Legendary rockers KISS will release their 20th studio album, "Monster", on October 9 through Universal Music Enterprises. Described in a press release as a "12-track, straight-ahead rock 'n' roll album," the CD features collaborations among all four members — including co-founders Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and longtime members guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer — in an album that shows the band at the top of its game.

"Monster" track listing (iTunes version):

01. Hell Or Hallelujah
02. Wall Of Sound
03. Freak
04. Back To The Stone Age
05. Shout Mercy
06. Long Way Down
07. Eat Your Heart Out
08. The Devil Is Me
09. Outta This World
10. All For The Love Of Rock & Roll
11. Take Me Down Below
12. Last Chance
13. Right Here Right Now

The songs "Long Way Down" and "All For The Love Of Rock & Roll" can be streamed below.

"Monster" is the group's first studio album since the band's 2009 smash success, "Sonic Boom", and was also produced by Paul Stanley with Greg Collins at Conway Studios in Hollywood, California, and The Nook in Studio City, California.

"Monster" represents KISS' nod to the music that first inspired them to pick up their guitars and flame-throwers and don makeup to entertain millions. The group goes back to their own beginnings with THE WHO-like "Freak", while Gene lives up to the title track's declaration on the raucous rock of "Back To The Stone Age" and the bludgeoning "The Devil is Me". Even guitarist Thayer takes a turn on his own with "Outta This World". a tribute to his KISS "spaceman" character, while drummer Singer provides the vocals (and the back story) for the arena anthem "All For The Love Of Rock & Roll".

"There are no symphony orchestras, boy choirs, keyboards, outside producers or songwriters on this album," promises Gene Simmons. "The best thing we did was to turn inwards to ourselves. Tommy and Eric have revitalized this band, with a work ethic and the talent to back it up. This is a real band effort. KISS has become a behemoth. We're going where no bands have gone before."

IRON MAIDEN bassist/founder Steve Harris's solo/side project album, "British Lion", sold around 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to enter The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 125. The CD also landed at position No. 3 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.

"British Lion" was released in the U.S. on September 25 via Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Mixed by Kevin Shirley — whose credits include IRON MAIDEN as well as Led ZEPPELIN, JOURNEY and RUSH, among many others — the CD, which features Harris alongside vocalist Richard Taylor, guitarists Graham Leslie and David Hawkins and drummer Simon Dawson, presents a different side of the bassist's musical visions.

Asked where the impetus for "British Lion" came from, Harris told Classic Rock magazine, "How it started was that Graham Leslie came to me with a cassette of songs — which shows how long ago it was! — and I thought they were really good, so I said I'd try to help his band do something. I ended up managing them and producing them and writing with them, although I kept that fact under wraps, to the point where even some people in the band didn't know. Anyway, when that band imploded I thought, 'Well, I've got to do something with this,' because I thought the songs were so strong."

He continued, "Over the years I've kept in touch with Richie and Graham, and then Richie was working with another guitarist called David Hawkins, who's a really talented guy, and so we started writing songs together. So on the album there are six songs written with Richie and David, there's one with just me and Richie, and the others are me, Richie, Graham and a couple of other guys that were around at the time."

"British Lion" comprises ten songs that Steve and his collaborators have been working on between IRON MAIDEN tours and releases and is described by Harris as "'70s-influenced, British-sounding hard rock." "I'd say it's more mainstream rock than metal... and quite commercial… but good commercial," he said. "There's all kinds of stuff going on, with nods to THE WHO and UFO and some classic British rock bands, but it's not the progressive rock album some might be expecting."

On the topic of why this is the right time for a Steve Harris solo album, the IRON MAIDEN bassist told Classic Rock, "Because it's ready, it's finally, finally ready. The guys have been waiting very patiently for years for me, and it's been frustrating at time, but what can I do?! I'm so busy with MAIDEN. People have already said to me, 'Are you going to do this instead of MAIDEN?' and I'm like, 'Of course not!' MAIDEN is always going to be the priority — always has been and always will be — but it's interesting and exciting to try new things."

He added, "On the early [IRON MAIDEN] albums, most of the songs are mine, but as we've gone into different eras with different people writing, there's been more and more collaborations. And I think it's been important for MAIDEN to do that rather than have me dictating everything. But I have bags full of ideas, so many that I couldn't record them all in my lifetime, and I tried out a few different things on this, because I had the time to do experiment."

