday's X Games at the following locations:

* 12:30 PM - Next X Parks Area
* 2:30 PM - Next X Parks Area
* 5:00 PM - Moto X Venue

For footage of the Immortal Guardian Shred Sled in action at Fun Fun Fun Fest 8, see below:

(Photo: Ricardo Romero)

The remaining members of legendary metal pioneers Riot headed back last year as Riot V and released the fantastic album, Unleash The Fire, which topped the year end media charts worldwide.

 

 

Riot V recently performed in Athens, Greece and Rockpages was there to capture the moment. Check out some video footage below, and a show review at this location.

Unleash The Fire is out now as a digipak version with one bonus track and poster, a 2LP coloured vinyl version, standard version and download via SPV/Steamhammer.

 

 

Riot V live dates include:

June
6 - Sölvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival

July
25 - Barcelona, Spain - Rock Fest

 

Mighty Music have announced the signing of Polarized, a classy thrash-band with great musicians from Sweden, USA, Italy and Bosnia, known from bands like Node, Carnal Forge, Soul Breach and Merkel Market. The new album, Western Hypnosis, will be released on September 4th.

The new track “Recipe For Death” can be heard below:

While its cradle and main headquarter are both in New Haven, CT (US), three of its four hearts pump blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen from Sweden to Italy. But not all Polarized members are from these three countries. Wars, financial collapses, or simply sheer boredom made people move and meet new people, start new projects, and begin new stories. This is the story of Polarized, a quintessentially Euro-American story. Bosnia, Sweden, Italy, and the United States are the countries where Polarized stumbled into.

Polarized plays classy thrash. Yes, you read that right: classy, not classic. There is no room here for nostalgia for the good old days — that, one might say, never quite existed. No attempt at being the fastest, the craziest, or the drunkest. Polarized plays neither revival nor experiments. There is no effort to surprise you with unexpected blends of genres, new technologies, and complex song structures. The listener of Polarized won’t bother to search for multi-hyphenated labels to define its music. S/he will know exactly what Polarized is about, and s/he’ll dig it. Inspired songs, outstanding musicianship, and thought provoking lyrics shape into a silky thrash metal entity which has been named Polarized after its lyrical content. Polarized lyrics have not to be taken from the “I” point of view. The “speaking-I angle” changes through the lyrics within the same song. Polarized lyrics are “Polarized dialogues” in which, by definition, there is no dialogue at all, but a juxtaposition of divergent, irreconcilable views takes place. It is your job to disentangle them in foro interno. And, no, Polarized won’t provide you with the last word or ready-made slogans to flaunt in foro externo.

 

 

Three years after his departure from thrashers Node (Scarlet Rec., Massacre Rec.), Daniel Botti begins writing new riffs. With a few songs at hand, he starts sharing material with new and old friends on both sides of the Atlantic (since January 2010, Dan lives in New Haven, CT). In the winter of 2012-2013, an old friend of Daniel, bassist Lars Linden (Carnal Forge) joins Polarized and suggests Daniel to get Dino Medanhodzic involved in the project. Former guitarist of Soulbreach (Mascot Rec.), Dino Medanhodzic took part in Carnal Forge’s single “Blood War” and toured with them for a couple of years. Co-owner of Radionika Studios in Stockholm, Dino is well reputed as sound engineer and artistic producer. Skins are thrashed by another old friend of Daniel, Marco Di Salvia, former Node’s member and current drummer in Pino Scotto’s band and Milan’s post hardcore project Merkel Market.

Western Hypnosis is the title of Polarized debut album. The record has been engineered, mixed, and mastered on April and May 2014 at Radionika Studios in Stockholm (Sweden), under the supervision of producer and Polarized lead guitarist Dino Medanhodzic.

 

 

Lineup:

Daniel Botti – Vocals/Rhythm Guitars
Dino Medanhodzic – Lead Guitars
Lars Linden – Bass
Marco Di Salvia – Drums

 

Fan-filmed video footage of Swedish occult rockers GHOST performing three brand new songs, "Cirice", "Majesty" and "From The Pinnacle To The Pit", earlier tonight (Wednesday, June 3) at Doom in Linköping, Sweden can be seen below.

"Majesty" and "From The Pinnacle To The Pit" are taken from GHOST's third album, "Meliora", which will be released on August 21 via Loma Vista Recordings. The follow-up to 2013's "Infestissumam" was helmed by Klas Åhlund, a prolific songwriter, producer and guitarist who is also a member of the Swedish rock band TEDDYBEARS, and was mixed by Andy Wallace (SLAYER, NIRVANA, SEPULTURA, LINKIN PARK, GUNS N' ROSES).

"Meliora" track listing:

01. Spirit02. From The Pinnacle To The Pit03. Cirice04. Spöksonat05. He Is06. Mummy Dust07. Majesty08. Devil Church09. Absolution10. Deus In Absentia

The cover artwork for the CD can be seen below.

GHOST's show at Doom in Linköping served as the group's live debut with "new" singer Papa Emeritus III, the three-month-younger brother of GHOST's previous frontman, Papa Emeritus II.

A recent issue of Sweden Rock Magazine marked GHOST's final photo session with Papa Emeritus II before he was "fired" and succeeded by Papa Emeritus III.

