Canadian grinders FUCK THE FACTS are set to embark on a month long tour of the US that will have the band playing 33 shows in 32 days starting this week.

Fuck The Facts US MIsery Tour 2013

January
24 – Buffalo, NY - The Funeral Home
25 – Columbus, OH - Carabar
26 – Murfreesboro, TN - Main Street Live
27 – Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music Hall
28 – Joplin, MO - Blackthorn Pizza & Pub
29 – Wichita, KS - The Lizard Lounge
30 – Lincoln, NB - Metal House
31 – Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge

February
1 – Cheyenne, WY - Forum 619
2 – Salt Lake City, UT - Shred Shed
3 – Las Vegas, NV - Favorites
4 – Mentone, CA - Loko Lounge
5 – Fresno, CA - C.A.F.E. Infoshop
6 – Oakland, CA - Zombieland
7 – Los Angeles, CA - 5 Star Bar
8 – San Diego, CA - The Yard
9 – Tempe, AZ - Yucca Tap Room
10 – Las Cruces, NM - The Train Yard
11 – El Paso, TX - Gallery 127
12 – San Antonio, TX - Korova
13 – Austin, TX - Dirty Dog Bar
14 – Fort Worth, TX - Tomcat’s
15 – Houston, TX - Walter's
16 – New Orleans, LA - Siberia
17 – Tallahassee, FL - The Paperback
18 – Tampa, FL - Brass Mug
19 – Orlando, FL - Backbooth
20 – Gainesville, FL - Mars Pub
21 – Aiken, SC - HIC Indoor Skatepark
22 - Raleigh, NC - The Danger Room (4pm)
22 – Chapel Hill, NC - Chapel Hill Underground (8pm)
23 – Richmond, VA - Strange Matter
24 – Philadelphia, PA - The M Room
For the tour Fuck The Facts are releasing their 2011 EP Misery on 12” vinyl. (limited to 500 copies). Recorded at the band’s own Apartment 2 Recording studio, the EP features guest appearances by Elliot Desgagnes (BENEATH THE MASSACRE) and Jesse Matthewson (KEN MODE) and can be streamed below:
Pre-orders for the record are available here

As another re-issue, Fuck The Facts have also put together cassette versions of their 2006 and 2008 full length albums; Stigmata High-Five and Disgorge Mexico, which are limited to 100 copies each. Check them out here.

Former BLOOD STAIN CHILD vocalist Sophia recently announced that she is a guest vocalist on the new single from Japan's MEJIBRAY, entitled 'Die Kusse', which hits stores on February 6th. The full song is available for streaming below:
Sophia commented on working with the band on the track:

"I just love working with effective people and MiA is one of them for sure. Fast with communications, very polite, and inspired when writing new songs.
It's always a pleasure working together. This time, I recorded in Greece, so we couldn't have fun in the studio like last time, but it was a fruitful experience nevertheless. Everything worked like a clock and we both liked the result. I do hope you all enjoy the song as much as we did!"

For information on Mejibray go to this location.

Norway's IN VAIN will release its third attack of progressive extreme metal, "Ænigma", on March 8 in Norway, March 15 in Germany and Austria and March 11 in the rest of Europe through Indie Recordings. The band's most extreme work to date, it was mixed and produced by the legendary Jens Bogren (OPETH, SOILWORK, BORKNAGAR) at Fascination Street in Örebro, Sweden. The cover artwork was designed by Robert Høyem.

According to a press release, "Ænigma" contains "eight songs of IN VAIN's unique trademark sound and as usual, IN VAIN has brought some guests along, and 'Ænigma' sees appearances by Lazare and Cornelius from SOLEFALD."

Commented IN VAIN's Johnar Håland: "We had a solid impression of the productions coming out of the Fascination Street Studio, and believed Jens was the right guy to give the music the crystal clear and powerful sound that it demands. Jens did not cut any corners and delivered a production par excellente."

Candlelight Records has announce the signing of Celtic doom metal masters MAEL MORDHA (pronounced Mail Moor-Ah)

MAEL MÓRDHA's sound is a unique fusion of traditional Irish folk laments and elegies with the crushing power of doom metal. The band views its music as conduit between this world and the spirit world and its songs provide a dark, melancholy and epic soundtrack to historical and mythological tales of ancient Ireland.

Formed in Dublin in 1998 by Roibéard Ó Bogail, whose unusual "Sean-nós"-inspired traditional Irish vocal style gives the band its distinctive sound, MAEL MÓRDHA takes its name from a former King of Leinster, who met a bloody end in battle in the year 1014 A.D.

The band endured a number of lineup changes while self-releasing three EPs between 1999 and 2003, before signing to Hammerheart Records/Karmageddon Media, who released the band's debut full-length album, "Cluain Tarbh", in 2005. Later that year the band moved to Grau Records and went on to release two new albums — 2007's "Gealtacht Mael Mórdha" and 2010's "Manannán" — through the German label which also re-released an extended version of "Cluain Tarbh" in 2008.

