30-second audio snippets of the songs "Sadist", "Peckinpah" and "Stalemate" from "House Of Gold & Bones - Part 2", the second part of STONE SOUR's two-album series, "House of Gold & Bones", can be streamed below. Also available is of STONE SOUR lead singer Corey Taylor's video commentary on the two tracks (courtesy of Australia's Music Feeds).

"House Of Gold & Bones - Part 2" will be released on April 9 via Roadrunner Records. The albums were recorded at Sound Farm Studios just outside of the band's native Des Moines, Iowa with producer David Bottrill (TOOL, MUSE) at the helm.

"House Of Gold & Bones - Part 2" track listing:

01. Red City
02. Black John
03. Sadist
04. Peckinpah
05. Stalemate
06. Gravesend
07. '82
08. The Uncanny Valley
09. Blue Smoke
10. Do Me A Favor
11. The Conflagration
12. The House Of Gold & Bones

STONE SOUR has issued a new music video for "Do Me A Favor", the first official single from "House Of Gold & Bones - Part 2". A four-issue comic book series adapted from Taylor's story will come out this spring, with the first issue arriving on shelves on April 17.

The official synopsis for the comic book reads, "Trapped in an alternate reality, the Human must make his way to the House of Gold & Bones as he is chased by a crazed mob and taunted by mysterious ally Allen. What the Human discovers on his journey will be his salvation . . . or his destruction."

The second issue of the comic will arrive on May 22, with the publication dates of the third and fourth yet to be determined.

STONE SOUR will head out next month with IN THIS MOMENT on the first-ever "Road To The Golden Gods" tour, which will lead up the fifth annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards on May 2 in Los Angeles. The trek kicks off on April 2 in Portland, Maine, wrapping up in Nashville three weeks later.

Legendary San Francisco Bay Area gore grind act AUTOPSY will enter Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California on April 1 with producer Adam Munoz to begin recording its new album, "The Headless Ritual", due out this year on Peaceville Records. Cover art was painted by none other than the legendary Joe Petagno (MOTÖRHEAD, MARDUK), and it's safe to say he has outdone himself with this gruesome slice of horror.

Said AUTOPSY drummer/vocalist Chris Reifert: "Expect nothing less than the monstrous brutality that AUTOPSY has been known to offer. Laurels will not be rested upon, trends will not be followed and mercy will not be shown. Mark your calendars for June and pick out a coffin to lie down and die in. Darkness and death await..."

AUTOPSY released a DVD, "Born Undead", in June 2012 in the U.S. via Peaceville Records. The set charts AUTOPSY's birth, death and rebirth with an extensive documentary conducted with the bandmembers themselves, as they describe how the beast came to be, and the impact their music has had on the metal world over a span of more than 20 years. The film also documents the band's long-awaited return to the studio and stage, and includes rehearsal footage of both new tracks and old classics for their live comeback assault.

"Macabre Eternal", the first full-length album from AUTOPSY since 1995's "Shitfun", sold around 600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 67 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.

AUTOPSY had previously decided to make an official comeback after working together on two songs for the special 20th-anniversary edition of debut album, "Severed Survival", in late 2008; the band having originally split before the release of its fourth album, "Shitfun", in 1995.

AUTOPSY is:

Chris Reifert - Drums/Vocals
Danny Coralles - Guitar
Eric Cutler - Guitar
Joe Trevisano - Bass

Nocturnal Studio has released the first title for Microsoft's Xbox Live Indie Games service titled Death Goat. Death Goat is a bloody twin-stick shooter featuring hordes of brutal enemies and eardrum-destroying heavy metal. Death Goat includes the music of BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, GOD FORBID, HOLY GRAIL, VANISHER, KONKEROR, IMMORTAL GUARDIAN, LORELEI and OVID'S WITHERING.

"Music has always been an important part of the gaming experience for us," says Brian Ferrara, creative director for Nocturnal Studio. "We assembled a mix of both signed and unsigned artists for this game with the intention of introducing some amazing music in an addictive arcade game to new fans."

Death Goat is available right now on Xbox Live Indie Games.

Founded by a team responsible for creating several cult classics, with millions of downloads across platforms. Nocturnal Studio is the pinnacle of our creative endeavors and home to Ferrara , art director Narek Gevorgian and lead programmer Nick Kinkade.

U.K. doom metal veterans MY DYING BRIDE will release a new EP, "The Manuscript", on May 13 via Peaceville Records on CD and vinyl.

"The Manuscript" contains four new and exclusive songs; a dark voyage spanning over 27 minutes of supreme doom in the unmistakable MY DYING BRIDE style of heaviness mixed with dark tales of foreboding. It was recorded and mixed at Futureworks Studios in Manchester, U.K. with the band's long-time producer, Rob "Mags" Magoolagan.

Comments the band: "'The Manuscript' features four monstrous tracks of brilliantly crafted metal that only MY DYING BRIDE can do, with swathes of doom laden melancholy, harmonic beauty and thundering death metal all combined in their trademark sound. Four tales of tragedy, loss and bitter vengeance greet the listener with an added assault on the emotions too, leaving the soul grey and limp. There is beauty here, but it's carrying a dark blade."

In a recent interview with Metal Forces, MY DYING BRIDE vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe stated about the songs that will appear on "The Manuscript": "They're very similar to 'A Map Of All Our Failures', because they were written and recorded at the same time, except for one song. That really stands out… [laughs] It's full-on sort of epic death metal; it's swords and axes, a proper warrior battle kind of track that's almost medieval in flavor. You can almost picture the scene; it's set in a snowy kind of mountainous landscape. There are sound effects and all sorts of mayhem going on in it, and death metal vocals not quite all the way through it, but near enough. It even has a Swedish title which because my Swedish isn't great, I'm not gonna repeat here. [laughs] I need to get the pronunciation right before I do that."

MY DYING BRIDE's latest album, "A Map Of All Our Failures", was released on October 15, 2012 in Europe and October 16, 2012 in the U.S. via Peaceville Records on CD, double vinyl and special-edition CD+DVD.

"Introspection", the new video from Norwegian metallers KEEP OF KALESSIN, can be seen below. The clip was premiered last night (Wednesday, Marth 27) at the Indie Recordings label night at the Inferno festival in Oslo, Norway. "Introspection" shows the band from a more serious and mature side than before. The band also brings more of their '80s inspiration into this track, with Arnt "Obsidian C." Grønbech showing a lot more of his impressive solo skills.

Grønbech used the opportunity to reveal some unexpected news with the crowd at Inferno. Not only does the video show the band from a different side, but Obsidian has now also taken over the vocal duties after singer Torbjørn "Thebon" Schei seems to have disappeared in the African jungle. "We haven't heard from him in five months," says Obsidian. "He went to South Africa with his girlfriend and we received no life sign or answers to our messages. Instead of waiting it out, we just had to move on and I started testing the vocals in the studio myself, realizing my vocals were far from bad. I've always been the driving force of the band and I found it to be easier if I just managed to handle the vocals from now on instead of replacing Thebon with someone else. The worst part of this will, of course, be to do both vocals and guitars live, but it's all a matter of practice, really. We now feel that this is the way to go and that the band is in fact stronger than ever!"

"Reptilian", the latest album from KEEP OF KALESSIN, entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 2. The CD was made available in North America on June 8, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.

