During THE ACACIA STRAIN's tenure with Prosthetic Records, the band released four acclaimed studio albums — two of which, 2008's "Continent" and 2010's "Wormwood", cracked the Billboard chart — as well as a Top 10 live DVD. To commemorate the end of an era, Prosthetic has assembled "Money For Nothing", a compilation of rarities, B-sides and previously unheard tracks by the band. The six-track release, out February 19, will be made available as a specially-priced digital EP and a limited-edition digipak which can be pre-ordered now.

The track listing for "Money For Nothing" — the cover art for which appears above — is as follows:

01. Money For Nothing (previously unreleased original song from "The Dead Walk" sessions)
02. Brown Noise (2006) (alternate "Dead Walk"-era version of the "3750" song)
03. Global Warning (previously a "Continent" LP-only bonus track)
04. Stay Puft (previously a "Continent" LP-only bonus track)
05. The Hills Have Eyes (2009) (alternate "Pentagon.3" version of the "Wormwood" song)
06. Terminated (2009) (alternate "Pentagon.3" version of the "Wormwood" song)

The title track will be unveiled in full this Friday, February 8. For now, you can preview a 30-second sample of each track in the video below.

"Death Is The Only Mortal", the latest album from THE ACACIA STRAIN, sold 8,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 50 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released on October 9, 2012 via Rise Records, the CD was produced by guitarist Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz at his Western Massachusetts studio.

THE ACACIA STRAIN's previous CD, "Wormwood" (2010), opened with around 6,300 units to debut at No. 67.

The band's 2008 CD, "Continent", registered a first-week tally of 5,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 107.

Mascot Label Group released the seventh solo album, Transition, from guitarist STEVE LUKATHER (TOTO) on January 21st. Classic Rock Revisited's Jeb Wright recently caught up with Lukather to discuss the new record. An excerpt is available below.
Jeb: Let’s talk about the new album, Transition. This is really a different approach for you.

Steve: "That is really sweet of you to say. It’s getting a good response. You hope for the best and this is a little bit better than I had hoped for. As an aging old Queen, I am feeling pretty good about things. People seem to be reacting to the work that we put into the record."

Jeb: This album is a very personal album.

Steve: "Of course it is, as I can’t bullshit myself, or anybody else, anymore. I’m 55 years old. I’m not trying to fool everyone like I was when I was 20. I’m not trying to bullshit my way through this. I’m not trying to run as fast as I can. I am not being loud, obnoxious and showy and trying to make my mark like I did back then. It is actually quite the opposite. I had my fun and it was fun. When it wasn’t fun anymore, I stopped. I have a lost decade. It is pretty scary how things can get away from you. Anymore, a year can go by really fast. The 2000’s had some good stuff and some not so good stuff."

Jeb: How much did the new Steve inspire these songs?

Steve: "All of it. CJ Vanston is really brilliant and we have a great partnership, both musically and production-wise. We just sat down and we started writing. The lyrics were very personal, as I wrote most of them myself. They are very much from the heart and are about things that have happened to me. I am being more honest and I was able to spend the time to do it right. I wrote this over the course of five tours. It is not a guitar player type of record."

Jeb: I thought I knew what to expect from you but this is not what one would expect from you.

Steve: "I take vocal lessons twice a week from Gary Catona, who is like the vocal coach to the stars. I quit smoking and drinking and started eating organic, as well. I am into my fourth year of all of this. I am a much more focused person and I am really aware of what I am doing. I am trying to erase some of the more spotty aspects of my life. I want to prove to everybody who thinks I kind of went crazy that I am more refocused."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Lukather is gearing up for an extensive European tour that will include two UK concerts at London’s Islington O2 Academy (March 29th) and Bilston’s Robin 2 (March 30th).

One of the original founding members of the multi-million selling rock band Toto, Lukather will showcase his innate feel for rock and jazz guitar music, along with his impeccable song writing talents. Transition showcases extraordinary guitar playing performed across some of the most heartfelt songs of Steve’s career. The album will be released in three formats including limited deluxe edition CD, jewel case CD, and vinyl. Order Transition album and merchandise here.
Tracklisting:

'Judgement Day'
'Creep Motel'
'Once Again'
'Right The Wrong'
'Transition'
'Last Man Standing'
'Do I Stand Alone'
'Rest Of The World'
'Smile'

Over the previous decade a series of trials including divorce, the death of his mother and business hassles had dampened his joy in music making — a passion that drove Lukather to excel since seeing THE BEATLES on the Ed Sullivan as a seven-year-old growing up in San Fernando Valley.

“Transition is a turning point for the album and a turning point for me,” Lukather explains. “As we were writing the songs, I was thinking about everything I’ve seen — all the people I’ve lost in my life, the great and the difficult experiences I’ve had, and how ultimately it was time to get it together and embrace things for what they are. We’ve only got one life to live so we should make the most of it.”

SOULDRINKER is a brand new project featuring Markus Pohl from MYSTIC PROPHECY and rock vocalist Iris Boanta from THE MYSTERY as well as members of the German groove-metal outfit WATCH ME BLEED.

SOULDRINKER's music is described in a press release as "in-your-face-metal with a big groove and heavy riffs. The raw-but-melodic vocals of Iris Boanta and the growls of death-metal-madmen Alex Gindu combine to produce a unique piece of modern metal."

The song "To All That Is Lost" offers the first taste of what fans can expect from SOULDRINKER's upcoming EP. The track was produced by Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69, UNISONIC). Mix and mastering were done by Eike Freese (DARK AGE, GAMMA RAY) at the Hammerstudios in Hamburg.

SOULDRINKER will embark on a European tour in March as the support act for Austrian symphonic metallers SERENITY and VISIONS OF ATLANTIS.

