According to a new study by a Colorado State University associate professor, dogs in animal shelters were less likely to bark and more likely to sleep to classical music than heavy metal.

Lori Kogan, who is in the College Of Veterinary Medicine And Biomedical Sciences and a licensed psychologist, played different music within at a shelter over the course of four months and recorded their responses. The investigated genres included classical, heavy metal and a simplistic psychoacoustic classical composition marketed specifically for dog relaxation.

Kogan's study suggests that heavy metal induces more nervous shaking in dogs. Playing classical music appeared to calm dogs more than other music selections or no music at all, according to the study, which appears in a recent issue of the Journal Of Veterinary Behavior.

The study suggests that shelters refrain from playing heavy metal music because of the detrimental impact it may have on dogs' stress and anxiety levels.

Read more from ColoState.edu.

WITHIN TEMPTATION's cover version of the ONE REPUBLIC track "Apologize", which was premiered on the Q-Music web site and can now be streamed below.

Ahead of WITHIN TEMPTATON's 15th-anniversary concert on November 13 at Sportpaleis in Antwerp, Belgium, the band is revealing a unique cover every week on Q-Music. The group states, "We figured this would be a great occasion to do something special for [the fans]. It will be a musical adventure as we are covering songs that are very close to us but also songs that are not close to us at all."

WITHIN TEMPTATION's fifth studio album, "The Unforgiving", sold around 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 50 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released on March 29, 2011 the CD was produced by Daniel Gibson and is based on a comic book story written by script writer Steven O'Connell (BloodRayne, Dark 48). The band asked comic artist Romano Molenaar (Witchblade, Darkness, X-Men) to draw the characters and scenery of "The Unforgiving", which was made available via Sony Music in Continental Europe and Roadrunner Records in the U.S., U.K. and Ireland, Japan and Australia.

WITHIN TEMPTATION guitarist Robert Westerholt last year announced that he would step down from touring duties in order to focus on taking care of the three children he has with the band's lead singer, Sharon den Adel. His replacement on stage is Stefan Helleblad, who has been working with the band behind the scenes for a few years.

"Apologize" was previously covered by the Swedish hard rock band ALL ENDS on their self-titled debut album which was released in 2008 via GUN Records.

"Been Away Too Long", the new video from reunited grunge legends SOUNDGARDEN, can be seen below. The track arrived on September 27 at radio stations, iTunes and other digital retailers. According to The Pulse Of Radio, the song leaked briefly on September 26, with some stations and web sites streaming it until the band's label sent out cease-and-desist orders. But it got around enough to fire up fans on Twitter and message boards, with most proclaiming the hard-rocking track a return to form for Seattle's pioneering grunge act.

Banana1015.com called the track "a harder-hitting and true to form return of the most avant-garde group of the 1990s grunge scene," while Consequence Of Sound dubbed it "a fine modern rock track — that is, if you enjoy it coming at you 700 mph and from Mars."

Video footage of SOUNDGARDEN frontman Chris Cornell and drummer Matt Cameron breaking down the story behind "Been Away Too Long", the first official single from the band's new album, can be seen below.

The new SOUNDGARDEN CD, "King Animal", comes out on November 13. It's the first all-new set of material from the reunited group since 1996's "Down On The Upside".

SOUNDGARDEN reunited in 2010 after a 13-year break, releasing a retrospective collection called "Telephantasm" and a concert album titled "Live On I-5".

"King Animal" track listing:

01. Been Away Too Long
02. Non-State Actor
03. By Crooked Steps
04. A Thousand Days Before
05. Blood On The Valley Floor
06. Bones of Birds
07. Taree
08. Attrition
09. Black Saturday
10. Halfway There
11. Worse Dreams
12. Eyelid's Mouth
13. Rowing

The band's first new song since regrouping, "Live To Rise", was a rock radio hit in June when it was issued as the lead single from the soundtrack of the movie "The Avengers".

"Been Away Too Long" video:

Finnish symphonic metallers AMBERIAN DAWN have parted ways with singer Heidi Parviainen.

Commented the band: "The first chapter of AMBERIAN DAWN's story is closed. The band and vocalist Heidi Parviainen, who has been a member of AMBERIAN DAWN from the beginning, have decided to part ways.

"The decision to part company at the end of the year was made consensually in early 2012, thus meaning AMBERIAN DAWN's appearance at Metal Female Voices Fest [at the end of October] was their last show together. AMBERIAN DAWN wishes Heidi all the best for her future and thanks her deeply for the work, effort and contribution she provided during all these years.

"Furthermore the band lineup will change since drummer Heikki Saari and guitarist Kasperi Heikkinen are leaving the band and their positions are filled by ex-drummer Joonas Pykälä-aho and ex-guitarist Emil 'Emppu' Pohjalainen. Joonas and Emppu have been around a lot lately and you have seen them on AMBERIAN DAWN's previous European tour in 2011. In fact, Joonas has played on all three European tours of AMBERIAN DAWN so far and Emppu on two. AMBERIAN DAWN wishes Kasperi and Heikki well for their future and successful careers with their new band projects. Your talent and virtuosity was highly appreciated.

"The first chapter of AMBERIAN DAWN lasted five years, brought forth four studio albums, three European tours and about 70 gigs worldwide. This was a great time for everyone involved, but now it's time to move on and continue with a new lineup and new vocalist, who will be announced in December 2012.

"Welcome back on board, Emppu and Joonas!"

