Philadelphia based metallers SINGLE BULLET THEORY have posted a unmixed, unmastered sample from their forthcoming record, The Arena. Check it out below:
Frontman Matt DiFabio recently checked in with the following update:

"I announced that there was some band member changes going on here in the Single Bullet Theory camp. Here is the skinny!

Joe Brannigan is no longer with the group. He has decided to focus on his martial arts training and wants to dedicate more time to his other band OF WRATH AND RUIN. I'm sad to see Joe go but wish him the best of luck with all of his endeavors. He did however write a killer song and it will be featured on the new SBT record The Arena.

So, this brings me to the second part of the news. We are proud to announce that we have found a new guitarist and are currently getting him up to speed. Id like to welcome Harry Bartholomew Lannon into the fold. Harry is an exceptional lead and rhythm player and we intend to make the triple guitar attack even more insane now! Harry will be making is live debut with the group on our March weekend runs.

In addition, we are looking for a permanent drummer still. Nick has been kind enough to continue to fill in. However, as it gets closer to his expected time of arrival for his baby, it will become much harder to schedule performances. So, if anyone knows someone who might be able to actually play SBT material. Please have 'em get in touch asap here.

That's all for now, I'm going back to work on the new record!"

Single Bullet Theory made the recently recorded track ‘Edge Of Broken’ available for $1 download via their Bandcamp page. The song is a reworked piece of older material that will appear as a bonus track on the band's new album.

2013 will be a busy year for Berlin, Germany's THE OCEAN. The band will release a new album on April 30 (one day earlier internationally) via Metal Blade Records.

To support the the follow-up to the "Heliocentric" and "Anthropocentric" CD (2010), THE OCEAN will embark on a three-week European tour with CULT OF LUNA in April and May, including an appearnace at the Roadburn festival on April 20 in Tilburg, Holland.

THE OCEAN's new album will be a single-disc release containing 52 minutes of new music. It will be mixed by Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA) in January and will come in two versions: instrumental and with vocals.

Comments THE OCEAN's Robin Staps: "The album was originally written to be instrumental, but in the end, me and Loic couldn't help but try out a few things vocal-wise and we soon got pretty excited... So there will be vocals on the album. However, we want everyone to have both versions, and we are also planning to perform the album live that way — with and without vocals."

The special edition of the album will be released along with a film by Craig Murray (NINE INCH NAILS).

THE OCEAN's 3xDVD "Collective Oblivion" has been delayed, but will also see the light of day in 2013.

For the first time in twelve years, work has begin on the long-awaited second CONTROL DENIED album. Guitarist Shannon Hamm and producer Jim Morris of Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida have been reviewing material recorded by the band before CONTROL DENIED mainman — and DEATH mastermind — Chuck Schuldiner's untimely passing.

Chuck — who died in December 2001 after a battle with pontine glioma, a rare type of brain tumor — began work on the CD, tentatively titled "When Machine And Man Collide", but never managed to finish the effort before his health quickly deteriorated in the months leading up to his tragic death. The remaining members of the group — bassist Steve DiGiorgio, vocalist Tim Aymar, guitarist Shannon Hamm, and drummer Richard Christy — subsequently announced their desire to complete the album and release it in Chuck's memory, but legal hassles between Schuldiner's family and Hammerheart Records (to whom Chuck was signed at the time of his death) put the entire project on hold. (Karmageddon Media — formerly Hammerheart Records — has since issued various incomplete demo recordings as two separate low-quality albums, "Zero Tolerance" and "Zero Tolerance II".)

Chuck's mother, Jane Schuldiner, previously stated about the unfinished recordings: "[Chuck's] last masterpiece deserves more than to be released as unfinished bits of rehearsal room recordings on CD, or to be grabbed for free on the Internet. It deserves to be finished by the rest of the band and to be released on a full-length album, titled: 'When Machine And Man Collide'."

CONTROL DENIED's legendary first album, "The Fragile Art of Existence", got the deluxe reissue treatment in October 2010 through Relapse Records.

"The Fragile Art of Existence", originally released in 1999 to critical acclaim, was remastered, repackaged and features liner notes from CONTROL DENIED drummer Richard Christy, never-before-seen photographs, as well as over an hour of previously unreleased demo and rehearsal tracks.

Two versions of the "The Fragile Art of Existence" reissue were made available. The worldwide version was a two-CD set including the original album plus a bonus CD of early demo material. The second version was limited to 1,000 copies and was a three-disc set including an extra bonus disc of demo tracks, many of which have Schuldiner on vocals. The three-disc set was made available at Relapse.com exclusively.

Pictured below: Shannon Hamm and Jim Morris at Morrisound Recording in December 2012

Bassist Victor Cito Borge has quit the Norwegian/British hard rock band TNT in order to pursue another project.

In a statement, Borge said: "After seven and a half years as a bass player in TNT, I have decided to accept another offer from [January 1]. My best wishes and good luck to the boys in the band and crew for the future! And not least, thanks to all of you who have been so incredibly positive and great support for me during my time in TNT!"

TNT's latest album, "A Farewell To Arms", was released in Japan in December 2010 via Avalon/Marquee and in Europe (excluding Norway) in January 2011 through Metal Heaven. The CD was produced by TNT guitar player Ronni Le Tekrö at his Studio Studio, and the songs were mainly written by Tekrö and TNT's British vocalist Tony Mills (ex-SHY).

Ex-TNT singer Tony Harnell rejoined his former bandmates for their 30th-anniversary concert on June 2 at the Clarion Hotel in Trondheim, Norway. The group performed a special setlist while accompanied by the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra (Trondheim Symfoniorkester). Also making a special appearance with the band was TNT's original singer, Dag Ingebrigtsen.

A clip of BARONESS' John Baizley and Pete Adams playing an acoustic version of the song "Stretchmarker" can be seen below. The clip, recorded in Baizley's Philadelphia art studio, marks the first performance the band members have shared since their horrific bus accident in August.

"Simply put: it's time to get back to it," stated Baizley.

"Since my belated and thankful return to the USA (after our painful test in motor coach-aeronautics), I can definitively say I've exhausted my reserve of potential leisure activities (there's not that many of them, after all). I've come dreadfully close to boredom, and in those moments, I can't help but focus on my glaring physical infirmities.

"Television offers little respite from this relative stasis; I'm sure by now I have sampled every biker-meth-dealer-zombie-low-talking-cop-crime-scene-serial-killer-real-housewife soap opera that is currently being broadcast (and there's no small number of them).

"I've tried to fill my weekly routine with as much physical therapy as possible but the truth is, PT is not fun, and its benefits come with a great deal of mental/physical/spiritual pain and struggle. Furthermore, I believe I am getting a touch of Stockholm Syndrome when it comes to my doctors and therapists (the highlight of my week should NOT involve a clinic).

"Music might be the best therapy I have right now. Perhaps it's both the cause and the cure (the thought has crossed my mind); but I feel lost without it.

"Pete and I have just spent a long week surveying our musical wreckage and, surprisingly, we are quite well and intact. Sure, there are some substantial obstacles to overcome before we write, record or perform any time soon; but we still have everything we need to get 'back in' that particular 'saddle again.'

"Most of my peers are familiar with such high-school-gym-teacher poeticisms as 'risk equals reward' and 'no pain, no gain;' but did any of us every really believe there was any real wisdom in those adolescent platitudes? I didn't. I am, however, starting to understand the essence of these and many of our other favorite clichés.

"As odd as it might be for me to write these 'updates' after 10 years of personal silence on the Internet, I feel that I owe everyone who's voiced or given their support to BARONESS a brief synopsis of our situation and more importantly a heartfelt thanks. Honestly, it has made this ordeal much easier on me. What little publicity that surrounds our crash has given voice to so many people who have shared their own stories of injury, trauma and struggle with us, and has furthered my own faith in the communicative and universal strength of music.

"As every singer on every stage has nightly said, 'We wouldn't be where we are without you.'

"Thanks, everyone. We look forward to seeing you soon."

Selfmadegod Records has announced the signing of TERMINATE from Morton Grove, Illinois.

The mission of TERMINATE is simple: to play death metal the way it was meant to be played. Taking influences from death metal stalwarts BOLT THROWER and AUTOPSY, while maintaining a melodic sensibility akin to Swedish greats DISMEMBER and ENTOMBED, is what defines TERMINATE sound.

Thanks to TERMINATE's independently released "Thirst For The Obscene" EP in 2011, Polish label Selfmadegod took notice of the crushing act and immediately inked a deal with TERMINATE to release their debut full-length in early 2013..

TERMINATE was formed in late 2009 by guitarist/vocalist John Porada and drummer Jim Smith. After releasing the "Thirst For The Obscene" demo, the lineup was completed with Tom Cardella on guitar and Alfred Mulle on bass.

Consisting of veterans of the Chicago and New York metal scenes, the band has quickly made a name for itself, catching the attention of not only within their home city of Chicago, but also a core of underground fans across the world.

Metal Mark of SkullsNBones.com conducted an interview with guitarist/vocalist Adam "Nergal" Darski of Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH aboard Barge To Hell — the world's most extreme metal cruise — which sailed Monday, December 3, 2012 from Miami, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas and returned to the real world on Friday, December 7. Check out the chat below.