SOULDRINKER is:

Iris Boanta - Vocals
Alex Gindu - Growls
Markus Pohl - Guitar
Chris Rodens - Bass
Steffen Theurer - Drums

HELL'S DOMAIN — the Danish thrash metal band featuring former members of HATESPHERE, KOLDBORN, EXMORTEM and ARTILLERY — has uploaded the first video teaser for its upcoming debut album, which is currently being recording at Antfarm Studios in Aarhus, Denmark. Mixing and mastering duties will be handled by renowned producer Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, KATAKLYSM, HATESPHERE, SICK OF IT ALL). Songtitles set to appear on the 12-track effort include "Hangman's Fracture", "Dead Civilization", "The Walls Come Tumblin' Down", "In The Trenches...", "100 Days in Hell" and "The Needle And The Vein".

The group is currently looking for a label to release the effort.

HELL'S DOMAIN was formed by guitarist Bjørn Bihlet (ex-KOLDBORN, BOIL) and bassist Lars Knudsen (ex-CRIONIC) in 2007 with the intention of churning out some catchy Bay Area-inspired thrash metal. Soon joined by Anders Gyldenøhr (ex-HATESPHERE, ARTILLERY) on drums and Alex Clausen (MONSTAH) on vocals, the band completed its lineup in 2011 with the addition of former EXMORTEM axeman Andreas Schubert.

HELL'S DOMAIN released a three-song demo in 2011. The effort can be streamed at the band's Facebook page.

HELL'S DOMAIN 2013 is:

* Alex Clausen (ex-GROPE, MONSTAH) - Vocals
* Bjørn Bihlet (ex-KOLDBORN, HORNED ALMIGHTY) - Guitar
* Andreas Schubert (ex-EXMORTEM) - Guitar
* Lars Knudsen (ex-CRIONIC) - Bass
* Anders Gyldenøhr (ex-HATESPHERE, ARTILLERY, GROPE) - Drums

According to WTVR.com, LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe will return to the U.S. this week after it was announced in a Czech Republic court his trial would be delayed.

Blythe's defense team asked for the delay because a key witness was sick, according to Prague Post reporter Jonathan Crane who is helping cover the trial for WTVR.com. The defense team wanted that witness to testify in person.

Another witness is scheduled to testify Thursday, after which the trial will be postponed until March 4, Crane said.

The singer will be allowed to return to the U.S. until his trial resumes. He indicated in court that he would definitely return to Prague next month.

Blythe is facing the possibility of conviction and a long-term jail sentence after a May 2010 incident in which a fan, Daniel Nosek, who attended a LAMB OF GOD performance in Prague, died almost a month later, allegedly from injuries sustained when he was thrown off the stage.

The parents of the alleged victim, Daniel Nosek, are demanding compensation of 10 million Czech Koruna (approximately $530,000).

Blythe was imprisoned for five weeks in the Czech Republic after being detained on June 27, 2012 when the Grammy-nominated, Richmond, Virginia-based band arrived there for a show.

The singer was freed without charge in August but had to post $400,000 bail, then left the country, vowing to return for the trial.

"California", the new video from Swedish rockers CRASHDÏET, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's fourth album, "The Savage Playground", which entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 2. The CD was released on January 25 in Europe (excluding Scandinavia) and January 22 in North America via Frontiers Records.

With "The Savage Playground" recorded during summer/autumn 2012 at Kingside Studios outside Stockholm with producer Otto Wellton, the band has their minds set to break through on a worldwide basis with a tour that will see the band going back to the U.S. as well as going to Japan for the first time.

The new album sees CRASHDÏET going in a heavier and direction. "'The Savage Playground' is our playground, it's the beginning and the end, it's the place where we eat and breed," says guitarist Martin Sweet. "We thought the time was right for us to do a edgier and not-so-polished-sounding album, kinda like what we sound like live. It's more organic and rough-sounding. And, of course, we're always evolving as musicians and like to try new ways of expressing ourselves, and that can most definitely be heard this album."

"The Savage Playground" track listing:

01. Change The World
02. Cocaine Cowboys
03. Anarchy
04. California
05. Lickin' Dog
06. Circus
07. Sin City
08. Got A Reason
09. Drinkin' Without You
10. Snakes In Paradise
11. Damaged Kid
12. Excited
13. Garden Of Babylon

CRASHDÏET released a new DVD entitled "Shattered Glass And Broken Bones – Three Years Of Generation Wild" on December 4. The disc features three hours of live and behind-the-scenes footage complied by the band with Bear Productions.

Ultimate-Guitar.com recently caught up with BAD RELIGION guitarist Brian Baker to discuss his career and a myth that continues to follow him. An excerpt is available below:

UG: We need to answer this question once and for all - were you ever offered an audition for GUNS N' ROSES?

Baker: "No, that's one of the biggest internet myths in the world. My friend Tommy Stinson who I played with for a little while in a band called Bash & Pop had just joined Guns N' Roses and I think they were going through a number of different guitar players and he casually mentioned, or asked rather, in conversation if I would ever consider trying out for Guns N' Roses. I've been trying to get that sh-t off the internet forever. I've been emailing the Wikipedia people repeatedly. Do you know how difficult it is to edit yourself on that site? It's awful let me tell you. So anyways no, I did not miss the chance to welcome myself to a jungle."

UG: I'm glad we can put that rumor to rest. That's been bothering me since I first read it in a zine several years ago. Its no myth however that all of the members of Bad Religion are well into their 40s yet the music you make is still relevant to the youth of today. Why do you think that is?

Baker: "I think the reason is pretty simple, the songs are good. The people writing the music are still inspired to do so and Bad Religion at well over 30 years, is not trying to be a heritage act and releasing records just so they can go on tour and sell t-shirts. Each record exists and remains relevant because the people who write the music want to share something with people. The consideration of adding to the band's catalogue has absolutely nothing to do with it. I am very lucky to play with people who seem to be pretty damn good at writing songs that resonate with people."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada-based metallers KOBRA AND THE LOTUS have released a new single, "Sanctuary", featuring the title track as well as an acoustic cover version of DIO's "Don't Talk To Strangers" as the B-side.

The "Don't Talk To Strangers" cover, which can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below, was recorded at Universal Studios in London, England and was mixed by KOBRA AND THE LOTUS guitarist Jasio Kulakowski.

KOBRA AND THE LOTUS recently released a video for "50 Shades Of Evil", the second single from the their current self-titled album, released in August 2012 via Spinefarm.

Directed by Lisa Mann, whose previous credits include videos for APOCALYPTICA, THE USED and CASCADA, "50 Shades Of Evil" sees Brittany Paige surviving a full-tilt attack on the senses, while her bandmembers run through the song like men (literally) possessed!

"50 Shades Of Evil" was released as a digital single on November 5, 2012. The bonus track is an acoustic cover of the DIO classic "Rainbow In The Dark" performed by KOBRA AND THE LOTUS during their acoustic session at the Bloodstock Open Air festival back in August 2012.

In a recent interview with May The Rock Be With You, Brittany Paige stated about the band's sound, "KOBRA AND THE LOTUS is a traditional, straight-up heavy metal band. It's not a niche, it's just driving riffs, duelling guitars, there's a melodicness to the music and there is a classic metal vocal. We are all about traditional heavy metal, but bringing in the flavors of our generation for a slight twist."

She added, "Our music will always stay as heavy metal, even though it will evolve in some shape or form. But we all listen to such different things, which is a really great thing. There's certainly death metal and black metal influences, we've got experimental and folk metal, there's so many different things that come into play, and if you listen to the music, you can hear some of those coming through, but which you wouldn't really pick up on unless you knew someone in the band was into Gary Moore, or the blues, for example, then it makes sense."

KOBRA AND THE LOTUS is:

Brittany Paige - Vocals
Jasio Kulakowski - Guitar
Griffin Kissack - Drums
Peter Dimov - Bass
Charlie Parra Del Riego - Guitar

The official lyric video for "In Due Time", the new single from Massachusetts metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE — singer Jesse Leach, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarist Joel Stroetzel and drummer Justin Foley — can be seen below. The song comes off the band's forthcoming album, "Disarm The Descent", which will be released on April 2 via Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's 2009's self-titled release is the band's first album with original singer Leach at the vocal helm since 2002's now-classic, genre-defining "Alive or Just Breathing". Leach returned to the band in January 2012 after a decade-long absence. The artwork for the new CD was created by D'Antonio.

"Disarm The Descent" was selected by Alternative Press magazine for its "Most Anticipated Albums of 2013" issue, and the band was profiled in Guitar World as one to watch in 2013. Clearly, buzz from fans and the metal and hard rock community regarding new KILLSWITCH ENGAGE remains deafening.

"It is with a grateful spirit that we prepare for this record's release," Leach said. "From the music, to the lyrics, to the artwork, we are all proud of what we have accomplished. To me, this is by far my best vocal performance, much thanks to Adam's guidance and faith in my abilities. I am very grateful to be where I am in life, back in an amazing band with a record we are all excited for the world to hear. Thanks to all the fans for their warm welcome back and their undying love for KILLSWITCH ENGAGE."

2012 marked a busy year for KILLSWITCH ENGAGE.

With Leach firmly installed as the frontman for the last 12 months, the band spent its summer on the road. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE shook the bedrock of venues across the country as part of the first-ever Trespass America tour alongside FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH.

The band recently embarked on a tour that celebrated the 10th anniversary of "Alive Or Just Breathing". They performed the album in full, with a few fan favorites and hits from their gold-selling albums, 2004's "The End Of Heartache" and 2006's "As Daylight Dies", sprinkled into the setlist. KILLSWITCH ENGAGE were also profiled by Decibel in the magazine's highly respected "Hall of Fame" feature for "Alive Or Just Breathing".

In between tours, the band put its nose to the grindstone to work on what would become "Disarm The Descent", with Dutkiewicz producing. The wheels have been turning for the past year, as the band supplemented recording with touring. The time is upon us for the next chapter of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, who were at the forefront of the New Wave Of American Heavy Metal resurgence that defined the '00s and have remained vital into the new decade.

"Disarm The Descent" track listing:

01. The Hell In Me
02. Beyond The Flames
03. New Awakening
04. In Due Time
05. A Tribute To The Fallen
06. The Turning Point
07. All That We Have
08. You Don't Bleed For Me
09. The Call
10. No End In Sight
11. Always
12. Time Will Not Remain

"Disarm The Descent" was mixed by veteran British producer Andy Sneap, who has previously worked with MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, ACCEPT, ARCH ENEMY and NEVERMORE.

"[The recording process] was great," Leach told Loudwire. "I came off tour I was filled with energy, ready to go, we knocked out a bunch of stuff. I had joined the band, the record was there, we're on tour so I really didn't have time to write. I took the past two months not only recording but writing so I'm there with an idea, being in the other room writing and going to Adam saying, 'Here's my idea I just wrote, what do you think?' So there's real spontaneity some of the songs that we just finished up. I had maybe five or six solid ideas when I came off tour and the rest had to be developed as we were recording it. It was exciting but at the same time tough because for me I'm digging deep down into my emotions and my psyche trying to come up with stuff that is honest and emotive and relevant, hopefully for the listener. It's tiring but well worth, anything that's worth achieving you got to suffer a little bit for it. I think mentally and spiritually and a little bit physically we were suffering but all of that made for an amazing record that I'm really proud of."

