Finnish melodic death/black metallers NORTHER have released the following statement:

"We hereby announce after a long and careful consideration that we have decided to quit NORTHER.

"During the last year, it has become clear that we are not able to tour or do shows as much as we would want to, this being due to members' complicated and time-consuming life situations. We have been forced to find session members and turn down too many gig offers. We simply cannot act as an active and working band and it is clear that these issues are not solved in the future.

"This is everything but an easy decision for all of us, but all this have taken the band to the point that pulling the plug is the right thing to do. There is no drama, this is a mutual decision and we all remain as good friends.

"The last show of NORTHER will be on the 10th of August at Brutal Assault festival 2012 (Czech Republic).

"However, most of us will continue in other bands: Jukka [Koskinen, bass] in WINTERSUN and AMBERIAN DAWN, Aleksi [Sihvonen, vocals] in MEDICATED and ASXX, Daniel [Freyberg, guitar] in NAILDOWN, Heikki [Saari, drums] in NAILDOWN, TUONI and AMBERIAN DAWN, and Kristian [Ranta, guitar] in his solo project.

"NORTHER would like to thank especially our FANS, friends and partners for their support for the past 12 years. Also great hails goes to Tomi Luoma, our ex-members Toni Hallio and Petri Lindroos, and producer Anssi Kippo for their contribution. It has been one hell of a ride and together we shared truly unforgettable moments!!"

NORTHER's latest album, "Circle Regenerated", entered the official chart in Finland at position No. 22. The follow-up to 2008's "N" marked the recording debut of vocalist Aleksi Sihvonen.

NORTHER was founded in 2000 and has released six full-length albums, two EPs, a DVD, four singles and the soundtrack to the Finnish film "V2". The band has done extensive touring with such acts as DIMMU BORGIR, HYPOCRISY, TURISAS and FINNTROLL.

Candlelight Records has set an October 9 North American release date for DAYLIGHT DIES' new album, "A Frail Becoming". Mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, KATATONIA, DEVIN TOWNSEND), the CD features photography from Jonathan Mehring and packaging design by Agni Kaster.

The release of "A Frail Becoming" silences a nearly four-year writing gap from the quintet.

"'A Frail Becoming' is an album which, at many times during its creation, felt as if it may never be realized," states drummer Jesse Haff. "As each of our lives proceeded down different paths, the challenges and obstacles we faced felt daunting and at times impassible. Out of this struggle, we forged ahead, determined to write the best collection of music we've ever created. Thankfully our perseverance prevailed and 'A Frail Becoming' stands as the most accomplished and varied album of our career."

Recording of "A Frail Becoming" commenced late 2011. Bassist/vocalist Egan O'Rourke coordinated capturing individual performances of Haff, guitarists Barre Gambling and Charley Shackelford, and vocalist Nathan Ellis. By year's end, the raw tracks were ready for Bogren's impressive and critical touches. Haff notes, "While still sounding distinctly DAYLIGHT DIES, each songs stands independently on its own, uncompromisingly representing a reflection of the moment in time they were each born in. Expect beautiful and haunting guitar-driven dark metal, enveloped by a wall of rhythms and textures one minute, and deeply expressive guitar leads, solos and acoustic passages the next."

"A Frail Becoming" track listing:

01. Infidel
02. The Pale Approach
03. Sunset
04. Dreaming of Breathing
05. A Final Vestige
06. Ghosting
07. Hold On To Nothing
08. Water's Edge
09. An Heir to Emptiness

DAYLIGHT DIES is currently working on a video for the song "Dreaming Of Breathing". The clip is being filmed by Ramon Boutviseth, who also directed "Lies That Bind", a video filmed shortly after the release of 2006's "Dismantling Devotion".

Swedish industrial metallers PAIN have issued the following update:

"Great news for those of you who haven't had the chance to see PAIN live during the 'You Only Live Twice' tour that started in October 2011. We've recorded the whole final show of the first leg at Debaser Medis in Stockholm last November and parts of the show at the Masters Of Rock festival this July which will be released on a DVD later this year together with tons of crazy backstage and 'behind-the-scenes' material! Stay tuned for the release date!!! Also, we've been confirmed to once again support our friends in NIGHTWISH on their forthcoming 'Imaginaerum' U.K. Tour 2012! Four shows are booked in early November just before the start of 'Into Darkness 2012' that we do together with MOONSPELL, SWALLOW THE SUN, LAKE OF TEARS, and SCAR OF THE SUN. See you on the road!"

Fan-filmed video footage of PAIN's July 20 performance at the Zwarte Cross festival in Lichtenvoorde, The Netherlands can be seen below.

PAIN's seventh album, "You Only Live Twice", was released in June 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Regarding the album's cover artwork, PAIN mainman Peter Tägtgren previously said, "I really wanted something 'Nightmare Before Christmas' meets 'Alice In Wonderland' kind of feeling but with our mascot, the Painhead in it. And Heile created that after what I wanted. And he did it in his own way. It really has this kinda Tim Burton feel to it. It will be really crazy with a big backdrop. We also gonna do some inflatable stuff with our Painhead. Its gonna be our Eddie, like IRON MAIDEN has it."

On the topic of the CD's title, Tägtgren stated, "[The title] has nothing to do with James Bond. I am sure I will hear this for the rest of my life! The title song is mainly about people struggling. Don't you wish you had another chance? Don't you wanna live twice? Like you're always jealous of other people. How good their life is or they won on lotto or anything. It's about jealousy in general towards other people that surrounds you. About not being satisfied with what you have. Trying to create this fantasy world that you can live twice kind of…"

For a list of upcoming PAIN shows, go to this location.

Punk rock legends BAD RELIGION have entered the studio to begin work on their brand new album. The as-yet-untitled CD is being recorded at Joe Barresi's (THE MELVINS, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, PARKWAY DRIVE) JHOC studio and co-produced by band members Brett Gurewitz, Greg Graffin and Barresi. This will be their 16th full-length effort.

BAD RELIGION reconvenes amidst a period of heightened activity. Singer-songwriter Greg Graffin is preparing for his second year of teaching evolution at Cornell University and is writing a new book, "Population Wars", for St. Martins Press. Guitarist-songwriter Brett Gurewitz continues to shepherd his labels Epitaph and Anti- and recently received a prestigious Independent Spirit Award. Drummer Brooks Wackerman has been touring with TENACIOUS D and released a record by his band KIDNEYS. Throughout it all, the iconic band has performed throughout the world and appeared at the historic Reason Rally in Washington D.C.

Formed in the suburbs of Los Angeles as disaffected teenagers, BAD RELIGION has generated numerous memorable hits and become synonymous with intelligent and provocative hook-filled punk rock.

Professionally filmed video footage of former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach performing the song "As Long As I Got The Music" live at the Rock Fest festival in Cadott, Wisconsin on July 22 can be seen below.

Bach earlier in the month posted a letter on his Facebook page in which he said he is willing to reunite with his former band SKID ROW. "For the fans, I would be willing to put my ego aside and do something that would be special for the people who put us where we are today," he wrote. "I do not personally want it myself. But it's not always about 'what I want.' If the fans really want to see us together, I would do it for the fans. Sometimes you can do things for people other than yourself."

Bach said he wanted to write the letter in response to current SKID ROW singer Johnny Solinger's new interview in which Johnny said a recent tweet by Bach about a possible SKID ROW reunion was an attempt to "get attention."

Bach last month released a video for the song "I'm Alive". The clip is one of three videos (alongside "Kicking & Screaming" and "TunnelVision") that the singer filmed on June 28, 2011 in Hollywood, California with director Devin DeHaven of Fortress Entertainment (PAPA ROACH, WHITESNAKE, METHOD MAN, TALIB KWELI).

"I'm Alive" comes off Bach's new album, "Kicking & Screaming", which sold 6,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 73 on The Billboard 200 chart. The singer's previous CD, "Angel Down", opened with 6,400 units back in November 2007 to debut at No. 190.

German symphonic metallers XANDRIA are searching for a new bassist following the recent departure of Nils Middelhauve.

Commented the band: "If you think you are the perfect match and, of course, can play your instrument very well, please send an e-mail with all relevant info, pictures of you, sound samples, links to YouTube clips with you playing etc. — basically whatever you have — to management@xandria.de. Deadline is August 31st!"

Nils, who joined the band in 2004 just after the release of XANDRIA's second studio album, "Ravenheart", made the decision to leave the band primarily for personal reasons.

"It gradually became obvious that some points of view vastly grew apart, concluding in Nils' determination to not continue in XANDRIA anymore," the band said in a statement. "Especially since all members are friends first and foremost, any more compromises had been even more hurtful."

The remaining members of XANDRIA are sad about Nils' decision but are respectful of his choice.

If the band is unable to secure a replacement for Middelhauve in the coming weeks, he will step in and play any previously scheduled shows until a new bassist has been found.

XANDRIA's new album, "Neverworld's End", was released in North America on March 6 via Napalm Records.

XANDRIA in December 2010 announced the addition of Manuela Kraller to the group's ranks.

XANDRIA performed several concerts in 2009 with the band's former frontwoman, Lisa Middelhauve, filling in.

XANDRIA in February 2011 parted ways with its singer of one year, Kerstin Bischof. The group stated at the time, "Due to occupational and private reasons, [Kerstin] wants to concentrate on her non-musical career in the future and cannot support XANDRIA the way it would be necessary."

Bischof joined XANDRIA in February 2009 as the replacement for Middelhauve, who left the band in May 2008 for "personal reasons."

Norwegian avant-garde metal band SOLEFALD is writing material for its eighth studio album, "Kosmopolis", which it plans to release in the fall of 2013.

In other news, SOLEFALD will make its live debut at the Southern Discomfort festival in Kristiansand, Norway on September 15. SOLEFALD is also set to play the Inferno festival in Oslo in April 2013.

Fronted by Lars Are "Lazare" Nedland and Cornelius Jakhelln, SOLEFALD's touring lineup will feature members of avantgarde deathsters IN VAIN, a lethal lineup capable of rendering all the nuances of the SOLEFALD discography.

SOLEFALD's last album, "Norrøn Livskunst" ("Norse Art Of Living"), was released in November 2010 via Indie Recordings.

CHICKENFOOT drummer Kenny Aronoff joined STEEL PANTHER on stage last night (Monday, July 23) at the House Of Blues in West Hollywood, California to perform a cover version of THE KINKS/VAN HALEN classic "You Really Got Me". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below.

STEEL PANTHER is the '80s metal/hard rock tribute band formerly known as METAL SKOOL. The group's lineup includes guitarist "Satchel" (real name Russ Parrish; ex-FIGHT) and singer "Michael Starr" (real name Ralph Saenz; ex-L.A. GUNS). Onstage, the band both pays tribute to and lampoons the heyday of '80s glam metal. The group's between-song comedy includes jests at conflict between bandmembers, discussions of drugs, sex, and improvised humor with the crowd.

"Screwdriver", the new video from Kennesaw, Georgia-based rockers JACKYL, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's new album, "Best In Show", which will be released on July 31 via Mighty Loud Entertainment, with distribution from Fontana Distribution, LLC.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Best in Show (4:04)
02. Encore (3:55)
03. Screwdriver (4:08)
04. Horns Up (3:28)
05. Golden Spookytooth (3:30)
06. Cover of the Rolling Stone (2:59)
07. Walk My Mile (5:18)
08. Favorite Sin (3:17)
09. Better Than Chicken (2:44)
10. Don't Lay Down On Me (3:57)
11. Eleven (4:30)
12. It's Tricky (2:59)

JACKYL ended 2010 with a bang by collaborating with Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame legend Darryl "DMC" Matthews McDaniels from RUN DMC on the single "Just Like A Negro".

The single is available for purchase at Jackyl.com and comes with a limited-edition "JACKYL featuring DMC" poster. It can also be downloaded from iTunes.

Formed in 1990, JACKYL has enjoyed a career stretching two decades, bringing a hybrid of Southern metal to millions. From the band's debut in 1992 via Geffen Records, through today, they are notorious as one of the hardest-working bands in rock. JACKYL holds two Guiness world records, one for staging 100 shows in 50 days, and another for performing 21 concerts in a 24-hour period. Jesse James Dupree and partner Michael Ballard also brew Jessie James Dupree's America's Outlaw Beer.

Glam-rock powerhouse BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART has announced today that vocalist Tony Gambino will be leaving the band for personal reasons. Stepping up to the mic to replace him will be current guitarist Sam Ryder, who brings with him Gambino's full endorsement.

"This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make," Gambino said in a videotaped message which can be seen below. "But I recently decided to leave the touring life so I can stay home with my family. With that said, I have some exciting news — I'm super stoked to announce that Sam Ryder is going to be stepping in as lead vocalist, and I couldn't be more honored to have anyone else take my spot. Sam is a world-class musician and vocalist and I have nothing but confidence in him."

By filling the "vacant position of singer from within, the international shred-metal group can ensure fans of a fluid, flawless transition into the next era of BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART's music. Driving that point home is the release of a previously unheard track, "Out Of Control" — featuring vocals from the newly promoted Sam Ryder — that illustrates in no uncertain terms his talent and capability as the band's new frontman.

"Tony is my best bud," says the Essex, U.K.-based Ryder. "Duty is calling him right now and he's gotta do what he's gotta do, but the show must go on. We have some great fans and they should know that I ain't about to let anyone down! Come bang your heads and sing some rock n' roll. That's what this is all about, and believe me — we're just getting started."

The launch of this new chapter comes on the heels of the band's third album, "Feel The Power", which was released this January on Tooth And Nail Records. The lauded, high-octane, release is the follow-up to the band's celebrated 2008 album "Pedal To The Metal" (Century Media), and finds BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART shrugging off past metalcore trappings in favor of something more heartfelt. Like any artist with a notable body of work, BLESSED has experienced a near constant evolution over the past eight years, in some part due to lineup changes, but mostly due to a stylistic progression away from pure metalcore in favor of more traditional metal and hard rock. One listen to "Feel The Power" confirms that not only is this not the same band that recorded "All Is Fair", but that that very fact is their saving grace. Staying ahead of the curve and distancing themselves from the pack is the key to BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART's longevity, and the reason the new album will resonate with even the most veteran headbangers.

"John The Revelator", a brand new song from virtuoso guitarist and visionary composer Steve Vai, is available for streaming at RollingStone.com. The track is a 1930s gospel-blues classic, and it has been forever changed and layered with heavy rock Vai-mojo.

"John The Revelator" comes off Vai's new solo album of original material, "The Story Of Light", which is scheduled for release on August 14. The title comes out on Favored Nations Entertainment, the label Vai founded in 1999. The sprawling and expressive 12-song set continues a conceptual and cosmic narrative arc that began with the artist's most recent studio release, 2005's acclaimed "Real Illusions: Reflections".

Although "The Story Of Light" is largely instrumental, the album does feature guest vocalists, including singer-songwriter Aimee Mann — dueting with Vai on "No More Amsterdam", which she also co-wrote. Beverly McClellan, a season one finalist on "The Voice", appears on "John The Revelator", a track inspired by a vintage recording of blues singer Blind Willie Johnson, whose acid-soaked vocals are in the mix as well. Other highlights include the title track (which opens the album), "Gravity Storm", "The Moon And I", and "Velorum".

Throughout, three-time Grammy-winner Vai's lead guitar is as lyrically resonant as it is technically masterful, his licks and solos bending sounds and in listeners' minds in equal measure. "The Story Of Light" follows the journey of a man driven mad by grief, intertwining tragedy, revelation, enlightenment, and redemption.

"I'm always pursuing knowledge, I'm a seeker of spiritual equilibrium-and music is a big part of that," says Vai. "I've been obsessed with these kinds of ideas for years." Looking ahead, Vai envisions a third set of songs that will unravel the mysteries and reveal truths that swirl through both 'The Story Of Light' and 'Real Illusions: Reflections'. The completed trilogy, intended to be cinematic-even operatic-in scope, will include lyrics and narration.

"The Story Of Light" is available as of today for online pre-sale orders. This special pre-sale selection of bundled packages is offered exclusively through Vai's web site, Vai.com, where complete details on the products and ordering information are available. Each package includes an instant download of a track from the new album personally selected by Vai, "Gravity Storm".

"The Story Of Light" is Vai's 16th solo effort, and the follow up to 2009's live effort, "Where The Wild Things Are". In support of its release, Vai will begin a tour of North America on August 15 in Fort Lauderdale Florida, accompanied by his band — who are also featured on the new album: Dave Weiner (guitar), Jeremy Colson (drums), Philip Bynoe (bass), and Deborah Hensen (harp, vocals, keyboards).

An audio sample of "Libertine", the forthcoming fourth solo album from Norwegian singer Liv Kristine (LEAVES' EYES, ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY), can be streamed on her Facebook page.

"Libertine" will be released via the Napalm Records subsidiary Black Rose Productions on the following dates:

North America: September 4
Spain, Finland, Sweden, Greece: September 5
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux: September 7
Rest Of The World: September 10

The CD was recorded at Mastersound Studio in Steinheim, Germany — the facility owned by her husband, Alexander Krull (ATROCITY, LEAVES' EYES) — and marks Liv's collaboration with Dutch musician J.B. van der Wal (ABORTED, DR. DOOM), who recently joined LEAVES' EYES and ATROCITY as the two bands' new bassist.

"Libertine" track listing:

01. Interlude (intro)
02. Solve Me
03. Silence
04. Vanilla Skin Delight (duet with Tobias Regner)
05. Panic
06. Paris Paris
07. Wait For Rain
08. Love Crime
09. Libertine
10. Meet Me In The Red Sky
11. The Man With A Child In His Eyes (KATE BUSH cover)

The "Libertine" cover artwork can be seen below.

Commented Liv: "'Libertine' is truly a milestone in my career; it sums up my most important artistic experiences in my creative journey through life. The more rock and metal-based songs like 'Vanilla Skin Delight' (including superb male vocals from Tobias Regner, the third-season winner of 'Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar', the German reality show in the style of 'American Idol'), 'Paris Paris', 'Solve Me' and title track, 'Libertine', certainly expose some of those magic moments which fans of THEATRE OF TRAGEDY enjoyed and treasured on 'Aegis' and 'Musique'. The ballads 'Silence', 'Love Crime' and 'Meet Me In The Red Sky' will go straight into you hearts, each of them being absolute individual in their emotional expressions and musical compositions. Alex gave each track a perfect sound in the mix by emphasizing on each song's characteristic accent and atmosphere."

She added, "I can't wait to let you hear this album; it is exceptional to me both personally and in my artistic career, and I can't wait to play these songs for you live! The cover and booklet artwork is completed as well. It took a while for me, personally, to find the artistic expression I wished to expose in my pictures, however, Heile and Alex guided me into the right direction, for which I am so happy and grateful."

Liv debuted the title track of her new album, "Libertine" (see video below), at a special concert on December 2, 2011 at Alte Seminarturnhalle in Nagold, Germany under the banner "One Night With Liv Kristine". Liv performed acoustic versions of her original songs as well as a few covers, including tracks from LEAVES' EYES and THEATRE OF TRAGEDY.

Liv Kristine's third solo album, "Skintight", came out in North America in September 2010 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2006's "Enter My Religion" was recorded at Mastersound Studio and the artwork was created by Stefan Heilemann.

2012 marks 10-year anniversary the career of Swiss folk metallers ELUVEITIE. To mark the occasion, the band has decided to re-record its entire first EP, "Vên", and remaster its debut album, "Spirit", and release these two sought-after collector's items as a two-CD bundle. This magnificent gift to the fans is entitled "The Early Years" and will be released on August 17 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The first audio sample from "The Early Years" to be made available is a re-recorded version of the track "Lament" from "Vên". Check it out in the YouTube clip below.

The new version of "Vên" was recorded with producer Tommy Vetterli (CORONER, KREATOR) at his Newsound Studio.

Comented ELUVIETIE vocalist Christian "Chrigel" Glanzmann: "'The Early Years' will give both old and new fans access to the very first steps in ELUVEITIE's history. I can't believe it's been 10 years already! Speaking of that, to celebrate our 10-year anniversary (2002-2012) we wanted to offer you something special. Therefore we have decided to re-record the tracks of our first EP, 'Vên'! We had a lot of fun putting those songs on tape again — some of which we have been playing live to this day and that have developed together with us over all these years."

ELUVEITIE's latest album, "Helvetios", sold 4,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 143 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD 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.

"Helvetios" was released in Europe on February 10 via Nuclear Blast Records

"Unrelenting Fucking Hatred", the debut album from Montreal's RAGE NUCLÉAIRE, will be released on October 19 in Europe and November 6 in North America via Season Of Mist. A 2LP vinyl edition will be available in North America, strictly limited to 300 copies.

RAGE NUCLÉAIRE was formed by legendary vocalist Lord Worm (ex-CRYPTOPSY) and includes guitarist Dark Rage (ex-CRYPTOPSY) and bassist Alvater (ex-FROZEN SHADOWS) in its ranks. The group's influences range from early EMPEROR and IMMORTAL to ANAAL NATHRAKH and MYSTICUM.

The band issued the following statement: "If anyone had ever told us that some day we'd be signed to Season Of Mist, we'd have laughed at them. The point is, being accepted into the Season Of Mist family, along with such ungodly notables as ARCKANUM, MAYHEM and DEATHSPELL OMEGA, is like being given a Sith name — it feels great to be part of Season Of Mist's evil empire."

RAGE NUCLÉAIRE has already commenced work on its second album, tentatively titled "Annihilation Frenzy".

KISS' official web site, KissOnline.com, has uploaded video footage of the band performing the song "Lick It Up" on July 21 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Check it out below.

KISS will release its 20th studio album, "Monster", on October 16 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" 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."

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) — has inked a deal with Despotz Records. The group will enter the studio in August to record its debut EP, to be followed by a full-length album next spring.

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."

Video footage of Belgium-based classical guitarist Thomas Zwijsen and British heavy metal singer Blaze Bayley (IRON MAIDEN, WOLFSBANE) playing an acoustic version of the IRON MAIDEN song "Lord Of The Flies" last night (Monday, July 23) at Bannermans in Edinburgh, Scotland can be seen below.

Zwijsen who has recorded an acoustic IRON MAIDEN tribute album called "Nylon Maiden", has joined forces with Bayley for an acoustic tour. Thomas previously said, "We will play [the BLAZE BAYLEY song 'Soundtrack Of My Life'] along with some other Blaze songs, some WOLFSBANE songs, many IRON MAIDEN songs and, of course, some of my 'Nylon Maiden' arrangements."

Bayley contributed his vocals to a cover version of IRON MAIDEN's "The Clansman" for the "Nylon Maiden" album.

Zwijsen is one of the musicians who backed Bayley on Blaze's most recent European "The King Of Metal" tour.

Bayley's new studio album, "The King Of Metal", was released in March. The CD was recorded at Fear Studio in Ravenna, Italy.

The 49-year-old Bayley, who was born in Birmingham, was the original frontman in WOLFSBANE, but left in 1994 to replace Bruce Dickinson as the lead singer of IRON MAIDEN.