French power metallers NIGHTMARE have unveiled the cover artwork for their new album, "The Burden Of God" (formerly "Mercury Rain"), to be released on May 18 through AFM Records. The CD was recorded at the Peek studios in the south of France with producer Patrick Liotard.

Commented NIGHTMARE singer Jo Amore: "We entered the studio on Friday [January] 13th, which is surely a sign for such an album that will be the most accomplished of our whole career.

"Everything is going great so far.

"We will surprise many people, I can confirm...

"We will be in the studio until end of February with Patrick, our producer and friend...

"We are really excited about what we did so far and we can already say that this new album will be a total blast!"

"One Night Of Insurrection", the first-ever live DVD/CD from NIGHTMARE, was released in February 2011 via AFM Records. The set was filmed/recorded in Grenoble, France and contains NIGHTMARE's special 30th-anniversary show, including guest appearances by the band's former members. Also included us footage of NIGHTMARE's performance at Summerblast in Israel.

"Insurrection", the seventh album from NIGHTMARE, was released on September 11, 2009 via Germany's AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Peek studio in France with Patrick Liotard and at U3multimedia and Indiscreet Studios in Stuttgart, Germany with Achim Köhler (PRIMAL FEAR, EDGUY, MASTERPLAN). The follow-up to 2007's "Genetic Disorder" contains nine tracks, including a two-part concept song.

The "Insurrection" cover art was created by Swedish artist Pär Olofsson who previously worked on "Genetic Disorder". Special guest vocalist on the album is Fabrice Emmanuelsson from ELLIPSIS.

NIGHTMARE is:

Jo Amore - Vocals
Franck Milleliri - Guitar
Yves Campion - Bass
David Amore - Drums

Escape Music has set a March 23 release date for PHENOMENA's "Awakening".

People should learn to expect a little awe and mystery. PHENOMENA take us upon a journey where there is nothing pretty about the protagonists of the story that we shall meet along the way. The subject is good against evil.

The story began in the year 1983, when Tom Galley wrote a couple of short stories with a transcendental background. Backed by record label Bronze, the recordings for the album "Phenomena" started soon which finally hit the stores in 1985. Besides the extra-ordinary concept story both musicianship and the names involved with the project are highlights to mention. Names such as Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH), drum legend Cozy Powell (RAINBOW, WHITESNAKE), Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE), Neil Murray (WHITESNAKE) — the elite of the British hard rock scene — had joined the project. "Phenomena" received high critical acclaim in the press and extremely good sales.

The second PHENOMENA album, "Phenomena II - Dream Runner", was released in 1987 and was welcomed with a similarly warm response. The musicians around the Galley brothers had changed slightly, so that this album in the end featured contributions from Ray Gillen (BADLANDS, BLACK SABBATH), John Wetton (ASIA), Scott Gorham (THIN LIZZY) and Max Bacon (GTR), amongst others.

With new label Parachute involved, in 1991 the time was right for "final part" of the conceptional story; "Phenomena III - Inner Visions". Besides Brian May (QUEEN) and Keith Murrell (AIRRACE), you'll here also find performances by Michael Sturgis (A-HA) and Scott Gorham (THIN LIZZY). "The Complete Works" were released in a triple fold-out digipack by Escape Music.

However, the PHENOMENA concept continued in 2006 under the banner "PsychoFantasy", which strictly follows the traditions of its three predecessors. Besides the concept story background, you will once again will find a whole bunch of amazing artists performing on this record: Tony Martin (BLACK SABBATH), Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE), Keith Murrell (MAMA'S BOYS) and Mel Galley (WHITESNAKE, TRAPEZE).

In September 2010 a new chapter began with a whole host of musicians, and "Blind Faith" was born to explosive effect. With new vocalists like Robin Beck, Terry Brock (STRANGEWAYS) and Rob Moratti (SAGA), a whole new world was unveiled and the concept became so fresh again. The rock audience once more were thrilled to hear the latest in this timeless story.

In 2012 we will all hear the new album "Awakening", an album chock-full of new ideas and featuring James Christian (HOUSE OF LORDS), Lee Small (SHY) and Toby Hitchcock (PRIDE OF LIONS) as well as familiar faces like Rob Moratti, Terry Brock and Mike DiMeo. Powerful songs executed by some of the finest rock musicians make this a hugely enjoyable album and it boasts a fine production from Tom Galley and Martin Kronlund. Here you will find straight-ahead rockers with powerful melodies along with up-tempo ballads and beautiful choruses.