He added, "The music is definitely the fastest KILLSWITCH record ever. It's very heavy but still maintains the signature KILLSWITCH hooky, melodic stuff there, too. There's definitely melody attached, but I pulled out some new styles vocally, yelling and screaming and growling and layers and it sounds massive."

Asked what the vibe has been working on the new record with the other members, Leach said, "These guys have welcomed me back with open arms and just very encouraging and digging the stuff that I'm doing and these guys were just like, 'Wow! We're really excited. We feel like it's been a long time since we've been this excited about music,' and that just makes me feel amazing. It makes me feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing."

According to the Czech news site Novinky.cz, a concertgoer whom LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe admitted to pushing off the stage during the ill-fated show in Prague that resulted in a fan's death took the stand earlier today (Wednesday, February 6) in the singer's ongoing manslaughter trial to refute many of the claims that were made yesterday by the alleged victim's friends.

Blythe is facing the possibility of conviction and a long-term jail sentence after a May 2010 incident in which a fan, Daniel Nosek, who attended a LAMB OF GOD performance, died almost a month later, allegedly from injuries sustained when he was thrown off the stage.

Contrary to the statements made in court by Nosek's friends, Blythe did not appear to be overly aggressive and he was "not choking" Milan Poránek, as witnesses claimed and photos suggested. Milan said in his testimony in front of the three presiding judges (there are no jury trials in the Czech Republic), "It may have appeared this way, but that isn't what was happening."

Milan, who had climbed on stage at least twice during the concert, added: "I wanted to stagedive and Blythe pulled me to the ground and held me there as I was very drunk. He did it because of the way I acted, and he was justified in doing so."

A female fan who watched the LAMB OF GOD show from the back of the Abaton club took the stand and stated: "Heavy metal bands are always trying to look angry on stage. What happened did not look serious at all."

A former Abaton club employee said in a sworn statement that the staff at the venue learned that an ambulance had been called but no one knew for whom or why. They were only told about the alleged incident after speaking to the police, the witness said.

While all of Nosek's friends said Blythe pushed Nosek off the stage, their versions of the events of that night included some slight contradictions.

According to WTVR.com, one of Nosek's friends said Blythe was off of the stage when Nosek climbed up and that the singer ran from backstage to push the fan off. Other witnesses did not mention that.

Many of the witnesses struggled to recall the events of that concert nearly three years ago.

The trial is expected to last until the end of the week.

The parents of Daniel Nosek are demanding compensation of 10 million Czech Koruna (approximately $530,000).

Blythe was imprisoned for five weeks in the Czech Republic after being detained on June 27, 2012 when the Grammy-nominated, Richmond, Virginia-based band arrived there for a show.

The singer was freed without charge in August but had to post $400,000 bail, then left the country, vowing to return for the trial.

Fan-filmed video footage of DOWN/ex-PANTERA frontman Philip Anselmo joining WARBEAST on stage on February 1 at Track 29 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to perform a song can be seen below.

"War Of The Gargantuas", the new split album featuring Anselmo and WARBEAST, was released on January 8 via Philip's Housecore Records. This album serves as the first release of any solo work by Anselmo during the span of his nearly 30-year legacy.

"This split is a glimpse into the future of both my solo project and ultimate thrash metallers WARBEAST," Anselmo stated about "War Of The Gargantuas". "The title of the split is 'War Of The Gargantuas' and it is fitting on many levels because of our combined love for the '60s Japanese film of the same name, the power of our combined musical output(s) and our humorous affection that plays out within each of our 'gargantuan' personalities. Both WARBEAST and myself have full-length LPs that will be released shortly after this is released, but this split is unique musically. It is a time capsule; a loud pause 'till we both release our full-length products. Enjoy the destruction of music!"

"These two songs we have on 'War Of The Gargantuas' were the next level after [debut album] 'Krush The Enemy'," WARBEAST guitarist Scott Shelby comments. "They've been a staple in our set list for the last two years. These songs are a pure demonstration of our unique Texas thrash metal style."

WARBEAST's second full-length album, "Destroy", will be released on April 2 via Housecore Records.

Former OBSCENITY frontman Oliver Jauch has launched a one-man project called SHELLSHOCK. All instruments and vocal parts are performed by Jauch himself.

According to a press release, "the sound of SHELLSHOCK is influenced by bands like BOLT THROWER and SIX FEET UNDER."

A rehearsal recording of the track "Baptism By Fire" can be streamed below. Jauch states: "It's the fastest SHELLSHOCK song so far."

Baptism By Fire by SHELLSHOCK

Video footage of Danish black metallers HORNED ALMIGHTY performing a brand new song, "World Of Tombs", at their 10th-anniversary show this past November can be seen below.

HORNED ALMIGHTY recently added bassist Carnage to the band's lineup and is wrapping up the songwriting for its fifth album for a late 2013 release.

HORNED ALMIGHTY last year parted ways with Candlelight Records, the label that released the band's critically acclaimed album "Necro Spirituals" in 2010. HORNED ALMIGHTY is currently seeking a suitable label to release the group's next CD.

"Necro Spirituals" was released in North America in January 2011 via Candlelight Records. The album, which was issued in Europe in October 2010, was recorded in May-June 2010 and mixed and mastered by Jacob Bredahl (HATESPHERE, KOLDBORN) at Dead Rat Studios.

"The Unknowing", the new Olli-Pekka Lappalainen-directed video from Finnish melodic death metallers OMNIUM GATHERUM, can be seen below. The track comes off the band's new album, "Beyond", which will be released on February 25 in Europe and March 5 in North America via Lifeforce Records. The CD was recorded by Teemu Aalto and mixed and mastered once again by Dan Swanö. The artwork for the follow-up to 2011's "New World Shadows" was created by Olli Lappalainen and can be seen below.

