A new six-and-a-half-minute video clip featuring more behind-the-scenes footage from ALTER BRIDGE and CREED guitarist Mark Tremonti's current solo tour can be seen below.

Watch the band set up as they get ready to close out the Midwest leg of their fall tour at the intimate Bottom Lounge in Chicago. You are going to have to mind the volume, however, as the combination of the concert, the howl of Chicago's Green Line El passing overhead, and the cheers of the massive Chicago crowds will surely do a number on your hearing.

As the night progresses after soundcheck, watch Tremonti head into his dressing room backstage with shredding esquire Michael Angelo Batio for a free guitar masterclass. MAB even grabs hold of one of Mark's PRS guitars to shred on as the two go through some massive speed picking exercises. Watching two guitar leviathans playing through a pair of small (but mighty) sounding Roland Micro Cube amps is quite the sight as well!

Then grab a spot in the pit as Fret12 brings you some great live footage of crowd favorite "Decay". There may even be a small surprise in the video that is indeed quite "beautiful."

VAN HALEN bassist Wolfgang Van Halen made his first two appearances as part of Tremonti's solo band earlier in the month at shows in Rhode Island and New York City. This marks the first time Wolfgang has played with anyone outside of his father Eddie, his uncle Alex and singer David Lee Roth.

Van Halen is replacing Tremonti's bandmate from CREED and ALTER BRIDGE, Brian Marshall, who is sitting out the Tremonti trek for undisclosed personal reasons. The other members of Tremonti's touring band include Eric Friedman on guitar and Garrett Whitlock on drums.

Tremonti is on the road behind his debut solo album, "All I Was", which came out this past July.

Iconic hardcore/punk band BAD BRAINS will release its new album, "Into The Future", on November 20 via Megaforce. The CD features the classic lineup of H.R. , Darryl Jenifer, Dr. Know and Earl Hudson.

"'Into The Future' is the purest BAD BRAINS recording since the ROIR cassette," says bassist Darryl Jenifer, referring to the early-'80s sound and energy that defined the band. "This self-produced record shines with a true sense of freedom and musical experimentation, with blends of soulful backgrounds meshed with blistering hardcore and metal riffs, with classic dub."

While searching for something epic and different, the band decided to self-produce the album and capture that spirit only the group itself could find. Included on the album is a remix of "Peace Be Unto Thee", a tribute to longtime fan, friend and producer Adam Yauch (BEASTIE BOYS), who marked the BAD BRAINS' return to form by producing their previous album, "Build A Nation".

The BAD BRAINS helped define American punk and hardcore music. Considered to be the holy grail of punk rock, they are one of the definitive American punk groups who garner the same respect as SEX PISTOLS, BLACK FLAG, RAMONES and THE CLASH.

When German metal queen Doro Pesch visited Nuclear Blast headquarters in Donzdorf, Germany to promote the first single off her upcoming album, "Raise Your Fist", the label posed a number of fan-submitted questions to her. The first part of the interview can now be seen below.

Pesch will sign copies of her new album, "Raise Your Fist", at the following German Media Markt stores (and one Saturn store) in October:

* Friday, October 19
Media Markt Berlin
Grunerstraße 20

* Saturday, October 20
Media Markt Hamburg
Billstedter Platz 37j

* Saturday, October 20
Media Markt Hannover
Hildesheimer Str. 410

* Monday, October 22
Media Markt Heidelberg
Hebelstraße 22

* Tuesday, October 23
Saturn Fürth
Würzburger Straße 6

* Wednesday, October 24
Media Markt München
Einsteinstr. 130

* Thursday, October 25
Media Markt Stuttgart
Sindelfingen; Tilsiter Strasse 15

Doro's new EP, "Raise Your Fist In The Air", was released on August 3. The full-length album, "Raise Your Fist", will follow on October 19 via Nuclear Blast Records.

"Raise Your Fist In The Air" EP track listing:

01. Raise Your Fist In The Air
02. Victory
03. Engel
04. Lève Ton Poing Vers Le Ciel (French version of "Raise Your Fist In The Air")

The "Raise Your Fist In The Air" video can be seen below.

Pesch loves New York, which she considers her second home. However, when the rock lady from Düsseldorf, Germany recalls the "Raise Your First" video shoot, she still gets an uneasy feeling. That's because the filming didn't take place on Broadway or in Times Square, but far away from the American glitter world, in the dark corners of the Bronx.

Comments Doro: "For Manhattan we would have needed permissions to film for each and every street corner — in the Bronx, nobody cares." At least no police officers, that is. The activities of Doro and her bandmates didn't remain unobserved, of course. "We purposely trudged around the most rundown quarters in our video truck," she says. "The gangs that hung around there were watching every step of ours very, very suspiciously. We felt anything but safe. At times we were downright besieged by dark shapes."

