Reunited British rockers THE DARKNESS will support pop superstar Lady Gaga on her "Born This Way Ball" European tour in August-October. Confirmed dates can be found below.

After thrilling sold-out crowds with their critically acclaimed U.S. tour in February, THE DARKNESS will return stateside this May for select dates as well as three festival appearances: Saturday, May 19 at InfieldFest (Baltimore, Maryland); Sunday, May 20 at Rock On The Range (Columbus, Ohio); and Saturday, May 26 at Rocklahoma (Pryor, Oklahoma).

Hailing from Lowestoft, Suffolk, THE DARKNESS — Justin Hawkins (vocals/guitars), Dan Hawkins (guitars/backing vocals), Frankie Poullain (bass) and Ed Graham (drums) — are ready to launch a full-scale invasion with the release of their third studio album and first in eight years. Due out late summer, the as-yet-untitled CD marks the follow-up to the group’s gold-certified debut, "Permission To Land", which spawned fan favorites "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" and "Get Your Hands Off My Woman" as well as the sophomore CD, "One-Way Ticket To Hell And Back", which featured "One Way Ticket" and "Is It Just Me?".

The video for "Nothin's Gonna Stop Us", the first new song in six years from THE DARKNESS, can be seen below.

"Nothin's Gonna Stop Us" was recorded and produced by the band and Nick Brine in Norfolk, England and mixed in Austin, Texas by Chris "Frenchie Smith". The video for the song was created by artist Thom Lessner and director Ted Passon.

THE DARKNESS made its U.K. live comeback in June 2011 in front of just 200 people at the Norwich Waterfront.

THE DARKNESS' first album, "Permission To Land", was released in 2003, hitting the No. 1 spot in the U.K. chart and winning "MasterCard British Album" at the 2004 Brit Awards (along with "Best British Group" and "British Rock Act").

Between 2003 and 2006, THE DARKNESS was honored with many awards and accolades; along with three Brit Awards, the band won an Ivor Novello in 2004 for "Songwriters Of The Year", four Kerrang! Awards, two Metal Hammer Awards, an MTV Europe Music Award and even an Elle Style Award in 2004 for "Most Stylish Band".

Legendry rocker Alice Cooper has announced his band lineup for his 2012 "No More Mr Nice Guy" tour, with guitarist Ryan Roxie back with the band after several years absence.

Ryan joins an extraordinary team. Longtime Alice bassist Chuck Garric, jaw-dropping drummer Glen Sobel and guitarists Tommy Henriksen and Orianthi make up one of the most exciting rock and roll bands in the world today.

"It's great to bring Ryan back into the fold," says Alice, "This band just destroys on stage, and with Ryan back on board, he will only kick things into a higher gear. Ryan Roxie is a fan favorite. He plays like a tornado, and we can't wait to turn him loose and let him tear into this tour."

Tour highlights include Alice's first-ever appearance at Bonnaroo June 9 and a month long North American tour with IRON MAIDEN June 21-July 21, plus several Alice headline shows along the way. The tour then moves to Europe July 27 through August 12.

Ryan Roxie first joined Alice's band in 1996 and toured, wrote and recorded with him for much of the next ten years, including the albums "Fistful Of Alice", "The Eyes Of Alice Cooper" and "Dirty Diamonds", along with the live DVDs "Brutally Live" and "Live at Montreux".

In addition to also working with Slash in SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, Ryan has recorded and released several albums by his own bands, including DPM, ROXIE 77 and CASABLANCA. After relocating to Stockholm several years ago, he has also hosted local radio and TV shows as well as continuing to perform live and record. With bassist Garric marking his tenth year with Alice, Sobel, Henriksen and Orianthi are returning for their second year.

Los Angeles-based goth-metallers VAMPIRES EVERWHERE! will release their sophomore album, "Hellbound And Heartless", on June 19 via Hollywood Waste Records. This release showcases the darker side of VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE!, focusing on message-driven lyrics and deriving musical influence from industrial rock icons such as MARILYN MANSON and ROB ZOMBIE.

"Hellbound And Heartless" was co-produced by the band and Mike Sarkisyan and Tommy Decker, both members of Grammy-nominated alternative-metal act SPINESHANK. Every song on the album presents a fresh, new morsel of gothic darkness for fans to sink their teeth into.

"I Can't Breathe", the first track to be revealed from the new album, recently premiered with Alternative Press and received an overwhelming positive response.

VAMPIRES EVERWHERE!'s full-length debut, "Kiss The Sun Goodbye", was released in May 2011 through Hollywood Waste/Century Media Records. The CD was recorded with producer Fred Archambault, who has previously worked with AVENGED SEVENFOLD and DEFTONES.

VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE lit the scene on fire with the release of the "Lost In The Shadows" EP. The band also completed tours across the nation with the likes of BLACK VEIL BRIDES, X JAPAN and ALESANA, among others.

"I Can't Breathe" audio stream (courtesy of Alternative Press):

Bassist Freddie Vidales will leave ICED EARTH after the Chinese shows laster this month. Due to the band's massive touring commitments, there was immediate need for a replacement, and Luke Appleton (pictured below; of FURY UK, with whom ICED EARTH toured in Europe last winter) has stepped up to the plate and will be joining the tour in time for the June 16 show in Bangalore, India.

ICED EARTH's concert in Bangalore is a first visit to India for the band and the show on August 19 in Limassol marks a much-clamored return to Cyprus, only eight months after their last show there. The show is being filmed and recorded for an upcoming DVD/CD release.

"The decision of where to do the next ICED EARTH live album and DVD was not an easy one," says ICED EARTH guitarist/mainman Jon Schaffer. "We have experienced so many amazing audiences around the world that we really wish we could film them all. However, the electricity and atmosphere of the first show in Cyprus was so killer that we are convinced this is the best place to do our next DVD. Who knows what the future holds? There will be many more albums and touring cycles...your city may be next!"

ICED EARTH's video for the song "Anthem" was filmed on December 7, 2011 at Essigfabrik in Cologne, Germany.

Produced and directed by Kosch Fabian Film, "Anthem" is the second music video from ICED EARTH's new album, "Dystopia", which sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 67 on The Billboard 200 chart.

ICED EARTH's previous CD, "The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)", opened with 6,700 units in September 2008 to debut at No. 79.

ICED EARTH's 10th studio offering, "Dystopia", was released in Europe on October 17, 2011 and in the U.S. on October 18 via Century Media Records. Two bonus tracks were also recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.

Finnish crusaders of epic heathen metal MOONSORROW have inked a worldwide deal with Century Media Records. The band comments, "MOONSORROW are thrilled to start working with Century Media, a label that is home to many fellow artists already! We never make our music half way or with compromises and we know our art is in good hands with people who have the same mentality in running a record label. Now, after a year since the release of our last album we are ready to begin creating something new. The new chapter in this epic journey of MOONSORROW!"

Jens Prüter, Head Of A&R at Century Media in Europe, states: "I followed MOONSORROW since their early days and I'm very proud to welcome them now to Century Media Records. They'll be in good family along with their countrymen FINNTROLL , TURISAS and INSOMNIUM. Two of the band members already have some history with us: Henri Sorvali is also part of FINNTROLL (even if he rarely plays live with any band) and Marko Tarvonen once moved from drums to guitar in the overlooked death metal allstar band CHAOSBREED, who released an album that is as 'brutal' as its title.

"Much has been said about the dark soul of Finnish metal. A sound that is hard to copy for any non-domestic band. A sound out of endless woods, deepest sorrow and epic majesty. MOONSORROW are probably the most epic of all Finnish bands, not only because most of their songs are over 10 minutes long (sometimes even over 30 minutes), but mainly because they are able to tell stories that are older than written culture. You can follow them even if you don't understand a single Finnish word. MOONSORROW are able to take you on journey through heathen times. I'm guessing I'm not the only one who can't wait for the next chapter.”

2011 saw the release of MOONSORROW's most majestic album of the year, "Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa", a full-fledged concept effort about a world after annihilation.

MOONSORROW 2012 is:

Ville Sorvali – Bass, Lead Vocals
Henri Sorvali - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Mitja Harvilahti - Guitar, Vocals
Markus Eurén - Keyboards
Janne Perttilä - Guitar, Vocals
Marko Tarvonen - Drums, Vocals

AHAB, the German funeral doom metal band featuring former MIDNATTSOL members Daniel Droste (guitar/vocals) and Christian Hector (guitar), has revealed the track listing for its third album, "The Giant", to be released later in the year via Napalm Records. The CD features cover artwork (see below) by acclaimed artist Sebastian Jerke (LONG DISTANCE CALLING) and a guest appearance by ENSLAVED vocalist/keyboardist Herbrand Larsen.

"The Giant" track listing:

01. Further South
02. Aeons Elapse
03. Deliverance (Shouting At The Dead)
04. Antarctica The Polymorphess
05. Fathoms Deep Below
06. The Giant
07. Time's Like Molten Lead (digipak and vinyl bonus track)
08. Evening Star (vinyl-only bonus track)

The first in a series of video clips featuring behind-the-scenes footage from "The Giant" recording sessions can be seen below.

AHAB's sophomore album, "The Divinity Of Oceans", was released in July 2009 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2006's "The Call of the Wretched Sea" contains seven songs and is based on the wreckage of the Essex.

AHAB is named after Captain Ahab, a character in the novel "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville. Along with its name, the band also draws thematic and lyrical inspiration from "Moby Dick" — some songs even feature direct quotations from the book.

AHAB is:

Daniel Droste: Guitar, Voices, Synths
Christian Hector: Guitar
Stephan Wandernoth: Bass
Cornelius Althammer: Drums

Danish death metallers DAWN OF DEMISE recently inked a multi-album deal with Unique Leader Records. The band's third full-length CD, "Rejoice In Vengeance", will be released on June 17.

According to a press release, DAWN OF DEMISE "has always emphasized on heaviness and catchiness and with three successful releases under their belt, their recipe for death metal has remained the same, staying true to the pit-fueled, aggressive, slam-orientated style."

"Rejoice In Vengeance" track listing:

01. We Drink To Your Demise
02. Rejoice In Vengeance
03. Killing Spree
04. This Affliction
05. The Epitome Of Brutality
06. He Rises Again
07. Exsanguination
08. Indulge In Perversity
09. Ungodly
10. The Blood Stays On The Blade
11. Choke
12. The Immaculate Slaughter (feat. Frank Rini)

The official video for the "Rejoice In Vengeance" title track can be seen below.

Commented the band: "It is an honor to have signed a multi-album deal with Unique Leader. The label has released so many killer albums and must be one of the premier death metal labels around. PYREXIA, INVERACITY, DECREPIT BIRTH, AEON, DEEDS OF FLESH, SPAWN OF POSSESSION, etc. We are beyond proud to have our name added to that roster and we are looking forward to see what the future might bring."

DAWN OF DEMISE's second full-length album, "A Force Unstoppable", was released in January 2010 via Deepsend Records.

The band's debut CD, "Hate Takes Its Form", arrived in January 2008 via Deepsend. The CD was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (ABORTED, MERCENARY, NIGHTRAGE). A follow-up EP, "Lacerated", also came out in 2008.

DAWN OF DEMISE is:

Scott Jensen - Vocals
Bjørn Jensen - Bass, Backing Vocals
Thomas "Hotdogger" Egede - Guitar
Martin Sørensen - Guitar
Simon Blaabjerg - Drums

Former STRATOVARIUS, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE and SYMFONIA mainman Timo Tolkki has launched a PledgeMusic.com campaign to support the release of his fourth solo album, "Classical Variations 2: Credo". Tentatively due on October 29, 2012, the double album will include over two hours of music and will feature guest appearances by Tuomo Lassila (the founder of STRATOVARIUS) on drums, Michael Vescera (OBSESSSION, LOUDNESS, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on vocals and Michele Luppi (THAUROROD, ex-VISION DIVINE) on vocals.

PledgeMusic.com encourages fans to contribute funds to the recording of albums and the artists themselves to donate to charity as a part of their fundraising.

Tolkki recently made his "Loneliness Of A Thousand Years" book available for free download at this location.

Tolkki is most well-known for his music and thought-provoking lyrics. In many of his songs lies just a hint of the pain he has suffered that has shaped him into the artist he has become.

In the spring of 2004, Timo was overtaken by a nervous breakdown that caused him to be hospitalized. The next few years would completely engulf his life and leave him on the brink of suicide. "Loneliness Of A Thousand Years" candidly describes his heart-breaking journey through life and gives his fans just a glimpse into the intricate psyche of Timo Tolkki.

With a touching honesty, he describes his tumultuous childhood, his battle with a debilitating psychosis, and the philosophies that shape much of his deep thinking and views on the world. His story reveals the other side of the man that most people know only as the mastermind of STRATOVARIUS. It is an intimate portrait of his agony, as well as a probing look at an illness that affects millions, yet is widely misunderstood.

Written in a clear and compelling prose, "Loneliness Of A Thousand Years" is a bold, honest and ultimately uplifting look at the life of a man and his childhood, growing up as Timo Tolkki.

"Loneliness Of A Thousand Years" was originally published in October 2010 via Goldenworks.

Tolkki drew up and signed an official waiver on May 20, 2008 giving up all rights to the STRATOVARIUS name. The remaining STRATOVARIUS members — Timo Kotipelto (vocals), Jens Johansson (keyboards) and Lauri Porra (bass) — have since recorded and released two additional STRATOVARIUS albums with guitarist Matias Kupiainen.

According to the Manchester Evening News, a 16-year-old British heavy metal fan was attacked by a gang of up to 15 youths who apparently disapproved of his clothes and long hair. Ben Moores was called "mosher" and "freak" as he was punched and kicked to the ground during the incident, which took place in a town close to where Sophie Lancaster was beaten to death in 2007.

Seven teenagers aged 14-18 were arrested on suspicion of affray in connection with the assault. They were bailed until May 17.

Said Moores: "When they got me on the floor, I thought I was going to die. There was no stopping them — they wouldn't let me up. I had blood all over my face by the end.

"When I was getting kicked and stamped in my head and on my wrists and my hair was being pulled out, there was nothing I could do. Thinking about it now makes me shiver in shock. They were only doing it because of the way I look and because I’ve got long hair and like heavy metal music. It's all because I dress a bit different and have different interests."

Lancaster and her boyfriend were beaten comatose by a gang of youths, because of their goth looks, and Sophie later died from her injuries. This tragedy sent shockwaves throughout the world.

Legendary grind merchants PHOBIA are set to scathe the masses with their fifth studio offering, "Remnants Of Filth", on June 5 through Willowtip Records. Produced and mixed by Scott Hull (PIG DESTROYER, AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED) at Visceral Sound Studios in Bethesda, Maryland and engineered by Mike Harrison at Winter Skies Productions in San Antonio, Texas, the CD offers up 18 pile-driving, socio-political grind hymns in 19 minutes. The band — vocalist Shane "The Pain" Mclachlan, bassist Calum MacKenzie, drummer Bryan Fajardo and guitarists Dorian Rainwater and CC Loessin — has crafted one of the most punishing efforts of their winding discography of wrath.

Comments Mclachlan of the offering: "'Remnants Of Filth' is a brutal, in-depth grind record that I feel represents what this band is all about, from past to present. This is total brutal grindcore at its best with nothing less than the 100% punk-as-fuck attitude to compliment what this band is all about!”

"Remnants Of Filth" track listing:

01. Assertion To Demean
02. Contradiction
03. Submission Hold
04. Plagued By The System
05. Dementia Having Overdose
06. Got The Fear
07. Infraction Of Pride
08. Resolution
09. Let It Go
10. Deaden To Believe
11. Vengeance Will Be Mine
12. No Sympathy For The Weak
13. Freedom Isn’t Free
14. Atrocious Atrocity
15. Filthy Fucking Punks
16. Constrain Relations
17. Resuscitate
18. Inaction

PHOBIA will be devastating stages throughout North America in the coming months.

Formed in Orange County California in 1990 by Shane Mclachlan, PHOBIA have been punishing ears with their murderous socio-political grinding noise assault for over two decades, dealing out their savage combination of the energy and ideals of hardcore punk with the power and brutality of early grind.

Norway's ANGERMAN has inked a deal with Wormholedeath/Aural Music Group. The band will enter Realsound Studio in Parma, Italy on April 23 with producer Wahoomi Corvi (CRYSALYS, THE WAY OF PURITY, HATERIAL) to begin recording its debut album, "No Tears For The Devil", for a late 2012 release.

Commented the group: "ANGERMAN is extremely proud to announce the beginning of this adventure with Wormholedeath! The label has the same frame of mind as the band and therefore we feel very comfortable with Wormholedeath. ANGERMAN is looking forward to a long and rewarding relationship with Wormholedeath."

Wormholedeath A&R representative "Worm" stated: "No bla bla bla at this time... We wanted and chased a band like this worldwide, for a long time. Now we found it and I am not sure it's just a case that we found it in Norway. ANGERMAN are what we really wanted to sign in terms of music quality, target and sound to demonstrate that we are not only an extreme label but we can work with productions that could fit the mass market and wider audience. Listen to the demo I got and understand why I signed them. Also, after a day and night together, I understood that these guys are true and I really loved the way they are. No frills this time, just ANGERMAN and a dream come true, thank you Norway, once again!!!"

Stockholm, Sweden-based label Threeman Recordings, which is owned and run by members of ENTOMBED, recently launched a new collaboration with Ninetone Records. The first release under this arrangement will be a single for the re-recorded version of the song "Amok" from ENTOMBED's 2007 album, "Serpent Saints - The Ten Amendments", produced by Patrik Frisk (CORRODED). A May 23 release is expected.

"Serpent Saints - The Ten Amendments" was released in the U.S. on July 31, 2007 via Candlelight/Threeman Recordings. The 10-song effort marked the group's first release with drummer Olle Dahlstedt (ALPHA SAFARI, ex-MISERY LOVES CO.), who replaced Peter Stjärnvind in 2006. Mastering duties were handled by Soren Elofsson at Cosmos Mastering in Stockholm, Sweden.

"Serpent Saints - The Ten Amendments" entered the Swedish national chart at position No. 3. This was the highest chart position in the band's career.

The current lineup of ENTOMBED features Victor Brandt (TOTALT JÄVLA MÖRKER, AEON, SATYRICON) and second guitarist Nico Elgstrand (who previously played bass for the group).

In a May 2011 interview with the Stormbringer.at webzine, ENTOMBED guitarist Alex Hellid stated about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the long-awaited follow-up to "Serpent Saints", "We're just taking our time getting the pieces together properly this time. We just wanna make sure that it's a really good album. Now we have a complete lineup again also, and a lot of fresh, new blood as well. So it's gonna be fun to create something new now. . . We wanna get the group together and get a strong foundation to create something good; that's the goal here. . . We'll just concentrate on [creating] something great."

He added, "I [try not] to focus on too much at the same time. [My attitude] is 'Let's just make one great song to start with,' and then we'll take it from there. . . We have a pretty broad palette of things we can do, and we'll try and find a place for anything. 'Cause we enjoy everything from the fastest death/black metal stuff to whatever, so the songs that we come up with, we'll just have to find a space for them — some stuff might be [releases as] an album, some stuff might be a single…"

He continued, "I think it's kind of boring, in a way, to just think in terms of a full-length] 'album,' especially when nobody seems to really create classic albums anymore, and a lot of people don't even buy them anymore. If wanna record our favorite cover songs, there should be a place for that as well.

"It's been four years [since the last album came out] and I feel that we have so much creativity in the band and so many things that we can all put under this roof of things that we like collectively. And what I wanna do is for us to find a way to channel all our creativity and also make it the best and the greatest it can be."

Fan-filmed video footage of ENTOMBED's performance at the Mass Deathtruction festival, which was held November 19-20, 2011 at La Ferme du Bièreau of Louvain-la-Neuve in Belgium, can be seen below.

A one-minute trailer for "Few Against Many", the new album from Greek melodic metallers FIREWIND — who feature in their ranks current OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Gus G. — can be seen below.

"Few Against Many" will be 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). The young Belgian is regarded by Gus as a "phenomenal talent," and anyone that witnessed him on the band's most recent world tour will no doubt agree.

The "Few Against Many" cover artwork can be seen below.

FIREWIND 2012 (pictured left to right in new band photo below):

Bob Katsionis - Keyboards, Guitar
Apollo Papathanasio - Vocals
Gus G. - Guitar
Petros Christo - Bass
Jo Nunez - Drums

FIREWIND debuted two brand new songs — "Wall Of Sound" and "Losing My Mind" — during its headlining concert on January 14 at the Fuzz Club in Athens, Greece.

FIREWIND has already announced a few summer festival appearances (including Summer Breeze in Germany and Czech Republic's Masters Of Rock) and will play three shows in China and Taiwan at the end of August. The band will also embark on a European headlining tour in September/October with support from LEAVES' EYES.

"Law Of The Land", a new song from KILL RITUAL, the band featuring former members of IMAGIKA, DARK ANGEL and ELDRITCH, can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below. The track comes off the group's debut album, "The Serpentine Ritual", which will be released later this year via an as-yet-undetermined record kabel. The CD cover artwork was designed by Brazilian artist Jobert Mello's Sledgehammer Graphix (SABATON, BAD COMPANY).

"The Serpentine Ritual" was mixed at KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque's's Sonic Train Studio in Varberg, Sweden. La Rocque also plays a guest guitar solo on the track "Coat Of Blood". Guitarist Steve Rice engineered the CD, which was tracked at Fang Studios in San Mateo, California and Fossil Studios in San Jose, California.

According to a press release, "The Serpentine Ritual" "finds KILL RITUAL unleashing 10 tracks of straight-up metal that is both modern and classic while retaining the legacy of their past bands."

"The Serpentine Ritual" track listing:

01. The Serpentine Ritual
02. Torn Down
03. Time To Kill
04. Ambush
05. Old School Thrasher
06. Coat Of Blood
07. Cold Hard Floor
08. Law Of The Land
09. The Day The World Dies
10. Prisoner Of The Flesh

The "The Serpentine Ritual" title track is available for streaming in the YouTube clip below.

KILL RITUAL is looking for a suitable label to release "Serpentine Rituals". Interested parties can contact the band at killritualmetal@gmail.com.

Formed in late 2010 by former IMAGIKA lead guitarist Steven Rice and drummer Wayne De Vecchi, KILL RITUAL is completed by former ELDRITCH guitarist Roberto Proietti, former DARK ANGEL bassist Danyael Williams and Bay Area vocalist Josh Gibson.

Commented Steven: "After the demise of IMAGIKA, Wayne and I decided to form a new band that would bring life to the music we had been working on after IMAGIKA called it a day. We had a goal in mind of writing music that reflected our influences from thrash, classic, progressive, power, whatever-kicks-ass metal and this required bringing in experienced players that have been there and done that. We were lucky enough to come in contact with Roberto and Danyael, who had the kind of pedigree and experience we were definitely looking for.

"Having both been in bands that have released numerous albums worldwide and toured extensively, they are a perfect fit for this new band. The missing element was, of course, vocalist Josh, who came into the band with the work ethic, experience and attitude that is essential as a vocalist to help the songs take on a life of their own. His unique and identifiable vocal style is the change we needed from our past projects as we definitely had the idea of KILL RITUAL taking a new direction from our collective past bands and I think we have achieved that. I mean, what's the point of rehashing what you've already done? I feel the four rough demo tracks [we have released] show this and are only a hint of what's to come."

KILL RITUAL is:

Josh Gibson - Vocals
Steven Rice - Lead Guitar
Roberto Proietti - Guitar
Wayne De Vecchi - Drums
Danyael Williams - Bass

Dutch death metallers BODYFARM have inked a deal with Cyclone Empire. The band's full-length debut, "Malevolence", will be released later in the year.

According to a press relese, BODYFARM's "crushing death metal will appeal to fans of bands such as MASSACRE, HAIL OF BULLETS, MALEVOLENT CREATION, GOD DETHRONED and BOLT THROWER."

Commented BODYFARM: "We are very proud to announce that we have signed a record deal with Cyclone Empire Records. This is a milestone for us, since we have found a reliable, experienced and professional record company in Cyclone Empire Records. We're having a very good feeling about the collaboration between BODYFARM and the Empire and the future looks bright!"

Formed in 2009 by Quint Meerbeek (drums) and Thomas Wouters (guitars, vocals), BODYFARM's self-titled debut EP came out in 2010.

BODYFARM is:

Quint Meerbeek - Drums
Thomas Wouters - Guitar/Vocals
Mathieu Westerveld - Bass
Bram Hilhorst - Guitar

Guitarist "Metal" Mike Chlasciak (HALFORD, SEBASTIAN BACH, TESTAMENT, PAINMUSEUM) was a special guest judge for the School Of Rock's all-star "Metal Fest" competition that took place this past Saturday, April 7 at New York City's Gramercy Theater.

Metal Mike judged competing bands from nine School Of Rock locations, with the winning honors ultimately going to the Tenafly, New Jersey school for their rendition of METALLICA's "Master Of Puppets".

During the evening, Mike additionally joined the winners for a performance of HALFORD's "Locked And Loaded".

"I had a great time with the young metalheads," said Mike. "It is just killer to see so much passion and talent. I have seen the kids perform great tracks by JUDAS PRIEST, NIGHTWISH, MAIDEN, DEATH and SABBATH, among others, and let's face it — carrying the torch is what it is all about. For me, the big picture is partly about embracing the up-coming generation of metal musicians and giving them a supportive hand to help them grow and become as great as they wish to be."

Mike is currently putting the finishing touches on his solo album, "The Metalworker". The CD features Mike along musicians Kevin Talley (DAATH, MISERY INDEX, SIX FEET UNDER), Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) and Carlos Zema (ex-OUTWORLD).

British gothic metal pioneers PARADISE LOST have teamed up with Decibel magazine to give fans a gold-on-black flexi disc for the exclusive B-side "The Last Fallen Saviour". This track will only be available in Decibel's June issue (out in May), and it comes from the recording sessions of "Tragic Idol", the band's forthcoming studio album which is set to be released through Century Media Records on April 23 in Europe and April 24 in North America. (Note: Decibel issues on newsstands, etc. will not have the flexi; this is an exclusive for subscribers only).

"Tragic Idol" was recorded in part at The Chapel studios in Lincolnshire, England and features cover art by by Parisian designer Valnoir, who has previously worked with MORBID ANGEL, LAIBACH, ULVER and WATAIN, among others.

A track from "Tragic Idol" entitled "Crucify" can be streamed below. Holmes stated about the song, "My father always used to say that typical life stresses were crucifying him. I always thought it was such a dramatic way of stating that. He was just uncomfortable with a situation that would soon be remedied. I also refer to an actual person as a literal crucifixion at the end. The words 'for eternity you’re my sentence' is my favorite line on the whole album."

PARADISE LOST's new video, "Honesty In Death", can be seen below. The clip was filmed in the United Kingdom with director Matt Green, who previously helmed the "Cathedrals Of Dread" video for Mackintosh's death metal side project VALLENFYRE.

Commented Mackintosh: "We are very excited about the premiere of our 'Honesty In Death' video. In my opinion, it is the best video we have ever done. Matt Green, who I had previously worked with on the VALLENFYRE 'Cathedrals Of Dread' video, directed it. He did such a great job with VALLENFYRE that we knew he would be able to do something really special for PARADISE LOST. The result is a very powerful, but very grim short film with brief cameos by the band, that is sure to resonate with people who see it."

Taking a break from their current U.S. tour, Los Angeles glam metal jokesters STEEL PANTHER appeared on last night's (Monday, April 9) episode of ABC's top-rated program "Dancing With The Stars". The producers of the show were looking for some help in teaching Cuban-born actor WilliamLevy some style essentials for the show's Rock Week theme and STEEL PANTHER were more than happy to help out. The band offered William and partner Cheryl Burke some advice on everything from fashion tips, most comfortable spandex and best brands of hair spray. The boys also attended last night's show to witness the final product first hand and to cheer on newfound PANTHER fans, Levy and Burke.

Check out video footage of STEEL PANTHER's appearance on "Dancing With The Stars" below.

"Dancing With The Stars" airs on ABC at 8:00 p.m. and is one of the highest rated shows on TV.

STEEL PANTHER's sophomore album, "Balls Out", sold nearly 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 40 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released on November 1 via Universal Republic Records, the follow-up to 2009's "Feel The Steel" contains 14 soon-to-be classics such as "Just Like Tiger Woods", "Gold Digging Whore" and "Weenie Ride". The album also features cameos by Dane Cook on the album opener "In The Future" and NICKELBACK frontman Chad Kroeger and EXTREME axeman Nuno Bettencourt show up on an instant classic "It Won't Suck Itself". "Balls Out" was produced by Grammy-nominated producer/mixer Jay Ruston who produced the band's "Feel The Steel" debut and is known for his work with ANTHRAX, MEAT LOAF, THE DONNAS and MORRISSEY, to name a few.

When asked what lessons STEEL PANTHER learned from its 2009 debut, "Feel The Steel", that he and his bandmates applied to this new album, guitarist Satchel told Guitar International, "It's funny because we haven't learned any lessons from our first record. We don't even think of it as our sophomore album, we think of it as our second debut release. Many bands will try to make a different-sounding record for their second release, but we couldn't really get any better than our first record. Our first record was awesome, so we decided to go in and make the same record for our second album, just better. We didn't really grow as writers. We didn't grow as musicians. In fact, I think I got a little bit worse . . . But because of that it's much better. It's kind of like a fine wine. If you let it sit there and let it get moldy, that's what they do with wine, right? Then you let the mold fester in the bottom of the bottle, that's what our music is like on this record. We're like a moldy cheese that's been left out in the sun all summer. You wouldn't think that it would taste good at the end of the summer, but surprisingly, it does. That's us in a nutshell."

STEEL PANTHER is Michael Starr (vocals), Satchel (guitar), Lexxi Foxx (bass) and Stix Zadinia (drums).

The official Eric Richter-produced lyric video for "I Am Onslaught", a brand new song from the Queens, New York-based deathcore act EMMURE, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's fifth full-length album, "Slave To The Game", which is being released today (Tueaday, April 10) via Victory Records. The CD was recorded with producer Joey Sturgis (ASKING ALEXANDRIA, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA), who previously worked with the band on last year's "Speaker Of The Dead".

"Slave To The Game" marks the recording debut of EMMURE's new drummer, Mark Costillo, who has previously played with BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and BURY YOUR DEAD.

In a recent interview with Alternative Press, EMMURE vocalist Frankie Palmeri stated about "Slave To The Game", "I think this record is just brutal-sounding. It's got everything I think that people expect from us — and I mean that in the sense that we kind of gave people, or at least for ourselves, more of what we felt the music should be from EMMURE. I'm probably making no sense right now. [Laughs] It's just a heavy fucking record. It's another EMMURE record that hopefully people get to enjoy with us, because we dig it and that's what it comes down to. We just make albums we try to enjoy and hopefully people can come along for the ride."

When asked what Joey Sturgis brought to the recording this time around, Palmeri said, "He's got kind of amazing input as far as the music goes and his creative mind. He's a pro at what he does. Honestly, as far as heavy music goes right now — especially with this new age of bands that have come up and become so popular — a lot of their success is owed to Joey Sturgis. He's not only such a talented engineer and producer, but he's just a creative person all around that really brings something extra to the table when something is lacking or even perhaps just a new fresh mind to material that maybe bands themselves weren't aware of. It's always good to have an outside perspective from someone who is just talented. It paid off for us on our last album and I think this one, as well."

EMMURE is:

Frankie Palmeri - Vocals
Jesse Ketive - Guitar
Mike Mulholland - Guitar
Mark Davis - Bass
Mark Costillo - Drums

According to the Dictators Forever, Forever Dictators blog, former THE DICTATORS and TWISTED SISTER drummer Richard Teeter has died at the age of 61.

Teeter joined TWISTED SISTER in December 1980 as the replacement for Tony Petri, who left the group for THE PLASMATICS. In April 1981, Teeter — who never appeared on any studio releases from TWISTED SISTER — was replaced by "Fast" Joey Brighton, who was in turn replaced by A.J. Pero from CITIES, another unsigned band with local fame.

Teeter became a member of THE DICTATORS in 1976 and was featured on their albums "Manifest Destiny" (1977) and "Bloodbrothers" (1978) before exiting the band in 1979.

EX DEO, the Ancient Roman-themed arsenal fronted by KATAKLYSM singer Maurizio Iacono, has completed work on its sophomore album, "Caligvla", for an August 31 release via Austria's Napalm Records. The CD was mixed by KATAKLYSM guitarist Jean-François Dagenais, who has previously worked with MALEVOLENT CREATION, MISERY INDEX and DESPISED ICON, among others. The artwork and layout for the album will be handled by SEPTICFLESH's Seth Siro Anton.

Commented the band: "Eight months in the making and we are sure we have a classic album in our hands, producer JF Dagenais has done a fabulous and great production, all guests appearances are massive, the gods are pleased. Expect the artwork to be unveiled very soon and also a new teaser trailer. Where all have failed in the past... EX DEO will succeed, Roma caput mundi!! Epic Roman-inspired metal!!"

EX DEO debuted a brand new song "I, Caligvla", on April 1 at Club Soda in Montreal, Quebec, Canada as part of the "Paganfest America Part III" tour with TURISAS, ALESTORM, ARKONA and HUNTRESS. Video footage of the performance can be seen below.

In addition to the previously announced guest appearances by ALL SHALL PERISH guitarist Francesco Artusato and TRISTANIA singer Mariangela Demurtas, "Caligvla" will feature contributions from SEPTICFLESH's Seth Siro Anton and GRAVEWORM's Stefano Fiori. Every invited guest on the album is of Roman or Greek descent.

"Caligvla" track listing:

01. I, Caligvla
02. The Tiberius Cliff (Exile To Capri)
03. Per Oculos Aquila
04. Pollice Verso (Damnatio Ad Bestia)
05. Divide Et Impera
06. Burned To Serve As Nocturnal Light
07. Teutuborg (Ambush Of Varus)
08. Along The Appian Way
09. Once Were Romans
10. Evocatio: The Temple Of Castor & Pollux

EX DEO recently canceled its participation in the "Paganfest America Part III" tour due to delays in the production of "Caligvla". The band still performed with Paganfest on April 1 in Montreal at Club Soda and April 2 in Toronto at The Opera House.

EX DEO last year completed a North American tour with NILE, PSYCROPTIC and KEEP OF KALESSIN.

"Romulus", the debut album from EX DEO, landed at position No. 90 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.

STATUS MINOR aus Finnland, haben jetzt auch die Track List und das VÖ- Datum ihres kommenden Albums "Ouroboros" bekannt gegeben. Das Album wird am 25. April 2012 via Lion Music erscheinen. Als Gastmusiker sind Anna Murphy (Eluveitie) - Female Vocals in den Songs 4, 5, 6 & 9 und Rick Altzi (At Vance, Thunderstone) - Backing Vocals zu hören. Das Label Lion Music hat jetzt einen "Ouroboros" Album Teaser online gestellt.

Justin M. Norton of Metal Sucks recently conducted an interview with vocalist/bassist Glen Benton of Florida death metal veterans DEICIDE. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Metal Sucks: What about a guy like Rick Santorum, who has some of the same views as your old foe Bob Larson?

Benton: He has as much of a chance of winning as I do [laughs]. Y'know? I can tell you the Democrats are rallying behind Obama and the Republicans are struggling, but will rally around Romney. I hate to say it, but get ready for four more years of Obama.

Metal Sucks: Would you vote Republican?

Benton: I voted for Reagan and I voted for Bush.

Metal Sucks: Did you vote for Bush II?

Benton: Once. I voted for Gore the first time. I was one of the lost Florida votes for Gore [laughs]. I also voted for Obama because I wanted to see change in the country. I travel around the world and don't need to hear fucked up opinions about us. But they are opinions about the guy running the country. We need to bring all our kids home, get the hell out of all these other countries and focus on making this the best country in the world. Why can't we do that? We're falling apart fast. I'm a child of the '70s and I was lucky I was able to taste that innocence.

Metal Sucks: What about someone like Dave Mustaine who became a Christian and supports Santorum?

Benton: He's a prolapsed rectum. One minute you're in, the next you're out. Let's just say prolapsed rectum.

Metal Sucks: Do you get recognized outside of a metal audience or can you do your own thing?

Benton: I'm one of those people that until you get a glimpse you don't recognize me. But I do get recognized. When I'm on my Harley people might pull up. Some people who see me are at a loss for words, like in the supermarket. Is this guy going to beat me to death with a head of lettuce? I have a few fans at the local supermarket so I'm actually treated well.

Metal Sucks: What about all the Internet haters?

Benton: They're a bunch of thirteen-year-old kids with smartphones that have nothing better to do than to go around hurting people's feelings. I think they are the cancer of society that's eating away at the goodness of our country and our moral integrity. They are immature and arrogant. When I was growing up, I was told if you have nothing bad to say about something don't say it at all. If you want to go around saying rotten, horrible things about people you've never met then whatever. I can honestly say I don't read reviews. I don't read interviews. I don't read Blabbermouth. I don't read any of that shit. I watch Fox Channel 13 news, that's it. If you think you are going to affect me, go fuck yourself. Because the only thing you are doing is making yourself look retarded. I'm not exposed to it and my family isn't, either.

Read the entire interview from Metal Sucks.

VÖLKERBALL sind in kürzester Zeit zu einer der gefragtesten Rammstein-Tribute-Bands im In- und Ausland geworden. Sie begannen vor erst 3 Jahren und niemand ahnte, wie schnell sich der Aufstieg in der nationalen und internationalen ‚Tribute-Szene’ vollziehen würde. Nach der sehr erfolgreichen Konzertreihe im Jahr 2010 sah die Band sich aufgrund der zahlreichen Zuschriften und Anfragen von Fans und Veranstaltern aus aller Welt mit einem völlig unerwarteten Problem konfrontiert: Man verlangt international zunehmend neue, eigene Songs – und zwar nicht von Rammstein – sondern von VÖLKERBALL selbst! Im Januar wurde dann das erste Album "Weichen und Zunder" mit eigenen Songs veröffentlicht.

Debemur Morti Productions gaben unlängst die Unterzeichnung des Vertrges mit den finnischen Black Metallern BEHEXEN bekannt.

Der Nachfolger zu "My Sould For His Glory" wurde auch schon aufgenommen und befindet sich in der Postproduction, soll heißen Mischen und Mastering.
Das Cover wurden con K. Lehto von Crimson Wine gestaltet.

Sollte alles nach Plan verlaufen wird das Album Ende September erscheinen.

SYNASTHASIA stehen für eine coole Modern-Thrash-Variante. Die Dortmunder mischen Aggression und Eingängigkeit, haben dabei die Thrash-History ebenso im Auge wie modernere Extrem-Metal-Sounds. Zudem haben sie ein saugutes Händchen für monströs im Ohr hängen bleibende Hooks. Diese Formel haben sie auf dem passend betitelten! Das neue Album "Style Collector" perfektioniert. "Style Collector" wurde am 23.März 2012 veröffentlicht.