"Beyond" track listing:

01. Luoto
02. New Dynamic
03. In The Rim
04. Nightwalkers
05. Formidable
06. The Sonic Sign
07. Who Could Say
08. The Unknowing
09. Living In Me
10. White Palace

According to Petri Silas of Finland's Soundi magazine, the special edition of "Beyond" will contain the band's brand new cover version of "Subdivisions" by RUSH. OMNIUM GATHERUM guitarist Markus Vanhala told the magazine: "As pretty much everyone in the band is a fan of RUSH, we decided to take the bull by the horns and make or own bold 'Omnification' of 'Subdivisions'. Besides, Metal Hammer wrote already at the time of our debut album that if OPETH are the PINK FLOYD of this scene, then OMNIUM are likely to turn into RUSH at the very least. It was time to pick up the gauntlet!"

Regarding the musical and lyrical direction of "Beyond", Vanhala previously stated: "It's now been approximately 10 years since our debut full-length album, 'Spirits And August Light', was released and the world was waiting. The latest 2011 album, 'New World Shadows', was a good breakthrough for us and lots of good things happened after that record, so, of course, we had some pressures to do a decent successor for that great record as the world was waiting again.

"Well, I think we managed on mastering that task and now we're back again with the OMNIUM GATHERUM's sixth album called 'Beyond', the album that is really going beyond all limits of melodic death metal from the winter wonderland! The album follows the good known path of 'New World Shadows' and 'The Redshift', but adds a lot of new flavors and spices to the good ol' melting pot to lift the band to a new heights. It's our most melodic and versatile album so far, but at the same time, it still holds for example the most brutal death metal growls in our career yet as also some really tasteful clean vocals between the lines. I'm sure everyone who gives the album many spins can find something new with every turn, so this should be a album that hold up the sands of time and rewards the listeners who are digging deeper and searching something more than just a one hit wonders of the day!

"Lyrically told, 'Beyond' is about the culmination point of one's existence. It is a coming-home story where the mysteries of duality are melted into oneness but without losing one single point of individuality along the arrival.

"As you can see from the cover, there's also a strong sense of sea on the album, as we're the sons of the sea from Kotka!"

OMNIUM GATHERUM recently announced the addition of bassist Erkki Silvennoinen to the group's ranks.

"New World Shadows" entered the official chart in Finland at position No. 5. This marked the highest chart entry in the group's history, having previously landed at No. 24 with 2008's "The Redshift" and No. 31 with 2007's "Stuck Here On Snakes Way".

"The Unknowing" video:

LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, who is on trial on manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic, has written an open letter to his fans on his Instagram account.

In the message, posted earlier today (Tuesday, February 5), Blythe dismissed many of the news reports covering the trial as "incorrect" and condemned fans for verbally attacking the people of the Czech Republic over the circumstances that led to his arrest.

Randy's complete letter reads as follows:

"I have read a few news reports of the progress of my case, and trust me — many things are incorrect. But this is the Internet, and, of course, things are half-baked anyway. Keep in mind that translation is difficult, and many things can be lost, for Czech is a VERY DIFFICULT language. So wait and see, as I am. It is all I can do, except be honest and fight for my freedom in my own way.

"I also have heard of some people (not on here) talking smack about the Czech Republic, saying, 'Fuck the Czech Republic,' etc. This [is] not how it should be. This is a very sad case, not something to rage at people you do not know over.

"I am not angry with the Czechs at all. A fan of my band is dead — what do I have to be angry about? I am an INNOCENT man, but I am also a very sad man right now. To not be sad in this instance would be inhuman. But mad at the Czech people? Why would I be mad at them?

"Here, look at this picture — a mother watches her baby. The child reaches out for something new, laughing and chasing a pretty picture in the air. It is the same here as everywhere else. Do you see?!?!?

"Life is beautiful.

"I hope to see y'all soon."

Blythe is facing the possibility of conviction and a long-term jail sentence after a 2010 incident in which a fan, Daniel Nosek, attending a LAMB OF GOD show died almost a month later, allegedly from injuries sustained when he was thrown off the stage.

The trial is expected to last until the end of the week.

The parents of Daniel Nosek are demanding compensation of 10 million Czech Koruna (approximately $530,000).

Blythe was imprisoned for five weeks in the Czech Republic after being detained on June 27, 2012 when the Grammy-nominated, Richmond, Virginia-based band arrived there for a show.

The singer was freed without charge in August but had to post $400,000 bail, then left the country, vowing to return for the trial.

Anne Erickson of Music News Nashville recently conducted an interview with MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Music News Nashville: Have any of MÖTLEY CRÜE's hits been especially difficult to write?

Vince: There aren't really any hard songs to write. It's usually pretty easy, if it gets hard, it gets shuffled away and something else comes up, or it becomes something you can go back to it and use other parts with it to make it work better. Most of the hit songs have been easy to write, though.

Music News Nashville: How do you go about writing music with the CRÜE?

Vince: It starts out with a guitar riff, and then we put it together with the other instruments and put a melody to it. After the melody and song structure are finished, we edit different parts in and out, and eventually, it all combines to become a song.

Music News Nashville: Is there talk of a new MÖTLEY CRÜE album?

Vince: No — no new album. What I'm hearing is that maybe two or three or four more songs might come out to go with that song we released [last] year, but it will be something like an EP, not an album. Our schedule seems to have a lot of touring. If something did come out in the form of an EP, it would probably be in the beginning of 2014.

Read the entire interview from Music News Nashville.

Rocky Gray (EVANESCENCE, LIVING SACRIFICE, WE ARE THE FALLEN), Austin D'Amond (CHIMAIRA, BLEED THE SKY, THE ELITE) and Wayne Miller (BLEED THE SKY) have joined forces in a new project called SOLUS DEUS. The band's debut EP — containing the tracks "Odium", "Voveo Vovi Votum", "Vindico" and "Better Left Unsaid" — is available for free at ReverbNation. A taste of SOLUS DEUS' forthcoming full-length debut, "The Bloodtrail", which was helmed produced by Ben Schigel (CHIMAIRA, DROWNING POOL, INTEGRITY) at Spider Studios is Cleveland, Ohio, is available in the YouTube clip below.

Reactivated cult classic prog-thrashers TOXIK are currently seeking a full-time drummer for recording and live performances. Guitarist Josh Christian comments on the hunt: "We've written a dozen plus songs for the record and we need to get the rhythm section fleshed out. Tad [Leger] is definitely going forward with LUCERTOLA so we need a recording and touring drummer — someone with precision, speed and imagination."

Christian and singer Mike Sanders recently began pre-production work on the vocals at Josh's home studio. TOXIK is hopeful to have the as-yet-untitled follow-up to 1992's critically acclaimed LP "Think This" ready for release late fall. Christian comments: "It was great getting together with Mike. Nothing's changed — he can still totally kill it — so it's going to be a lot of fun recording this album!"

Hailing from New York's Hudson Valley area, TOXIK released a pair of classic thinking-man's thrash metal albums in the late '80s. An upstart record label named Roadrunner Records (later home to SLIPKNOT and NICKELBACK) released the band's two astounding masterworks, 1988's "World Circus" and 1989's "Think This". Both releases saw TOXIK take the aggression and brutality of speed metal and mix it with the technicality and proficiency of progressive hard rock.

TOXIK left the Hudson Valley region and toured the United States and the world, playing shows with the likes of PANTERA, SEPULTURA, EXODUS, KING DIAMOND and others in their quest for metal ascendancy before their premature implosion in 1992.

TOXIK released a DVD, "Think Again", in August 2010. The set contained both vintage and brand new never-before-seen footage. The main feature was a 1989 headlining set from the Paramount Theater in TOXIK's hometown of Peekskill, New York. This performance came shortly after the release of "World Circus" and the energy level of the band wa truly at its peak for TOXIK's first headlining show. The DVD contains all the tracks from "World Circus" and an early version of "Spontaneous" that later appeared on "Think This".

Ex-SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach says that he "doesn't see what the hold-up is" with his former bandmates' reluctance to reunite with him on vocals.

Bach, who was previously not interested in a reunion and was focusing on his solo career, has since had a change of heart. However, not all the members of SKID ROW seem on board with Bach rejoining the group. Sebastian told VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner he doesn't understand why that is.

"It would be very simple," the singer said. "It's like a no-brainer. I mean I make my living still singing those songs along with my solo material and so it's very easy for me to walk up to the microphone and sing my own songs that I've been singing for 25 years. So I don't see what the hold-up is. You'd have to ask them."

Bach in July posted a letter on his Facebook page in which he said he was open to reuniting with SKID ROW. "For the fans, I would be willing to put my ego aside and do something that would be special for the people who put us where we are today," he wrote. "I do not personally want it myself. But it's not always about 'what I want.' If the fans really want to see us together, I would do it for the fans. Sometimes you can do things for people other than yourself."

Bach said he wanted to write the letter in response to current SKID ROW singer Johnny Solinger's interview in which Johnny said a tweet by Bach about a possible SKID ROW reunion was an attempt to "get attention."

Sebastian in 2011 tweeted that he wanted his fans to stop asking him about a possible reunion with his former bandmates after SKID ROW bassist Rachel Bolan made it clear that the group has "never looked back" following Sebastian's dismissal from the band in 1996.

Speaking to SCTimes.com, Bolan stated about Sebastian's departure from SKID ROW, "We thought we were disbanded and that we'd never do it again. Then we kept getting emails and the management office was getting lots of letters about people wanting to see SKID ROW on stage and we really started to miss it. We knew if we got back together, we were going to do things different."

He added, "When Johnny joined the band [in 1999], that really gave us a kick in the ass. It was a different guy there and everything that came out of that guy was positive."

On the topic of the persistent rumors of a reunion with Sebastian, Bolan said, "Actually, there were never any talks. Ever. That was all just total rumor. We got rid of him in the '90s and never looked back. . . After the first tour [with Solinger on vocals], it seemed like this is the way it's always been. It's so weird, I'll hear an old song on the radio and it just sounds so bizarre to me because I'm so used to Johnny singing it."

British/American hard rock legends UFO will release 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 American world-class guitarist Vinnie Moore.

Former PANTERA and current KILL DEVIL HILL bassist Rex Brown will publish his memoir, "Official Truth, 101 Proof: The Inside Story Of Pantera", on March 12 via Da Capo Press. The 320-page book is described as a "starkly honest and revealing" book about Rex's time in one of the most influential and enduringly popular bands in heavy metal history, offering Brown's shocking personal insight into a band that had swapped the grimy clubs of Texas for arenas around the world but whose story would ultimately be touched by tragedy.

In a 2012 interview with SkullsNBones.com, Brown stated about his upcoming memoir: "It's basically my tale of the PANTERA years from my point of view. I was always the silent guy in the band. I never did interviews, so I was approached with this idea and I was down for it. I didn't realize how much work would be involved. [laughs] But it's going to be cool, man. It's just my inside story of what was going on. It leads up to the breakup, Dime's [former PANTERA guitarist 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott] death, and to now. There is only four people in that band that knew what was going on, so this will just be my interpretation oo those years. I'll say this, it probably won't be my last book either. It's a lot of work, though. We went through a thousand photos, stories, memories — everything, dude — so it's an insightful view that most fans would never know of if it weren't for the book. I think it's got a lot of things that people don't know and should know, and I hope the people enjoy it. It's a good read, for sure."

World rights for "Official Truth, 101 Proof: The Inside Story Of Pantera" were acquired by executive editor Ben Schafer at Da Capo Press from Matthew Elblonk at DeFiore & Company with Matthew Hamilton at Aitken Alexander.

"Official Truth, 101 Proof: The Inside Story Of Pantera" co-author Mark Eglinton is an author, journalist and film-producer currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland. His first book entitled "James Hetfield: The Wolf At Metallica's Door" was published in April 2010 to considerable critical acclaim, fueled by regular radio appearances across the U.S and Europe to promote it. He also writes regularly for Outburn magazine and various music web sites and has co-produced a series of rock interview documentaries entitled "The Greatest Music Ever Created, And How It Ruined Our Lives", which is co-hosted in conjunction with Metal Hammer magazine. Eglinton's role in Brown's life has become one of friend and confidant, mostly during time spent on the road with DOWN in Europe.

De Capo is the publisher of BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi's book "Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven And Hell With Black Sabbath" and SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor's New York Times best seller "Seven Deadly Sins - Settling The Argument Between Born Bad And Damaged Good".

Former PANTERA frontman Philip Anselmo in early 2010 announced plans to write his own autobiography, to be co-authored by BloodyDisgusting.com writer Corey Mitchell.

Polish art/prog-rockers BELIEVE have announced that they will re-release their 2006 debut album Hope To See Another Day in digipack edition on March, 25th in Europe via Metal Mind Production and May, 7th in the US via MVD.

Guitarist Mirek Gil commented: "I was really happy with the rerelease proposal put forward by Metal Mind Productions, as I thought it would be a waste to put this record away and simply forget about it. It was a very important album for me and for the band - it was our debut release. For me, it was also the first album recorded after a longer break - after the disbandment of COLLAGE and after putting my other project MR GIL on hold. You can hear on this record an extreme hunger for playing the guitar. There is a lot of guitar, it actually dominates the music. The singar was already known, as Tomek Ró?ycki had sung on Collage's album Ba?nie. Satomi, Japanese violinist with her own style of playing the violin, was a real treat for the listeners. The keyboard parts were played by Adam Mi?osz. 'Hope To See Another Day' is an outstanding track from this album and we still play it during our shows. This song is representative of what the band was at that period - it's dynamic and heavy, but at the same time melancholy and peaceful. The album was recorded in Winicjusz Chrust's studio in Sulejówko and mastering was done by Tom Mayer in Hamburg. The remastered edition of Hope To See Another Day includes two additional tracks - 'Liar' and 'Pain' recorded live in Konin in 2006. It was a very special show with wonderful atmosphere and audience. Both tracks have brand new arrangements, new guitar solos and violin parts. I recommend this rerelease as this album is really special."



Tracklisting is as follows:
'What Is Love'
'Needles In My Brain'
'Liar'
'Pain'
'Seven Days'
'Coming Down'
'Don't Tell Me'
'Hope To See Another Day'

Bonus tracks:
'Liar' (live)
'Pain' (live)

Legendary guitarist George Lynch (T&N, DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB) is selling his 1990 Harley-Davidson Softail bike via eBay.

In a posting on the auction page, Lynch writes: "Wow, I can hardly believe that I'm parting with this... but I guess the time has come. I've decided to sell one of my Harleys!

"This bike is a BIG part of my personal & professional life and career. What I'm selling is my 1990 Harley Heritage Softail... THE 'Wicked Sensation' bike!! THE bike on the artwork of the inside CD jacket from the 'Wicked Sensation' CD [from LYNCH MOB] and also my bike from the 'River Of Love' video that I purchased new in Arizona back in 1990. I am the only owner/rider of this VERY comfortable ride... but YOU COULD BE NEXT!!

"This is such a great bike and has been a BIG part of my life, but I do have a newer Harley Dresser that I ride a lot more so instead of this Heritage just sitting and not being ridden, I wanted to auction it off to a lucky fan... or just someone that's looking for a really cool and comfortable ride. Very dependable, great looks and ride.... all info, photos and specs are posted on this eBay posting. It has a very affordable minimum reserve as well as a buy now set price.

"I want to close with this..... Part of the proceeds from this sale will go to the Pulmonary Hypertention Association charity. Pulmonary Hypertention is a terrible medical condition that sadly ended the life of a young fan and niece of one of my friends. Alexandria Beeson (photo here) was only 23 years old when she passed away April 17, 2012. So keep this in mind please... that you're not just buyin' a bike... but helping a very worthy charity!! Bid high and bid often, please."

Hungary’s SVOID have released the following update:

“During the last cursed year we composed 11 tracks in the vein of our impressions, reflections, dedicated to the dark gods. The music has changed; the debut EP (Ars Kha) was a quest, and now we have found our way; the path To Never Return. The unbound progression and the lawless becoming describes well that we would like to do, musically and spiritually.

It is time to announce that on February 1st our first full-length album will be available for order! The unholy work is completed and we are proud to open up the material for the dedicated ones. You know who you are.

The album will be available also via Ván Records, Sun & Moon Records and Sigillvm Tenebrae Records in a few days, hail them for the true support. Until then you can address us.”

Artwork for the album can be seen below:

BRUTE FORCZ, the three-piece heavy metal band from Los Angeles have just signed with Pure Steel Records for distribution of their debut album, Out For Blood. The album was produced and engineered by Grammy winner and guitar legend, BOB KULICK. The band features ex-professional wrestlers Slammer (drums), Jammer ( bass and vocals) along with British guitarist, Will Wallner.
A band statement reads: "Brute Forcz is honored to have such a strong and well known label to distribute our music. We are looking forward to having our music available worldwide and would like to thank Pure Steel Records and Andreas Lorenz for this great opportunity."

A BraveWords interview with Brute Forcz can be read at this location.
For more details visit Bruteforcz.com.