GHOST's last release was a covers EP, "If You Have Ghost", which sold around 5,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 87 on The Billboard 200 chart. Issued on November 19, 2013 via Loma Vista Recordings, the five-track EP was recorded and produced by Dave Grohl (FOO FIGHTERS, NIRVANA), and included cover versions of songs by ROKY ERICKSON, ABBA, ARMY OF LOVERS and DEPECHE MODE, plus a live version of the GHOST offering "Secular Haze", recorded in Brooklyn earlier that year.

"Infestissumam" sold around 14,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 28 on The Billboard 200 chart.

GHOST was forced to modify its name in the U.S. to GHOST B.C. for "legal reasons."

Papa III unveiled, me in love ^_^ pic.twitter.com/eQqVhuLpkn

— Crystal DePaysant (@HellishInferno) June 3, 2015

GHOST presentó en el show de hoy en Suecia al Papa Emeritus III Aca setlist y foto. pic.twitter.com/BFXZbyGAui

— Christian Acosta (@AcostaMzk) June 3, 2015

Doug Aldrich (REVOLUTION SAINTS, ex-WHITESNAKE, DIO) will play guitar for Glenn Hughes on the former DEEP PURPLE bassist/vocalist's upcoming European tour in September/October. Joining Hughes and Aldrich will be powerhouse Swedish drummer Pontus Engborg.

Commenting on the addition of Doug Aldrich to his band, Hughes says: "My friendship with Doug started when he was playing with my dear friend, Ronnie Dio. Ronnie would always introduce me to his bandmates who were always family. So, on a fateful night in May 2010, I was playing at a festival in Bologna, Italy. I asked Doug if he would like to join me to play a couple of DEEP PURPLE songs. We went into my dressing room and went over the arrangements of the songs, and we were good to go. I introduced Doug to the stage, and we performed for the audience. It felt natural and full of energy.

"Doug is a world-class guitar player and bona fide rock star. I was impressed with Doug's demeanor, both on and off the stage. [He is] hard-working, kind and loving, all the qualities that one needs to fulfill a fruitful life.

"Our friendship continued as Doug joined WHITESNAKE, and I was happy knowing that my brother David Coverdale, would nurture Doug's talent, and give him the love to share with ROCK fans globally.

He continues: "On the fifth anniversary of Ronnie's passing, I connected with Doug again, and we chose to talk and remember how much we loved and missed him. We both asked what we were doing musically, and then out of the blue I asked him if he would like to come and play with me and do some shows. The answer was... 'I'm in!'

"We are both very excited to bring the love to ROCK fans, and carry the message that ROCK is alive. For me, it's time to get back onstage, it's where I belong... see you soon!"

Excited at joining Hughes' band for the 2015 tour, Doug Aldrich says: "Glenn and I have been friends for years. I met him through the DIO camp as we were both very close to Ronnie. We had played live together several times, first in Bologna, Italy for the Ultimate Guitar Festival, and most recently at the Jim Marshall 50-year memorial concert at Wembley Arena in London. I've had a huge respect for what he has accomplished, but to play with him was astonishingly cool. So cut to a few days ago. I was remembering Ronnie James Dio on the anniversary of his passing and posted on my Facebook page about that night five years earlier in Bologna. I remember Glenn dedicating 'Long Live Rock 'N' Roll' to Ronnie. It was right out of the blue and little did we know RJD would pass the next day. Glenn and I were both pallbearers at the funeral. Glenn heard about the Facebook post and gave me a call, also asking if I was up for a little jamming... I said YES, for sure I was!! We both agreed, it was long overdue to do a run of dates together. Glenn had dates and I signed on! I'm very excited about it all. If you hear of Glenn in town... GO see him 'cause I'll be there too!!" The set will showcase highlights from Glenn's colorful career: TRAPEZE, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, CALIFORNIA BREED, along with his own solo material.

Says Hughes: "After being studio bound for the past few months and then touring with CALIFORNIA BREED late last year, where I received the most incredible live audience reaction to my appearances while out with ALTER BRIDGE and SLASH, I felt it long overdue for a solo tour of my own. I'm looking forward to hitting the road with a brand new solo band and reaching out to as many fans as possible. It's a real pleasure for me to be coming back to perform live."

Support on the tour will come from Jared James Nichols, who recently released his debut EP, "Old Glory & The Wild Revival".

Original LEATHERWOLF drummer Dean Roberts and vocalist/guitarist Michael Olivieri have slammed the band's former members, Carey Howe, Geoff Gayer and Wade Black, for announcing that they were working on a new LEATHERWOLF studio album for a late fall release.

Said Roberts and Olivieri in a statement: "We just wanted to set the record straight regarding a statement/press release that's been put out there announcing a new LEATHERWOLF studio album featuring former LEATHERWOLF members Carey Howe, Geoff Gayer and Wade Black. Whatever Carey, Geoff and Wade are working on — it will NOT be released under the name LEATHERWOLF! The legal rights to the name LEATHERWOLF lie with the lineup featuring original band members Dean Roberts and Michael Olivieri that recently performed on the Monsters Of Rock cruise and Keep It True festival in Germany. "It is unfortunate that Carey Howe, the main instigator in all this, is trying to wreak havoc and create the false impression that he, Geoff and Wade are back in LEATHERWOLF, which is not the case. He may have succeeded in hijacking the original LEATHERWOLF Facebook page and YouTube channel, but he will not succeed in hijacking the name LEATHERWOLF as well. "We ask you to please only consult the official LEATHERWOLF website, www.leatherwolfmetal.com, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/leatherwolfmetal, for any and all news regarding band activities."

