A two-camera mix of DEATH ANGEL performing the song "The Ultra Violence" this past Tuesday, June 16 at The Well in Leeds, England can be seen below.

DEATH ANGEL made its 1987 debut album, "The Ultra-Violence", available as a 25th-anniversary reissue after more than 10 years of being out of print. The CD was released on June 6 at 6:00 a.m. PST exclusively at the official DEATH ANGEL webstore. Guitarist Rob Cavestany said, "Digitally remastered but not altered, it sounds leagues better than the original pressing yet retains every ounce of vibe, character and feel that we put into our first record.

"Hope you enjoy this blast from the past as we go 'old school' and bring Bay Area thrash in its most primal form from 1987 to 2012. Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of 'The Ultra-Violence'!"

To coincide with the 25th-anniversary reissue of "The Ultra-Violence", DEATH ANGEL is performing the album in its entirety this summer on tour in Europe. Select dates in other parts of the world may follow.

DEATH ANGEL recently joined forces with SEPULTURA, KRISIUN and HAVOK for a North American tour.

Sweden's TIAMAT recently completed work on its tenth studio album, "The Scarred People", at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany with producer Siggi Bemm. An October release via the band's new label, Napalm Records, is expected.

More video footage of TIAMAT mainman Johan Edlund working on the "The Scarred People" album cover can be seen below.

TIAMAT's latest CD, "Amanethes", was produced by Johan Edlund and was recorded mainly at The Mansion in Greece, with additional recordings taking place at Studio Mega in Sweden and Cue in Greece. The album was mixed and mastered by Siggi Bemm in Woodhouse Studios, Germany in January 2008.

Century Media Records released a limited-edition collector's box from TIAMAT entitled "The Ark of the Covenant - The Complete Century Media Years". Limited to 3,000 copies worldwide, this noble box set also includes two exclusive audio CDs, a numbered authenticity certificate, as well as a comprehensive 74-page booklet with all lyrics, terrific artwork, rare photos and extensive liner notes by Anders Iwers.

Mike Portnoy (ADRENALINE MOB, DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD) and Billy Rymer (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN) engaged in a mini "drum battle" on June 2 at the ninth installment of the Drum Fight drum competition and expo at Revolution (formerly Ollie's Point) in Amityville, New York. Check out video footage below.

The event, which was previously and famously held at the Crazy Donkey before its demise, featured judges Portnoy, Rymer and Frank Gilchriest (VIRGIN STEELE, HOLY MOTHER), who rated the contestants on categories such as skill, flair and originality for great prizes and bragging rights.

Professionally filmed video footage of OBITUARY drummer Donald Tardy joining Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD on stage on June 22 at the Graspop Metal Meeting festival in Dessel, Belgium to perform the song "Redneck" can be seen below.

LAMB OF GOD's latest album, "Resolution", has sold 119,000 copies in the United States since its January release. The CD was released in the U.S. via Epic and internationally through Roadrunner Records. The effort was recorded at various studios in Virginia and New York with producer Josh Wilbur, who worked on the band's last LP, 2009's "Wrath".

"Resolution" features 14 songs and comes in a digipack with artwork by longtime art director Ken Adams.

Hal Leonard has released the official, note-for-note matching guitar tab book for "Resolution". It is now available for purchase from MusicDispatch.com.

Due to ongoing medical treatments for pancreatic cancer, with which Jon Lord was disagnosed last summer, the former DEEP PURPLE keyboardist will not be able to apppear in Hagen, Germany on July 6. He was set to perform his Durham Concerto and a selection of other pieces.

According to JonLord.org, Jon wishes to assure everyone that this is not a matter for concern, but it is a continuation of his regular treatment that has just taken longer than anticipated. He and the Hagen Philharmonic Orchestra hope to be able to reschedule the concert for later in the year. He apologizes to everyone for any inconveniences this may have caused, particularly the wonderful people of Hagen, their terrific orchestra and all those who may have bought tickets, and he looks forward to seeing them all soon.

For ticket refunds, please contact Hagen's Theaterkasse or your Eventim ticket agent.

Jon Lord is recognized for his Hammond organ blues-rock playing and unique sound and for his pioneering work in fusing rock and classical or baroque forms. He has most famously been a member of DEEP PURPLE, the band he co-founded in 1968.

Lord last year received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music from the University of Leicester.

MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson has uploaded a new eight-minute video clip featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the band's June 27 concert at Teatro Arena in Vilnius, Lithuania — including a pre-show search for some local coffee. Check it out below.

MEGADETH was among the nominees for the 54th annual Grammy Awards, which was held on February 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The band's tenth Grammy nomination was for its single "Public Enemy No. 1", off MEGADETH's latest album, "TH1RT3EN", which came out on November 1, 2011.

"Public Enemy No. 1" actually marked the second Grammy nomination for music from "TH1RT3EN", as the song "Sudden Death" was first unveiled in the 2010 video game "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock" and received a "Best Metal Performance" nod.

A play-through video clip "Few Against Many", the title track of the new album from Greek melodic metallers FIREWIND, has been posted online. Check out FIREWIND's guitar wizard and OZZY OSBOURNE bandmember Gus G. shredding through the song below.

"Few Against Many" sold around 1,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 28 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.

"Few Against Many" entered the official chart in Greece at No. 42 and in Germany at No. 90.

A CD-single version of the song "Wall Of Sound" was released with the latest issue (RUSH front cover) of the biggest hardrock/metal magazine in Scandinavia, Sweden Rock Magazine. This single is now exclusively available with the magazine as digipak CD, including the album tracks "Wall Of Sound" and "Few Against Many" as well as a previously unreleased demo version of "Wall Of Sound".

"Few Against Many" was released in Europe on May 21 via Century Media Records and in North America on May 22 through DisManic, Inc. via eOne Distribution. The CD was mixed by Jason Suecof and Eyal Levi at Audiohammer Studios (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, DEATH ANGEL) in Sanford, Florida.

Produced by Gus, "Few Against Many" was recorded with his longtime bandmates, vocalist Apollo Papathanasio, keyboardist/guitarist Bob Katsionis and bassist Petros Christo, at Valve Studio in Greece as well as the Sweetspot Studios in Sweden and sees the band expanding on its signature melodic sound with some of its most aggressive songs to date. The CD also marks the recording debut of new FIREWIND drummer Johan Nunez (NIGHTRAGE).

Finnish folk metallers ENSIFERUM will release their fifth album, "Unsung Heroes", on August 27 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, SENTENCED) at Petrax studio (CHILDREN OF BODOM, NIGHTWISH) in Hollola, Finland and other locations in the Hämeenlinna area. According to a press release, the hour-plus follow-up to 2009’s "From Afar" "sees the Finnish five-piece — founded in 1995 — pushing their signature sound to bold new heights of drama and excess. A cinematic experience from first note to last, 'Unsung Heroes' takes the listener on a journey of genuine light and shade, with the 16 minute-plus 'Passion Proof Power' showing that when it comes to the epic statement, ENSIFERUM are very much in the front-line, swords at the ready."

Commented the band: "We've tried to push the different aspects of what we do as far as we can; the sonic scope is wider than ever. The folk elements go further down that path and the metallic parts will absolutely rip your face off!"

Once again, album art (see below) has been supplied by Kristian Wåhlin, with featured special guests including members of APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER and legendary Finnish singer and actor Vesa-Matti Loiri.

"Unsung Heroes" track listing:

01. Symbols
02. In My Sword I Trust
03. Unsung Heroes
04. Burning Leaves
05. Celestial Bond
06. Retribution Shall Be Mine
07. Star Queen (Celestial Bond Part II)
08. Pohjola
09. Last Breath
10. Passion Proof Power

A series of websidodes featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the new CD recording process can be seen below.

ENSIFERUM's fourth album, "From Afar", sold around 900 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 44 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.

"From Afar" was released on September 9, 2009 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was produced by Tero Kinnunen (NIGHTWISH, AMORPHIS) and Janne Joutsenniemi ('Victory Songs' producer) and was mixed by Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, SENTENCED, AMORPHIS).

GODSMACK announced today that due to continued vocal issues with singer Sully Erna, the band is forced to cancel the remaining dates on its currently scheduled European tour. Erna was examined by throat specialists in the U.S. yesterday and the advice of his doctors has been to not sing for the next several weeks to allow time for his vocal cords to heal. The current trek marked the first time GODSMACK had toured Europe in nearly nine years, and the band was only able to perform two of their fourteen scheduled dates in Europe.

In a statement, Sully said, "Sorry, Europe. Seems like we can't catch a break there lately. London, you were one of the best crowds we've played to in a very long time.... Belgium, you were awesome as well. As for the rest of you in Europe that we weren't able to reach, I promise you we'll be back!! For now it's lots of rest and fluids for me until my vocal specialist clears me to sing again. My deepest apologies Europe! You'll see us again. Thanks for your support and understanding."

The Rockstar Energy Uproar Tour kicks off on August 17 in Bonner Springs, Kansas and features GODSMACK, STAIND, SHINEDOWN, PAPA ROACH and a number of other acts. GODSMACK bassist Robbie Merrill said about the tour, "We're all friends with them so to me it was going to be fun and it was going to be a nice easy summer . . . (each show) should be a good day."

GODSMACK issued a concert album last month called "Live And Inspired", which also featured newly recorded studio covers of some of the band's favorite classic rock songs, including JOE WALSH's "Rocky Mountain Way", METALLICA's "Nothing Else Matters", THE BEATLES' "Come Together" and PINK FLOYD's "Time".

Later this year, the group will also perform as part of ShipRocked, a five-day cruise that will feature a lineup of rock acts including FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, SEVENDUST and more.

METALLICA held a press conference last Friday night (June 22) at the popular Atlantic City, New Jersey concert venue Bader Feld ahead of this past weekend's two-day festival Orion Music + More, which the band curated. Check out footage of the entire 27-minute question-and-answer session below.

METALLICA played its 1984 album, "Ride The Lightning", in its entirety for the first time ever during its Saturday headlining set, while doing 1991's "black album" on Sunday. The band played both albums backwards, from the last song to the opening number.

Other acts at the show included AVENGED SEVENFOLD, VOLBEAT, GHOST, CAGE THE ELEPHANT, SEPULTURA, GASLIGHT ANTHEM, ARCTIC MONKEYS and more.

The event also featured exhibitions and events based around each METALLICA's personal hobbies, such as a film festival curated by drummer Lars Ulrich, a custom car show presented by frontman James Hetfield and a horror memorabilia exhibit from guitarist Kirk Hammett.

When asked why METALLICA would want to do their own festival, James Hetfield said in a recent interview, "First of all, because we can. Why wouldn't you? We're just trying to bring a little more of a mix to what is going on. . . . I think the Europeans are able to look at a festival more as an event than 'my favorite band is playing.' We're not necessarily trying to reproduce that in the States, but we'd like to bring a little taste of that here."

Regarding the significance of the "Ride The Lightning" and "Metallica" albums, Hetfield said, "'Ride The Lightning' started to splinter us off from your SLAYERs and other thrash bands. A song called 'Fade To Black' was an instant thorn in the side of the metal community. It was the first veering off the studded path. [The Black Album] became the album, I guess, that people needed to have. It's a gateway for people to get into METALLICA."

The Rock it Out! Blog has posted a seven-minute video recap of Orion Music + More. Check it out below.

Press conference:

A six-minute video clip featuring behind-the-scenes footage from WITHIN TEMPTATION's first-ever visit to Lima, Peru on February 7, 2012 can be seen below.

WITHIN TEMPTATION's fifth studio album, "The Unforgiving", sold around 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 50 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released on March 29, the CD was produced by Daniel Gibson and is based on a comic book story written by script writer Steven O'Connell (BloodRayne, Dark 48). The band asked comic artist Romano Molenaar (Witchblade, Darkness, X-Men) to draw the characters and scenery of "The Unforgiving", which was made available via Sony Music in Continental Europe and Roadrunner Records in the U.S., U.K. and Ireland, Japan and Australia.

WITHIN TEMPTATION guitarist Robert Westerholt last year announced that he would step down from touring duties in order to focus on taking care of the three children he has with the band's lead singer, Sharon den Adel. His replacement on stage is Stefan Helleblad, who has been working with the band behind the scenes for a few years.

Austrian black metallers HELLSAW have announced their intention to take an indefinite break from their activities. All scheduled tours and appearances during 20012/13 have been cancelled. Citing "personal reasons" for the decision, frontman and founder Aries had this to say: "We may be back, or we may be back as something entirely different, but whatever happens in the future we would just like to thank all the fans who have shown us such phenomenal support and all the people who have worked with us to make HELLSAW what it is today."

Formed in 2002 by Aries, and then-drummer Svart, HELLSAW's current lineup includes Aries on vocals, Malthus and Isiul on guitar, Desderoth on bass and Neuroticon on drums. With five full-length albums under its belt, HELLSAW is one of the leading black metal bands to emerge from Austria in recent years. The group's use of instantly recognizable melodies which stay firmly in your memory, coupled with a respect and understanding of what it really takes to make a good black metal band, created a sound that was unmistakably HELLSAW and culminated in the release of their fifth album, "Trist", earlier this year on Napalm Records.

Deathbound Records has announced the signing of Denmark's BY THE PATIENT, winners of the 2010 Danish edition of Wacken Open Air Metal Battle. The band's brutal sophomore album titled "Premonitions" was recorded, mixed and mastered by Jacob Bredahl (THE KANDIDATE, ex-HATESPHERE).

Commented the group in a statement: "Deathbound Records is a new label, but they have all the qualities we searched for. We are certain that Deathbound Records will take us to the next level. They are very dedicated and together we will make great things happen."

A new BY THE PATIENT song, "A Distorted Mirror Image", can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.

BY THE PATIENT's debut CD, "Servants", came out in 2011 via Ultimhate Records.

BY THE PATIENT is:

Tan Møhl-Hansen - Vocals
Simon Sonne Andersen - Guitar
Troels Cort Nielsen - Bass
Theis Wilmer Poulsen - Guitar
Adam Schønemann - Drums

California metallers DEVILDRIVER have inked a worldwide deal with Napalm Records. The band's next album is tentatively scheduled for a release in 2013.

Commented DEVILDRIVER frontman Dez Fafara: "I am proud to announce DEVILDRIVER's new partnership with Napalm Records! They have the passion and the drive we as a band were looking for! I'm looking forward to working together on DEVILDRIVER's next release! Hail the groove!"

Added Markus Riedler, Napalm Records CEO: "We are extremely excited to have this outstanding band on our label roster. DEVILDRIVER are a true metal monster full of primal energy and more than ready to conquer the world with their upcoming album that will be released in the fall of 2013. Join the metal brotherhood and get ready for the world's largest circle pit!"

In a March 2012 interview with Horns Up Rocks!, Fafara was asked what caused DEVILDRIVER's split with longtime label Roadrunner Records. "A lot of things, I think — [depending on] if you talk to them or you talk to us," he replied. "[At the recent show in] New York City, at least ten labels [were there to check us out], and it's good to see them coming out for us. I think it shows what we've done in the past. Roadrunner has been my home since '96 [when Dez was still a member of COAL CHAMBER. — Ed.]. We'll really see what happens. For us, it's not about where to go for the money or any of that right now, it's where do we go for the passion? We're all remaining on good terms [with Roadrunner], so that's a good thing, and we're just moving forward."

When asked about the progress of the songwriting sessions for DEVILDRIVER's sixth album, Fafara told Peek From The Pit in a March 2012 interview, "We used to put a record every two years. It's gonna be a very critical record for us, when it does come out, and we're gonna take time to write it. I actually heard one track the other night that is incredible. We all started writing vocals to it right when we were sitting in the back [of the bus], so if it's gonna stay on that route, I think it's gonna be an incredible record."

Dez also spoke about the the musical direction of DEVILDRIVER's new material and whether the band will attempt to make the next record even more "brutal" than "Beast". "We continue to make our records diverse, which is cool," he said. "Every record is different with DEVILDRIVER, so I think we're gonna surpass what we've done in the past. And then going into the 'brutal' question, it's like, man, everybody is as brutal as everybody now. So we wanna have some diversity and we wanna have some moments and some clarity within the songs. I think the thing we're really focused on is songwriting. We don't have a producer chosen, we don't have the [studio] time [booked]. We don't even know if we're gonna release a record in 2013, maybe 2014, or maybe fall of 2013; we're not sure. So there's all this stuff up in the air. But what we do know is we're having a good time writing and exchanging feelings on the songs. . . Like I said, it's gonna be a very important record in our career, so we're gonna take time and we're gonna craft it."

"Beast", the fifth album from DEVILDRIVER, sold a little over 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 42 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The fans demanded it, and the fans finally got it. After 20 years apart, the long-awaited TRIUMPH reunion of vocalist/guitarist Rik Emmett, bassist/keyboardist Mike Levine, and vocalist/drummer Gil Moore took place at Sweden Rock Festival, on June 7, 2008. And now, the band is putting the finishing touches on the DVD of that historic performance.

The "Live At Sweden Rock Festival" set will consist of a DVD and CD, with a tentative European release date of August 27 through Frontiers Records.

"It's great to finally be able show the world TRIUMPH's reunion show at the Sweden Rock Festival," says Mike Levine. "It certainly is one of the most memorable performances of our entire career! And they said it would never happen…"

"Live At Sweden Rock Festival" will be released on the TML label, distributed by UMG in Canada and ADA in the U.S. The set will be made available throughout Europe on Frontiers Records.

CD

01. When The Lights Go Down
02. Lay It On The Line
03. Allied Forces
04. Never Surrender
05. I Live For The Weekend
06. Blinding Light Show
07. Rocky Mountain Way
08. Magic Power
09. Rock And Roll Machine
10. Fight The Good Fight

DVD

01. When The Lights Go Down
02. Lay It On The Line
03. Allied Forces
04. Never Surrender
05. I Live For The Weekend
06. Blinding Light Show
07. Rocky Mountain Way
08. Magic Power
09. Rock And Roll Machine
10. Fight The Good Fight

As one of the godfathers of prog metal and leading lights of arena rock, TRIUMPH formed in 1975, and built a large and loyal fanbase by the late '70s on the strength of their non-stop touring schedule throughout Canada and the USA and the success of their classic albums, "Rock & Roll Machine" and "Just A Game".

But it was in the 1980s when TRIUMPH truly became a force to be reckoned with, as a string of gold/platinum-certified albums ("Progressions of Power", "Allied Forces", "Never Surrender" and "Thunder Seven") and classic hits ("Fight the Good Fight", "Magic Power", "Lay It On The Line") solidified the group as one of rock's top concert attractions.

TRIUMPH pushed the limits of arena rock to the max with is legendary live shows and virtuoso playing. Add to it some of the most recognizable and celebrated radio classics, a vault full of gold and platinum sales awards for their ten studio albums and there you have one of the most successful rock acts of the 1970s/1980s.

New York metal band GREY SKIES FALLEN has made its new EP, "Introspective", available for streaming on its ReverbNation page. The EP is also available for purchase for $3 on the band's Bandcamp page.

"Introspective" features three songs, one of which is the epic, 20-minute-plus title track. The cover artwork was created by Travis Smith and can be seen below.

"Introspective" is GREY SKIES FALLEN's first release since 2010's "Along Came Life". It was recorded as a three-piece band, with Dave Case (HELMET) helping out on bass. This also marks the first GREY SKIES FALLEN release without co-founding member Joe D'Angelo on guitar. Frontman/guitarist Rick Habeeb handled all guitar work on this EP.

GREY SKIES FALLEN is currently seeking a guitarist and bassist to fill out their ranks. The band is anxious to resume playing live. Interested musicians are invited to email the band at gsfband@gmail.com.

Fan-filmed video footage of IRON MAIDEN's June 23 concert at Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood in Atlanta, Georgia can be seen below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Moonchild
02. Can I Play With Madness
03. The Prisoner
04. 2 Minutes To Midnight
05. Afraid To Shoot Strangers
06. The Trooper
07. The Number Of The Beast
08. Phantom Of The Opera
09. Run To The Hills
10. Wasted Years
11. Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son
12. The Clairvoyant
13. Fear Of The Dark
14. Iron Maiden

Encore:

15. Aces High
16. The Evil That Men Do
17. Running Free

Close to 14,000 fans turned out in force this last Thursday night, June 21 for the opening show of IRON MAIDEN's "Maiden England North American Tour" in Charlotte, North Carolina, setting the spectacular tour off to a flying start.

The 34-date "Maiden England" tour is the band's most extensive visit to North America for many years and includes a number of other cities the band have not played in a very long time such as Atlanta, Milwaukee, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Salt Lake City and Sacramento, and places like Sarnia (Ontario, Canada) and Cadott, Wisconsin where they have never visited before. The tour is based on the band's "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son Tour", with a setlist almost exclusively from the 1980s featuring all the classic songs and hits. The same spectacular stage set as was used on the original 1988 tour has been recreated, complete with a magnificent light show, pyro and a newly reincarnated Eddie!

The extraordinary and legendary ALICE COOPER is IRON MAIDEN's very special guest on all shows up to July 21. After that date, special guest will be COHEED AND CAMBRIA, the inspiring, cutting-edge band from New York.

For a complete list of "Maiden England" 2012 tour dates, visit IronMaiden.com.

NoiseArt Records and the concert artist agency Rock The Nation have announced the signing of Swedish viking/black metallers THYRFING to a worldwide deal. The band's first CD since 2008's critically acclaimed "Hels Vite" will be recorded and mixed during late summer and early fall for a spring 2013 release.

Commented the band: "We are really looking forward to this new co-operation and truly believe that NoiseArt Records and Rock The Nation are the right channel for bringing ourmusic to the public and fans in the future."

After 17 years in the band, original member and bassist Kimmy Sjölund recently decided to leave THYRFING. Joakim Kristensson has since taken over the bass duties. The band also welcomed a new drummer, Dennis Ekdahl.

THYRFING 2012 is:

Jens Rydén - Vocals
Patrik Lindgren - Guitar
Fredrik Hernborg - Guitar
Joakim Kristensson - Bass
Peter Löf - Synthesizers
Dennis Ekdahl - Drums

"Hels Vite" was released in October 2008 via Regain Records. The CD was co-produced (with the band) by Jörgen Svensson of Tyroon Production and the cover artwork was created by the Swedish artist Mikael Schelén. The layout and the photos were handled by Jens Rydén.

THYRFING in 2007 announced the addition of Jens Rydén as the band's new vocalist. Jens is best known as founding member and ex-vocalist of NAGLFAR and for his one-man army PROFUNDI.

Norwegian singer Liv Kristine (LEAVES' EYES, ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY) will release her fourth solo album, entitled "Libertine", 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.

PELICAN, the post-metal quartet from Chicago, Illinois, has released the following statement:

"It is with resignation that we report that our guitarist and founding member Laurent Schroeder-Lebec is taking an indefinite hiatus from the band. Many may have already noticed his absence from live shows over the last couple of years (he stopped traveling for out of town shows in 2010), his role as a composer is now also going on hold for the foreseeable future. The decision is not due to any internal turmoil or conflict — since our last full-length album, Laurent has made his family and career the central focus of his life, which the members of PELICAN completely respect and honor.

"In 2010, when his interest in playing out of town declined, Laurent was the first to suggest that we find a substitute guitarist and continue getting the music out to our fans. He continued to play local shows with us and rehearse (in the rare instances that all four of us were in Chicago), but after recording sessions for our last EP, 'Ataraxia/Taraxis', when we were ready to begin writing our next album and began planning the writing sessions it would entail, Laurent confided that his heart wasn't fully in it and, rather than deliver music that was half-hearted, he would rather sit it out.

"Laurent is our friend and our brother. While his decision is disheartening, we completely respect it. We don't yet know what the repercussions of his departure will be, but we're thrilled by the strides made on our last EP and excited with the direction of the new material composed since its recording. Laurent has given us his blessing to carry on. For now Laurent's place at live shows will be filled, as it has been for the past two years, by the immensely talented Dallas Thomas of the superb band THE SWAN KING. Anyone who saw our shows out West last year or in Europe this spring knows he is a shredder and fully up to the task. As for writing, we are currently working as a three-piece since we're not looking to significantly alter the DNA on the compositional front. We hope that you stick with us and see what coming; as said previously we're very excited with the path we're on.

"We've said since day one that PELICAN is and always will be the four of us — we stand by that statement. Laurent is an integral part of this band whether or not he is standing on stage or composing with us. His unique musical voice and confidence of purpose have impacted us all and is present in every show and note we play. Our best wishes are with him in everything he does."

PELICAN's long-awaited follow-up to their sprawling 2009 full-length "What We All Come To Need", a four-song EP, "Ataraxia/Taraxis", was released via Southern Lord on April 10.

Video footage of OZZY OSBOURNE & FRIENDS — featuring BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler and legendary VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash — performing on June 26 at Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria can be seen below.

The original lineup of BLACK SABBATH — who late last year confirmed the recording of their first new album in more than 33 years and a worldwide headlining tour — had to put some plans on hold due to guitarist Tony Iommi's battle with lymphoma. As a result, BLACK SABBATH performed only one show of this summer's previously scheduled European tour. It took place Sunday, June 10 at the U.K.'s Download festival.

So as not to let the promoters and fans down, SABBATH singer Ozzy Osbourne is now performing the majority of the previously scheduled BLACK SABBATH European dates (both festival performances and the headlining shows) billed as OZZY OSBOURNE & FRIENDS. These "first-ever" OZZY OSBOURNE & FRIENDS shows are featuring appearances by "special guest" musicians, including Butler (who is joining Ozzy for a special BLACK SABBATH set as a show of respect and support to their friend, Tony Iommi) and longtime former Ozzy bandmember Zakk Wylde. In addition, Ozzy is being accompanied by longtime collaborator and friend Slash at select shows, with other "special guests" set to join the tour at various stops along the way.

ROAD'S END, the band featuring bassist Marcin "Novy" Nowak (BEHEMOTH, VADER), drummer Varyen Chylinski (AGAINST THE PLAGUES, FOREST OF IMPALED, DAMNATION) and recently enlisted Italian guitarist, composer, arranger, teacher Mattia Mariotti — has announced the addition of Canadian singer Andre Versailles to the group's ranks.

Commented ROAD'S END: "Andre is a Canadian vocalist from the band INIRE and also known as a session singer from many of his own side projects. Andre started working with Novy on the formation of ROAD'S END specific musical style. After two years of collaboration, Andre and Novy decided to further ROAD'S END's success by recording an album and taking the first important step in ROAD'S END's career."

According to a press release, "ROAD'S END is somewhat of a departure from BEHEMOTH and VADER. Of course, there will be intense moments of passion, anger, rage and hatred, but there will also be places for other emotions to be expressed. Simply put, there were no rules or formulas to ROAD'S END music when the idea first came to Novy to start this group, and there will be none in the future."

When asked about the direction of ROAD'S END's material, Novy said, "Metal is universal, it's everywhere and it has no borders anymore and that's exactly what I wanted for my band: No borders. In the 21st century, there are no borders that can hold heavy metal anymore. There are no boundaries anymore either. And where genres like black metal, speed metal or thrash end, is exactly where ROAD'S END begins. Think of it as American heavy metal with a European soul."

Novy has recorded 17 full-length CDs and taped five official DVDs, all with worldwide distribution. He was also named one of the best bass players in all of the industry-related magazines.

Novy is an extremely versatile musician who is inspired not only by heavy metal, but also jazz, classical and other "good" music.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/roadsendofficial.

Fan-filmed video footage of Austin, Texas metal luminaries THE SWORD performing four brand new songs — tentatively titled "Apocryphon", "Veil", "Execrator" and "Stormwitch" — this past Friday, June 22 at The Note In West Chester, Pennsylvania can be seen below.

THE SWORD will enter Magpie Cage Studios at the end of the month to begin recording their fourth album, "Apocryphon", for an early fall release via their new label partners Razor & Tie. The CD will be produced and engineered by J. Robbins (CLUTCH, JAWBOX) and will feature cover art by famed comic book artist J.H. Williams III (Batwoman, Promethea).

THE SWORD will commence a worldwide tour in support of "Apocryphon" in October.

In advance of last month's premiere of this year's movie "Marvel's The Avengers", THE SWORD released "Hammer Of Heaven", an early track dating back to 2003 that was not included on "Age Of Winters", which the band submitted for inclusion on "Avengers Assemble", a 14-track compilation of music from and inspired by the film.

Due to severe space limitations, the song did not make the final track listing, but the band, along with their new label partners at Razor & Tie decided to make "Hammer Of Heaven" available digitally to coincide with the release of the film. Click here to download the song on iTunes.

THE SWORD's third album, "Warp Riders", sold around 8,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 47 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Warp Riders" marked the first release where the group has worked with an outside producer. Helmed by Matt Bayles (PEARL JAM, MASTODON, ISIS), the album was anchored by an epic science-fiction narrative. The storyline was a psychedelic space opera that explored temporal themes of death and rebirth. "Warp Riders" also found THE SWORD expanding its range from pure metal to include bone-crunching hard rock at large.

The official lyric video for "Cauterize", a brand new song from San Diego metallers AS I LAY DYING, can be seen below. The track comes off the band's new album, "Awakened", which will be released on September 25 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was produced by Bill Stevenson, who has played drums for both the DESCENDENTS and BLACK FLAG and is one of the most highly renowned producers in rock. His production credits include work on records by RISE AGAINST, NOFX, PROPAGANDHI, THE CASUALTIES, ANTI-FLAG and many more. The album will be mixed by Colin Richardson (MACHINE HEAD, NAPALM DEATH, SLIPKNOT).

AS I LAY DYING's last release, "Decas", celebrated the band's accomplishments by offering three brand new songs, cover songs that paid homage to just a few of the bands that have influenced AS I LAY DYING, and remixes by Innerpartysystem, Benjamin Weinman (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN), Kelly "Carnage" Cairns (AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE, WAR OF AGES), and Big Chocolate (ASKING ALEXANDRIA, IWRESTLEDABEARONCE, SUICIDE SILENCE).

AS I LAY DYING's most recent collection of original material, 2010's "The Powerless Rise", sold 38,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart. This was roughly in line with the first-week tally of "An Ocean Between Us", which premiered with 39,500 copies back in August 2007.

AS I LAY DYING will take part in the fifth annual Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, the world's largest touring heavy music festival. The main stage will be the strongest ever with the headlining slot occupied by Grammy Award winners SLIPKNOT. Next up will be the legendary metal acts SLAYER and MOTÖRHEAD. The main stage will also spotlight a ferocious mix of today's best artists in a rotation, including THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and ASKING ALEXANDRIA. The festival will kick off on June 30 in San Bernardino, California.

"Rockin' All Night", the new video from rowdy shred-metal connoisseurs BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART, can be seen below. Directed by Robby Starbuck (TIMES OF GRACE, AUGUST BURNS RED, SILVERSTEIN, A STATIC LULLABY, A SKYLIT DRIVE), the clip perfectly encapsulates BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART — a pulse-raising blast of glammed-up metal which has been praised by critics for embracing the glorious shred metal of the '80s while still offering something singularly fun, inventive and sharply relevant for today. Released just in time for summer, the song is the perfect toast to motorcycles, all-night parties and glory days.

"Rockin' All Night" comes off BLESSED BY A BROKEN HEART's latest album, "Feel The Power", which was released in January via Tooth & Nail Records. The follow-up to 2008's "Pedal To The Metal" sees the band shrugging off metalcore trappings in favor of something more heartfelt. "The whole band is still obsessed with the '80s, and that's bled into our lifestyles," explains singer Tony Gambino. "It's not just when we're on tour: We all kind of dress '80s; we still have mullets. It's become part of our lives."

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.

Professionally filmed video footage of CHILDREN OF BODOM's entire June 24 performance at the Graspop Metal Meeting festival in Dessel, Belgium can be seen below.

CHILDREN OF BODOM recently inked a worldwide deal (excluding Japan) with Nuclear Blast Records. The band, which kicked off a year-long celebration of its 15th anniversary with a successful North American tour alongside labelmates ELUVEITIE, has a new studio album planned for release in 2013.

"We had a good, productive and long run with Spinefarm Records for fifteen years and now it's simply just time for a change," said CHILDREN OF BODOM frontman Alexi Laiho. "I'm absolutely stoked to start the new chapter of CHILDREN OF BODOM's career with Nuclear Blast and look forward to working with them."

"Personally, I am so excited to get to work with Nuclear Blast again," adds CHILDREN OF BODOM bassist Henkka Seppälä (a.k.a. Henkka T. Blacksmith). "We have such good memories from the beginning of our career with them. We know the people already and we know how committed they are in doing metal!"

Nuclear Blast Europe A&R representative Jaap Wagemaker shares: "15 years ago we were introduced to a very young band from Finland who blew us away with their track 'Deadnight Warrior' from their debut album 'Something Wild' — and their music was indeed something wild! Fast-tapping guitar work combined with incredible keyboards and angry vocals… it was the start of the career of CHILDREN OF BODOM. Nuclear Blast released their first three albums outside of Finland: 'Something Wild', 'Hatebreeder', and 'Follow The Reaper', albums that became classics in the history of metal. Unfortunately, after the third album, we went separate ways but we have always been following them and stayed in contact. CHILDREN OF BODOM became a very big band worldwide and now the time has come to welcome them back home! We at Nuclear Blast are very happy to see CHILDREN OF BODOM rejoining the Nuclear family and are looking forward to working their next albums. You can be sure that 'something wild' will come your way!"

"Holiday At Lake Bodom (15 Years Of Wasted Youth)", a very special CD+DVD career retrospective in celebration of CHILDREN OF BODOM's 15th anniversary, sold around 600 copies in the United States in its first week of release.

"Holiday At Lake Bodom (15 Years Of Wasted Youth)" spotlights specially selected tracks from every one of CHILDREN OF BODOM's critically acclaimed albums (1997's "Something Wild", 1999's "Hatebreeder", 2000's "Follow The Reaper", 2003's "Hate Crew Deathroll", 2005's "Are You Dead Yet?", 2008's "Blooddrunk" and 2011's "Relentless Reckless Forever"), plus two newly recorded (and undeniably fun) cover songs and detailed liner notes penned by the members of CHILDREN OF BODOM themselves. The DVD portion of the package includes "candid touring and backstage footage from around the world”, plus the "Shovel Knockout" video.

In an interview with MusikUniverse.net, Laiho said that the band is scheduled to commence the songwriting sessions for its next album this fall for a 2013 release. "I have ideas, but I haven't done anything about it," Alexi said. "'Cause the thing is, I can't write when I'm touring; it's not the right kind of environment for me. I know a lot of people do it, but I just can't. And it's OK, 'cause I build a lot of ideas in my head, and my memory sucks, but one thing that I never forget is the riffs; they're always in my head somehow. So it's really not a problem."