Swedish death metallers SPASMODIC have signed a deal with Unexploded Records.
The band will release their debut album Mondo Illustrated soon via Unexploded Records.

The album was recorded at Misfortune Recorders by Johan Hjelm. It was mixed by Tommy Tägtgren and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren at Black Lounge.

Vocalist Emperor Magus Caligula (ex-DARK FUNERAL, WITCHERY, SANCTIFICATION and HYPOCRISY) guests on the tracks ‘Wanda La Put’ and ‘Ugly Sad’.

Tracklisting is as follows:

‘Din Satans Grisjävel’
‘Thirst’
‘Wanda La Put’
‘Shelter’
‘Trendy Mexico’
‘Fabulous Love Making’
‘Eject’
‘Ugly Sad’
‘Club Bounce’
‘Ruthless Pounding’
‘Strawberries’
‘Mondo Illustrated’
‘Domestic Entertainers’

San Francisco Bay Area thrashers EXODUS will be forced to miss the April 12 date of the Metal Alliance Tour — featuring headliners ANTHRAX, along with support acts HIGH ON FIRE, MUNICIPAL WASTE and HOLY GRAIL — at the the House of Blues venue in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, a property owned by the Disney corporation.

Says EXODUS: "Because Disney has decided that EXODUS is TOO METAL for them, we will NOT be playing the Lake Buena Vista [House Of Blues] show in Florida, but the fine thrash maniacs in Tampa have invited us to rage at the Orpheum instead. Who's comin' out for a Lesson in Violence?"

The Walt Disney Company previously banned MACHINE HEAD from performing at the same House Of Blues venue in Florida in December 2012 as well as in two separate House Of Blues venues in 2007, allegedly due to the band's "violent imagery," "inflammatory lyrics" and the group's "undesirable fans." Other acts that were reportedly "banned" by the Walt Disney Corporation include DAATH, THE FACELESS, SNOT and GALLOWS.

ArdChieftain O'Hagan of the Northern Irish pagan metal outfit WAYLANDER has announced that the band is planning on a new release in late 2013 to commemorate their 20th anniversary.

"As many of you may be aware of, 2013 sees WAYLANDER celebrate two decades of existence, an impressive milestone in anyone's book," he says in a statement. "We plan to have a new release out towards the very end of 2013, which, we hope will please fans both old and new.

"We will write and record a concept mini album which will deal with the Four Fire Festivals of the Irish Pagan calendar, expanding on the subject matter dealt with in 'Twin Fires Of Beltíne'. As well as reworking 'Twin Fires Of Beltíne', slightly, the other three songs will deal with Imbolg, Lughnasadh and Samhain. As a bonus, we will include an interview DVD, explaining the history of the band and revealing the truth behind the trials and tribulations of the turbulent lifespan of the beast that has become known as WAYLANDER. We hope also to include some live footage and some behind the scenes Hallionry which will reveal the personalities of the various band members."

WAYLANDER's latest album, "Kindred Spirits", was released on July 16, 2012 in Europe and August 14, 2012 in North America via Listenable Records.

Nuclear Blast Records has announced the signing of "Germany's most authentic and passionate psychedelic hard rock combo," KADAVAR.

It was already with 2012's eponymous debut album that the three-piece from Berlin casted a spell on all fans of solid riff-driven-yet-doom-like '70s hard rock à la BLACK SABBATH and PENTAGRAM. Marrying this with the spacy psychedelic approach of early HAWKWIND and mixing in a distinct own touch while preserving their icons' warm vintage charm can doubtlessly be considered the trio's key to success. Astoundingly high vinyl sales and support slots with such bands as SLEEP, SAINT VITUS, PENTAGRAM and ELECTRIC WIZARD as well as festival appearances at Stoned From The Underground, Yellowstock and Fusion, among others, underline KADAVAR's status as one of the scene's most exciting acts to watch in 2013.

Nuclear Blast's head of A&R Andy Siry comments on the signing: "We're delighted to bid KADAVAR welcome to the Nuclear Blast family! It was with great interest that we've watched their first steps from the founding of the band to the release of their debut record. Eventually, the last-mentioned tipped the balance and led us to offering them a record deal, as we truly believe that these three gentlemen are masters of their craft and can righteously be considered the leaders of the German occult rock movement. We're looking forward a lot to seeing what the future will bring for KADAVAR!"

Regarding the signing with the Swabian label, KADAVAR drummer Tiger states with a wink: "Even though the relationship between people from Berlin and Swabians is usually considered rather… uneasy, we're taking the first step to reconciliation: We're very happy that our second studio album will be released via Nuclear Blast, who can look back on an impressive history. After an eventful year, we've locked ourselves up in the studio for the past two months in order to work on said record. The result elates us — we can't wait 'til the release date has finally come!"

KADAVAR's upcoming album, "Abra Kadavar", was recorded in Tiger's studio, where he also took care of the production, mixing and mastering. It's set for a release on April 5.

As far as the album recordings are concerned, the musician explains: "After last year's final show had been played in mid-December, we started writing new songs. We've already had a couple of finished tracks in May 2012, but those were eventually released on a split LP with AQUA NEBULA OSCILLATOR in November 2012, which is why we started at square one again. As we knew that there was no procrastination and no going back for us, we sat down for two weeks straight to finish composing with total commitment. We're perfectly happy with the outcome — I'd even say that 'Abra Kadavar' comprises the best compositions we've created to date. The songs are more diversified, the ideas feel more spontaneous. Moreover, we've tried to capture much more of our live energy, which is why we've recorded almost everything all together in one room, with the amps turned up to the max — solely the vocals and a handful of guitar solos were added afterwards."

KADAVAR is:

Lupus Lindemann - vocals, guitar
Mammut - bass
Tiger - drums