Gayer and Howe announced over the weekend that they were working on material for the next LEATHWOLF CD, which was also to feature Black on vocals, Pat Guyton on bass and Dan Bruette on drums. At least three songs have already been written and recorded as pre-production versions: "Restless Fate", "The End" and "Red, White & Black".

LEATHERWOLF released a live album, "Unchained Live", in December 2013. The CD was described in a press release as "the first LEATHERWOLF album to feature the lead guitar duo of Rob Math and Greg Erba who are joined by original members, vocalist/guitarist Michael Olivieri and drummer Dean Roberts, and longtime bassist Patrick Guyton."

Fan-filmed video footage of JUDAS PRIEST's May 30 performance at the Rockavaria festival at Olympiastadion in Munich, Germany can be seen below.

JUDAS PRIEST's latest album, "Redeemer Of Souls", was released in July 2014. The follow-up to 2008's double-disc concept album "Nostradamus" was billed as a return to JUDAS PRIEST's heavy-metal roots.

"We felt it was important to make another classic metal album, which is generally what PRIEST has been famous for over the last 40 years," JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford said in an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock. "We had great success with 'Nostradamus', which was something that we'd always wanted to try. I think there was a nice enough space of time, musically, to do a lot of things but primarily just to kind of get all of the pieces into place to make what we feel is one of our best records — with all of the elements of what classic PRIEST stands for."

"Redeemer Of Souls" sold around 32,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 6 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Asked if there will be another JUDAS PRIEST album to follow "Redeemer Of Souls", the band's bassist, Ian Hill, told Music Feeds: "There's no reason why not. I mean, Richie [Faulkner, guitar] came to the band… It's been, like, three years ago now, and he's injected a whole new enthusiasm and energy into the band. We just did the 'Epitaph' tour and we were gonna try and slow down, but that ain't gonna happen — it just ain't gonna happen. I think we enjoy it too much, really. I think the thought of us not doing it terrifies us… or not being able to do it. So we're gonna cram as much as we can while we can. At least three of us ain't spring chickens anymore. So we're gonna keep going until one of us drops, I suppose."

Frontiers Music Srl will release "Now Or Never", the debut album from BENEDICTUM singer Veronica Freeman's solo project THE V, on July 3 in Europe and July 10 in North America.

A new EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for the CD is available below.

THE V marks a major step out of Veronica's comfort zone, since it delves into a definite melodic hard rock vibe.

An impressive array of talent has stepped up to assist THE V in creating her solo project on many levels. The list includes Pete Wells, Aric Avina and Rikard Stjernquist of BENEDICTUM, Michael Sweet (STRYPER), Garry Bordonaro (THE RODS), Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN, FOREIGNER), Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X), Tony Martin (BLACK SABBATH), Leather Leone (CHASTAIN), Jerry Dixon (WARRANT), Jim Durkin (DARK ANGEL), Mick Tucker (TANK), Jordan Ziff (AGE OF EVIL), Derek Kerswill (UNEARTH, KINGDOM OF SORROW), Peter Tentindo (VENUS MARS PROJECT), John Herrera, Ryan Greene, Kenny Lewis, Meliesa McDonell, Michael Harris , Mel Brown and John O'Boyle.

Veronica comments: "I had a lot of input and encouragement from Frontiers to try and stretch myself with different musical styles and approaches. It was great to be able to work with Pete Wells writing some of these songs too. So it was a no-brainer to accept their proposal for a solo album. I am a bit nervous and beyond excited!"

Says Frontiers in a press release: "Be prepared! If you thought Veronica was just a heavy metal amazon, you're going to be proven dead wrong! This is a massive melodic hard rock record with some great lead vocals which show a lot of the original influences that brought THE V to be one of the most well know and recognized voices in the current metal scene!" "Now Or Never" track listing:

01. Again02. Now Or Never03. Roller Coaster04. L.O.V.E.05. Line In The Sand06. Love Should Be To Blame07. Kiss My Lips08. Spellbound09. Starshine10. Below Zero11. Ready To Run12. King For A Day

A trailer for the album is available below. "Now Or Never" recording lineup:

* Veronica Freeman - Lead vocals* Leather Leone - Duet vocals on "Kiss My Lips"* Tony Martin - Duet vocals on "King For A Day"* Meliesa McDonell - additional vocals on "Star Shine" and acoustic guitar* Derek Kerswill - drums* Jeff Pilson, Mel Brown, Garry Bordonaro, Aric Avina, John O'Boyle and Mike LePond - Bass* Pete Wells, Michael Sweet, Peter Tentindo, Jim Durkin, Mick Tucker, Jordan Ziff, Michael Harris - Guitar

"Now Or Never" was produced by John Herrera except for the song "King For A Day", which was produced by Kenny Lewis, and "Love Should Be To Blame" and "Again", which were produced by Michael Sweet.