Asked about the progress of the songwriting sessions for BEHEMOTH's next album, Nergal said: "We're in writing mode, and we're doing this [cruise] more or less as a vacation, js tto get us out of the writing [environment]. But even yesterday, before the show, I was fucking around with my guitar and jamming out and shit. I came up with… I really think this riff is gonna end up on the record; it's gonna make its way to the record. So I'm really thinking about my record. I'm dreaming my record, I'm eating my record, I'm shitting my record… I mean, everything just comes to the same thing: this artistic release that's gonna take place in the fall next year. That's the plan. We already made a rough plan. We should be entering the studio in late February. We're demoing stuff now. It's actually a rehearsal studio. So this is a thing we've never done before: we get into the studio, we set up the equipment, and we just play. And we record stuff. So it's very creative. It's new and it's different energy, too. I mean, we still use our rehearsal room, but it's good to change the environment. And then in January and February, we decided to move to Warsaw to work on the record. It should be very stimulating; this change of rooms and change of cities, it can be very stimulating. But we've got plenty of stuff written already; I'm guessing 30 or 40 minutes of music is done. But I keep on writing. I'm so hyped and I'm so into delivering new stuff. I have this thought: every time I come up with a new theme or a new song idea, I think it's actually better than the one before. So I hope that this process stops at a certain point and I'm, like, 'OK, over. This is it. We're working on this bunch of songs and that's it.' Because this way I can go on forever."

In an April 2012 interview with Metal Blast, Nergal offered more information about BEHEMOTH's mindset going into the next album. "We want to take our time and not rush ourselves in any way," he said. "It looks like it might be the most important album in our career. I want to make the most honest record and I won't be bending to anyone's rules or expectations, including [BEHEMOTH's record labels] Metal Blade or Nuclear Blast. Every next BEHEMOTH album is a surprise and is never the same. . . We don't want to stress ourselves because the music business and the direction it takes is not as I would like it to be. That means we will be going against the current again and just do as we will and please. Whatever we do is going to be BEHEMOTH, 100%. It is the state of our will and nobody can deny it. I can tell you that we aren't going to come out with a reggae or country album; it's going to be BEHEMOTH, it's going to be extreme. But don't be surprised if people listened to it and said, 'Fuck, they did it. It's so amazing.' [laughs] That's what I like to say when I listen to my own music. I love to surprise myself. I hate things that are predictable. I want to surprise myself and surprise other people, as well. . . Don't get me wrong, I am a huge AC/DC fan and I expect AC/DC to be AC/DC, but don't expect BEHEMOTH to put out another 'The Apostasy', 'Demigod' or 'Evangelion' album, because that will not happen."

BEHEMOTH's ninth full-length studio album, "Evangelion", sold 8,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 56 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released in the U.S. in August 2009 through Metal Blade, the CD was mixed at Miloco Studios in London, England by Colin Richardson, who has previously worked with MACHINE HEAD, SLIPKNOT, NAPALM DEATH and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, among many others.

British heavy metal singer Blaze Bayley (IRON MAIDEN, WOLFSBANE) will release his upcoming collaborative acoustic EP with Belgium-based classical guitarist Thomas Zwijsen, "Russian Holiday" on February 5. The effort, which is available for pre-order in Basic, Silver (name mentioned in the booklet) and Gold (name mentioned in the booklet and a limited edition t-shirt) packages, features four re-arranged songs from previous albums and one brand new song written by Bayley and Zwijsen.

As previously reported, Blaze and Thomas have started a competition for the CD's cover artwork. Fans that are creative and want to be part of this EP can send their creation to management@blazebayley.net before December 22. The winning artwork will be used on the cover and winner will be mentioned inside the booklet. He/she will also receive a free signed copy of the EP. The winning artwork will have to be available in high definition in order to be eligible.

"Russian Holiday" is expected to include a "full classical guitar arrangement" of the IRON MAIDEN song "Sign Of The Cross", which the duo performed on their recent U.K. acoustic tour.

Zwijsen previously recorded an acoustic IRON MAIDEN tribute album called "Nylon Maiden", which featured a guest appearance by Bayley on a cover version of "The Clansman".

Zwijsen is one of the musicians who backed Bayley on Blaze's most recent European "The King Of Metal" tour.

Professionally filmed video footage of Bayley and Zwijsen performing an acoustic set on July 27 at The Asylum in Birmingham, England can be seen below.

The setlist was as follows:

01. Lord Of The Flies (IRON MAIDEN)
02. The Launch
03. Truth Is Revealed
04. Meant To Be
05. Stare At The Sun
06. I Like It Hot (WOLFSBANE)
07. One More Step
08. Man On The Edge (IRON MAIDEN)
09. Como Estais Amigos (IRON MAIDEN)
10. Doctor Doctor (UFO)

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

The 49-year-old Bayley, who was born in Birmingham, was the original frontman in WOLFSBANE, but left in 1994 to replace Bruce Dickinson as the lead singer of IRON MAIDEN.

Pavement Entertainment announced today that they have signed a three-album deal with the Italian death metal band THE MODERN AGE SLAVERY.

Formed in 2007, The Modern Age Slavery gained unanimous critical acclaim from the international press with their first demo. The demo ended up being Demo of the Month in Rock Hard magazine Germany and Napalm Records took notice and signed The Modern Age Slavery to a recording deal.
Their debut album, Damned to Blindness, was released on November 28, 2008 on Napalm Records and confirms The Modern Age Slavery infamous status in the underground scene by delivering a relentless Deathcore debut that takes no prisoners.

The band parted way with Napalm Records and now are finishing up their Pavement Music debut entitled Requiem For Us All. The album will be released Spring 2013 and will be distributed in North America by MRI/RED.

ONE MAN ARMY AND THE UNDEAD QUARTET — the Swedish band featuring THE CROWN vocalist Johan Lindstrand — has officially called it quits.

Says Lindstrand: "The time has come to say goodbye. It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone since the last year hasn't exactly been favored to ONE MAN ARMY. I no longer feel that strong towards what the band meant in the beginning. The first 3-4 years were magic defined but sadly that magic couldn't last.

"Me and all the members, past and present, would like to thank you all a million times for your support. We had a blast most of the times. I will now continue my ride with THE CROWN. May ONE MAN ARMY AND THE UNDEAD QUARTET rest in peace. This legacy will forever be with me and hopefully with you too!"

Lindstrand rejoined THE CROWN in September 2011 following the departure of Jonas Stålhammar.

ONE MAN ARMY AND THE UNDEAD QUARTET last year parted ways with guitarist Mattias Bolander and replaced him with Pierre Lysell.

"Skeletons Of Rose Hall", the latest video from ONE MAN ARMY AND THE UNDEAD QUARTET, can be viewed below.

"Skeletons Of Rose Hall" comes off ONE MAN ARMY AND THE UNDEAD QUARTET's fourth full-length album, "The Dark Epic", which was released in Europe on February 25, 2011. The CD was recorded at Black Lounge studios in Avesta, Sweden with producer Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CARNAL FORGE). The cover artwork was created by Björn Goosses of Killustrations.

"Skeletons Of Rose Hall" video:

"Other Side", the new video from rockers THE LAST VEGAS, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's fourth full-length album, "Bad Decisions", which was released in North America on August 28 via FrostByte Media and in Europe on November 16 through AFM Records. The CD was produced by Johnny K (MEGADETH, DISTURBED, 3 DOORS DOWN, AIRBOURNE) in the band's hometown of Chicago and contains the straight-up-rock-'n'-roll-meets-garage/punk-rock sound for which the band has come to be known. THE LAST VEGAS singer Chad Cherry referred to the new tracks as "a little more raw, a little more groovy and more LAST VEGAS than the previous album...", while guitarist Adam Arling declared with DIY fervor, that the album contains "no samples, loops, backing this, that, whatever a lot of bands do nowadays. Just five guys rocking."

Hailing from Chicago and formed in 2005, THE LAST VEGAS cut its teeth relentlessly playing in support of two independent releases. In 2009, the band burst on to the national scene when MÖTLEY CRÜE's Nikki Sixx saw them play live in Los Angeles and subsequently co-produced their third album, "Whatever Gets You Off". More touring followed, including a stint opening MÖTLEY CRÜE's "Saints Of Los Angeles" tour. The Onion referred to their sound as "Swaggering, stomping, balls-out guitar rock," while The Chicago Sun-Times declared them to be "red hot garage-rockers."

THE LAST VEGAS is: Chad Cherry (vocals), Adam Arling (guitars), Danny Smash (bass), Nate Arling (drums) and Johnny Wator (guitars).

"Bad Decisions" track listing:

01. Beat To Hell
02. Other Side
03. Bad Decisions
04. Evil Eyes
05. Don't Take It So Hard
06. She's My Confusion
07. It Ain't Easy
08. My Way Forever
09. Leonida
10. Devil In You
11. You Are The One
12. Good Night

SPV/Steamhammer has set an April 29, 2013 release date for the as-yet-untitled new album from German thrash metal veterans SODOM. The band is currently recording 12 songs with producer Waldemar Sorychta (GRIP INC., ENEMY OF THE SUN).

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.

Vocalist Jesse Leach of Massachusetts metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE announced during the band's performance last night (Sunday, December 16) at the Music Hall Of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York that their new studio album will be released in April 2013 via Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded by KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, an acclaimed producer who has previously worked with ALL THAT REMAINS, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and AS I LAY DYING, among others. The mixing sessions were overseen by veteran British producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, ACCEPT, ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE).

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's forthcoming album will mark the return of Leach, who rejoined the group earlier this year following the departure of Howard Jones after nine years and three successful albums.

"[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."

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE fans have already had the opportunity to hear one of the cuts that will appear on the upcoming CD: a rough mix of the song "No End In Sight" was recently leaked online, and as a result the band has started playing it live.

"That song is the weakest song on the whole record," Leach told Loudwire. "That's my opinion. I actually almost wouldn't mind if it wasn't even on the record because I think other stuff is much better, but probably since we played it and fans know it, we'll put it on, but in my opinion, that's definitely the weakest song. Now that the record is done, in retrospect, that would not be the song that we would be playing live."

Leach sang on the band's first self-titled album, which came out in 2000, and on their landmark release, 2002's genre-defining "Alive Or Just Breathing".

Phil Bozeman (WHITECHAPEL), Cameron "Big Chocolate" Argon, Austin Carlile (OF MICE & MEN) and Ricky Hoover (ex-SUFFOKATE) are the newly confirmed guest singers who will perform with the surviving members of SUICIDE SILENCE at a special show on December 21 at the Fox theater in Pomona, California as a tribute to their late frontman, Mitch Lucker, who died November 1, after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle crash in Huntington Beach on Halloween night. All proceeds from the event will go towards the education of Mitch's five-year-old daughter, Kenadee Lucker. The concert announcement was made on November 24 during the sixth annual California Metalfest at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California.

Official multi-camera video footage of the announcement can be seen below.

Speaking to the audience, SUICIDE SILENCE guitarist Mark Heylmun said, "We fucking lost our brother; I'm sure you all know that. We all miss him more than anything in the fucking world."

He continued, "I think something that is really important to us is that we consider SUICIDE SILENCE a family — as far as the band goes, as far as any crew member we've ever had, anybody that has ever worked for us, and the fans… Everyone is family; and that is the greatest thing that's ever happened to us and we are so grateful to be a part of this.

"This is the most difficult thing we've ever had to deal with. I really don't know where to start. We're just dealing with it day by day, and I hope everybody else is dealing with it. It's just unreal to have to be up here right now talking about this.

"We wanna say thank you all so much for donating to Kenadee's education fund.

"If there was anything that Mitch gave a fuck about in the world besides SUICIDE SILENCE, it would obviously be his daughter; he cared more about her than anything in the fucking world. We're here and we're gonna make sure that she's taken care of, and that's what we have to do. And we thank you guys for donating all the money you have.

"Everybody's been asking what we're gonna do as a band. We're putting together a show. It's gonna be at Fox Theater on December 21. Just kind of the best event, the best show that you could possibly imagine. Obviously, Mitch is not gonna be there. We're gonna have a different singer every single song. We're gonna put the best show that we possibly can together. It's already in the works. Tickets go on sale [on Tuesday, December 4]. Hopefully everybody can make it out. It's gonna be really fucking special. And all the money that is going towards the show is going to Kenadee's educational fund. So it's going to a good cause and Mitch would really appreciate it and we'd really appreciate it. So thank you, guys, very much."

Confirmed singers so far:

* Phil Bozeman (WHITECHAPEL)
* Cameron "Big Chocolate" Argon
* Austin Carlile (OF MICE & MEN)
* Ricky Hoover (ex-SUFFOKATE)
* Chad Gray (HELLYEAH, MUDVAYNE)
* Tim Lambesis (AS I LAY DYING)
* Eddie Hermida (ALL SHALL PERISH)

A funeral service for Mitch Lucker was held on November 8. The ceremony was attended by family and friends, including SUICIDE SILENCE bassist Dan Kenny, who tweeted afterwards, "Had to bury my brother today, he looked peaceful when I saw him. It was very hard but it was needed! To the fans just know Mitch loved yall"

SUICIDE SILENCE has launched a memorial fund to provide assistance to Lucker's family. Those who donate $20 or more will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Lucker struck a light pole near the intersection of Main and 13th streets and was thrown from his 2013 Harley Davidson. The motorcycle continued sliding south on Main Street and struck a northbound 2007 Nissan Titan pickup.

Lucker, who was treated at the scene by paramedics, died shortly after 6 a.m. at UC Irvine Medical Center.

"Riot", the new single from Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, will be available at all digital providers on January 15. The track, which can be streamed below, is the first official single from the band's fourth studio album, "Temper Temper", set for release February 12, 2013. The LP will be available in both standard and deluxe editions on RCA Records.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE last month filmed a video for "Riot" in New York City with renowned director P.R. Brown, who has previously worked with such artists as MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Prince, AUDIOSLAVE, MÖTLEY CRÜE and SIXX: A.M.

"Temper Temper" was once again produced by Don Gilmore (LINKIN PARK, GOOD CHARLOTTE), who worked on the group's last LP, 2010's "Fever", and was mixed by noted engineer Chris Lord-Alge (DEFTONES, NICKELBACK, AVENGED SEVENFOLD).

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE frontman Matt Tuck recently revealed that the band's recording process on this album was influenced in part by his work in his side project AXEWOUND. "We approached the record a lot differently this time around," he said. "It was kind of more inspired by the way I did the AXEWOUND record. And that was basically: Get in the studio and write and record as you went along."

"Temper Temper" track listing:

01. Breaking Point
02. Truth Hurts
03. Temper Temper
04. Pow
05. Dirty Little Secret
06. Leech
07. Dead To The World
08. Riot
09. Saints n Sinners
10. Tears Don't Fall (Part 2)
11. Livin Life (On The Edge of A Knife)

Deluxe-edition bonus tracks:

12. Not Invincible
13. Whole Lotta Rosie (from the "Live Lounge" show on BBC Radio 1)
14. Scream Aim Fire (from the "Live Lounge" show on BBC Radio)

The "Temper Temper" title track was released on November 25 across all digital providers.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE will embark on a U.K. tour in March. Support on all dates will come from HALESTORM.

Finnish heavy metal monsters LORDI have inked a deal with AFM Records. The Hamburg, Germany-based label will release the band's new album, "To Beast Or Not To Beast", on March 8 worldwide (excluding Finland and USA).

According to a press release, "All fans can look forward to a masterpiece full of huge hard rock and metal anthems in typical LORDI style!"

"To Beast Or Not To Beast" was recorded earlier this fall at WireWorld Studio in Nashville, Tennessee with renowned producer Michael Wagener (METALLICA, OZZY OSBOURNE, SKID ROW, DOKKEN, RAVEN, MEGADETH). The CD will mark the recording debut of LORDI's new members, keyboardist Hella (who replaced Awa) and drummer Mana (as the replacement for Kita).

A photo of the new LORDI lineup can be seen below.

LORDI previously worked with Wagener on 2010's "Babez For Breakfast", which sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 43 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Swiss hard rock veterans KROKUS have issued the following update:

“To answer the numerous questions on our numerous blogs in the last couple of days regarding detailed info on who's drumming on live gigs in support of 'Dirty Dynamite' release:

There will be several guest drummers supporting KROKUS on tour. For the time being, it is Kosta Zafiriou [PINK CREAM 69], who also drummed on our forthcoming CD release.

"KROKUS will be a five-piece lineup. The drummer is part of the live lineup but not official band member (example: when original band member Bill Wyman left THE ROLLING STONES, he was replaced with Darryl Jones for live performances, yet he is not pictured on press photos, album covers, etc.)

"Before KROKUS will rock festivals in Switzerland and abroad, we want to 'get close' to our fans in some smaller venues, starting in Zurich and then in our home town (other dates might be added, we will let you know). Those intimate tour dates are as follows, tickets went on sale a couple of days ago."

The "Close Contact Dög Tour" dates:

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

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.

KROKUS will release its new album, "Dirty Dynamite", on February 22, 2013 via Sony Music.

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 2012 is:

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

LED ZEPPELIN legend Robert Plant joined his girlfriend, roots singer Patty Griffin, on stage this past Saturday night (December 15) at the Continental Club in Austin, Texas to perform several tracks, incuding reworked versions of ZEPPELIN classics. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below. The show was a benefit event for injured and uninsured Austin musician Michael Fracasso — a longtime friend of Griffin’s — and the Health Alliance For Austin Musicians medical assistance program.

Plant recently confirmed to CBS Local that he contributed to the next record from Griffin, who was part of his backing group on his BAND OF JOY tour. "It's a brilliant record," said Plant of the upcoming "American Kid". "It's produced by Craig Ross. I just joined her on a couple of songs, which we wrote together. It's great stuff, it's really good."

Fan-filmed video footage of the second of FIREWIND's two shows in Thessaloniki, Greece at the Mylos Club as part of the band's 10th-anniversary celebration can be found at this location. A couple of the clips are available below. The group blazed through a different setlist each night and played several songs they had never performed before. Joining FIREWIND on stage for the "Breaking The Silence" track was VISIONS OF ATLANTIS frontwoman Maxi Nil.

According to Rock Overdose, FIREWIND/OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Gus G. (real name: Kostas Karamitroudis) has begun collecting ideas and recording demos for his first solo album, to be released sometime in 2013. The CD will feature instrumental tracks as well as songs with guest singers.

On the FIREWIND front, Gus revealed a live album will be made available from the band's current tour as a way to celebrate the group's tenth anniversary. In addition, there will be various reissues of bonus material in 2013 as well as a possible box-set release, the details of which will be announced at a later date.

FIREWIND's new album, "Few Against Many", entered the official chart in Greece at No. 42 and in Germany at No. 90. Released in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and in North America on May 22 through DisManic, Inc. via eOne Distribution, the CD was mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Sanford, Florida.

Produced by Gus, "Few Against Many" was recorded with his longtime bandmates, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, keyboardist/guitarist Bob Katsionis and bassist Petros Christo, at Valve Studio in Greece as well as the Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expanding on its signature melodic sound with some of its most aggressive songs to date. The CD also marks the recording debut of new FIREWIND drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE).

Quality fan-filmed video footage of THIN LIZZY's December 13 concert at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, Ireland can be seen below.

THIN LIZZY guitarist Scott Gorham recently spoke to This Is Somerset about the band's decision not to release their upcoming studio under the THIN LIZZY name out of respect to late LIZZY frontman Phil Lynott and the legacy Phil created.

"In recent years the top question we have been asked in interviews is whether there is going to be a new THIN LIZZY album," said Scott.

"We have all been writing in different little groups then getting together and brainstorming; it's been pretty good fun and the songs have been getting better and better.

"Then [founding LIZZY drummer] Brian [Downey] and I sat down and had a discussion and realized how uncomfortable we would be to release these new songs under the THIN LIZZY name," he explained.

"Having written and recorded with Phil in the past we felt it was best to leave that history as it is. We love those songs and we love playing them, so it's best to draw a line in the sand and walk away from THIN LIZZY for a while.

"So we're going to record the new material and release it under a new band name, which is under wraps at the moment."

"But I've been associated with THIN LIZZY practically my whole life, and I can't imagine a time when I could give it up altogether," he added.

"We always knew a new record was a touchy subject with some people But most people support and respect our decision, and that is good to know."

THIN LIZZY's current lineup features Phil Lynott-era LIZZY members Scott Gorham (guitar), Brian Downey (drums) and Darren Wharton (keyboards), as well as guitarist Damon Johnson, formerly of BROTHER CANE and Alice Cooper's band, former THE ALMIGHTY singer/guitarist Ricky Warwick, and bassist Marco Mendoza.

Keith Deen, former vocalist of 1980s Los Angeles thrashers HOLY TERROR, died on Thursday, December 13 after a three-month battle with cancer. He was 56 years old.

HOLY TERROR was formed in the mid-1980s by Kurt Colfelt (a.k.a. Kurt Kilfelt; ex-AGENT STEEL) and ex-DARK ANGEL drummer Jack Schwarz, who left before the release of the band's first album, 1987's "Terror And Submission". A follow-up effort, "Mind Wars", was issued in 1988.

Stated Colfelt: "With the loss of Keith Deen, a part of me is gone as well."

After resurrecting HOLY TERROR in 2005, Colfelt revealed that he "attempted to get in touch" with Deen about having him front the band again but that Keith's non-response was a clear signal that the singer was not interested in taking part in the group's reunion.

A HOLY TERROR DualDisc release, "El Revengo", came out in 2006 through the U.K.-based label Blackend Records. The DVD side on the DualDisc featured live footage as well as the "Judas Reward" video.

In recent weeks a press release has been circulating announcing the disbanded HAREM SCAREM - who called it quits in 2008 - have plans for European live dates in late 2013. Initially dismissed as bogus information because no details were offered beyond a list of the band's catalogue material, BW&BK has received confirmation through a source very close to the band that something is indeed in the works for next year.

Stay tuned for updates.
TheRighttoRock.com recently issued their latest podcast (episode #144), featuring former Harem Scarem vocalist Harry Hess. Harry took time out of his busy schedule to discuss his latest solo CD, Living In Yesterday. Harry also discusses what he does when he's not making his own music, as well as the possibility of a Harem Scarem reunion.

Listen to the podcast at this location.

Best known for spending 17 years as frontman of Harem Scarem, one of the most well known and respected melodic hard rock bands to come out of Canada, Harry Hess has been redesigning his career as music producer and songwriter.

After the band’s decision to stop recording more albums, the next natural step for Harry was to start working on a solo album which he has been expertly crafting little by little in his Toronto studio. Still the songs included on Living In Yesterday are the result of Hess’ travels around the globe over the last few years with stops in Stockholm, Amsterdam, Brussels, Nashville and Germany.
With this CD Harry intends to go back to certain sounds and atmospheres leaning more towards melodic rock music. “This record is more a continuation of where I left off with Harem Scarem,” says Harry. “I am a rock singer and it's really hard for me to open up my mouth and sound right doing any other style of music so I really embrace that now and build the production around my vocal style.”

The musicians featured on the album include his former Harem Scarem bandmates Pete Lesperance, Creighton Doane and Darren Smith, Tommy Denander, Marcie Free (UNRULY CHILD), Howie Simon (JEFF SCOTT SOTO) and Magnus Karlsson (PRIMAL FEAR) among others. “This whole record was built on the co-writes and on the collaborations I have been doing all around the world the past three years,” continues Harry. “There were some great writers involved and it was fun to try new things but still make it work with what I do.”

Frontiers Records released the new HESS solo album, Living In Yesterday, back in August.
Living In Yesterday includes the following songs:

'Living In Yesterday'
'Reach For You'
'It's Over'
'Don't Leave Me'
'What If'
'Nothing Lasts Forever'
'Falling Down'
'I Live For You'
'I Don't Wanna Want You'
'Where To Run'

“I've never a big fan of my own work but there are few songs on this record that I feel are some of my best to date,” concludes Harry.

The title track, 'Living In Yesterday', is streaming in full on Frontiers Records webradio and on Harry Hess' Facebook page.

Norwegian black metal veterans DARKTHRONE will release their new album, "The Underground Resistance", on February 26 via Peaceville Records.

"The Underground Resistance" is DARKTHRONE's latest venture through the metal cosmos, and first new album since the 2010 opus, "Circle The Wagons". It contains DARKTHRONE's trademark masterful riffing in a broad range of styles, effortlessly bounding through the annals of classic metal, taking in thrash, speed and black metal, and not forgetting a dose of punk. All in all, a ferocious and dynamic set of tracks drenched in Fenriz's and Nocturno's rich and diverse tastes in all things metal, primarily those rooted firmly in the spirit of the '80s. Six tracks long, and each one an epic in itself, this is undoubtedly DARKTHRONE's strongest outing of late.

"The Underground Resistance" was written and recorded spring 2010 to summer 2012 at Necrohell 2 studios by the bandmembers themselves. The CD was mastered by Jack Control at Enormous Door in Texas. The cover artwork comes courtesy of the iconic and celebrated artist Jim Fitzpatrick.

Commented Fenriz: "Three songs each, Ted's are flown from the universe of metal with his strongest voice ever so far. Songs of mine are torn from the wombs of the riders of rohan of metal, safely cradled in 1985 style."

In a recent interview with Terrorizer magazine DARKTHRONE guitarist/vocalist Nocturno Culto stated about the band's new CD: "I can't speak for Fenriz, but I think he’s going for more epic lyrics. I can only speak for myself and this time around they are very personal lyrics. It's the first time I've ever tried this and it’s difficult to do it nicely and put it into good words. There was a lot of hate and people trying to ruin your day and I had stuff to say for my sake."

He added: "Our music now is basically just metal. It will be a step away from the last album as usual."

DARKTHRONE's last album, "Circle The Wagons", sold around 500 copies in the United States in its first week of release back in April 2010. The CD landed at position No. 120 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Dallas, Texas-based Dei Aemeth has signed a worldwide distribution deal with Swimming With Sharks Records. Their debut album, Apotheosis, was produced and recorded by guitarist Sam Paquette at S.A.M. Recording Studios in Dallas,Texas and was mastered at JFD Studio by J-F Dagenais (KATAKLYSM). According to a press release, the album features elements of progressive, technical, and blackened death metal. The band recruited Noah "Shark" Robertson, original drummer and founding member of THE BROWNING (Earache Records/Artery Foundation Management), to drumming duties for their debut release.
Paquette comments on the album and the signing: "After recording 'Apotheosis' and listening to the mixes, we were completely stoked; we had something special we needed to get out to the masses. Swimming With Sharks is the perfect way to make this happen, as they are fully committed to us and the album. This is a huge milestone for us, our fans are excited, and we are looking forward to finding those new rabid fans out there and having our best year ever."

The band has been making a name for themselves in the Texas metal scene for years and is rapidly gaining wide-spread attention for their dark and punishing brand of progressive death metal.

'Apotheosis' is currently available at Swimmingwithsharksrecords.com.

Check out the band on Facebook.