In recent years, the band has performed at select shows and festivals throughout Europe and America where its use of traditional Irish instrumentation along with woad body paint in its uniquely atmospheric live performances have earned it a loyal and growing following.

The band had this to say on the signing: "We are really looking forward to working with the guys at Candlelight. They are enthusiastic about our music and get what it's about. We've written what we consider to be our best album so far and it's great to be getting the opportunity to work with people who can help us get it heard by a wider audience. It is also important for us to be able to get this next album released in the United States, which Candlelight will do, as we've always had people over there who are seriously passionate about the band, but have had trouble getting their hands on our releases. The next chapter starts here. Tá Mael Mórdha ag Teacht!"

Grammy-winning alternative band DEFTONES will release several different vinyl editions of its current album, the critically acclaimed "Koi No Yokan", on January 22. The four configurations are as follows: a standard retail version pressed on 140-gram black vinyl (3,000 units); a direct-to-consumer version on 180-gram black vinyl with foil-stamped numbered jackets (1,000 units); an international edition pressed on 180-gram vinyl; and an exclusive edition sold through Hot Topic retailers pressed on 140-gram clear-colored vinyl (1,500 units).

"Koi No Yokan", the band's seventh studio album, was released November 13 via Warner Bros Records. It debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, with over 65,000 copies sold first week. The first single, "Tempest", is Top 5 and climbing at Rock Radio. Revolver declared it their "Album of the Year," Spin selected it as one of its Top 50 Albums of 2012 (and its No. 5 Metal Album Of The Year), the New York Post hailed it as "one of the best rock albums of the year," and Penthouse said "If you hear an album this year that combines the ferocious and the sublime as well as DEFTONES' 'Koi No Yokan', please write us an email and flag it 'urgent.'"

DEFTONES is gearing up for a spring headlining tour in support of "Koi No Yokan" that kicks off in Toronto on March 1.

Taking technical death metal back to its heavier roots, international band SEROCS is preparing the follow-up to its 2012 debut full-length, "Oneirology". With influences such as CRYPTOPSY, WORMED, DECAPITATED, SPAWN OF POSSESSION and NILE, to name a few, this album will bring another depth into the realm of brutality.

The CD, appropriately title "The Next...", marks a new era in SEROCS' history, going from a one-man band into a full-blown assault.

Tentatively due in June, "The Next..." was mixed and mastered by Nico S. and includes "eight songs of devastating quality, guitar tabs and a few surprises," according to a press release.

Founder and guitarrist Antonio Freyre is joined by metal legends to create an intense assault of technicality.

SEROCS' lineup is as follows:

* Antonio Freyre - Guitar
* Timo Häkkinen (KATAPLEXIA, SOTAJUMALA, VILE) - Drums
* Mike Poggione (CAPHARNAUM, EULOGY, MONSTROSITY, VILE) - Bass
* Philippe Tougas (CHTHE'ILIST, VENGEFUL, FIRST FRAGMENT, ZEALOTRY) - Lead guitar
* Josh Smith (GUTFUCKED, MONUMENTAL TORMENT) - Vocals

SEROCS will also be joined by guest vocalists Youri Raymond (UNHUMAN, ex-CRYPTOPSY), Martin Lacroix (ex-CRYPTOPSY), Chris Lollis (NILE, LECHEROUS NOCTURNE) and more.

MARAGOLD, the new band featuring guitarist Greg Howe alongside Meghan Krauss (vocals), Kevin Vecchione (bass) and Gianluca Palmieri (drums), will release its debut album later this year.

"It's an exciting, inspiring thing," Howe told GuitarWorld.com last summer. "This project is like a 360 back to where I came from. It was great going through the whole instrumental/fusion process. It allowed me to learn a lot and really build my musical vocabulary. But at the same time, this project gives me the opportunity to reach as many people as possible. Plus it's a lot of fun to play rhythm guitar again and be able to smile at the audience."

For more information, visit www.maragoldband.com.

As an active musician for nearly thirty years, Howe, 49, has released eight studio albums in addition to collaborating with a wide variety of artists.

In 2011, Howe toured Italy and Israel with drummer Dennis Chambers and bassist Stu Hamm. In November of that year, Michael Jackson's second posthumous album, "Immortal", featured Howe's playing on "Dancing Machine" and "Beat It".

Swiss hard rock veterans KROKUS have tapped Dani Löble (HELLOWEEN) to sit behind the kit for the band's upcoming "Dirty Dynamite Tour", which is scheduled to kick off in early May.

Says the band: "[Dani will] play as many shows as possible with KROKUS beside his busy touring schedule with HELLOWEEN. Where the dates between HELLOWEEN and KROKUS overlap, there will be more guest drummers."

KROKUS shows with Dani Löble on drums:

May 02 - Zürich, Switzerland - Volkshaus
May 09 - Solothurn, Switzerland - Kofmehl
May 11 - Solothurn, Switzerland - Kulturfabrik Kofmehl

KROKUS's official video for the title track of their new album, "Dirty Dynamite", can be seen below.

"Dirty Dynamite" will be released on February 22 in Europe via Sony Music and in North America on March 5 via The End Records.

Sony Music is offering a free download of the title track at this location (e-mail sign-up required). It was the last song that was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London, England at 5 o'clock in the morning. Bassist Chris Von Rohr added some honky tonk piano licks on the original "Lady Madonna" piano at the studio.

"Dirty Dynamite" marks the return of KROKUS guitarist Mandy Meyer after 30 years.

Chris Von Rohr, along with vocalist Marc Storace, recently laid down bass and vocal tracks at London, England's Abbey Road Studios for the band's 17th album, "Dirty Dynamite". Sound engineer for the recording sessions is again Dennis Ward, who also recorded the band's last album, "Hoodoo".

KROKUS 2013 is:

Marc Storace - Vocals
Chris Von Rohr - Bass
Fernando Von Arb - Lead Guitar
Mark Kohler - Rhythm Guitar
Mandy Meyer - Guitar

Drummer Freddy Steady left KROKUS in May 2011 because he "concluded that he really wanted to play music just for fun in small clubs rather than conquering the world, playing arenas on huge stages with pyro props, etc.," according to guitarist Fernando Von Arb.

MADDER MORTEM, Norway's darling of the avant-garde, has issued the following update:

"We're looking for a new, permanent guitar player with broad musical tastes, but with roots in rock/metal. We're finishing our sixth album now, but we'd love to have a guitarist that wants to contribute creatively on the next album. You should be OK with playing a seven-string guitar and learning our back catalogue. We rehearse in Odalen, approximately 1.5 hours north of Oslo. If you're interested, get in touch for a chat and an audition. We'd like you to select a couple of songs from our albums and learn them for the audition. Please send an e-mail to mail@maddermortem.com."

MADDER MORTEM in 2010 parted ways with guitarist Odd Eivind Ebbesen and replaced him with Patrick Scantlebury.

The band released an EP, "Where Dream and Day Collide", in May 2011 on Peaceville Records. The EP contained three brand new songs from the bandmembers' warped imaginations, along with the single and album versions of the title track, taken from the sublime 2009 release, "Eight Ways". The artwork was created by Christian Ruud, who, along with Kim Holm and the people at Toxic, are also responsible for the breathtaking visuals on the suitably mysterious "Where Dream and Day Collide" music video, which can be seen below.

PROTEST THE HERO, the Canadian five-piece whose quirky humour and virtuoso playing has gained it a fevered following worldwide, has raised over $200,000 in one week via their Indiegogo campaign. Having fulfilled their obligations to their former label, the band decided to go DIY and raise the funds for their new record themselves using crowd funding platform Indiegogo.com. PROTEST THE HERO is offering many perks on the site that are only available to contributors and that are exclusive to the new album fundraising campaign.

"We are finally free from all obligations and want to be in control of our 'careers,'" says the band in a collective statement. "In general, the record industry is backwards and we'd be stupid to renegotiate with anyone at this time. Crowdfunding seems to be something that's working. Whether or not this is the next thing for the music industry, it's a way that supporters of a band can know exactly where their hard earned dollars are going. No middlemen, no commissions, no bullshit."

Indiegogo.com has been used by artists as varied as ONEREPUBLIC, CONDITIONS and George Clinton, and it's fast becoming the go-to website for musicians wanting to raise funds for any number of projects. Indiegogo.com is an open platform and therefore does not curate which artists can launch projects. It also offers flexible funding so artists can opt to keep the funds they raise even if they don't hit their goal.

PROTEST THE HERO plans to go into the studio in March to record its fourth album.

The band's latest studio CD, "Scurrilous", was released in March 2011 in North America via Vagrant Records.

A teaser for "Switchtense - 10 Unbreakable Years", the upcoming live DVD from Portuguese thrashers SWITCHTENSE, can be seen below. Due on February 11 via Rastilho Records, the DVD celebrates the band's tenth anniversary and includes SWITCHTENSE's entire March 30, 2012 performance at Moita Metal Fest. The set will also contain an audio CD featuring three new songs and one re-recorded track (from the 2006 EP "Brainwash Show"), which were laid down at Ultrasound Studios and mixed by the band's producer, Daniel Cardoso (ANATHEMA, ANGELUS APARTIDA).

"Switchtense - 10 Unbreakable Years" track listing:

01. Concrete Walls
02. Face Off
03. Into The Words Of Chaos (feat. Fuck)
04. Unbreakable
05. I Will Stand Stronger (feat. Congas)
06. Blood Of Victory
07. State Of Resignation
08. The Legacy Of Hate (feat. Pika)
09. Let Them Die Alone
10. Infected Blood
11. This Is Only The Beginning
12. The Right Track *
13. Ghosts Of Past *
14. We Will Always Be The Same *
15. Blood Of Victory *

* available on audio CD

Having raided the death/doom underworld since 1996, Tokyo, Japan’s brutal doom metal eradicators COFFINS have once again entered their local Noise Room Studio and are currently laying down vocals for their anticipated new LP, "The Fleshland".

Although COFFINS seemingly always have a new release out — with a plethora of splits, EPs, singles and a recent track released as part of Decibel magazine’s Flexi Series having been released in the past few years alone — the band’s upcoming fourth album, "The Fleshland", will be the first new full-length from the outfit since their devastating and acclaimed "Buried Death" album, released via 20 Buck Spin in 2008. COFFINS' first official release for Relapse Records, "The Fleshland" will be completed by the end of January and will be released later this year.

For now, ravenous fans of COFFINS' brutal arts can get a bit of insight into the new album's cacophony with a pre-production demo track of "Colossal Hole" — which will reappear on "The Fleshland" in its finished state.

Colossal Hole (pre-pro demo version) by COFFINS

Guitarist/vocalist Robb Flynn of San Francisco Bay Area metallers MACHINE HEAD played his first-ever solo acoustic show last night (Monday, January 21) at On The Rox in Hollywood, California. The performance was part of a five-concert solo run around Flynn's appearance at this year's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, which is being held January 25-27 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

Commented Flynn: "I did the full 10-day master cleanse back in May 2011 during the recording of 'Unto The Locust'. I sang most of the vocal tracks and played a lot of the guitar tracks while on The Cleanse. It was great, put me in a good headspace. I only managed a disappointing three-day last year, but I wasn't sober.

"As part of my rehab, I've booked some small acoustic shows at clubs and bars along the way down to L.A. for NAMM. Just me and my tech Scott driving all over California in my 4-Runner, trying to... I dunno... trying to get lost, I guess. Half cover songs, half MACHINE HEAD tunes, all done acoustic, no setlist, making it up as I go. I played last night in Hollywood and it was really, really cool. Had a blast, told stories, laughed, it got pretty heavy at times, hung with some great people, it was therapeutic as fuck.

"I need to do this. I need to challenge myself, I need to go out there and play some shows, get out of my comfort zone and shake myself up, be alone, on my own. I'm not happy right now, I need to figure this shit out, I need it find that fire again, inspiration, or, I don't know even what I'm searching for, something, and I feel like this might help me find a part of it. It's the most excited I've been about something in a long while."

The setlist for last night's performance was as follows:

01. Die Young (BLACK SABBATH cover)
02. Now I Lay Thee Down
03. Sunshine (ALICE IN CHAINS cover)
04. Descend The Shades Of Night
05. Aerials (SYSTEM OF A DOWN cover)
06. The Burning Red
07. Everlong (FOO FIGHTERS cover)
08. Davidian *
09. Darkness Within (acoustic)

* with fan on vocals

Remaining dates:

Jan. 23 - Riverside, CA - Mission Tobacco Lounge
Jan. 24 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
Jan. 25 - Anaheim, CA - NAMM
Jan. 26 - Fullerton, CA - The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen

INFINITUM OBSCURE entered Audio Zombie Recordings in Tijuana, México on January 5 2013 to record a new single entitled "The Luminous Black" with producer Diego Soria.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. The Luminous Black (Ode To The Fallen Angel)
02. Path to Apocalypse
03. Through Blood By Thunder (BATHORY cover)

"The Luminous Black" will be released via Deathgasm Records during February and will be limited to a one-time pressing. The single will offer a taste of what is to come on INFINITUM OBSCURE's upcoming full-length album.

INFINITUM OBSCURE will tour the United States Of America in April as direct support for legendary Swedish death metallers SORCERY. Tour dates will become available soon via Hate War Productions.

There is still no set recording date for the new album, things are finally beginning to materialize... but it will be recorded and produced once again by Bill Metoyer at Skull Seven Studios in Los Angeles, California and will be mastered by Tore Stjerna at Necromorbus Studio in Sweden. It will also feature once again the majestic artwork of Ketolahelvete. The full-length will be released during 2013 in the U.S.A. via Deathgasm Records (CD format — digipack and jewelcase) and in Europe via Blood Harvest Records on 12-inch vinyl format.

INFINITUM OBSCURE was founded in late 2000 by Roberto Lizárraga with the sole purpose of expressing a personal vision of death and existence in the form of obscure death metal.

Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of up-and-coming metal act BEYOND THE SHORE. The band's debut full-length, "Ghostwatcher", will be released on April 2. The first single, "Half Lived", is available now on iTunes. The CD was recorded last year in Lowell, North Carolina with Kevin Newland of Newland Recordings.

In 2008, the Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky quintet formed when the members were still in high school. Relentlessly booking shows, touring and balancing school at the same time, BEYOND THE SHORE had the privilege of sharing the stage with acts such as BORN OF OSIRIS, SHAI HULUD, MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE, OF MACHINES, AFTER THE BURIAL and many more. BEYOND THE SHORE has created quite a buzz in the short time they have been a band.

The band's first release, "The Arctic Front" EP (2009), was produced by Kelly Cairns and recorded at Lambesis Studios (AS I LAY DYING, WAR OF AGES, AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE, IMPENDING DOOM) in San Marcos, California. It helped to build an impressive Internet buzz, starting with the release of the EP's first single, "Shotgun Sunrise". After playing several shows in support of the EP, BEYOND THE SHORE began work on "Ghostwatcher".

BEYOND THE SHORE is:

Andrew Loucks - Vocals
Chris "The Lieutenant" Stinnett - Drums
Zach Hunter - Guitar
Jared Loucks - Guitar
Eli Masharbash – Bass

Video footage of the three-robot act COMPRESSORHEAD performing a stirring rendition of the classic MOTÖRHEAD anthem "Ace Of Spades" at this year's Big Day Out festival in Australia can be seen below.

COMPRESSORHEAD, which hails from Germany and consists of guitarist Fingers, bassist Bones and drummer Stickboy, plays a selection of well-known covers.

"When Stickboy debuted at Big Day Out 2008, I knew that if he found the right musicians to work with the sky would be the limit," said Big Day Out producer Ken West. "Stickboy's solo performance is still the most viewed YouTube act performing that year including RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. Now with Fingers and Bones by his side, I believe the world debut of COMPRESSORHEAD at Big Day Out 2013 will be the highlight not to be missed."

COMPRESSORHEAD's mission statement:

"Did you ever wonder what Danny Carey would sound like if he had four arms?

"How about if Angus Young had 78 fingers? Imagine what Robert Trujillo would sound like if he was actually made of metal?

"Well, wonder no more, meatbags.

"COMPRESSORHEAD is the world's heaviest metal band.

"Stickboy, Fingers and Bones are guaranteed to shake and rattle the world of meatbag music.

"Stickboy was created to exacting specifications. Four arms, two legs, one head, no brain. he plays a Pearl 14-piece kit with double kick. Stickboy junior, the bastard child of an unknown mother, takes control of the hihat shuffle. Inception date: 2007.

"Fingers joined Stickboy in 2009 and brings 78 purpose-built fingers, enough to play the entire fret board and pluck.

"Bones is the highest-precision bass player in known existence, and the youngest member of the band. Inception date: 2012.

"Stand aside, meatbags. Oil is thicker than blood."

"Shadow Moses", the new video from the British metalcore act BRING ME THE HORIZON, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's fourth album, "Sempiternal", which will be released on April 29 in Europe via RCA and one day later in North America through Epitaph.

Proving to be perpetual favorites among fans, the CD's first single, "Shadow Moses", came charging out of the gates earlier this month after premiering on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show, forcing Epitaph to post the song on YouTube a week in advance due to popular demand.

"There's a very euphoric sound coursing through the album, a very uplifting but yet sad sound," says BRING ME THE HORIZON frontman Oliver Sykes. "Electronically, it's far more advanced than anything we've done before."

The five-piece, consisting of Oliver Sykes, Lee Malia, Matt Kean, Matt Nicholls and Jordan Fish, recorded "Sempiternal" over a three-month period with super producer Terry Date (LINKIN PARK, DEFTONES, SOUNDGARDEN). The band also brought in David Bendeth (A DAY TO REMEMBER, PARAMORE) to add to the all-star production lineup and mix the album.

"Writing 'Sempiternal' was a completely different process," comments Sykes. "We worked from a computer, laying down ideas and riffs and working on them tirelessly until we had what we wanted." For the first time, "Sempiternal" sees a new member appearing on the record, Jordan Fish, who takes on keyboard duties on the record as well as during live performances. "Bringing Jordan into the mix changed things completely; he opened up so many more possibilities."

Sykes goes on to say: "The lyrical theme is everything. My head was a lot clearer when writing this time and it allowed me to write from a different perspective. It's the best stuff I've ever written, in my opinion. It's very dramatic, quite blunt, and at times sarcastic, but the biggest part of it — is how it is combined with the music to bring the listener vivid imagery and emotion. I think we really managed to pull that off."

"Sempiternal" is an embracing ride through soaring vocals, supercharged melodies and what can only be described as spine tingling metal anthems.

After the critical and commercial success of their previous albums, "There Is A Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let's Keep It A Secret" (2010) and their breakout success "Suicide Season" (2008), BRING ME THE HORIZON plans to take heavy music to the next level, incorporating the most dynamic elements of hard music to create one of the most exhilarating albums of the year.

"Sempiternal" track listing:

01. Can You Feel My Heart
02. The House Of Wolves
03. Empire (Let Them Sing)
04. Sleepwalking
05. Go To Hell, For Heaven's Sake
06. Shadow Moses
07. And The Snakes Start To Sing
08. Seen It All Before
09. Anti-vist
10. Crooked Young
11. Hospitals For Souls

BRING ME THE HORIZON recently parted ways with guitarist Jona Weinhofen. A replacement axeman has not yet been announced.

Attributes in music are known to be cyclical. Every few years, a band comes along which borrows just enough from the revered past to bring a new infusion of vitality to the musical present. SCORPION CHILD's sound invokes a time when guitar-driven rock ruled radio's airwaves, when being hypnotized by a frontman and his bandmates in a concert arena was one of life's ultimate main events.

A five-piece from Austin, Texas, SCORPION CHILD has spent the last few years perfecting both its songwriting and stage show. Guitarists Chris Cowart and David Finner deliver their finessed twin guitar attack with experience older than their years; bassist Shaun Avants and drummer Shawn Alvear are steadfast sentinels of their driving rhythm section; and lead singer Aryn Jonathan Black fronts the psychedelic rock cavalry with a passion and voice reminiscent of the early eras of Robert Plant and Ronnie James Dio.

"I've always wanted to hear new musical ingredients within a classic heavy sound," states Aryn Jonathan Black. "It’s great to witness captivating performances where both the live show and the band’s recorded material can complement one another. The heavy-prog sounds of URIAH HEEP, HAIRY CHAPTER, and the epic delivery of early RAINBOW showcases these crossovers brilliantly and gave us all honest — yet relentless — sonics to aspire to. That's why it’s important for us as a band to maintain spontaneity while putting a special emphasis into integral hooks."

This May, Nuclear Blast Entertainment, the new U.S. partnership between Nuclear Blast owner Markus Staiger and former Roadrunner Records A&R chief Monte Conner, will release SCORPION CHILD's self-titled, full-length debut. Produced and arranged by Chris "Frenchie" Smith (THE ANSWER, AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD...), the album uses analog recording technology to organically capture a hybrid of nine, hook-filled chapters of heavy psych rock. The goal? To breathe new life into a neglected yet still important musical heritage.

Dangerous guitar riffs, soul-ridden bass lines, and thunderous drums with powerful rock vocals as lead conductor convey the onstage swagger of SCORPION CHILD and will prepare you for the live experience awaiting you when the band tours the U.S. and Europe throughout 2013.

"Scorpion Child" track listing is:

01. Kings Highway
02. Polygon Of Eyes
03. The Secret Spot
04. Salvation Slave
05. Liquor
06. Antioch
07. In The Arms Of Ecstasy
08. Lover’s Leap
09. Red Blood (The River Flows)

The lyric video for "Polygon Of Eyes" can be seen below.

Former vocalist of HAIL THE VILLAIN Bryan Crouch has launched a new band, SIX SIDE DIE. They have posted a new demo online entitled 'Fraudulence. Check it out below:

Learn how to get your music heard at ReverbNation.com

Six Side Die's debut EP is available via iTunes and Amazon.com (use the widget below). The tracklist is as follows:

'My Enemy'
'Heart Is Dying'
'Die For'
'Break Me'

Queensland, Australia-based heavy sleaze rockers EIGHTBALL VOODOO have released an official music video for the track 'The Devil's Country' off the 666 Reasons split-single, which is available for purchase at iTunes and Amazon. Another two videos are in production for the tracks '666 Reasons' and the free download, 'Fall From Grace'.
The video can viewed below:
In the meantime work has started on the follow-up to 666 Reasons. Frontman Jay R says that the recording "will be a four to six song EP tentatively titled 'The Lords Of Voodoo'. Some of the tracks in contention for the EP are 'She Likes Machines', 'Organ Grinder', 'Fuck Off And Die', 'Hellride' and 'Lords Of Voodoo'."

Eightball Voodoo are hoping to put together a North American tour at some point this year and are finalising negotiations on some other deals that will be announced as they happen.

The international gang of reprobates known as Eightball Voodoo forge ahead with their own brand of hell spawned, whisky fuelled, blistering heavy sleaze rock whilst paying homage to the Sunset Strip scene of the late eighties/early nineties. Eightball Voodoo features Jay R of JackViper fame and Rob Silver, who were big players in the London sleaze revival circa 2005-2009, along with Deangersmith, Robi Smith and Ralph Margo who are all legendary veterans of the South African heavy metal scene.

Eightball Voodoo are also offering a free download of the dark acoustic ballad 'Fall From Grace'. Simply click
here to download the track.

German thrash metal veterans SODOM have set "Epitome Of Torture" as the titlte of their new album, set for May 7 release (April 29 in Europe) via SPV/Steamhammer. The band recorded 12 songs with producer Waldemar Sorychta (GRIP INC., ENEMY OF THE SUN). The effort will be available in four editions: as a jewel case release, in a digipak including additional bonus material on double gatefold LP with colored vinyl and download.

SODOM's latest CD, "In War And Pieces", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 64.

SODOM in 2010 parted ways with drummer Bobby Schottkowski due to "personal and private problems between Tom and Bobby," according to a statement released by the band.

SODOM's current drummer, Markus Freiwald, previously played for the German bands DESPAIR and FLAMING ANGER and was involved with the VOODOOCULT project. In addition, he played percussion as a session musician on the MOONSPELL album "Irreligious" and is featured on the 1996 LP "Triarchy Of The Lost Lovers" by Greek extreme metallers ROTTING CHRIST.

Drummer Mike Portnoy (ADRENALINE MOB, ex-DREAM THEATER) has checked in with the following update:

"Wow! Really cool fan tribute to my '12 Step Suite' (and a whole lot more!). It's like my life flashing before my eyes! Will always be very proud of my legacy. Check this out DT fans. I still hope to someday perform this entire suite in its entirely live on stage as that was always my idea/intention. Thanks for making this, DeanBassmanGaudoin!"

Click here for background information and a breakdown of '12 Step Suite'.
Portnoy recently announced his schedule of NAMM signings, appearances and performances. They are as follows:

January 24th:
- Sabian press conference to announce the winners of Cymbal Vote (9:30am)
- Bonzo Bash Namm Jamm at The Observatory in Anaheim, CA (evening)

January 25th:
- Metal Masters signing at Samson/Zoom booth (12:00 noon)
- signing at Remo booth (2:00pm)

January 26th:
- signing at Latin Percussion booth (2:30pm)
- signing at Samson/Zoom booth (3:30pm)

January 27th:
- jamming with "The 4 Dudes" at The Dragonfly in Hollywood (7:00pm, featuring BILLY SHEEHAN, RON "BUMBLEFOOT" THAL and HAPPENIN' HARRY)

NAMM 2013 takes place January 24th - 27th at Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Details at this location.

"Bruane Brenn", the brand new single from acclaimed Norwegian rockers KVELERTAK, was premiered on January 8 on BBC Radio 1's "Rock Show" with Daniel P. Carter and is now available on iTunes and Spotify in Scandinavia. The track comes off the band's sophomore album, "Meir", which will be released in March via Sony Music Scandinavia. The CD was recorded late summer/early fall at Godcity studios in Salem, Massachusetts with producer Kurt Ballou (CONVERGE).

KVELERTAK's previous label, Indie Recordings, which will release "Meir" on vinyl, said in a statement: "We congratulate the boys in KVELERTAK on their signing to Sony Music Scandinavia. It was a natural step for the band to sign to a major label at this point. We are so proud to have been a big part of their journey and helped to build them up to where they're at now! We are looking forward to keep on working with KVELERTAK on their vinyl releases in the future!"

"Meir" track listing:

01. Åpenbaring
02. Spring Fra Livet
03. Trepan
04. Bruane Brenn
05. Evig Vandrar
06. Snilepisk
07. Månelyst
08. Nekrokosmos
09. Undertro
10. Tordenbrak
11. Kvelertak

KVELERTAK recently completed a U.S tour alongside CONVERGE and TORCHE.

Featuring iconic artwork by John Dyer Baizley (BARONESS, KYLESA), KVELERTAK's self-titled 2010 debut album — which was certified gold in the band's home country — has earned the band extensive worldwide acclaim, with Kerrang! going so far as to call the sextet "the best Norwegian band since A-HA." The album, which features vocals entirely in the band's native language, recieved 9/10 ratings from Metal Hammer, Decibel and Rock Hard magazines and earned the group an invitation to perform a live session on BBC Radio 1.

"Hang On, Big Brother", the new video from PINNICK GALES PRIDGEN, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's self-titled debut album, which will be released on February 12 via Magna Carta.

It's often been said that three-piece bands are the most expressive and most balanced musical units known to the rock world. CREAM, THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, RUSH, THE POLICE, PRIMUS… These legendary acts struck upon the correct ratio of musicianship and progressive songwriting by exploring uncharted musical territories while highlighting the individual talents within their collective ranks.

Now Magna Carta Records unveils PINNICK GALES PRIDGEN, a visionary power trio (emphasis on power) and a supergroup to boot, which is sure to take its rightful place in rock's hallowed halls.

Composed of bassist/vocalist Doug "dUg" Pinnick of the progressive metal band KING'S X, southpaw blues-rock guitarist Eric Gales (LAURYN HILL) and ambitious ambidextrous drummer and former THE MARS VOLTA member Thomas Pridgen, PINNICK GALES PRIDGEN unites three versatile artists, who demand, as much as share, the musical spotlight.

On the band's debut, each member of PINNICK GALES PRIDGEN infuses the material with his own set of musical influences, transforming his individual instrument into a lead instrument. The absolutely slamming musicianship frames the recognizable melodies of these songs and catapults the music into the realms of psychedelic blues, hard rock, and progressive soul/R&B.

"This record is three guys, with music in us, who said, 'Let's go for it,'" says Pinnick. "It was built upon raw energy."

Produced by Mike Varney, PINNICK GALES PRIDGEN's debut contains all the stinging bite and all-out sonic boom of KING'S X, THE MARS VOLTA and the ERIC GALES BAND. In addition, fans of artists as far ranging as Jimi Hendrix, CREAM, LIVING COLOUR, Stevie Ray Vaughan, TOOL, THE WHO, Stevie Wonder and LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT might find something meaningful in these meaty, extended tracks.

PINNICK GALES PRIDGEN show some of their influences with their brilliant version of seminal power trio CREAM's "Sunshine Of Your Love". Pinnick says, "Our version has a different vibe: it's tuned down, real low."

"I think the record has a combination of all of the good things about our playing," says Pridgen.

"This is just colossal," Gales concludes. "This is just some slammin' [stuff]. When you put a project out like this, man, people will want to hear that [material] live. I know I would."

"Pinnick Gales Pridgen" track listing:

01. Collateral Damage
02. Angels And Aliens
03. For Jasmine
04. Hang On, Big Brother
05. Wishing Well
06. Hate Crime
07. Lascivious
08. Black Jeans
09. Sunshine Of Your Love
10. Been So High (The Only Place To Go Is Down)
11. Me And You
12. The Greatest Love
13. Frightening

PINNICK GALES PRIDGEN is:

* Doug "dUg" Pinnick (KING'S X) - Bass and Vocals
* Eric Gales (ERIC GALES BAND, LAURYN HILL) - Guitar and Vocals
* Thomas Pridgen (THE MARS VOLTA) – Drums

Check out audio samples at this location.

Rome, Italy-based progressive metallers KARNYA have inked a deal with Bakerteam Records. The band's debut album, "Coverin' Thoughts", will be released on February 23.

KARNYA's influences include Seventies progressive rock and modern metal, classical music and electronic sounds. A concept record, "Coverin' Thoughts" takes the listener on an emotional journey through the most diverse musical landscapes, like a book in which each chapter leads to the next one and you have to get to the end to appreciate every nuance. The CD was mixed by Giuseppe Orlando (NOVEMBRE) at Outer Sound Studios in Rome, Italy and mastered by Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA) at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden.

KARNYA was formed by three musicians from the Roman underground scene with a significant amount of prior recording and performing experience: Enrico Sandri previously played bass in the prog-metal band UTOPIA with whom he recorded the album "Ice And Knives"; Dario Di Pasquale was the keyboard player in the prog-metal act ZEN and appeared on that band's album "Gaze Into The Light"; and singer/guitarist Riccardo Nardocci had released two solo LPs.

"Scarless", the new video from German metallers FAREWELL TO ARMS, can be seen below. The track comes off the band's debut album, "Perceptions", which was released on November 23, 2012 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded at Weltraumstudios in Munich with producer Corni Bartels (HACKNEYED, END OF GREEN) and features guest vocals from THE SORROW's guitarist/vocalist Mathias "Mätze" Schlegel.

"Perceptions" track listing:

01. Resurrection
02. Losses To The Crown
03. Scarless
04. Between The Walls Of Ruins
05. Rejected
06. Mess Of Memories
07. Perceptions
08. From Init To Exit
09. At The Watershed
10. Procession

FAREWELL TO ARMS is:

Manuel Lotter - Drums
Dominik Martin - Vocals
Johannes Denk - Guitar
Gordian Golder - Guitar
Roland Gallus - Bass

According to the Toronto Star, a new study published in the journal Pediatrics is the ?rst to provide evidence that an early preference for different types of noisy, rebellious, nonmainstream music genres is a strong predictor of concurrent and later minor delinquency.

"We were stunned ourselves," said Dr. Tom Ter Bogt of Utrecht University in the Netherlands said. "We checked it over and over again."

Research showed that "early preferences are more important predictors of later delinquency compared with developing preferences for deviant music (i.e., increases in liking of nonmainstream music across adolescence did not indicate more delinquency at age 16). Speci?cally, adolescents with a strong early preference for music types that have been labeled as deviant (hip-hop, heavy metal, gothic, punk, and techno/hardhouse) were more engaged in minor delinquency in late adolescence."

Ter Bogt told the Toronto Star: "What we believe happens if you have this taste for rebellious music, noisy music, it brings you in contact with other kids with the same type of music taste and you are contaminated by the behaviour in that group.

"If you listen to classical music or jazz, overall these kids tend to behave far less dramatically."

He added: "I would suggest to parents if your 12-year-old child listens to very, very noisy music, rebellious music, be aware of what kinds of friends he or she brings to the house."

Read more from the Toronto Star.

Kennesaw, Georgia-based breweries Burnt Hickory and Anderson Bros. are collaborating on a rum barrel aged imperial raisin porter named named after Raleigh, North Carolina's "oldest and truest rock band" CORROSION OF CONFORMITY. According to Burnt Hickory, "The beer will be brewed this week and be sent into a wonderfully sublime exile for a few months. Aging in the barrel you see [below], it was be treated to a constant loop of the 'Technocracy' EP for the duration of its stay!"

Formed in Raleigh in 1982, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY quickly transformed heavy music. Politically charged and socially aware, the band has influenced countless others and today remains humble about their accomplishments. With over 1.1 million albums sold in the United States, the band continues to find new fans via nonstop touring.