San Francisco Bay Area thrash veterans DEATH ANGEL will release "A Thrashumentary" on July 24 via Nuclear Blast. The DVD was directed, shot and edited by Tommy Jones (KATAKLYSM, SOILWORK, LAMB OF GOD, CARCASS, TESTAMENT) of Videohammer Studios. The release will also include a full live album entitled "The Bay Calls For Blood".

The first of two trailers for "A Thrashumentary" is available below. "It is with great excitement that I finally get to share this DEATH ANGEL news," comments vocalist Mark Osegueda. "'A Thrashumentary' is finally complete and ready for release this summer! The film tells the story of DEATH ANGEL from our inception to the present day. With many guest appearances by some of our peers and contemporaries who happen to be some of the most respected players in the genre, it covers the highs, lows and highs again of the band and the thrash metal movement. A must-have for any metal fan!

"The even better news is 'A Thrashumentary' will be accompanied by an official live album called 'The Bay Calls For Blood', which was recorded in our hometown of San Francisco! We are so proud of this recording and performance that we decided to release it as a live DEATH ANGEL record! Did I say record? Damn right, I did! Because it will also be available separately on limited-edition vinyl for all the true metal fans! Bleed for it!"

Adds director Tommy Jones: "What originally started out as a live music video for 'River Of Rapture' in 2010 has evolved into a full-scale historical documentary on the band and the thrash scene. This is the first time the band in its current lineup has been able to collectively sit down, and tell the story of how DEATH ANGEL came to be Mark, Rob, Ted, Will and Damien. Mixed with live footage I shot in the Philippines, Asia, Germany, Europe and North America, this project was a blast to produce. It became a true evolution from what we originally set out to do, while solidifying a lifelong friendship.

"I can't wait for the DEATH ANGEL fans worldwide to be able to sit back and throw on 'A Thrashumentary' and hear/see the band's story straight from their mouths. It's a project I'm very proud of. It's also something I would have never envisioned doing when I was a kid taking my guitar to my teacher to learn the solo of 'Bored'! Thrash on!"

"A Thrashumentary" DVD chapter list:

01. Start02. We Grew Up In The Bay Area Thrash Scene03. The Original Lineup Of Death Angel04. Kill As One05. The Ultra Violence06. Frolic In The Park07. Act III08. The Accident09. The O10. Swarm11. Thrash Of The Titans12. I Like Everything About Ted13. The Art Of Dying14. Killing Season15. Relentless Revolution16. I'm Looking For Will Carroll17. And Then Damien Came In18. Relentless Retribution19. Impressions Of Suecof20. Relentless Touring21. Thrashers22. Death Angel Is23. The Last Song Of The Evening24. Credits

Extra:

25. Mistress Of Pain Live "The Bay Calls For Blood" bonus live album and individual LP track listing:

01. Left For Dead02. Fallen03. Buried Alive04. The Dream Calls For Blood05. Execution/Don't Save Me06. Truce07. Detonate08. Bored09. Caster Of Shame10. Territorial Instinct/Bloodlust

As previously reported, DEATH ANGEL will enter the studio on October 1 to begin recording its new album for an April 2016 release via Nuclear Blast.

Asked by Groovey of Groovey.TV what fans can expect from the follow-up to 2013's "The Dream Calls For Blood", DEATH ANGEL guitarist Ted Aguilar said: "It's gonna be DEATH ANGEL. In my personal opinion, I don't think we're gonna try to top ['The Dream Calls For Blood']. You can't recreate that moment in time. 'The Dream Calls For Blood' is 'The Dream Calls For Blood'. This next album we're writing… I mean, we've got some songs; [we're] four songs in. No lyrics yet, but… It's always gonna be heavy. The foundation of DEATH ANGEL is still there, but it's kind of hard to describe what direction we're going in until it's recorded, mixed and mastered. 'Cause the way DEATH ANGEL writes, we write a song, but it's always evolving — up until the point of recording. Even when it comes down to the mixing. It's just, like, 'Ah, let's change that up.'"

He continued: "'The Dream Calls For Blood', it's a great record. We're proud of it. And the next album, it's just gonna be DEATH ANGEL in our mindset today. I'm not gonna say, 'It's gonna be this,' and it ends up being a little different. Who knows what this album is gonna sound like? [But] it's gonna be good."

Asked if DEATH ANGEL has been writing any new material on the road, Ted said: "We've written some stuff on the road, and when we get back [home from the current tour], we're gonna write some more. Then we've got Europe in July and August, and we're gonna continue writing in Europe, on downtime and whatnot. 'Cause there's a lot of time on the road; plenty of hours go by, like right now. And then when we get home after Europe, in August, we're gonna spend a couple of weeks off, then all of September is honing in and doing pre-production, writing a little more and just fixing the loose ends."

DEATH ANGEL's seventh album, "The Dream Calls For Blood", sold 5,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 72 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was recorded at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, AUGUST BURNS RED, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, ALL THAT REMAINS, WHITECHAPEL, DEVILDRIVER), and once again features cover art by Brent Elliot White (JOB FOR A COWBOY, CARNIFEX, WHITECHAPEL).

Florida-based extreme metallers HATE ETERNAL will release their sixth full-length album, "Infernus", on August 24 via Season Of Mist. The CD was recorded at HATE ETERNAL founder and principal member Erik Rutan's (guitar, vocals) Mana Recording Studio (CANNIBAL CORPSE, MOUNTAIN GOATS, GOATWHORE) in St. Petersburg, Florida. The cover artwork was created by renowned artist Eliran Kantor, who has previously worked with TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH and SODOM, among many others.