KEEP OF KALESSIN took third place in the 2010 installment of the Norwegian national Eurovision Song Contest competition "Melodi Grand Prix". The band performed a song called "The Dragontower", which was originally written for the group's latest album but had to be shortened from 5:20 minutes to 3:00 minutes for the performance. The full, unedited track appears on "Reptilian".

Last night in Hollywood, California, ANTHRAX, who are headlining the "Metal Alliance Tour", played to a sold-out crowd at the House of Blues. But the fans got a little more than ANTHRAX playing their classic "Among The Living" album front to back, or songs from the just-released covers EP, "Anthems".

Joining ANTHRAX on stage for their AC/DC cover of "T.N.T." was none other than Slash, who played lead on the song, and then, later in the show, Chuck D came out for "Bring The Noise", the song ANTHRAX and PUBLIC ENEMY recorded together in 1991.

Also in the House last night were SLAYER's Kerry King, John Tempesta from THE CULT, Justin Chandellor from TOOL, DETHKLOK/"Metalocalpyse"'s Brendon Small and actor/musician Brian Posehn.

The "Metal Alliance Tour", which also features EXODUS, HIGH ON FIRE, MUNICIPAL WASTE and HOLY GRAIL, will stay on the road through late April.

"Anthems", ANTHRAX's long-awaited, eight-track EP that pays tribute to the classic songs by some of the band's favorite acts from the 1970s, sold around 8,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 52 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD was released in North America on March 19 (MRI/Megaforce), and on March 22 in Europe (Nuclear Blast).

ANTHRAX's latest full-length album, "Worship Music", sold 28,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at No. 12. The band's previous studio CD, 2003's "We've Come For You All", opened with just under 10,000 units to debut at No. 122.

All photos below courtesy of Stephanie Cabral

A trailer for "Epitome Of Torture", the new studio album from German thrash metal veterans SODOM, can be seen below. The CD will be made available on April 29 in Europe and May 7 in North America via SPV/Steamhammer. Vocalist/bassist Thomas "Angelripper" Such, guitarist Bernd "Bernemann" Kost and new drummer Markus "Makka" Freiwald recorded a total of twelve new tracks (plus a MOTÖRHEAD cover) which "present SODOM as more diverse and multi-faceted than ever," according to a press release.

"'Epitome Of Torture' features not only your typical SODOM fare, but also two or three numbers which are slightly more moderate and melodic than what people have come to expect from us," says Angelripper, "so wait and see!"

"Epitome Of Torture" track listing:

Limited-edition digipak:

01. My Final Bullet (04:40)
02. S.O.D.O.M. (03:46)
03. Epitome Of Torture (03:31)
04. Stigmatized (02:56)
05. Cannibal (04:19)
06. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow (04:01)
07. Invocating The Demons (04:25)
08. Katjuscha (03:43)
09. Into The Skies Of War (03:51)
10. Tracing The Victim (04:46)
11. Waterboarding (05:06) (bonus track)
12. Splitting The Atom (04:28) (bonus track)

Jewel Case:

01. My Final Bullet (04:40)
02. S.O.D.O.M. (03:46)
03. Epitome Of Torture (03:31)
04. Stigmatized (02:56)
05. Cannibal (04:19)
06. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow (04:01)
07. Invocating The Demons (04:25)
08. Katjuscha (03:43)
09. Into The Skies Of War (03:51)
10. Tracing The Victim (04:46)

2LP (colored vinyl):

LP 1

Side 1

01. My Final Bullet (04:40)
02. S.O.D.O.M. (03:46)
03. Epitome Of Torture (03:31)

Side 2

01. Stigmatized (02:56)
02. Cannibal (04:19)
03. Shoot Today - Kill Tomorrow (04:01)

LP 2

Side 1

01. Invocating The Demons (04:25)
02. Katjuscha (03:43)
03. Into The Skies Of War (03:51)

Side 2

01. Tracing The Victim (04:46)
02. Waterboarding (05:06) (bonus track)
03. Splitting The Atom (04:28) (bonus track)
04. Ace Of Spades (02:36) (bonus track)

SODOM will celebrate the release of "Epitome Of Torture" on April 26 at Endzeit in Essen, Germany.

The band filmed a video for the track "Stigmatized" last weekend in Berlin with director Ronald Matthes and Roax Media (SODOM's "Lords Of Depravity" volumes 1 and 2, VOLBEAT, MOB RULES).

"SODOM haven't had an official video clip for some time, so it's about time we did one," Angelripper said. "That’s why the mini film will be uncompromising, a shocking clip which our fans can look forward to!"

"Katjuscha" has little to do with the same-named folk song by Mikhail Isakovsky, but is about the Russian rocket launcher which has been responsible for death and destruction thousandfold.

"The Katjuscha has been produced since World War II and is still used today," the SODOM frontman explains. "It's been responsible for the death of more people than Stalin's organ. To name such a deadly weapon after a girl is as grotesque as giving the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima the code name 'Little Boy'."

It's obvious that SODOM hasn't changed its scornful view of the world, presenting an album in "Epitome Of Torture" that is as uncompromising as ever in musical as well as lyrical terms.

"Unfortunately, there's still plenty of inspiration for angry lyrics around," says Angelripper. The bitter thrash metal attack "Waterboarding", which deals with torture methods, fits perfectly into this context.

"It always surprises me how inventive — in the most negative sense of the word — people can be when it comes to torturing others," states the vocalist. "At the same time, 'Epitome Of Torture' features not only typical SODOM numbers, like the title track, our new hit 'S.O.D.O.M.' and 'Stigmatized', the toughest SODOM number in ages, but also two or three recordings which are slightly more moderate and melodic than what people have come to expect from us." Angelripper is referring to songs such as "Cannibal" and "Tracing The Victim", which allow Bernemann to present his impressive musical skills, as well as "Into The Skies Of War", on which Angelripper allowed himself to be inspired by icons such as MOTÖRHEAD and TANK. "Luckily, it's impossible to hide my influences," he says.

"Epitome Of Torture" was produced by Waldemar Sorychta (GRIP INC., ENEMY OF THE SUN), whose expertise as a sound engineer and audio magician thoroughly enhanced SODOM's previous CD, 2010's "In War And Pieces". Angelripper says: "Waldemar is a true authority. He doesn't let you get away with anything, he knows all our weak spots. Which occasionally makes working at the studio a little demanding, but at the end of the day, it's all worthwhile, as the result shows." The SODOM frontman describes the sound on "Epitome Of Torture" as "hard as nails and contemporary, without ignoring our tried-and-tested old-school attitude."

"Epitome Of Torture" will be available in four different formats: a limited-edition digipak, including two bonus tracks and a poster; regular jewel case; as a double gatefold vinyl, including three bonus tracks; and as a digital download. The cover artwork featuring SODOM's popular "Knarrenheinz" logo was developed by graphic designer Meran Karanitant, who has previously worked with SIX FEET UNDER, HATEBREED and DIMMU BORGIR, among others.

Norwegian/Italian metallers TRISTANIA will release their seventh studio album, "Darkest White", on May 31 via Napalm Records. The CD artwork, painted by artist Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, SODOM, HATEBREED), can be seen below.

The band wanted a dark and disturbing cover, and Kantor instantly knew what they asked for after being presented with the music and lyrics.

"What he came up with turned out to be more than what we had dared to hope for," says TRISTANIA guitarist Anders Høyvik Hidle. "His painting for the front cover made us speechless, Eliran totally understood our vision with this album, and the artwork fits perfectly to the music and lyrics."

With "Darkest White", TRISTANIA venture into a considerably darker soundscape than on their previous album, both musically and lyrically. The emotional span of the album is bigger, ranging from the most brutal primal aggression to the most fragile and poignant moments. The album features an array of grand arrangements, doomy moods, and elaborate harmonies blended with intense growling; a flamboyant display of outstanding vocal performances. "Darkest White" is produced and mixed by Christer André Cederberg.

Comments TRISTANIA bassist Ole Vistnes: "After the release of 'Rubicon' in 2010, I felt that we had opened the door to our new musical landscape, but that we still had a lot of places to explore creatively. With 'Darkest White', we have dug deeper, searched wider and reached higher to create the most musically challenging and emotionally involving album we possibly could. Like all TRISTANIA albums, I feel this one is detached from musical rules and genre expectations, and perfectly represents the musical freedom that I so much love about TRISTANIA.

"During the writing and recording of the album, we worked hard to create the album we had in our minds, but we were also careful to let the songs live a life on their own. We didn't set out to make the album technically outstanding or theoretically perfect, but we followed our hearts in all parts of the writing and production. I'm proud of 'Darkest White', mostly because of the uncompromising honesty and attitude that saturated everything from the songwriting and recording to the mix."

The band has written an extensive report about the making of "Darkest White", and part one can now be found at this location.

TRISTANIA is:

Mariangela Demurtas (vocals)
Kjetil Nordhus (vocals)
Anders Høyvik Hidle (guitar and vocals)
Ole Vistnes (bass and backing vocals)
Gyri Losnegaard (guitar)
Einar Moen (keyboards)
Tarald Lie (drums)

The second trailer for "Eternal Defiance", the new album from German melodic folk/death metallers SUIDAKRA, can be seen below. Due on May 24 via AFM Records, the CD's cover artwork was created by Kris Verwimp.

"Eternal Defiance" track listing:

01. Storming The Walls
02. Inner Sanctum
03. Beneath The Red Eagle
04. March Of Conquest
05. Pair Dadeni
06. The Mindsong
07. Rage For Revenge
08. Dragon’s Head
09. Defiant Dreams
10. Damnatio Memoriae
11. Mrs Mcgrath (bonus track)

Commented SUIDAKRA singer Arkadius Antonik: "As on the previous two releases, it will be a concept album again, created by [famous Belgian graphic artist] Kris Verwimp in cooperation with us. Our new concept includes a lot of new elements and suprises which will be reflected in the music as well."

In a 2012 interview with Metal Kaoz, Antonik stated about SUIDAKRA's new material: "The songs … are bombastic and we also finished the first song with Tina's [Stabel] female vocals. This time, it's gonna be a faster song with a real epic and catchy chorus."

Bassist Marcus Riewaldt last year announced his departure from SUIDAKRA. He said in a statement, "After more than 250 shows and 10 years being in the band, I feel that now time has come to change my priorities a bit and see what else life has to offer for me. No hard feelings involved; it's just that I cannot motivate myself for another writing-rehearsing-recording-promoting-touring cycle and that I'm really annoyed by some of the music business mechanisms that one has to deal with in order to continue this beautiful and exciting, but at the same time very time- and energy-consuming hobby. I wish SUIDAKRA much luck and success for the future — it would all be well deserved!"

SUIDAKRA has already secured a replacement bassist in Tim Siebrecht, who was a stand-in guitar player for SUIDAKRA on several occasions in recent years.

SUIDAKRA's tenth album, "Book Of Dowth", was released on March 25, 2011 via AFM Records.

Rockmeeting.com conducted an interview with UFO's American guitarist Vinnie Moore on March 12 in Bordeaux, France. You can now watch the chat below. Also available is footage of the Bordeaux concert.

UFO released a new digital single, "Wonderland", on February 22 via SPV/Steamhammer.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Wonderland (05:08) (taken from "Seven Deadly")
02. Shoot Shoot (live) (05:02) (taken from "Showtime")
03. When Daylight Goes To Town (live) (04:55) (taken from "Showtime")

UFO's latest album, "Seven Deadly", was released on February 28, 2012 (one day earlier internationally) via SPV/Steamhammer. The effort, which was recorded with producer Tommy Newton at his Area 51 studio in Celle, Germany, was made available as a limited-edition digipack (including two bonus tracks), a double gatefold LP with printed innersleeves and colored vinyl, standard-edition CD and as a digital download.

According to a press release, "Seven Deadly" is "an atmospherically dense fabric consisting of classy guitars, tight rock grooves and vocals which are unique to UFO. The classic rock of 'Burn Your House Down' features all the important UFO strengths, 'Going Down To Mojotown' sees the musicians sound tougher than ever, and last but not least, 'Wonderland' features a pointed reference to UFO's early days. 'Angel Station' sees the band prove how classic rock music is complemented perfectly with epic elements, while 'Fight Night' is an excellent track to be performed in a live context."

The current UFO lineup continues to consist of the three original members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Paul Raymond (guitar, keyboards), and Andy Parker (drums), as well as Vinnie Moore.

Deadline Music/Cleopatra has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding the reports that "Frequency Unknown", the new album from the Geoff Tate-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE, was being remixed by acclaimed musician, record producer and engineer Billy Sherwood:

"Since previews of the new QUEENSRŸCHE album were made available to the general public on iTunes and other digital retailers, some of the response has been less than positive. Some complained about the overall quality of the recordings, and in particular the mix. We here at Deadline Music have the utmost confidence in the powerful songwriting and outstanding performances from Geoff Tate and crew on this album, but we also want the fans to know that we are listening to them as well! So, in the interest of democratic free choice, Deadline Music has commissioned the superbly talented musician/producer Billy Sherwood (formerly of YES) to remix the album. Now fans will be able to decide which mix they feel best represents the album: the original mix, which will be released on April 23rd, or the new mix by Billy Sherwood that will be made available at a future date to be announced…. WE REMIX, YOU DECIDE!"

Sherwood revealed in a posting on his Facebook page on Monday that he was hired to remix "Frequency Unknown". Sherwood wrote: "[It] seems there are sonic issues with the previous versions and so I shall be fixing it for all to enjoy. [I am] starting on it [Wednesday] morning [March 27]."

"Frequency Unknown" was produced by Jason Slater at a studio in Northern California.

Although a lineup for Tate's QUEENSRŸCHE was originally announced in the fall of 2012, things have changed. The band will now feature Tate along with bassist Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, DIO, WHITESNAKE, QUIET RIOT), guitarist Kelly Gray (QUEENSRŸCHE 1998-2001), keyboardist Randy Gane and new additions, guitarist Robert Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, HURRICANE) and drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO, RHINO BUCKET). Guest musicians on the CD include K.K. Downing (JUDAS PRIEST), Chris Poland (MEGADETH), Ty Tabor (KING'S X), Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, TESTAMENT, EXODUS), Lita Ford, Brad Gillis (NIGHT RANGER), Dave Meniketti (Y&T) and Craig Locicero (FORBIDDEN).

"Frequency Unknown" is packaged with bonus tracks — four QUEENSRŸCHE classics, newly recorded, including the smash hit single "Silent Lucidity".

"Frequency Unknown" track listing:

01. When Lightning Strikes
02. Running Backwards
03. Fallen
04. Life Without You
05. In The Hands Of God
06. Cold
07. The Weight Of The World
08. Slave
09. Dare
10. Everything

Bonus tracks: (2013 versions)

11. Silent Lucidity
12. Empire
13. Jet City Woman
14. I Don t Believe In Love

Beginning in early April, Tate's QUEENSRŸCHE will be hitting the road to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the band's epic 1988 release, "Operation: Mindcrime", performing all fifteen songs from the album along with other well-known hits and rarities from the catalog they've compiled over the past 30 years.

"I try to surround myself with the best players available and feel our longtime fans deserve nothing less," says Tate. "I expect the forthcoming effort to be one of our best yet."

Tate, who was fired from QUEENSRŸCHE in June 2012 after fronting the group for three decades, last year sought to prevent his former bandmates from touring and operating under the QUEENSRŸCHE name without him. While ruling against Tate, the presiding judge determined that there was no legal hurdle in Tate also using the name with an all-new lineup of musicians. "I don't see any reason that Mr. Tate can't have the benefit, if he gets other members, of whatever name he uses of using the brand," Superior Court Judge Carol A. Schapira said during the July 13, 2012 court hearing. "I think [doing that would be] inherently confusing, although I'm sure the market can get these things sorted out," she added.

Last November, Tate released his first solo CD in over a decade titled "Kings & Thieves" (InsideOut Music) and toured with his solo band in support of the CD, which included dates with the legendary ALICE COOPER.

"Wings Of Madness", the new video from European symphonic metallers SERENITY, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's new album, "War Of Ages", which was made available on March 25 in Europe. The new CD will introduce a major change in the band's music and lineup.

Since their second album, SERENITY has been including female voices in its songs, had different guests to perform them live and among them was Clémentine Delauney. Going on tour together, the band realized her voice, personality and stage performance was bringing something special to the band's universe and thought she should be present on the new record. The idea evolved with time… why not have a permanent female voice in the band? And it seems they had found the perfect one both on professional and personal levels. So it came up somehow naturally that Clémentine should not be considered "guest" anymore.

Clémentine Delauney is now a full member of SERENITY. Thus "War Of Ages" welcomes Clémentine's voice on lead, backing and choir parts, completing the music with a constant feminine presence.

Says the band: "The band has the will to make its music richer on the vocal side; this is a start of a new approach! SERENITY will explore and use the unlimited musical possibilities of those two outstanding voices, to start with, and 'War Of Ages' is the perfect transition record between what SERENITY was and what it will become in the coming years! We hope you share our excitement!"

"War Of Ages" was once again mixed and mastered by Jan Vacik at Dreamsound Studios in Munich, Germany. The cover artwork was created by Seth Siro Anton, who previously worked with SERENITY on their debut album. The band states: "It likely is his best work to date and the whole cover figurine is just as impressive as the limited-edition closeup." SERENITY also collaborated again with Oliver Philipps on arrangements and orchestration.

"War Of Ages" track listing:

01. Wings Of Madness
02. The Art Of War
03. Shining Oasis
04. For Freedom's Sake
05. Age Of Glory
06. The Matricide
07. Symphony For The Quiet
08. Tannenberg
09. Legacy Of Tudors
10. Royal Pain
11. Fairytales (ballad version; limited-edition bonus track)
12. Love Of My Life (limited-edition bonus track)

Says the band: "While staying true to all SERENITY trademarks such as symphonic orchestras, heavy rhythms, amazing melodic vocals and bombastic choirs, we also brought in some new elements in form of various new sounds in the SERENITY universe and a constant implementation of female vocals supporting outstanding singer Georg Neuhauser."

German gothic death pioneers ATROCITY have unveiled the cover artwork and track listing for part one of their album trilogy, "Okkult". The CD will feature a three-continent treasure hunt where the band will hide a track for one fan to find for each of the three releases, the first in Europe this year (first evidence and code of the treasure hunt are hidden in the booklet of the limited-edition digipak and in the iTunes version).

"Okkult" will be released via Napalm Records on the following dates:

April 24: Spain/Sweden/Norway
April 26: GAS/BeNeLux/Finland
April 29: Rest of the world
May 7: USA/Canada

The album was produced by vocalist Alexander Krull at Mastersound Studio. The cover art (see below) was created by Stefan Heilemann.

"Okkult" track listing:

01. Pandaemonium
02. Death By Metal
03. March of the Undying
04. Haunted By Demons
05. Murder Blood Assasination
06. Necromancy Divine
07. Satan's Braut
08. Todesstimmen
09. Masaya (Boca Del Infierno)
10. When Empires Fall to Dust
11. Beyond Perpetual Ice
12. La Voisine

A seven-minute YouTube clip containing "Okkult" audio samples is available below.

Commentes ATROCITY singer and producer Alex Krull: "With 'Okkult', we want to start a very special album trilogy. Most recently with the 'Die Gottlosen Jahre (The Godless Years)' DVD, a splendid film documentary was released commemorating our longer-than-25-year career, which even now is to run at film festivals. Reason enough now to usher in a new era of ATROCITY! Musically, no prisoners will be taken, the 'Okkult' series is also brutal, bombastic and dark. These will not only be the heaviest and most brutal albums of ATROCITY since years, but also the darkest works of our band's history. Lovers of our harder material like 'Hallucinations', 'Todessehnsucht', 'Blut' or 'Atlantis' will surely be delighted with the 'Okkult' series at their expense, although the 'Okkult' songs have their own trademarks, of course."

The new ATROCITY opus, "Okkult". is described in a press release as "the kickstart to an album trilogy as it has not been seen before in the metal scene! Musically, ATROCITY show an enormous tension width, and deliver a very powerful, homogeneous and atmospheric album: On the one hand with much bombast and big choirs a la 'March Of The Undying'; on the other hand, ATROCITY deliver equally purist, brutal metal songs, which get under your skin just as intensely, closely and authentically. The overall sound is perfectly harmonized. The earthy, brilliant production sounds intoxicating and gives the musical pieces the necessary energy, atmosphere and roughness to dive immediately into the lyrical concept. This is anything but one-dimensional. The lyrics relate to occult magic, mysterious places, conspiracy theories and mysteries that are still unsolved. Thus, ATROCITY turn John Milton's vision of 'Pandemonium' into reality in an imposing way. With 'Death By Metal', a mystical tale from long ago, ATROCITY have composed a tribute to their own musical roots, as well as it is their own band anthem. The band takes us with 'Haunted By Demons' on a Scottish haunted castle, and brings in 'Necromancy Divine' the ancient necromancer Erictho back to life. Moreover, the 'Okkult' cover motif is dedicated to her. With overwhelming power the gates of hell are opened in 'Masaya (Boca del Inferno)'. The epic 'When Empires Fall To Dust' set the mystical prophecies of a mysterious, French Freemason from the First World War to music. Never before has the Ides of March been staged musically as gripping as in 'Murder Blood Assassination'. Also the myths surrounding the Antarctic have never before been turned into such a hymnic piece of music ('Beyond Perpetual Ice'). As a culmination the poisoner and witch 'La Voisine' does her mischief in the Paris of the 17th Century: What could fit better than a smashing, furious metal song of the brand ATROCITY?"

In keeping with the dark atmosphere of "Okkult", ATROCITY got the Canadian sound designer Katie Halliday on board. She worked for movies like "Saw V", "Saw VI", "Saw 3D (VII)", "The Devil's Carnival" and "Todd And The Book Of Pure Evil", and already could reap some awards for her work. The orchestral parts were recorded by the Lingua Mortis Orchestra under the direction of Victor Smolski (RAGE) in Minsk, Belarus. Besides all harshness and bombast, ATROCITY again show their excellent sense of very good, catchy songs — "Satan's Braut" is definitely a pure club hit.

Adds Krull: "For our fans, we've come up with something very special: There will be no conventional bonus tracks on the 'Okkult' albums! In return, all fans can actively engage in a kind of treasure hunt. For the respective 'Okkult' albums, we will hide one song on an 'occult site,' which is the 'missing track' to each album. For the first 'Okkult' record, that certain place will be in Europe. All original recording tracks and mixes of these songs will be destroyed by our own hands, that also means we as a band will also not be able to listen to these songs until they are found. They are in the truest sense of the word: Unique."

ATROCITY 2013 is:

Alexander Krull - Vocals
Thorsten Bauer - Guitar, Bass
Sander Van Der Meer - Guitar
Joris Nijenhuis - Drums

"This Is Rock'N'Roll, Wankers!", the new video from Italian hard rockers VOODOO HIGHWAY, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's second studio album, "Showdown", which will be released on April 26 via Dust On The Tracks Records. The CD was produced and mixed by Dysfunction Productions (Anthony Phillips, John Wetton, Logan Mader) and mastered by U.S. senior mastering engineer Ue Nastasi (GOJIRA, AC/DC, LAMB OF GOD, ANTHRAX, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) of Sterling Sound Studios in New York. The artwork was created by U.K. graphic designer Storm Thorgerson, who has previously worked with PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH, DREAM THEATER and AUDIOSLAVE, among many others.

"Showdown" track listing:

01. This Is Rock'N'Roll, Wankers!
02. Fly To The Rising Sun
03. Midnight Hour
04. Could You Love Me
05. Wastin' Miles
06. Church Of Clay
07. Mountain High
08. Cold White Love
09. A Spark From The Sacred Fire
10. Prince Of Moonlight

Bonus Tracks:

11. Till It Bleeds
12. Broken Uncles Inn

VOODOO HIGHWAY will celebrate the release of "Showdown" on April 6 at Sala Estense in Ferrara, Italy.

VOODOO HIGHWAY is Federico Di Marco (vocals), Filippo Cavallini (bass), Matteo Bizzarri (guitars), Alessandro Duò (keyboards) and Vincenzo Zairo (drums).

EVANESCENCE's Troy McLawhorn is filling in for SEVENDUST guitarist Clint Lowery on the road while Lowery and his wife, Tara, await the birth of their daughter.

Clint married Tara in September 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. They had a son, Harper, in December 2010.

SEVENDUST's ninth studio album, "Black Out The Sun", is likely to sell between 30,000 and 35,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to industry web site Hits Daily Double. The estimate was based on one-day sales reports compiled after the record arrived in stores on March 26 via the band's 7Bros. Records in conjunction with ADA Label Services. The CD was recorded at Architekt Music studios in Butler, New Jersey with engineer Mike Ferretti.

SEVENDUST's previous CD, 2010's "Cold Day Memory", sold around 27,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The band's 2008 effort, "Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow", opened with 25,000 units to land at No. 19.

Pictured below: Clint Lowery with his wife, Tara, and son, Harper

KING'S X frontman Doug "Dug" Pinnick will release his new solo album, "Naked", on May 7 via RockArmy Records. Check out the cover artwork below.

According to a press release, "'Naked' is deeply personal and overflowing with [Pinnick's] unmistakable tone, groove, and heart-wrenching vocals. PEARL JAM's Jeff Ament said that 'heavy music didn't start in Seattle, it started in Katy, Texas with KING'S X' and 'Naked' is proof that Pinnick remains at the top of his game."

Pinnick in December released a special holiday-themed digital-only single via RockArmy Records and his own dUgtone imprint featuring the songs "Holiday" and "Ho Ho Ho". This single came right on the heels of the release of the first single from "Naked", featuring the songs "What You Gonna Do?" and "Courage".

"Naked" will be Pinnick's sixth solo album, including two released under the moniker POUNDHOUND. Pinnick wrote, performed, produced, and mixed the CD and the new single on his own in his home studio in Los Angeles.

RockArmy Records is owned by Paul Soroski, the bassist for PODUNK, who have done numerous national tours alongside KING'S X, TESLA, and others. Soroski's studio credits include 2010's "Dead New World" by ILL NINO and 2009's "Reflections" by RAZR13, which features Pinnick on lead vocals.

Pinnick is best known as the vocalist/bassist for KING'S X, the influential hard rock act that also features guitarist Ty Tabor and drummer Jerry Gaskill. KING'S X celebrated 32 years of activity as a band in 2012 with a run of U.S. dates alongside KANSAS. The band's most recent studio album, "XV", was released in 2008 and was their highest-charting album since 1996's "Ear Candy". In 2005, VH1 included KING'S X in its list of "100 Greatest Artists In Hard Rock."

Finnish hard rock band THE RAGGED SAINTS has completed mixing its as-yet-untitled debut album at Sonic Pump Studios with Nino Laurenne. The CD is currently being shopped to interested record labels for a tentative late 2013 release.

"It's cool; we formed the band less than a year and half ago and now we are at this magical point in our career," says THE RAGGED SAINTS guitarist Tomi Julkunen.

"We've been listening to [the album] for a few days now and we're amazed how good it sounds. I'm pretty sure that people who are into hard rock with bit of '80s vibe to it will like the album a lot. We've already got incredible feedback and reviews on three promo songs.

"We are playing the music we love and if it touches other people it's a great bonus.

"We are shopping around for a deal now as we have a finished record in our hands. Hopefully we get a right label to release it soon."

He added: "We have a great relationship with Nino as I've known him since the late '80s. He has a great track record working with bands such as AMORPHIS, LORDI, FINNTROLL and KOTIPELTO, to name a few. He's always been a big fan of melodic hard rock and knew exactly what we wanted the album to sound like. He saw the big picture and knew how to go that much needed extra mile. We have already talked with him about producing and mixing the second album."

THE RAGGED SAINTS will make its live debut in April at Bar Bäkkäri in Helsinki with NIGHT BY NIGHT (U.K.).

"We're all really excited about the first show," says Julkunen. "It will be all good, we're practising hard to make sure we exceed the expections."

THE RAGGED SAINTS is:

Vocals: Markku Kuikka (STATUS MINOR)
Guitars: Tomi Julkunen (THE MILESTONES)
Guitars: Toni Bite (MILLION DOLLAR BEGGARS)
Bass: Jukka Hoffrén (ADAMANTRA)
Drums: Miikki Kunttu (V FOR VIOLENCE)

BLACK STAR RIDERS — the new band formed by THIN LIZZY alumni Ricky Warwick (vocals), Scott Gorham (guitar), Damon Johnson (guitar), Marco Mendoza (bass) with new addition Jimmy DeGrasso (ALICE COOPER, MEGADETH, DAVID LEE ROTH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES) on drums — will release its debut album, "All Hell Breaks Loose", via Nuclear Blast Entertainment on the following dates:

* May 21 – Japan
* May 22 - Sweden
* May 24 - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Norway
* May 27 - U.K., France, BeNeLux, Poland, Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Greece
* May 28 - U.S., Canada, Italy, South America

The album was preceded by a first single, "Bound For Glory", which can now be streamed below.

The "All Hell Breaks Loose" artwork features a painting by Gil Elvgren (March 15, 1914 - February 29, 1980), the legendary U.S. painter best known for his work on pin-up girls, advertising and illustration.

The artwork ties directly to the origins of the album title. Warwick explains: "I was watching a documentary about World War II bombers and saw the name painted on the side of one of the aircraft. The name just resonated with me and it seem to encapsulate the turmoil that we, as a society, are currently experiencing. The past few years have been such a wild ride and now with the release of the album, it sounded like a bad-ass album title that summed up what BLACK STAR RIDERS is all about."

About the single, Warwick states: "'Bound For Glory' — a song for the lost but never lonely, walking tall in the face of everyday adversary. Everyone has a story to tell. Revolution begins in the mirror!!!" Gorham adds: "When it came time to pick one of these songs as a single, we had a really hard time. There are so many really great tracks here and everyone had their favorites. But in the end, we all agreed that 'Bound For Glory' is the perfect choice and represents what BLACK STAR RIDERS is all about."

"All Hell Breaks Loose" was recorded and mixed by producer Kevin Shirley (LED ZEPPELIN, IRON MAIDEN, AEROSMITH, RUSH) at his The Cave studios in Malibu, California. Mastering duties were handled by Bob Ludwig (JIMI HENDRIX, RUSH, KISS, LED ZEPPELIN) at Gateway Mastering Studios in Portland, Maine.

"All Hell Breaks Loose" track listing:

01. All Hell Breaks Loose
02. Bound For Glory
03. Kingdom Of The Lost
04. Bloodshot
05. Kissin’ The Ground
06. Hey Judas
07. Hoodoo Voodoo
08. Valley Of The Stones
09. Someday Salvation
10. Before The War
11. Blues Ain't So Bad

The album will be released as a standard CD and also as a special-edition digipak featuring a bonus track, "Right To Be Wrong", and a "making-of" DVD.

A 24-minute collection of video reports featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the making of "All Hell Breaks Loose" can be seen below.

In October 2012, THIN LIZZY announced that they would not be recording new material under the THIN LIZZY monicker. The last incarnation of the band — Gorham, Brian Downey, Wharton, Warwick, Johnson and Mendoza — would be looking to form a new project.

According to a press release, Brian Downey decided to not become involved with BLACK STAR RIDERS because he didn't want to commit to the touring cycle a new album would entail and Darren Wharton wanted to concentrate on DARE and other music and film projects.

"Brian and Darren just don't want to be on the road 150 days a year. anti that's completely understandable," Warwick tells Classic Rock magazine. "But we do. We work very well together, and there's no better man than Jimmy to gel it together. This is a kick-ass band."

The BLACK STAR RIDERS album will feature material the band wrote while touring as THIN LIZZY and the sound retains that classic feel but is very much its own as well. The BLACK STAR RIDERS record is the next step in the evolution of the THIN LIZZY story.

"There's no way it could sound like THIN LIZZY with [late THIN LIZZY frontman] Phil [Lynott]," Gorham tells Classic Rock. But Johnson disagreees. "I think Scott is too dose to it," he says. "Ricky or I would bring in a song idea, and as soon as Scott starts playing on it, it sounds like THIN LIZZY, whether Scott realizes it or not. Everybody who's heard the new music says it has that dassic THIN LIZZY vibe. No, it can't sound like the original band. But that classic LIZZY vibe is absolutely there."

"I'm not gonna pull any punches here," says Warwick. "It sounds like classic THIN LIZZY brought up to date. l've been singing Phil's songs every night for two years, and although it sounds a bit crass because the man's not here, I feel like I've had these lessons from getting so deep into his work. Phil's songwriting, his lyrics, his phrasing, his pitching, his delivery — it's genius. And that's really helped me as a writer."

It was Warwick who named the new band BLACK STAR RIDERS, after an outlaw gang in the 1993 western movie "Tombstone". As Johnson tells Classic Rock: "Scott said from the very beginning that we did not want a name that was specifically related to THIN LIZZY, because this band has to stand on its own."

On March 27, Victor Entertainment released "Live In Tokyo", the new CD+DVD from PSMS, the new supergroup featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD), bassist Billy Sheehan (STEVE VAI, DAVID LEE ROTH), guitarist Tony MacAlpine (neo classical-metal style, STEVE VAI) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, PLANET X, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION).

"Live In Tokyo" features PSMS's November 14, 2012 concert at Zepp Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan. The DVD features two-channel stereo sound plus 5.1 Surround. The DVD disc is encoded for region 2 (Japan, Europe, and Middle East), and no subtitles are included.

Portnoy, Sheehan, MacAlpine and Sherinian played an all-instrumental set consisting of material from each of their solo records and their previous collaborations as well as classic instrumental covers and extended solo spots.

"Live In Tokyo" track listing:

01. Opening
02. A Change of Seasons: I The Crimson Sunrise (DREAM THEATER song)
03. Acid Rain (LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT song)
04. The Stranger (TONY MACALPINE song)
05. Atlantis, Part 1: Apocalypse 1470 B.C. (DEREK SHERINIAN song)
06. Guitar Solo
07. Been Here Before (DEREK SHERINIAN song)
08. Birds of Prey (Billy's Boogie) (TONY MACALPINE song)
09. Bass Solo
10. Birds of Prey (Billy's Boogie) (TONY MACALPINE song) (conclusion)
11. The Farandole (TALAS song)
12. The Pump (JEFF BECK song)
13. Quick Drum Spot
14. Nightmare Cinema (DEREK SHERINIAN song)
15. Hell's Kitchen (DREAM THEATER song)
16. Keyboard Solo
17. Lines in the Sand (DREAM THEATER song) (abridged)
18. Shy Boy (TALAS song) (Billy Sheehan on lead vocals)

In a recent interview with Prog Sphere, Portnoy stated about the new band, "It's a blast. I love Derek; he's a fun guy. I still stand by the fact that I'm not sure if he was ever right for DREAM THEATER. But, that doesn't mean I don't love the guy as a player and person. I really do — I love being with him and I love playing with him and I'm glad to be able to work with him again. And, you know, it's a cool project because obviously it's very much… I think of everything I'm doing it's the most like DREAM THEATER or it's more even like LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT, probably. But you know, it's just me being able to play that kind of music with some amazing musicians. Not only Derek, but, obviously, Billy Sheehan's a dear friend and I've got two different things going with Billy at the moment, and I love working with him; he's one of my favorite bass players of all time. And Tony MacAlpine is an amazing guitar player, so I'm honored to be playing with him as well. It's a great, great lineup and we have a DVD that's gonna come out soon from when we played together back in January and then we have this run of shows coming up in the fall.

