David Fefolt, singer/songwriter for American metallers FIREWOLFE, has left the band and is pursuing a career in the Christian music genre.

Fefolt, who has previously fronted such acts as VALHALLA, HAWK, MASI, FORGOTTEN REALM, and ANGELS OF BABYLON, states, "I wrote some Christian lyrics in ANGELS OF BABYLON with David Ellefson [MEGADETH bassist] and Rhino [ex-MANOWAR], but the band was seen mainly as secular. I've been a Christian most of my life and I feel the time is right for creating music that truly glorifies God. I lived the rock and roll lifestyle for many years and have come to realize you can only serve one Master... I choose the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ."

FIREWOLFE's debut album was previously described as "a turbine-powered, twin guitar, screaming eargasm" with overtones of DIO, IRON MAIDEN, SCORPIONS, and JUDAS PRIEST.

FIREWOLFE's current lineup includes guitarists Paul Kleff and Nick Layton, and drummer Jay Schellen (HURRICANE, ASIA)

The band is currently searching for a new vocalist.

For more information, visit FIREWOLFE's official web site.

Sänger Johnny Gioeli, Drummer Mike Terrana , Keyboarder Ferdy Doernberg , Bassist Volker Krawczak und Gitarrist Axel Rudi Pell gingen Ende November 2011 zusammen mit Engineer und Co-Produzent Charlie Bauerfeind ins Studio, um das neue Studioalbum "Circle Of The Oath" aufzunehmen. Die Aufnahmen sind der Mix und das Mastering wurden im Februar beendet. "Circle Of The Oath" erscheint über SPV/Steamhammer am 23. März 2012 und wird in verschiedenen Versionen erhältlich sein:

Limited Edition Digipack incl. Bonus Live Track + Poster, Doppel Gatefold LP in farbigem Vinyl, Standard Version und Download.
=> Watch Out: Boxset incl. 2LP, Digi, Poster, Postkarte, Sticker und einiges mehr - limitiert auf 1.000 Einheiten weltweit! Jetzt wurde HIER der neue Song "Run With the Wind" zum probehören online gestellt.

POISON singer Bret Michaels recently spoke to AZCentral.com about his forthcoming solo album, "Get Your Rock On", which is tentatively due this summer.

"[It's a] really amazing record," Bret said. "I put a lot of hard work into this. And everyone that's on it, I'm not only friends with but fans of. I've got Ace Frehley from KISS and Michael Anthony from VAN HALEN. I redid [POISON's] 'Nothin' But a Good Time' and played everything on it but the lead guitar and bass. Ace Frehley plays the solo and Michael Anthony plays bass. Then, 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn' has Joe Perry from AEROSMITH and Hugh McDonald from BON JOVI. And it's got Loretta Lynn singing it with me. Then, Jimmy Buffett, me and him did 'Margaritaville' live. . . It's all people I know. Vinnie Paul from PANTERA. They're all friends of mine. The best one — are you ready for this? — I remade 'Sweet Home Alabama' with the guys from LYNYRD SKYNYRD playing and singing on it. Gary Rossington and Rickey Medlocke are on it. I wanted them to hear what I had done. I gave it a really cool feel. And they were like, 'This is awesome.'"

When asked how the sound of his new solo album compares with that of 2010's "Custom Built", Bret said, "For me, honestly, every song has a life of its own. I kind of do exactly what I want to do with each song. And so some of them are like 'Get Your Rock On', real just in-your-face straight-up rock and roll. And then, you've got a really interesting twist to 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn'. What adds the sound to your record is when you get different musicians like that. I mean, having Ace Frehley, there's just no way to describe. It almost takes you back to 'Shock Me'."

Concert and backstage footage was shot last week at THE CULT's 25,000-capacity SXSW (South By Southwest) concert at Auditorium Shores in Austin, Texas for Terrence Malick's upcoming feature. Rooney Mara, one of the stars of the film, was at the Auditorium Shores show and shot onstage footage as well as improvised scenes backstage with members of THE CULT.

Left to right in photo below: Rooney Mara, Matthew McConaughy (who played congas on two of THE CULT's songs), THE CULT's Ian Astbury

THE CULT will release its first studio album in five years, "Choice Of Weapon", on May 22 via the band's new label Cooking Vinyl.

"Choice Of Weapon" is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2007 release "Born Into This" that the U.K.'s Mojo magazine called "a wholehearted, utopian and irrefutably exciting record." Longtime THE CULT collaborator and producer Bob Rock (METALLICA, BUSH), who produced one of THE CULT's most successful albums, the platinum-certified "Sonic Temple", put the finishing touches on the foundations that were laid by co-producer Chris Goss (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, U.N.K.L.E., MASTERS OF REALITY).

Former GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum spoke to Billboard.com about the band's upcoming induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

The 27th annual ceremony will be held on April 14 in Cleveland, Ohio, home to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame And Museum. Also scheduled to be inducted are RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, BEASTIE BOYS, THE SMALL FACES/FACES, Donovan and Laura Nyro. Freddie King well enter the Hall Of Fame as an Early Influence, while the late producer and TV host Don Kirshner will receive the Ahmet Ertegun (nonperformer) Award and producers Cosimo Matassa, Tom Dowd and Glyn Johns will receive the Award For Musical Excellence.

The ceremony will be taped for broadcast by HBO, which plans to air it in early May.

"We're all sitting at the same table, so it should be cool," Sorum told Billboard.com. "After we get a little bit of food in us, hopefully someone will get up and want to play, but I don't know. I'm not the guy to ask. I just hope it works out."

Sorum, who joined the band in 1990 following the dismissal of Steven Adler, said that "there's no real plans" regarding a possible performance of the classic GN'R lineup at the induction but added that the uncertainty is "in tradition, GUNS N' ROSES style."

"I feel great about [being inducted]," he said. "I'm glad I made the cut. I don't know who that secret society is that votes you into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, but I'm glad I have some friends in there, somehow. The original band got in and I got in and [keyboardist] Dizzy Reed and that's it, seven of us. It'll be a great night."

Sorum told Australia's The Vine in December he's hoping for the best but prepared for the worst when the band gets inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April. Sorum said, "It's going to be as big of a train wreck as the SEX PISTOLS, BLONDIE, or any of those other bands. That's my prediction. Or VAN HALEN, which I don't know if you saw, but we [VELVET REVOLVER] were involved in that. Train wreck; it was a complete train wreck. But maybe it won't; maybe it will be a miracle; I hope for that and put out the positive vibrations."

Although singer Axl Rose was ambivalent in a VH1 interview about reuniting with his old GUNS bandmates at the induction, Sorum added that he's wary of making predictions about the big night. He explained, "It's better if I just go, 'I don't know shit.' Which is the absolute truth. They could be in a room right now . . . and I wouldn't be invited, you know what I'm saying?"

ROB ZOMBIE/ex-MARILYN MANSON guitarist John 5 will release his new full-length solo CD/DVD, "God Told Me To", on May 8 via Rocket Science Ventures.

MetalInjection.net has posted a new in-studio clip showing John in the studio playing a new track, "Welcome To Violence", and showcasing his unique ability and skill with his instrument that is proven time and time again throughout the new album.

"God Told Me To" was recorded and produced by John 5, Chris Baseford (ROB ZOMBIE, TOMMY LEE) and Bob Marlette (SEBASTIAN BACH, BLACK SABBATH) in 2011. The cover art for the album is illustrated by none other than Rob Zombie, who is also tapping John 5 to score the entirety of his upcoming film, "The Lords Of Salem".

The CD portion of "God Told Me To" features ten painstakingly handcrafted pieces transcending multiple styles — an equal combination of acoustic and electronically influenced tracks — each designed to gradually reveal John 5's innovative interpretation of his instrument. The orchestration of "God Told Me To" showcases John 5's ability to master the subtlety of dynamics, thus emphasizing the overall production value of this body of work.

The DVD portion of "God Told Me To" is hosted by retro-style horror-host Mike Odd and takes a look inside the world of John 5 during his terrifying trip into the realm of "God Told Me To". The DVD features footage of John 5 in the studio while working on the new album, exclusive videos taken on tour, a peek inside the photo shoot for his 2011 remix album "Remixploitation", and more.

In an interview with AOL's Noisecreep, John 5 stated about his new album title, "The title means more than what it sounds like. I wanted to do this so badly, to be a successful musician. Not even like a rock star. My dreams didn't go into that area. I want to make money playing guitar. I like prayed inside of my head as a little kid. I didn't grow up in a religious home, but we went to Midnight Mass. That was the only time I'd go to church, but when I did, I prayed that I wanted to be a successful musician. I got my wish. . . [The title is] a lot of things. Many serial killers will say 'God told me to.' It's a spin on it."

Regarding the "God Told Me To" album art, John 5 said, "It's funny. [Rob Zombie, I and the rest of the band] were on tour and I said, 'I need a great cover.' He is such a great artist. You know, he is so busy. Live shows, writing movies, but I said, 'Hey man, you want to do the album art?' He was like 'Sure.' He did it, and it's so incredible. It amazing what this guy can do. He nailed it."

On the topic of some of the songs that can be found on "God Told Me To", John 5 said, "'Beat It' is Michael Jackson's and it's instrumental and a tribute. And I tip my hat to Edward Van Halen. I wanted to say thank you to him, since he put an amazing solo in the original, and he was such an influence and epiphany. Also, 'Noche Acasador' means 'Night Stalker,' and it's about Richard Ramirez, and it is a Spanish style flamenco guitar piece. People will be surprised to hear it. Another one that I love is 'Welcome To Violence'. It starts the record with total brutality."

As well as the stunning cover art by Rob Zombie, art from the solo singles will also feature within the album. The single covers were created by ROB ZOMBIE bassist Matt Montgomery's (a.k.a. Piggy D.) and Emma (John 5's web manager) from Nineteen76-Designs.

In-studio DVD clip:

Guitarist Ryan Roxie has rejoined Alice Cooper's band for the legendary rocker's upcoming tour.

"I can't even begin to express how excited I am to have the opportunity to be a part of this year's touring lineup," Ryan said. "To be able to contribute musically with Alice and the band, perform for all you faithful Cooper fans, and have the chance to play guitar on stage next to one of rock music's coolest icons… Well, let's just say I definitely plan to 'enjoy the ride'… and yes, just like all good sports-related interview-ending quotes, I also plan on 'taking it one show at a time' and giving it '110%."

He added, "I might seem calm and low key on the outside, but inside I'm about as excited and honored to do this as I've ever been in my career...

"Let's jump on that tour bus so we can come out and play for you all [as soon as possible]... Looking forward to seeing all your familiar faces and meeting new ones as well."

Roxie was previously a member of Alice Cooper's band from 1996 to 2006. More recently, he was involved with the groups CASABLANCA and ROXIE 77.

Guitar legend Steve Hunter announced his decision to leave Cooper's band last month.

A teaser for "Lickanthrope", the new video from Portuguese gothic metallers MOONSPELL, can be seen below. The clip was directed by Filipe Melo, who worked with the band on the "I Will See You In My Dreams" video ten years ago. The shoot took place in Nandufe, Tondela, in the central region of Portugal.

A synopsis of the "Lickanthrope" video by the director Filipe Melo:

"Little red riding hood enters a bar in an abandoned house amidst the woods. In this bar, the regulars are not your average kind of people — it's a place of vice, where a pack of wolves and other unearthly creatures find solace. MOONSPELL are just another part of the varied local entertainment. However when things go wild we will see that the band isn't just what meets the eye. In a cross between the pagan Portuguese folklore and a tribute to the classic Hammer movies this videoclip will bring out not only the ferocious intensity of this song but will have its place in Portuguese film history as the first werewolf transformation ever made in Portugal. The video clip features also several local theatre and cultural groups, Portuguese actors and a special appearance by the very own Suicide Girls Portugal, in a task force which will blow your mind. Beware the wolves at night, beware the lunar light!"

"Lickanthrope" comes off MOONSPELL's new album, "Alpha Noir", which will be released on April 27 via the band's new label home, Napalm Records.

The cover artwork for the CD — an intricate, marvellous and symbolic creation by Seth Siro Anton, the Greek artist who collaborated with the band on "Night Eternal" — can be seen below. Also available is a preview image of the strictly limited edition "Alpha Noir" deluxe box set containing the limited-edition double album mediabook, including two album covers, and "Alpha Noir"'s counterpart "Omega White" and an exclusive MOONSPELL logo pendant.

"Alpha Noir" deluxe box set track listing:

CD 1

01. Axis Mundi
02. Lickanthrope
03. Versus
04. Alpha Noir
05. En Nome Do Medo
06. Opera Carne
07. Love is Blasphemy
08. Grand Stand
09. Sine Missione

CD 2

01. White Omega
02. White Skies
03. Fireseason
04. New Tears Eve
05. Herodisiac
06. Incantatrix
07. Sacrificial
08. A Greater Darkness

Commented MOONSPELL frontman Fernando Ribeiro: "A true band has to have to a glorious past, a solid present and a bright future. More than that, a true band has to know how to live throughout all these seasons, dealing with their ghosts, their shadows, their aim at the light, moulding darkness with personality, with the impulse to be better, to do better while getting close to theirselves. Their true heart, soul and flesh.

"Never a MOONSPELL album came so close to be absolute like the new opus magna (masterpiece) 'Alpha Noir', scheduled to be proudly released by Napalm Records on April 27th, when spring racks through the wastes of winter, bursting new colours over familiar sights, once silent and white, now fiery under the blackest of suns.

"The concept of this new record, painstakingly composed by the Portuguese gothic metal knights over the past three years, after the public and critically acclaimed 'Night Eternal', is bulletproof. The band managed to split their heart and soul in half and the result is that they came even closer to themselves, the ambitious band they always were, with a undying wish not to claim any throne but to build their own ships that would take them and their fans to 'give new worlds to the world,' like in the age of discovery where the Portuguese were a leading force in the world.

"With their country drowned in a corrosive crisis, MOONSPELL filled their lungs with pride and created an incendiary album, with nine outbursts of their rockiest and thrashier riffs made superiorly dimensioned by the reindivictative lyrical content and songs structure that take you by storm from the first listen on. MOONSPELL has tapped a notch into their energy filled gothic metal by adding a guitar wall forjed by timeless artists like BATHORY, KING DIAMOND or in a twist ofthe knive to old thrash metal legends like ONSLAUGHT, METALLICA early works or even TESTAMENT and ARTILLERY, making 'Alpha Noir' a truly surpring and fresh record where all the songs have a climax effect about them, an high tension charm that will for sure electricize audiences when played on a stage.

"Songs like the title track ('Alpha Noir'), the infectious 'Versus', the wolf hymn 'Lickanthrope' or the Portuguese sung 'Em Nome Do Medo' (In The Name Of Fear) and the closing epic 'Grandstand', might get you a welcoming chilling of the past but make no mistake: 'Alpha Noir' is a leap of faith and belief in their writing skills and progressive musicianship.

"Together with 'Alpha Noir' packed in a deluxe and special edition on digipack, MOONSPELL and Napalm offers no live DVD, making-of or any kind of filler. Instead they put in the table another offerend: 'Ómega White', the musical twin of 'Alpha Noir', a collection of eight songs of pure atmosphere and shadow, close to their breakthrough album 'Irreligious', in a just homage to their TYPE O NEGATIVE and SISTERS OF MERCY roots. Tracks like the erotic 'Herodisiac', the catchy 'White Skies' or the heartbreaking 'Whiteomega' will for sure keep you in dark company through a night of fear and loss, both soothing and provoking.

"Both masterpieces were produced and mixed by Tue Madsen, pre-produced by Benny Richter.

"Each song a jewel, each song a stronghold!

"Keep your watch and do not miss this new MOONSPELL record, for it is a true mortal sin to stay away from these eighty minutes of music, beautifully and violently craved by one of the most legendary and imaginative bands ever to surface the European scene. Do not forget to get your hands on this masterpiece and to watch the band live in the summer festivals around Europe. 'Alpha Noir'/'Ómega White' will also be played in their entirety in Lisbon's Campo Pequeno, that holds 5,000 fans, in their homeland Portugal in the most daring stage set and visuals the band has ever tried."

MOONSPELL released a DVD, "Lusitanian Metal", in December 2008 in Europe via Century Media Records.

The band's latest album, "Night Eternal", entered the national chart in Portugal at No. 3 and in Germany at No. 62. The follow-up to 2006's "Memorial" was recorded at Antfarm studios in Denmark with producer Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, DARK TRANQUILLITY, HALFORD).

Video footage of Joey Tempest of John Levén of Swedish hard rockers EUROPE performing an acoustic version of the band's new single, "Not Supposed To Sing The Blues", in the studio of the German radio station Oldie 95 can be seen below.