"Infernus" track listing:

01. Locust Swarm02. The Stygian Deep03. Pathogenic Apathy04. La Tempestad05. Infernus06. The Chosen One07. Zealot, Crusader Of War08. Order Of The Arcane Scripture09. Chaos Theory10. O' Majestic Being, Hear My Call

The song "Pathogenic Apathy" can be streamed using the SoundCloud widget below.

HATE ETERNAL has just hit the road in the U.S. as part of this year's "Metal Alliance" tour, which sees the band performing alongside DEICIDE, ENTOMBED A.D., and more.

HATE ETERNAL last year announced the addition of drummer Chason Westmoreland to the group's ranks. The native of Las Vegas, Nevada has been playing drums since the tender age of five and has toured with such renowned acts as FALLUJAH, BURNING THE MASSES, ENFOLD DARKNESS and OCEANO.

Rutan commented on Westmoreland joining the band: "Chason is such an amazing talent and a very determined guy. He came down to try out in June and literally blew us away! We bonded instantly musically and personally, and JJ and I knew he was the right guy and drummer for HATE ETERNAL. Chason has a high motor, hits hard, plays fast and is a very diverse and dynamic player.

"The drums on this album have a very primal and visceral feel to them and I think he did a tremendous job on the recording."

Westmoreland stated about his contribution to the new album: "The new material is very challenging and has a lot going on. I put everything I had into this album and I'm very excited about the results. "

Deluxe editions of LED ZEPPELIN's final three studio albums: "Presence", "In Through The Out Door" and "Coda" will be released in July.

The reaction to the first six LED ZEPPELIN album reissues has been extraordinary, with albums charting in the Top 10 around the globe whilst also garnering 5-star reviews and other critical accolades along the way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The reissue campaign ends with a double-barrel blast of LED. "Coda" will be the only LED ZEPPELIN deluxe edition to include two companion discs, featuring 15 tracks recorded between 1968 and 1974. The oldest song in the collection is also perhaps the most interesting. The frenetic blues jam "Sugar Mama" was recorded in 1968 at Olympic Studios during sessions for the band's eponymous debut. The song was completed but never officially released until now. "Baby Come On Home" from the same session is also included in the set. Also included is the previously unreleased "St. Tristan's Sword", a rollicking instrumental recorded during the "Led Zeppelin III" sessions in 1970.

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

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

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

"Presence" track listing:

01. Achilles Last Stand02. For Your Life03. Royal Orleans04. Nobody's Fault But Mine05. Candy Store Rock06. Hots On For Nowhere07. Tea For One

Companion audio

01. Two Ones Are Won (Achilles Last Stand - Reference Mix)02. For Your Life (Reference Mix)03. 10 Ribs & All/Carrot Pod Pod (Pod) (Reference Mix)04. Royal Orleans (Reference Mix)05. Hots On For Nowhere (Reference Mix)

"In Through The Out Door" track listing

01. In The Evening02. South Bound Saurez03. Fool In The Rain04. Hot Dog05. Carouselambra06. All My Love07. I'm Gonna Crawl Companion audio

01. In The Evening (Rough Mix)02. Southbound Piano (South Bound Saurez - Rough Mix)03. Fool In The Rain (Rough Mix)04. Hot Dog (Rough Mix)05. The Epic (Carouselambra - Rough Mix)06. The Hook (All My Love - Rough Mix)07. Blot (I'm Gonna Crawl - Rough Mix)

"Coda" track listing:

01. We're Gonna Groove02. Poor Tom03. I Can't Quit You Baby04. Walter's Walk05. Ozone Baby06. Darlene07. Bonzo's Montreux08. Wearing And Tearing

Companion audio

Disc One

01. We're Gonna Groove (Alternate Mix) 02. If It Keeps On Raining (When The Levee Breaks - Rough Mix)03. Bonzo's Montreux (Mix Construction In Progress)04. Baby Come On Home05. Sugar Mama (Mix) 06. Poor Tom (Instrumental Mix)07. Travelling Riverside Blues (BBC Session)08. Hey, Hey, What Can I Do Disc Two

01. Four Hands (Four Sticks - Bombay Orchestra) 02. Friends (Bombay Orchestra) 03. St. Tristan's Sword (Rough Mix)04. Desire (The Wanton Song - Rough Mix)05. Bring It On Home (Rough Mix) 06. Walter's Walk (Rough Mix)07. Everybody Makes It Through (In The Light - Rough Mix)

Photo credit: Atlantic Records / The Outside Organisation

Fan-filmed video footage of American '80s heavy metal power trio THE RODS and BENEDICTUM vocalist Veronica "The V" Freeman performing the BLACK SABBATH classic "Heaven And Hell" as a tribute to Ronnie James Dio at the Muskelrock festival at Tyrolen in Blädinge, Sweden on May 28 can be seen below.

THE RODS last month released a brand new single, "Smoke On The Horizon", featuring Freeman.

"Smoke On The Horizon" was made available for purchase worldwide via iTunes and all digital media outlets on May 14.