She adds, "I explained to the guys who we were and that 'Raise Your Fist…' can be considered quite a critical song that names and shames the constantly growing injustice in the world." And when the singer offered the gang members and homeless people an opportunity to appear in the video, the subliminal aggression quickly turned into sheer enthusiasm.

"That was the best we could have done," Doro explains. "The video came out absolutely great. And the parts with the people from the Bronx are the ones I like most." She jokingly adds, "And it was also way better for our health."

Interview - Part 1:

Finnish melodic death metallers ANGER CELL will release their debut album, "A Fear Formidable", on October 3 (Finland) and October 26 (rest of the world) via Inverse Records.

"A Fear Formidable" track listing:

01. Worth The Pain
02. Absolution Thru Vengeance
03. The Skin Of My Knees
04. Warcry
05. Trailblazer
06. Constant Collision
07. Slain
08. Wake Up Screaming
09. Anger Cell
10. When Reason Sleeps With The Dead
11. To The Ultimate

Two songs from the CD, "Constant Collision" and "When Reason Sleeps With The Dead", can be streamed below.

ANGER CELL's "Haven For The Forsaken" EP came out in 2010. The effort was recorded between February 2010 and June 2010 at Rockstar Productions.

Swedish death metallers DEMONICAL have announced the addition of guitarist Daniel Gustavsson to the group's ranks. The band states, "Daniel has been touring with us as session member since early spring, and as all admission tests executed on the road turned out nothing but excellent, he therefore became the obvious choice for our vacant axe position. We welcome Daniel aboard. Let the madness begin!"

DEMONICAL will enter Necromorbus Studio (WATAIN, UNANIMATED, DESTRÖYER 666) in Alvik, Sweden in November to begin recording its fourth album for a tentative April/May 2013 release.

Commented DEMONICAL bassist Martin Schulman: "Five tunes were nailed and completed [during the pre-production phase of the next album], deadly material that is still good old death metal (which we all worship) but with some new perspectives and varied influences."

DEMONICAL earlier in the year parted ways with guitarist Pablo Magallanes.

DEMONICAL's third album, "Death Infernal", was released in April 2011 via Germany's Cyclone Empire Records.

German electro/industrial metallers COLD RUSH have announced the addition of singer Michael Schinkel (ex-ETERNAL FLAME, STORMHAMMER) to the group's ranks.

The band is currently in the studio hard at work on its second album, "Amokkoma". The CD will feature a guest appearance by Matthias Kupka (vocals; EMERGENCY GATE) on three songs, including a KRUPPS cover.


A press release states :"Dark, scary, stomping and mechanical just a few tags to the sound of COLD RUSH, ready to enter the gloomy fields of electronic hard beats and gothic metal sounds. Laid on machine-like rhythms, driving guitars and pounding basses dominate the sound of COLD RUSH. Crowned with massive hardcore-like vocals this breed presents itself as stylistic continuation of '90s industrial bands."

COLD RUSH is:

Michael Schinkel - Vocals
K.L. - Guitar
Ramirez - Bass
Flo - Drums
Wutzl - Guitar

Swiss modern melodic death metallers DREAMSHADE have completed work on their sophomore album, "The Gift Of Life", for a January 25, 2013 release via Spinefarm. The CD was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen.

DREAMSHADE parted ways with singer Iko Castelli last November due to musical differences and replaced him with Kevin Cali (ROOTS OF DEATH).

DREAMSHADE's debut album, "What Silence Hides", came out in March 2011. A press release previously described the CD as "sit[ting] loosely under the 'melodic death metal' banner, a genre that continues to be developed by [DREAMSHADE's] [then-]labelmates CHILDREN OF BODOM. [But] DREAMSHADE succeed in bringing modern elements to the traditions of the music — the result being a fresh blend of melodic death and progressive metal."

DREAMSHADE's video for the song "Eternal", taken from "What Silence Hides", can be seen below.

DREAMSHADE is:

Kevin Calì - Vocals
Fernando "Fella" Di Cicco - Guitar, Vocals
Rocco Ghielmini - Guitar
Ivan Moccia – Bass
Serafino "Sera" Chiommino - Drums

California extreme metallers DEEDS OF FLESH have announced the addition of bassist Ivan Munguia (ARKAIK, BRAINDRILL) to the group's ranks. DEEDS OF FLESH states, "Ivan's abilities on bass are regarded as one of the elite in the scene today and we are stoked to his addition to the band."

The cover artwork for "Portals To Canaan", the forthcoming ninth album from DEEDS OF FLESH, can be seen below.

Due on January 29, 2013 via Unique Leader Records, "Portals to Canaan" will feature "amazing artwork and numerous conceptual pieces" by Raymond Swanland.

A pre-production teaser for "Portals To Canaan" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Commented the band: "This is only guitar one and drum mapping (no second guitar, leads or vocals) to give the fans an idea of whats to come."