Asked if he is going to create some original music with that band, Portnoy replied, "There's no plans for it, but obviously, we are gonna spend months together playing every day, so I'm sure it will inevitably be discussed, and who knows?! I think it could be very, very cool. So, you know, we'll see. I'm sure we'll talk about it."

Portnoy formed the lineup to perfom at two drum events at the NAMM show in January 2012. Due to overwhelming response, that band has decided to take their show on the road.

"I knew when assembling this lineup that it would be a magical musical experience that would be a blast for us as well as the fans! I can't wait to play again with these tremendous musicians and share the experience with you all at these special shows!" said Portnoy.

Fan-filmed video footage of Portnoy, Sheehan, MacAlpine and Sherinian performing on October 27, 2012 at Milk in Moscow, Russia during the band's European tour can be seen below.

Los Angeles thrashers ANGER AS ART performed at their Record Release party in Santa Ana, CA on March 16th.
In addition to performing all songs from their album Hubris, Inc., the band (uniquely comprised of all former ABATTOIR members as well as the current lineup of BITCH) were joined onstage by Mark 'the Shark' Caro, Betsy Bitch, and Sin Quirin (MINISTRY, REVOLTING COCKS) for rousing renditions of the album's two bonus tracks, 'Rage And Retribution' and 'Speed Kills' - as well as classics from Abattoir - 'Screams From The Grave' and Bitch - 'Skullcrusher'.

Anger As Art vocalist guitarist Steve Gaines said, "It was a unique night. We were able to dig into our history at the same time we celebrated our fourth full length release. Safe to say everyone went home happy... including us."

Video of Anger As Art performing 'SkullCrusher' with Betsy Bitch and Sin Quirin can be seen below:
Footage of Anger As Art performing 'Screams From The Grave' with Mark 'The Shark' Caro is available below:
Hubris Inc. is out now on Old School Metal Records. Called a "full-frontal, thrashtastic aural assault" by BraveWords' Kelley Simms, Hubris Inc. is one of the most aggressive and intense albums in Anger As Art's career.

The album features guest appearances from Betsey Bitch, Jim Durkin (DARK ANGEL), Timothy Gaines (STRYPER), Steve Nelson (EVIL DEAD) and Mark Caro (Abattoir).
In other news, Anger As Art has confirmed a return appearance at the Dokkem Open Air Festival and will be appearing alongside TESTAMENT, ICED EARTH, CRYPTOPSY and many more. The fest runs June 21st - 22nd in Dokkum, Freisland, NL. The band is in the process of booking additional dates in Germany, France Holland and Belgium.

More on Anger As Art at this location.

Neurot Recordings will release the debut from Arkansas southern rock collective IRON TONGUE.

Fronted by Chris "CT" Terry, the founding frontman of sludge legion RWAKE, IRON TONGUE formed when a group of veteran players with diverse musical backgrounds found a common interest in the need to get down and dirty and way, way gone.

Churning a soulful blend of girthy, heavily amped, blues-based rock, IRON TONGUE aren't singing of magical moonlit escapades. The band offer up songs of pain, regret and heartache that recall everything from the proto-metal stomp of BLUE CHEER and GRAND FUNK to the darkest hours of KISS, DEEP PURPLE, BUDDY GUY and 'SKYNYRD. Having spent over three years performing steadily throughout the South, IRON TONGUE has traversed the Midwest and East Coast with Memphis kindred spirits THE DIRTY STREETS, in addition to sharing bills with the likes of BLACK TUSK, Scott Kelly, THE SWORD, HIGH ON FIRE, CROWBAR, THE BODY, Lita Ford and fellow Arkansans PALLBEARER. A split seven-inch single with THE DIRTY STREETS, featuring a ballsy version of KISS' "Two Timer" served as a precursor to the creation their debut full-length for Neurot.

Entitled "The Dogs Have Barked, The Birds Have Flown", the seven-track offering was recorded and produced by soundsmith Billy Anderson (MELVINS, SLEEP, NEUROSIS) at IRON TONGUE guitarist Jason Tedford's Wolfman Studios. Called "a solid slab of balls to the wall shameless rock, with a power and an edge and soul that rarely exists in music today," by NEUROSIS' Steve Von Till, "The Dogs Have Barked, The Birds Have Flown" is set for release via Neurot Recordings on May 27 in Europe and May 28 in North America.

Comments drummer Stan James of joining the Neurot family: "IRON TONGUE is excited and honored to be a part of the Neurot team! We are looking forward to working hard every step of the way and we are committed to making music that everyone will be proud of."

"The Dogs Have Barked, The Birds Have Flown" track listing:

01. Ever After
02. Witchery
03. Skeleton
04. Moon Unit
05. Lioness
06. Seven Days
07. Said 'N' Done

IRON TONGUE is:

Jason Tedford - Guitar
Mark Chiaro - Guitar
Andy Warr - Bass
Stan James - Drums
CT - Vocals
Stephanie Smittle - Backing Vocals

"Index", the new video from the Stockholm, Sweden-based band band PORT NOIR, can be seen below. The song comes off the group's debut album, "Puls", which is tentatively due in September via Razzia Notes, the label headed up by IN FLAMES frontman Anders Fridén.

In November 2011, Andreas "AW" Wiberg (drums), Love Andersson (vocals, guitar) and Andreas Hollstrand (guitar, backing vocals) decided to meet up in a rehearsal room in their hometown Södertälje, outside of Stockholm, Sweden. They were all tired of playing music with people lacking the same level of ambition and wanted to create something new and fresh. Something beyond musical boundaries and invisible frames.

"We were seeking the freedom to do exactly what we wanted to," explains Hollstrand.

A few hours later, the trio started recording their very first song, the galvanic "Sun Dé Man". The first chapter in the history of PORT NOIR was written.

Before the track was even mixed, the trio made a music video and posted it on the Internet. A week later, Fridén heard the song and instantly sent a mail to the band. He stated that "Sun Dé Man" was the best song he had heard in a very long time and wondered if the band was contracted to a label.

Six months later, PORT NOIR played its first show ever — as the opening act for IN FLAMES in Stockholm.

"I did not even have the lyrics ready and improvised the entire show. But this was something we could not turn down," Andersson says.

A few months later, PORT NOIR began recording its debut album, "Puls", at Dugout Studios in Uppsala with producer Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, DIMMU BORGIR, SOILWORK).

"Daniel's commitment meant a lot for the record," says Wiberg. "While the rest of us fell asleep in the studio, he kept on going until 4 a.m. We still have a close contact and have become really good friends."

The unexpected title, the Swedish word for "pulse," comes from the album's lyrical theme. It is about not being stuck in your safety zone but finding new ways of doing things. To follow the pulse that pushes us forward.

The PORT NOIR members come from very diverse backgrounds (black metal, jazz, alternative rock, death metal, hardcore, progressive rock), yet "Puls" proves that the band knows exactly where it is at and where it is heading. They are moving forward and upward — at a very fast pace.

Cyclone Empire has announced the re-release of renowned Swedish melodic death metal act A CANOROUS QUINTETs full discography. The Quintessence comes as a double CD with massive booklet and extensive liner-notes. Besides the two classic albums (originally released in 1996 and 1998) two previously unreleased and complete new songs from 2012 will be included. For complete tracklist and artwork see below.

Silence Of The World Beyond (1996)
'Silence Of The World Beyond'
'Naked With Open Eyes'
'Spellbound'
'The Orchid´s Sleep'
'The Black Spiral'
'The Last Journey'
'In The Twilight Of Fear'
'Burning, Emotionless'
'Dream Reality'

Bonus:
'Silence Of The World Beyond' (Live)
'Reflections Of The Mirror' (2012)
'Dreamcloud'(2012-unreleased)
'Welcome To Your End' (2012-unreleased)

The Only Pure Hate (1998)
'Selfdeceiver (The Purest Of Hate)
'Embryo Of Lies'
'Red'
'The Void'
'Everbleed'
'The Complete Emptiness'
'Retaliation'
'Realm Of Rain'
'The Storm'
'Land Of The Lost'

Bonus:
'Land Of The Lost' (Demo 1997)
'Revert To Life' (Demo 1997)

As Tears (1995)
'Through Endless Illusions'
'The Joy Of Sorrow'
'When Happiness Dies'
'Strangeland'

Veteran Italian metallers EXTREMA will release their new album, "The Seed Of Foolishness", on May 21 via Scarlet Records.

Active in the metal scene for over 25 years, EXTREMA is ready to unleash a new chapter in its already astonishing career. "The Seed Of Foolishness" sees the band going back to its thrash metal roots, displayed in 10 powerful new tracks which have already been described as some of the best ever written by the band, a relentless touring machine that over the years has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in heavy metal (METALLICA, MOTÖRHEAD, KORN and DEATH ANGEL, to name a few).

"The Seed Of Foolishness" takes its inspiration from a series of events that led to the economic crisis that we are all suffering today, providing therapy for all the anger and frustration resulting from it. "Combat Metal" was how fans and critics alike used to refer to when talking about EXTREMA at the time of their incendiary debut album, "Tension At The Seams", but such definition is more relevant today than ever.

"The Seed Of Foolishness" track listing:

01. Between The Lines
02. The Politics
03. Pyre Of Fire
04. The Distance
05. Ending Prophecies
06. Bones
07. Again And Again
08. Deep Infection
09. Sick And Tired
10. A Moment Of Truth

On May 4, EXTREMA will kick off its new tour.

EXTREMA entered Fear Studio in Alfonsine (RA), Italy in May 2012 to begin recording the follow-up to 2009's "Pound For Pound" with producers Tommy Massara (EXTREMA guitarist) and Gabry Ravaglia.

"Cavalry", the new Antoine Benhini-directed video from Montreal, Quebec, Canada rockers SLAVES ON DOPE, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's latest album, "Over The Influence", which was released in February 2012 via THC: Music/Rocket Science Ventures. The CD was produced and mixed by Kevin Jardine, features a guest appearance by Jonathan Cabana, lead singer of Quebec deathcore band BLIND WITNESS, on the track "Dear Enemies".

Commented SLAVES ON DOPE frontman Jason Rockman: "We are really excited to be releasing the 'Cavalry' video. We have had it filmed for over a year, and really wanted it to be the final chapter to 'Over The Influence', a goodbye of sorts to the album, and a great foot to lead with for the 'Covers Vol. 1' that will be out very soon! We cannot wait for people to see it , and to play two of the biggest metal festivals in eastern Canada this summer."

SLAVES ON DOPE's digital-only EP, "Careless Coma", came out on November 1, 2011. The effort featured three new studio tracks, as well as remixes and a radio edit of the title cut.

SLAVES ON DOPE is:

Kevin Jardine - Guitar
Jason Rockman - Vocals
Peter Tzafaris - Drums
Sebastien Ducap - Bass

SLAVES ON DOPE's "Inches from the Mainline" album was released through Ozzy Osbourne's now-defunct Divine Recordings label. After Divine Recordings lost its distribution deal with EMI's Priority Records, the band was left without a label. After a long search, a deal was struck with Bieler Bros. Records. SLAVES ON DOPE's second major album, "Metafour", was released in 2003.

In March 2004, SLAVES ON DOPE announced it was going on hiatus due to Jason Rockman leaving the band. The group officially reformed in 2009.

Video footage of SHINEDOWN performing its song "I'll Follow You" in an exclusive live recording session at Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood, California for "The Live Room" on The Warner Sound can be seen below.

"The Live Room" is an exclusive Warner Sound original series that captures today's most innovative artists performing live recording sessions in the most iconic recording studios across America.

SHINEDOWN is in the process of wrapping up a tour with THREE DAYS GRACE and P.O.D.

SHINEDOWN's fourth album, "Amaryllis", came out last year. The CD debuted atop Billboard's "Rock Albums" chart and at #4 overall on The Billboard 200 — SHINEDOWN's biggest chart debut thus far — with over 105,000 units sold its first week out.

Congratulations are in order for DOWN drummer and EYEHATEGOD guitarist Jimmy Bower and his wife Dana Kieferle Bower, who welcomed their first child, a daughter named Maddie Rae Bower, earlier this week.

Jimmy and Dana were married in March 2012 in New Orleans, Lousiana.

DOWN's latest EP, "Down IV Part I - The Purple EP", will be released on purple vinyl on February 26.

"Down IV Part I" sold 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Down IV Part I - The Purple EP", DOWN's first in a series of four EPs to be released over the next few years (with a year between EPs), each touching on a different aspect of the band's sound, came out on September 18, 2012.

"Down IV Part I - The Purple EP" heralds the sound of DOWN going back to its roots, with influences from BLACK SABBATH, SAINT VITUS and WITCHFINDER GENERAL.

Dutch guitarist/composer Arjen Lucassen has set "The Theory Of Everything" as the title of the new AYREON album, tentatively due in the fall.

Regarding the progress of the songwriting sessions for the upcoming effort, Lucassen said: "I've finished recording demos of the music, and am now about halfway finished with the lyrics. It's going to be a double album, so there is a lot to write! It's extra challenging as well, because lyrically I've left the old AYREON universe behind and have to create a new one from scratch. I'm really excited about the lineup and how everything is progressing so far."

AYREON's latest album, "01011001" (2008), sold 1,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 32 on the 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).

AYREON's 3CD + DVD compilation album entitled "Timeline" came out in November 2008. The set followed the thirteen-year evolution of the AYREON sound from the 1995 debut "The Final Experiment" to the release of "01011001". In addition to selecting tracks from the existing AYREON discography, Arjen also wrote and recorded a new AYREON song exclusively for "Timeline". Titled "Epilogue: The Memory Remains", this previously unreleased nine-plus-minute track introduced AYREON fans to the clear, powerful voice of Jasper Steverlinck (ARID).

When legendary guitarist Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) embarked on a solo career with his self-titled album, featuring collaborations with some of his favorite classic and up-and-coming singers, he asked artist Ron English to collaborate with him on the cover. Ron interpreted Slash's iconic skull with a top hat using Ron's unique glowing color technique in a boudoir atmosphere complete with guitar/derriere crossbones.

In response to the popularity of the album artwork, Ron English and Slash have worked together to create a limited edition fiberglass bust of the now iconic image. In collaboration with Garage Works, the prestigious sculpture house in Hong Kong, the English Slash bust is being released in a limited edition of 10, each signed and numbered by Ron English and Slash.

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