Said THE RODS guitarist David "Rock" Feinstein: "Garry [Bordonaro, bass] had let Carl [Canedy, drums] and I know that he had made friends with Veronica some months ago. After a while, he began playing her recordings for us, and we knew after hearing them that she had a very good voice. Her original music is very good, but quite different than the traditional RODS style, and her voice is powerful with a true 'heavy metal' edge to it. Soon, Garry suggested that maybe she could come and sit in with us to sing a couple of songs. She had already been doing some DIO covers, so we thought that would be a perfect fit. We have a great time playing the DIO songs, and Veronica does an excellent job of singing them. A guest performer is something different for us, but so far it has been great fun, and I think the fans will really love it."

Added THE RODS drummer/producer Carl Canedy: "Veronica Freeman has a truly powerful voice! After a killer warm-up show with her in Auburn, New York, it struck me that it would be a shame to not document this merging of talents with a studio recording. David's song, 'Smoke On The Horizon', seemed like a perfect fit. We were able to record this song very quickly during Veronica's visit and I think the fans will be surprised and pleased with the outcome."

Said THE RODS bassist Garry Bordonaro: "I met Veronica through friends, musical connections. During a trip to Phoenix to visit family, I asked her to meet me at a Y&T show. Unfortunately, because of some communication snafus (my fault), she went to the show and I didn't. The exchanges following that regrettable incident convinced me that she and I had a lot to talk about. On later visits, we did meet and spent some time together, and had a lot of good times. We have a real friendship, and have often talked about working together on a project. After hearing early mixes of her new album, it was clear that she deserved exposure to a wider audience. We discussed having her come with us on our European dates, and Carl and Rock agreed to bring her along. We thought it would be fun working with her, and to have a female singer in front of the band, something we have not done before. We decided to play DIO songs because we all know and enjoy playing them, and really didn't have time to work up her new material. We also put together a quick recording session for a new version of Rock's song 'Smoke On The Horizon' to document this collaboration and get her on the news pages. I think RODS fans and BENEDICTUM fans will have a blast seeing her perform with us, and will really like her new material when it's released this summer. At least we are going to have a lot of fun doing it!"

Stated Veronica Freeman: "After having met Garry in person, I knew I had a friend for life! We clicked on a lot of levels. I felt comfortable enough to share some of the solo material with him and was blown away by his reaction. The series of events that followed have been exciting and rather unbelievable for me. Next thing you know, I am meeting the entire band for the first time, doing photo shoots and then bam, in the studio to record 'Smoke On The Horizon' then a show and soon we head out for some shows in Europe! It was like a mini whirlwind and I survived it. Now we go to Europe and I am beyond excited. The guys are great and things just seem to be falling into place. I love it!"

Swedish hard rockers SKINTRADE will release their new album, "Scarred For Life", on July 24 via AOR Heaven. Once again, the CD was recorded, co-produced and mixed by Oscar Ammer. This time SKINTRADE also worked with producer Geo Slam on the song "Wide Awake", originally recorded by Katy Perry.

"We wanted to do something special on this record and I came across this song and instantly liked it. It had that quality we were looking for in a cover and we felt we could deliver a version true to what SKINTRADE stands for and still pay our respect to one of Sweden's most outstanding songwriters and producers, Max Martin," says SKINTRADE vocalist Matti Alfonzetti.

The band is currently shooting a video for "Wide Awake", to be relased late this summer. Working with producer Geo Slam was also a highlight. "Geo had a different approach to what we usually go for and the result was awesome," Matti said.

According to SKINTRADE, "Scarred For Life" saw the band concentrate on "songs and musicianship" and it is "a natural follow-up" to 2014's "Refueled".

"Our focus always was and always will be on the songwriting and the ferocious riffs and grooves to match," says Alfonzetti: "This time we started writing almost within a week after the release of 'Refueled'; that's how inspired we were to continue releasing good songs and to show our fans that we are in it.

"We're really proud of the new album and we definitely feel that this is our best effort so far. We can't wait to get out on the road again and meet our old friends and to make new ones."

SKINTRADE is currently on tour in Europe to promote "Scarred For Life" and plans to stay on the road extensively throughout 2015.

"Scarred For Life" track listing:

01. Scarred For Life02. Goodbye03. Wide Awake04. Lay With Me05. Find A Way06. Lovehate07. Leave A Scar08. Broken09. Storm Will Come10. 15 Minutes Gone

SKINTRADE was formed in 1992 by Matti Alfonzetti (vocals), George Bravo (guitar, backing vocals), Stefan Bergström (guitar, backing vocals), Hakan Calmroth (bass) and Håkan Persson (drums, backing vocals). The group's self-titled debut was released in 1993 and received overwhelmingly positive respnse from both media and audience. The singles "Sick As A Dog" and "One By One" were played frequently on the radio and their videos spun on MTV's "Headbangers Ball". The same year, SKINTRADE was honored with a Zeppelin award for "Best Hard Rock Album" and was nominated for a Swedish Grammis (Grammy equivalent) in the category of "Best Video." The follow-up CD, "Roach Powder", came out in 1995 with Thomas Skogsberg as a producer (ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER). The videos for the singles "Snap Goes Your Mind" and "Flies" were played regularly on MTV.

