Slash, the iconic, Grammy-winning rock guitarist and songwriter's forthcoming second studio album "Apocalyptic Love", will release his second solo album, "Apocalyptic Love" will be released on May 22 via his own label Dik Hayd International distributed through EMI. The CD will follow his 2010 debut album, "Slash", and his November 2011 first-ever live solo album, the two-CD/DVD set "Made In Stoke 24/7/11". Notably, the "Slash" album debuted on The Billboard 200 chart at #3 (#1 on the Rock chart, #1 on the Independent chart, and #1 on the Hard Music chart). Digitally, the album also became the #1 overall digital album and hit #1 on iTunes in 13 countries. Internationally, the disc achieved Top 5 chart positions in over a dozen major territories, hitting #1 in both Japan and New Zealand.

In the U.K., the album will be released on May 21 in exclusive Classic Rock Fan Pack form — providing a unique collectable package containing the studio album with bonus tracks alongside a specially created magazine with unseen behind-the-scenes content put together by Classic Rock. The Fan Pack format will also come with free gifts, including a pin badge and artwork poster and will be available to buy via more than 2000 retail outlets on newsstands nationally as well as the traditional high street and online music retailers. Roadrunner Records will simultaneously release the record digitally. The standard physical release of the Slash album will follow through Roadrunner Records on June 18.

For the new album, Slash — along with and his bandmates Myles Kennedy (vocals), Brent Fitz (drums) and Todd Kerns (bass) — teamed with producer Eric Valentine, who also produced the "Slash" disc. All the songs were written together by Slash and Kennedy, and cameras have been rolling throughout the entire making of the album.

"Apocalyptic Love" track listing:

01. Apocalyptic Love
02. One Last Thrill
03. Standing In The Sun
04. You’re A Lie
05. No More Heroes
06. Halo
07. We Will Roam
08. Anastasia
09. Not For Me
10. Bad Rain
11. Hard & Fast
12. Far And Away
13. Shots Fired

The song "You're A Lie" can be streamed at RollingStone.com.

"'You're A Lie' is the second song I brought to the band in 2011 during the last tour," explains Slash. "We worked on it at soundcheck somewhere, I can't remember where. It's gone through some minor changes along the way, mainly the chorus. But for the most part, it's remained true to its original arrangement. I can't wait to play this live."

Video footage of STATIC-X frontman Wayne Static's February 23 performance at Cargo inside CommRow in Reno, Nevada can be seen below.

Wayne Static's debut solo album, "Pighammer", sold 4,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 97 on The Billboard 200 chart.

STATIC-X's last CD, "Cult Of Static", opened with 19,000 units back in March 2009 to land at No. 16.

The band's's previous album, "Cannibal", registered a first-week tally of more than 30,000 copies back in April 2007 to enter the chart at No. 36. This represented a slight drop from the 35,000 copies sold by the band's "Start a War" LP, which came out in June 2005 and debuted at No. 29.

In a 2011 interview with Revolver magazine, Static stated about "Pighammer", "I've wanted to do a solo album since 2000 when I was writing songs for the 'Machine' record," Wayne said. "Even in those early years of STATIC-X, there was a pattern emerging where I would spend all my free time writing songs for STATIC-X and the other guys in the band spent their free time working on their other projects. I was a bit jealous that they had time to do more than one thing, but, being the band's main songwriter, I knew that if I were to do a solo album, I would have to put STATIC-X on hold, and it wasn't until recently that I've been willing to do that. After the 2009 'Cult Of Static' touring cycle ended, I felt that, as a band, STATIC-X had accomplished everything we set out to accomplish, and now I could finally take the time to do my own thing and make a record that is completely my vision without compromising for anyone or anything."

When asked what he wanted to do differently with his solo project than what he has done with STATIC-X, Wayne said, "Mainly, I didn't want to compromise. Don't get me wrong: I love the great times I had with STATIC-X, but sometimes the writing/recording process was frustrating for me. I would spend months by myself writing and recording demos, then hand them over to the band, then we would rehearse for weeks during which time everyone changed parts and added their own ideas. By the end of the process, I always felt some of my original vision and passion was lost. This time I wrote and recorded everything on my own, playing all the instruments myself, and did not compromise with anyone."

Fan-filmed video footage of Arizona death metallers JOB FOR A COWBOY performing a brand new song, "Black Discharge", on March 2 at Bogie's in Albany, New York can be seen below. The track comes off the band's new studio album, "Demonocracy", which will be released on April 10 via Metal Blade Records. The nine-track CD was produced by Jason Seucof (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, WHITECHAPEL, TRIVIUM) who recorded the band's blistering "Ruination" full-length, at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida, and features another strikingly detailed concept cover by artist Brent Elliott White.

Commented the band in a collective statement: "However ruthless an age may actually have been, its style transmits its music only."

"Demonocracy" track listing:

01. Children of Deceit
02. Nourishment Through Bloodshed
03. Imperium Wolves
04. Tongueless and Bound
05. Black Discharge
06. The Manipulation Stream
07. The Deity Misconception
08. Fearmonger
09. Tarnished Gluttony

Check out the bludgeoning new single, "Nourishment Through Bloodshed", below.

With the critical praise and fan adoration bestowed upon 2009's "Ruination", it would have been easy for the band to rest upon their proverbial laurels and serve up "Ruination Part II". But from the moment "Demonocracy" roars to life, it is wholly evident that this is a far more musically accomplished beast that takes their signature sound to the next level. From the abrasive blast of opener "Children Of Deceit" to the disconcerting strains of "The Deity Misconception" or the brooding, heart-wrenching closer "Tarnished Gluttony", this is a record drenched in equal parts misanthropy and naked rage, and from start to finish they suspend the listener by the throat.

A key factor in this progression was the change in the band's ranks, which finds vocalist Jonny Davy, drummer Jon "Charn" Rice, and guitarist Al Glassman joined by guitarist Tony Sannicandro. In addition, CEPHALIC CARNAGE bassist Nick Schendzielos replaces Brent Riggs. Having initially brought Sannicandro and Schendzielos on as touring musicians, the members immediately gelled, and first wrote together on 2011's "Gloom" EP, sealing the deal and securing their places as full-fledged members of the band.

Guitarist Tony Sannicandro believes he made a very natural addition into the band's ranks, and he's proud to bring his intricate style to JOB FOR A COWBOY's instantly recognizable sound. "I think I bring more of an old-school guitar approach to the band," he says. "Obviously, before the band got me, there wasn't a lot of lead work. The new album has a solo on every song. I think I've done the best work of my life on there."

No one can doubt Schendzielos' musical pedigree and formidable skills, and the bassist is looking to really make a mark through his work with the band. "It's really invigorating that the cats in JOB FOR A COWBOY are into my style because there is such a great expanse of uncharted territory for bass in metal," he states. "CEPHALIC is notorious for our chaotic and vigorous live performances alongside an expansive and dilatant range of metal stylings. I'm bringing all that experience with me and combining it with the talents of these splendid men to make my best bass work to date."

"Black Discharge" performance footage:

Swedish/German extreme metallers ARCH ENEMY have amicably parted ways with guitarist Christopher Amott and have replaced him with 26-year-old American musician Nick Cordle (ARSIS).

Christopher — the brother of ARCH ENEMY's other guitarist Michael Amott — was a member of ARCH ENEMY from 1996 to 2005 and again from 2007 to 2011.

Commented ARCH ENEMY in a statement: "We thank Christopher for the time he's worked with the band and, of course, wish him the very best in his future endeavors. Thankfully, there is no drama behind the scenes here. This is the best way forward for all involved. Christopher simply isn't into playing extreme metal anymore. We have already chosen and rehearsed with a new guitar player and we will complete the 'Khaos Legions' 2012 touring cycle as planned. We are highly motivated and look forward to continue spreading our music around the world! Finally, our deepest thanks go to the ARCH ENEMY fans, whose amazing support and belief inspires us ever onward."

Added Michael Amott: "Nick was my first choice as he ticks all the right boxes for ARCH ENEMY with his musicality and technicality as well as his personality and dedication. [We are] looking forward to having him join us stage, the rehearsals have shown we have a devastating twin axe attack going on!"

Nick Cordle (pictured below) was raised in a musical family in Virginia by parents who teach classical piano and was immersed in 19th-century piano music as a child. Rachmaninoff, Brahms and Liszt are his early memories. There were piano and violin lessons from a very early age but a rebellious streak led to the guitar at the age of 10, and within a few years he discovered the classic thrash metal albums by MEGADETH, METALLICA, and SLAYER. This was his first real musical passion and gateway into extreme music.

Nick studied jazz and music theory at the University of Virginia from 2003 to 2007 but remains self taught in the ways of "shred" and metal. Shortly thereafter, he joined American death metal band ARSIS playing bass and guitar over a three-year period, performing with them on various European tours and countless gigs across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as well as performing and writing on their most recent album, "Starve For The Devil" (2010).

Video footage of SOULFLY performing the new song "Revengeance" on February 25 at Via Marquês (moved from Santana Hall) in São Paulo, Brazil can be seen below. Joining SOULFLY/ex-SEPULTURA frontman Max Cavalera on stage to sing the track were his son Igor Cavalera Jr. and stepson Richie Cavalera.

SOULFLY has just completed its first tour of Brazil since 2002. The band's guest drummer for the trek was Max Cavalera's son Zyon Cavalera, who also plays in LODY KONG.

It is Zyon's unborn heartbeat that can be heard during the intro of SEPULTURA's classic song "Refuse/Resist".

SOULFLY's eighth album, "Enslaved", is due on March 13 via Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded at TallCat Studios in Phoenix, Arizona and was produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, the seasoned knob twiddler behind some of the most notable bands in metal today, such as SHADOWS FALL, HATEBREED, THE RED CHORD and more.

"Enslaved" standard CD features the following 11 tracks:

01. Resistance
02. World Scum
03. Intervention
04. Gladiator
05. Legions
06. American Steel
07. Redemption of Man By God
08. Treachery
09. Plata O Plomo
10. Chains
11. Revengeance

The digital-only edition includes the following three bonus tracks:

12. Slave
13. Bastard
14. Soulfly VIII

SOULFLY's current lineup features Max and guitar dynamo Marc Rizzo, with STATIC-X's Tony Campos taking up the bass. The lineup is rounded out by drummer David Kinkade (BORKNAGAR, ARSIS, MALEVOLENT CREATION), a new-school, extreme skinsman whose brutality behind the kit brings a new flavor to the band.

Finnish "hybrid metallers" SHADE EMPIRE have entered studio to begin recording their fourth album. According to the band, "The drums and majority of guitars have [already] been recorded. The rest of the instruments and vocals will be [tracked] during [the] spring. Mixing process is scheduled to begin at the first weeks of May by Aksu Hanttu."

A studio diary has been launched at this location.

SHADE EMPIRE in 2010 parted ways with Dynamic Arts Records after releasing two albums through the label.
SHADE EMPIRE issued its third album, "Zero Nexus", in March 2008. Most of the recording sessions took place at Studio 33 in Kuopio, Finland and this time the band used a real choir to boost the sound. The vocal recordings at Perkele Studios were overseen by producer and AJATTARA mastermind Ruoja (a.k.a. former AMORPHIS frontman Pasi Koskinen). The CD was mixed by Sami Niittykoski.

According to a press release, SHADE EMPIRE has created a sound which cannot be easily categorized. Their music contains industrial and symphonic elements while still staying true to its death/black metal roots.

Fan-filmed video footage of Maryland extreme metallers DYING FETUS performing a brand new song, "Invert The Idols", on March 2 at Bogie's in Albany, New York can be seen below. The track comes off the band's new album, "Reign Supreme", which will be released mid-2012 via Relapse Records. The CD was recorded at Wrightway Studios in Baltimore with longtime producer Steve Wright (SLIPKNOT, MISERY INDEX). The effort will feature nine tracks and is "a 'return to roots,' with production focused slightly more on slam than in the band's last few works," according to a press release. "Thematically, the album is set to be a good old-fashioned piece of social and political commentary in the style of DYING FETUS as we have come to know."

Commented DYING FETUS guitarist/vocalist John Gallagher: "The last album had some groove in it, but [it] was basically a lot of tech; this one is a return to form of older DYING FETUS albums, so to speak — more modern production, though, of course. Everything's tight, the sound is crushing, the drums are amazing."

DYING FETUS will join forces with DEVILDRIVER, THE FACELESS, JOB FOR A COWBOY, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD and IMPENDING DOOM for the Metal Alliance Tour in March/April.

DYING FETUS' latest album, "Descend Into Depravity", sold around 2,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 166 on The Billboard 200 chart. The effort landed at position 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.

UPON WINGS will released its debut single, "The Dream", on March 6 via iTunes, Amazon MP3 and Google Music. "The Dream" is the result of a collaboration between classically-trained mezzo-soprano Anne Erickson and Grammy-nominated producer Glenn Brown (EVANS BLUE, SPINAL TAP, THE VERVE PIPE).

UPON WINGS hails from the U.S. and can be described as symphonic metal with a classical influence. After creating the idea for UPON WINGS, singer Anne Erickson — who is also a music journalist for Gannett, Gibson, Loudwire and radio host and managing editor of Audio Ink Radio — entered the studio with Michigan-based, Grammy-nominated producer and engineer Glenn Brown to put the ideas onto tape. The result is UPON WINGS' debut single, "The Dream", a song with a strong Euro-classical influence. UPON WINGS is for those who value intrigue and adventure.

"I'm so excited about the first single from UPON WINGS," declares Erickson. "It seems this is the right time to share 'The Dream'. I've been singing classical, musical theater and opera music since I was four years old, and that led me on a path to pursue music journalism and rock radio. Now, it feels great to be back on the other side and releasing a song that brings together the classical sounds that I remember from my childhood with elements of symphonic metal. I thank everyone who gives 'The Dream' a listen!"

For more information, visit www.uponwings.com.

SHINEDOWN took part in a question-and-answer session and acoustic performance on Wednesday, February 29 at The Martini Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona for the listeners of the Phoenix, Arizona radio station 98 KUPD. Video footage of their appearance can be seen below.

It's a month to go before SHINEDOWN releases its fourth studio album, "Amaryllis", but the band is giving fans a taste of what to expect. The quartet has posted samples of several tunes from the disc at its official web site, including the title track, "Adrenaline", "Unity", "Through the Ghost", "Nowhere Kids" and more. The Pulse Of Radio asked frontman Brent Smith how he feels the band has evolved musically on this record. "The musicianship got way stronger, the songwriting got way more sophisticated, and I think that overall we were able to push ourselves in a direction that was — I don't necessarily know if it was the obvious next step, but we enjoyed the journey with each other," he said.

"Amaryllis" arrives on March 27 and follows up SHINEDOWN's biggest success yet, 2008's "The Sound Of Madness".

That disc sold more than a million copies and produced six hit singles, including a number of rock radio chart-toppers.

SHINEDOWN announced on January 30 that it will lead the 2012 edition of the Avalanche Tour. The North American trek will kick off on March 27 in Anaheim, California, with ADELITAS WAY, NEW MEDICINE and ART OF DYING also on the bill.

Italian technical death metallers GORY BLISTER will release their long-awaited new album, "Earth-Sick", on April 23 via Bakerteam Records. The follow-up to 2009's "Graveyard Of Angels" contains ten brand-new technical and brutal death metal tracks in the signature style that has always identified the band over the past 20 years. The CD also features NILE frontman Karl Sanders who guests on two tracks, including "Soul-Borne Maladies", which can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

"Earth-Sick" track listing:

01. The Breeding (intro)
02. EarthSick
03. Plague And Pray
04. Decanted Embryos
05. Dominant GenEthics
06. H.I.V.
07. World Damnatomy
08. Soul-Bourne Maladies
09. Serpent Verse
10. Voices From The Sea

Commented GORY BLISTER guitarist Raff: "This new album is probably the best we've ever done. It displays the raw energy we always put into our shows but also the passion that drives us through good and hard times.

"Death metal is not about money, nor about fashion; it's a way of life that requires no compromises. We do this because we believe in it and we want to keep the flame high. Our fans are going to love 'Earth-Sick'!"

GORY BLISTER released its last album, "Graveyard Of Angels", via Mascot Records.

Swedish female-fronted heavy rockers SISTER SIN entered Standstraight Studios in Stockholm in late February with producer Chris Snyder to begin recording their third album for a May 22 release via Victory Records.

A short video clip from the guitar-tracking sessions can be seen below. Also available is a studio blog from Snyder.

SISTER SIN recently released a video for its cover version of the MOTÖRHEAD classic "Rock 'N' Roll". The track, which was made available on all digital platforms worldwide via Victory Records on September 13, features guest vocals from the German metal queen Doro Pesch. It was produced by Snyder at Standstraight and was mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London, England.

SISTER SIN's second album, "True Sound Of The Underground", landed at position No. 97 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.

SISTER SIN in November 2010 announced the addition of bassist Andreas Strandh to the group's ranks.

"True Sound Of The Underground" was released in North America on June 22, 2010 via Victory Records and was issued in Europe on July 23, 2010 through Metal Heaven Records. It was produced by Henrik Edenhed (DEAD BY APRIL, ROBYN, LAMBRETTA, TEDDYBEARS, CHRISTIAN WALTZ, THE SOUNDS) in Stockholm at Studio 301 and Cosmos Studios.

For more information, visit www.sistersin.com.

"Falling To Pieces", the new single from reformed Swedish hard rockers SKINTRADE, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

SKINTRADE will release a "best-of" album on March 21 via Universal Music. The CD will include three new songs and 12 classics.

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

Canadian guitarist Glen Drover (MEGADETH, KING DIAMOND, TESTAMENT, EIDOLON) was interviewed on the "Metal Attack MTL" radio show on February 8 at Heavy MTL's "Battle Of The Bands" event in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where Drover was one of the judges. You can now watch the chat below.

When asked if his desire to spend time more time with his family was the reason he left MEGADETH in 2007, Drover said, "No, not necessarily. I mean, it was part of that, but there was a lot of turmoil going on in the band while I was there, and it wasn't as much fun. See, the first couple of years in MEGADETH, it was a lot of fun — it was a very healthy atmosphere — but towards the end it wasn't, and I think that kind of magnified the fact that I didn't wanna be a part of that kind of destructive kind of atmosphere, and I wanted to be at home with my family and then stage the next plan of attack for the next project, whatever that may be."

Drover was replaced in MEGADETH by Chris Broderick, who has previously played with NEVERMORE and JAG PANZER.

Glen's debut solo album, "Metalusion", was released in April 2011 via Magna Carta Records.

On September 25, 2011, Drover took part in a historic performance that was webcast worldwide as part of the "Live At Metalworks" series from Mississauga, Canada.

Glen's "Live At Metalworks" performance will be released as a DVD in June via Magna Carta.

Former VAN HALEN and current CHICKENFOOT singer Sammy Hagar has commented on the passing of his former bandmate Ronnie Montrose (MONTROSE, GAMMA), who died yesterday (Saturday, March 3) after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 64 years old.

Said Hagar in a statement posted on his official web site: "Ronnie Montrose gave me my first break as a songwriter, as a frontman, as a recording artist, as a touring artist, and for that I will always be grateful.

"I was looking forward to a reunion for my birthday bash in Cabo with Denny [Carnassi, drums], Bill [Church, bass] and Ronnie — one of the few bands from that era where all four original members were still able to do it.

"It's a shame to lose Ronnie and I'm so sorry for his loved ones. Rest in peace."

Born in Denver, Colorado, Montrose's first break when he played Van Morrison's classic 1971 album, "Tupelo Honey". He also appeared on recordings by Boz Scaggs and the EDGAR WINTER GROUP (1972's "They Only Come Out At Night") before going solo under the MONTROSE moniker in 1973 (with a very young Sammy Hagar on vocals). The MONTROSE band released two albums, "Montrose" and "Paper Money", before Hagar left to pursue a solo career. Montrose continued to release albums with the MONTROSE band, but focused his attention mostly on his solo career as well as his other band, GAMMA, which released four albums between 1979 and 2000.

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Montrose took some time off from playing and performing to focus on his health.

Photo below courtesy of RonnieMontrose.com

Quality fan-filmed video footage of SUFFOCATION's March 3 performance at the Neurotic Deathfest at 013 in Tilburg, The Netherlands can be seen below (courtesy of "Letthedeathmetalflow").

In a recent interview with Russia's HitKiller.com, SUFFOCATION confirmed that it has split with drummer Mike Smith and replaced him with Dave Culross, who previously played on the band's "Despise The Sun" CD. The group explained, "Mike and the rest of us had serious differences of opinions. Mike did formally resign from the band, and he has since been replaced with Dave Culross."

When asked about the band's future, SUFFOCATION said, "For all the people who think the band is splitting up, it's NOT, except for the one change we already mentioned above. As far as our next move, the new CD is in the pre-production stage and it kills! We would say some of the best material to date. The band right now as a whole can't wait to get this out to our fans. It is scheduled to be released on Nuclear Blast in the fall of 2012."

In the February 2012 issue of Decibel magazine, SUFFOCATION bassist Derek Boyer stated about the upcoming CD, "We're in the pre-production stage [and are] currently working on final arrangements, lyrical placement and content."

He added, "Each album is an evolution process. As always, we take the key elements that are SUFFOCATION, add current feelings and outside influences, the begin collaborating. We're very happy with the direction we're headed!"

Relapse Records released SUFFOCATION's only official live record, "The Close Of A Chapter: Live In Quebec City", on October 27, 2009 in North America and November 2, 2009 internationally. Recorded in 2005 during the band's "Souls To Deny" world tour, the CD contains the band's complete, unedited performance.

SUFFOCATION's latest album, "Blood Oath" (Nuclear Blast), sold around 3,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 135 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at position No. 2 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.

The follow-up to 2006's self-titled record, "Blood Oath" was recorded with Joe Cincotta (who worked on the band's last two releases) and was mixed by Zack Ohren (ALL SHALL PERISH, DECREPIT BIRTH). The cover artwork was once again brought to life by Jon Zig (DEEDS OF FLESH, DISGORGE, GORGASM).

CHTON, the Norwegian death metal band featuring Torstein Parelius (MANES), is seeking a suitable record label to release its recently completed sophomore album, "The Devil Builds". The CD was recorded and produced at Morningstar Studio with Arnt Obsidian Grønbech (KEEP OF KALESSIN, SATYRICON) at the helm, and mixed by Stamos Koliousis (DJERV, MENCEA) at 210 Studios in Berlin. According to a press release, the album "features 10 tracks of dark and brutal death metal drenched in occult horror."

In other news, CHTON is now a four-piece band following the departure of vocalist Terje Olsen after the recording of "The Devil Builds". Bassist Ola will be handling most of the lead vocals going forward.

Commented Terje: "After 10 years as vocalist in CHTON, I have decided to leave the band. We are all good friends and the only reason for me leaving is that I wish to move on and do something else. As a last effort in the the band, I have done all the main vocals on the forthcoming album 'The Devil Builds'. We all feel that we have managed to capture the raw and old school feeling of death metal on this album and this is what CHTON is all about!"

CHTON will perform at the 2012 edition of the Inferno Festival on April 4 at club Blå in Oslo, along with HEADSPIN and MANIFEST.

Commented lead guitarist and founding member Øyvind Rekdal: "CHTON is very excited to return to the stage with full force, and we're working on a tour that will bring our rotten blasphemies to places we've never been with this band!"

Formed in 1999 in Trondeheim, CHTON released its debut album, "Chtonian Lifecode", in 2004 via Retribute Records. The group has shared the stage with such acts as MORBID ANGEL, MAYHEM, AMON AMARTH and BEHEMOTH.

Los Angeles-based progressive death metal titans THE FACELESS have parted ways with guitarist Steve Jones and replaced him with Wes Hauch. Guitarist Michael Keene broke the news via Twitter, stating, "Farewell Steve Jones. We had a long ride, my brother. Welcome the amazing Wes Hauch to THE FACELESS. He is a shredder."

A short video clip of Wes Hauch "shredding" the axe can be seen below.

THE FACELESS parted ways with vocalist Derek Rydquist in May and replaced him with Geoff Ficco (KAMIKABE, ORGONE). Rydquist explained his decision to exit the band by saying that he was "no longer emotionally or artistically fulfilled by being the vocalist for the group."

THE FACELESS last re-signed with Sumerian Records. The band entered Keene's studio in March 2011 to begin recording its third album for a 2012 release. Keene described the band's forthcoming CD as "the most musical and progressive record we've made." He added, "Since recording 'Planetary Duality', the goals of THE FACELESS have changed a bit. You can still expect a fast, technical and blistering record, but I personally am less focused on a musical aesthetic and more on musicality and making an expressive, unique, moody and expansive record. Speed picking, flying double bass and skin melting guitar solos are certainly still in order. However, you can also expect more clean vocals with big harmonies, some unique instrumentation, dark moody passages, interesting keyboards, synth guitars, vocoder and sequenced segments. It's going to be the most focused and depressive FACELESS record to date."

JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE kicked off its "High Seas" tour this past Saturday night, March 3 at Route 46 in Sanford, Florida.

The band's hour-long set featured the following tracks:

01. Call It Rock N' Roll
02. Lady Red Light
03. On Your Knees
04. Save Your Love
05. Face The Day + Guitar Solo
06. House Of Broken Love
07. Mista Bone
08. Rollin' Stoned
09. Save Me
10. Desert Moon
11. Rock Me
12. Paradise
13. Can't Shake It
14. Once Bitten Twice Shy

Check out photos below (courtesy of Troy Donoughue).

JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE will headline this summer's "America Rocks Tour" with support from FASTER PUSSYCAT, BULLETBOYS, PRETTY BOY FLOYD and LILLIAN AXE.

JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE made its live debut on January 14 at the Rock-n-Roll GangStar Apparel Pre-NAMM Festival & Jam at Delzano's in Redondo Beach. Joining singer Jack Russell for the performance were Derrick Pontier, (former drummer for GREAT WHITE), Dario Seixas (former bassist for FIREHOUSE and the Stephen Pearcy band), Robby Lochner (former guitarist for Rob Halford's band and Cherie Currie) and Evan Haymond (guitar).

JACK RUSSELL'S GREAT WHITE is not to be confused with the other touring version of GREAT WHITE, which features Mark Kendall (lead guitar), Scott Snyder (bass), Audie Desbrow (drums), Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) and Terry Ilous (lead vocals).

Jack's estranged bandmates issued a statement in December in which they claimed that Russell's "frail body" and "drug abuse" have prohibited him from taking part in the band's performances for the past year. They additionally revealed that Jack had undergone "five major surgeries" after his drug abuse got so bad that "his body began to shut down and ultimately resulted in colostomy surgery from a perforated bowel."

In an interview with Metal Sludge, Russell stated about the other version of GREAT WHITE, "I don't care what they say. The proof is in the pudding. Everyone is going to see that Jack is back, that it's all rumors. I mean, do people really give a shit if I'm sober or not? They can come, they'll see I look great, I sound great."

When asked about the rumors of his poor health, Jack said, "I am fine. I just bought a 45-foot boat, and I'm living on it in Redondo Beach, my old stomping ground when GREAT WHITE was its most successful. It's nice to see my favorite sushi restaurant and favorite Italian restaurant are still around. I go fishing three times a week, and I'm in great shape. All these rumors from the other camp about me being not healthy and everyone being afraid I am going to die, it's all B.S. Those guys haven't talked to me in months. They haven't talked to me, so come on, give me a break. Who even cares? I can still sing great. End of story."

Regarding the fact that the GREAT WHITE guys and their manager have a totally different opinion on whether Jack is fit to keep going, the singer said, "They're just trying to make me look bad. They feel scared and threatened, and they should be. They don't own the name. This is my band. Everyone knows this is my band. I started in 1978 and changed the name in 1982. The others, they came in because I was the one who invited them. It was cool for a while before all this crap started. They don't own the name, they don't own the logo. [GREAT WHITE's manager] Obi Steinman sues everyone in the world, but I'm lucid, I'm clear, and I'm sober. Just because I had a rough year and a half does not mean that I gave up on my band. My name has always been synonymous with GREAT WHITE. I came up with the name, and I am entitled to use it. The other GREAT WHITE, with Terry Illous singing my songs and my lyrics, now he's sticking his name into this, covering my tunes. Write your own stuff, dude."

All concert photos below by Troy Donoughue

U.K. atmospheric rock band ANATHEMA has issued the following update:

"One of the most remarkable consequences of the digital music age is that vinyl has made something of a comeback. Remember vinyl, kids? It was like a big flat mp3, only it sounded better. The demand for high-quality sound and packaging has been reawakened in recent years and [we are] proud to share these pictures of the ANATHEMA album 'Eternity' (1996). Reissued by Svart Records and re-packaged by Duncan [Patterson, former bassist] the way it was originally intended to be. The new package includes: all-white gatefold artwork, original design, a new lyric booklet with liner notes from Duncan, a bag and of course two heavyweight 12" vinyls, repressed for maximum sound quality. Limited to just 1000 copies (500 white vinyl, 500 black). Don't miss this one. Get yours here."

ANATHEMA's new album, "Weather Systems", will be released on April 24 via The End Records. The follow-up to 2010's "We're Here Because We're Here" was recorded in Liverpool, North Wales and Oslo, each place significant to ANATHEMA past, present and future. The record was produced and mastered by Christer-André Cederberg (ANIMAL ALPHA, IN THE WOODS..., DRAWN), whom ANATHEMA's Daniel Cavanagh has described as "a revelation. His calmness and brilliance has helped to bring about the greatest inter-band chemistry that ANATHEMA have experienced together in their career."

Several rock and metal musicians have reponded to the news that legendary guitarist Ronnie Montrose died after a five-year battle with prostate cancer.

Montrose passed away yesterday (Saturday, March 3) at the age of 64.

Myles Kennedy (ALTER BRIDGE, SLASH): "Sad to hear Ronnie Montrose passed away. 'Rock Candy' was one of the first songs I ever learned."

Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES): "Myles just told me Ronnie Montrose passed. Fn' shame. 'Montrose' is one of the all-time great [rock and roll] albums. Major influence. RIP, man."

David Ellefson (MEGADETH): "RIP Ronnie Montrose!!! So sad to hear of this today. I had the pleasure of playing bass for him circa 2005-07. Such a powerhouse human being and ferocious guitarist. I learned a lot from him! God's peace.".

NONPOINT: "Another legend gone, Rest in peace, Ronnie Montrose."

Gus G. (FIREWIND, OZZY OSBOURNE): "R.I.P. Ronnie Montrose."

Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE): "Just heard that my good friend Ronnie Montrose has passed away. I'm speechless. RIP, my brother...you will be missed at the Hughes'."

TESLA: "We all loved him."

Kip Winger (WINGER): "I had the pleasure of working with Ronnie not too long ago. He was a real gem, very giving and very talented. A great loss to the world. RIP, Ronnie."

Eddie Trunk (VH1 Classic "That Metal Show" co-host): "Woke to very sad news Ronnie Montrose has passed away from cancer at 64. He created one of the all-time landmark hard rock albums with debut LP… [I] also liked GAMMA, but nothing touches the debut album, a masterpiece that influenced SO many rock and metal bands! RIP, Ronnie Montrose."

Vocalist Carsten Scholz has left long-running German death metallers RESURRECTED for health reasons and has been replaced by Christoph Mieves (GRIND INC.).

Commented the band: "We all respect and understand [Carsten's] decision, as we know how much he suffered in the past months/years and how long he struggled with the decision to leave the band as a founding member and the distinctive voice of RESURRECTED. But you can for sure hear Carsten on the upcoming EP on the vocals; we're all very sad to lose him as a band member and one of world's best death metal voices. The position on the mic will be taken by our longtime friend Christoph Mieves from GRIND INC. who already did some live shows on the last Portugal tour with us. Chris is well known for his great death metal vocals and outstanding stage performance."

In other news, drummer Hazim Fouad has left RESURRECTED due his move to Bremen "which does not allow us continuous rehearsing with all band members what we're used to and what Hazim either thinks to be necessary for further songwriting and live rehearsing." Hazim will play his "Grindbye" show with RESURRECTED at this year's 10th anniversary of the NRW Deathfest. Going forward, RESURRECTED's drum duties will be handled by Dennis Thiele, who is described by the band as "a good friend and dedicated death metal maniac."

RESURRECTED 202 is:

Christoph Mieves - Vocals
Dennis Thiele - Drums
Ben Bays - Bass
Thomas Granzow - Guitar

RESURRECTED released its sixth album, "Fierce", in 2009 via Metal Age Productions. The CD was recorded at Soundlodge studios in Rhauderfehn, Germany with Jörk Uken (GOD DETHRONED, OBSCENITY).

Argentinean rock journalist Lucas H. Gordon, who currently resides in Hollywood, California, conducted an interview with Gene Simmons (KISS), Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES) and Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) about their involvement with the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour, which will hit the road in South and Central America in April/May. You can now watch the chat below.

Comprised of musicians from some of the biggest bands in recent rock history, the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars is a live show unlike any before. Bandmembers include:

* Gene Simmons (KISS)
* Joe Elliott (DEF LEPPARD)
* Matt Sorum (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES)
* Gilby Clarke (GUNS N' ROSES, ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA)
* Glenn Hughes (BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH)
* Ed Roland (COLLECTIVE SOUL)
* Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW)
* Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)
* Mike Inez (ALICE IN CHAINS)
* Billy Duffy (THE CULT)

Promoter Gabe Reed hosted a press conference this past Thursday (March 1) at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood, California to officially announce the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour of South and Central America in April/May 2012. Also attending the press conference were Simmons, Sorum, McKagan, Clarke, Bach and Hughes, among others.

Commented Bach: "For me to be the singer in Gene Simmons' first-EVER side project is amazing to me! Dreams come true, indeed. If you would have told me when I was a boy that some day Gene Simmons, Glenn Hughes and myself would be in a band together, my reply would have been, No, we will not,' and I would have been wrong, haha!! See you soon Central and South America!! We are gonna rock the best of KISS, DEEP PURPLE, GUNS N' ROSES, SKID ROW and DEF LEPPARD! See you soon on tour!!!"

Check out video footage of Thursday's press conference below.

Despite the fact that he was previously announced as one of the musicians taking part in the Rock 'N' Roll Allstars tour, former METALLICA and VOIVOD bassist Jason Newsted will **NOT** be making an appearance at the event.

Interview:

Norway's TRAIL OF TEARS has announced the addition of drummer Bjørn to the group's ranks.

A short introductory video of the band's latest addition can be seen below.

TRAIL OF TEARS' longtime drummer Cato Jensen in January in order to focus on other priorities.

The first teaser for the forthcoming seventh album from TRAIL OF TEARS is available below.

TRAIL OF TEARS in September finished recording its as-yet-untitled new CD at Sound Suite Studio in Marseille, France with producer Terje Refsnes. The band is currently seeking a suitable record label to release the effort.

Commented the band: "Cathrine [Paulsen] came through the extreme schedule with flying colours, putting the finishing vocals on the end result and delivered a performance for the history books!

"We believe that we have created something extraordinary and can't wait to share it with you all. Never before has a recording process involved so much blood, sweat and tears!"

TRAIL OF TEARS in 2010 parted ways with guitarist Pål Olsen and opted to carry on as a five-piece.

TRAIL OF TEARS's sixth album, "Bloodstained Endurance", was recorded and mixed over a six-week period at Sound Suite Studio in Marseille, France with producer Terje Refsnes. Mastering duties were handled by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios in Finland. The cover artwork for the album was designed by acclaimed artist Travis Smith (AMORPHIS, OPETH, NEVERMORE).

In 2007, TRAIL OF TEARS was rejoined by vocalist Cathrine Paulsen, who sang on the group's 2002 album, "A New Dimension of Might".

Florida-based, female-fronted power metallers SEVEN KINGDOMS are prering to enter Morrisound studios in Tampa, Florida with producer Jim Morris (ICED EARTH, DEATH) to begin recording their as-yet-untitled 11-song follow-up to their 2010 self-titled sophomore album.

Commented guitarist Camden Cruz: "Fans can expect a more dynamic SEVEN KINGDOMS this time around. We have spent the greater part of a year transposing what we have learned into this new record. It has been since the middle of 2009 since we have written anything together and I really believe that you will hear three more years of experience on this album. It is overall a little bit faster, but not in a thrashy way; it is more in the vein of older-school power metal that sometimes seems to be overlooked nowadays. We have been able to shape something in our 'sound' that will set us apart from our forefathers while still being true to the genre. Expect a twin turbo version of our self-titled release. The record is the most challenging material we have physically played to date and it has a lot of guitar work on it. Sabrina [Valentine, vocals] has even become more herself with this record as we have all grown as musicians. We aim to bring a polished version of what a modern-day power metal band should sound like. This should be a record that everyone can enjoy from the brand new listener to the most diehard power metal fan with more hooks, more shred, more epicness, More in-your-face double bass, more literal bass, Just more POWER."

In other news, SEVEN KINGDOMS has just finished filming its very first official professional video clip for the new record's opener, "After The Fall". The clip's storyline is based on George Martin's "Game Of Thrones", which is also the story which the band's name is based out of). Ironically, the same type of cameras used for filming the HBO show were also used for the band's video.

SEVEN KINGDOMS's sophomore album was released in July 2010 via Nightmare Records.

Formed in Deland, Florida in 2007 by Camden Cruz and Bryan Edwards, SEVEN KINGDOMS entered Morrisound Recording in Tampa in August 2007 to record its debut self-financed independent release, "Brothers of the Night", which was lyrically inspired by the literary works of George R. Martin.

After playing shows throughout the Southeastern region of the United States with such bands as SONATA ARCTICA, THE AGONIST, STEPHEN PEARCY and CIRCLE II CIRCLE, SEVEN KINGDOMS returned to Morrisound in 2009 to begin work on its self-titled sophomore effort.

SEVEN KINGDOMS is:

Sabrina Valentine – Vocals
Camden Cruz – Guitar
Kevin Byrd – Guitar
Aaron Sluss – Bass
Keith Byrd - Drums

BABYMETAL, a heavy metal offshoot of the Japanese pop idol group SAKURA GAKUIN that performs a distinctly Japanese mix of schoolgirl J-pop and death metal, will release a new single, "Like!", on March 7 via iTunes. A video for the edited version of the song — which combines pop with extreme metal guitars, an occasional growl or two and a tinge of hip hop — can be seen below.

Formed in 2010, BABYMETAL's "Doki Doki Morning" song (see video at this location) was included on the album "Sakura Gakuin 2010 message~". A follow-up track, "Ijime, Dame, Zettai", was premiered during a SAKURA GAKUIN in July 2011 and was aired again at the Tokyo Idol festival a month later. It quickly created a buzz due to its mix of melodic speed metal, sensational lyrics around the theme of "Ijime" and the band's performance, which incorporates the "Wall Of Death."

BABY METAL is:

Su-Metal - Vocals and Dance
Moametal - Screamer and Dance
Yuimetal - Screamer and Dance

For more information, visit www.babymetal.jp.

Fan-filmed video footage of KITTIE's February 26 performance at the Sydney, Australia of the Soundwave Festival can be seen below.

KITTIE recently parted ways with bassist Ivy Vujic and was rejoined by Trish Doan. Doan was previously with the band from 2005 to 2007, appearing on the band's 2007 release "Funeral For Yesterday".

Trish will join KITTIE live after their Soundwave Festival appearance in Australia is completed.

KITTIE's new album, "I've Failed You", sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The band's previous CD, "In The Black", opened with around 3,400 units back in 2009 to land at No. 132.

KITTIE's fourth album, "Funeral for Yesterday", registered a first-week tally of 9,000 in February 2007 to enter the chart at No. 101.

"I've Failed You" was released on August 30, 2011 via eOne Music. The CD was recorded at Beach Road Studios in Goderich, Ontario, Canada. The band once again worked with producer Siegfried "Siggy" Meier, who helmed KITTIE's last CD, 2009's "In The Black".

By now, the musical exploits of Scott "Wino" Weinrich are the stuff of legend. THE OBSESSED. SAINT VITUS. SPIRIT CARAVAN. THE HIDDEN HAND. SHRINEBUILDER. After releasing his solo debut in 2009, Wino went acoustic in early 2011 with "Adrift", a gut-wrenchingly personal album written by a man who has survived a lifetime of gut-wrenching scenarios and lived to tell the tales.

Wino's latest project sees him plugged back in — both to his amplifier and the full-band format. Enter PREMONITION 13, a musical entity that finds its genesis in jam sessions dating back two decades, when Wino first met fellow guitarist Jim "Sparky" Karow. "Jim and I have known each other for about 20 years," Wino explains. "His wife was basically the first manager of THE OBSESSED. We played guitars together one day and then we had this really good conversation about magnetism. We realized we had a common love of Mesoamerican stuff and ancient cultures. So we've been jamming together for about 15 or 20 years — just me and him, two guitars, no drums or anything like that."

And so what started as a series of informal jams out at Karow's spread in the high California desert — a place once inhabited by "Brave New World" author and LSD enthusiast Aldous Huxley — eventually became songwriting sessions. After enlisting the talents of OSTINATO drummer Matthew Clark and former MEATJACK bassist Brian Daniloski, they began playing live under the moniker PREMONITION. But a subsequent Internet search turned up quite a few bands with that very name, so Wino proposed a numerical addendum. "13 is one of my favorite numbers," he explains. "It's actually a very positive number, but it's been misconstrued quite a bit throughout history. Friday the 13th is considered bad luck in America, but that's just another fear trip. It's also considered good luck by some esoterically-minded folks because Friday the 13th was the day that Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, was burned at the stake. As he was being burned, he cursed the pope and the king, and they were both dead within a year."

Recorded at RTX guitarist Brian McKinley's unnamed studio in Costa Mesa, California, PREMONITION 13's debut sees Wino venturing into territories both new and familiar. "The band has two guitarists, first off, which I did for the first time in SHRINEBUILDER just a couple of years ago," he explains. "But I've also found that that there's a little bit of humor in this band. There're some tongue-in-cheek lyrical things; it's not quite as serious as some of the other stuff I've done. But at the same time, it is serious: we make some comments on conspiracy, the negative effects of control, and all the stuff one might protest against."

Musically, Wino cites BLACK SABBATH, KING CRIMSON and his previous conspiracy-minded band THE HIDDEN HAND as reference points for PREMONITION 13. He and Karow also make generous use of the E-Bow, a handheld guitar effect that sustains notes in a battery-powered electromagnetic field. "It's still pretty heavy, but it's definitely a departure from other bands I've been in," Wino offers. "I'm just excited for it to get out there so people can hear it."

PREMONITION 13's debut release a two-song seven-inch is available now in a limited 1000-unit pressing as well as being available digitally. The seven-inch features two songs that will not be on the band's full-length release, simply entitled "13", that is set for release on June 21 via Volcom Entertainment.

"13" track listing:

01. B.E.A.U.T.Y.
02. Hard To Say
03. Clay Pigeons
04. Senses
05. La Hechicera de la Jeringa (Prelude)
06. La Hechicera de la Jeringa
07. Deranged Rock N' Roller
08. Modern Man
09. Peyote Road

The song "La Hechicera de la Jeringa" can be downloaded for free at this location.

MariskalRock.com conducted an interview with former HELLOWEEN and current UNISONIC members Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen during their recent promotional tour of Spain. You can now watch the chat in three parts below.

In addition to Kiske and Hansen, UNISONIC features in its ranks Dennis Ward (bass) and Kosta Zafiriou (drums) of Germany's PINK CREAM 69 and Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer (who has previously played with ASIA, GOTTHARD and KROKUS).

The self-titled debut album from UNISONIC will be released on March 30 (nine days earlier in Japan) via earMUSIC/Edel. The effort will be made available in the following configurations:

Europe & rest of the world:

* CD jewel case
* CD limited edition Mediabook format with and extended booklet plus bonus track
* Vinyl and CD package limited edition

Japan:

*CD jewel case
* CD limited-edition digipack plus bonus track (exclusive for Japan)

The cover artwork, which was created by graphic artist Martin Häusler (MEAT LOAF, GOTTHARD, HELLOWEEN, MOTÖRHEAD), can be seen below.

"Unisonic" track listing:

01. Unisonic
02. Souls Alive
03. Never Too Late
04. I've Tried
05. Star Rider
06. Never Change Me
07. Renegade
08. My Sanctuary
09. King For A Day
10. We Rise
11. No One Ever Sees Me
12. Over The Rainbow (limited-edition bonus track)

UNISONIC's video for the song "Unisonic" can be seen below. According to a press release, the clip, which was directed by Häusler, "shows a powerful band performance at a magnificent ballroom in Heidelberg, Germany."

UNISONIC released its debut EP, "Ignition" on January 27 via earMUSIC/Edel. The effort includes the track "Unisonic" plus one demo song and a cover version of the HELLOWEEN classic "I Want Out", recorded live on October 15 at last year's edition of the Loud Park festival at Saitama Super Arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Saitama City, Japan.

After the addition of Hansen to the group's lineup in early 2011, UNISONIC continued the songwriting process for its debut release, incorporating Kai's talent for writing great anthemic rock songs into its existing material. The recordings for the album started at end of September at ICP studios in Brussels, Belgium.

UNISONIC's music is very versatile and shows a broad approach to heavy rock without sacrificing the power and strong, catchy melodies that characterized the bandmembers' previous projects.

Kai Hansen's position in GAMMA RAY will be unaffected by his involvement with UNISONIC.

UNISONIC is:

Michael Kiske (vocals)
Mandy Meyer (guitar)
Kai Hansen (guitar)
Dennis Ward (bass)
Kosta Zafiriou (drums)

Interview:

Legendary American rock guitarist Ronnie Montrose died earlier today (Saturday, March 3) after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. He was 64 years old.

Montrose's official web site has been updated with the following message:

"A few months ago, we held a surprise party for Ronnie Montrose's 64th birthday. He gave an impromptu speech, and told us that after a long life, filled with joy and hardship, he didn't take any of our love for granted.

"He passed today. He'd battled cancer, and staved off old age for long enough. And true to form, he chose his own exit the way he chose his own life. We miss him already, but we're glad to have shared with him while we could."

In a September 2011 interview with North County Times, Montrose revealed that he didn't pick up his guitar for two years following his cancer diagnosis. "I had prostate cancer that, for me, was debilitating," he said. "I didn't touch a guitar for two years, but when I realized I was seeing the light at the end of the recovery tunnel and was going to live pain-free, I realized again that it was a fun little instrument to play."

He added, "I've blocked all my health issues out of my mind. That's a portion of my life that I'm done with. Now, I can't wait for every day to come so I can wake up and plug in. I'm up there entertaining myself and my playing is stronger than ever, because my excitement is back."

Ronnie Montrose always followed his heart. Ever anxious to take his music to the next level, in 1979 he founded the trailblazing band GAMMA, a group whose trio of ahead-of-their-time albums were an explosion of guitar and synthesizer pyrotechnics anchored by a bluesy edge.

Between and beyond these band forays, Montrose the player devoted himself to exploring instrumental guitar music on landmark albums like "Open Fire" and "The Speed Of Sound". Fans periodically clamored for another taste of the original MONTROSE power trio format, but he wouldn't revisit MONTROSE — that huge, heavy sound; those rich, pealing riffs — until the time came when he could do it with total conviction.

Back in October 2011, Montrose was interviewed by Fox News prior to his concert at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City. You can watch the segment below.