DEEDS OF FLESH's last CD, "Of What's to Come", came out in November 2008 via Unique Leader.

Behind-the-scenes video footage from PIG DESTROYER's August 2012 tour of Japan can be seen below.

PIG DESTROYER's fifth-full length and first album in over five years, "Book Burner", was recorded at guitarist Scott Hull's Visceral Sound Studios. Due on October 22 via Relapse Records, the CD features 19 tracks with a return to the band's raw, misanthropic sound. The effort will be available on multiple formats, including CD, deluxe 2xCD, LP, deluxe 2xLP, cassette, digital and an extremely limited ultimate edition dubbed "The Order Of The Godless Swine."

The deluxe editions will each contain a bonus disc of punk covers and a short story, titled "The Atheist", penned by frontman JR Hayes. "The Atheist" is a post-apocalyptic tale about a decaying world taken over by the violence of religion that showcases the renowned lyricists' unsurpassed style for the first time as prose. The deluxe 2xLP will also contain an etched b-side featuring artwork by WORMROT frontman Arif Rot. The ultimate edition, limited to 100 copies, includes an exclusive t-shirt, autographed deluxe 2xLP on exclusive blood red color vinyl, a PIG DESTROYER flip-top wick style lighter, and an Order Of The Godless Swine membership card, which includes a digital download of the whole collection plus an alternate "dynamic" mastering job of both records done by Scott Hull intended to be played at maximum volume. The membership card will also entitle each card carrying member to a free t-shirt directly from the band at any PIG DESTROYER show.

PIG DESTROYER will make select special appearances at various festivals and shows throughout the year, including Calgary's Noctis Fest, the U.K.'s Damnation Festival and Maryland Deathfest 2013.

India-based melodic thrashers KRYPTOS released their new album The Coils Of Apollyon internationally on September 21st.

The band has now released a lyrics video for the track ‘Nexus Legion’. Check it out below:
The Coils Of Apollyon tracklisting:

'The Mask Of Anubis'
'The Coils Of Apollyon'
'Serpent Mage'
'Nexus Legion'
'Eternal Crimson Spires'
'Spellcraft'
'Starfall'
'Vision Of Dis'
'The Isle Of Voices'

German epic power metallers ORDEN OGAN have announced that vocalist Seeb Levermann has composed the film score for new psycho thriller Masks directed by Andreas Marschall.
According to the movie’s Facebook page, a synopsis is as follows: “Stella, an ambitious acting student, is accepted to the mysterious Mateusz Gdula school. The founder of the school committed suicide when his very special training method got forbidden because of the deaths of several of his students in the '70s. But when strange things start to happen in the abandoned wing of the school, Stella suspects that Gdula’s method is still practised. And she wants to participate at all costs …”

Masks will be released on DVD and BluRay on October 24th.

A trailer for the film can be seen below:

Austrian symphonic metallers VISIONS OF ATLANTIS have tapped EMERGENCY GATE drummer Raphael Saini for their upcoming headlining shows in Cyprus and Greece in early November. Saini will be filling in for VOA's regular drummer Thomas Caser, who is unable to take part in the trek due to his job obligations with Napalm Records as head of A&R.

Saini previously performed with VISIONS OF ATLANTIS in 2011 during their tour with RHAPSODY OF FIRE.

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS is putting the finishing touches on its fifth album, "Ethera", for an early 2013 release via Napalm Records.

Regarding the new album title, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS said, "'Ethera' is a word mix out of 'ether' as the quintessence of this band, the energy between the five band members, the fifth album and 'era,' leading VISIONS OF ATLANTIS to some new and interesting musical and lyrical shores while still remaining typically VISIONS OF ATLANTIS!"

Fabio D'Amore (SERENITY) and Ivan Moni Bidin, who is also a master at the mixing desk, produced this latest work.

VISIONS OF ATLANTIS' "Maria Magdelena" EP was released last October.

Midlands, UK-based metal act REIGN OF FURY have released their new album, World Detonation, which is described via a press release as, "a ripping blend of fierce technical, old school metal, smashing early TESTAMENT and NWOBHM together, along with hints of punk and storming melodies thrown in for good measure".
Formed initially in 2006, the band really started picking up steam in 2009 after bringing in vocalist Matt 'Bison' Wrathbone (GASH, BLACK FLAME DISPUTE). Things now finally all in place, they toured throughout 2010 and started work on their first EP, Psycho Intentions, which was then released in March 2011 through Goodlife Recordings.
2012 saw things really shift up a gear for the band. Playing their first ever Festival show at Bloodstock Open Air, they also released their first full length album, World Detonation. The video for the album's title track can be seen below.
Reign Of Fury band lineup:

Bison Steed – Lead Vocals
Jon Priestley – Guitars/Backing Vocals
Ed Fury Westlake – Guitars/Backing Vocals
Heavy Matt Earl – Bass/Backing Vocals
Magic Dave – Drums

More on Reign Of Fury at this location.

US sleaze rockers THE LAST VEGAS have announced they have signed a European deal with AFM Records.

The band’s new album Band Decisions will be released in Europe on November 16th. The album’s first edition comes as digipak which includes bonus track.

Bad Decisions was produced by Johnny K (MEGADETH, DISTURBED, AIRBOURNE), the album was recorded in the band's hometown of Chicago.
Tracklisting for Bad Decisions is as follows:

‘Beat To Hell’
‘Other Side’
‘Bad Decisions’
‘Evil Eyes’
‘Don't Take It So Hard’
‘She's My Confusion’
‘It Ain't Easy’
‘My Way Forever’
‘Leonida’
‘Devil In You’
‘You Are The One’
‘Good Night’

The previously released video for 'Evil Eyes' can be seen below:

Infamous NYC street punks THE CASUALTIES release their new album, Resistance, today, September 25th, through Season Of Mist. The album is currently streaming in it's entirety below:
Resistance is available on CD, limited edition LP (with bonus track and download card) and limited edition digibox including the CD with a bonus track, bandana, bottle opener and patch.

Check out the new album artwork below:
More on The Casualties at this location.

Grind legends NASUM are currently out on their Farewell 2012 Tour. Footage of the band performing 'Relics' live in Copenhagen, Denmark at Pumpehuset on September 22nd can be seen below:
The band recently reunited for over 60 shows with ROTTEN SOUND‘s Keijo Niinimaa filling in on vocals for late frontman, Mieszko Talarczyk. All dates can be found here.

Additionally, the band has been blogging about their experiences on the road via their official site here.

Brit rockers FM love their traditions and the run-up to the release of their seventh studio album will be no different as November 2012 sees the release of their new Only Foolin’ EP.

In time-honoured FM fashion this nine-track mini-album (running time approx. 51 minutes) features a mixture of sneak previews, live recordings and new tracks exclusive to Only Foolin’ EP.
Only Foolin’ EP tracklisting:
'Only Foolin’' – new studio track from FM’s forthcoming album
'Rainbow’s End' – new studio track - exclusive
'Shot in the Dark' – new studio recording - exclusive
'Let Love be the Leader' (Live) – recorded at the Indiscreet 25Live shows March 2012
'Don’t Stop' (Live) – recorded at the Indiscreet 25Live shows March 2012
'Does it feel like Love' (Live) – recorded at the Indiscreet 25Live shows March 2012
'Tough it Out' (Live) – recorded at the Indiscreet 25Live shows March 2012
'Hot Legs' (Live) – recorded at the Indiscreet 25Live shows March 2012
'Only Foolin’' (Extended Mix) – remix by Pete Jupp

Only Foolin EP is set for release November 26th on Riff City Records, distributed by Nova via Universal Music Operations and will be available from the webshop at www.fmofficial.com and all good record stores and internet retailers.

View the Only Foolin’ EP promo trailer below:
FM have just been added to THIN LIZZY's fall UK tour. The dates are as follows:

November
29 - Bournmouth, England - O2 Academy
30 - Southend, England - Cliff’s Pavilion

December
1 - Exeter, England - University Great Hall
3 - Norwich, England - UEA LCR
4 - Bristol, England - Colston Hall
5 - Middlesborough, England - Empire
7 - Liverpool, England - O2 Academy
8 - Edinburgh, Scotland - HMV Picture House
9 - Nottingham, England - Rock City
11 - Birmingham, England - HMV Institute
15 - Underworld, Camden - London, United Kingdom

Northern defenders of the faith SANKTUARY have announced that due to unforeseen circumstances, the release of their debut album Something Fierce, will be delayed. An adjusted release date will be announced sometime in the near future.
The tracklisting is as follows:
'Deadly Prey'
'Heat Lightning'
'Hail The Villain'
'Thrill Of The Kill'
'Screeching For Vengeance'
'Fire In The Sky'
'Beyond The Wall'
'Midnite Mass'

Bonus Track:
'Raise The Flag'

The band recently released a promo video for the album. Check it out below:
For more information on the band head to Facebook.

Half instrumental and half with vocals, TWINSPIRITS bassist ALBERTO RIGONI's new album is thematically centered around the Japanese folk legend of the three wise monkeys (together they embody the proverbial principle to "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil") and further refines the stylistic contrasts and progressive spirit characterizing 2011’s Rebirth (Nightmare Records).

Three Wise Monkeys also boasts contributions from special guests such as keyboard player Kevin Moore (ex DREAM THEATER, OSI, CHROMA KEY), singer Göran Edman (ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, JOHN NORUM, BRAZEN ABBOT), drummer Mark Cross (OUTLOUD, ex HELLOWEEN, FIREWIND), Mistheria, Jonas Erixon, Simone Mularoni, Federico Solazzo, Tommy Ermolli and many others.

Alberto Rigoni's new album's title track 'Three Wise Monkeys' is now available for free download via Soundcloud at this location.

Three Wise Monkeys tracklist:
'Toshogu Shrine'
'Mizaru'
'Three Wise Monkeys'
'Kikazaru'
'Blackened Tornado'
'Iwazaru'
'Free Falling'
'Between Space And Time'
'Coming Home'
'Believe'

Listen to 'Mizaru', streaming below:

Three Wise Monkeys will be released on October 1st by Any and All Records. Check out the official trailer below:

A week before he died this past July, former DEEP PURPLE keyboardist Jon Lord gave his last-ever interview, to Classic Rock, for the U.K. magazine's September 2012 issue. During the chat, Lord seemed optimistic about his prognosis a year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

"When you get to my age, the cancer is very slow moving," he said. "It's containable. My oncologist has had patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 15 or 16 years ago. They still have treatment and they still have cancer — but, crucially, they're still here. They found my cancer early and the size of the tumor has reduced."

Lord was resigned to the fact that he might not ever be cured him and was aiming for containment. At the time of the interview, the treatment appeared to be working.

"I'd like to get to my father's age," he said. "He was in his late 80s and he'd led a good life. I don't want to limp to that milestone. I don't want to drag myself over that line. I want to be active and well."

Lord revealed that somewhere, buried in the mountain of cards and emails and get-well messages he received after being diagnosed with cancer, was one from a long-lost friend now living in Long Island, New York: a certain guitar player called Ritchie Blackmore.

"He sent me a very nice letter and it was lovely to hear from him," Lord said of his former DEEP PURPLE bandmate. "My life and Ritchie's life have departed from each other so radically in the past 20 years. He's gone his way and I've gone mine. But we went through a lot together. We will always have that."

He continued, "Would I like to play with him again? I'd love to — there's a legion of people out there who want him to pull on that white Strat again — but I'm not holding my breath. Besides, I know more than most you should do what you want to do. Ritchie is doing that. Good luck to him."

Candlelight Records, in cooperation with The Silent City, has set a November 20 North American release date for "The Devil", the self-titled debut album from the London-based sextet. The masked, all-instrumental band self-produced the entire recording.

THE DEVIL is not a typical metal act. Combining traditional/classic heavy metal with select historical, political and conspiracy-laden oracles, the anonymous masked and cloaked musicians present a cinematic soundscape that is sure to strike the fancy of the curious.

The 13-track album was crafted at six different recording studios and possesses a sound that is unlike any other you will encounter.

Earlier this year, the internationally assembled band launched the beginning of the album campaign via two select videos. Since initiation, over half a million YouTube views have been logged.

Two songs from "The Devil" have already been tapped for soundtrack inclusion: "Extinction Level Event", licensed to upcoming film "E.S.P.", expected late 2012; and "Divinorium", licensed to upcoming film "The Fury". "The Fury" is being directed by James Colmer ("Superman Returns", "House of Wax", "See No Evil") will feature Erica Leerhsen ("The Blair Witch Project", "Texas Chainsaw Massacre") and is expected early 2013.

Director James Colmer comments on his attraction to THE DEVIL for the upcoming feature film: "Choosing a track for a feature film is often times a difficult task. For us it was a quest of finding a song that could convey the driving, thematic and ominous presence of this psychological thriller in the opening scenes.

"When I first heard 'Divinorum', I immediately felt the connection I was looking for. It was as though it had been composed specifically for this film.

"I truly believe you can change the entire feeling and structure of a scene by making the right choice when it comes to music. I know we have made the right choice with THE DEVIL."

"The Devil" track listing:

01. Divinorum
02. Universe
03. Astral Dreamscape
04. World of Sorrow
05. Devil & Mankind
06. The Silent City
07. Akashic Enlightenment
08. Extinction Level Event
09. Intervention
10. Illuminati
11. Transcendence
12. Alternative Dimensions
13. Ascension

THE DEVIL plans to begin touring to support the album in early 2013. Collectively, they note, "It is great to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, having worked on this band and album for years. We look forward to bringing our unique live show to audiences around the world."

Swedish progressive/experimental metallers THERION are busy making final preparations to celebrate their 25th anniversary of the band by releasing their new album, "Les Fleurs Du Mal" and embarking on a 25th-anniversary tour. The band has signed a licensing deal with End Of The Light Records to release the CD in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The effort will be made available in North America on November 13.

THERION will introduce the new album to the world during the "Flowers Of Evil" 25th-anniversary tour.

"Les Fleurs Du Mal" is a part of an art project that THERION mainman Christofer Johnsson has been thinking about for some time:

"The time was never right for it, but in celebration of the band's 25th anniversary, I thought now will finally be the right time for it," Johnsson explains.

There are still many details that are unknown about this mystical art project, which was recorded at Adulruna studio, located in a separate building next to Johnsson's decadent "Villa Adulruna" where the band lived together while recording.

The "Les Fleurs Du Mal" title refers to Charles Baudelaire's (French author and poet 1821 - 1867) famous poem collection "Flowers Of Evil" ("Les Fleurs Du Mal" in French) that caused such an upset of emotions in France that the author was brought to court and got fined for "insulting the public" with six of the poems, that remained forbidden in France until 1949 when the ban was finally lifted. The spirit of the project is a tribute to Baudelaire, and is imbued into both music and artwork.

Said Christofer: "The project was seen as too controversial for THERION's record label, Nuclear Blast, by the final results, so I asked if it was possible to buy back the master tapes of the record and release it on my own label. And after some negotiations, my wish was granted. But THERION is of course is still signed to Nuclear Blast Records for future releases."

By having full control of the release now, Christofer has decided to do everything his own way, and starts by releasing the album to the loyal fans first that come to the concerts in Europe during THERION's 25th-anniversary "Flowers Of Evil" tour.

Christofer went on to explain: "This is the beginning of a new period that will last for a number of years, where the band will focus on doing certain projects performed by THERION rather than releasing regular albums. In the planning after the art project is a rock opera that is scheduled to take several years to complete."

Now during THERION's "Flowers Of Evil" tour and the band's 25th anniversary the audience can expect a breathtaking performance which combines all the elements which have been the key to THERION's success throughout the years.

KYLESA will issue a new collection, "From The Vaults, Vol. 1", on November 20 (four days earlier in Europe). The CD features previously unreleased, new and alternate versions of songs spanning the band's catalogue, including one entirely new song ("End Truth") as well as the band's legendary cover of PINK FLOYD's "Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun".

A video trailer for "From The Vaults, Vol. 1" can be seen below.

"This project has been a labor of love," explained guitarist/singer/producer Phillip Cope. "We have spent over a year going through old songs, covers, etc., and collected those we felt went well together; remixing and finishing them up. We didn't want to release something just thrown together so we put a lot of thought and time into it. I am really happy about how this came together. I think it is a good representation of KYLESA's different styles from early on to present day."

The Savannah-based band recently wrapped up a European tour, which included stops at the Wacken Open Air and Area 4 festivals, and will enter the studio to begin work on a new album for 2013.

KYLESA's most recent release, 2010's "Spiral Shadow", was revered by fans and critics alike as a "record that trashes everything you might expect from the genre" (Pitchfork) and is "as sweaty as a south Georgia summer" (Spin). Singer/guitarist Laura Pleasants was recently featured on the cover of Decibel magazine's inaugural Women In Metal issue.

"From The Vaults, Vol. 1" track listing:

01. Intro **
02. Inverse **
03. 111 Degree Heat Index ***
04. Between Silence and Sound II ***
05. Paranoid Tempo **
06. End Truth *
07. Bottom Line II ***
08. Wavering **
09. Bass Salts **
10. Drained **
11. Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun **
12. Drum Jam **

* New
** Previously unreleased/limited availability
*** Alternate Version

Frontiers Records has announced the signing of British hard rock supergroup SNAKECHARMER. Consisting of original WHITESNAKE members Micky Moody and Neil Murray, along with Laurie Wisefield (WISHBONE ASH, TINA TURNER), Harry James (THUNDER, MAGNUM), Adam Wakeman (OZZY OSBOURNE) and Chris Ousey (HEARTLAND), the band is putting finishing touches on its self-titled debut album for a February 2013 release.

Commented Murray: "We're very excited that SNAKECHARMER has joined the Frontiers Records family, which includes many of the world's finest rock bands, and we can't wait to get out on tour in 2013 to promote our forthcoming album!"

Added Moody: "Like the rest of the guys, I am very pleased to be associated with such a renowned record company. We've really enjoyed writing and recording the new album and look forward to a successful future alliance!"

Said Wisefield: "SNAKECHARMER is looking forward to a great year ahead and a long and successful relationship with Frontiers Records. Looking forward to seeing you on the road in 2013."

SNAKECHARMER brings you classic twin-guitar based hard rock music with an emphasis on vocal melodies and timeless hooks. Combining influences from the classic British hard rock music of late '70's and early '80's and melting with the melodic sensibility of Chris Ousey's magic vocals akin to Lou Gramm and Paul Rodgers, SNAKECHARMER is the genuine article.

SNAKECHARMER is:

Micky Moody - Guitar, Slide Guitar, Vocals
Neil Murray - Bass
Laurie Wisefield - Guitar, Vocals
Harry James - Drums, Vocals
Adam Wakeman - Keyboards, Vocals
Chris Ousey - Lead Vocals

Swedish melodic metal five-piece FULLFORCE will release its second album, "Next Level", in North America on November 27 via SPV/Steamhammer. The cover artwork was once again be created by Rainer Kalwitz, who previously worked with PRAYING MANTIS and METAL CHURCH, among others.

"Next Level" was mixed and mastered at Roastinghouse Studios in Malmö, Sweden by Anders "Theo" Theander. The CD contains 13 songs of "melodic, heavy" metal and the band is really excited it, according to a press release.

"Next Level" track listing:

01. Broken Dreams
02. Break It, Crack It, Destroy It
03. Back To Life
04. A Night To Remember
05. Karma
06. Whispers
07. Smile At The World
08. Hate...Love...Drop It!
09. Visions
10. Course Of Life
11. Awesomeness
12. Mysterious Ways
13. Strongest Thing Of All

FULLFORCE's current lineup include new guitar ace Stefan Rosqvist, who replaced CJ Grimmark a few months ago.

FULLFORCE is:

Mike Andersson (CLOUDSCAPE) - Vocals
Stefan Elmgren (ex-HAMMERFALL) - Guitar
Stefan Rosqvist - Guitar
Tommy Larsson (ex-HEED) - Bass
Anders Johansson (HAMMERFALL, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) - Drums

FULLFORCE's debut album, "One", was released in June 2011 via SPV/Steamhammer.

Norwegian progressive extreme metallers VULTURE INDUSTRIES entered the Conclave And Earshot Studios in Bergen early last week to begin work on their third full-length album for an early 2013 release via Season Of Mist. So far the drums have been recorded, and frontman Bjornar Nilsen, who is also producing the CD, commented that the band set out to aim for a much more organic and dynamic sound this time around, and that so far he is very pleased with the result. Once the LP has been recorded, mixing will be carried out at the Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden by Jens Bogren, who has previously worked with OPETH, PARADISE LOST, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, ENSLAVED and IHSAHN, amongst others.

Based in Bergen, and with two critically acclaimed releases already under its belt, VULTURE INDUSTRIES consists of Bjornar Nilsen (BLACK HOLE GENERATOR) on vocals, keys and programming, Øyvind Madsen (SULPHUR, ex-ENSLAVED) and Eivind Huse (SULPHUR) on guitar, Kyrre Teigen on bass and Tor Helge Gjengedal (ex-TAAKE) on drums. Nilsen, who is himself one of Norway’s leading producers, is known for his highly theatrical onstage performances that earn VULTURE INDUSTRIES a myriad of new fans wherever they play.

VULTURE INDUSTRIES next live appearance is scheduled for October 6 at the Phantoms Of Pilsen festival in the Czech Republic.

U.K. progressive metallers TESSERACT have announced the addition of vocalist Ashe O'Hara to the group's ranks.

Hailing from Northampton, Ashe spent his early years singing in many different groups, from choirs to musical theatre, and has more recently been involved with a number of ambient/alternative metal projects in addition to doing session work. Ashe currently resides in Hove, East Sussex and is eagerly awaiting the upcoming tour and working on the new album.

Comments Ashe: "I have always been an admirer of their work so it's pretty awesome to be passed such a challenging flame. I am very aware of the anticipation and I am certainly feeling the weight of it, but I am equally excited for what shall be an amazing and shithot experience!"

Add the other members of TESSERACT: We realize that the vocalist search seemed like it took a long time, but we wanted to make sure that we found someone who was a perfect fit both on stage and in the studio and Ashe is just that. We very much appreciate the patience and support our fans have shown us and look forward to the next TESSERACT chapter."

A snippet of the new TESSERACT song "Nocturne" featuring Ashe can be heard in the YouTube clip below.

"Nocturne" will be available as a free download and streaming everywhere on October 12.

Comments the band: "'Nocturne', is one of the most uplifting and exciting pieces of music we have created. It faithfully continues down the same vein of groovy and euphoric progressive soundscapes that we're known for. Whilst at the same time allowing for the musical evolution that is essential for any band that has a lineup change."

TESSERACT recently picked up the "New Blood" award — as voted for by readers of Prog magazine — at last week's first-ever Progressive Music Awards in the U.K. and is preparing for a small run of dates through Europe.

Australian metallers PARKWAY DRIVE will release their fourth album, "Atlas", on October 30 via Epitaph Records. The deluxe package will include the "Home Is For The Heartless" DVD, a unique travelogue that follows the band's adventures touring to many obscure destinations including Colombia, China and India. The announcement comes as the band unleashes a brand new video for the debut track "Dark Days" which can be seen below.

Yet another creative leap forward for the chart-topping Australian band, "Atlas" boasts some of the most up front and confrontational material PARKWAY DRIVE has ever released, while at the same time taking several unexpected turns into lush sonic terrain, redefining their trademark sound while reinforcing their position as leaders in their field.

Recorded in Los Angeles with esteemed producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, HATEBREED), "Atlas" sets the standard in musical progression by pushing musical boundaries and drawing from a wider scope of influence. From heavy, technically advanced riffs and rapid fire blast beats, to haunting death growls combined with fervent vocals and symphonic melodies, "Atlas"' ferocious mix of metal and hardcore reaches new horizons with songs such as "Dark Days", "Old Ghost / New Regrets" and "The River", all of which will have fans careening straight for the circle pit.

"Everything has been enhanced," says PARKWAY vocalist Winston McCall. "People don't have to kiss the old parts goodbye. When you think of change, you think of things being taken away, but there's not a case here where anything has been taken away. This is just more on top."

The new record is positioned to be the most highly anticipated heavy album of the year and follows 2010's phenomenally successful "Deep Blue", which debuted aat No. 39 in the U.S. on The Billboard 200, No. 2 in Australia, as well as reaching solid gold and winning the ARIA Award for "Best Hard Rock/Metal Album" and has since built steadfast momentum as a result of a groundswell of fan support in the U.S. Building on a record that was regarded as "not just a landmark album for themselves, [but] a milestone album for modern metal" (Metal Hammer)," "Atlas" cements PARKWAY DRIVE as the world's most hardcore musical superpower.

"'Atlas' is a culmination of ten years," says McCall. "Ten years of PARKWAY DRIVE, ten years of travel, ten years of being alive and watching our world spiral out of control. We're not holding anything back, we're not pulling any punches, and this world deserves nothing less."

"The Home Is For The Heartless" DVD has already reached platinum status in Australia and is only available in the U.S. via the deluxe package. According to McCall, the DVD gives an additional insight into the album's lyrical themes, which are closely related to exploration and discovery.

"Reading the lyrics to 'Atlas' after watching the DVD, I think you will have more of a sense of where we are coming from," McCall reveals. "The album is called 'Atlas' because it's a combination of the travelling we've done over the past year, while also playing on the idea of 'Atlas', who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders."

When asked if he feels as though he and the band are anything like the mythological Greek titan, bearing the weight of the world on their shoulders, McCall replies: "I think everybody feels that way at one time or another. It's a heavy place to live, and it's a heavy time to be alive. Some people watch the DVD and go, 'Man, it makes me jealous of your life.' But I think with every expanse of your horizon, you go into another bubble of society where you are able to see that others in the world aren't doing so good. It's one of those things... the more your horizon expands, the more negative things you see. For that reason, there is a lot of stuff on this record that is more confrontational than anything we've written in the past."

The track listing for the deluxe CD/DVD edition of "Atlas" is as follows:

01. Sparks
02. Old Ghosts / New Regrets
03. Dream Run
04. Wild Eyes
05. Dark Days
06. The River
07. Swing
08. The Slow Surrender
09. Atlas
10. Sleight Of Hand
11. Snake Oil And Holy Water
12. Blue And The Grey

On July 13, 2013, IRON MAIDEN's "Maiden England" tour will hit Sweden, where the band will play at the magnificent national stadium in Stockholm — Friends Arena! This is the first rock show ever to be announced at this brand new 50,000-capacity venue. Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, October 2 at 9:00 a.m, with an exclusive first ticket pre-sale for IRON MAIDEN fan-club members which will run from 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 29 through to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 30 (local times). Fan-club members will also be eligible in the draw to be "First To The Barrier."

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."

Italian power metallers SECRET SPHERE will release their seventh album, "Portrait Of A Dying Heart", before the end of the year through Warner Music (Japan) and Scarlet Records (rest of the world). The CD will feature a 40-page booklet, including the novel "She Complies With The Night" on which the album is based.

"Portrait Of A Dying Heart" track listing:

01. Portrait Of A Dying Heart
02. X
03. Wish & Steadiness
04. Union
05. The Fall
06. Healing
07. Lie To Me
08. Secrets Fear
09. The Rising Of Love
10. Eternity

The song "The Fall" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.

SECRET SPHERE earlier in the year announced the addition of former VISION DIVINE and THAUROROD vocalist Michele Luppi to the group's ranks.

Said Luppi in a statement: "'Portrait Of A Dying Heart' is by far one of the best album I've done."

He added, "I wanna thank [the other members of SECRET SPHERE] for their trust and belief, and I'm willing to share all my experience and passion in order to write and perform our music the best way we can... For us and, most of all, for you."

After 12 years, six albums, and tours around the world, Roberto "Ramon" Messina decided to leave SECRET SPHERE due to musical differences.

SECRET SPHERE's sixth album, "Archetype", was released in Europe in September 2010 via Scarlet Records.