Between 1993 and 1995, SKINTRADE embarked on several tours of Europe and played at some of Sweden's and Europe's biggest festivals such as Sweden Rock, Hultsfred, Dala Rock, Dynamo Open Air (Holland) and Rock Am Ring (Germany). SKINTRADE also supported the Danish band D-A-D on their European tour in 1995. One of their last and most memorable gigs took place in late 1995 with the Irish band THERAPY? during a live radio show in Amsterdam, Netherlands. SKINTRADE disbanded shortly thereafter.

The idea for the SKINTRADE members to collaborate again came about as they got more and more requests from fans asking them to make new music. During the first rehearsal in May 2011, it became obvious that the band's chemistry was very much intact.

In the summer and autumn of 2011, SKINTRADE recorded four new songs at Sound Trade Studios with their old friend and partner Ronny Lahti, engineer and producer who previously worked with the band on all the recordings in the '90s.

SKINTRADE's "best-of" album, "Past And Present", was released in March 2012 via Universal Music. The CD includes three new songs and 12 classics.

SKINTRADE 2015 is:

Matti Alfonzetti - Vocals, GuitarStefan Bergström - Guitar, Backing VocalsHåkan Calmroth - BassHåkan Persson - Drums, Backing Vocals

"Scarred For Life" (song) audio sample:


"Wide Awake" audio sample:

A July 31 release date has been set for TEENAGE TIME KILLERS' "Greatest Hits Vol. 1" on Rise Records. Pre-orders being taken now via iTunes include the instant grat track "Hung Out To Dry", which you can preview below.

The long-gestating brainchild of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY founder/drummer Reed Mullin, guitarist Mick Murphy (MY RUIN, THE BIRDS OF SATAN) and producer John "Lou" Lousteau, TEENAGE TIME KILLERS' "Greatest Hits Vol. 1" is 20 concise seismic shocks created by an all-star line up of punk and metal legends spanning decades. Joining Reed on drums and Mick on guitar on the album's 20 mostly original tracks and few covers of underground classics (including the RUDIMENTARY PENI deep cut that inspired the project's title) includes:

* Jello Biafra of DEAD KENNEDYS* Randy Blythe of LAMB OF GOD* Dave Grohl and Pat Smear of FOO FIGHTERS* Nick Oliveri* Matt Skiba of ALKALINE TRIO* Corey Taylor of SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR* Tommy Victor of PRONG and DANZIG* Lee Ving of FEAR* Mike "IX" Williams of EYEHATEGOD* Mike Dean and Woody Weatherman of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY* Karl Agell of CORROSION OF CONFORMITY* Phil Rind of SACRED REICH* Neil Fallon of CLUTCH

All instrumental tracks on "Greatest Hits Vol. 1" were recorded at Grohl's 606 Studios in Northridge, California. The album was produced by John "Lou" Lousteau, Reed Mullin and Mick Murphy, engineered and mixed by John "Lou" Lousteau at 606.

"Greatest Hits Vol. 1" track listing with guest credits:

01. "Exploder"

Vocals: Reed Mullin Featuring Pat Hoed (Bass), London May (Drums)

02. "Crowned By The Light Of The Sun"

Vocals: Neil FallonFeaturing Jim Rota (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)

03. "Hung Out To Dry"

Vocals: Randy BlytheFeaturing Mike Schaefer (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)

04. "Power Outage"

Vocals: Clifford Dinsmore Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)

05. "Ode To Sean Hannity"

Vocals: Jello BiafraFeaturing Mike Dean (Bass)

06. "Barrio"

Vocals: Matt SkibaFeaturing Brian Baker (Guitar)

07. "The Dead Hand"

Vocals: Reed MullinFeaturing Woody Weatherman (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)

08. "Egobomb"

Vocals: Corey TaylorFeaturing Dave Grohl (Bass)

09. "Plank Walk"

Vocals: Pete Stahl Featuring Greg Anderson (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)

10. "Time To Die"

Vocals: Mike IX Williams Featuring Greg Anderson (Guitar)

11. "Days Of Degradation"

Vocals: Tommy Victor Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)

12. "Clawhoof"

Vocals: Tairrie B. Murphy Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)

13. "Big Money"

Vocals: Lee Ving Featuring Pat Smear (Guitar & Bass), London May (Drums)

14. "Devil In This House"

Vocals: Karl Agell Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)

15. "Say Goodnight To The Acolyte"

Vocals: Phil Rind Featuring Jason Browning (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)

16. "Ignorant People"

Vocals: Tony Foresta Featuring Greg Anderson (Guitar), Nick Oliveri (Bass)

17. "Son Of An Immigrant"

Vocals: Johnny WeberFeaturing Brian Baker (Guitar)

18. "Your Empty Soul"

Vocals: Aaron Beam

19. "Bleeding To Death"

Vocals: Vic Bondi Featuring Dave Grohl (Bass)

20. "Teenage Time Killer"

Vocals: Trenton RogersFeaturing Greg Anderson (Guitar), Pat Hoed (Bass)

The song "Ode To Sean Hannity", featuring a guest appearance by Jello Biafra of DEAD KENNEDYS, can be streamed below.

Mullin explains the fortuitous inspiration behind the track: "I saw John Cleese from Monty Python on an episode of Keith Olbermann's old MSNBC show a couple years back, where he happened read his poem 'Ode To Sean Hannity' aloud. It was fucking hilarious — the rhythm, or cadence rather, and biting political comedy sounded just like a song Jello and the DEAD KENNEDYS would have written back in the old days. So, when we were getting our original five songs together for what later turned into TEENAGE TIME KILLERS, I put Cleese's poem to music, asked Jello to sing it, he said 'yes' and the rest is history."

Ventura, California-based technical death metal unit, Inherit Disease, will release their third full-length later this year via Unique Leader Records. Titled Ephemeral, the follow-up to 2010's seminal Visceral Transcendence was tracked at Seahorse Sound Studios by Samur Khouja (Condemned, Arkaik, Flesh Consumed) and will feature mixing/mastering by Sasha Borovykh (Epicardiectomy, Cerebral Effusion) from Tsun Tsun Productions. Once again adorned with the stunningly disturbing cover creation of Yang Guang, Ephemeral will explore the realms of our dark future.  

 Forged in 2002, Inherit Disease have spent the last thirteen years perfecting their style of straight forward, yet original, innovative brutal death metal. Various lineup changes over the years have attributed to the band's artistic growth, though the band solidified their cast adding second guitarist Tom Wilson in 2012 to promote more diverse song writing structures and to enhance the intensity of their live shows.  

 Additional info, including an official release date for Ephemeral, will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Studio footage:

Legendary Canadian grindcore outfit Fuck The Facts are returning to pummel your ear drums with the French track and first single “Solitude” from their upcoming album Desire Will Rot set to be unleashed on August 25 via their indie label Noise Salvation.

The album is the band's first full length since 2011's Die Miserable and follows the band's recent split EP with Fistfuck along with 2014's Abandoned and 2013's Amer EPs. Recorded and mixed by FTF guitarist Topon Das at his Apartment 2 recording studio in Ottawa, ON, Das comments the following on the upcoming album.

"Even though we've been consistently releasing new music over the past few years, we haven't put out a full-length album since 2011's Die Miserable. I love the EPs that we've released since then, but this album is long overdue and was initially intended to come out much earlier. 

Our 2013 EP Amer is actually the B-sides of Desire Will Rot, and the original plan was for them to be released together (like we did with Die Miserable and the Misery EP). Over the past 12 months we've only played a handful of shows, and this has finally allowed us the time to not only complete this new album, but also our Abandoned EP that came out in October last year, and the split with Fistfuck, which has just been released. 
 
Obviously some similarities to the Amer EP are to be expected on this new record, but I think Desire Will Rot is also very similar to our 2008 album Disgorge Mexico in sound and feel. For me, Disgorge Mexico is the album that really defined what I wanted to do with Fuck The Facts, so to finally have a record that I feel has matched that, is something I'm very excited about."

Desire Will Rot will be released on 12'' vinyl, CD, cassette and digital download.

Desire Will Rot tracklisting:
“Everywhere Yet Nowhere”
“Shadows Collide”
“The Path of Most Resistance”
“La Mort I”
“La Mort II”
“Prey”
“Storm of Silence”
“Solitude”
“False Hope”
“Circle”
“Nothing Changes”

"Solitude":

Desire Will Rot by Fuck The Facts

Knoxville, TN band Straight Line Stitch will be releasing their EP Transparency on June 30 via Pavement Entertainment and will be embarking on the Civil Unrest Tour beginning May 31 in Wichita, Kansas and wrapping up June 28 in Corona, CA. Preorders are available at this location.

Straight Line Stitch has been steadily ascending the ranks of metal and hard rock through authentic and impassioned performances, an organic evolution of their writing and recording, and a tried and true road warrior mentality towards touring. The band defined who they were early on in their career and held steadfast to their beliefs while making the natural progressions and growth of a committed touring band. While being genuine at the core of a band's being is an absolute necessity for credibility and longevity, it gets you nowhere fast if the songs do not matter.

Transparency tracklisting:

“Out Of The Shadows”
“Dark Matter”
“Out Of Body”
“Face Of God”
“Wilderness”
“Human Bondage”

Civil Unrest tour dates:

June
3 – Colorado Springs, CO – The Black Sheep
4 – Denver, CO – The Summit Music Hall
5 – Omaha, NE – Shamrocks (only SLS)
6 – Minneapolis, MN – Skyway Theater
7 – Joliet, IL – Mojoe’s
8 – Ringle, WI – Q&Z Expo Center
9 – Indianapolis, IN – Emerson Theater
10 – Waterloo, IA – Reverb / Spicoli’s
12 – Battle Creek MI – The Music Factory
13 – Clarksville, TN – The Warehouse
14 – St. Louis, MO – The Ready Room
16 – Dallas, TX – Trees
17 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
18 – Austin, TX – The Dirty Dog Bar
19 – San Antonio, TX – 210 Kapone’s
20 – Lubbock, TX – Jake’s Back Room
21 – El Paso, TX – Tricky Falls
22 – Albuquerque, NM – Launch Pad
23 – Phoenix, AZ – Club Red
24 – Las Vegas, NV – LVCS
25 – West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go (Ill Nino and SLS only)
26 – Fresno, CA – Fulton 55
27 – Long Beach, CA – Club Hydra
28 – Corona, CA – M15 Concert Bar

(Photo: Benjamin & Beverly Ross)