"British Lion" track listing:

01. This Is My God
02. Lost Worlds
03. Karma Killer
04. Us Against The World
05. The Chosen Ones
06. A World Without Heaven
07. Judas
08. Eyes Of The Young
09. These Are The Hands
10. The Lesson

Steve Harris will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, October 3 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with Harris by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). The show will be streamed on the "Rockline" web site for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.

For more information, visit RocklineRadio.com.

The latest episode of Whitesnake TV, in which WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale answers video questions from his fans about his life, music and career, can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Albania's Top Channel web site, Coverdale was asked what fans can expect from the band in the near future. "I am always reticent to discuss in detail what we're planning as I still enjoy 'surprises.'"

He continued, "In this day and age, with global technology and overwhelming social media, it is getting harder and harder to keep anything secret until they are ready to be presented. We host a very interactive global web site with Whitesnake.com and I answer people's questions as much as I can without giving too much away."

"We are very, very active this year behind the scenes. Many exciting things in the pipeline. Two projects I can tell you about are related to completing the 'Forevermore' project. An in-concert DVD from last year's tour and also a double live CD featuring different shows. It's shaping up very well indeed and I think a lot of people will enjoy re-living the concert experience they had with us in 2011. We have also started Whitesnake TV, which is off to a fantastic start and seems to be making a lot of people happy."

Asked if WHITESNAKE will tour next year, Coverdale said, "There are plans to start in Europe in May, I heard, but as yet there is nothing concrete. But, of course, we hope to be out there again. We have too much fun with audiences to stay at home for too long!"

Regarding whether all his plans involve WHITESNAKE, or if fans can expect any other collaborations or solo projects, Coverdale said, "WHITESNAKE is my priority and at this time I have no other plans to collaborate with other artists. But, you know rock and roll… Everything can change with a phone call."

Finnish melodic death metallers PAIN CONFESSOR will release their fourth album, "Incarcerated", on October 12 via Spinefarm Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Oceans Of Sickness
02. Blood Eagle
03. Inward
04. Grief
05. Incarcerated
06. Gravel
07. Grim River
08. Serpent Spine
09. Tarnished Halo
10. Vitriol

The official video for the song "Oceans Of Sickness" can be seen below.

Commented PAIN CONFESSOR: "'Three down, fourth to go.' Finally, someone utters. But what's the deal with the new full-length? We are rowing a truly grim river. The renewed lineup boasts with vigor to go through a stone wall, the material heavy as a murderer's burden. Is it better than [2004's] 'Turmoil'? No, it is a completely different record and stands on its own upon fresh soil. The crew's newest inmates bring along a whole new bag of tricks with which to drill deeper into the hidden reaches of human mind with newborn fervor."

PAIN CONFESSOR is:

Make Kivistö - Vocals
Mikko Kivistö - Bass
Pasi Laihanen - Keyboards
Jaakko Kunnas - Guitar
Tuomas Kuusinen - Guitar
Aki Kuusinen - Drums

PAIN CONFESSOR's third album, "Purgatory Of The Second Sun", entered the Finnish chart at position No. 15 back in March 2007.

Video footage of OLIVER DAWSON SAXON, the British heavy metal band featuring founding SAXON members Graham Oliver and Steve Dawson, performing on September 30 at Melodka in Brno, Czech Republic can be seen below.

OLIVER DAWSON SAXON released its latest album, "Motorbiker", on February 27 via Angel Air Records. The CD was described by Dawson in a recent interview as "what me and Graham do best . . . a hard rock album, maybe metal . . . in that classic SAXON tradition."

After spending a few years battling with Biff Byford and Paul Quinn over the SAXON name, Oliver and Dawson reached a settlement in 2003 with the members of the original band SAXON over the usage of the name and logos belonging to the original partnership.

OLIVER DAWSON SAXON, consisting of Oliver and Dawson, acknowledged that the band featuring Byford and Quinn will continue to be known as "SAXON", and have use of the logo. In return Byford and Quinn acknowledged that OLIVER DAWSON SAXON has a legitimate use of the name in that form.

Formed in the late '90s, OLIVER DAWSON SAXON previously recorded and released an album called "Re-Landed", which got a limited release on a local label before being reissued via Angel Air as "Re-Landed..Plus".

"Systematic Avenger", a brand new song from Australian/Los Angeles tech-metal masters DEVOLVED, can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below. The track comes off the band's new album, "Reprisal", which will be released on November 20 via Unique Leader Records. The CD will feature guest appearances by Francesco Artusato (ALL SHALL PERISH), Nate Vennarucci (ONTOGENY, ANOMALOUS), Malcolm Pugh (DISKREET, A LOATHING REQUIEM) and Vishal Singh (ROBOTS PULLING LEVERS).

Commented DEVOLVED drummer, lyricist and founding member John Sankey: "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 [ROBOTS PULLING LEVERS] 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 [UNVEIL THE STRENGTH] 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!"

"Reprisal" track listing:

01. Systematic Avenger
02. Accelerated Human Degeneration
03. Reprisal Of The Damned
04. Supremacy Enforced
05. Embodiment
06. Collateral Damage
07. Apocalyptic Visionary
08. Terminal Enslavement
09. Corrupted Mind Processor
10. Inanimate Infinity
11. (Cadence Of) The Dirge (EXHORDER cover; bonus track)

Sankey late last year recorded all the demo drum sessions for the new FEAR FACTORY album, "The Industrialist", and co-wrote and programmed all the drum parts, along with FF guitarist Dino Cazares, for the final CD. He was unable to join FEAR FACTORY as the band's new touring drummer due to visa restrictions.

Cazares previously stated about 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."

DEVOLVED's last album, "Oblivion", was released in May 2011 via Unique Leader Records.

"Systematic Avenger" audio stream:

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

A short fan-filmed video clip of the opening song of the band's set — "Storytime" — can be seen below.

Jansen is filling the role of lead vocalist in NIGHTWISH on the band's current North American tour after the group parted ways with Anette Olzon over the weekend. NIGHTWISH stated about the sudden singer switch, "In recent times it has become increasingly obvious that the direction and the needs of the band were in conflict, and this has led to a division from which we cannot recover."

They added, "We are all strongly committed to this journey, this vehicle of spirit, and we are sure that this will lead to a brighter future for everyone.

"We forever remain excited about the adventures to come, and we are extremely proud of the two beautiful albums and the wonderful shows we shared together."

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

A snippet of the demo version of the new track "Circus" from Swedish glam rockers CRASHDÏET can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The clip was filmed in New York City.

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.

New song "Circus" (demo version):

Guitarist/vocalist Patrick Mameli of the resurrected late '80s/early '90s death metal outfit PESTILENCE has issued the following update:

"We are working our asses of to finish composing the last two songs for [the next PESTILENCE album] 'Obsideo'. Dave [Haley, drums; also of Australia's PSYCROPTIC] is making vids for the songs and we are looking at recording drums in February. We also will do some old-school shows with songs just from the first three albums!!!! Including songs like 'Twisted Truth' and 'Commandments'!!!!!"

Songtitles set to appear on the new PESTILENCE album include "Necromorph", "Saturation", "Soulrot", "Laniatus" and "Superconcious". According to Mameli, the CD's overall lyrical theme will be "the journey of the human soul."

PESTILENCE 2012 is:

Patrick Mameli - Lead guitar/Vocals
Patrick Uterwijk - Lead guitar
Stefan Fimmers - Bass
David Haley - Drums

PESTILENCE's latest album, "Doctrine", was released in North America in July 2011 via Mascot Records. The eleven-track CD was recorded and mixed at Woodshed Studio in southern Germany with engineer Victor Bullok (a.k.a. V. Santura; TRIPTYKON, DARK FORTRESS). The artwork was designed by Marko Saarelainen.

British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN are not only the first international act to announce their appearance at the magnificent national stadium in Stockholm — Friends Arena — they are also the first rock band to sell it out!

Spectacular ticket demand for MAIDEN was once again so great that the July 13, 2013 show sold out as quickly as the ticket system could handle — record-breaking for this new 50,000-capacity Stockholm stadium. The venue, Friends Arena, has a roof which means that for the first time ever in Sweden, IRON MAIDEN fans will be able to enjoy the full glory of the entire "Maiden England" show in a dark stadium.

Commented MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson: "It is a great honor to be the first rock band to be announced to play the new national stadium, especially as we have always had a very close connection with your country and have massively enjoyed every visit."

"We were completely overwhelmed by the reaction from our North American fans to the 'Maiden England' tour, which was our most extensive tour there for many years. We had a lot of fun playing the older songs and the fans seemed to love the set list and Eddie's various incarnations! The band can't wait to bring this show to our Swedish fans."

Added MAIDEN bassist Steve Harris: "'The Final Frontier' show in Ullevi last year was magic, along with the very warm reception we recieved from our friends in Sweden. It's terrific to return next year, especially playing in the new national stadium for the first time. This time round we will be playing the older songs and think our fans will enjoy this just as much!"

He added, "We know how popular the 'History Of Maiden' tours are with fans of all ages and we will be taking with us the full production we had in North America. We had a huge amount of fun with the set list as we got to play songs we had not played in a very long time like 'Seventh Son', 'The Prisoner' and 'Afraid To Shoot Strangers', as well as fan favorites like 'The Trooper', 'Aces High', 'The Number Of The Beast', 'Wasted Years' and 'Run To The Hills'. The opening leg of the tour was so enjoyable for the whole band, we’re really looking forward to taking it to our fans around Europe and, as always, greatly looking forward to the Swedish show."

The Klangvereinigung Vienna orchestra, featuring with conductor Gerald Mair, recorded the orchestra parts for the new album from Austrian female-fronted symphonic metallers EDENBRIDGE last weekend at Home Music Studio in Vienna with Georg Luksch.

Commented EDENBRIDGE guitarist/founder Lanvall: "The result is overwhelming. We have decided to record strings, brass/woodwinds and percussion seperately this time. Everything sounds more voluminous and cleaner. The musicians of the orchestra did a tremendous job. Be prepared for a real blast!"

EDENBRIDGE's seventh album, "Solitaire", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 95 back in July 2010.

The "Higher" video can be viewed below. The clip was filmed with director Silvan Buege (Blackstage TV).

EDENBRIDGE's live album, "LiveEarthDream", was released in May 2009. The disc was recorded at various concerts in 2008 and was only available through the band's fanshop.

After a 13-year run with the band, drummer Josh Freese has decided to leave A PERFECT CIRCLE "with no plans of returning," he writes on his Twitter profile. "Apologies to those inquiring about the upcoming shows," he adds.

A PERFECT CIRCLE will perform one show in 2012 — on December 29 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A PERFECT CIRCLE recently confirmed its participation in the 2013 edition of the Soundwave Festival, which kicks off February 23 in Brisbane, Australia.

A PERFECT CIRCLE toured North America for the first time in six years last summer. These were the band's first live dates since a mini-tour they did in the fall of 2010, in which they played each of their three studio albums over the course of three nights in five cities.

The 2010-2011 lineup of A PERFECT CIRCLE included singer Maynard James Keenan, guitarist-songwriter Billy Howerdel, Freese, former SMASHING PUMPKINS guitarist James Iha and bassist Matt McJunkins.

A PERFECT CIRCLE currently does not have a record deal.

CIRCLE II CIRCLE, the band led by ex-SAVATAGE frontman Zak Stevens, will begin mixing its new album, "Seasons Will Fall", this Thursday, October 4 in San Francisco, California.

Says bassist Mitch Stewart: "We are looking for an early 2013 release. Touring news to come in the next week or so."

In a recent interview with Metal Babe, Stevens said about the upcoming CD, "The record is sounding really great and the goal of this album from the beginning was for it to be the best CIRCLE II CIRCLE to date. Of course, that's a lofty goal, but I really think we've done it here with 'Seasons Will Fall'."

He added, "From the beginning, we wanted it to have some elements of all five previous releases, along with some entirely new sounding stuff. So that's basically what we've done with 'Seasons Will Fall'. We're really happy with how it turned out. Now it's just down to the fun part of mixing it and putting the final touches on everything."

Asked if there is a certain theme or concept that this CD focuses on, Zak said, "Being that it's not a concept album, the record focuses on a variety of different subjects. What I notice right away in the music and the lyrics is the amount of introspection of everyday life. Because of this, it really reminds me of our first album, 'Watching In Silence'. It really has that sort of feel to it. It also reminds me of 'Burden Of Truth' in some ways, too, but this one's definitely not a concept album in that sense."

CIRCLE II CIRCLE recently toured Europe in celebration of the 15 years of the SAVATAGE classic album "The Wake Of Magellan".

CIRCLE II CIRCLE recruited drummer Adam Sagan (INTO ETERNITY, FINAL DARKNESS, ECHOTERRA) to sit behind the kit for the European trek.

A drummer of 20 years, Sagan has toured extensively and shared stages with some of the biggest names in rock and metal, including MOTÖRHEAD, CANNIBAL CORPSE, GWAR, STRATOVARIUS, OPETH, DANZIG, KAMELOT and dozens more. In addition to touring and recording, he also pens an instructional column for Drumhead magazine, and offers private drum instruction in the Minneapolis/St Paul area of Minnesota.

CIRCLE II CIRCLE current touring lineup:

Zak Stevens (Vocals)
Mitch Stewart (Bass)
Bill Hudson (Guitars)
Christian Wentz (Guitars)
Henning Wanner (Keyboards)
Adam Sagan (Drums)

Spanish metallers KILMARA have entered Roland Grapow's (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN) studios in Slovakia to begin recording their third album, "Love Songs And Other Nightmares", for an early 2013 release.

Commented the band: "After looking into some alternatives with Rising Records to record the new CD, we decided for Roland as he always showed much interest and enthusiasm to work with KILMARA. The plan was to start recording early during summer 2012 but between Roland preparing his new MASTERPLAN album and his work with SARATOGA, his agenda was fully booked until the end of summer."

"Love Songs And Other Nightmares" will feature eguest appearances by Dave Imbernön from ENUMA ELISH on keyboards and Kaleb from young Spanish pagan death metal band DRAKUM on the violin.

KILMARA is:

Christian Wolfgang Kohl (vocals)
Jonathan Portillo (guitar)
Enrique Torres (guitar)
Javier Morillo (drums)
Raul Ruiz (bass guitar)

KILMARA performed one of its new songs, "Alpha", live at Barcelona's Harley Days festival in July. Fan-filmed video footage of the track, which was written to support KILMARA's favorite beer brewery, can be seen below.

In existence since 2003 (when they were known as JADDE), KILMARA's latest album, "Don't Fear The Wolf" was released in May 2010 via Maldito Records.

In November 2010, KILMARA signed a deal with the U.K. label Rising Records, which re-released "Don't Fear The Wolf" worldwide in February 2011.

In a recent interview with a German radio station, vocalist/guitarist Kenn Nardi of reunited St. Louis, Missouri-based progressive/melodic thrash metallers ANACRUSIS revealed that the band is currently working on its first full album of new material since 1993's "Screams And Whispers". Tentatively titled "Parallax Error", the CD will feature cover art by Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, SODOM, GWAR, ATHEIST). It will be a double album, featuring more than two dozen new ANACRUSIS songs.

ANACRUSIS' lineup for the upcoming album will include original members Kenn Nardi, John Emery (bass) and Mike Owen (drums).

The band is scheduled to appear on the 70,000 Tons Of Metal cruise next January and hopes to have the new material recorded by the end of this year.

A new pre-production demo called "Made" was aired during the interview with Uwe Harms of Radio Gehacktes and can be streamed below.

ANACRUSIS' last release was "Hindsight: Suffering Hour & Reason Revisited", a two-CD set which features both the band's debut album, "Suffering Hour", and its second release, "Reason", along with the classic ANACRUSIS demo track "Apocalypse", all fully re-recorded by the original lineup of Nardi, Heidbreder, Emery and Owen. The package also featured a 24-page, full-color booklet with lyrics and lots of photos both old and new. The cover art was created by Eliran Kantor.

HEAVEN'S BASEMENT, the rising U.K. quartet, is set to release its debut full-length album, "Filthy Empire", via Red Bull Records in early 2013. The CD was produced by John Feldmann (THE USED, PAPA ROACH, BLACK VEIL BRIDES) and is the follow-up to the band's independently released, acclaimed EP, "Unbreakable". The group just premiered the video for the first single, "Fire, Fire", via broadcast on Scuzz TV and online at RockSound.tv. The clip, directed by Michael Maxxis (OURS, SUM 41, OUR LADY PEACE) can be seen below.

HEAVEN'S BASEMENT has been making a name for itself overseas via their relentless touring and fiery live show plus music that features huge guitar riffs, killer melodies and an arena-rock sound. The band is currently on tour as support for HALESTORM in Europe and will then hit the road to support SEETHER later this year, also in Europe.

Originally formed in the East Midlands in England in 2007 (although the band's current lineup came together more recently in 2009), HEAVEN'S BASEMENT has already toured with the likes of BUCKCHERRY, PAPA ROACH, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, SHINEDOWN, and more and played this year's Download festival in the U.K. to a packed tent of more than 5,000 fans. Kerrang! magazine declared, "HEAVEN'S BASEMENT play as if their lives depend on it. They should already be a big name — bristling riffs and jagged, riotous hooks are their poison and exceptional is not too strong a word."

HEAVEN'S BASEMENT is Aaron Buchanan (vocals), Sid Glover (guitar), Rob Ellershaw (bass), and Chris Rivers (drums).

Video footage of GWAR performing a cover version of KANSAS' 1976 smash hit "Carry On Wayward Son" as part of A.V. Club's "Undercover" sessions can be seen below. The performance marks the public debut of the band's new lead guitarist, Pustulus Maximus (a.k.a. CANNABIS CORPSE/ANTIETAM 1862's Brent Purgason).

Purgason joined GWAR as the replacement for Cory Smoot, a.k.a. Flattus Maximus, who was found dead as the band was about to enter Canada on November 3, 2011. He was 34 years old.

Tentatively due in early 2013, GWAR's new album will be "really interesting," according to frontman Dave Brockie (a.k.a. Oderus Urungus), because it "tells the story of Oderus' view of the future in which he says the human race falling into a complete apocalypse that they have to somehow save themselves from. And it kind of tells two stories at once: it tells the story of the human race being set against incredible odds and having to overcome these odds; and it tells the story of us, as a band, being faced with a similar situation, losing someone who was an integral part of our band and someone we loved very much and somehow finding the strength to continue on as a band and not fold it."

GWAR's latest album, "Bloody Pit Of Horror", sold around 2,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release.

The band's previous CD, "Lust In Space", opened with 5,000 units to debut at position No. 96 on The Billboard 200 chart.

French power trio ALUK TODOLO have revealed the cover and tracklisting for their new album, Occult Rock, set for North American release on November 20th.

A double-CD digipak totalling 85 minutes between its two discs, Occult Rock is Aluk Todolo's third full-length to date, in a career that's continually on the ascent. The Ajna Offensive will handle the album's release in North America, while Norma Evangelium Diaboli will do the honors in Europe.

The album cover can be seen below:
Occult Rock tracklisting:

Disc 1:
'Occult Rock 1'
'Occult Rock 2'
'Occult Rock 3'
'Occult Rock 4'

Disc 2:
'Occult Rock 5'
'Occult Rock 6'
'Occult Rock 7'
'Occult Rock 8'

Consisting of eight hypnotic tracks of timeless and unclassifiable instrumental music, this quintessential double-album summarizes and transcends all preceding aspects of the band's discography and offers new insight into the fundamental principles and formulas of Aluk Todolo, permeating through other forms and resulting in an ultimate entheogenic ceremony. The production takes the side of fidelity in the transcription of the power-trio's live energy and osmosis, revealing the individuality and roughness of each instrument and emphasizing the inter-penetration of all the components of an organic and tetanizing trance ritual.This opus recounts the alchemical transformation of the primordial vibration into matter, through all its elemental phases, leading to the sonic manifestation of the forces of the universe into the octagonal prism of Occult Rock.

In lieu of Occult Rock's imminent release, Aluk Todolo recently performed three exclusive shows in the United States last week, culminating in a special performance at this year's Stella Natura festival alongside fellow Ajna Offensive artists SABBATH ASSEMBLY among others. The band simply states that these three performances were "pretty intense and raw," while a member of the Nuclear War Now! forum stated that Aluk Todolo's performance at Stella Natura "was surreal! They played under the stars on the edge of a rocky alpine canyon. Some fungus had just begun working its way through my bloodstream when they came on and started ripping my brain in half. I'm really glad I had the chance to see this band. The entire festival was amazing. Aluk Todolo were definitely one of the highlights."

In recent years, Aluk Todolo have developed into an intense and dynamic live band. The French power-trio have previously done a tour of the American East Coast in 2009, Southern Europe in 2010, and Northern Europe in 2011. They have opened for German kraut-rock pioneers FAUST in New York in 2009, and have been invited by SUNN O))) to play the Roadburn Festival in the Netherlands in 2011 and to open for them again in 2012.

Northern Virginia metal/hardcore outfit IN ALCATRAZ 1962 will release its debut album, "The Drive", on October 9 via Standby Records. The CD was produced by Don DeBiase at Studio D Productions (MODERN DAY ESCAPE, ALONG CAME A SPIDER, VANILLA ICE) and "packs a wallop that's found by only a select few bands who mix in a tight sound with raging aggression," according to a press release.

"'The Drive' is all about overcoming any and all obstacles thrown at you in life," states the band. "The record is dark, but uplifting and inspiring. It hits hard at home."

As a band that never stops touring, IN ALCATRAZ 1962 has honed their pummeling sound while winning fans each and every night on stage. According to the band, it's the live experience that defines their sound.

"A lot of bands now are awesome on CD and all hyped up online, but when you see them live they can't deliver," the group relates. "We put our everything into our live shows. The audience can really feel, and connect with us. Our sound also separates us from everyone else. We're influenced by a lot of different bands and genres. We incorporate a few different genres into our music, and this allows us to reach a variety of different listeners."

"The Drive" track listing:

01. Breaking Through
02. Still Strong
03. Eloquence
04. There to Take
05. The Fatal Flaw
06. Acceptance
07. Over These Years
08. Winter Sun
09. Submergence
10. Stagnant
11. Aspirations
12. Through Blank Eyes

Virginia Beach, VA metallers STRANGE FLESH will end their touring cycle for StripperSnBlow in late October and reconvene in Studio225 (Virginia Beach, VA) to record their fifth CD, entitled Destructor.

A February 2013 release date is set and the CD will feature some guest vocalists including their SnB singer, Kelly Hicks.
An update from the band states: "Make sure you check out our next two shows - October 6th at Old Towne Tavern in Hampton, and October 26th at Buskys Chill and Grill in Chesapeake. These are probably our last two shows this year. Dont worry, we'll be back in March 2013 with a whole new show, lights and a ton of different venues. We plan to put about 10 months in next year. But for now, get to one of these shows."

More on Strange Flesh at this location.

"This Is My God", the new video from IRON MAIDEN bassist/founder Steve Harris's solo/side project album, "British Lion", can be seen below.

"British Lion" was released in the U.S. on September 25 via Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Mixed by Kevin Shirley — whose credits include IRON MAIDEN as well as Led ZEPPELIN, JOURNEY and RUSH, among many others — the CD, which features Harris alongside vocalist Richard Taylor, guitarists Graham Leslie and David Hawkins and drummer Simon Dawson, presents a different side of the bassist's musical visions.

Asked where the impetus for "British Lion" came from, Harris told Classic Rock magazine, "How it started was that Graham Leslie came to me with a cassette of songs — which shows how long ago it was! — and I thought they were really good, so I said I'd try to help his band do something. I ended up managing them and producing them and writing with them, although I kept that fact under wraps, to the point where even some people in the band didn't know. Anyway, when that band imploded I thought, 'Well, I've got to do something with this,' because I thought the songs were so strong."

He continued, "Over the years I've kept in touch with Richie and Graham, and then Richie was working with another guitarist called David Hawkins, who's a really talented guy, and so we started writing songs together. So on the album there are six songs written with Richie and David, there's one with just me and Richie, and the others are me, Richie, Graham and a couple of other guys that were around at the time."

"British Lion" comprises ten songs that Steve and his collaborators have been working on between IRON MAIDEN tours and releases and is described by Harris as "'70s-influenced, British-sounding hard rock." "I'd say it's more mainstream rock than metal... and quite commercial… but good commercial," he said. "There's all kinds of stuff going on, with nods to THE WHO and UFO and some classic British rock bands, but it's not the progressive rock album some might be expecting."

On the topic of why this is the right time for a Steve Harris solo album, the IRON MAIDEN bassist told Classic Rock, "Because it's ready, it's finally, finally ready. The guys have been waiting very patiently for years for me, and it's been frustrating at time, but what can I do?! I'm so busy with MAIDEN. People have already said to me, 'Are you going to do this instead of MAIDEN?' and I'm like, 'Of course not!' MAIDEN is always going to be the priority — always has been and always will be — but it's interesting and exciting to try new things."

He added, "On the early [IRON MAIDEN] albums, most of the songs are mine, but as we've gone into different eras with different people writing, there's been more and more collaborations. And I think it's been important for MAIDEN to do that rather than have me dictating everything. But I have bags full of ideas, so many that I couldn't record them all in my lifetime, and I tried out a few different things on this, because I had the time to do experiment."

"British Lion" track listing:

01. This Is My God
02. Lost Worlds
03. Karma Killer
04. Us Against The World
05. The Chosen Ones
06. A World Without Heaven
07. Judas
08. Eyes Of The Young
09. These Are The Hands
10. The Lesson

Steve Harris will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, October 3 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with Harris by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). The show will be streamed on the "Rockline" web site for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.

For more information, visit RocklineRadio.com.

British glam metal legends TIGERTAILZ have made their new version of "Fall In Love Again", a song originally recorded for their 1987 debut album, "Young And Crazy", available for free download at this location. Re-recorded in the studio and featuring the first vocal contribution from the band's new singer, Jules Millis , the single is a tribute to former bass player Pepsi Tate, who died in 2007. All proceeds from the song will support Amser Justin Time, the pancreatic cancer charity set up in his memory. A video for the track can be seen below.

TIGERTAILZ in June revealed their new lineup. Original members Jay Pepper (lead guitar) and Ace Finchum (drums) are joined by Jules Millis, guitarist Rob Wylde and bassist Jason Sims.

Jules, who also sings for acclaimed melodic rockers WHITE WIDDOW, grew up in Australia on a diet of '80s glam rock, including KISS, RATT and TIGERTAILZ themselves. For Jules, joining the 'TAILZ is a musical dream come true. "It's amazing to be joining a band I grew up listening to back in Melbourne," he said. "'Bezerk' and 'Young And Crazy' were part of the soundtrack to my youth, and I hope to do those classic songs and many others full justice. It feels crazy — such an honor to be involved with this thing. I can't wait to see where this road leads — it should be quite a ride."

Robb Wylde, frontman and guitarist with Brit rockers TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY, also joins on guitar. A versatile musician who certainly knows the meaning of showmanship, Robb has not only released three albums with TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY but also fronted U.S. glam rockers SINS OF AMERICA, and plays bass with melodic rockers VEGA. Expect Robb's explosive guitar sound and stage presence to take the 'TAILZ experience to a new dimension.

Former PSYCHO KISS bassist Jason Sims completes the lineup. The full-metal Welshman lists METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN and BLACK SABBATH as his heroes and confesses that he's "chomping at the bit" to get started. "It's a strong lineup and I can't wait to play these tracks live," he adds. "I know how big TIGERTAILZ' fan base is, and I hope I can do them proud."

Victor Arduini, original guitarist and founding member of FATES WARNING (having played on 1984's "Night On Brocken" and 1985's "The Spectre Within") is working on the second album from his band FREEDOM REIGN.

The group, which features Arduini on lead vocals and guitar, Tom Vumback on guitar, Mike Jones on bass and Chris Judge on drums, is recording the new CD with Nick Belmore (TOXIC HOLOCAUST) for an early 2013 release.

FREEDOM REIGN's musical direction is described in a press release as "very powerful [with] heavy riffs which hark back to the old FATES" material.

A five-song FREEDOM REIGN "sampler" video can be seen below. The band is still seeking distribution for the release.

Two short video teasers for the forthcoming third album from Los Angeles theatrical rockers BLACK VEIL BRIDES can be seen below.

The band was assisted by GOLDFINGER's John "Feldy" Feldmann during the tracking sessions for the new CD, which is tentatively due in January 2013.

BLACK VEIL BRIDES frontman Andy Biersack previously stated about the band's new effort, "I'm so happy, excited and proud of this album!" He added, "Thank you, [Feldy] for helping us to create something we are all so proud of! This entire record is a dream come true!!"

Biersack told NME earlier this summer that the follow-up to "Set The World On Fire" was going to be "more of a punk rock record than anything we've done before. It's SOCIAL DISTORTION meets METALLICA." Biersack also confirmed that the album has a title, but declined to reveal it, explaining, "Of course we've got a title. I don't do anything unless I think about it six months in advance. We've got a title, we've got a story. It's a bit of concept record, there's a very serious story behind it. It's full of surprises."

BLACK VEIL BRIDES' new song, "Unbroken", appeared on the soundtrack to this year's movie, "Marvel's The Avengers". "Unbroken" is included on "Avengers Assemble", a 14-track compilation of music from and inspired by the film. "Avengers Assemble" was released on May 1.

BLACK VEIL BRIDES' latest EP, "Rebels", was released last December, exclusively through iTunes.

Video footage of Philip Anselmo (DOWN, PANTERA) performing the song "Scorched Earth Policy" with Texas thrashers WARBEAST on September 30 at the Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland can be seen below.

WARBEAST is on the road now with DOWN and Housecore labelmates HAARP. A few shows have featured special guests PENTAGRAM, SAINT VITUS and others. WARBEAST also recently announced ten European tour dates with DOWN. They will then continue the tour in November with several stops in Germany.

WARBEAST's second full-length album, "Destroy", will be released in early 2013 via Anselmo's Housecore Records. The band will also issue a split with Anselmo, entitled "War Of The Gargantuas", in late November or early December, also via Housecore.