* Mat Sinner (SINNER, PRIMAL FEAR)
* Toby Hitchcock (PRIDE OF LIONS)
* Terry Brock (STRANGEWAYS)
* James Christian (HOUSE OF LORDS)
* Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR)
* Lee Small (SHY)
* Mike DiMeo (RIOT, MASTERPLAN)
* Mike Slamer (STEELHOUSE LANE)
* Rob Moratti (ex-SAGA)

"Awakening" track listing:

01. Smash It Up
02. Reality
03. Homeland
04. Going Away
05. Gotta Move
06. How Long
07. Shake
08. Fighter
09. Dancing Days
10. Stand Up For Love

For more information, go to this location.

NoiseArt Records and Rock The Nation booking have announced the signing of the Hungarian heavy metal band WISDOM.

Commented the group: "WISDOM was formed in 2001 with no real plan or purpose. We threw together a few covers, and soon after our first songs were composed. As we made up our name and kept on writing songs, our goals were also becoming clear. We created Wiseman, whose story continues on our every album, and may raise interesting thoughts in those examining it. We aspire to this especially. Nomen est omen, one could say. Now we are happy to announce the signing with NoiseArt and Rock The Nation; they promised worldwide fame, money and a lot of pretty girls; we were unable to withstand the temptation. Therefore you'll get a cool heavy/power album in August entitled 'Judas' and powerful concerts all over the world. Wiseman is alive and stronger than ever!"

"Judas" will be released on August 24 and will include an exclusive bonus track, taken from the WISDOM EP "At The Gates".

"Judas" track listing:

01. Fallin' Away From Grace
02. Somewhere Alone
03. Age Of Lies
04. Live Forevermore
05. Wander The World
06. Heaven And Hell
07. Silent Hill
08. At The Gates
09. The Prodigal Son
10. Judas
11. All Alone (bonus track)

WISDOM is:

Gábor Nagy - Vocals
Gábor Kovács - Guitar
Zsolt Galambos - Guitar
Máté Molnár - Bass
Balázs Ágota – Drums

FULLFORCE — the Swedish melodic metal outfit featuring Mike Andersson (CLOUDSCAPE, SILENT MEMORIAL, PLANET ALLIANCE) on vocals, Stefan Elmgren (HAMMERFALL) on guitar, Anders Johansson (HAMMERFALL, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on drums and Tommy Larsson (HEED) on bass — has parted ways with guitarist Carl-Johan Grimmark (NARNIA) "due to some changes in [Grimmark's] life situation which he had to put priority to."

During the last few months, FULLFORCE has been focusing on writing the songs for its second album and also searching for the best possible replacement for Carl-Johan, both musically and personally. Finally the search is over and FULLFORCE has introduced guitar ace Stefan Rosqvist (ex-DAWN OF OBLIVION, LALE LARSSON).

Commented FULLFORCE: "Stefan Rosqvist is a very talented, versatile guitarist and musician and the band is really excited to have him onboard."

FULLFORCE has almost finished the songwriting for its as-yet-untitled second album and is planning to enter the recording studio during the summer.

Check out the YouTube clip below to listen to a short clip where Stefan Rosqvist plays a guitar solo on a solo part intended for the new album (pre-production).

FULLFORCE's debut album, "One", was released in June 2011 via SPV/Steamhammer.

The band describes its music as "a genuine blend of traditional, catchy heavy metal [and] more updated melodic metal with some ethnic touches which will make them a standout within the genre."

For more information, visit www.fullforce.se.

Das neue JOB FOR A COWBOY Album mit dem Titel "Demonocracy" kommt am 10. April 2012 via Metal Blade Records in den Handel. Aufgenommen wurde das Album mit Produzent Jason Suecof (August Burns Red, Trivium)!

"Demonocracy" Track List:

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

BLACKGATES — the new East San Francisco Bay Area/New York metal outfit featuring former ANTHRAX singer Dan Nelson, drummer Paul Bostaph (ex-TESTAMENT, EXODUS, SLAYER, FORBIDDEN) and guitarist Jeremy Epp (THE VENTING MACHINE) — has parted ways with bassist Uriah Duffy (ex-WHITESNAKE) and has replaced him with Luis Barillas (THE VENTING MACHINE).

Commented Bostaph: "Luis is a veteran of the Bay Area metal scene and a welcome addition to the band." Von Epp added, "[Barillas has] got that Steve Harris/Geezer Butler vibe on the bass which fits perfect with what were doing, not to mention that he's a solid dude." Nelson stated, "Luis is an amazing bassist and a perfect fit for the BLACKGATES sound. He's a true bro who you know from day one will have your back in the trenches."

BLACKGATES recently entered the studio to begin work on its debut album.

Bostaph previously stated about BLACKGATES's musical direction, "Our sound is drawn from all of our influences. Mostly, we don't want to be a thrash metal band, although we draw from that genre as well. There is something in our music for everyone. Heavy grooves, good hooks and Dan's killer pipes. I think we have an independent sound that will stand on its own." Nelson added, "It's thrashy and heavy, so it will appeal to ANTHRAX and TESTAMENT fans. But has the groove and brutality of PANTERA, and is also very melodic. The guitarist is a kid from the Bay Area named Jeremy Epp, who's an unknown, but sensational. People are gonna love him."

BLACKGATES last year finished mastering its first demo, which the band recorded in the San Francisco Bay Area with producer Tim Narducci (SYSTEMATIC, SPIRALARMS).

BLACKGATES is:

* Dan Nelson (ANTHRAX): Vocals/guitar
* Paul Bostaph (TESTAMENT, SLAYER, FORBIDDEN, EXODUS): Drums
* Luis Barillas (THE VENTING MACHINE): Bass
* Jeremy Von Epp (THE VENTING MACHINE): Guitar/Vocals

Die griechischen Melodic Metaller FIREWIND um Gitarre-Zauberer und Ozzy Osbourne Band-Member Gus G. haben kürzlich die Arbeit an ihrem neuesten Studioalbum „Few Against Many“ abgeschlossen. Abgemischt wurde das Ganze von Jason Suecof & Eyal Levi in den Audiohammer Studios (Trivium, All That Remains, Death Angel, usw.) in Orlando/Florida und die Band freut sich sehr, ankündigen zu können, dass „Few Against Many“ am 18. Mai 2012 via Century Media in Deutschland/Österreich/Schweiz veröffentlicht wird.

FIREWIND haben außerdem soeben für August Shows in China und Taiwan bestätigt, also meldete sich Bandleader Gus G. Mit einem kurzen
Band-Update:

„Wow, China und Taiwan! Wir freuen uns wirklich sehr diese Länder bald zu besuchen! Das neue Album haben wir nun auch fertig gemixt und es klingt einfach fantastisch! Wir können es kaum erwarten, dass ihr dieses neue Monster endlich zu hören bekommt…“

In Kürze werden noch mehr Konzerte und Tour Pläne für 2012 zum neuen Album bekannt gegeben, aber hier sind schon mal die bisher bestätigten nächsten FIREWIND Shows:

Der Multi-Instrumentalist Arjen Lucassen hat ein Video zur Veröffentlichung des Cover Artworks seines kommenden Konzeptalbums "Lost In The New Real" ausgearbeitet. Die Platte wird in G/S/A am 20. April 2012 (in Europa am 23. April 2012) via InsideOutMusic erscheinen.

Zusammen mit Coverdesigner Claudio Bergami kreierte Arjen das Artwork des Konzeptalbums und erklärt dieses in seinem Video näher.

SPECTRUM ROAD, the new quartet featuring Jack Bruce (CREAM), Vernon Reid (LIVING COLOUR), John Medeski (MEDESKI, MARTIN AND WOOD) and Cindy Blackman-Santana (LENNY KRAVITZ, SANTANA), will release its self-titled debut album on June 5 via Palmetto Records. The band will promote the CD with an appearnace at the 2012 edition of the Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival on June 9 on a beautiful 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee, 60 miles south of Nashville.

SPECTRUM ROAD emerged from a discussion between Vernon Reid and Jack Bruce when Vernon was touring and recording with Jack around 2003. They bonded over how much they admired the groundbreaking music of THE TONY WILLIAMS LIFETIME, in particular second edition of that seminal band in which Jack participated with Larry Young and John McLaughlin and recorded the classic album "Turn It Over" in 1970. Vernon suggested using John Medeski on keyboards and Tony Williams acolyte Cindy Blackman on drums. This band premiered in December 2008 at the Blue Note in Tokyo. The 2011 shows were the first time the band has played in the United States.

SPECTRUM ROAD is:

Vernon Reid (LIVING COLOUR) - Guitar
Jack Bruce (CREAM) - Bass, Vocals
Cindy Blackman-Santana (LENNY KRAVITZ, SANTANA) - Drums, Vocals
John Medeski (MEDESKI, MARTIN AND WOOD) - Piano, Keyboards

For more information, go to this location.

"Look Inside Your Heart", the new video from the legendary hard rock singer Jeff Scott Soto (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TALISMAN, JOURNEY), can be seen below. The song comes off Soto's new solo album, "Damage Control", which will be released on March 23 in Europe and March 27 in North America via Frontiers Records.

An extraordinary performer and amazing vocalist, Jeff Scott Soto blasts through these hard-rocking tracks with energy and masters the transition smoothly from heavy rock to a delicate ballad.

For "Damage Control", Jeff has turned to many of his past influences and most requested aspects of his career by blending the art of melodic rock with hard rock.

"I feel 'Damage Control' is more of a return to what my fans would expect to hear from me," says Jeff. "It's a perfect blend of my first two solo albums with Frontiers Records — 'Prism' and 'Lost In The Translation' — but also mixes in some of my favorite moments of my past bands such as TALISMAN and SOUL SIRKUS. It is heavy, AOR, hard rock with loads of great riffs and melodies."

"Damage Control" was recorded in the fall of 2011 and features appearances and writing contributions by Jeff's former and current bandmates, along with many guests, including Jamie Borger and Nalley Påhlsson (TREAT), Casey Grillo (KAMELOT), Joel Hoekstra (NIGHT RANGER) and legendary Y&T founding member Dave Meniketti. Jeff states, "Y&T drummer Mike Vanderhule played drums on a track and suggested I bring Dave on but, as he is a long time friend and one on the 'wish list' of people I would have loved to have, I didn't want to get an excuse that he was too busy or not interested, to my surprise I got neither... he was willing to do it and I was not only grateful but beyond pleased to work with another musical hero!"

"Damage Control" will be released in two exclusive configurations; the basic version in CD jewel box will include 11 songs, while the deluxe edition in digipak format has an additional three bonus tracks and a DVD.

CD:

01. Give A Little More
02. Damage Control
03. Look Inside Your Heart
04. Die A Little
05. Take U Down*
06. If I Never Let Her Go
07. Tears That I Cry
08. BonaFide
09. Elena*
10. Krazy World
11. How To Love Again
12. AfterWorld
13. NeverEnding War
14. Afraid To Die*

* Bonus tracks only available on the Deluxe Edition.

DVD:

* Look Inside Your Heart (videoclip)
* NeverEnding War (videoclip)
* Damage Control (videoclip)
* EPK interview

Jeff Scott Soto is currently planning tour dates that will support the release of the new record. "The plan is to do as much touring as possible wherever the world will have me," he says. "I plan to promote this album with a proper touring regiment!"

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

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

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

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

'I'm so proud of this record; I've put more time into this release than any other!" John 5 said. "It's half acoustic and the other half electric with a tribute to Michael Jackson and Eddie Van Halen with 'Beat It'. The DVD shows me actually recording the songs as well as behind the scenes of a 'day in the life' of John 5! This album will take you on a musical journey designed to show more diversity in my playing than in the past."

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

John 5 doesn't just play the guitar. His instrument is an extension of his soul and through it, his music has become the Frankenstein birth penetrating the ear drums of fans and admirers worldwide. His impressive resume has seen him work with some of the most renowned musicians in the industry (Rob Halford, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, to name a few), and has cemented his name into the annals of rock history.

John 5 continues to branch out, coupling his solo career with his work in Rob Zombie. His five previous solo albums, up to his 2010 release, "The Art Of Malice", broke new molds in solo instrumentalist work. John 5 also continues to work with other artists, including LYNYRD SKYNYRD and Rod Stewart.

SOEN — the project featuring Swedish drummer Martin Lopez (ex-OPETH, AMON AMARTH), bassist Steve DiGiorgio (SADUS, TESTAMENT, DEATH, ICED EARTH), vocalist Joel Ekelöf (WILLOWTREE), and guitarist Kim Platbarzdis — filmed a video for an acoustic version of the song "Ideate" last week in Finland with the Offtherecord.fi. You can now watch the clip below. The band states, "We cannot give enough cred to the guys at Offtherecord for the non-profitable job they are doing in the name of love for music!"

SOEN's debut album, "Cognitive", was released on February 15 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was mixed by the Grammy Award-winning Canadian producer David Bottrill, who has previously worked with PETER GABRIEL, TOOL, SMASHING PUMPKINS and MUSE.

"Cognitive" track listing:

01. Fraktal
02. Fraccions
03. Delenda
04. Last Light
05. Oscillation
06. Canvas
07. Ideate
08. Purpose
09. Slithering
10. Savia
11. Writhen (bonus track)

The "Savia" video can be seen below. The clip was helmed by director Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.

SOEN's music is described in a press release as "a unique mix of melodic and rhythmic exprementation."

"Ideate" (acoustic version):

British heavy metal legends SAXON performed their classic "Denim And Leather" album in its entirety at last year's edition of the Sweden Rock Festival, which was held June 8-11, 2011 in Sölvesborg, and now you can enjoy it, too. The concert will air on the Swedish radio station Sveriges Radio P4 on Saturday, March 3 between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. CET. The broadcast will be available for streaming via the Internet for 30 days at this location.

SAXON has commenced the songwriting sessions for the follow-up to last year's "Call To Arms". Drummer Nigel Glockler wrote on his Facebook page, "Expecting Quinny [Paul Quinn; guitar] down this week, so he, Doug [Scarratt; guitar] and myself will be in the home studio working on songs for the next album before the whole band meet up again in March. The plan (at the moment) is to have the album written by May, then studio between festivals this summer. We are hoping for a January 2013 release, but as you know, things are always subject to change."

SAXON will release "Saxon - Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken", the no-fat-no-bullshit-100%-pure CD/DVD featuring DVD highlights from the band's Wacken shows in 2004, 2007 and 2009 comprising thirty songs, plus a live CD from Glasgow in 2011. Each set captures the Barnsley-bred British heavy metal legends delivering classic after classic, from "Denim & Leather" to "Metalhead" to "Heavy Metal Thunder" to "Princess Of The Night" to "Crusader" in front of 75,000-pluds loyal, ravenous fans, who have come to expect (and receive) the levels of performance SAXON have been delivering for 32 years.

"Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken" is available in a variety of formats, including the Golden Ticket D2C/Direct To Consumer Box.

Strictly limited, this exclusive package contains the "Best Of Wacken" DVD, plus the full and complete SAXON Wacken Open Air performances from 2004/2007/2009 each on a separate DVD, plus a SAXON flag.

Release dates:

April 23 - U.K.
April 20 - Rest Of Europe
May 22 - North America

"Call To Arms" sold around 700 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD debuted at No. 51 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 digipack version of "Call To Arms" includes a glorious bonus — a free seven-track CD, "Live At Donington 1980".

Dutch female-fronted black-death metal band EDGE OF SERENITY will release a new single this spring. The effort will mark the recording debut of the group's new vocalist Nanette V. and will include a guest appearance by Swedish drummer Adrian Erlandsson (PARADISE LOST, AT THE GATES, NEMHAIN, VALLENFYRE, ex-CRADLE OF FILTH).

EDGE OF SERENITY decided at the end of last year to continue as a female-fronted metal band with a darker and sinister sound. Founding member Wietze Halma states, "As I always say, writing music is like living your life — it changes once in a while, and so at this moment, I just have the feeling of writing more darker songs than I did before. And I think with this sound I have found, we will continue, as it's not as friendly as the tracks on our debut album, 'The Chaos Theory', it gives me a more satisfying feeling overall."

EDGE OF SERENITY has finished several new tracks for an upcoming release, which will contain more special guest appearances.

The band's debut album, "The Chaos Theory", came out in May 2009 through Romulus X Records.

"House Of The Setting Sun", the new video from Swedish metallers LAKE Of TEARS, can be viewed below. The clip features live footage filmed during the shows in Beijing, Shengyang, Dalian and Shanghai on the "Xoundforce China" tour in January 2012. The song comes off the band's latest album, "Illwill", which was released in April 2011 via AFM Records. It was made available on CD, limited-edition digipak and limited 180-gram vinyl (with different cover artwork).

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Floating In Darkness
02. Illwill
03. The Hating
04. U.N.S.A.N.E.
05. House Of The Setting Sun
06. Behind The Green Door
07. Parasites
08. Out Of Control
09. Taste Of Hell
10. Midnight Madness
11. As Daylight Yields (live) *
11. Demon You/Lily Anne (live) *
11. Crazyman (live) *

* Digipak bonus tracks

Check out the cover artwork below.

LAKE OF TEARS' previous album, "Moons and Mushrooms", was released in April 2007 via Dockyard 1.

Bay Area Backstage has uploaded multi-camera video footage of TESTAMENT's February 19 performance at The Avalon in Santa Clara, California. Check it out below.

In a recent interview with Decibel magazine, TESTAMENT frontman Chuck Billy stated about the band's forthcoming album, "The Dark Roots Of Earth" — which is tentatively due on April 27 via Nuclear Blast Records — "We [recorded] it at our place in Oakland and at Trident Studios and Andy [Sneap, producer] came out and did all the recordings with us — as much as he could — and then we finished off some vocals and guitars at Trident studios. I think over the years Andy really knows the sound of this band, and kinda knows what we want. We've mixed stuff with Andy, so I think he knows without has having to be there physically with him what we are looking for. And I just haven't heard anybody in metal come out with any better mixes! Honesty!"

Regarding some of the songs that will appear on "The Dark Roots Of Earth", Billy said, "Well, there's a song called 'Native Blood', which is basically a song about my Native heritage. It's almost like a protest song, that the Native Americans have a voice that needs to be heard — that's the chorus of the song. There's another called 'True American Hate', which was kinds inspired by when we sent all our troops overseas there, and we were just seeing in the news when all that was going on a lot of young kids, under 10 years old, out there with their families burning American flags. And that was a pretty shocking thing to see, to see that generation, a kid that young being taught to hate that much. It makes you think what's going to happen, 10 to 15 years from now when the majority of these kids have just been raised to hate? It struck me as a little odd. There's a song called 'Cold Embrace', which we kinda hoped we'd be able to pitch the song into one of the 'Twilight' series movies; it's a song about a girl becoming a vampire and never being able to see the sun again. 'The Dark Roots Of Earth' is kind of a play on the band we have together, just like a metaphor, like TESTAMENT is a tree and all of us in this group are really embedded in the planet, in the earth, the environment and our surroundings. It was kind of a play on that. 'Rise Up For War' is more of a war song, like your preparing yourself for war, going into battle. There is a lot of cool stuff there."

Due to a "serious injury," TESTAMENT drummer Paul Bostaph was unable to take part in the recording sessions for the CD and was replaced by Gene "The Atomic Clock" Hoglan (DARK ANGEL, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FEAR FACTORY, DETHKLOK). Bostaph has since announced his departure from the group.

When asked if Hoglan — who is currently touring with TESTAMENT — will become a permanent member of the band, Billy told Horns Up Rocks!, "We'd like him to be, but I think right now we're just taking it tour by tour. We don't know yet. We just kind of unexpected had to do this tour before the record came out, so we haven't really thought about it yet."

Regarding how different it is playing with Gene compared to working with Bostaph, Chuck said, "We played with Gene before on our 'Demonic' record [1997], so we knew exactly what Gene was capable of and what he would bring to the table. We knew that it would definitely bring a different style of drumming, 'cause Gene's a different player than Paul. I think it just worked out. Eric [Peterson, TESTAMENT guitarist] had a lot of the [basic drum patterns] already done [for the new album], and Gene just had to kind of put his style on it."

"Inner World", the new video from Italian female-fronted metallers MY BLACK LIGHT, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's debut album, "Human Maze", which was released last year via Germany's Massacre Records.

MY BLACK LIGHT was formed in 2008 by keyboardist/vocalist Rodolfo Coda Bertetto and singer Monica Primo, both of whom shared a passion for metal, especially gothic metal.

Even though they had been playing this kind of music for years in different cover bands, it wasn't until early 2008 that they decided to try and write their own songs and bring them to light through a new project.

MY BLACK LIGHT is:

Monica Primo - Vocals
Rodolfo Coda Bertetto - Keyboards and Vocals
Emanuele Rossi - Guitar
Marco Peraldo - Bass Guitar
Edoardo Giordani - Drums

For more information, visit www.myblacklight.com.

Dayton, Ohio Christian metalcore band THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA has parted ways with keyboardist James Baney.

Commented the group in a statement: "With great deliberation and difficulty, we have decided to part ways with our keyboardist James Baney. James will always be family to THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, being one of the most well-intentioned people we know. Our prayers to James in beginning a new chapter with his wife back home, and our endless gratitude to THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA fans for understanding. We'll see you at a show soon."

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA entered the mobile gaming world with the release of "Zombie Slay", a first-person, multi-level, action game specifically designed for mobile devices, that integrates all five songs from the band's critically-acclaimed 2010 release, "Zombie EP".

"Zombie Slay" challenges gamers to survive and save survivors in a post-apocalyptic world by killing as many zombies as possible. The game features randomly-generated gameplay at all levels that challenges both casual and hardcore gamers and promotes return-to-game play, an OpenFeint interface that enables players to compete against each other anywhere in the world, and social media integration. The "Zombie Slay" game is available immediately for $1.99 through iTunes for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, with Android capabilities expected in the near future. Fans can also receive updates on the game at ZombieSlay.com.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA's latest full-length album, "Dead Throne", debuted at No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"The Challenger", the new video from Swedish heavy rockers MUSTASCH, can be seen below. The clip was shot in Gothenburg, Sweden with STCC (Swedish Touring Car Championship) and was directed by Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.

"The Challenger" comes off MUSTASCH's new album, "Sounds Like Hell, Looks Like Heaven", which was released on February 1 via Gain Music Entertainment. The CD was produced by guitarist/vocalist Ralf Gyllenhammar and was mixed by Stefan Glaumann (RAMMSTEIN, PARADISE LOST, WITHIN TEMPTATION). The cover artwork was created by Martin Westerstrand (LILLASYSTER singer).

"Sounds Like Hell, Looks Like Heaven" track listing:

01. Speed Metal
02. The Challenger
03. It's Never Too Late
04. Cold Heart Mother Son
05. Morning Star
06. Dead Again
07. Your Father Must Be Proud Of You
08. Destroyed By Destruction
09. I Don't Hate You
10. Northern Link

MUSTASCH recently parted ways with drummer Danne McKenzie due to personal differences.

In early 2011, MUSTASCH celebrated its 10th anniversary with the release of "The New Sound Of The True Best", a compilation album featuring re-recorded versions of some of the band's best songs along with a new track, "Angels Share".

Danish thrashers ESSENCE have entered Abyss Studio with producer Peter Tägtgren (MARDUK, IMMORTAL, DIMMU BORGIR, AMON AMARTH, CHILDREN OF BODOM) to begin recording their sophomore album, to be released later in the year through an as-yet-undetermined record label.

Commented ESSENCE: "It is a great honor for us to work with Peter. It was natural for us to pick Peter as producer for this album, as his approach to both music and sound fits perfectly with our new material. We can't wait to hear the final result and to show all you guys out there how ESSENCE anno 2012 sounds like. Even though we have just started the recording, it is clear to us that the result will be better than we ever could imagine!"

ESSENCE's debut album, "Lost In Violence", was released in February 2011 via Belgium's Ultimhate Records. The CD was recorded at Medley Studios (ARTILLERY, PRINCE, RADIOHEAD, MARY J. BLIGE, KELLY CLARKSON, THE CARDIGANS) in Copenhagen and was produced and mixed by Søren Andersen (Glenn Hughes, Dave Mustaine, Mike Tramp).

MASSIVE AUDIO NERVE (formely known just as M.A.N) — the Swedish metal-hardcore-progressive four-piece featuring TRANSPORT LEAGUE/ex-MNEMIC frontman Tony Jelencovich — has entered IF Studios, the IN FLAMES-owned facility in Gothenburg, Sweden, with producer Roberto Laghi (IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR) to begin recording its fourth album, "Cancer Vulgaris". The effort will mark the group's first release with newly recruited members Adde Larsson on drums and Mark Black on guitar.

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

"Cancer Vulgaris" will feature the following tracks:

* Hoax
* Grace of Time
* Underhanded Brother
* Scythe of Cupidity
* Smack Down
* Slumcult
* Death Song
* Young Insect
* Cryosync
* Man Slaughter
* Lights Out
* This Generation
* Instrumental

M.A.N's third album, "Massive Audio Nerve", was released on March 26, 2010 via the German label Tiefdruck Musik. The CD was recorded at Grand Recordings in Gothenburg, Sweden with engineer Svein Jensen and was mixed by Ulrich Wild, who has previously worked with WHITE ZOMBIE, STAIND, STATIC-X, DEFTONES, PANTERA and LIMP BIZKIT, among others. The mastering was handled by Maor Appelbaum at Maor Appelbaum Mastering in Encino, California.

An 11-minute video recap of AMARANTHE's appearance at last year's edition of the Loud Park festival, which took place October 15, 2011 at Saitama Super Arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Saitama City, Japan, can be seen below.

AMARANTHE's self-titled debut album was released in Europe on April 13, 2011 via Spinefarm Records.

AMARANTHE's Elize Ryd was selected to fill the female singer spot on KAMELOT's recent European, South American and North American tours.

Elize previously performed with KAMELOT on the 2010 "Summer Pandemonium Tour" and the band's European trek in April/May 2010.

AMARANTHE is:

* Olof Mörck (NIGHTRAGE, DRAGONLAND) - Guitar, Keyboards
* Jake E (ex-DREAM EVIL, DREAMLAND) - Clean Vocals
* Andy Solveström (WITHIN Y, EVILDOER, CIPHER SYSTEM) - Screams
* Morten Lowe Sorensen (THE ARCANE ORDER, SUBMISSION) - Drums
* Johan Andreassen (ex-ENGEL) - Bass
* Elize Ryd - Female Vocals

AMARANTHE's "Amaranthine" video was once again helmed by director Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.

Guitarist/vocalist Patrick Mameli of the resurrected late '80s/early '90s death metal outfit PESTILENCE has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"Recently, bassist Jeroen Paul Thesseling (NUFUTIC, OBSCURA) and drummer Yuma van Eekelen (EXIVIOUS, THE NEW DOMINION) have decided to work more intensively on their main projects.Therefore, bassist Stephan Fimmers (NECROPHAGIST) and drummer Tim Yeung (MORBID ANGEL, DIVINE HERESY, VITAL REMAINS, HATE ETERNAL) will join PESTILENCE for the upcoming new album, 'Obsideo', and live performances."

'[I] would like to thank Jeroen Paul Thesseling and Yuma van Eekelen for their hard work and great musicianship on the 'Doctrine' album and live shows and we (Mameli and PESTILENCE guitarist Patrick Uterwijk) wish them both good luck in the future with their projects."

Commented Fimmer: "I'm looking forward to be part of a great, new PESTILENCE album, 'Obsideo'; I'm sure that [it] is gonna blast!! It's great to join the band and play with these awesome musicians."

PESTILENCE 2012 is:

Patrick Mameli - Guitar/Vocals
Patrick Uterwijk - Guitar
Stephan Fimmers - Bass
Tim Yeung - Drums

PESTILENCE's latest album, "Doctrine", was released in North America in July 2011 via Mascot Records. The eleven-track CD was recorded and mixed at Woodshed Studio in southern Germany with engineer Victor Bullok (a.k.a. V. Santura; TRIPTYKON, DARK FORTRESS). The artwork was designed by Marko Saarelainen.

QUIET RIOT played its second show with ex-MONTROSE singer Keith St. John on February 3 at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey.

A couple of fan-filmed video clips of the performance can be seen below.

QUIET RIOT released a statement on January 12 announcing that it had split with singer Mark Huff and that Keith St. John had been recruited to front the band for three East Coast shows in early February.

A short time later, Mark posted a message on his Facebook page, stating, "As I sit in hospital… wait for my brain surgery… I have been let go from QUIET RIOT. And nobody's had balls to tell it to my face. Interesting … the rock 'n' roll business. I have to read the news in a post that's not even directed to me?… WTF?"

He continued, "Let me tell all my friends… don't count me out… Watch what happens. It's obvious what I ever meant to this situation… I deserve better treatment… Don't worry about me… Worry about your own bad selves. And I am gonna take the high road… I have so much shit I could speak… Stay tuned, my friends."

This was followed by a Facebook post from QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali, who wrote, "With regards to Mark Huff: My policy has always been not to air out the dirty laundry in public. That policy remains the same even in light of those who chose to make accusations. The fact is that Mr. Huff's medical condition had nothing to do with the decision that was made, though it is unfortunate that it comes at such a time. His wife assured me that Mark would be home this week, and as legal protocol dictated, a certified letter was sent informing Mark of the decision that was made and why it was made. This was days ago. The content of that letter is a private matter unless Mr. Huff decides to make the reason for his dismissal made public, which I believe would be counterproductive for him. I will not go tit for tat with this issue. If certain persons wish to villainize me, that is their prerogative."

QUIET RIOT's current touring lineup is as follows:

Keith St. John - Vocals
Frankie Banali - Drums
Chuck Wright - Bass
Alex Grossi - Guitar

PAPA ROACH's new music video for "One Track Mind", the next single from the band's 2010 release "Time For Annihilation... On The Road And On The Record", can be seen below. (Note: The video stream may not be available to some non-U.S. residents.)

"Time For Annihilation... On The Road And On The Record" features a mix of live tracks and new studio cuts. PAPA ROACH frontman Jacoby Shaddix told The Pulse of Radio why the band decided to issue a live album now. "Everybody keeps going, 'Man, you guys, you know, you guys kill it live, you guys are a great live band,' and we were like, 'You know what, it's time for us to do a live record,'" he said. "And so we wrapped up 2009, we were doing dates with SHINEDOWN, and we started recording shows towards the end of that. We got nine live songs, and then we have five studio songs, and so it's kind of like the best of both worlds."

"Time For Annihilation" is PAPA ROACH's first release on Eleven Seven Music, after parting ways with Interscope/Geffen Records in 2010. Shaddix said about the move, "We wanted to work with a team who's focused on rock music rather than pop and urban. Moving to a successful indie like Eleven Seven Music gives us that without sacrificing the manpower of a major."

PAPA ROACH is currently working on its sixth studio album for a 2012 release. In an interview with Amy Harris, the band's frontman Jacoby Shaddix said about their new music, "We want to separate ourselves from the pack again. When we came out in '99 and 2000, we were like part of an underground movement and then that was really cool. Then that movement kind of fell apart and there weren't many bands still out there doing it. So we evolved and separated ourselves again and evolved into more of a rock band. Now we have been lumped into all these rock bands and we are like, 'Cool we like that. We like that sense of community in rock.' But I want to evolve it into something more even of our own sound." He added, "I wouldn't necessarily say that is the move to make it creatively original. I just think the music we have been listening to, we have been listening to everything from honkytonk country music to electronic music to heavy metal to punk rock. I don't want to make an average white-guy rock record. I want to make a fucking record that inspires people to fuck, fight, love, forgive. An inspiring album that makes people want to move, makes people want to do something."