"Not Supposed To Sing The Blues" is the first single from EUROPE's ninth studio album, "Bag Of Bones", which will be released on April 27 via earMusic/Edel. The CD, which features a guest appearance by blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION), was produced by Kevin Shirley, who has previously worked with IRON MAIDEN, JOE BONAMASSA, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, BLACK STONE CHERRY and JOURNEY, among others.

"Bag Of Bones" track listing:

01. Riches To Rags
02. Not Supposed To Sing The Blues
03. Firebox
04. Bag Of Bones
05. Requiem
06. My Woman My Friend
07. Demon Head
08. Drink And A Smile
09. Doghouse
10. Mercy You Mercy Me
11. Bring It All Home

The "Not Supposed To Sing The Blues" video was directed by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.

Commented EUROPE singer Joey Tempest: "Kevin Shirley did such a great job capturing the spirit of this band. He just let us do our thing and then pushed us and our songs to the max. Finally we express ourselves completely without restraint. Straight from heart and soul. It took some time but we have arrived!"

Added EUROPE guitar virtuoso John Norum: "Why drive VW beetle when you can drive a Rolls Royce?! 'Bag Of Bones' is a classic rock album with lots of class. Even my mom likes it!"

Regarding the new CD title, EUROPE drummer Ian Haugland said, "It's not [called 'Bag Of Bones'] because we all have lost tons of weight or found a new interest in archeology or dogs... It's just because it sounds fuckin' cool!"

The "Not Supposed To Sing The Blues" digital single was made available on March 9.

"Not Supposed To Sing The Blues" acoustic performance:

Finland's INSOMNIUM have released their new video, for the One For Sorrow album track, 'Regain The Fire'.

The video was produced by Obscure Entertainment from Tampere.

The band comments on the video: “Our new video 'Regain The Fire' was shot already in last July so it still features our old guitarist Ville Vänni. The video is done by Obscure Entertainment who are responsible for all our videos since 2006. This time we also have a story line amidst the moshing so this is a bit different than previous works. Go and watch the video and judge it yourself! We are really excited to hit UK together with PARADISE LOST. They are one of those bands which we liked already as teens so it really feels strange that we are getting in a same tour bus with them. We haven't toured UK properly since 2009 so it's high time to deliver some goodies for the Britons. So remember, there is no excuse for not showing up!”

Joe Satriani (CHICKENFOOT), Steve Vai and Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE) will join forces for the European edition of the G3 tour in July/August.

The first confirmed dates are:

Jul. 21 - Offenbach, Germany
Jul. 23 - München, Germany
Jul. 24 - Hamburg, Germany
Aug. 01 - Budapest, Hungary
Aug. 05 - Moscow, Russia

G3 is a concert tour organized by Satriani, featuring him alongside two other guitarists. Since its inception in 1996, G3 has toured most years and has featured many guitarists, including Vai (Satriani's former student), Eric Johnson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Petrucci, Robert Fripp, Paul Gilbert, Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker, Adrian Legg and many other special guests, including Tony MacAlpine, Johnny Hiland, Steve Lukather, Steve Morse, Keith More, Chris Duarte, Andy Timmons, Neal Schon, Gary Hoey, Brian May, Billy Gibbons, Johnny A, George Lynch, Patrick Rondat, Herman Li, Alejandro Silva and Eric Sardinas.

Fan-filmed video footage of FATES WARNING's March 6 concert at Z7 in Pratteln, Switzerland can be seen below.

FATES WARNING is currently working on material for the band's next album, which it hopes to release before the end of 2012.

In a recent interview with Bulgaria's Tangra Mega Rock, FATES WARNING singer Ray Alder stated about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the new CD, "We're trying as hard as we can. We have these shows [in Europe] and then we go to Brazil in April. And in the meantime we are working as hard as we can to finish the album. Hopefully we'll have it out by the end of this year, If not, the beginning of next year. We're trying our best."

He added, "We need to finish writing right now. We finished the first song. The demo version is already done. We'll continue writing as we have a lot of ideas that we need to put together. But the first song is done and I can tell you it's seven minutes long. The recording process itself usually takes about two months and then after that it's another three more months before the album is released. So, we are talking five months out there after the album has been written."

You can listen to Tangra Mega Rock's entire interview with Alder using the audio player below.

Interview (audio):

The official lyric video for "Wish You Were Dead", a brand new song from New Jersey thrash metal veterans OVERKILL, can be seen below. The song is the second single from the band's new album, "The Electric Age", which will be released in North America on March 27 via eOne Music and in Europe on March 30 through Nuclear Blast Records.

"Wish You Were Dead" is now available for purchase from iTunes at this location.

"Vintage 80s", which airs on the New Jersey radio station 89.5 FM WSOU, will host the only area listening party for "The Electric Age" on Friday, March 23 at the Three Of Cups lounge in New York City, located on 1st Avenue at 5th Street. The event starts at 8 p.m. and will carry on late into the early morning. The band will be in attendance along with WSOU staff members and DJs and will continue with a night of '80s heavy metal, complete with a live broadcast on 89.5 FM and streaming live on the web at www.wsou.net.

Station manager and host of "Vintage 80s", Omar Ahmad, says, "It's really exciting to be able to host this. OVERKILL is a Jersey band, and WSOU is a Jersey station. The two really began to take off at the same time back in the '80s, and it’s great that we still maintain a strong relationship with each other."

"The Electric Age" was recorded and mixed at Gear Recording Studios in New Jersey, owned and operated by OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni.

OVERKILL will embark on the "Killfest 2" headlining tour in April/May. Support on the trek will come from BELPHEGOR, BLACKGUARD and DIAMOND PLATE.

OVERKILL will take part in an in-store signing session on Tuesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey.

OVERKILL's latest CD, "Ironbound", sold 4,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 192 on The Billboard 200 chart. The effort landed at No. 4 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.

OVERKILL is Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (vocals), D.D. Verni (bass, backing vocals), Derek "The Skull" Tailer (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Dave Linsk (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Ron Lipnicki (drums).

Swedish rockers THE DURANGO RIOT have inked a deal with Ninetone Records. The band's new album, "Backwards Over Midnight", will be released later in the year.

Hailing from a small industrial town called Karlskoga, Sweden, THE DURANGO RIOT was formed in 2005 by childhood friends Jacob (guitar), Fred (vocals/guitar), Erik (drums) and Håkan (bass). With their debut album, "Telemission" (2007), the band immediately started making waves in their native Sweden with their bluesy, rootsy and highly energetic songs. The CD's success enabled the group to tour Europe and Japan and led to a collaboration with producer Joe Barresi (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, TOOL) on the follow-up effort. The result was a two-week session at Barresi's studio in Pasadena, California, were the band laid the ground to what was to become the album "Backwards Over Midnight".

According to a press release, THE DURANGO RIOT "has taken a big step towards a more expressive, dark and dangerously groovy sound that contains both à journey into the very heart of rock n roll and also à very unique fresh sounding type of songs."

Some of the finest albums from Canadian metal legends ANVIL will be made in Europe again on April 23 (three days earlier in Germany) as high-class digipak 2-in-1 re-releases with new booklets, including liner notes from guitarist/vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner, as well as new photos.

"Plugged in Permament / Absolutely No Alternative":

CD 1 - "Plugged In Permanent"

01. Racial Hostility
02. Doctor Kevorkian
03. Smokin Green
04. Destined For Doom
05. Killer Hill
06. Face Pull
07. I'm Trying To Sleep
08. Five Knuckle Shuffle
09. Truth Or Consequence
10. Guilty

CD 2 - "Absolutely No Alternative"

01. Old School
02. Green Jesus
03. Show Me Your Tits
04. Noone To Follow
05. Hair Pie
06. Rubber Neck
07. Piss Test
08. Red Light
09. Black Or White
10. Hero By Death

"Speed Of Sound / Plenty Of Power":

CD 1 - "Speed Of Sound"

01. Speed Of Sound
02. Blood In The Playground
03. Deadbeat Dad
04. Man Over Board
05. No Evil
06. Bullshit
07. Matress Mambo
08. Secret Agent
09. Life To Lead
10. Park That Truck

CD 2 - "Plenty Of Power"

01. Plenty Of Power
02. Groove Science
03. Ball Of Fire
04. The Creep
05. Computer Drone
06. Beat The Law
07. Pro Wrestling
08. Siren Of The Sea
09. Disgruntled
10. Real Metal

"Not Supposed To Sing The Blues", the new video from Swedish hard rockers EUROPE, can be seen below. The clip was directed by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.

"Not Supposed To Sing The Blues" is the first single from EUROPE's ninth studio album, "Bag Of Bones", which will be released on April 27 via earMusic/Edel. The CD, which features a guest appearance by blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION), was produced by Kevin Shirley, who has previously worked with IRON MAIDEN, JOE BONAMASSA, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, BLACK STONE CHERRY and JOURNEY, among others.

"Bag Of Bones" track listing:

01. Riches To Rags
02. Not Supposed To Sing The Blues
03. Firebox
04. Bag Of Bones
05. Requiem
06. My Woman My Friend
07. Demon Head
08. Drink And A Smile
09. Doghouse
10. Mercy You Mercy Me
11. Bring It All Home

The "Not Supposed To Sing The Blues" digital single was made available on March 9.

Commented EUROPE singer Joey Tempest: "Kevin Shirley did such a great job capturing the spirit of this band. He just let us do our thing and then pushed us and our songs to the max. Finally we express ourselves completely without restraint. Straight from heart and soul. It took some time but we have arrived!"

Added EUROPE guitar virtuoso John Norum: "Why drive VW beetle when you can drive a Rolls Royce?! 'Bag Of Bones' is a classic rock album with lots of class. Even my mom likes it!"

Regarding the new CD title, EUROPE drummer Ian Haugland said, "It's not [called 'Bag Of Bones'] because we all have lost tons of weight or found a new interest in archeology or dogs... It's just because it sounds fuckin' cool!"

MetalMachine.net has uploaded video footage from the official release/listening party for "Equilibrium", the new album from New Brunswick, New Jersey's melodic, thrash-metal warriors GOD FORBID, which was held on Friday, March 16 at Duff's Brooklyn in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Check out the nine-minute clip below.

"Equilibrium" will be released on March 27 via Victory Records. The bulk of the CD was recorded by Mark Lewis (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WHITECHAPEL, DEVILDRIVER, TRIVIUM), with Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, CHIMAIRA, DEVILDRIVER) stepping in during the the vocal-tracking stage. The effort was mixed by acclaimed Swedish producer Jens Bogren, who has previously worked with such acts as KATATONIA, OPETH, PARADISE LOST and AMON AMARTH.

"With the new album, we focused on writing tight, hooky metal songs," commented guitarist/vocalist Doc Coyle on the creative process for "Equilibrium", "There are some really fast, super heavy, groovy songs – some of the catchiest, most melodic songs we've ever written. We wanted a modern, but organic-sounding album that was tight but still captured the intensity of the band. The album sounds huge!"

Coyle went on to speak about the overall theme of the album, "The title of the album says it all — it's about finding your way when you're lost. The lyrics come from a very personal, very real place. The recurring lyrical theme is about the everyday struggles of life and what it takes to persevere and follow your dreams."

GOD FORBID's solidified line-up, newly managed under World Entertainment's Alexander Ford and Gunter Ford, includes lead vocalist Byron Davis, guitarist/vocalist Doc Coyle, bassist John "Beeker" Outcalt, Corey Pierce on drums and newest member Matt Wicklund on guitar.

A short teaser clip for "For The Animals", the first single from THE CULT's new album, "Choice Of Weapon", can be seen below. The song will go to radio on Monday, March 26.

Fan-filmed video footage of THE CULT performing "For The Animals" at the South By Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas on Saturday, March 17 is available at this location.

One of the finest British rock acts to have enjoyed worldwide success over the last few decades, THE CULT will release its first studio album in five years, "Choice Of Weapon", on May 22 via the band's new label Cooking Vinyl.

"Choice Of Weapon" is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2007 release "Born Into This" that the U.K.'s Mojo magazine called "a wholehearted, utopian and irrefutably exciting record." Longtime THE CULT collaborator and producer Bob Rock (METALLICA, BUSH), who produced one of THE CULT's most successful albums, the platinum-certified "Sonic Temple", put the finishing touches on the foundations that were laid by co-producer Chris Goss (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, U.N.K.L.E., MASTERS OF REALITY).

The album was written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy, recorded in New York City, Los Angeles, the California high desert, and the band's Witch Mountain studio between July and December 2011. The new release features founding members Astbury on vocals and Duffy on guitars, with drummer John Tempesta and bassist Chris Wyse.

Speaking to Austin360.com, Astbury said of "Choice Of Weapon", "I think we went back to a place of instinct. There were no predetermined agendas. We've had periods of stagnation and being stale and repeating ourselves, but I think that's common. With 'Choice Of Weapon', we just said, '(Screw) it! We're going to grab every jewel we can find. We're going to play the ace and go as deep as we can.' There's definitely hard rock moments on this record, but then again, there's moments that are kind of pastoral."

"Choice Of Weapon" is aimed at the heart of THE CULT's loyal following. It reflects the current discontent and destruction of our eco systems, the search for individual meaning against a tide of rampant materialism, narcissism and disconnected lives.

"We're still growing and still developing," Astbury told Austin360.com. "We're still students; we're still inquisitive; we're still passionate. I still think what we're doing is relevant. We still have an awareness of what's going on around us. It's not like I live in a cave."

EMI has set a March 26 release date for "En Vivo!", the new concert Blu-Ray, two-DVD set and double soundtrack album from legendary British metallers IRON MAIDEN. In addition to the Blu-Ray, the two-DVD will initially be available as a limited-edition double DVD in collectors' steel book case and double vinyl picture disc. As well as a traditional two-CD soundtrack album, "En Vivo!" will be available as a digital download CD soundtrack album and digital download video.

A trailer for the "En Vivo!" steel book DVD can be seen below.

"En Vivo!" was filmed on April 10, 2011 in front of over 50,000 ecstatic fans at the Estadio Nacional, Santiago during the "Round The World In 66 Days" leg of "The Final Frontier World Tour", and captures a magnificent performance by the band, ardently embraced by the legendary Latino passion and energy of their Chilean fans. With spectacular stage backdrops, dynamic musicianship and a literally jaw-dropping appearance by Eddie, this live show encapsulates to perfection the heart and soul of IRON MAIDEN 2011.

IRON MAIDEN bass player and founder member Steve Harris comments: "For 'The Final Frontier Tour' it was really important to me that we filmed in South America as we're always so overwhelmed by the fans' reaction when we go to that part of the world and I wanted to reflect that in the filming. After much consideration, we chose the Santiago show as we felt it was one of our best performances of the entire tour and to play at the prestigious Estadio Nacional was a landmark moment for us. For reasons known to our fans, it took a long time before we got to play our first show in Chile, and once we did get to play a show, the response was so phenomenal we just had to keep coming back and it's got better and better each time! This show also features the gigantic new Eddie. He wasn't due to make his appearance until our European leg of the tour later in 2011, but we managed to transport him across the sea in a special huge container just in time for the latter end of the South American dates so it was great we were able to immortalize him for the DVD as he really has to be seen to be believed!"

The concert was filmed digitally using 22 HD cameras and an octocam (a flying camera which captures aerial crowd scenes), recorded in both stereo and 5.1 audio and mixed by MAIDEN's longstanding producer Kevin "Caveman" Shirley, all of which serves to accentuate the incredible atmosphere of this compelling performance. Extensive use is made of split screens so fans can follow the individual members closer and the set list moves seamlessly between songs from MAIDEN's most recent studio album, 2010's "The Final Frontier", through to classic fan favourites via the band's vast and varied catalogue (full set listing below).

DVD Disc Two is a bonus disc containing an 88-minute documentary, "Behind The Beast". This is also an entirely in-house production by MAIDEN's own Krew, led by Andy Matthews, and is intended as an interesting and revealing high-quality "home movie" for their fans of how to put on an IRON MAIDEN tour and what goes on behind the scenes at a show. It describes the extraordinary story of one of the most acclaimed and ambitious touring shows in the world. It illustrates the day-to-day life and complex tasks of the MAIDEN Killer Krew and the other characters behind the scenes. The expertise and experience, the problem-solving and successes, the sheer scale and immense difficulties of the undertaking comes to life through the day-to-day coverage of the tour and the background work of the crews in sound, lighting, carpentry, production and set design. As well as interviews with the IRON MAIDEN crew, it interweaves anecdotes from the band and their fans, and includes footage of the live show in this comprehensive guide to the intricacies of staging massive, live stadium shows around the world out of the belly of a Boeing 757. The bonus disc also contains an extended version of the promo video "Satellite 15…The Final Frontier", a video about the making of "Satellite 15…The Final Frontier" plus the opening video sequence to "The Final Frontier World Tour".

MAIDEN's "Final Frontier World Tour 2010-11" saw the band circumnavigating the planet for the third time in their customized Boeing 757, Ed Force One, piloted by lead singer Bruce Dickinson, and playing 98 shows in 36 countries to over 2 million fans.

DVD Disc One - "Live At Estadio Nacional, Santiago" (approximate running time: 120 minutes)

01. Satellite 15
02. The Final Frontier
03. El Dorado
04. 2 Minutes To Midnight
05. The Talisman
06. Coming Home
07. Dance Of Death
08. The Trooper
09. The Wicker Man
10. Blood Brothers
11. When The Wild Wind Blows
12. The Evil That Men Do
13. Fear Of The Dark
14. Iron Maiden
15. The Number Of The Beast
16. Hallowed Be Thy Name
17. Running Free

Bonus Disc - DVD Disc Two "Behind The Beast" (approximate running time: 102 minutes)

01. "Behind The Beast" documentary
02. "Satellite 15…The Final Frontier" promo video (director's cut)
03. "The Making of Satellite 15…The Final Frontier" promo
04. "The Final Frontier World Tour" Show Intro

Check out the "Blood Brothers" performance from the "En Vivo!" DVD below. (Note: Video stream may not be available to some non-U.S. residents.)

Steel-book DVD trailer:

Florida-based hard rock band NONPOINT has finished recording its seventh album at Groovemaster Studios in Chicago, Illinois with Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, STAIND, MEGADETH). The CD is currently being mixed for a late 2012 release via the band's new label home, Razor & Tie.

The first couple of photos of the new NONPOINT lineup can be seen below.

Founding NONPOINT members Elias Soriano (vocals) and Robb Rivera (drums) last year welcomed three new members to the family: Dave Lizzio (guitar), Adam Wolosyzn (bass), and Rasheed Thomas (guitar). All three musicians come from the Chicago-based rock act INN CINEMA.

Commented Soriano: "We're proud to officially announce the new members of NONPOINT. Dave Lizzio, Rasheed Thomas and Adam Woloszyn have been chased by bands in the Chicago area for years and somehow by a stroke of luck and timing, we now have three of the freshest, most talented players on our team. These guys are great players and even better people.

"From day one, the new writing process has been full of great ideas and open minds, and now adding Johnny K into the formula has Robb and I very excited. After listening to the demos, Johnny K said, 'It's easy to find someone to play guitar for a band. It's hard to accomplish what you have by finding Dave, Rasheed and Adam, and that's finding people who can write amazing riffs.' From that point on I knew: This new lineup and record will be epic in the chronicle of NONPOINT."

NONPOINT last year parted ways with guitarist Zach Broderick and founding bassist Ken MacMillan.

The band's latest album, "Miracle", sold around 8,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 60 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Miracle" was released in Europe on June 14, 2010 via Powerage Records. The CD was made available in the U.S. on May 4, 2010 via the band's own 954 Records in partnership with Rocket Science Ventures / RED / Sony.

NONPOINT's current lineup:

Elias Soriano - Vocals
Robb Rivera - Drums
Rasheed Thomas - Guitar
Dave Lizzio - Guitar
Adam Woloszyn - Bass

To commemorate ULVER's special performance at this year's Roadburn, a "Roadburn" EP will be made available on our the festival's own label on Thursday, April 12.

ULVER's "Roadburn" EP includes "I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)", a cover of a song by THE ELECTRIC PRUNES, originally recorded in 1967. Some of you might have heard ULVER's hypnotic version before, as it was streamed online in 2009.
The B-side sees ULVER covering 13TH FLOOR ELEVATOR's classic track "Reverberation (Doubt)", written by Tommy Hall, Stacy Sutherland and Roky Erikson in 1966. ULVER's take features special guests including VIRUS' Czral on bass.

ULVER's musical career is a sonic kaleidoscopic epic. Lo-fi black metal beginnings turned into acoustic outsider-folk and from there mutated and continued to evolve from electronic and ambient forms, symphonic traditions, soundtracks for films, post and prog-rock and on to their current sound, which basically defies any further attempts at labeling. They are without question unique, multifaceted and one of the most talented bands active today and Roadburn is colossally chuffed to release this "Roadburn" EP (limited to 500 copies) in tandem with the 2012 festival.

Legendary gore metal pioneers NECROPHAGIA have released a teaser trailer (see below) for their upcoming DVD, "Gospel Of Gore". Produced and directed by Toetag Inc., the DVD "combines the audio horror of NECROPHAGIA and the visual assault Toetag brings forth," according to a press release. "The 'Gospel' is currently in the early stages of pre-production."

NECROPHAGIA last year announced plans to release a new full-length album titled "Whiteworm Cathedral" on Halloween 2012.

A demo version of a new song, "March Of The DeathCorps(e)", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

NECROPHAGIA's most recent CD, "Deathtrip 69", came out in May 2011 via Season Of Mist. The band's fifth official full-length effort was recorded at Last House On The Left Studios in Ohio with vocalist Killjoy and guitarist Boris Randall handling production duties. The cover concept and title track were based on the "Manson family" ordeal of the late 1960s.

"Deathtrip 69" featured guest appearances by Maniac (SKITLIV, ex-MAYHEM) and Casey Chaos (AMEN).

"Gospel Of Gore" teaser trailer:

Connecticut hardcore/metal masters HATEBREED are currently making pre-production recordings of some of their new material before embarking on a six-date tour of South America with LAMB OF GOD and LACUNA COIL at the end of March.

A new photo of HATEBREED bassist Chris Beattie laying down tracks in the studio can be seen below.

In a recent interview with Australia's Loud magazine, HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta stated about where he sees the band's next CD going musically, "Well, there probably won't be any melody whatsoever. (laughs) It'll be fast, heavy, I would say very reminiscent of the last record's faster, heavier songs like 'Merciless Tide' and 'Hands Of A Dying Man'."

On the topic of a tentative release date for the next HATEBREED album, Jamey said, "I don't know. We were talking about that the other day and we were thinking about whether we should put something out in October, or should we try to maybe just wait until next January and tour more on the 'Perseverance' ten-year anniversary tour. Because originally we thought about doing some dates and just doing the whole 'Perseverance' album. But then we scrapped that idea and decided we were going to tour all of Europe and all of the festivals in the summer, and then promoters asked us to come to other places and we're going to do some more touring. So I don't know, I'm not sure yet."

The self-titled album from HATEBREED sold 15,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 37 on The Billboard 200 chart.

HATEBREED's previous collection of new material, "Supremacy", opened with around 27,000 copies back in September 2006 to land at No. 31. This number was roughly in line with the first-week tally registered by its predecessor, "Rise Of Brutality", which shifted more than 32,000 copies back in November 2003 to debut at No. 30.

HATEBREED's covers album, entitled "For The Lions", sold around 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release back in May 2009 to debut at position No. 58 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Hatebreed" was released in North America on September 29, 2009 via E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records). The effort was made available on CD, digital download, vinyl and special edition with a bonus 65-minute DVD. "Hatebreed" was issued on Roadrunner in all other territories.

Vocalist Brock Lindow of Alaskan metallers 36 CRAZYFISTS has issued the following update:

"After much thought and discussion in the 36 CRAZYFISTS camp, we have decided to break the silence and address some of the concerns that have been posted on our [Facebook] page.

"Firstly, our brother Thomas Noonan [drums] has decided to step away from the band, I have played music with T for over 20 years, he is one of my best friends, so he will be sorely missed, but we understand as we get older (and I mean OLDER), life takes on new meanings, so with his decision, we wish him a tremendous amount of success in his newest adventures…

"As for 36 CRAZYFISTS, we are currently working on our new album and at this point we have no release date for you guys.

"I have to be honest — last year was very difficult for my family as I lost my mother to cancer and from that dark period of my life, we as a band decided after 19 years of 36 CRAZYFISTS, we needed a break from the road. But as the years have rolled by, one thing I have learned throughout this band's career is that we have found ways to find new life and overcome tragedies to create something we are truly proud of. So with all of this, we are grateful and eternally indebted to all of our people for their undying loyalty and patience. We can't wait to get this record finished up and return to the road to connect once again."

36 CRAZYFISTS's latest album, "Collisions And Castaways", sold around 3,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 161 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at 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.

"Collisions And Castaways" was written and recorded between October 2009 and May 2010. It follows on the heels of 2009's DVD, "Underneath a Northern Sky", and is the band's second straight effort to feature Steve Holt in the producer's chair and Andy Sneap handling the final mix.

Reformed Swedish hard rockers SKINTRADE performed last night (Wednesday, March 21) at a release party for their "best-of" album, "Past And Present", at Debaser Slussen in Stockholm. Video footage of the concert can be seen below.

"Past And Present" was released on March 21 via Universal Music. The CD includes three new songs and 12 classics.

"Past And Present" track listing:

01. One By One
02. Soul Sister
03. Sick As A Dog
04. Parasite
05. The Last Thought
06. War
07. Freight Train
08. Fear
09. Angel Eyes
10. Crucify
11. Silence
12. Motorman
13. Falling To Pieces
14. Back The Hell Up
15. Little Baby

SKINTRADE's new single, "Falling To Pieces", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

SKINTRADE was formed in 1992 by Matti Alfonzetti (vocals), George Bravo (guitar, backing vocals), Stefan Bergström (guitar, backing vocals), Hakan Calmroth (bass) and Håkan Persson (drums, backing vocals). The group's self-titled debut was released in 1993 and received overwhelmingly positive respnse from both media and audience. The singles "Sick As A Dog" and "One By One" were played frequently on the radio and their videos spun on MTV's "Headbangers Ball". The same year, SKINTRADE was honored with a Zeppelin award for "Best Hard Rock Album" and was nominated for a Swedish Grammis (Grammy equivalent) in the category of "Best Video." The follow-up CD, "Roach Powder", came out in 1995 with Thomas Skogsberg as a producer (ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER). The videos for the singles "Snap Goes Your Mind" and "Flies" were played regularly on MTV.

Between 1993 and 1995, SKINTRADE embarked on several tours of Europe and played at some of Sweden's and Europe's biggest festivals such as Sweden Rock, Hultsfred, Dala Rock, Dynamo Open Air (Holland) and Rock Am Ring (Germany). SKINTRADE also supported the Danish band D-A-D on their European tour in 1995. One of their last and most memorable gigs took place in late 1995 with the Irish band THERAPY? during a live radio show in Amsterdam, Netherlands. SKINTRADE disbanded shortly thereafter.

The idea for the SKINTRADE members to collaborate again came about as they got more and more requests from fans asking them to make new music. During the first rehearsal in May 2011, it became obvious that the band's chemistry was very much intact.

In the summer and autumn of 2011, SKINTRADE recorded four new songs at Sound Trade Studios with their old friend and partner Ronny Lahti, engineer and producer who previously worked with the band on all the recordings in the '90s.

SKINTRADE 2012 is:

Matti Alfonzetti - Vocals, Guitar
Stefan Bergström - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Håkan Calmroth - Bass
Håkan Persson - Drums, Backing Vocals

Live at Debaser Slussen - March 21, 2012: