The Sunset Strip's hottest export STEEL PANTHER is looking to further its quest for worldwide domination with the release of its first-ever DVD, "British Invasion", via Guitar Anarchy Studios. Rumored for release multiple times in the U.S. in 2010 and 2011, the DVD will finally see the light of day domestically on October 30.

Recorded with 16 cameras in pristine HD over a two-year period, the DVD chronicles STEEL PANTHER's legendary live show that the band has come to be known for. Beginning in March 2010 at the band's sold-out concert at Brixton Academy in London during their highly successful "Feel The Steel" tour, the DVD feaures some of the group's most memorable hits, including "Asian Hooker", "Community Property", "The Shocker" and "Stripper Girl", in a way never seen before. Included in the package is a laugh-out-loud documentary that follows the band backstage and on their tour that is not to be missed. The deluxe box set includes two DVDs — one with the full show and one with the documentary — deleted scenes and five songs from Download Festival 2012. The packaging also includes a 16-page color book. The DVD will also be available in Blu-ray at the same time.

"British Invasion" was directed and produced by award-winning director Daniel E. Catullo III (RUSH, NICKELBACK, GODSMACK) and was mixed by Jay Ruston, who worked with the band on both of their previous records. An official DVD web site has been set up specifically for the DVD release, SteelPantherDVD.com, with a pre-order starting today as well. Fans who pre-order the DVD on the DVD site will receive a limited-edition signed poster of the band for free. New videos will be released every week up until release day to give the fans a sneak peek at the DVD and updated information will be posted on the official DVD site.

STEEL PANTHER is currently gearing up for their second world tour of 2012. The 25-plus-city trek kicks off in Auckland, New Zealand on October 2 and runs through mid-November and makes stops in major markets all over Europe and Australia, including Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Manchester, Paris, Zurich and Bristol, before wrapping up in London on November 15.

STEEL PANTHER was, for a long time, rock's best-kept secret: a cult legend on the L.A. scene. But in recent years due to the success of their albums (both debuted at #1 on the Billboard Comedy Album Charts) and live shows, the band has enjoyed huge acclaim from fans and peers alike. At sold-out shows in Hollywood and Las Vegas, STEEL PANTHER has been joined on stage by rock and roll icons such as Steven Tyler of AEROSMITH, Paul Stanley of KISS, Corey Taylor of SLIPKNOT, Tom Morello of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, and Chester Bennington of LINKIN PARK.

"British Invasion" track listing:

Main DVD

01. Eyes Of A Panther
02. Eatin' Ain't Cheatin'
03. Fat Girl
04. Hair Solo
05. Party All Day
06. Hell's On Fire
07. Stripper Girl
08. Asian Hooker
09. Turn Out The Lights
10. Girl From Oklahoma
11. We Want Pussy
12. Community Property
13. The Shocker
14. Death To All But Metal

Bonus Disc

* 40-minute documentary
* Deleted scenes
* Download Festival 2012
* "Supersonic Sex Machine" video
* "Community Property" video
* "Just Like Tiger Woods" video
* "17 Girls In A Row" video
* "Death To All But Metal" video (featuring Corey Taylor)

The eighth "British Invasion" teaser — a performance clip of the song "The Shocker" — can be seen below.

"The Shocker" performance clip:

Legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen has set "Spell Bound" as the title of his new album, tentatively due in early 2013.

Acclaimed heavy metal singer Tim "Ripper" Owens (BEYOND FEAR, ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH), who has been fronting Yngwie's band both live and in the studio since February 2008, was unable to join Malmsteen at the Getaway Rock in July due to scheduling conflicts with Tim's official Ronnie James Dio tribute band DIO DISCIPLES. Handling most of the lead vocals during Yngwie's set at the Getaway Rock Festival was bassist Ralph Ciavolino.

Released on November 22, 2010 via Malmsteen's own Rising Force Records, Yngwie's most recent album, "Relentless", features striking vocals from Owens, who first collaborated with Malmsteen on "Perpetual Flame" (Malmsteen's first album for the Rising Force Records label).

Of the latest CD, Malmsteen said, "The album title really says it all. The drive to surpass my own accomplishments can best be described with one word — relentless. After all these years of composing and playing music, I still am passionate about pushing myself to the limit — to the highest, most demanding level of playing possible."

Yngwie is working on his autobiography. Described as "the only real and true story written by Malmsteen himself," "Relentless", will be released in early 2013. Yngwie has also launched an instructional web site, RelentlessShred.com.

United Stations Radio Networks has uploaded video footage of LED ZEPPELIN's entire October 9 press conference at New York's Museum Of Modern Art following the screening of "Celebration Day". Check it out below.

Although John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham were respectful to the writers and reporters, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant were clearly annoyed that they genuinely wanted to know if the band is considering any new work or concerts. According to The Pulse Of Radio, Page and Plant would respond to any reunion questions by staring the reporter down — Plant alternately pretended to snore and even called a reporter from The Associated Press a "schmuck" for asking about the future of LED ZEPPELIN.

Page and Plant — who, while hawking their five-year-old reunion concert CD/DVD — couldn't be bothered to honestly answer the press, who tried gamely to play along with the fact that they were supposed to ignore the 300 pound gorilla in the room, which was that LED ZEPPELIN were right in front of them and NOT making music. At one point Page tersely answered a reporter's reunion question. "Well, look; at this time four years ago, we'd have been rehearsing to get to the O2," he said. "In December it'll be five years since the O2. So, that's a number of years that pass in between, so that seems unlikely, if there wasn't a whisper, or a hint that we would get together to do something or other. I'd say even two years ago, or whatever. Seems pretty unlikely, that's what I think."

Rock writer Bill Flanagan, the editorial director MTV Networks, served as the moderator and gently coaxed Plant into finally answering the reunion question with a bit of respect for the reporters in the room. "We were so happy that we were actually gettin' it right [coughs] and taking it beyond what we thought we were about that night," he said. "There were moments in it where we just took off and pushed off in some place. The responsibility of doing that four nights a week for the rest of time is a different thing. 'Cause, we're pretty good at what we do; the tail should never wag the dog. If we're capable of doing something in our own time that will be what will happen. So any inane questions who are from syndicated outlets [laughs], you should just really think what it takes to answer a question like that in one second, y'know? We know what we've got."

DEEP PURPLE is among 15 finalists for induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame's Class Of 2013.

"Personally, I couldn't care less," former PURPLE guitarist Ritchie Blackmore tells Billboard.com. "I would never go. I'm not really a fan of that stuff. Considering some of the people that are in the Hall Of Fame, I'm not sure if it's a good idea, so I don't care one way or the other, actually."

He adds, "I think our fans seem to care more than I do. They're always saying, 'You should be in the Hall Of Fame. You should be in this, you should be in that...' If I can pay the bills, that's all I care about."

For the first time, the public gets to vote alongside the artists, historians and music industry insiders of the Rock Hall voting body. From now until December 5, fans can vote on RollingStone.com for the nominees they'd like to see inducted. The top five acts will comprise a "fan's ballot" that will count as one of the more than 600 ballots that determine the Class Of 2013. The results will be announced in mid-December.

The April 18, 2013 event is set for Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, marking the first time the ceremony will be held in the city since 1993. HBO will tape the show for broadcast at a later date.

Artists are considered for inclusion in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 25 years after the release of their first recording.

Speaking to VintageRock.com, DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan recently stated about the possibility of one day being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, "You've got to take this with great respect. We don't have anything like that where we come from, over in Europe or anywhere else. It's an American thing. It's so completely different. In America, you're great and really do support and show appreciation for your artists, musicians, film stars, whatever it may be. And you give them visible signs in accolades and all that sort of thing. And you cheer and…you're very supportive. It's the completely opposite in the U.K. They want to kill you. [laughs] The moment you get up to any form of success, they just want to wipe you out and deride you. It's part of the culture. At the same time, we've just focused on the music."

He added, "I honestly can't tell you whether or not we should be there or not. It could be because of the fragmented nature of the band that they wouldn't know how to deal with it.

"To us, with the greatest respect, it doesn't mean a lot although it's rather like an award in the U.K., if I were to get one. I probably wouldn't accept it. But then again, after a week of thinking about it, I would accept it because it would be on behalf on the family and friends and everyone who supports the band and who's looked after us after all these years. It's kind of a recognition of everyone. But whether we deserve it, I don't know. I always get embarrassed talking about this stuff."

Former PURPLE member Glenn Hughes recently said of the Hall Of Fame: "We know the people in charge and we know how they think. It's become like a joke in a way. Gene Simmons [KISS] will talk to me about it, and go on a rant and all, and he is exactly right. But I'm not gonna hold my breath. DEEP PURPLE, KISS, YES and especially RUSH should obviously all be in."

Former THE WILDHEARTS frontman Ginger (real name David Walls) has joined forces with bassist Shane Embury (NAPALM DEATH, VENOMOUS CONCEPT, LOCK UP) in a new grind/noise band called MUTATION. The group, which also features in its ranks Jon Poole (CARDIACS), Chris Catalyst (SISTERS OF MERCY), Denzel (YOUNG LEGIONNAIRE) and a guest slot from THE FALL's frontman Mark E. Smith, will release a trio of albums, the first of which, "The Frankenstein Effect", is already finished, while LP number two is almost completed (the third will be recorded in 2013).

Speaking to U.K.'s Terrorizer magazine, Ginger said of MUTATION: "The whole thing is based on my love of extreme music and not one specific genre. It's rhythmic, it's jarring, it's got more fucked up parts because of the CARDIACS elements, it's got more out-and-out thrash, it's a bit mathy in places, it's very technical. .. and then it's just really fuckin' noisy!:

Ginger described "Frankenstein" as "very early thrash mixed with really extreme arrangements", while the second offering is "way more disturbing." "That's what we were going for when we sat down together [and said ], 'Let's see what comes out when we get a member from the CARDIACS. a member from WILDHEARTS and a member from NAPALM DEATH!" said Ginger.

With Embury being a long-standing friend of Ginger as well as a massive CARDIACS fan, getting involved was something of a no-brainer.

"As much as I love NAPALM, I've been dying to do something a bit out-there lately," explained Shane. "I wouldn't say every NAPALM fan will like it, but I think a lot of them will be into it. It's pretty fucking nuts. We're not even halfway through — it's just a lot of extreme sounds and noise at the moment, just a mad collaboration of styles. It's fucking intense!"

The first two MUTATION albums are being funded via PledgeMusic.

SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor recently performed a piece for Amp Rock TV's ongoing art/film project "The Words". The film features Corey reciting the lyrics to STONE SOUR's new track "Absolute Zero" in a new, unique light. Check out this great reimagining below.

"Absolute Zero" comes off "House Of Gold And Bones - Part 1", the first half of STONE SOUR's upcoming two-disc concept album, which arrives on October 23. The second half will come out next year, probably in May.

Taylor told The Pulse Of Radio that the project has turned out even better than he had hoped. "It's some of the best work we've ever done," he said. "Song-wise, guitar-wise, performance-wise, I mean, everything. It's so good. It's come out so much better than I thought it was going to. It's surpassed all of our expectations. It's really, really good."

Speaking to Rolling Stone about the making of the project, Taylor said, "Even with the time constraints we had, we basically recorded two albums in the time it takes to record one. So we were doing double-duty every day. I was tracking two songs vocally a day just to keep us on a deadline and it really pushed us to strive for excellence."

The singer also said that the band wanted to "really try and go for (a) natural vibe on this without using a ton of samples and really try to differentiate us from everybody else out there . . . we wanted to really capture a unique sound."

"House of Gold & Bones - Part 1" track listing:

01. Gone Sovereign
02. Absolute Zero
03. A Rumor Of Skin
04. The Travellers Part 1
05. Tired
06. RU486
07. My Name Is Allen
08. Taciturn
09. Influence Of A Drowsy God
10. The Travellers Part 2
11. Last Of The Real

STONE SOUR's video for the song "Gone Sovereign" can be seen below. The clip was filmed on September 26 in the band's hometown of Des Moines, Iowa with director Paul R. Brown, who has previously worked with SLIPKNOT, MÖTLEY CRÜE, KORN, GODSMACK and AVENGED SEVENFOLD.

STONE SOUR will play a couple of festival dates in South America in early November before heading overseas later this fall for a European tour.

Austrian extreme metallers MASTIC SCUM will release their fifth album in March 2013 via Massacre Records. The band states, "Three years after our last CD, 'Dust', (Twilight Records) we are back with a heavy load of new riffs and structures.

"We are almost at the end of a long road of rehearse and working on new tunes! At the time we are still working on the pre-production of 10 tracks.

"The new songs are shaping up in a new brutal style and also on a higher technical level. With this release, we went back to our roots putting some experimental parts and also we made a big step forward to new structures and rhythms."

"Construcdead", the latest video from MASTIC SCUM, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed in Innsbruck, Austria and was produced and directed by Sulinor.

"Construcdead" comes off MASTIC SCUM's latest album, "Dust", which was released on November 13, 2009 via Twilight Distribution. 12 songs were recorded for the effort, which was mixed at Grindlab Studio and mastered by Jacob Hansen (HEAVEN SHALL BURN, ABORTED, HATESPHERE). Artwork for the CD was created by Killustrations (SIX FEET UNDER, KATAKLYSM, AMON AMARTH).

An e-card for "Dust" can be found at this location.

MASTIC SCUM in 2009 parted ways with vocalist Will due to "musical differences" and replaced him with Maggo Wenzel (INZEST, TRISTWOOD, WATCH ME BLEED).

For more information, go to this location.

Frontiers Records has announced the release of A PERFECT DAY's self-titled debut album, on November 19th in North America and November 23rd in Europe.
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.

Persian progressive death metallers AZOOMA have announced that they will be entering the studio to record a new EP entitled A Hymn Of The Vicious Monster.

Guitarist Ahmad Takalou commented: “We are getting ready to go into the studio and all the songs are written already. This EP is going to be one that will make us recognisable. And this will be a conceptual one with an interesting story. I believe our fans are the best, so we are going to create the best for the best."

The band has also posted rehearsal footage which can be seen below.

The band commented: "We are really happy about this reunion, we are back stronger than ever and you will hear more from us soon. We want to present you with real progressive Persian death metal. We would like to thank our fans and friends for supporting us throughout the years and we hope they keep supporting us. "
Azooma are:

Shahin Vaqfipour-vocals
Ahmad Tokallou-guitar
Farid Shariat- bass
Saeed Shariat-drums

In The Grip Of Chaos, the debut full-length from Swedeath upstarts ERUPTED, is out now on Abyss Records.

The album was recorded at Kloster Productions by Robin ''Rojne'' Svensson, who worked with the band on their sold-out 2010 Faces Of Death EP. To capture the true essence of the old-school Swedish death metal recordings that influenced their sound, Erupted recorded the bass and drum tracks live on analog tape.

Listen to the album track, 'Salvation From Below', below:
In The Grip Of Chaos tracklisting:

'Salvation From Below'
'In The Grip Of Chaos'
'Dark Mistress'
'Path Of Perdition'
'Death Of A Depraved Mind'
'Blazing Fall Of Heaven'
'That Which Is Denied Gains Power'
'Born Of Hate'
'Hell Recreated' *
'Faces Of Death' *

* From the Faces Of Death demo

The track 'That Which Is Denied Gains Power' is streaming below:

More on Erupted at this location.

JOURNEY guitarist Neal Schon proposed to his girlfriend, onetime "Real Housewives Of D.C." star Michaele Salahi, on stage last night (Sunday, October 14) during the band's performance in Baltimore, Maryland at a Paul Reed Smith Guitars benefit for the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Fan-filmed video footage of the proposal can be seen below.

Schon and Salahi, appeared on NBC's crown jewel, the "Today" show, in February to tell their side of the story that found Michaele abruptly leaving her husband and former "Housewives" co-star Tareq Salahi.

Salahi said she left her husband in late September of 2011 to escape a too-close, abusive relationship. "What happened between Tareq and I was him and I. It's between us," she explained. "And what he did is push me away. When there's control or abuse or hurting someone mentally ... it's not love. It's smothering."

She added, "I left that day not with plans to be gone forever. Our relationship was very controlled by Tareq. Anyone that watched the show, or even spent 24 hours with Tareq and I, knew what I had been through. That day I reached [out], Neal and I had been friends since the '90s, and I just wanted to be with someone that would help me sort through everything in my head. I didn't return because I couldn't endure anymore of what I had been through."

Schon also denied Tareq's assertion that the two men were previously friends. "I considered her a best friend, and I had to know Tareq because she was my best friend. Did [Tareq and I] know each other? Yes, but I wouldn't consider him a friend, and certainly not now!"

Svart Records has set a November 23 release date for "Uljas Uusi Maailma" ("Brave New World"), the debut album from KUOLEMANLAAKSO, the Finnish band featuring members of CHAOSWEAVER, SWALLOW THE SUN and BARREN EARTH.

Named after one of the lowest, driest, and hottest places on Earth, KUOLEMANLAAKSO ("Death Valley") was formed in the spring of 2010. The band originally started out as a one-man project of guitarist Laakso (CHAOSWEAVER). Much influenced by TRIPTYKON's "Eparistera Daimones", Laakso's mission was to create an utterly dark and heavy album, full of catchy hooks and originality: a tragically beautiful world all its own.

It was clear from the start that the lyrics would be recited in Finnish. They were inspired by Eino Leino's (1878–1926) poem collection "Helkavirsiä", the mystique of the Finnish forests, and the morbidity of the modern world.

The feedback from an unreleased four-song demo recording was so overwhelmingly positive from fellow musicians that Laakso decided to recruit some of them and thus make KUOLEMANLAAKSO a fully operating five-head outfit. And not just anybody, but some of his favorite bandsmen: vocalist Kotamäki (SWALLOW THE SUN, BARREN EARTH), guitarist Kouta (CHAOSWEAVER, ex-VERJNUARMU), bassist Usva (ELENIUM, THE NIBIRUAN) and drummer Tiera (DISCARD, CULT OF ENDTIME).

The band packed their bags in February 2012 and flew to Germany's Woodshed Studio, which is operated by none other than Victor Bullok (a.k.a. V. Santura; TRIPTYKON, DARK FORTRESS). Victor not only co-produced, mixed, mastered and engineered the crushing "Uljas Uusi Maailma", he also provided guest guitars on five tracks on it — at his own request, as he liked the material so much.

"Uljas Uusi Maailma" track listing:

01. Minä Elän ("I Live")
02. Kuun Lapset ("Children Of The Moon")
03. Nostos & Algos
04. Roihusydän ("Blaze Heart")
05. Etsin ("Searching")
06. Ikiuni ("The Eternal Sleep")
07. Uljas Uusi Maailma ("Brave New World")
08. Aurinko ("The Sun")

KUOLEMANLAAKSO is:

Kotamäki (SWALLOW THE SUN, BARREN EARTH) - Vocals
Laakso (CHAOSWEAVER) – Guitar, Keyboards
Kouta (CHAOSWEAVER, ex-VERJNUARMU) - Guitar
Usva (ELENIUM, THE NIBIRUAN) - Bass
Tiera (DISCARD, CULT OF ENDTIME) – Drums

After 13 years of silence, THE MAGIK WAY's Materia Occulta 1997–1999 will soon see the light via Sad Sun Music and distributed by My Kingdom Music.
"Emerging from a rib of Italian black/death occult band MORTUARY DRAPE's 1997 album, Secret Sudaria," Materia Occulta 1997–1999 features material recorded by the obscure project in their years of intense musical, esoteric and spiritual activities.
Materia Occulta 1997–1999 tracklist:

The Magik Way 1997:
'The Doubt' (Il Dubbio)
'The Dizziness' (La Folgorazione)
'The Sacrifice' (Il Sacrificio)
'The Knowledge' (La Conoscenza)

Cosmocaos 1999:
'I Signori del Caos'
'Le Maschere di Pietra'
'L’Icona'
'Gloria'
'Lupenare (La Luna Crescente - Il Caotico Divenire - L’Uomo con la Falce)'
'Le Prigioni di Corda'
'La Quiete'
'Trasposizione'
'Mantramime'
'La Caduta'
'Danza degli Elementi'
'Pianto ed Estasi'
'Il Tempo si è Fermato'

Check out a trailer below:

ALASTOR, the legendary thrash metal band from Poland, will release a new album, "Out Of Anger", on November 26 in Europe via Metal Mind Productions and January 15, 2013 in the U.S. through MVD. The group's first release since replacing singer Robert Stankiewicz with Mish Jarski in 2010 was recorded in late 2011 at ZED Studio in Olkusz, Poland. The front cover illustration was created by Polish graphic designers: Jaroslaw and Oliwia Wieczorek and can be seen below.

"Out Of Anger" track listing:

01. Beaten
02. Look At Me
03. Real Face
04. Crawling
05. Out Of Anger (In Your Face)
06. Righteous Kill
07. Hatemate
08. My Soul

The song "Look At Me" can be streamed below.

"Out Of Anger" recording lineup:

Slawomir Brylka - Drums
Mariusz Matuszewski - Guitar
Mish Jarski - Vocals
Artur "Naho" Banach - Guitar
Jakub Kubasinski - Bass

The album will also feature the band’s ex-guitarist Marcin "Crowbar" Bilicki and a couple of guest musicians: Bartosz "Barton" Szarek (LOSTBONE, CHAIN REACTION) and Adam "Baryla" Brylka (HORRORSCOPE) on vocals and Lech "Blackpitfather" Smiechowicz (HORRORSCOPE) on guitar.

The official lyric video for the song "Manticore", taken from CRADLE OF FILTH's forthcoming tenth studio album, "The Manticore And Other Horrors", can be seen below.

"The Manticore And Other Horrors" will be released in North America on October 30 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Unveiling Of O
02. The Abhorrent
03. For Your Vulgar Delectation
04. Illicitus
05. Manticore
06. Frost On Her Pillow
07. Huge Onyx Wings Behind Despair
08. Pallid Reflection
09. Siding With The Titans
10. Succumb To This
11. Nightmares Of An Ether Drinker
12. Death, The Great Adventure (deluxe edition digipak)
13. Sinfonia (deluxe edition digipak)

A mini-site for "The Manticore And Other Horrors" has been launched, featuring album audio, information, gallery, desktop downloads, plus a chance to download the track "For Your Vulgar Delectation" for free.

Recorded in eight weeks at both Springvale and Grindstone studios (where it was also mixed by Scott Atkins), Suffolk, "The Manticore And Other Horrors" is a testament to the longevity of the 'FILTH, as not only does it reek of CRADLE's (feared or revered) brand of delicious metal vamperotica, but this thoroughly modern album places the band firmly in fresh killing fields anew.

"The Manticore And Other Horrors" itself possesses an altogether new atmosphere for the band, incorporating a heavier, faster NWOBBM punk vibe that is both current and cruel, blended with ornate orchestration and the quirky immediateness of 2000's "Midian" opus.

The album's title can be likened to a bestiary, a collection of stories on monsters - personal demons, Chimeras, literary fiends and world-enslaving entities to blame but a few. "Manticore", the ravening title track, is a song about a beautiful mythological horror that comes to be feared as the disfigurehead of foreign occupation in the Indian provinces.

The songs "Illicitus" and "Pallid Reflection" bear the sweet ingredients of vampirism and lycanthropy; the wicked "For Your Vulgar Delectation" and "Frost On Her Pillow" are woven perversely into grim fairy tales, whilst classic, monumental tracks like "The Abhorrent And Siding With The Titans" both extol tentacular Lovecraftian values.

Speaking to Metal-Trails.com at this year's Wacken Open Air festival, which took place August 2-4 in Wacken, Germany, CRADLE OF FILTH frontman Dani "Filth" Davey stated about the musical direction of the band's new album, "It's a slightly different direction for CRADLE OF FILTH. It's very fresh for people who appreciate our other works. It's a slightly shorter album, but we've concentrated on melody and different techniques that have been slightly missing from our music — it's a bit punkier, a bit more structured, a bit more singalong, but it's still extreme and it's still CRADLE OF FILTH."

He continued, "It's very hard to speak about it, because it's only been two years since our last record, so if it was so familiar, trying to explain what that record was like and what this record is like… Because there's so much going on in our music — there's symphonic parts and then there's really fast parts and slow, romantic interludes and, like I said, punk and New Wave Of British Heavy Metal in there. But it's all kind of wrapped up in theology and cinematic kind of soundscape. So it's hard to break it down and say, 'Well, this is what we're doing this time that's a bit different from the last time.' But it's good. We're really proud of what we're doing. I think people are gonna be very surprised when they hear it and go, 'Wow, that's CRADLE OF FILTH for 2012.'"

CRADLE OF FILTH is:

Dani Filth - Vocals
Paul Allender - Guitar
James McIlroy - Guitar
David Pybus - Bass
Martin Skaroupka - Drums

"Manticore" lyric video:

Season Of Mist will re-release the first five album from re Greek extreme metallers SEPTICFLESH: "Mystic Places Of Dawn" (1994), "Esoptron" (1994), "Ophidian Wheel" (1997), "A Fallen Temple" (1998) and "Revolution DNA" (1999). Each reissue will come as a digipak with brand new cover artwork designed by Seth Siro Anton and bonus material. A vinyl edition will also be released for all five albums.

The first in the series of reissues, 1994's "Mystic Places Of Dawn", is due on January 25 (January 22 in North America).

SEPTICFLESH's latest album, the critically acclaimed "The Great Mass", was released in April 2011 by the Season Of Mist and was produced by Peter Tägtgren (IMMORTAL, HYPOCRISY). The CD, which featured a full orchestra and choir, captured the band much attention, including placement on several "Album Of The Year" lists from notable publications worldwide.

SEPTICFLESH's current lineup consists of Seth Siro Anton (bass, vocals), Sotiris Anunnaki V (guitar, clean vocals), Christos Antoniou (guitar, orchestral), and Fotis Benardo (drums).

Italy's black/rock/doom metal outfit FORGOTTEN TOMB will release its sixth full-length album , entitled "...And Don't Deliver Us From Evil", on October 30 in Europe and on November 6 in North America via Agonia Records. The CD is now available for streaming in its entirety until October 22 using the SoundCloud player below.

More powerful and straight to the point, the CD begins where its antecedent — "Under Saturn Retrograde" — melodically ended. The directions of the new release may vary however over the last year's offering, as the band submerges into more dark, horror-like regions and underground scenery, serving us a more steady and mature recording. FORGOTTEN TOMB is still obscure, melodic and still follows its own negative path — continuously experiencing with sound and imaginativeness. But as fans of the formation may already know, the Italian outfit is likely to surprise the listener during the long and complex compositions, smuggling mainstream-music elements and wise song-structures into the outwardly seamy and fearsome metal landscapes, making the obvious music sub-genres sound not that obvious anymore.

According to FORGOTTEN TOMB leader and songwriter Ferdinando "Herr Morbid" Marchisio, "...And Don't Deliver Us From Evil" is the most personal album he has written since 2004's "Love's Burial Ground" and it explores the darkest corners of his mind like never before, making it without any doubt one of the band's more tortured and twisted offerings.

"...And Don't Deliver Us From Evil" was recorded in Elfo Studio in Italy by Daniele Mandelli and was mastered at Finnvox Studios (IMPALED NAZARENE, AMORPHIS, CHILDREN OF BODOM, FINNTROLL, HIM).

"…And Don't Deliver Us From Evil" track listing:

01. Deprived
02. ...And Don't Deliver Us From Evil
03. Cold Summer
04. Let's Torture Each Other
05. Love Me Like You'd Love The Death
06. Adrift
07. Nullifying Tomorrow
08. Transmission (JOY DIVISION cover)*
09. Sore (BUZZOV*EN cover) **

* exclusive digipack CD bonus track
** exclusive vinyl bonus track

"...And Don't Deliver Us From Evil" will be available as a regular jewelcase CD, limited-to-1,000-copies digipack CD with exclusive bonus track, digital download and double 12" LP with an alternative bonus track. The first 66 copies will be available on a multicolour splatter vinyl.

Prior to release of the new album, on September 25, there will be a new seven-inch EP, entitled "Deprived". The EP will be limited to 300 copies (100 green, 100 white, 100 red) only.

FORGOTTEN TOMB will embark on a full-scale European tour in November and December.

"In The Rivers Bleak", the new video from Germany's DOWNFALL OF GAIA, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's new album, "Suffocating In The Swarm Of Cranes", which was released earlier this year via Metal Blade Records.

Comments the band: "This video is filmed by John Bradburn and Andy Paton on a rainy English night and delivers in a perfect way the mood we tried to capture on this record. It's completely filmed in black and white and it's a view right inside the story of our new record."

"Suffocating In The Swarm Of Cranes" is a concept album about an individual's struggles with living in modern, oft over-stimulated society.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. [Vulnus]
02. Drowning By Wing Beats
03. In The Rivers Bleak
04. I Fade Away
05. Beneath The Crown Of Cranes
06. Giving Their Heir To The Masses
07. [Asphyxia]

DOWNFALL OF GAIA eschews clichés and delivers a monolithic, yet melodic, wall of sound. The band formed in 2008 in Hannover, Germany and has released a demo CD, a split tape, a split LP, and two full-length albums.

DOWNFALL OF GAIA started out as a crust band, but quickly developed further and has become much more difficult to compare to any other bands. Over the years, their songs became longer, slower, heavier; their influences range from doom to black metal, from down-tempo, to sludge, and hardcore. Their music has an epic and majestic vibe, with enough peaks and valleys to keep listeners rooted firmly to the earth.

Since day one, the four-piece has been an active live band, not only performing Germany, but also throughout the world: Italy, the U.K., France, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and the United States have been witness to their live performances. No matter if they are playing a tiny club or a big festival, DOWNFALL OF GAIA are well known for their intense live shows.

DOWNFALL OF GAIA is:

Dominik Goncalves dos Reis - Vocals/Guitar
Peter Wolff - Vocals/Guitars
Anton Lisovoj - Vocals/Bass
Johannes Stoltenburg - Drums

"Uninvite Me To Your Facebook Party", the first video from I AM WAR, the Orange County, California-based act featuring Alex Varkatzas (vocals; ATREYU) and Brandan Schieppati (guitar, vocals; BLEEDING THROUGH), can be seen below. The clip was filmed with director Dillon Novak (WE SHOT THE MOON).

Commented Varkatzas, "'Uninvite Me To Your Facebook Party' is a super-fast, tongue-in-cheek number about how ridiculous social media can be when people become too obsessed and attached to it. The video itself was a blast to record. Lots of high-energy footage of I AM WAR tearing it up and sweating bullets in the process. The perfect recipe for a killer video!"

"Uninvite Me To Your Facebook Party" comes off I AM WAR's debut album, "Outlive You All", which sold 1,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 26 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Outlive You All" was released on August 28 via Razor & Tie. The CD was produced by Mick Kenney (ANAAL NATHRAKH).

I AM WAR was born from a pure place for Varkatzas. While in the midst of a 2011 tour with ATREYU, he sat on the bus contemplating writing music that fully embraced his hardcore roots. Simply put, it had to be brief, blunt, and brutal.

"I wanted to do something pissed-off that had no constraints or expectations," reveals Varkatzas. "I didn't want to sing. I wanted to emote by screaming. That's natural for me. I also knew I had to work with the most aggressive dude I could find. Brandan was the first person who came to mind. We grew up together, and I've seen him play a million times in various bands. I sent him an e-mail and let the idea stew. As soon as I got off tour, we tried everything out, and it worked."

Schieppati concurs, "Everything instantly clicked. I was stoked when Alex got in touch. We wanted to keep it fast with very little 'shredding'. It hearkens back to the good ole days of angry music."

With Schieppati handling guitars, bass, and backing vocals and Varkatzas on the brunt of the screaming, I AM WAR entered an Orange County studio with Mick Kenney behind the board. In between both of their day jobs as personal trainers (both owning their fitness facilities as well), these two men channeled an unbridled energy onto tape. They emerged from the sessions with 15 songs that engage a raw sonic beatdown.

"It was really organic and natural," the guitarist says of the creative process. "We didn't overthink anything, and it was fun. Whatever came out of us went right to tape."

Debuted online, the visceral hardcore anthem "The Poisoning" gave the world its first taste of I AM WAR. Roaring with thrash intensity and incisive gang vocals, it embodies a classic ethos with a modern vitriol.

"I have a soft spot in my heart for that song," smiles the vocalist. "It's the first song Brandan and I wrote together. So many people are insincere and get drawn into drama over and over again. Human beings have an addiction to it, and I began seeing that in a lot of people around me — including myself. That really bummed me out. At the most base level, it's about letting drama into your life, acting as if you don't like it but secretly creating it like an addict. You feed off of it, and it poisons you at the same time."

Then, there's "Bat Out Of Hell" which ups the ante with a vicious stomp. Dropping as a limited-edition vinyl single June 26, it's one minute and sixteen seconds of double-bass violence.

Varkatzas goes on, "Life can be a whirlwind of emotions. It's about letting those rip out of you in a positive way. For me, I'll work out or run. It's different for everyone. That outlet makes you feel like a force to be reckoned with."

Speaking of a force to be reckoned with, "Plug Me In" directly references the feeling the singer experienced seeing his favorite bands back in the day. At the same time, "Uninvite Me To Your Facebook Pity Party" raises a middle finger to whiners online and off-line with acidic screams.

In many ways, the title proves all-encompassing. "It comes from being older now," reveals Schieppati. "For years, critics looked at bands like ATREYU and BLEEDING THROUGH as flash-in-the-pan-type bands that will have a moment and then disappear. However, both of our bands have been around for over a decade and spearheaded a whole genre. We're still here, involved, and making music."

At the end of the day, catharsis is the most important thing for I AM WAR. "Brandan and I aren't doing this to become rich assholes and travel the world," affirms Varkatzas. "We wanted to make an awesome record and release it. There's no pressure to produce a hit or conquer the charts. The only pressure is not to look like complete jackasses. That's liberating. I just hope it's an intense and enjoyable experience for listeners. It's about setting fire to everything and seeing what happens."

"Outlive You All" track listing:

01. Don't Worship Assholes
02. Uninvite Me To Your Facebook Party
03. The Poisoning
04. Plug Me In
05. Bat Out Of Hell
06. Hunting Me
07. Chipped Shoulders And Heart Attacks
08. Don't Know Anything
09. A Nightmare
10. Led By Liars
11. My Love Affair With Disaster
12. Nihilistic Motivation
13. Feel The Same

Norway's TELLUS REQUIEM has inked a deal with Nightmare Records. The band's debut album, "The 11th Hour", will be release on January 22, 2013.

TELLUS REQUIEM consists of five members who all came from diverse musical backgrounds, which can be recognized immediately by their distinct sound. From the very first crunchy guitar wail with juicy leads, your ears are battered with a progressive metal onslaught. Combining these elements with beautiful melodies and harmonies, TELLUS REQUIEM delivers its breathtaking debut CD.

TELLUS REQUIEM is:

Ben Rodgers - Vocals
Vidar Lehmann - Drums
Stig Nergård - Guitars
Ivar Hagen Bøe - Bass
Anders Sundbø - Keys

"True" Norwegian black metal act KOLDBRANN will release its third full-length album, "Vertigo", on January 22 in North America and January 25 in Europe via Season Of Mist's Underground Division.

On November 16, KOLDBRANN will unleash "Totalt Sjelelig Bankerott", a seven-inch single strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide, including a song from "Vertigo" and an exclusive B-side entitled "Kasjtjeijs Svøpe". The single will also be available digitally.

The video for "Totalt Sjelelig Bankerott", directed by Effektor and featuring guest vocals by Erlend Hjelvik from KVELERTAK, can be seen below.

KOLDBRANN's first two albums, "Nekrotisk Inkvisition" and "Moribund", and 2008's "Stigma: På Kant Med Livet" EP, will be reissued via Season Of Mist.

Sweden’s ZOMBIFIED have announced they will release their second album Carnage Slaughter And Death, on November 16th via Cyclone Empire.

The vinyl release will be strictly limited to 500 copies on heavy vinyl and including artwork poster.

The album was mixed and mastered by Ronnie Björnström from Enhanced Audio Productions at Garageland Studios (THE GROTESQUERY, The 11TH HOUR, BONE GNAWER, BLODSRIT).

Cover artwork and booklet layout were done by Costin Chioreanu at Twilight13Media.com (DEMONICAL, PRIMORDIAL, ARKTAU EOS, AURA NOIR, THE DEVIL’S BLOOD, DORDEDUH, NEIGE, GRAVE).
Tracklisting is as follows:

‘Carnage Slaughter And Death’
‘Pull The Trigger’
‘Withering Souls’
‘Suffering Ascends’
‘Clenched Fist Vengeance’
‘Endless Days Of Wrath’
‘Reborn In Sin’
‘Corrosive Spiral’
‘The Flesh Of The Living’
‘The Last Stand’
‘Slayer Fashion’
‘Reign Of Terror’

Swedish metallers REVENGIA will release their new album, "Lake Of Fire", on November 11 via Dirge Entertainment through Sound Pollution distribution. The CD was mastered at Bohus Sound Studios by Dragan Tanaskovic.

The band previously described its new songs as "heavy, fast, doomy and melodic, just as usual in REVENGIA-land!"

"Lake Of Fire" track listing:

01. Free From Sin
02. His Will
03. Lake Of Fire
04. The Day I Die
05. Alone
06. Purest Of Emotions
07. Sin For Sale
08. Asylum
09. Bloodline
10. Termination By The Hand Of Creation
11. The Galleon
12. The One (bonus track on first pressing)

The cover artwork was painted by Petra Christensen and can be seen below.

REVENGIA recently announced the addition of touring guitarist Andreas Stolt (NASCENCY) to the group's ranks.

Andreas will make his live debut with REVENGIA on November 3 at Sparbankshallen in Varberg, Sweden.

REVENGIA's last album, "Eraser", was released in Japan on November 21, 2007 via Soundholic Records.

The band in 2007 split with ARCH ENEMY drummer Daniel Erlandsson due to scheduling conflicts. He has since been replaced by Conny Pettersson (ANATA, TRENDKILL, ETERNAL LIES).

DJ Lethal has rejoined LIMP BIZKIT after apologizing to the band for launching a public feud that began in April and lasted several months.

Earlier this year, DJ Lethal went on a Twitter tirade, writing, "I hate assholes that judge me for leaving a ‘band' I was in for 15 years. You're like a fucking moose that got lucky!!

"Fuck [LIMP BIZKIT frontman] Fred Durst. I was talented and was an artist [long] before [you] even knew who Fred was.

"If [you're] gonna be a wigger, then do your homework. HOUSE OF PAIN, bitch!"

Last week, DJ Lethal once again took to Twitter to "clear the air about LIMP BIZKIT." He said, "I have had some personal issues over the last few years that have led to some outbursts. A lot of the things I said about the band and Fred was out of pain and anger. None of which I really meant deep down inside. So I think I owe it to Fred, Wes [Borland, guitar], Sam [Rivers, bass] and John [Otto, drums] and the fans to really admit the truth.

"I had some problems. Be it partying on the road. Talking shit when I was drunk and causing internal conflicts. Today is the day that I can finally be a man and step up and say I'm sorry.

"The rants are done. And were really embarrassing.

"I think the guys in the band were actually looking out. I really needed a wakeup call. So to finally come clean is really hard, but the weight of the world on my shoulders is even harder to carry around.

"I'm in a great place now and want to thank everyone who had my back through the dark times. So to all the fans and the band. I really was fucked up for a while. I'm sorry. Fred and the band are great people. We're all human. All love!!

"Feels great to finally step up to the plate.

"I hope we can resolve our issues because I miss my friends and band mates. FC Ty for his help. The guys in our band are true gentlemen. Giving me a second chance after the stupid shit I talked and the way I acted really shows class. LBF Now it's time to step up to the plate and I'm hitting this ball out of the park. I was wondering how it would [feel] to be back. AMAZING! Grateful."

In his latest tweet, Lethal stated that he would be hitting the studio with BIZKIT today (Monday, October 15) to write songs for their upcoming album.

Singer Candice Clot played her final show as a member of the Marseille, France-based metalcore band ETHS this past Saturday, October 13 at L'Arcade in Notre-Dame-de-Gravenchon, France. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert's conclusion can be seen below.

Clot announced her decision to leave ETHS last month, explaining in a statement, "I made this choice for personal and family reasons."

She added, "I can't live unconditionally for music and its listeners anymore. Although the stage remains an outlet, I can't live up to such a demanding job anymore.

"I have been living for music for the past 15 years and it has given me back so much, but there are now things I can't sacrifice anymore and I need to take care of my family and stay with them.

"The band wants to go on, as the guys are still burning with a rage and a motivation that I don't have anymore.

"You can't cheat with things that have to come from your heart, body and soul.

"I am begging you to keep ETHS and the people who will replace me close to your hearts.

"This is the end of a chapter, but you have to give a chance to novelty and change.

"I am definitely not irreplaceable.

"Until the band finds a permanent successor, two people will share the vocal duties and I asked my friend Virginie from KELLS (please be nice to her) to be one of them.

"I wish to thank all those who have been supporting us since our early days in 1999, our friends, people from the music business who believe in ETHS and, of course, the fans without whom nothing would have ever been possible. ETHS' fans are so kind-hearted and gave me so much love and gratitude along the years that I will cherish those memories forever. I have been through wonderful times thanks to you and have been keeping all gifts and notes in a box. Thank you again.

"I guess you will ask me a lot of questions regarding my departure but please respect my silence. I told you all you need to know.

"Last but not least, I wish to thank ETHS and the music, which taught me so much about surpassing oneself, willpower, tolerance, writing and all the things that made me become the person I am today."

ETHS' third album, "III", was released on April 6 via Season Of Mist. The CD was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Fredrik Nordström, who has previously worked with AT THE GATES, IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK and BRING ME THE HORIZON, among others.

Dutch singer Floor Jansen (REVAMP, ex-AFTER FOREVER) made her live debut as the frontwoman of NIGHTWISH on October 1 at Showbox Sodo in Seattle, Washington.

Jansen is handling lead-vocal duties on NIGHTWISH's current North American tour after the group parted ways with Anette Olzon at the end of September.

In a new blog post on her official web site at FloorJansen.com, Floor writes, "Hello to you from our nightliner! We are driving to our show in Fort Lauderdale. If I look outside, I see nothing but beautiful green water lands. I tried to spot an alligator…did see some deer and the most amazing birds!

"Last time I wrote was in Oklahoma City. Days fly by so fast, I cannot believe we are about to do the last two shows of this USA tour already!

"In a weird way, the show on Tuesday seems ages ago, and yesterday at the same time. Coming here feels the same. Time is like the Dali clocks, liquid, relentless. But memories are timeless, and fortunately, I have beautiful ones to share with you. I just wish words could describe them better!

"How can I tell you how amazing the show in Oklahoma was? Or in Austin? Or in New Orleans? There is something special about every show. A unique night, a magical ride that always ends too soon! And with a unique audience. Hundreds of wonderful people at the meet-and-greets every day. Thousands of sweating and rocking bodies; getting just as high on the music as we do.

"We played 'Ghost Love Score' twice now [see video below]. My favorite song! Goosebumps on my entire body every time I sing, 'My fall will be for you.' Tears came to my eyes the second time we played it. First time I was thinking a bit more. Second time I only had to feel. Again, words are failing on me to describe the real emotion I had. But I have hope that the people who were that in New Orleans that night felt it too.

"Back in Austin we went shopping at Congress Avenue. A street full of antique shops and other rare and funny stores. Lovely to be in places that sell stuff you cannot find anywhere else. We had a good time!

"The next morning we were in New Orleans. Tuomas [Holopainen, keyboards], Troy [Donockley, multi-instrumentalist] and I had breakfast in a sushi restaurant, with a nice Japanese beer…a great start of a great day!

"We took a stroll through the city afterwards. A unique atmosphere is there in those streets. Beautiful neo colonial houses, bars and restaurants everywhere, the Mississippi, the huge necklaces you that have a ritual of its own, the cigars. I bought one. I never smoke but an occasional (mild) cigar is something I can enjoy.

"After a super show, we left the venue and headed into town. We went to a famous bar that sells absinthe… I tried it and it turned out so much nicer than I expected. The cigar and the drink together made me look like a femme fatale haha. We had the most amazing night off together. Really special!!!

"For now, we have the two last shows coming up. I will miss this!!! But I also look forward to come home!

"I will go back to REVAMP songwriting because we have a planning to hold on to, album will come in March/April next year!!!!!!

"On the 4th of November, the NIGHTWISH shows continue in the U.K.. I am super exited to join them on the rest of the world tour and the summer festivals in 2013!!!"

Olzon joined NIGHTWISH in 2007 as the replacement for Tarja Turunen after the latter was fired in 2005.

"Rome Is Falling", the first single from CIVIL WAR — the new Swedish metal band featuring former SABATON members Rikard Sundén (guitar), Daniel Mullback (drums), Daniel Mÿhr (keyboards) and Oskar Montelius (guitar) alongside singer Patrik Johansson (ASTRAL DOORS, LION'S SHARE) and bassist Stefan "Pizza" Eriksson (VOLTURYON) — is available for free download at PledgeMusic.com (e-mail sign-up required). The track is expected to appear on the group's recently completed debut EP, which will be released via Despotz Records. A full-length album will follow a few months later.

According to Sundén, CIVIL WAR's sound is "more old-school hard rock," with "a little less keyboards" than that of SABATON. He says, "With Patrik's vocals on top, it becomes a different thing, but there are some parallels [to our previous band]."

Regarding how CIVIL WAR came together, b>Mullback told the Swedish-language newspaper Dalarnas Tidningar (DT), "It came pretty naturally. We always thought Patrik had a good voice and he accepted our offer when we asked him to join the band."

"I had no hesitation about getting involved," Patrik said. "ASTRAL DOORS certainly has a solid fan base, but we are a little more underground. I see this as an opportunity to reach a wider audience."

The four ex members of SABATON were never involved in the songwriting process with their former band since those duties were usually handled by vocalist Joakim Brodén. But in the new group, everyone is contributing ideas.

"This has been a reawakening of sorts," Mÿhr said. "I have never been in a situation where there has been so much creativity."

On the topic of whether CIVIL WAR will continue SABATON's tradition of focusing on war-related themes in its lyrics, Mÿhr said, "No, we won't. Now the lyrics can be about anything. [CIVIL WAR was just] a good name that sounded good."