AMBERIAN DAWN's "Cold Kiss" video can be seen below. The track, which features a guest appearance by STRATOVARIUS singer Timo Kotipelto, comes off AMBERIAN DAWN's fourth studio album, "Circus Black", which was released in Finland on February 29 via Spinefarm Records. The band's mainman, keyboardist and guitarist Tuomas Seppälä composed all ten songs for the CD and Parviainen penned the lyrics.

"Circus Black" features additional guest appearances by Tuomas Nieminen (ex- ADAMANTRA, THRONE OF CHAOS), Nils Nordling (ex-DREAMTALE, ANIMAL HOUSE) and Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS, DIO, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE). Nieminen and Nordling share vocal parts in the song "I Share With You This Dream", Kotipelto sings lead on "Cold Kiss" and Johansson plays a keyboard solo on "Crimson Flower".

"Cold Kiss" video:

Napalm Records has announced the signing of Norway's AUDREY HORNE. The band's new album, "Youngblood", will be released in 2013.

Commented the group in a statement: "AUDREY HORNE are really proud to announce that we are now part of the Napalm family and their growing roster, featuring bands like MONSTER MAGNET, THE ANSWER and THE SWORD. It is safe to say that we are in good company here!

"We are thrilled to be releasing our new album, 'Youngblood', in 2013 together with this dedicated team, and to do the next big step in our career together with them. We hope that you will love our new songs as much as we and the people at Napalm Records do already."

AUDREY HORNE's third, self-titled album was released on March 1, 2010 through Indie Recordings.

AUDREY HORNE was formed in 2002, taking its name from Sherilyn Fenn's character in the cult TV series "Twin Peaks". Although some of the band's members play or have previously played in black metal bands like ENSLAVED and GORGOROTH, AUDREY HORNE's music is far removed from the black metal genre, and can be described as heavy and melodic hard rock, similar to bands like FAITH NO MORE, ALICE IN CHAINS and A PERFECT CIRCLE.

Multinational melodic metallers MASTERPLAN have revealed their new band lineup. Joining recently announced new drummer Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka (CRADLE OF FILTH) are vocalist Rick Altzi (AT VANCE, SANDALINAS, THUNDERSTONE), who replaces Jorn Lande, and bassist Jari Kainulainen (STRATOVARIUS, SYMFONIA, DEVIL'S TRAIN).

The band is currently recording the follow-up to its 2010 album, "Time To Be King", for a March 2013 release via AFM Records.

Commented MASTERPLAN guitarist/leader Roland Grapow: "The last years have not been easy for MASTERPLAN. Because of several factors, we have been unable to play festivals and tours — even though we had plenty of offers. But this will definitely change now.

"I'm very happy to welcome Rick and Jari on board now. Beside their undoubted musical qualities, they both fit perfectly into our team.

"We feel a huge motivation to get things going now.

"2013 will be see a new MASTERPLAN album, several festivals and a tour! It's time to return with full force."

First confirmed MASTERPLAN gigs for 2013:

* Wacken Cruise
* Rocknacht Tennwilm (Switzerland)
* Norfest (Portugal)
* Masters Of Rock (Czech Republic)

MASTERPLAN's new lineup:

Rick Altzi - vocals
Roland Grapow - guitars
Axel Mackenrott - keyboards
Jari Kainulainen - bass
Martin "Marthus" Skaroupka - drums

Back in March, Grapow revealed that he had 15 songs written for MASTERPLAN's next album. He added, "We are looking for a more powerful album this time... still with great melodies and feelings, but also with more orchestration and faster stuff again… just more metal."

In an August 2011 interview with the Czech web portal Kultura21.cz, Grapow stated about the status of the songwriting sessions for the next MASTERPLAN album, "This time we tried not to make demo productions, which have a poor sound — so we wanted to make really nice pre-production [recordings] which sound very close to the album sound, which is very easy [to do] in my studio now. I think we have many, many new ideas which, I guess, are a little bit more modern and more aggressive as well. So we try not to follow any trends of MASTERPLAN — I'm not saying we're reproducing the first album or the third one or the fifth one. I think we always have to try to make some surprises for the people. The 'Time To Be King' album is great, but this new album sounds a bit different again. I always want to do this, because I'm not that kind of guy who wants to make every year the same album."

On the topic of MASTERPLAN's numerous lineup changes, Grapow said, "I think it's always difficult in this band, I guess. If you see, the first album just came out after a big turbulence — leaving HELLOWEEN, Uli [Kusch, drums] and me. I think this band always needs some very bad moments to some great songs. [laughs] And it looks like MASTERPLAN, basically, is my main band, and whoever will sing and whoever will play in the band, I'm happy with. But, basically, at the moment, I'm thinking the main songwriters are Axel now and me. So whatever happens, this band will continue. It's very important for me to show that we still have the power and the ability to write beautiful melodies and some aggression and rock and metal songs. Whatever we do, we want just to make good-quality stuff."

MASTERPLAN's last CD, "Time To Be King", was released on May 21, 2010 through AFM Records. The CD's first single, "Far From The End Of The World", was issued on April 16, 2010.

Video footage of IN FLAMES' November 4 performance at Backstage Live in San Antonio, Texas as the support act for LAMB OF GOD can be seen below.

IN FLAMES' tenth album, "Sounds Of A Playground Fading" (Century Media), sold around 14,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart.

IN FLAMES' previous CD, "A Sense of Purpose" (Koch) opened with 20,000 units to land at No. 28. This was slightly less than the opening tally of "Come Clarity" (Ferret), which shifted just under 24,000 copies in February 2006 to enter the chart at position No. 58.

GREASE HELMET, the new Finnish band featuring former HANOI ROCKS guitarist Andy McCoy alongside members of AMORPHIS, made its live debut on October 26 at Tulisuudelma in Vantaa, Finland. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be seen below.

The self-titled debut album from GREASE HELMET entered the official chart in Finland at position No. 22.

GREASE HELMET was founded in 2009 by Niclas Etelävuori (bass; AMORPHIS) and Jere Garcia (vocals). They were eventually joined by Jan Rechberger (drums; AMORPHIS) and Ben Varon (rhythm guitar, AMORAL) and McCoy.

According to a press release, "Grease Helmet" "travels from present time to the history of rock with flavors of funk, blues, classic hard rock and psychedelic colors."

Commented the band: "We wrote the songs together in rehearsals from different ideas and riffs. They tell many stories. There is a message from Andy to all non-believers. Songs tell also classic rock stories and bring along L.A. vibes, celebration of rock, pretty women, fast cars and the true spirit."

GREASE HELMET's first single, "Keep Your Helmet Greasy", "represents traditional hard rock," while the single's "B-side, "Mustang Bebe", "respects the early years of rock' n' roll with sounds from the '50"s," according to a press release.

Fan-filmed video footage of ACCEPT's November 6 performance at Pakkahuone in Tampere, Finland can be seen below.

ACCEPT's new album, "Stalingrad", sold around 5,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 81 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Blood Of The Nations", opened with around 2,900 units back in September 2010 to land at No. 187.

"Stalingrad" was released on April 6 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was once again helmed by British producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY), who worked on the band's critically acclaimed comeback effort, "Blood Of The Nations".

Inakustik has set a December 3 release date for Michael Schenker's "Temple Of Rock: Live In Europe" that will be made available on CD, DVD, Blu-ray and as a limited deluxe edition containing all three formats. This essential live rock'n'roll release includes songs performed live in Tilburg, The Netherlands in May 2012, and at London's High Voltage festival in 2011.

A two-minute trailer for "Temple Of Rock: Live In Europe" can be seen below.

Schenker sees his music as a building block in the construction of the Temple Of Rock. "The Temple is almost finished," explains Michael. "The foundation was laid in the '60s by LED ZEPPELIN, DEEP PURPLE and BLACK SABBATH. The walls were then built by UFO and others in the '70s. By the '80s, it was further reinforced by the likes of the SCORPIONS, and many more influential rock bands."

The Tilburg gig, recorded May 2012, features Schenker (lead guitar), Doogie White (vocals; RAINBOW, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TANK), Herman Rarebell (drums), Francis Buchholz (bass) and Wayne Findley (rhythm guitar, keyboards). London's 2011 High Voltage festival features Michael Voss (vocals), Rudolf Schenker (SCORPIONS), who plays rhythm guitar on "Rock You Like a Hurricane", "Hanging On" and "Doctor Doctor", UFO's Pete Way, who plays bass guitar on "Doctor Doctor", and vocalists Jeff Scott Soto (TALISMAN, JOURNEY, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) and Doogie White, who both sing on "Doctor Doctor".

"Live In Tilburg" track listing:

01. Into The Arena
02. Armed And Ready
03. Lovedrive
04. Another Piece Of Meat
05. Hanging On
06. Cry For The Nations
07. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
08. Coast To Coast
09. Assault Attack
10. Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
11. Lights Out
12. On And On
13. Let It Roll
14. Shoot Shoot
15. Rock You Like A Hurricane
16. Rock Bottom
17. Holiday
18. Blackout
19. Doctor Doctor

"Live At High Voltage" track listing:

01. Armed And Ready
02. Another Piece Of Meat
03. Rock You Like A Hurricane (ft. Rudolph Schenker)
04. Hanging On (ft. Rudolph Schenker)
05. Doctor Doctor (ft. Rudolph Schenker)

Formats and special features:

CD Edition - 2 Disc

* Recording from 2012's Tilburg, Netherlands concert
* Recording (extracts) from London's 2011
* High Voltage Festival

DVD Edition - 1 Disc

* Recording from 2012's Tilburg, Netherlands concert
* Recording (extracts) from London's 2011
* High Voltage Festival
* Bonus-Footage‚ Before The Show (Tilburg)
* Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, dts, Stereo

Blu-ray Edition - 1 Disc

* Recording from 2012's Tilburg, Netherlands concert
* Recording (extracts) from London's 2011
* High Voltage Festival
* Bonus-Footage‚ Before The Show (Tilburg)
* Bonus-Footage‚ Sound check (Tilburg)
* Audio: DTS HD Master, Stereo

Limited Deluxe Edition - 4 Discs

* Includes 2 CDs, 1 Blu-ray, 1 Bonus DVD.
Bonus DVD includes the following content:
- Brighton Rehearsal
- Doogie's Video Impressions

Singer Sass Jordan, a Canadian icon and Juno Award winner, has recorded a guest appearance on the track "Redeem Me" from ex-OZZY OSBOURNE/BADLANDS guitarist Jake E. Lee.

Jordan was in Las Vegas earlier this year, where she ran into Lee.

"It was hilarious because [Jordan's new band] S.U.N. [SOMETHING UNTO NOTHING] was doing these few dates, including one in Phoenix which was the longest van ride ever," the singer recalled. "We were playing air guitar and drums to BADLANDS' first record — when [S.U.N.'s guitarist and co-founder] Brian Tichy mentioned that Jake lived in Vegas. I thought, 'Wouldn't it be wild to run into him and invite him to our show?' Well, due to an incredibly fortuitous set of circumstances, it happened, and that morphed into Jake inviting me co-write and sing a song on his new record."

Lee is back after over a decade in seclusion. In great shape mentally, physically and spiritually, Jake is ready to return and bring his brand of unique playing and music to the world.

In the process of recording his new album at Las Vegas' The Hideout Studios — owned and operated by Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, IN THIS MOMENT) — Lee's first new release will feature a combination of legendary rock artists and some of the biggest names of new metal. Already recorded are guest appearances by Robin Zander (CHEAP TRICK), Paul Di'Anno (IRON MAIDEN), Maria Brink (IN THIS MOMENT), with many other big names attached to the project.

Jake has launched search for a new vocalist who will sing at least one track on the new album and will join Lee on a world tour starting in late spring 2013.

Criteria: Must be capable of singing a couple of OZZY OSBOURNE and BADLANDS songs, plus tracks from Lee's new album while still having a strong enough identity to be able carry the band into the future, as Jake will head straight back into the studio after the touring to begin a new album with the new band.

What to do: Send an email to Ronnie@HideoutLV.com containing an MP3, or a link to an MP3 of yourself singing a OZZY OSBOURNE or BADLANDS songs. Then submit one other song or video of your choosing that you feel best represents who you are as an artist. Listen to BADLANDS' "High Wire" to see the range required for this gig. Only those vocalists that really fit what Lee is looking for will be contacted with further instructions.

Lee's new solo album is being recorded with the help of guitarist Ronnie Mancuso of BEGGARS & THIEVES, whose 2011 video, "We Come Undone", featured an appearance by Jake.

According to the All Music Guide, Lee helped Ozzy Osbourne score two of the most commercially successful releases of the singer's long and illustrious career — 1983's "Bark at the Moon" and 1986's "The Ultimate Sin". Lee eventually joined up with another former BLACK SABBATH singer (albeit briefly), Ray Gillen, and formed the LED ZEPPELIN/classic rock-esque outfit BADLANDS. Subsequently, Lee played briefly with a band called WICKED ALLIANCE before setting off on his own, issuing his solo debut, "A Fine Pink Mist", in August of 1996.

Jake E. Lee's "covers" album, "Retraced", was released in the U.S. in April 2005 via Shrapnel Records. All the songs were recorded in a "power trio" format ala BADLANDS and the tracks for the project were cover songs along that style (bluesy power rock).

"Saturday Night", a brand new song from Texas heavy rockers DROWNING POOL, can be streamed below (courtesy of AOL's Noisecreep). The track comes off the band's fifth album, which is due out in early 2013 via Eleven Seven Music. The band teamed up with producer Kato Khandwalla at House of Loud Studios in New Jersey, as well as John Feldmann (THE USED, STORY OF THE YEAR), and completed the album in Dallas.

"The question I am most often asked is 'What's life on tour like?' This song is my best description of a typical day on the road," DROWNING POOL bassist Stevie Benton tells Noisecreep about "Saturday Night".

DROWNING POOL recently filmed a video for "Saturday Night" with director Jonathan Bertorelli.

A new DROWNING POOL song called "In Memory Of…" was released in August to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the passing of the band's original singer, Dave Williams.

Williams died on tour in 2002 after singing on the band's debut, "Sinner". He was replaced by Jason "Gong" Jones, who also contributed to one record, "Desensitized", before being shown the door in 2004.

"In Memory Of…" was the first studio recording to be made available with DROWNING POOL's fourth singer, Jasen Moreno, who replaced Ryan McCombs.

McCombs exited the group at the end of 2011 after a six-year stint in the lineup. He sang on two studio efforts by DROWNING POOL, 2007's "Full Circle" and 2010's self-titled fourth album.

Moreno, who previously sang in fellow Texas band THE SUICIDE HOOK, made his live debut as a member of DROWNING POOL on July 8 at a club in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

In a posting on the band's official Facebook page, DROWNING POOL guitarist C.J. Pierce wrote, "It's been a real pleasure for all of us working with Jasen Moreno. He jumped right in and stepped up to the plate. He's everything we hoped for in a singer."

He continued, "Jasen came in and got straight to work on new music for our next CD. Out of respect to all past singers, and most importantly the DROWNING POOL fans, he learned every song from every CD we've made in the past as well.

"Jasen has brought us not only a new voice but a new fire to the DROWNING POOL sound. We all can't wait to get the new music out to there to everyone with the live show.

"Looking forward to the rest of our career with Jasen. The singer switch is finally over!"

In an exclusive interview in the September 2012 issue of Guitar World magazine, Moreno said, "I am extremely happy and very grateful to be a part of the DROWNING POOL family. Everyone's been so welcoming, especially the fans. I can't praise them enough. They've made me feel right at home. This first run of live shows couldn't have gone any better!"

DROWNING POOL is:

C.J. Pierce - Guitar, Vocals
Stevie Benton - Bass, Vocals
Mike Luce - Drums, Vocals
Jasen Moreno - Vocals

"Saturday Night" audio stream(courtesy of AOL's Noisecreep):

More than 20 years since making a rock concept record, Roger Waters tells Rolling Stone he has finished a song for an album tentatively titled Heartland. Completed on lunch breaks during the elaborate Wall tour that ended in July, the untitled song confronts what Waters calls "religious extremism."

"I'm not sure what it will be called," Waters said in an interview Monday in Manhattan, where he will perform at the Bob Woodruff Foundation's Stand Up for Heroes benefit, part of this week's New York Comedy Festival. "I'll tell you what the first line is – I haven't told anyone else, and I may be sticking my head too far above the parapet – but the first line is, 'If I had been God . . . '"

Waters, who last referenced God outright on 1992's Amused to Death in the three-part song "What God Wants," said this song was just what he needed to move forward with Heartland.

"The Heartland idea sort of came from another song I wrote maybe 15 years ago, or longer even, which was a song that I wrote for a movie – a really, really bad movie called Michael that was about an angel," Waters said. "I'm absolutely determined to make another album. And I think this new song may give me the chance to do that. It provides a cornerstone and a core idea for me to write a new album about. You know, it's just one of my obsessions, which is, I'm sort of obsessed with the idea that religious extremism is a maligned factor in most of our lives."

Waters' other obsessions – themes of battlefield bloodshed, threatened liberty, isolation and madness – have advanced much of his solo work beyond Pink Floyd, though he confirmed his next album will not feature former bandmates David Gilmour and drummer Nick Mason. Waters last recorded with the group, excluding Richard Wright, on 1983's anti-war opus, The Final Cut.

That album opened with "The Post War Dream," the idea of which "is somewhat in tatters" in the real world, Waters said. "But having said that, it is developing in other parts of the world . . . We are determined to continue to fight against the onslaught, if you like, of a society driven mad by the headlong rush to maximize the bottom line."

Long known for his condemnation of war yet strong devotion to troops worldwide, Waters will rehearse with a band of wounded veterans he recruited from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center prior to Hurricane Sandy. Eight soldiers and three Marines will join him for three songs, including Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here," at Thursday's Stand Up for Heroes benefit at Beacon Theatre, which will also include performances from Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer.

"These guys are good," Waters said of his recruits. "I'm really proud to be working with them."

MOTÖRHEAD has launched a complete assortment of headphones and earphones. The first generation's assortment will consist of nine products in total, three headphones, and six in-ear models. All are being sold under their new brand name Motörheadphönes.

Motörheadphönes is the first brand name in the headphone segment that globally focuses on the rock/pop audience, a target group who are critical listeners and goes with the attitude that rock stands for. The rock audience is by far the largest group of music listeners, according to surveys on what music the consumers are streaming.

Price range is between €39.99 and €49.99 for the earphones and between €69.99 and €129.99 for the headphones. Most models are smartphone-ready, two of the headphones are equipped with the new developed microphone "Controlizer," which is one of the most advanced remote controls on the market.

Commented the band: "No weak-kneed, lily-livered, tin-pot and skinny sounding little pieces of garbage, no, that ain't MOTÖRHEAD's style. These are headphönes designed to deliver everything louder than everything else BUT with the sort of range, clarity and TRUE rock reproduction you'd expect from a band of road warriors who have been at the top of the tree year after year. Because, like üs, these don't fuck around... remember, if it's too loud, you're too old."

The products are developed audio- and design-wise together with MOTÖRHEAD and a longtime experienced sound expertise from the hometown of harder rock in Gothenburg, Sweden, led by Anders Nicklasson with 30 years' experience from Audio development. Distribution and marketing is handled worldwide by Krusell International AB.

Motörheadphönes were officially launched at a press conference on August 31 at Motörheadphönes booth at IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) hall 9 booth 313 in Berlin, Germany. Attending the event were Mikkey Dee (MOTÖRHEAD), Ulf Sandberg (Krusell) and Anders Nicklasson (Krusell).

Video footage of the Motörheadphönes launch can be seen below.

For more information, visit www.motorheadphones.com.

HEAVENWARD from Duisburg/Krefeld in Germany is another band from the late 80s/early 90s, whose material we are going to rerelease. Fans of old HELLOWEEN, CHROMING ROSE, early BLIND GUARDIAN and HEAVENS GATE will certainly like this band, which plays melodic power-metal combined with razor-sharp speed.
The CD contains the long sold-out “Within These Dreams”-debut-album from 1991, which was released on Rough Trade. You will get eight tracks full of typical German power-metal, served with fast and catchy riffs, a driving double-bass and the first-class singer Stefan Kessel, who sings both high-pitched and melodic-clean vocals. Real gourmet food for Euro-power-metal-fans. In between all the speedy songs there are also slower moments, like the powerful half-ballad “Raging Waters”.
As an additional delicacy we have added four songs of the second demo “At First Nature” (1989), which shows you an even more speedy band and reminds you of old LUCIFERS HERITAGE-demos and very early HELLOWEEN.
Especially the vocals, oscillating between melodic-aggressive vocals and high-pitched screams, remind you of the young Hansi Kürsch, not least because of the heavy German accent.
This rerelease is completely remastered and features one brand-new track called “System is Going Down”, which shows the thrashy side of HEAVENWARD.

We are sad to say that Magnus will not be a member of ENGEL anymore. We had a really good run and we will miss him very much. There is no hard feelings between ENGEL and Magnus and we parted ways as friends, carrying with us a lot of good times and awesome memories.
However, this will not affect the coming shows, since our good friend Lenne (ex-Twelvestep) steps up to the plate once again and fills in for Magnus during the Blood Of Saints Over Sweden+ Tour. Come out to the shows and support Engel and Lenne by banging your head on the Frontline!
// ENGEL

Magnus has issued the following statement:
“So this is it, my time in Engel is over. I’m not going to rant about the who’s and why´s, just say goodbye. I have had a lot of good times and I am sad to leave it behind, but that’s how it goes sometimes.
It´s not a farewell forever, I’m not going to quit music.
I´m going to miss the boys on stage, the people in the crowd and all the good friends I have met on the road.
To the boys on stage: Good luck with all future adventures.
To the crowd: Stay true, I will miss you.
And to the “roadsters”: See you again soon.”

EDGUY mainman Tobias Sammet entered VOX Klangstudio in Bendestorf, Germany late last month with producer Sascha Paeth (KAMELOT, EDGUY, EPICA, RHAPSODY) to begin recording the new album from Sammet's AVANTASIA project for a spring 2013 release. The CD will once again be a rock opera based on a conceptual story very similar to the early AVANTASIA albums and will feature "a legion of guest instrumentalists and vocalists," according to a press release.

The drum tracks for the new AVANTASIA album were laid down by Russell Gilbrook of URIAH HEEP. Video footage of his session can be seen below.

Comments Tobias: "Russell is a killer drummer, a real powerhouse!

"When Eric Singer gave me his schedule for 2012 and how much he'd be involved with KISS, I knew that I had to find a drummer, so I was trying to kind of make a virtue of necessity and add a new flavor to AVANTASIA.

"I remembered having seen URIAH HEEP a few years ago and I was really impressed by the way the drummer mistreated his poor little kit, beating it to pieces like a monster, while still keeping the dynamics and the groove. I knew that if I‘d be in need of a drummer one day, I'd try to work with this guy. And now after the recording has been completed, I know that it's been a very good decision.

"Russell is a monster and the drums sound amazing. Also the studio must have the best drum recording room I've ever been to. Previous clients like ROGER WHITTAKER, TRUCK STOP, RAMMSTEIN, SARAH BRIGHTMAN and the WILDECKER HERZBUBEN knew why they went for the VOX Klangstudio... I am extraordinarily happy!"

Sammet previously stated about the new AVANTASIA material: "[It] sounds very fresh and new and yet you can hear the old classic AVANTASIA vibe on the album. It will be an enchanting fairytale again, far away from any musical trends.

"Our latest album was our most successful album of all time, but I guess it was only that successful because it came from the heart. That's the only proven remedy I wanna stick to.

"I tried to lay down any thought of expectations, but instead just do a completely unseasonable, unfashionable and even unreasonable piece of art.

"Anyway, I feel at home when I listen to those melodies, choirs and guitars.

"I talked to [former HELLOWEEN and current UNISONIC singer] Michi Kiske and he said that the stuff reminds him a lot of the old classic AVANTASIA material in the good old 'Keeper' style. As a fan, now that sounds even exciting to me, so the circle shuts.

"For myself, it's hard to describe the material in words. I had, and have, so many ideas that I had to restrain myself a little. Otherwise, the album would become too long, and I'm trying not to do a double album this time. However, I am really excited, and I just thought I'd let you know how excited I am."

Tobias originally wanted to put AVANTASIA to rest after the release of the "The Flying Opera - Around The World In 20 Days" concert DVD in April 2011, but he has since had a change of heart. He explains, "Even though I love to record and tour with EDGUY, I didn't foresee how much I need AVANTASIA when I decided to finish this chapter of my life in 2011. I didn't know if there would be another AVANTASIA album one day, but I didn‘t feel like doing it. After the worldwide success of the latest studio releases, an arena world tour that was sold out pretty much everywhere, collaborations with childhood heroes like Alice Cooper, Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Eric Singer of KISS, etc. I 'knew' that I had said everything I could possibly say in the name of AVANTASIA. But that's not what AVANTASIA is all about. I wanna create more great music, I wanna create more fantasy worlds, the bigger and the more epic, the better. And listening to the material that I have created for this forthcoming chapter in the history of AVANTASIA, I know there is no way I am not going to do it! I have got the feeling and the certainty that this is absolutely meant to happen and to be!"

Fan-filmed video footage of STONE SOUR's November 6 performance at Teatro Caupolicán in Santiago, Chile can be seen below.

STONE SOUR's new album, "House Of Gold & Bones - Part 1", sold 31,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 7 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's third album, "Audio Secrecy", opened with 46,000 units back in September 2010 to debut at No. 6.

The band's sophomore effort, "Come What(ever) May" (2006), moved 81,000 units in the U.S. its first week out — triple what STONE SOUR's gold-selling debut album (2002) shifted its first week.

"House of Gold & Bones" is being made available as a double album and a four-issue comic book.

Like the story, the "House Of Gold & Bones" album package comes in two parts. When the two pieces meet, they combine to create the "House Of Gold & Bones".

"House of Gold & Bones - Part 2" is due in 2013.

STONE SOUR has tapped Johny Chow as its live bassist for the band's tour behind "House Of Gold And Bones". Chow has formerly played with metal acts SOULFLY, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY and FIREBALL MINISTRY, and replaces Shawn Economaki, who bowed out of the band earlier this year for personal reasons.

Swedish sleaze rockers CRASHDÏET will release 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.

"Shattered Glass And Broken Bones – Three Years Of Generation Wild" track listing:

01. Down With The Dust (live)
02. The Splits
03. Simon
04. Native Nature (live)
05. Queen Obscene (live)
06. First Taste Of Despair
07. Time To Record
08. Armageddon (live)
09. A Change Of Plans
10. So Alive (live)
11. Videoshoot
12. Generation Wild (music video)
13. Rebel (live)
14. Album Release
15. Save Her (live)
16. Random Madness I
17. Riot In Everyone
18. Random Madness II
19. Chemical (live)
20. Random Madness III
21. Breakin' The Chains (live)
22. Random Madness IV
23. It's A Miracle (live)
24. Random Madness V
25. In The Raw (live)
26. Random Madness VI
27. Generation Wild (live)

Extras/Unplugged

01. Breakin' The Chainz
02. Queen Obscene
03. Down With The Dust
04. So Alive
05. It's A Miracle
06. Native Nature
07. Bound To Fall
08. Chemical
09. Beautiful Pain

Videos

01. Anarchy (live)
02. Rebel (live)
03. Down With The Dust (music video)
04. Hollywood Teaze (music video)

The second trailer for the DVD can be seen below.

CRASHDÏET has completed recording its new album at Kingside Studios outside Stockholm with producer Otto Wellton. The CD, which has not yet been mixed, is tentatively scheduled for release in January 2013.

The new CRASHDÏET CD can be preordered at this location.

CRASHDÏET has been touring quite a bit in the last two and a half years, opening up for such bands as MÖTLEY CRÜE, OZZY OSBOURNE, MICHAEL MONROE and WEDNESDAY 13, and traveling everywhere from Australia to USA to Brazil.

CRASHDÏET performed a new song "Anarchy" for the first time on June 7 when they played at Kaisaniemi Park in Helsinki, Finland as the support act for MÖTLEY CRÜE.

The band's third CD, "Generation Wild", was recently released on vinyl. This gatefold LP features the new bonus track "Hollywood Teaze" as well as updated artwork.

"Generation Wild" entered the official chart in Sweden at position No. 3.

CRASHDÏET in 2009 announced the addition of Simon "Simme" Cruz from the Stockholm act JAILBAIT as the group's new lead singer.

The band parted ways with its previous vocalist, the Finland-based H. Olliver Twisted, in July 2008.

ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna joined STEEL PANTHER on stage last night (Wednesday, November 7) at O2 Academy in Newcastle, England to perform a cover version of the JOURNEY classic "Don't Stop Believin'". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

Belladonna regularly performs JOURNEY classics with his Syracuse, New York-based power trio CHIEF BIG WAY in which he plays drums and sings.

In a 2005 interview with MusicDish, Belladonna was asked about the rumor that he came to the table with a JOURNEY tune during his 1985 audition for ANTHRAX. "Actually, what happened was I went into the room and they said, 'Just go on in,' and they hadn't heard me sing," he said. "They'd heard of me and they asked me to come in, but we were going in to start tracking and stuff, to get the mic set up and all that and they said, 'Let's get you in there and get you warmed up.' I hit the mic and belted out some JOURNEY. . . I think it was [the song] 'Lights'. I didn't know what the hell I was getting into in the first place. I just wanted to lay some vocals or something. Just to kinda give an idea and that's what happened. It wasn't really anything more than that. I just kinda belched it out. I think I did 'Oh Sherrie' [written by JOURNEY singer Steve Perry], too, or something. I dunno why, but I just did. It was something off the top of my head I could do a cappella and it was kinda challenging. I thought maybe in range or something that would be kind of intriguing. It was definitely one they weren't expecting."

ANTHRAX recently spent time in the studio recording several cover versions of some of their favorite rock classics — including JOURNEY's "Keep On Runnin'" — to be made available on the upcoming re-release of the band's latest album, "Worship Music".

A funeral service was held earlier today (Thursday, November 8) for SUICIDE SILENCE singer Mitch Lucker, who died November 1, after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle crash in Huntington Beach on Halloween night. 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" Also present at the event was Sumerian Records founder Ash Avildsen, who tweeted a picture of the funeral program (see below).

SUICIDE SILENCE has launched a memorial fund to provide assistance to Lucker's family. All proceeds donated to the official Mitch Lucker Memorial Fund will go towards the education of the singer's five-year-old daughter Kenadee Lucker. Those who donate $20 or more will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

Those who donate $20 or more should include their name, shipping address and t-shirt size (S-4XL) in the comment box at the time of donation. Those who pledge $5 or more should include their full name at the time of donation so the band can add it to the tribute a page coming soon on the band's web site.

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.

Some of the singer's friends gathered last Thursday night in Riverside, California, where the 28-year-old grew up, to celebrate his life. A separate vigil was held at the crash site in Huntington Beach that was attended by fans as well as some of Mitch's family members, including his wife of two years, Jolie, and his daughter.

According to the Alice Cooper fan site SicktThingsUK, original ALICE COOPER guitarist Steve Hunter is currently in hospital in Phoenix, Arizona with atrial fibrillation (the most common cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat). The doctors have kept him in overnight to allow medication to get his normal heart rhythm back and do tests to discover the cause. Steve's heart has since reverted to its normal rhythm after 19 hours.

Hunter toured with Cooper throughout 2011, but opted to leave the legendary rocker's touring band in 2012 to concentrate on solo projects.

Hunter appeared on five classic ALICE COOPER albums: "Billion Dollar Babies", "Welcome To My Nightmare", "Lace And Whiskey" and "Alice Cooper Goes To Hell". Hunter was also featured on Cooper's 2011 album "Welcome 2 My Nightmare", which was produced by Bob Ezrin, who helmed the original multi-platinum "Welcome To My Nightmare" album in 1975.

The new supergroup featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD), bassist Billy Sheehan (STEVE VAI, DAVID LEE ROTH), guitarist Tony MacAlpine (STEVE VAI) and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, PLANET X, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION) is in the middle of a world tour during which it is playing an all-instrumental set consisting of material from each of the members' solo records and their previous collaborations as well as classic instrumental covers and extended solo spots.

While performing with the band in Manila, Philippines this past Tuesday evening (November 6), Portnoy suddenly stopped playing and "trashed" his drum kit, apparently because he was unhappy with how it was set up. He also launched into an impromptu "rap" song containing lyrics that expressed his frustration at the situation.

Fan-filmed video footage of the incident can be seen below.

In a statement posted on his official forum, Portnoy shed some light on his behavior, writing, "Not to excuse my actions, but at least to explain the situation:

"This PSMS tour has been VERY difficult on all of us in terms of gear and production. The only way we have been able to make it to such far-away places such as Manila, Russia, Israel, Indonesia, etc (where it is normally VERY expensive to tour unless you are a 'name' band that has been around for many years) is we've have had to make concessions by using supplied gear and local techs at each show.

"Granted, WE agreed to these terms and are willing to make it work — however, on at least a half dozen occasions on this tour, we have been incredibly frustrated to arrive at the venue only to find the band's gear requirements were simply blatantly ignored (wrong keyboards, wrong amps, Zildjian cymbals, etc.) AND were not setup and ready for us as was supposed to be the case and what the promoters had promised.

"We have been as patient and understanding as we possibly can be… but when you get four guys who haven't slept more than a couple of hours every night in order to fly to these shows without sleep… sometimes our patience can wear thin.

"In the case of the Manila show, we arrived hours before the show to find out the drums weren't setup, cymbals were missing, Billy's amp was wrong (again) and Tony had a buzz on his gear that would not go away… but we forged ahead because we were VERY excited to play for the fans!

"At the start of 'Stratus' (where the video on YouTube is from) — my snare drum mic fell off and I motioned for the tech to come put it back on the stand/drum… and instead, he comes up to the drum kit and takes the mic away… leaving me playing with NO snare mic!!! (you'll hear I begin playing the high tom instead of the snare)… Realizing he had no idea what was going on or how to fix the situation, I stopped playing and did my little 'rap' while they fixed the situation and we wouldn't have to play the whole song with no snare in the mix.

"In the video, you can see I was at least making a joke out of it and wasn't maliciously trying to hurt anybody or storming off in anger.

"Moral of the story: WE ARE HUMAN! And sometimes frustrating circumstances create frustrated behavior. I'm not saying I was right in stopping the song…but if you see a video from later in the show, you'll see I explain to the audience that I've been waiting my whole career to play in Manila and I wasn't going to let ANYTHING ruin my night or their show!!
And we carried on and everybody had a great night… And I look forward to returning… (although this may be the last time I tour without my own kit and my own drum tech…hahahaha!!!)"

Best known for his vocal work with THE SCREAM, MÖTLEY CRÜE and UNION, legendary hard rock vocalist John Corabi serves up a passionate, soulful dose of both new and classic songs on this all-new acoustic release. Due on November 13 via Rat Pak Records, "Unplugged" offers five new original tracks, seven re-recorded classic songs and in addition, features an exclusive 2012 behind-the-scenes interview with John. The album features John Corabi on vocals/guitar, Cheney Brannon (formerly of COLLECTIVE SOUL) on percussion/vocals, Topher Nolen on bass/vocals, D.A. Karkos on guitar/vocals, Matt Farley on percussion/vocals and Bruce Kulick (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD) on guitar (on "Hoolgan's Holiday" and "Man In The Moon").

"Unplugged" track listing:

01. Love (I Don't Need It Anymore)
02. If I Never Get To Say Goodbye
03. Are You Waiting?
04. Crash
05. Everything's All Right
06. Father, Mother, Son
07. Hooligan's Holiday
08. If I Had A Dime
09. Loveshine
10. Man In The Moon
11. Open Your Eyes
12. I Never Loved Her Anyway
13. 2012 Interview (bonus track)

"I Never Loved Her Anyway" is available for streaming below.

For more information, visit www.ratpakrecordsamerica.com.

Video footage of John Corabi and his solo band performing the song "If I Had A Dime" from his "Unplugged" CD on August 18 at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan can be seen below. The clip was shot and edited by Scott Nolen.

Corabi originally joined CRÜE in 1992 as the replacement for the group's original singer, Vince Neil, who was fired due to personal differences. With Corabi on vocals, MÖTLEY CRÜE released one critically acclaimed full-length CD, which ended up being a commercial failure in the wake of grunge despite a Top-Ten placing on the album chart. When Neil returned to the fold in 1997, Corabi was left on his own and formed the band UNION with ex-KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick.

For a list of upcoming John Corabi tour dates, visit www.johncorabi.com.

"I Never Loved Her Anyway" audio stream: