Progressive atmospheric death metallers 7 HORNS 7 EYES have released an instrumental version of their single, "Divine Amnesty", for free download via Basick Records.

To download your copy, head over to this location. The track can also be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.


As a band that has never been interested in following the latest musical trend, 7 HORNS 7 EYES has fought the challenge of forging a distinctive musical identity by bringing a fresh sound to a genre that many would argue has gotten stale. Stripped of vocals, the instrumental track is rich with atmosphere and showcases the band's technical proficiency and tasteful restraint.

Guitarist Aaron Smith explains: "We think that 'Divine Amnesty' has a pretty cool flow and identity even without vocals, and want to let people soak it up it in a slightly different way! Hope you guys dig."

"Divine Amnesty" comes off 7 HORNS 7 EYES's debut full-length album, "Throes Of Absolution", which will be released in North America on April 24 via Century Media Records. The CD, which features a guest appearance by guitarist Jeff Loomis (ex-NEVERMORE), has been many months in the making.

The cover artwork for "Throes Of Absolution" was created by Travis Smith of Seempieces (OPETH, DEVIN TOWNSEND) and can be seen below.

A teaser trailer for "Throes Of Absolution" can be seen below.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Divine Amnesty
02. Phumis: The Falsehood of Affliction
03. The Hill Difficulty
04. Cycle of Self
05. Delusions
06. A Finite Grasp of Infinite Disillusion
07. Vindicator
08. The Winnowing
09. Regeneration

7 HORNS 7 EYES previously released a digital single, entitled "Convalescence", which can be purchased on iTunes. In addition to the title track, the single also features two tracks from "Throes Of Absolution" ("Vindicator", "The Winnowing").

"The Moneychangers", the new video from Raleigh, North Carolina legends CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, can be viewed below. (Note: Video stream may not be available to some non-U.S. residents.) The clip was filmed in Raleigh by Charles Cardello and features the band in a storyline that brings the song's lyrics out visually (even Jesus makes an appearance).

A couple of photos from the video shoot can be seen below.

"The Moneychangers" comes off CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's new self-titled album, which is being released today (Tuesday, February 28) in North America via Candlelight Records. The CD was recorded at Dave Grohl's Studio 606 in Northridge, California and was produced by the band in cooperation with longtime collaborator John Custer. It was mixed by John Lousteau (FOO FIGHTERS) and features artwork by Seldon Hunt (MELVINS, HIGH ON FIRE).

"Corrosion Of Conformity" is available on standard CD, deluxe digipak, and two exclusive vinyl formats.

Featuring the esteemed "Animosity" lineup of vocalist/bassist Mike Dean, guitarist Woody Weatherman, and drummer/vocalist Reed Mullin, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's album closes a six-year recording gap and completes over a year of concentrated writing and recording for the band.

"Corrosion Of Conformity" track listing:

01. Psychic Vampire
02. River Of Stone
03. Leeches
04. El Lamento De Las Cabras
05. Your Tomorrow
06. The Doom
07. The Moneychangers
08. Come Not Here
09. What We Become
10. Rat City
11. Time Of Trials
12. Canyon Man (deluxe/vinyl only)
13. The Same Way (deluxe/vinyl only)

Mullin co-founded CORROSION OF CONFORMITY in 1982 as a hardcore punk act alongside Weatherman and Dean before leaving the band in 2001 amidst health concerns.

ALTER BRIDGE will release its new DVD, "Live At Wembley", at the end of March. The disc contains footage of one of the biggest headline shows of ALTER BRIDGE's career, which took place on November 29, 2011 at Wembley Arena in London, England. The 2D version (complete with a live CD) will be released everywhere this month while the 3D version will come out in the summer of 2012. Longtime ALTER BRIDGE director Daniel E Catullo III ("Live From Amsterdam", "One By One", "Isolation", webisodes, etc.) was brought in to direct "Live At Wembley" by The Dude Films, a new production and distribution company with offices in Laguna Beach, California and Maui, Hawaii headed up by "One By One" executive producer Stuart Margolis and executive producer Chris LaBabera. Lionel Pasamonte, who produced the band's last DVD, "Live From Amsterdam", is producing with Catullo.

In a brand new posting on ALTER BRIDGE's official web site, Catullo states about the forthcoming DVD, "The worldwide release is now scheduled for all territories (U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia) for March 26, 2012. The U.S. and Canada moved to be in line with the rest of the world, rather than release on the 27th.

"In the U.S., the DVD will not be available at Target or Walmart. However, Best Buy and all other retailers will be carrying it. We are projecting that most of the retailers will sell out very quickly, as their initial orders are low. Therefore, the only way to guarantee you get your copy during release week is to order from Amazon.com or the EMI store. If you order on Amazon now, not only will you get an additional three bonus audio tracks, your product will be on your doorstep on release day.

"As we get more detailed release information, we will forward it on to you. We still do not have distribution set up in South America or Asia, but are diligently working on it."

ALTER BRIDGE's setlist for the Wembley show was as follows:

01. Slip To The Void
02. Find The Real
03. Ghost Of Days Gone By
04. Before Tomorrow Comes
05. Come To Life
06. All Hope Is Gone
07. White Knuckles
08. Brand New Start
09. Metalingus
10. Broken Wings
11. I Know It Hurts
12. One Day Remains
13. Coeur D'Alene
14. Buried Alive
15. Blackbird
16. Wonderful Life (Acoustic Version)
17. Watch Over You (Acoustic Version)
18. Ties That Bind
19. Isolation

Encore:

20. Open Your Eyes
21. Dueling Guitar Solos - Mark and Myles
22. Rise Today

A preview clip of "Slip To The Void" from "Live At Wembley" can now be seen below.

ALTER BRIDGE drummer Scott Phillips told Stereoboard that it's unlikely fans will hear from the band again until 2013, but that they shouldn't take that as a bad sign. Phillips explained, "We'll certainly be visible [in 2012], but it'll be on various projects and then probably 2013 will be the reunion there of ALTER BRIDGE and we'll diligently get to work on a new record and tour as soon as we can."

ALTER BRIDGE spent much of 2011 on the road behind its last album, "AB III", but 2012 will see singer Myles Kennedy return to work as the lead singer in Slash's band, while the other three members of the group will reunite with vocalist Scott Stapp for a new CREED tour and album.

Phillips said, "Each of us have our own thing. I think we've got a lot of different paths we're heading on in 2012," adding that in addition to working with CREED, guitarist Mark Tremonti is prepping his first solo album for release.

Last fall, ALTER BRIDGE released a special edition of "AB III" featuring three previously unheard songs and an hour-long documentary on the group's career.

"Access Hollywood" caught up with U.S. singer-songwriter, and "American Idol" finalist, Adam Lambert on the red carpet for the 20th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party and asked him about singing with QUEEN at United Kingdom's Sonisphere festival this summer. You can watch the short chat below.

Having last week announced a special one-off U.K. concert performing with Lambert at the Sonisphere festival on July 7, legendary rock band QUEEN has announced it will play an additional earlier date with the singer when QUEEN and Lambert appear at Moscow's Olympic Arena on June 30.

These two shows are the only concerts presently planned for QUEEN and Lambert in 2012.

The potent chemistry between QUEEN and Lambert broke the surface when at the invitation of Brian May and Roger Taylor, Lambert joined them for the closing showcase at the recent MTV Europe Music Awards where QUEEN were present to collect their "Global Icon" award.

During a recent interview with NME.com, Lambert insisted that he is not trying to replace the later Freddie Mercury. He said, "The way I look at it is I'm not trying to imitate or outdo him or compete in any way, that's not even in my mind at all, I think it's really an honor to be asked to sing the music that he and the band wrote and get up there and put on a good show. If people are too busy trying to compare, they're not going to enjoy the music."

Although Lambert did not rule out another collaboration with QUEEN in the future, he insisted that for now the Knebworth show is simply a one-off. He told NME.com, "One of the things [people have said] was, 'He's gonna be the permanent frontman of QUEEN.' And although that would be a beautiful experience, the tricky thing this year for me is I also have my album coming out, 'Trespassing', and that's gonna take a lot of work and time and energy. So it's really a one-off experience with the band, and I'm really excited for it. But I'm not joining the band and touring with them."

QUEENSRŸCHE lead singer Geoff Tate entered the studio yesterday (Wednesday, Febraury 29) to begin recording his second solo album. He says, "I'm very excited about this record and I' ll be sharing a lot more info about it in the weeks to come."

Tate released his first solo album in 2002 on Sanctuary Records. Self-titled, the LP was a huge departure from the work he had previously done with QUEENSRŸCHE.

Geoff played a handful of acoustic solo dates, billed as GEOFF TATE AND FRIENDS, beginning on January 26 at Anthology in San Diego, California. According to Tate, he performed "acoustic renditions of songs from my solo album as well as some of my favorite QUEENSRŸCHE songs."

Professionally filmed, multi-camera video footage of the San Diego concert can be seen below.

In a recent interview with AnthologySD.com, Tate was asked if he is looking into any future solo projects. "I am!" he replied. "I'm actually working on one right now that I hope to have wrapped up pretty soon. This show that I'm doing [on the solo tour] is an acoustic show with some friends of mine who are fantastic acoustic players. We're doing kind of a blend of my last solo album, some QUEENSRŸCHE songs, and we'll toss in some new ones that haven't been released yet. It'll just be a really fun night. Very homey, intimate, we'll probably take requests, things like that."

He added, "For the last couple of years, I've been doing more stuff outside of QUEENSRŸCHE in order to just stretch out. But I'll tell you, even though I've sang shows in front of hundreds of thousands of people and also intimate shows of a few hundred, but whenever I go out to an event or something and someone asks me to sing a song with them, I'm petrified! (Laughs) I don't know much material outside of my own material that I've written, and so if someone asks me to sing 'Danny Boy', I couldn't sing it! Not even if someone offered me a million dollars could I sing that song. So I'm trying to be a bit more versatile and learn more stuff."

According to Billboard.com, LIMP BIZKIT and Lil Wayne will release a new collaborative single, "Ready To Go", next week via LIMP BIZKIT's new label home, Cash Money, Lil Wayne's longtime record company. "It'll be a great way to let the world know that [the band] is a part of us," Cash Money Records co-CEO and founder Bryan "Birdman" Williams told Billboard.com. "It's rock, but it's hip-hop-rock. I think we got that hip-hop-rock swagger."

When LIMP BIZKIT's deal with Cash Money was announced last week, many wondered why the popular rap label would work with a band whose latest album, "Gold Cobra", has sold 69,000 copies in the United States since its June 2011 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. "LIMP BIZKIT, to me, is just a perfect match for us," said Birdman. "It was something that [Durst] was interested in doing, and I was already a fan, and I was like, 'Let's do it.' It's good for the brand, it will bring a different look for us, and we're definitely trying to expand on that side of music."

LIMP BIZKIT last year parted ways with Interscope, the label that released all of the band's records thus far through its subsidiaries Flip, Geffen and Suretone Records.

"As both an artist and someone who has signed artists, I can say without a doubt that Cash Money is at the top of their game," Durst said in a statement. "What attracted me to the label is not only their great taste and hustle, but their belief in their artists and the family atmosphere. Slim and Birdman allow their artists to be themselves and encourage creative output and continued development. I look forward to bringing my vision as a director as well as my voice to the label and to LIMP BIZKIT putting out some of our best music to date. . . This is the most at home, comfortable, and confident I have felt in the business."

"Gold Cobra" was LIMP BIZKIT's first CD to feature the original lineup of Fred Durst (vocals), Wes Borland (guitar), Sam Rivers (bass), John Otto (drums), and DJ Lethal since 2000's "Chocolate Starfish And Hot Dog Flavored Water".

Swedish metallers THE HAUNTED have launched a vocalist search following the departure of longtime frontman Peter Dolving. Serious applicants should send their submissions, including two songs from THE HAUNTED back catalog and a few words to describe themselves, to the e-mail address below. Images and links to performance video clips are much appreciated and will be most valuable in the screening process.

Dolving announced his exit from THE HAUNTED yesterday, writing on his Facebook page, "I have had it. I will NOT answer questions to why. It's no one else's business. I am looking forward to seeing you people at other shows with other projects."

Previously a vocalist for MARY BEATS JANE, Dolving joined THE HAUNTED in 1997 and sang in their debut self-titled album. In 1998, he left the group to concentrate on a band called ZEN-MONKEY but returned in 2003 following the departure of Marco Aro (the vocalist which took over Dolving's spot after Peter's 1998 exit). He has since appeared on the studio albums "Revolver" (2004), "The Dead Eye" (2006), "Versus" (2008) and "Unseen" (2011).

THE HAUNTED's seventh studio CD, "Unseen", sold around 1,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The effort landed at position No. 33 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.

"Unseen" was released on March 29, 2011 via Century Media Records. The CD was once again recorded with longtime producer Tue Madsen (MOONSPELL, DARK TRANQUILLITY, GOREFEST, SICK OF IT ALL) at his Antfarm Studio in Århus, Denmark.

News.com.au recently conducted an interview with SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On receiving odd gifts from fans:

Jordison: "I had a gift given to me from a young lady when I was touring with (ROB) ZOMBIE and I was like, 'OK, well, thank you' and I took it back and I opened it up and it had like a weird smell. But it's not what you think what it was, well, it was definitely odd. I used to work in funeral homes, that was my family's business for a long time, so it didn't spook me too much but I was wondering where this person got this from. [Basically, it was a whole person's arm.] It wasn't like an actual arm, just the bones. It was odd, but hey ..."

On touring the world and releasing four albums while dealing with the ongoing conflict that inevitably comes with a band of nine members:

Jordison: "I think it takes a certain type of person to take on such a vigorous touring schedule especially with a band like SLIPKNOT. We're not like a normal band; there's nine of us, the music is not easy to play, the way we perform with such energy really takes its toll on your body and then you've got masks and coveralls and blowing the stage up every other night on tour it does take a toll."

On the death of SLIPKNOT bassist, founding member and his best friend Paul Gray in 2010:

Jordison: "It's so tragic and it's horrible, but life has to go on and the last thing (Paul) would ever want is for us to throw in the towel. I miss my friend very, very much and no matter what he'll still be on every SLIPKNOT record, spiritually. And we have a lot that we've written together that hasn't seen the light of day yet, some monster riffs. I will miss him forever but you can't sit and wallow and make excuses for not continuing SLIPKNOT."

On SLIPKNOT singer Corey Taylor's ambivalent stance towards making a new album without Gray:

Jordison: "I've been in and out of the studio for about six months now that's on the SLIPKNOT record and also on some solo stuff as well. He (Taylor) does want to keep doing it."

On his solo project:

Jordison: "Yeah, I'm gonna be forming a band in the near future with a lot of the material I've been writing lately. I don't want to release too much but I have been in the studio and I think people will be pretty surprised at what I come up with. It's heavy! But (SLIPKNOT) is all I care about right now. We are one of a kind, for sure. No one will ever be like us."

Read more from News.com.au.

German metal queen Doro Pesch is putting the finishing touches on her new studio album for an October release through her new record label, Nuclear Blast Records. An EP will precede the full-length CD in May/June. She says, "[This] past weekend, I flew over to the U.S. to work on the last couple of songs for my new album. Just some last twists and pulls to be done — after three long years of hard work! But it all paid off in the end." She added, "I am considering having those 12-14 songs being mixed in Scandinavia for the first time. The producers there guarantee a massive, fresh and modern sound."
Doro will embark on a European headlining tour in the fall. The 19-date trek will kick off on November 15 in Kiel, Germany and will wrap on December 9 in Berlin.

The dates are as follows

Nov. 15 - Kiel, Germany - Max
Nov. 16 - Bremen, Germany - Aladin
Nov. 17 - Tilburg, Netherlands - O13
Nov. 18 - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix
Nov. 20 - London, UK - Garage
Nov. 21 - Paris, France - Divan Du Monde
Nov. 23 - Pamplona, Spain - Totem
Nov. 24 - Madrid, Spain - Arena
Nov. 25 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 2
Nov. 27 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
Nov. 28 - Stuttgart, Germany - Longhorn/LKA
Nov. 30 - Memmingen, Germany - Kaminwerk
Dec. 01 - Wien, Austria - Scene
Dec. 02 - Budapest, Hungary - Club 202
Dec. 04 - Prague, Czech Republic - Retro Music Hall
Dec. 06 - Bochum, Germany - Zeche
Dec. 07 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage
Dec. 08 - Vacha, Germany - Vachwerk
Dec. 09 - Berlin, Germany - Huxleys Neue Welt

During a 2011 interview with Metal Kaoz, Pesch was asked about the progress of the songwriting and recording sessions for her next studio album. "I think we have completed 80 percent of the new record and there are some great songs coming up," she replied. "Actually, one song is dedicated to Ronnie James Dio and the working title is 'Hero'. That's a very special song. I was a big Dio fan and I know that there are so many fans out there are missing him so much, so definitely this song will be on the new record. Also they will be some speed metal songs, some anthems songs and, of course, some power ballads."

In conjunction with the Stateside release of the mammoth "25 Years In Rock" 2 DVD/CD set, Doro performed two special shows in New York City on September 9, 2011 and Chicago on September 11, 2011. Both nights included clips from the DVD, limited edition merchandise and an autograph session followed by a performance by the metal queen herself.

Released in Europe in 2010 (also via Nuclear Blast), the epic "25 Years In Rock" two-DVD/CD set includes Doro's 25-year anniversary show in its entirety as well as clips from her 2,500th concert and so much more.

"Fear No Evil", the latest album from Pesch, was made available in North America in June 2009 via AFM/Dismanic/Ryko Distribution.

"Not Supposed To Sing The Blues", the new single from Swedish hard rockers EUROPE, will be released digitally on March 9. The song comes off the band's ninth studio album, "Bag Of Bones", due 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

Commented EUROPE frontman 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!"

In a July 2011 press release, Tempest stated about EUROPE's new CD, "We still feel we have one hell of a rock record to make. Kevin's the man for the job. We love his work with BONAMASSA, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, and BLACK STONE CHERRY. He's the real deal. We're ready to do some serious damage."

Last year, EUROPE met up with Shirley in Stockholm to discuss the direction of the next album. Based on reactions from the fans and media, EUROPE's 2009 album, "Last Look At Eden", proved to be the band's most important record since "The Final Countdown". "I've been a big fan of EUROPE's work for many years," said Shirley. "The band is influential and highly underrated. I can't wait to make the upcoming album their most explosive to date."

The new material suggests a more straightforward rock approach evident in "Doghouse" — a new song EUROPE performed on their most recent U.K. tour (see video below). The song is also featured on EUROPE's "Europe: Live at Shepherd's Bush" DVD, released in August 2011 via earMUSIC CDs and DVDs.

earMUSIC last year released a limited deluxe book with pictures by Denis O'Regan. "Live Look At Eden" features exclusive live audio and the stunning performance at 2010's iTunes Festival in London.

Reactivated Massachusetts hard rockers EXTREME will pay their second album, "Pornograffitti", in its entirety at four shows in Japan in April. The dates are as follows:

April 16 - Tokyo Dome City Hall - Tokyo, Japan
April 17 - Tokyo Dome City Hall - Tokyo, Japan
April 18 - Namba Hatch - Osaka, Japan
April 20 - Shibuya Kokaido - Tokyo Japan

Released in 1990, "Pornograffitti" peaking at No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart and was certified double platinum in the U.S. by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for shipments in excess of two million copies. Two singles from the LP — "More Than Words" and "Hole Hearted" — reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Two other tracks, "Decadence Dance" and "Get The Funk Out", reached the lower half of Billboard's rock chart.

EXTREME's "Take Us Alive" live CD and DVD came out on May 4, 2010 in the U.S. via Frontiers Records.

In 2008, following a 13-year hiatus, EXTREME returned to the stage for its "Take Us Alive" world tour, which encompassed 75 cities and multiple continents in support of the band's new record, "Saudades de Rock".

This recording captures EXTREME at the peak of its game with a renewed enthusiasm led by Gary Cherone's spellbinding stage performance and powerful vocals, Nuno Bettencourt's ferocious guitar, Pat Badger's flawless bass and Kevin Figueiredo's pounding drums and spot-on back-up vocals.

This brilliant performance was recorded on the last night of their tour at the House of Blues on August 8, 2009 in EXTREME's hometown of Boston.

The concert showcases material from all five EXTREME albums and exhibits the band's broad stylistic abilities. Features include a blistering rendition of the LED ZEPPELIN-minded "Comfortably Dumb", the scorching "Play With Me", the funked-up "Cupid's Dead" as well as the anthemic "Get The Funk Out". Songs like EXTREME's #1 hit "More Than Words" and the Top 5 single "Hole Hearted" highlight the crowds enthusiasm and loyal support their fan base has had for this beloved foursome.

Steven Sweet of California hard rockers WARRANT has released a digital EP, "A Cappella", featuring four songs performed by the drummer, involving only his voice and no instruments.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Eleanor Rigby (THE BEATLES cover)
02. End Of The Road (BOYZ II MEN cover)
03. I'll Always Be Near
04. You Are So Beautiful (JOE COCKER cover)

Audio samples of the "A Cappella" tracks can be heard in the YouTube clip below.

Director/editor Tyson Archimedes Montrucchio has already made a number of appropriately schizophrenic videos for grind legends Brutal Truth, but his latest collaboration with the band, for the tracks “Malice” and “Fuck Cancer” from last year’s End Times, may top them all. It’s as druggy, frenzied, political, and disturbing as you’d want a Brutal Truth video to be… which is why we’re only too happy to be debuting it right here on MetalSucks!

"Eyes Wide Open", the new video from Massachusetts rockers STAIND, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's self-titled seventh album, which sold 47,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No, 5 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "The Illusion Of Progress", opened with 92,000 units to debut at No. 3.

STAIND topped the chart with 2001's "Break The Cycle", 2003's "14 Shades Of Grey", and 2005's "Chapter V".

Produced by Johnny K – known for his work with 3 DOORS DOWN, DISTURBED, and SEVENDUST, not to mention his Grammy Award-nominated collaboration with STAIND, 2008's "The Illusion Of Progress" — and mixed by the legendary Chris Lord-Alge, "Staind" stands as STAIND's most intense and powerful work to date.

STAIND guitarist Mike Mushok said in an interview at GuitarWorld.com that making the band's new CD was a "miserable" experience because the band was on a tight deadline. After demoing "17 or 18" songs in December 2010, the group reconvened in January 2011 to begin recording the disc with producer Johnny K. Mushok explained that things starting going wrong at that point, saying, "During the sessions, it was clear Jon [Wysocki, drums] wasn't ready or on the same page, and the motivation wasn't where it needed to be. After thinking long and hard, we decided to do something different and decided to split up and do all the parts separately."

Mushok added, "I worked up at a studio in Springfield and Aaron [Lewis, singer] worked in his barn, and that's how we kind of finished the record. It was the first record we had a deadline with the label. They wanted the finished product by May 1st, so we had to get it done. We thought we weren't going to be able to do it, but we did and turned it in and they accepted it and were happy with it . . . It ended working out, but I would not like to live January to April of this year again. It was miserable."

Even though he was working in his own studio in his barn, Lewis told The Pulse Of Radio that being at home did not make the project any less stressful. "There was so much other mental fatiguing things that were going on," he said. "I mean, I was away from home for most of it anyways, 'cause I was playing solo shows on the weekends, coming home during the week and working until three 'clock in the morning in the studio, and it's definitely the most outwardly stressed out I think I've probably ever been."

STAIND ended up parting ways with Wysocki during the making of the album. A permanent replacement has yet to be named.

"Not Supposed To Sing The Blues", the new single from Swedish hard rockers EUROPE, will be released digitally on March 9. The song comes off the band's ninth studio album, "Bag Of Bones", due 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.

Commented EUROPE frontman 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!"

In a July 2011 press release, Tempest stated about EUROPE's new CD, "We still feel we have one hell of a rock record to make. Kevin's the man for the job. We love his work with BONAMASSA, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, and BLACK STONE CHERRY. He's the real deal. We're ready to do some serious damage."

Last year, EUROPE met up with Shirley in Stockholm to discuss the direction of the next album. Based on reactions from the fans and media, EUROPE's 2009 album, "Last Look At Eden", proved to be the band's most important record since "The Final Countdown". "I've been a big fan of EUROPE's work for many years," said Shirley. "The band is influential and highly underrated. I can't wait to make the upcoming album their most explosive to date."

The new material suggests a more straightforward rock approach evident in "Doghouse" — a new song EUROPE performed on their most recent U.K. tour (see video below). The song is also featured on EUROPE's "Europe: Live at Shepherd's Bush" DVD, released in August 2011 via earMUSIC CDs and DVDs.

earMUSIC last year released a limited deluxe book with pictures by Denis O'Regan. "Live Look At Eden" features exclusive live audio and the stunning performance at 2010's iTunes Festival in London.

The official lyric video for "Someone To Hate", a brand new song from Seattle-based Christian metallers DEMON HUNTER, can be seen below. The track comes off the group's sixth full-length album, "True Defiance", which will arrive on April 10 via Solid State Records.

Produced by Aaron Sprinkle (ANBERLIN, EMERY) and mixed by Jason Suecof (ALL THAT REMAINS, TRIVIUM), "True Defiance" finds DEMON HUNTER continuing in their hard rock evolution while embracing the components that have always formed the backbone of their music: true metal, dark rock and balladry.

With DEMON HUNTER, the album artwork carries just as much of a creative and personal significance as the music. Artwork and imagery have been paramount ever since the now iconic DEMON HUNTER symbol first appeared on t-shirts and stickers in 2002.

The "True Defiance" album art, created by Ryan Clark, frontman and co-owner of Grammy-nominated design firm Invisible Creature with his brother (and former DEMON HUNTER guitarist) Don Clark, and illustrated by Angryblue (KORN, BLEEDING THROUGH, THE ACACIA STRAIN) shows continued commitment to excellence in all facets of the band.

"Anyone that knows DEMON HUNTER understands that the visual element of the band means a great deal to us," explains Ryan Clark. "Every album cover is a challenge, in that it's a re-envisioning of the band's iconic logo. We try, with each record, to make sure that re-envisioning is creative, unique and well-executed. Justin Kamerer is the artist behind the work this time, and I really love how the vision for 'True Defiance' has turned out. His attention to detail and his creative approach to our logo bring a really fresh look to something that's been used in over 100 different ways over the last decade. To me it feels like this is what the DEMON HUNTER logo was always supposed to look like."

On "True Defiance", Grammy-nominated artist Ryan Clark, Tim "Yogi" Watts (drums), Jonathan Dunn (bass) and Patrick Judge (lead guitar) are joined by their longtime friend Jeremiah Scott (guitar), whose credits as a metal musician (THE SHOWDOWN) and producer (LIVING SACRIFICE) are well established. The partnership marks a vital new chapter in the celebrated history of DEMON HUNTER, who are currently marking their 10th year of writing, breaking and erasing the rules of hard rock. Not ones to rest on their laurels, however, the members have created an album that not only lives up to their own lofty standards, but sets a new high-water mark for what DEMON HUNTER is capable of.

"We've been extremely underwhelmed with metal for the last five years or so, and that's been the fuel to create this record," Clark explains. "With an extreme over-saturation of false, fleeting, trend-hopping noise in today's metal scene, we had to make something we've been longing to hear. Something truly meaningful and artistic. Something our fans would love and something that will turn the heads of those who have ignored us for the past decade."

"True Defiance" marks DEMON HUNTER's first outing since 2010's "The World Is A Thorn", which debuted in the Billboard Top 40 and was hailed as the heaviest, fastest, and most aggressive record of the band's career. The album yielded hit videos in "Collapsing", which has racked up 1 million views online, and "LifeWar", which was viewed over 100,000 times in the past month. "The World Is A Thorn" was preceded by "Storm The Gates Of Hell" (2007), "The Triptych" (2005), "Summer of Darkness" (2004), "Demon Hunter" (2002), and the three-disc CD/DVD set "45 Days", which collectively sold half a million copies and garnered airplay on college and specialty radio, Fuse and MTV2's "Headbangers Ball" and earned the band cover features in publications like Revolver and HM.

"True Defiance" track listing:

01. Crucifix
02. God Forsaken
03. My Destiny
04. Wake
05. Tomorrow Never Comes
06. Someone To Hate
07. This I Know
08. Means To An End
09. We Don't Care
10. Resistance
11. Dead Flowers

"This record is without a doubt our most aggressive," says Ryan Clark. "Every DEMON HUNTER record must be a step up from the last. I know that's a goal for every band, but it seldom works that way — especially today, especially in metal. It seems like most bands' prime years are long behind them. I refuse to let that be the case for us."

In other news, DEMON HUNTER has announced a string of European dates with support from DEADLOCK, NIGHTRAGE and INSENSE. The trek will kick off on April 30 in Kouvola, Finland and conclude on May 5 in London, England.

Reunited seminal Swedish hardcore band REFUSED played an unannounced show — its first in 14 years — earlier tonight (Wednesday, February 29) in Umeå, Sweden. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

A short Swedish-language report on the concert is available at SVT Rapport.

REFUSED has confirmed a number of shows on both sides of the Atlantic, including an appearance at this year's Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, to be held for the first time over two consecutive weeks in mid-April.

REFUSED was only together seven years (from 1991 to 1998), but released three full-length albums before calling it quits. Their "The Shape Of Punk To Come" LP is considered one of the best punk albums ever.

The members of REFUSED released a statement in January explaining their decision to reunite by saying, "We never did 'The Shape Of Punk To Come' justice back when it came out; too tangled up in petty internal bickering to really focus on the job. And suddenly there's this possibility to do it like it was intended. We wanna do it over, do it right. For the people who've kept the music alive through the years, but also for our own sakes. We feel that you deserve it and we hope the feeling is mutual."

Two years ago, REFUSED lead singer Dennis Lyxzén told Excite in an interview, "To be in that band is one of those things that half the time I'm sympathetic and understanding towards why people would do it. The other half, it's just such a useless maneuver. It's a defeatist attitude but if your objective is to play music with your friends and have a good time, there's no harm in reuniting your band for a couple of shows. For us, there have always been so many other aspects of what we did, that it always felt like a complete no-no. You can't do that shit. MINOR THREAT never got back together. That's kind of our take on it. With some things, the legend is better than the actual thing."

REFUSED's legacy was chronicled via the "Refused Are Fucking Dead" collection, which featured never-before-seen material and videos. In addition, REFUSED's landmark 1998 album, "The Shape Of Punk To Come", was remixed and remastered in 5.1 surround DVD audio format, and was re-released through Epitaph Records. Also re-released were remastered editions of REFUSED's "Songs To Fan The Flames Of Discontent" and "The EP Compilation" CDs.

Mysterious Swedish buzz band GHOST is now selling its official Dunlop guitar pick set via the group's webshop.

GHOST cult leader "Papa Emeritus" (rumored to be REPUGNANT/SUBVISION's Tobias Forge, who takes the stage in the form of "a satanic pope") and his anonymous ghouls recently teamed up with doom rockers BLOOD CEREMONY and ANCIENT VVISDOM for a two-week trek dubbed the "13 Dates Of Doom" tour that launched on January 18 in New York City and wrapped on February 2 in Los Angeles.

GHOST will support MASTODON and OPETH on a North American tour in April/May.

GHOST is continuing to support its debut album, "Opus Eponymous", which has been called "amazing" by Stereogum and "a primer on the creation of melodic hard rock" by The Big Takeover.

GHOST floored music fans with its first U.S. shows and served notice that it is not only a "band to watch" but will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. In its live review of GHOST's New York City headlining show, the Village Voice called the group's performance "lurching and menacing", saying "GHOST's sound is like heavy metal trapped in a state of suspended animation since 1973."

GHOST's "Opus Eponymous" is a daringly fascinating combination of satanic rock music merged with an almost unthinkable pop sensibility. Enveloped in a shroud of mystery and standing anonymous beneath the painted faces, hoods and robes which their sect demand, the GHOST deliver litanies of pulsating heavy rock and stimulating lyrics which "glorify and glamorize the disgusting and sacrilegious." The music and philosophies of GHOST specifically target "individuals who have a void in their life perhaps caused by some form of emotional trauma or upset" (research suggests these are most likely adolescents); this dearth can then be alluringly filled by GHOST's music and philosophies.

HELL'S DOMAIN, the Danish thrash metal band featuring former members of HATESPEHERE, KOLDBORN, EXMORTEM and ARTILLERY, is currently wrapping up the songwriting for its as-yet-untitled debut album. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Hangman's Fracture", "Dead Civilization", "The Walls Come Tumblin' Down" and "The Needle And The Vein".

In other news, HELL'S DOMAIN will play its second concert on May 12 in their hometown Aarhus supporting veteran death 'n' rollers ENTOMBED.

HELL'S DOMAIN was formed by guitarist Bjørn Bihlet (ex-KOLDBORN, BOIL) and bassist Lars Knudsen (ex-CRIONIC) in 2007 with the intention of churning out some catchy Bay Area-inspired thrash metal. Soon joined by Anders Gyldenøhr (ex-HATESPHERE, ARTILLERY) on drums and Alex Clausen (MONSTAH) on vocals, the band completed its lineup in 2011 with the addition of former EXMORTEM axeman Andreas Schubert.

HELL'S DOMAIN released a three-song demo in 2011. The effort can be streamed at the band's Facebook page.

HELL'S DOMAIN 2012 is:

* Alex Clausen (ex-GROPE, MONSTAH) - Vocals
* Bjørn Bihlet (ex-KOLDBORN, HORNED ALMIGHTY) - Guitar
* Andreas Schubert (ex-EXMORTEM) - Guitar
* Lars Knudsen (ex-CRIONIC) - Bass
* Anders Gyldenøhr (ex-HATESPHERE, ARTILLERY, GROPE) - Drums

Former NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis has released a guitar playthrough video for the track "The Ultimatum". Featuring guest soloist Tony MacAlpine, "The Ultimatum" is the first track to be revealed from Loomis' forthcoming second solo album, "Plains Of Oblivion", which is scheduled for release on April 10 in North America (one day earlier in Europe) via Century Media Records. The CD was produced by Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES) and features cover artwork by Colin Marks of Rain Song Design, who has previously worked with ALL SHALL PERISH, THE END and XERATH.

"Plains Of Oblivion" track listing:

01. Mercurial (feat. Marty Friedman)
02. The Ultimatum (feat. Tony MacAlpine)
03. Escape Velocity
04. Tragedy And Harmony (feat. Christine Rhoades)
05. Requiem For The Living (feat. Attila Voros)
06. Continuum Drift (feat. Chris Poland)
07. Surrender (feat. Ihsahn)
08. Chosen Time (feat. Christine Rhoades)
09. Rapture
10. Sibylline Origin

Pre-orders for "Plains Of Oblivion" have just launched and are now available exclusively through CMDistro. A limited supply of pre-order packages including a CD, t-shirt and guitar pick are available for $22 and can be purchased here.

Loomis has been added to the 24-date, coast-to-coast U.S. tour with PROTEST THE HERO, PERIPHERY, THE SAFETY FIRE and TODAY I CAUGHT THE PLAGUE.

Jeff has revealed the quality players he's enlisted to accompany him on the stage:

* Joe Nurre (SHADED ENMITY) - Guitar
* Gregory Macklin (SYSTEM DIVIDE, ORDINANCE) - Bass
* Anup Sastry (INTERVALS, SKYHARBOR) - Drums

After Jeff's departure from NEVERMORE and the release of his solo debut — 2008's "Zero Order Phase" — fans have been craving a new album. With a number of influential musicians appearing on the upcoming release, Loomis is more than ready to deliver.

Jeff was the lead guitar player and main songwriter of NEVERMORE, a band that has certainly made its mark on modern music by forging a unique sound that fuses different forms of metal that has given birth to an authentic and very influential style. His solo CD, "Zero Order Phase", took the #4 spot in a April 2009 Guitar World magazine's readers' poll in the "Best Shred Album Of The Year" category — a notable accomplishment when you consider the top three vote-getters, Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani. Jeff has become one of his generation's most recognizable guitarists and the source of many of the last decade's best riffs.

Jeff's complex shredding has been a central part of the progressive power guitar scene since 1992 and is responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring riffs modern metal has ever heard. Nearly every aspiring musician who has been listening to metal for the past 10 years or so has undoubtedly had the pleasure of hearing Jeff Loomis' progressive and technically superior playing.

Loomis' first solo album, "Zero Order Phase", was released in September 2008 through Century Media Records.

Long-defunct Finnish old-school death metallers CONVULSE have announced plans to reunite for at least two festival appearances in their home country this summer: July 27 at Tuhdimmat Tahditin in Nokia and August 11 at Jalometalli in Oulu.

Formed in 1988 under the name S.D.S., CONVULSE's first release was the "Resuscitation Of Evilness" demo cassette in 1990. The success of the demo led to a deal with the French record label Thrash Records, which released the band's first full-length album, "World Without God". A CD-single, "Lost Equilibrium", followed in 1993 via Relapse Records, after which CONVULSE prepared to record its second album, "Reflections". The group travelled to Sunlight Studios in Sweden and laid down the effort in a one-week period. The following year (1993) was dedicated to CONVULSE members performing their mandatory military service in Finland, which delayed the release of "Reflections" until the summer of 1994 (also through Relapse). An attempt to regroup in support of the CD ended "with poor results," and after serious discussions, a decision was made to put CONVULSE to rest.

CONVULSE 2012 is:

Rami Jämsä: Guitar, Growls
Juha Telenius: Bass
Kristian Kangasniemi: Guitar
Rolle Markos: Drums

"Nonus Sacramentvm - Obsidium", a brand new song from Belgian black metallers ENTHRONED, can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below. The track comes off the band's new album, "Obsidium", which will be released on March 20 in Europe and on April 10 in North America via Agonia Records.

"Obsidium" track listing:

01. Sepulchred Within Opaque Slumber
02. Nonus Sacramentvm - Obsidium
03. Horns Alfame
04. Deathmoor
05. Oblivious Shades
06. The Final Architect
07. Petraolevm Salvia
08. Oracle ov Void
09. Thy Blight Vacuum

The cover artwork, which was created by Olve J. W.l., can be seen below.

According to a press release, "'Obsidium' is an incantation of new wisdom strengthened by 19 years of controlled fury. In terms of improvement, the band has decided not to manifold their recent effort ('Pentagrammaton', out in 2010), but to explore the unique black metal gemstone further down the line, polishing it to its grim, deep and fierce colorus. Seeking new grounds and holding to their twisted vision, ENTHRONED managed to combine an impressive legacy with insane vocals, speed granted energy, melody and dark yet swift background."

As previously reported, ENTHRONED's touring guitarist Tzelmoth has quit playing and performing in order to focus on his private life.

ENTHRONED released its eighth album, "Pentagrammaton", on March 22, 2010 via Regain Records.

ENTHRONED in 2010 parted ways with Nguaroth (guitar) and Ahephaim (drums) and replaced them with Neraath and Garghuf (ex-GORGOROTH), respectively.

ENTHRONED is:

Nornagest - Vocals, Guitar
Neraath - Guitar, Effects
Phorgath - Bass, Vocals
Garghuf - Drums
Noens - Live Guitar

Multi-national heavy metal act RAVEN LORD has announced the addition of former BLAZE BAYLEY drummer Lawrence "Larry" Paterson (BLAZE BAYLEY, CHOKEHOLD, SINOCENCE, ARBITRATER) to the group's ranks.

Commented the band: "Larry lives in U.K. and comes with tour experience. Larry will be handling the drum duties and completes RAVEN LORD's lineup."

Preliminary work on a new RAVEN LORD album has already begun, with various songs at different stages of completion. Two new songs — "End Of World" and "Saints & Sinners" — can be heard at this location.

RAVEN LORD is:

* Csaba Zvekan (KILLING MACHINE, SARDONYX, EMERGENCY) – Vocals
* Stefan Lindholm (VINDICTIV) – Lead Guitar
* Julian Barrett (TARJA TURUNEN, BARILARI, LORIHEN) – Lead, Rhythm Guitar
* Jamie Mallender (TONY MARTIN) – Bass
* Lawrence "Larry" Paterson (BLAZE BAYLEY, STUKA SQUADRON, SINOCENCE) – Drums

Unashamedly wearing their heavy metal roots on their leather studded sleeves, RAVEN LORD combine the classic metal feel of the past with a modern edge of the present. Thunderous bass lines, pounding drums with razor sharp riffs blend with distinct heavy, melodic vocals to create powerful and memorable songs. The music that RAVEN LORD brings to you simply stuns — no pretensions — just hell of a metal entertainment.

With the album in the pipeline, the band is already attracting attention from labels and heavyweight producers who are all eager to get involved. RAVEN LORD are priming themselves to deliver the most metallic carnage across the globe.