Folk/prog metal warriors, SCYTHIA have posted their new music video, for their track 'Video Game Medley'. The song is an adaptation of excerpts from video game theme songs Wizards and Warriors, Castlevania, Skyrim, Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Final Fantasy VI and Tetris and is off the band's new EP, For The Bear, that also features two new originals - 'Sailor's Accolade' and the title track 'For The Bear' - along with three remixes of 'Fierce Riders Of Scythia', 'Black Death' and 'Dies Irae Pt. 1', from the band's 2010 debut ...Of War, plus a Scythian adapted song of Quebecois folk song 'Mattawa Reel' by ROBERT FOREST.

Filmed in Vancouver, BC by James Weekes and Rosie Anson of Hammer Records, the video can be seen below:
Scythia will be gathering in Vancouver since returning from their cross Canada tour for a headlining performance for Aesir Promotions second annual Nerdfest on November 23rd at The Biltmore Cabaret. Details here. Check out a promo video below:

SHINEDOWN frontman Brent Smith has revealed to U.K.'s NME that the band has already recorded a full album's worth of material following the release of "Amaryllis" earlier this year. He said in a video interview which can be seen at this location, "You're actually the very first person I'll tell this to… We've actually… We have another record of material. It's actually recorded."

Speaking about the direction of the new music, Smith said, "It's still very massive. It has a very epic feel to it, but the tempos are a little slower and the subject matter is a little different. I would say it's actually a bit darker — a little bit more mischievous."

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

"This was the first true international record we received, and I say received because it really is an honor and it's a gift and a privilege to get an opportunity from your record label to be released internationally, because not every band or every artist gets that opportunity," Smith told NME.

SHINEDOWN has a total of eight No. 1 singles and 15 Top 10 hits, according to Billboard.

SHINEDOWN took part in this past summer's edition of the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival. The third annual rock extravaganza — which boasted a main stage lineup that also included GODSMACK and STAIND — got underway on August 17 at the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, Kansas, and continued through September 30.

Italian AOR act LIONVILLE will release their sophomore album, entitled II, on November 30th via Avenue Of Allies.
The band‘s winning combination of tight song writing, stellar musical performances recorded by a gifted cast of experienced studio cats and upcoming talents, crowned by impressive lead vocals and an album mix paying attention to all the significant little details, made Lionville one of 2011’s most favorite AOR records.

Soon after the release of last years self-titled debut album, main songwriter, guitarist and vocalist Stefano Lionetti, started working on new material for the follow-up to the band’s very well received first effort. Together with label owner and executive producer Gregor Klee, Stefano discussed the key ingredients for their next co-operation and both agreed that the record should be a musical continuation of the debut with an occasional interesting twist here and there.

II is another slice of high class AOR with a touch of Westcoast and melodic rock, with most of the top flight musicians performing on the debut returning to the recording studio to lay down their tracks. During the spring and summer of 2012 the recordings took place in various studios in Italy, Sweden and the US, before the mixing and the mastering were completed by Alessandro Del Vecchio in his newly built Ivory Tears Studios close to Milan, Italy.

Lars Säfsund (WORK OF ART) shows again that he is one of the most versatile and talented lead and backing vocalists of our time, also Stefano delivers a very solid performance on lead vocals in addition to his melodic guitar playing and an occasional contribution on the keyboards. The song 'Higher', one of the album’s many highlights presents one of the years best vocal arrangements and performances on a rock song sees the two young European singers unite with one of the AOR and Westcoast genre’s American legends, the two-time Grammy award winning Bill Champlin (formerly of CHICAGO) with his signature vocals. The trio trades off the lead vocals and Bill’s wife Tamara Champlin joins them on backing vocals.
The excellent band playing on all tracks was also the Lionville live band for the celebrated Firefest performance in October 2012, the line-up includes the Italian musicians Mario Percudani (HUNGRYHEART, ISSA, SHINING LINE, MITCH MALLOY), Anna Portalupi (HARDLINE, Mitch Malloy, Issa, STEVE LUKATHER), Alessandro Mori (Mitch Malloy, MOONSTONE PROJECT) as well as producer and keyboarder Alessandro Del Vecchio (EDGE OF FOREVER, Hardline, Issa, Mitch Malloy). On the album they are joined by guitarist Bruce Gaitsch (RICHARD MARX, Chicago) on seven songs, as well as guest guitar players Robert Säll (Work Of Art, W.E.T.), Sven Larsson (STREET TALK) and Peter Friestedt (WILLIAMS FRIESTEDT, L.A. PROJECT). The invitees are completed by drummer Herman Furin (Work Of Art) on percussions and Italian saxophone luminary Joe La Viola.

Stefano‘s song writing partners are again Pierpaolo “Zorro” Monti (SHINING LINE, CHARMING GRACE), Robert Säll, Lars Säfsund and Alessandro Del Vecchio and a new co-operation was started with Miqael Persson (ECLIPSE, TOBY HITCHCOCK, GIANT). The only song originating from outside writers is a cover version of BOY MEETS GIRL’s catchy 80s pop rock gem, 'Waiting For A Star To Fall', written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam.

II turns out to be a more mature and homogenous sounding affair than the band’s debut, paying even more attention to the musical arrangements and production details resulting in a very well balanced mix that pays attention to all the precious little details. In the case of Lionville II the much-cited term “Labour Of Love” is certainly appropriate as everyone involved gave their best from start to finish to deliver one of the AOR highlights of 2012.

Check out a preview trailer below:
More on Lionville at this location.

Japan's SERENITY IN MURDER and Italy's ANCIENT BARDS have teamed up for a split EP entitled Prelude To Awakening. It is limited to 800 copies, available via digital retailers and on the upcoming Extreme Metal Over Japan Tour.

The tracklist features 'Nocturnal Damned' by Serenity In Murder and 'Across This Life' by Ancient Bards. For more information check out the Serenity In Murder and Ancient Bards Facebook pages.
Serenity In Murder, who are signed to Spiritual Beast Records for Asia, released their debut album The First Frisson Of The World on September 14th, 2011. It is now available in the US via Amazon.com; click the widget at the bottom of the page to order.

The tracklist is as follows:

'The First Frisson Of The World'
'RequieM'
'Defenders Of The Faith'
'Horn Of Ending'
'The Tragedy'
'Defamiliarization'
'The Holocaust To Dead Line'
'Infact Bellum'
'In Hell Of Heaven'
The album was produced by METAL SAFARI guitarist Hiro and features female vocalist Emi. More info can be found at:their official website and on Facebook.

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)

A 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.

Rolling Stone has revealed their list of the greatest LED ZEPPELIN songs of all time.
The top five, in descending order, are as follows:

#5 - 'Ramble On' (1969)
#4 - 'Kashmir' (1975)
#3 - 'Black Dog' (1971)
#2 - 'Stairway to Heaven' (1971)
#1 - 'Whole Lotta Love' (1969)

This list appears in Rolling Stone's new collectors edition, Led Zeppelin: The Ultimate Guide To Their Music & Legend, on sale now.
Read more at this location.

Texas-based acoustic rock act ANCIENT VVISDOM have just been confirmed for a tour alongside blackened-prog stalwarts ENSLAVED, on their Winter Rites 2013 tour, which also features doom metallers PALLBEARER. The three-week tour, which starts on January 30th in Philadelphia, will be the band's first performances in support of their new album, Deathlike, which will be released on February 5th, 2013.

More details about Deathlike, the follow-up to their 201 debut release, A Godlike Inferno, will be revealed in the near future.
Winter Rite 2013 dates include:

January
30 - Underground Arts – Philadelphia, PA
31 - Ottobar – Baltimore, MD

February
1 - Mr. Smalls Theatre – Pittsburgh, PA
2 - Magic Stick – Detroit, MI
3 - Reggie’s Rock Club – Chicago, IL
4 - Mill City Nights – Minneapolis, MN
6 - Marquis Theater – Denver, CO
8 - The Troubadour – West Hollywood, CA
9 - Slim’s – San Francisco, CA
10 - Branx – Portland, OR
11 - The Highline – Seattle, WA
12 - Biltmore Cabaret – Vancouver, B.C.
14 - The Pawn Shop – Edmonton, AB
15 - Dickens Pub – Calgary, AB
16 - The Exchange – Regina, SK
17 - Osborne Village Inn – Winnipeg, MB
19 - The Opera House – Toronto, ON
20 - Les Foufounes Electriques – Montreal, QC
21 - The Sinclair – Cambridge, MA
22 - Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY

More on Ancient VVisdom at this location.

A new videotaped statement from drummer Shannon Lucas in which he confirms his departure from his band of the past five years, Michigan's unstoppable sons of molten melodic death metal THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, can be seen below. During the two-and-and-half-minute clip, Lucas also confirms that he has launched a new project with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz and CANNIBAL CORPSE vocalist George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher, for which he hopes to start tracking drums in January. Shannon also reveals that he is in the process of opening up a tattoo shop with his wife outside Richmond, Virginia, the details of which will be made available soon.

As previously reported, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER has recruited drummer Alan Cassidy (ABIGAIL WILLIAMS) to sit behind the kit for the band's current trek with DETHKLOK, MACHINE HEAD and ALL THAT REMAINS.

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER's latest album, "Ritual", sold 13,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 31 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Deflorate", opened with around 12,000 units to enter the chart at No. 43.

Released on June 21, 2011 via Metal Blade Records, "Ritual" was described in a press release as "a collection of 12 tracks that see the band staying true to their sound and style while progressing in both writing and musicianship."

MARDUK have received their very first gold award in Sweden, for their CD single 'Souls For Belial'. The single was released in cooperation with the Swedish magazine Sweden Rock earlier in 2012.

The single has exceeded sales of 10,000 copies in Sweden and therfore Marduk has been presented with the gold award. In early 2013 the single will be released as a limited edition on vinyl. Stay tuned for details
Marduk will make their first festival apperance for 2013 when they headline the Thronefest in Belgium on May 11th. The band will be performing the whole Panzer Division Marduk album and many other classics. This will mark only the second time they will have played the album in its entirety live.
Other bands confirmed for Thronefest 2013 include: CARPATHIAN FOREST, OFERMOD, and CELESTIA.

Further festival details available at this location.

Los Angeles metal quintet HOLY GRAIL recently released a lyric video for the first single of their upcoming new album, Ride The Void. 'Dark Passenger is now available for free download here. While their, check out the songpier smartphone app.

The 'Dark Passenger' lyric video can be seen below:
Holy Grail have also released a guitar play-through video for 'Dark Passenger', with guitarists Alex Lee and Eli Santan. Check it out below:
The band recenlty revealed the artwork for their new album, Ride The Void. Produced by Matt Hyde (SLAYER, CHILDREN OF BODOM), the follow-up to their 2010 debut, Crisis in Utopia, is scheduled to be released on January 22nd, 2013 in North America via Prosthetic Records, January 16th in Japan via Universal Music, and January 18th in Europe via Nuclear Blast Records.
The tracklisting for the North American edition of the album is as follows:

'Archeus'
'Bestia Triumphans'
'Dark Passenger'
'Bleeding Stone'
'Ride The Void'
'Too Decayed To Wait'
'Crosswinds'
'Take It To The Grave'
'Sleep Of Virtue'
'Silence The Scream'
'The Great Artifice'
'Wake Me When It's Over'
'Rains Of Sorrow'

The album artwork, featured above, was completed by the world-renowned concept artist Dylan Cole, best known for his Directors Guild of America Award-winning art for the 2009 blockbuster Avatar. Cole has also worked on the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Daredevil, Tron: Legacy, Transformers: Dark Of The Moon and more.

Lead guitarist Eli Santana speaks about the artwork in the video below:
Last night, Holy Grail kicked off a North American tour with HELLYEAH, with whom they toured in Australia earlier this year. Throughout the tour, the band will perform their new single 'Dark Passenger', which was released on iTunes earlier this month. The song, which will also appear on Ride The Void, will be released on 7-inch vinyl imminently along with the previously unreleased B-side 'Go Down Swinging'.
See Holy Grail live:

November
7 - Thunder Bay, ON - Thunder Bay Community Auditorium #
9 - Toronto, ON - The Opera House #
10 - Montreal, QC - Club Soda #
12 - Quebec City, QC - Imperial de Quebec #
14 - Watertown, NY - Exhibition Hall (Fairgrounds) #
16 - Jacksonville, NC - Hooligans Pub & Music Hall #
17 - Jacksonville, FL - Brewster’s Roc Bar #
18 - Charleston, SC - The Music Farm *

# with Hellyeah
* with Hellyeah, Hatebreed

Australian / Los Angeles tech-metal masters DEVOLVED will unleash their fourth full length studio album world-wide on November 20th through Unique Leader Records. Titled Reprisal, the album includes ten crushing new tracks and is once again led by founding member, drummer and lyricist John Sankey.

The new song 'Reprisal Of The Damned' can be heard streaming below:
Reprisal is the first release with guitarist Mark Hawkins and vocalist Mark Haggblad and is undoubtedly Devolved's most accomplished and innovative work to date with vastly superior songwriting and musicianship.
Reprisal tracklisting:

'Systematic Avenger'
'Accelerated Human Degeneration'
'Reprisal Of The Damned'
'Supremacy Enforced'
'Embodiment'
'Collateral Damage'
'Apocalyptic Visionary'
'Terminal Enslavement'
'Corrupted Mind Processor'
'Inanimate Infinity'
'(Cadence Of) The Dirge' (EXHORDER cover - bonus track)

A lyric video for 'Supremacy Enforced' is below:
Sankey stated about the album: "I deliberately wanted to combine an organic death metal approach with more progressive and modern elements, while still incorporating a cold and futuristic soundscape which has always been a signature of our sound and concept. I had a very specific vision for this album and it is finally the definitive representation of what I have always wanted Devolved to be. After our last studio release, Oblivion, I decided to work on my own and wrote all the new song structures and arrangements in their entirety by tracking just drums and vocals myself. Once they were complete I recruited new guitarist Mark Hawkins who then wrote and recorded all the guitar and bass parts, his involvement really allowed us to push the boundaries of each track and took the music to a totally new level of speed and technicality. To say the guitar work on this Album is far beyond anything we have done before would be a huge understatement! New singer Mark Haggblad also brings a rejuvenated ferocity to the band, his relentless vocal delivery is extremely aggressive throughout each track while still maintaining a unique tone that fits the dynamics and diversity of the songs perfectly. It has been a renewed creative experience working with such focused and talented new members, and it has definitely allowed us to surpass anything the band has been capable of in the past. Reprisal is without doubt the album I have always strived to create since the formation of Devolved!"

The album also includes a cover of the EXHORDER classic 'Cadence Of The Dirge' as a bonus track, which was originally released on the Exhorder album The Law in 1992 via Roadrunner Records. Both Kyle Thomas (Exhorder vocalist) and Monte Conner (Roadrunner Senior VP) praised the band on their version of the song saying it is an “amazing cover, Devolved have more than done it justice!”. Also featured is a guest vocal appearance by Tony Campos (SOULFLY, PRONG, MINSTRY, etc.) plus blistering guest solos by a number of the most highly renowned guitarists in todays modern metal scene : Francesco Artusato (ALL SHALL PERISH), Nate Vennarucc (ONTOGENY, ANOMALOUS), Malcolm Pugh (DISKREET, A LOATHING REQUIEM) and Vishal Singh
(ROBOTS PULLING LEVERS).

John Sankey recently co-wrote and arranged all the drum parts alongside Dino Cazares for the newly released FEAR FACTORY album, The Industrialist. Sankey also assisted with writing material that is featured on the previous Fear Factory release Mechanize, as well as both DIVINE HERESY albums and the Roadrunner United All-Stars CD. Legendary metal fuitarist and songwriter Dino Cazares (Fear Factory, ASESION, Divine Heresy) recently posted this statement regarding the new Devolved material: "Systematic brutality at its best. Raising the bar once again with their intellectual song arrangements and insane drum patterns that would make any tech metal fan turn their heads. This band just keeps getting better and better. Welcome to the end of everything that you once knew and say hello to the future."

All music written and performed by John Sankey and Mark Hawkins. Vocals by Mark Haggblad. Lyrics and arrangement by John Sankey. Devolved's new singer, Mark Haggblad (UNVEIL THE STRENGTH), and new guitarist, Mark Hawkins (ROBOTS PULLING LEVERS) are featured on the new demo tracks.

Swiss extreme metal legends CORONER have released behind-the-scenes highlights from the band's show at the Stereo Plaza in Kiev, Ukraine on September 8th.

Check out the footage below:
Coroner recently unveiled the first teaser from their upcoming career-spanning double-DVD, which will contain "a ton of material from the archives and a full length concert from the reunion gigs 2011/2012."

Check out the DVD teaser below:

Back in October drummer MIKE PORTNOY (FLYING COLORS, ex-DREAM THEATER) toured as part of ex-SPOCK'S BEARD frontman NEAL MORSE's band. He has posted drum cam footage of 'Thoughts Pt.5' from the October 11th show in New York City online; check it out below:
Footage from the October 5th show in Mexico City has surfaced featuring Morse and drummer Portnoy switching places for a cover of THE OSMONDS' 1972 hit 'Crazy Horses'. Check it out below.
The new MORSE/PORTNOY/GEORGE album - featuring Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy and Randy George - was released on May 22nd via Radiant Records. The complete tracklist is as follows:
2012 Momentum Sessions:
'Lido Shuffle' (BOZ SCAGGS)
'I Saw The Light' (TODD RUNDGREN)
'Rikki Don't Lose That Number' (STEELY DAN)
'Teacher' (JETHRO TULL)
'Driven To Tears' (THE POLICE)
'Come Sail Away (STYX)
'Southern Man / Needle And The Damage Done / Cinnamon Girl' (NEIL YOUNG)

2008 Lifeline Sessions:
'Crazy Horses' (THE OSMONDS)
'Lemons Never Forget' (THE BEE GEES)
'The Letter' (JOE COCKER version)
'(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding' (ELVIS COSTELLO)
'Starless' (KING CRIMSON)

The album is available exclusively through www.radiantrecords.com.

A clip of the trio performing 'Crazy Horses' is available below. Guitars on the track were performed by Paul Gilbert (MR. BIG), who does not appear in the clip. Previously released footage of the trio covering the Styx classic 'Come Sail Away' is also available.

Belgian sorcerers AMENRA will release their new album, Mass V, on November 27th, via new label home Neurot Recordings. The band have released a video for the album track, 'Boden', which can be seen below:
'Boden' lyrics:

carry within
a fear
that blossoms on skin
forever alone
sorrow says
bury my bones
carry within
regret
for everything
tear old pain away
I renounce this day and
I renounce every wound
made in my flesh
made by my flesh
are you awake? what did you see?
I'm a sudden hissing,
right behind your ear.
a white noise
but it's quiet now
I am reason
I am fear
inflict.
I call out
and you fear me
I call out
and all the brothers in the world they hear me
but the pain remains the same

The opening track from the album, 'Dearborn And Buried', is streaming below:
All photos contained in the layout for Mass V were taken by Stefaan Temmerman and the art itself was made and assembled by Webecameaware.
On the subject of the album’s visual aspects, the band revealed the following personal testimonial about how it came to be: "In November 2011 we went out wandering through our own and neighbouring countries. Looking for the perfect setting for the artwork to the new album. After a couple of days our trail ended at the village of Wissant in North France. The site is a gathering of destroyed bunkers from the second World War. The force and strength coming from these weathered constructions was overwhelming. Concrete blasted to pieces, hundreds of bullet holes everywhere, the salt and sand were once covered in blood. We drew respect from these stone temples, this once, was a world of pain. We stayed overnight at the site and slept on one of the bunkers just so we could get swallowed by the sea as tide came in and when the dawn brought first light, Stefaan Temmerman took the picture we knew was going to be perfect to represent our Mass V. It was a long and cold night."

Mass V tracklisting:

'Dearborn and Buried'
'Boden'
'A Mon Ame'
'Nowena I 9.10'

Amenra have also released another video trailer, crafted by their very own guitarist Mathieu Vandekerckhove, which offers another brief but tantalizing insight into the sounds of Mass V. Check out both trailers below:

There will be an art exhibition at the AB Venue preceding the band’s already sold out record release show on December 22nd where Stefaan Temmerman, Amenra members Chve and Mathieu Vandekerckhove and other artists will be showcasing photographs and more on the album. More info can be found here.

Amenra have announced new live appearances and 2013 European tour dates in support of Mass V. Confirmed dates include:
December
1 - Db’s - Utrecht, NL - Le Guess Who Festival
22 - Ancienne Belgique - Brussels, Belgium

January
11 - Machinefabriek - Groningen, Netherlands (Eurosonic Festival)

February
10 - De Kreun - Kortrijk, Belgium
16 - Perron - Ieper, Belgium (Winterfest)
22 - Burgerweeshuis - Deventer, Netherlands
24 - Mod - Hasselt, Belgium w/ Hessian

April
19 - Patronaat Church - Tilburg, Netherlands (Roadburn Festival)

European Tour 2013:

April
25 - Glazart - Paris, France
26 - Epicerie Moderne - Lyon, France
27 - Boulevard Rock Club - Misano Adriatico (RN), Italy
28 - Traffic live club - Roma, Italy
29 - Lo Fi club - Milano, Italy
30 - Gaswerk - Winterthur, Switzerland

May
1 - Arena - Wenen, Austria
2 - Feierwerk - Munchen, Germany
3 - Conne Island - Leipzig, Germany
4 - Klub Firlej - Wroclaw, Poland (Asymmetry Festival)
5 - TBA - Germany
26 - Stuk - Leuven, Belgium

More on Amenra at this location.

MEEK IS MURDER have released their new sci-fi themed EP, titled Into The Sun Where It Falls Off The Sky. A free stream is currently available at this location.
New video footage of the band tracking 'Doctor Emmett Brown (Endless In Our Fleeting)' at Backroom Studios can be seen below. The track features a guest vocal appearance by Jesse Korman of THE NUMBER TWELVE LOOKS LIKE YOU.
According to a press release: “The five-song EP assaults listeners with Meek’s special brand of techy, chaotic hardcore and manages to get in-and-out in about seven minutes.”

The EP was engineered and mixed by Kevin Antreassian at Backroom Studios (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, MIKE PORTNOY, AND FOXY SHAZAM) along with producer and guest vocalist Jesse Korman. Into The Sun Where It Falls Off The Sky was mastered by Alan Douches (CONVERGE, MASTODON) at West West Side Music.

Guitarist/vocalist Mike Keller commented: “Much in the way Algorithms drew influence from computer science concepts as allegories for life’s many challenges, the songs of Into The Sun Where It Falls Off The Sky honor a couple of our favorite sci-fi films as metaphors for the comedy and tragedy of our lives.”

The tracklisting for Into The Sun Where It Falls Off The Sky is as follows:

‘Private William Hudson (Dead Meat)’
‘Ellen Ripley (Into The Sun)’
‘Doctor Emmett Brown (Endless In Our Fleeting)’
‘Marty McFly (88 mph)’
‘Captain Malcolm Reynolds (Out Of Gas)’

This Friday, November 9th, ROB ZOMBIE will attend the 10th Annual New York City Horror Film Festival, where he will receive the Michael J. Hein award for Personal Achievement In Direction.
According to Examiner.com, Rob Zombie will also show to the audience in attendance a special “Director’s Choice” screening of one of his films.
Although online ticket sales have now ended, fans can purchase tickets to the event on the door. To find out more go to the New York City Horror Film Festival website, here.

This December, Netherlands-based trio VANDERBUYST will bring the party back to the rock scene full-on with their third LP, Flying Dutchmen. The surging energy of Flying Dutchmen will rocket forth onto the public worldwide this December 7th via Ván Records.
The video for the album's first single and title track, 'Flying Dutchman', can be seen below:
Flying Dutchmen tracklisting:

'Frivolous Franny'
'Waiting In The Wings'
'Give Me One More Shot'
'The Butcher’s Knife'
'Tears Won’t Rinse'
'Never Be Clever'
'In Dutch'
'Johnny Got Lucky'
'Lecherous'
'Flying Dutchman'
'Welcome To The Night'

The album artwork can be seen below:
With the upcoming release of the new full-length album, Vanderbuyst continue their tireless quest to save the world from flaccid rock. Much like their ancestors before them, Jonkman, Van Esbroek and Verbuyst have achieved an amazing feat of reclamation. Vanderbuyst have restored the heart and soul to hard rock without any gimmicks or ironic hipster attitude. This is the real deal.

An album trailer can be seen below:
More on Vanderbuyst here.

On November 4th, QUEENSRŸCHE guitarists Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren joined the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP on stage at Studio Seven in Seattle, WA for 'Rock Bottom' and 'Doctor Doctor'. Check out the fan-filmed video below:
Remaining dates on MSG's US tour are as follows:

November
7 - Oakland, CA - The New Parish
8 - Agoura Hills, CA - Canyon Club
9 - San Juan Capistrano, CA - Coach House
10 - Corona, CA - Marquee 15

PORCUPINE TREE will release Octane Twisted, a double-disc live set recorded at The Rivera, Chicago, Ill. and Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, in North America on November 20th via Kscope.



Porcupine Tree has posted a live video of the band performing 'I Drive The Hearse', taken from the Chicago performance offered on the upcoming two-disc set. Check it out below:
Gavin Harrison and Richard Barbieri of Porcupine Tree recently stopped by the Kscope office to chat about the Chicago concert which will be presented on the upcoming two-disc release. Watch the interview below:
Octane Twisted consists of The Incident - the band's 10th studio album - live in its entirety recorded in Chicago. The second CD contains five classic Porcupine Tree tracks also recorded in Chicago, along with three highlights from the band's landmark show at Royal Albert Hall. All the songs were recorded during the tour that supported The Incident, which went Top 30 in both the US and UK in 2009.



A special edition version of Octane Twisted with a bonus DVD of the Chicago performance can be pre-ordered now at this location.

Tracklisting:

CD 1 - The Incident - Chicago:

'Occam's Razor'
'The Blind House'
'Great Expectations'
'Kneel And Disconnect'
'Drawing The Line'
'The Incident'
'Your Unpleasant Family'
'The Yellow Windows Of The Evening Train'
'Time Flies'
'Degree Zero Of Liberty'
'Octane Twisted'
'The Seance'
'Circle Of Manias'
'I Drive The Hearse'

CD2:

'Hatesong
'Russia On Ice / The Pills I'm Taking'
'Stars Die'
'Bonnie The Cat'
'Even Less'
'Dislocated Day'
'Arriving Somewhere But Not Here'
The track, 'I Drive The Hearse', is streaming in the widget below. Fans who sign up for the Porcupine Tree mailing list will receive a free download of the track.
Porcupine Tree is unquestionably one of the most difficult-to-categorize and innovative bands working today. The band is fronted by Steven Wilson, who also is well-known for his work producing other artists, from Swedish progressive metal group, Opeth, to Norwegian chanteuse, Anja Garbarek.
More on Porcupine Tree at this location.

German melodic dark metallers and recent Pulverised signees, AUTUMNBLAZE, tapped acclaimed artist Travis Smith (DEATH, NEVERMORE, KATATONIA, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, etc.) to craft the cover art for their upcoming new full-length, Every Sun Is Fragile. The album will feature two different formats: a standard jewel case version and a limited edition slipcase version. The slipcase edition will offer alternate artwork and be made available in limited quantities. View both versions below.

Spawned in 1995, Autumnblaze released four full-length albums and two EPs before laying the band to rest in 2006 in search of other musical endeavors. The band ultimately reformed just two years later to release their critically lauded Perdition Diaries long player in 2009. Every Sun Is Fragile is slated for release later this year via Pulverised Record.

Commented drummer Arisjel of the upcoming new endeavor: “Expect a various blend of epic/melancholic metal and rock.These are some of the most ambitious songs we’ve ever written and everything was captured by the amazing production of our friend Charles Greywolf (POWERWOLF, FLOWING TEARS).”

Standard version:
Alternate version:
Every Sun Is Fragile tracklisting:

'Opening'
'New Ghosts In Town'
'Invisible Fields'
'Im Spiegel'
'Mein Engel, Der Aus Augen Fließt'
'Every Sun Is Fragile'
'Cold Soul'
'How I Learned To Burn My Teardrops'
'A Place For Paper Diamonds'
'Verglimmt'

Listen to the track 'A Place For Paper Diamonds' below:
Autumnblaze lineup:

Markus Baltes – vocals/guitars
Andreas – guitars
Arisjel – drums/backing vocals
More on Autumnblaze here.

Italian melodic metal band TWINTERA will release their debut album Lines, on November 16th via Logic(il)Logic Records.

The band is now streaming the track ‘By Hand Of Justice’ below:
The band recently revealed that EVERGREY guitarist/singer Tom S. Englund will be a special guest vocalist on the track 'Oversight'.
Lines tracklisting:

'71389'
'By Hand Of Justice'
'Where We Land'
'On The Edge Of...'
'Oversight'
'Cool 18'
'Run!'
'Burning Heart'
'Waves'
'Killing Your Feelings'
'Bunch Of Motherfuckers'

Frontiers Records recently announced the release of A PERFECT DAY's self-titled debut album, on November 19th in North America and November 23rd in Europe. The label have now uploaded a new EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for the album, which can be seen below:
The concept of A Perfect Day came about when Andrea Cantarelli - guitarist and co-founding member of the Italian heavy metal band LABYRINTH - presented the new songs and riffs he was working on to his bandmate Roberto Tiranti. The musical direction was evidently different from what they have been developing on Labyrinth’s recent releases, more in line with hard rock rather than power metal.

Roberto immediately loved the music that Andrea played him and started to work on songs and melodies which during 2011 and 2012 brought life to the debut album which finally sees the light of day now on Frontiers Records.

“Labyrinth is my band, but now it is not enough” says Cantarelli. “APD is what I need today. I need another band, a real band in order to express my creative juices. Musically speaking we are now in Hard Rock territory, however I have tried to give the sound a more dynamic and modern edge, not far away from acts like ALTER BRIDGE or STONE SOUR.”
But melody still plays a leading role in A Perfect Day music. Although, on the one hand, melodies are sometimes very relaxed, they are in contrast, with the wall of sound created by the heavy guitar riffing.

A Perfect Day lineup is completed with Alessandro Bissa (Labyrinth, VISION DIVINE) on drums.

The guys plan to have their live debut around the release of the album.

“If there will be opportunities to promote the album live we will take them!” concludes Andrea Cantarelli. “We are aware if will not be easy but we are working on it."
A Perfect Day tracklisting:

'Another Perfect Day'
'Now And Forever'
'Long Road To Ruin'
'Alone And Free (Rockblind)'
'Silent Cry'
'Under The Same Sun'
'Here We Are Again'
'Waiting On The Edge'
'Warm Embrace'
'We Only Say Goodbye'

'Silent Cry' is streaming via the Frontiers Records webradio at this location.

SAIGON KICK guitarist Jason Bieler recently launched a new project dubbed OWL STRETCHING, which he told BW&BK first-hand is "a constantly morphing project with different guests that I use as a vehicle to release new music." He has put a digital EP up for sale via his label, Bieler Bros.
Check out the complete tracklist with samples below. Go to this location to order.
During an exclusive interview with BW&BK discussing the rumours of a Saigon Kick reunion Bieler shed some light on Owl Stretching:

“Owl Stretching is me working with different musicians, some of them older and more experienced, some new guys, and constantly messing with it and evolving with it. Because I own a label and a studio, I don’t really have to do anything. It’s been the most fun, and the most dangerous in a sense, because I really don’t care. I can do what I want with whoever I want and how I want along with the people working with me, with no real justification for it. I’m not concerned about whether radio will like it or being able to tour with it. We’re just making music that we think is cool for that moment. We’ve only done a few things so far, but the diversity of Owl Stretching makes Saigon Kick look like a death metal band (laughs).”

According to a recent update posted on the official Saigon Kick Facebook page, the band has gotten back together:

"A 20 year lapse has finally come to an end. Saigon Kick will be reuniting with all original members for a few shows this fall. Let's see if we can even make it past the first rehearsal."
Vocalist Matt Kramer checked in directly with BW&BK and added to the announcement:

"No news yet, but we're on for giving a few shows a shot. The official line-up is confirmed for now: me (lead vocals), Jason Bieler (lead guitar), Phil Varone (drums), Tom Defile (bass) and Chris McLernon (rhythm guitar)."

McLernon was not a part of the original line-up, but came aboard as the band's bassist for the Water album in 1993 and remained with the band until they unofficially called it quits in 1999.

In a recent interview with Bieler - conducted before the reunion was 100% confirmed - he offered his thoughts on getting back together:

"The funny thing is I’ve done other things, I’m doing other projects, I’m having a blast, so when Phil (Varone/drums) reached out to me about doing a reunion… I don’t know. My only thing about Saigon Kick is that I wouldn’t want it to be a 'Will Work For Food' tour. I hate that, and I expressed to the guys that whatever and if ever we do something, I want to do it at a level that’s higher and better than it was. You tend to remember the best things about a band when they’re younger, and when you see them when you’re older you think 'Oh man, they suck! Maybe they’re still the same band and just never got any better.' I’d want to go out there and capture something, do something great. If we’re going to do some shows, I don’t want to show up with one flashlight and rip off the fans to make an extra $200. That’s not what I’m interested in."

Click here for more. Go to this location to watch for updates.

Brazilian band LIVIN GARDEN have released a preview of their brand new song, 'Exile', to be featured on their new album, due next year. Listen to the sample below along with the previously issued sample of 'Sing My Soul':
:

The band will post two more audio previews every two weeks, so everybody can have a little sneak peek of how the new album will sound. These aren't the final versions yet, since they're still in the pre-production process.
More on Livin Garden at this location.

Toronto-based hard rockers DIEMONDS have captured the essence of their favourite holiday, proving everyday is Halloween, in their new 80’s slasher movie inspired video, 'Get The F*ck Outta Here'. Check it out below:
As they say, the devil’s in the details and this short film addresses quite a few. From the twisted mind of ambitious, young director Bleedingheart, 'Get The F*ck Outta Here' comes complete with campy sex, frights, and laughs. The video celebrates the release of The Bad Pack, the band’s first full-length album on Underground Operations, earlier this month.
With the new album, Diemonds has taken their mean, tough, and infectious sound and honed it into a high-octane blast that’s perfect for soaring down a highway. And the band knows a thing or two about road life, having spent almost half of 2012 lighting up stages across North America.
Diemonds have also been fortunate enough to play opening slots for hard rock heroes like SLASH, STEEL PANTHER, MICHAEL MONROE, TEENAGE HEAD, and many more. They’ve had spots at festivals like Heavy MTL, Seattle Hempfest, City Rocks (India), Halifax Pop Explosion, Canadian Music Week and North by Northeast. Meanwhile, history was made when Diemonds toured northeast India, becoming the first female-fronted act ever to play the city of Shillong, India’s rock capital.

Upcoming show:

November
9 - Toronto, ON - Opera House (with HELLYEAH)

More on Diemonds here.

British metal band ABSOLVA release their Flames Of Justice album today, November 5th. Formed in the wake of FURY UK bassist Luke Appleton joining American metal goliaths ICED EARTH, frontman Chris Appleton and Martin McNee put Absolva together in May 2012, which marked the beginning of an incredible few months for the band.
Tracklisting:

'Flames Of Justice'
'Hundred Years'
'Code Red'
'It Is What It Is'
'Breathe'
'State Of Grace'
'From Beyond The Light'
'Free'
'Love To Hate'
'Only When It's Over'
'Empires'

More on Absolva, including the band's live itinerary, here.

In the video footage below, SOILWORK drummer Dirk Verbeuren plays along to 'Banished Messiah', featured on his other project, ANATOMY OF I's debut album, Substratum. The footage was shot on October 7th at Verbeuren' clinic at Rotterdam Drum Department.
On March 12th, 2013, Soilwork will kick-off their world tour in North America – their first time headlining in this territory in almost three years. The 54-show trek through the US and Canada will feature support from JEFF LOOMIS, BLACKGUARD, THE BROWNING, and WRETCHED.

“With [the new album] The Living Infinite nearing completion, all of us in Soilwork are excited to announce the first of many killer tours to come!”, states drummer Dirk Verbeuren. “We can’t wait to take some of our new songs to the stage and with two CDs worth of material, picking a set list is gonna be interesting to say the least… We look forward to once again bringing you metal the Soilwork way!”

General admission tickets are available at EnterTheVault.com as of October 30th and will go on sale through all normal ticketing systems on November 17th.

VIP Meet & Greet packages (which include early entry plus a shirt of choice from the band’s merchandise) are available only through Enterthevault.com.
Tour dates:

March
12 - Empire – West Springfield, VA
13 - The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
14 - Bogie’s – Albany, NY
15 - The Gramercy Theater – New York, NY
16 - Webster Theater – Hartford, CT
17 - Petit Campus – Montreal, QC
18 - Union Commerciale – Quebec City, QC
19 - Mavericks – Ottawa, ON
20 - The Opera House – Toronto, ON
21 - Altar Bar – Pittsburgh, PA
22 - Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH
23 - Blondie’s – Detroit, MI
24 - The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
25 - Mojoes – Joliet, IL
26 - Wooly’s – Des Moines, IA
27 - Station 4 – St. Paul, MN
28 - Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB
29 - The Exchange – Regina, SK
30 - The Distillery – Calgary, AB
31 - Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB

April
1 - The Generator – Prince George, B.C.
2 - Rickshaw Theater – Vancouver, B.C.
3 - El Corazon – Seattle, WA
4 - Hawthorne Theatre – Portland, OR
5 - Slim’s – San Francisco, CA
6 - House of Blues – Hollywood, CA
7 - Rocky Point Cantina – Tempe, AZ
8 - The Rock – Tucson, AZ
9 - Las Vegas Country Saloon – Las Vegas, NV
11 - In The Venue – Salt Lake City, UT
12 - Gothic Theater – Englewood, CO
13 - The Beaumont Club – Kansas City, MO
14 - The Firebird – St. Louis, MO
15 - Trees – Dallas, TX
16 - Backstage Live – San Antonio, TX
17 - Jake’s – Lubbock, TX
18 - Lucky Mule – Abilene, TX
19 - Dos Amigos – Odessa, TX
20 - Tricky Falls – El Paso, TX
22 - House of Rock – Corpus Christi, TX
23 - Geo’s – McAllen, TX
24 - Scout Bar – Houston, TX
26 - State Theater – St. Petersburg, FL
27 - Freebird Live – Jacksonville, FL
28 - The Casbah – Charlotte, NC
29 - Kingdom – Richmond, VA
30 - Soundstage – Baltimore, MD

May
1 - Mexicali Live – Teaneck, NJ
2 - The Chance Theater – Poughkeepsie, NY
3 - Broadway Joes – Buffalo, NY
4 - Al Rosa Villa – Columbus, OH
5 - Music Hall – London, ON
6 - Station 58 – Syracuse, NY
7 - The Palladium – Worcester, MA

More on Soilwork at this location.

Bollnäs, Sweden-based metallers TRAIL OF MURDER - featuring former TAD MOROSE singer Urban Breed and MORGANA LEFAY drummer Pelle Akerlind - released their debut album, Shades Of Art, on October 26th via Metal Heaven. A full length audio clip of the song 'Higher' is available below:
"After singer Urban Breed parted ways with Tad Morose, he and his former bandmate Daniel Olsson decided to start a new band. Morgana Lefay drummer Pelle Akerlind, who already worked with Urban Breed in BLOODBOUND, was soon added to the line-up and as a three piece they started to write and produce songs for their first album. Since they had a singer, a guitarist, a drummer and they all could play bass they didn't involve any more members while they've been working on Shades Of Art. The songs pretty much wrote themselves, and in the fall of 2011 they entered The Black Lounge to mix the album with Jonas Kjellgren (SONIC SYNDICATE, SCAR SYMMETRY)."

Shades Of Art tracklisting:

'Shades Of Art'
'Carnivore'
'Lady Don’t Answer'
'Mab'
'I Know Shadows'
'Your Silence'
'Higher'
'The Song You Never Sang'
'Nightmares I Stole'
'Child Of Darkest Night'
'Some Stand Alone'
'My Heart Still Cries'

Trail Of Murder is:

Urban Breed – Vocals
Daniel Olsson – Guitar
Pelle Akerlind – Drums
Hasse Eismar – Guitar
Johan Bergquist – Bass

More on Trail Of Murder at this location.

THE AGONIST drummer Simon McKay has checked in with the following update:

"For those of you that liked the song 'Anxious Darwinians' off The Agonist album Prisoners, you might enjoy this. It's the other song that I wrote and played all guitars on. It's also only featured on the Japan release of the album. Enjoy!"

The Agonist have the following live dates scheduled:

November
11 - The Wall Live House - Taipei City, Taiwan
13 - O-East - Shibuya, Japan
14 - Club Quattro - Nagoya, Japan
15 - Big Cat - Osaka, Japan

The band recently posted their new video, 'Panophobia'. Featuring behind-the-scenes and live footage from the band's performance at Heavy MTL 2012, the video for 'Panophobia' was directed by Five Knights Productions.

Watch below: