German death metallers FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING have entered the studio to begin recording their fifth album, tentatively titled "The Art Of Coming Apart", for a 2012 release via Cyclone Empire. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Trapping The Unseen", "Hours Of Suffering" and "Memorial Stone".

The drums for the new FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING album were recorded at the band's own Soundtunnel studio in November 2011, with Stefan Weimar and Sascha Ehrich currently in the process of laying down the guitars.

Commented Sascha: "The guitar tracks [are turning] out great. We are very happy giving life to each of the songs, adding melody licks and gimmicks. Actually, even we are curious how the new songs will finally sound like. In any case, it's typical FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING stuff."

FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING's fourth album, "The Everhaunting Past / Chapter IV - A Splendid Retrospection", came out in October 2009 via Cyclone Empire. The CD's cover artwork was once again created by Sascha Ehrich.

FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING in 2009 announced the addition of bassist Christopher Körtgen (SMILODON, CHAOS HD) to the group's ranks.

The band's third album, "Sterling Black Icon", was released in March 2006 via Metal Blade.

A promotional trailer for "This Harmonic Consonance", the forthcoming sixth album from German power metallers LANFEAR, can be seen below. The CD will be released on February 24 via Pure Steel Records. The group previously described the effort as "the heaviest LANFEAR album until now. [It contains] some pretty fast tracks but also the very first doom song in our history! The end result will blow your heads off! You can definitely achieve a natural and authentic production without sounding as if the recording sessions were held in a garbage can!"

LANFEAR's fifth album, "X to the Power of Ten", was released in August 2008 via Locomotive Records.

According to LANFEAR's official bio, the band "play[s] powerful and melodic metal with a progressive edge. Originality, subliminal details and intelligent songwriting combined with haunting melodies and the constant urge to evolve — that’s what it's all about! Certainly not the easy way to success in the superficial pseudo-scene of these days — but LANFEAR don't give a fuck! No breakdowns, no kilts, no horns, no makeup, no image, no rockstar-dom, no support by mass media — no hot air! LANFEAR play[s] 100% underrated metal exclusively!"

After playing 350 shows internationally during their "World Domination Tour" with such bands as DIO, W.A.S.P., QUEENSRŸCHE, DORO and LORDI in support of their last album, "World Domination", Swedish hard rockers FATAL SMILE spent over a year writing and recording songs for the follow-up effort. Entitled "21st Century Freaks", the new CD was recorded in the tour buses, hotel rooms and studios all over the world before eleven songs were singled out and re-recorded during 2011.

Ten top names tried out for the mixing job, all mixing the song planned as the second single of the album. The band put together a jury of friends to pick out their favorite mix, which turned out to be mix No. 5, not knowing it was mixed by FATAL SMILE's own drummer Philty and guitarist Mr. Y!

According to a press release, "this time [the bandmembers] have done everything on their own to make it the ultimate FATAL SMILE album, from recording and engineering to producing and mixing the album and the result is massive, with 'in-your-face' songs and a 'larger-than-life' sound!"

"21st Century Freaks" was produced by Mr. Y, engineered/recorded by Philty and mixed by the two of them together. The mastering duties were handled by Mats "Limpan" Lindfors at Cutting Room Studios.

The first single, "Welcome To The Freakshow", will be released in March, to be followed by the full-length album on April 27 via Metallville Records. A massive world tour will follow.

FATAL SMILE is:

Mr. Y - Guitar
Blade - Vocals
Alx - Bass
Philty - Drums

Guitarist Rudolf Schenker of German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS tells Billboard.com that fans can expect to see a slew of "special" releases from the band after it completes its massive farewell tour in early 2013.

"We have a library in our warehouse where we have a lot of old songs, especially from the days where you had only the possibility of putting eight or nine songs on vinyl," the guitarist says. "We always recorded 13 or 14 songs, so (the rest) are hanging out somewhere in our warehouse. We also have 800, 900 hours of film material from different festivals, from places like (Moscow's) Red Square, the Amazon, the pyramids, going through Russia in 2002..."

He adds, "Of course we want to give this material to the fans. It would be terrible for this material to be hanging in our warehouse and not get out. So when we are finished (touring), we'll take our time and give people some special stuff."

In January 2010, SCORPIONS announced that the group's "Get Your Sting And Blackout" tour, an epic ongoing worldwide rock 'n' roll odyssey in support of 2010's "Sting In The Tail", would be the group's last before retirement. The tour is slated to run through early 2013 with a string of historic farewell blowouts and festival performances scheduled Europe culminating with shows at the Wacken Open Air festival (August 4, 2012) and Munich's Olympiahalle (October 13, 2012).

MODELSAINT — the Los Angeles, California-based band featuring vocalist/guitarist Skyla Talon (KILLINGBIRD, SCUM OF THE EARTH) and drummer Dan Laudo (PRONG) — will release its debut album, "Into The Dirt", on May 1 through their own Famous & Faithless label. The CD will feature a guest appearance by BLACK VEIL BRIDES guitarist Jinxx on the track "Never Be Sober".

"Into The Dirt" track listing:

01. Starin' Down A Loaded Barrel
02. The Devil Is Real
03. Top Of The World
04. Never Be Sober (feat. Jinxx)
05. The Fallout
06. Simple Life
07. Sin
08. Deadlove
09. 1, 2, 3 (We're Ready To Go)
10. Powerless

MODELSAINT was conceived from the mind of Hollywood musician Skyla Talon. Most recently Skyla was on full time guitar duty as a member of SCUM OF THE EARTH, a band fronted by guitarist Riggs, formerly of ROB ZOMBIE.

Drummer Dan Laudo, from the legendary metal band PRONG, teamed up with Skyla early 2010 to help create what true hard rock fans have been demanding.

Early 2011, the band added Kevin Lewis to the mix. With extensive touring under his belt in previous bands such as FACTORY 81 and LIFTPOINT, and working as a tattoo artist at Kat Von D's High Voltage Tattoo, he's no stranger to rock and roll!

Rounding out the lineup is the Chicago-based guitarist K Kyle, who's barely old enough to drink but ready to kill.

Heavily influenced by the hard rock of the '80s, MODELSAINT has updated the style into its own.

For more information, visit www.modelsaint.com.

Longtime guitarist Adam Carroll has left Los Angeles thrashers WARBRINGER. The band enlisted friend and talented young guitarist Andrew Bennett for the upcoming North American tour with ICED EARTH, with the hope that he may become a permanent member of the group.

Commented Carroll: "To all fans and friends, I, Adam Carroll, have officially quit WARBRINGER. I have financial issues at home that have to be addressed sooner than later. I hope you all can understand and respect my decision. It's been some of the best years of my life and I appreciate all the support you the fans have given us and continue to give. I will forever be part of the WARBRINGER family. Many thanks and until I see the rest of you again, keep the metal alive."

The band enlisted friend and talented, young guitarist Andrew Bennett for the purpose of filling in live for this tour with the hope that he may become a permanent member of the group as he continues his audition process where it matters most-- on the stage and in the van.

Added Bennett, "Last month I received a message from the guys, which basically stated that Adam was requesting to step out. As a result, they were searching for a possible replacement who could learn the material in time for the upcoming ICED EARTH and SYMPHONY X tour. I jumped at the opportunity and started learning some tracks. Around the beginning of this month I went down and jammed with the guys and the rest is history.

"I am eternally grateful to my friends in WARBRINGER for giving me the opportunity to play with them and I am very excited about what the future may hold. But one thing that I would like to make clear is that I don't view myself as Adam's replacement, as much as I view myself as filling the position instead of him. Adam's work with the band and time with them is not something that can be erased and I would just like to make it clear that I respect him greatly. He has left big shoes to fill and I have a lot of work ahead of me if I am going to honor his legacy with the band.

"I'm looking forward to interacting with, and playing for, the fans on the road! It's time to shred!"

WARBRINGER's third album, "Worlds Torn Asunder", sold around 2,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD landed at position No. 11 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.

WARBRINGER's sophomore CD, "Waking Into Nightmares", also opened with around 2,000 units back in May 2009 to debut at No. 14 on the Heatseekers chart.

"Worlds Torn Asunder" was produced and mixed by Steve Evetts (SUICIDE SILENCE, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, SYMPHONY X), and features artwork by Dan Seagrave, who designed WARBRINGER's previous album cover (in addition to art for bands such as ENTOMBED, SUFFOCATION and MORBID ANGEL).

Danish metallers MERCENARY will be heading to Russia this March to play the first Russian shows ever in their career.

A band update reads: "We're happy and proud to kick off 2012 in a great way by announcing our first ever shows in Russia this March! We are psyched about performing in both Moscow and St. Petersburg - and to sample large quantities of the excellent and cheap vodka!

Moreover, we have begun to meet up this month to write new material for the follow-up to Metamorphosis from 2011. We feel that this new incarnation of Mercenary got off to a perfect start last year with two amazing tours with (among others) SYMPHONY X, NEVERMORE and DARK TRANQUILLITY and we can't wait to write and release the next album and get out on the road again!

The most perceptive of our fans might have noticed that we have only been joined by drummer Morten Løwe for a few shows in 2011. Morten was unable to commit to our touring schedule, so we had the excellent drummer Peter Mathiesen fill in. As he's an all-round nice guy and we have a great chemistry with him musically and personally, we have asked him to join the band as a regular member. Please give him a warm welcome and buy him a beer the next time we play in your town! We are one - The Black Brigade!“

Tour dates:

March
24 - Moscow, Russia - Relax
25 - St.Petersburg, Russia - Orlandina

Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM are scheduled to commence the songwriting sessions for their next album late spring, according to the band's bassist, Henkka Seppälä (a.k.a. Henkka T. Blacksmith).

Speaking to Plug'd In Magazine, Henkka stated about CHILDREN OF BODOM's plans for the immediate future, "We'll [complete the current North American] tour, and then we go home. And then we will actually start writing new songs for an album in May and then we'll go back on tour for summer and keep writing for the that album. Hopefully we can start recording at the end of the year."

CHILDREN OF BODOM's last album, "Relentless Reckless Forever", sold nearly 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 42 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, 2008's "Blooddrunk", opened with 19,000 units to land at No. 22. This number was roughly four times the opening tally of "Blooddrunk"'s predecessor, "Are You Dead Yet?", which premiered with 5,000 units back in October 2005 to enter the chart at No. 195.

"Relentless Reckless Forever" was certified gold in the band's home country for first-day sales of over 10,000 copies. The CD was recorded in Finland's Petrax Studios with famed rock producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, MONSTER MAGNET).

San Francisco Bay Area metallers DEATH ANGEL have posted a new video blog from their current North American tour with ANTHRAX and TESTAMENT. The 12-minute clip, which can be seen below, focuses on the two shows DEATH ANGEL members Rob Cavestany and Ted Aguilar played with ANTHRAX, filling in for that band's guitarist Scott Ian, who was taken ill and was unable to perform.

Ian contracted a bad viral infection on Wednesday, January 25 that caused him to be hospitalized near his home in Los Angeles. He was put though a battery of tests, and received fluids intravenously. While he was allowed to go home to await the test results, ER doctors told him he could not fly for at least 24 hours; consequently Ian missed Thursday's show in Kansas City and missed the following night's Indianapolis concert. He rejoined the band in Fort Wayne on Saturday.

ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante is taking a short leave from the band's concert tour to be with his mother who is terminally ill. Immediately following Thursday's show Kansas City, Benante flew to New York to join his family at his mother's bedside.

In Ian's absence, guitarists from TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL stepped in to play his parts on various songs; starting with Friday's show in Indianapolis, TESTAMENT's drummer Gene Hoglan is filling in for Benante.

"We didn't want to cancel any of the concerts, we didn't want to let anyone down," said ANTHRAX's Rob Caggiano, "so we decided to figure out a way to keep the show on the road. We're so grateful to the guys in TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL for stepping up."

AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry performed "Man of Peace" live on last night's (Monday, January 30) edition of "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno". You can now watch the entire episode below. (Note: Perry's performance can be seen starting around the 38-minute mark.)

Perry recently joined Amnesty International's latest music project, Chimes Of Freedom: The Songs Of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International, by recording "Man Of Peace" for the compilation.

Chimes Of Freedom, which supports Amnesty's life-saving human rights work, features over 80 musicians across the generational and musical spectruym who have donated their time to support Amnesty International. The album is dedicated to people worldwide who are unjustly imprisoned or threatened for the peaceful expression of their beliefs.

Fan-filmed video footage of legendary guitarist Uli Jon Roth's (SCORPIONS) January 26 concert at the Shank Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin can be viewed below (courtesy of Arthur Creech).

In 2007, Uli Jon Roth conduceted his Sky Academy in Hollywood, California. Two concerts highlighted the week-long event. Soon after, many recordings of the show surfaced. Combining these sources, Uli and his team were able to capture the magic of one of these nights.

"Live In Hollywood" is an NTSC-only DVD which contains footage of Uli playing material from the SCORPIONS, solo and ELECTRIC SUN. This is a very limited pressing and is only being made available for Uli's North American tour in January and February. Once sold out, it will not be pressed again.

"Live In Hollywood" track listing:

01. Intro Jam
02. Firewind
03. Land Of Dawn
04. We'll Burn The Sky
05. Fly To The Rainbow
06. Pictured Life
07. In Trance
08. Polar Nights
09. Going Down
10. Sails Of Charon
11. Catch Your Train

To order a copy, go to this location (scroll down).

Sky Academy was conceived by Uli to provide knowledge and inspiration to those who take guitar seriously and to help them reach a new plateau.

The seminars are designed to open people's eyes to new possibilities and to trigger an awakening of the student's full awareness.

The philosophy and approach of Sky Academy is consistent with the ideals of its founder.

The teaching center on achieving the student's transition to a noticeably higher level of ability. This includes raising their general and specific musical awareness, as well as facilitating an increase in their technical abilities. The participants are able to receive invaluable direct insights into the way Uli approaches the art of guitar playing, as well as concerning his philosophy of music in general.

On January 30, Aniruddh "Andrew" Bansal of Metal Assault conducted an interview with drummer Andy Parker of legendary British hard rockers UFO. You can now listen to the chat using the Mixcloud player below.

UFO will release its new album, "Seven Deadly", on February 28 (one day earlier internationally) via SPV/Steamhammer. The effort, which was recorded with producer Tommy Newton at his Area 51 studio in Celle, Germany, will be made available as a limited-edition digipack (including two bonus tracks), a double gatefold LP with printed innersleeves and colored vinyl, standard-edition CD and as a digital download.

"Seven Deadly" track listing:

01. Fight Night
02. Wonderland
03. Mojo Town
04. Angel Station
05. Year Of The Gun
06. The Last Stone Rider
07. Steal Yourself
08. Burn Your House Down
09. The Fear
10. Waving Good Bye
11. Other Men's Wives (bonus track)
12. Bag O' Blues (bonus track)

The song "Fight Night" is now available for streaming at GuitarWorld.com.

According to a press release, "Seven Deadly" is "an atmospherically dense fabric consisting of classy guitars, tight rock grooves and vocals which are unique to UFO. The classic rock of 'Burn Your House Down' features all the important UFO strengths, 'Going Down To Mojotown' sees the musicians sound tougher than ever, and last but not least, 'Wonderland' features a pointed reference to UFO's early days. 'Angel Station' sees the band prove how classic rock music is complemented perfectly with epic elements, while 'Fight Night' is an excellent track to be performed in a live context."

UFO's latest best-of collection, "Best Of A Decade", was released in North America on September 28, 2010 via SPV/Steamhammer.

The band's most recent studio album, "The Visitor", came out in June 2009.

The current lineup continues to consist of the three original members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Paul Raymond (guitar, keyboards), and Andy Parker (drums), as well as American world-class guitarist Vinnie Moore.

The long-awaited new album from U.S. doom legends SAINT VITUS, "Lillie: F-65", will hit the stores this spring via Season Of Mist. Due to "manufacturing issues," the North American release date will be announced later. The CD is tentatively due on April 13 in the rest of the world.

In the meantime, SAINT VITUS will release a seven-inch single featuring "Blessed Night", a track from "Lillie: F-65". The B-side is a live version of classic VITUS tune "Look Behind You", recorded in December 2010 at Z7 in Pratteln, Switzerland.

The "Blessed Night" seven-inch single is limited to 1,000 hand-numbered copies. Pre-order it at this location.

Speaking to Terrorizer magazine, SAINT VITUS frontman Scott "Wino" Weinrich stated about the band's new album title, "Y'know the reason we called it 'Lillie: F-65'? It was a powerful downer back in our day and well, Dave [Chandler, guitar] really had a thing for his downers."

SAINT VITUS' current lineup features Chandler, drummer Henry Vasquez, bassist Mark Adams and Weinrich.

"Making this album was really a blast," said Chandler. "Being able to live in an environment where all we had to concentrate on was the new material, became very inspiring. And along with our new drummer, Henry Vasquez, and label, Season Of Mist, this record has given us a new opportunity to show everyone that we still have more to shove in your face."

When asked why he thinks SAINT VITUS' music continues to resonate, Wino said in an interview, "Because it comes from the gut. The music has that low tone and it hits you in those emotional places. I've always tried to make the lyrics just as interesting as the music. It's always been a little bit dark but I'm not drawn to the happy stuff. I like music that grabs you by the balls."

"Superskum" (web site) has uploaded quality video footage of SAINT VITUS performing the song "Blessed Night" on March 29, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Check out the clip below.

AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson took part in the 50th running of the Rolex 24, which was run over January 28-29 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The BMW Riley car driven by Johnson, Byron Defoor, Elliott Forbes-Robinson, Jim Pace and Carlos de Quesada finished 32nd, after completing 672 laps.

Eagerly anticipated by drivers, auto manufacturers and race fans everywhere, the Rolex 24 at Daytona is the first major race of the international motor sport season. Every January, the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida comes to life in celebration of this incredible endurance race, recognized by leading drivers as one of the most difficult in the world to win.

Video footage of Johnson talking about the race can be seen below.

During the 24 hours of the 50th running of the Rolex 24 Hours Of Daytona, Brian raised funds to provide services to families affected by pediatric cancer.

German thrash metal veterans SODOM are currently writing material for their next studio album, which they plan to record in May. A tentative late summer release is expected, to be followed by a celebration of the band's 30th anniversary.

SODOM in 2010 announced the addition of drummer Markus "Makka" Freiwald to the group's ranks.

Freiwald previously played for the German bands DESPAIR and FLAMING ANGER and was involved with the VOODOOCULT project. In addition, he played percussion as a session musician on the MOONSPELL album "Irreligious" and is featured on the 1996 LP "Triarchy Of The Lost Lovers" by Greek extreme metallers ROTTING CHRIST.

SODOM in November 2010 parted ways with drummer Bobby Schottkowski due to "personal and private problems between Tom [bassist/vocalist Thomas 'Angelripper' Such] and Bobby," according to a statement released by the band.

SODOM's latest album, "In War And Pieces", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 64. The CD was released in North America on January 11, 2011 via SPV/Steamhammer.

Photo credit: Anton York

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada traditional metallers 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will release their fifth studio album, "Long Live Heavy Metal", on March 27 via Century Media Records. According to a press release, "fans can expect a blast of pure metal assured to leave no face unmelted."

"'Long Live Heavy Metal' is the fifth chapter in the book of 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, and we couldn't be more pleased and proud of our new onslaught of honest heavy metal," says guitarist Justin Hagberg.

For "Long Live Heavy Metal", 3 INCHES OF BLOOD reunited with producer and engineer Terry "Sho" Murray (CITY OF FIRE, EXHIBITIONISTS), who worked with the band on their seven-inch single, "Anthems For The Victorious".

"When a band is releasing a new record, they often speak about it being their most important work or best album to date," explains vocalist Cam Pipes. "Regardless of how clichéd either statement may sound, I think we would say both apply to this album. All of us have a special feeling about this one. We're more committed than ever to the cause of real, honest, no-bullshit heavy metal. No trends, no fucking around!"

3 INCHES OF BLOOD teamed up with Kim Thiessen to perfect their artistic vision for the album, which will be released as a digipack and when opened, lays out similar to that of a book.

"Long Live Heavy Metal" track listing:

01. Metal Woman
02. My Sword Will Not Sleep
03. Leather Lord
04. Chief And The Blade
05. Dark Messenger
06. Look Out
07. 4000 Torches
08. Leave It On The Ice
09. Die For Gold (Upon The Boiling Sea IV)
10. Storming Juno
11. Men Of Fortune
12. One For The Ditch

Check out photos from the studio on the 3 INCHES OF BLOOD Facebook page (all photos by Aaron Aubrey).

3 INCHES OF BLOOD recently recruited Byron Stroud (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FEAR FACTORY) as its new bassist.

Stroud and 3 INCHES OF BLOOD have been working together on a variety of things, and Stroud is beyond pleased shift his involvement to a creative level.

Beginning March 16, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will head out on the "Metal Alliance Tour 2012" alongside DEVILDRIVER, THE FACELESS, DYING FETUS, JOB FOR A COWBOY, IMPENDING DOOM and WRETCHED.

"Beaten And Left Blind", the new video from Arizona grind masters LANDMINE MARATHON, can be seem below. The song comes off the band's fourth album, "Gallows", which was released on September 27 via Prosthetic Records. The CD was recorded by LANDMINE MARATHON guitarist Ryan Butler at Arcane Digital Recording Studio (EXHUMED, NIGHTRAGE, MISERY INDEX, PHOBIA) and mastered by Dave Shirk at Sonorous Mastering. The album features the debut of the band's new drummer, Andy York.

The "Gallows" cover art was created by U.K. artist Rob "Mid " Middleton, who has previously worked with NAPALM DEATH, EXTREME NOISE TERROR and DEVIATED INSTINCT (in which Middleton plays guitar), among others.

"Gallows" track listing:

01. Three Snake Leaves
02. Cutting Flesh And Bone
03. Knife From My Sleeve
04. Liver And Lungs
05. Dead Horses
06. Cloaked In Red
07. Beaten And Left Blind
08. Morbidity

Fronted by vocalist Grace Perry, once heralded by MTV as a "dynamic she-beast" and widely considered one of the most captivating live performers in the metal scene, LANDMINE MARATHON has ascended steadily since its 2006 debut. Much like the apocalyptic sandstorms seen in recent newscasts from LANDMINE's hometown of Phoenix, the quintet brings a raw, destructive power to its grinding anthems, revitalizing the sound pioneered by bands like BOLT THROWER and ENTOMBED.

Bassist Jason Christopher — who filled in for Shawn Economaki during STONE SOUR's spring 2011 tour and who previously played with SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor in the JUNK BEER KIDNAP BAND — has joined former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach's solo group. Bach says, "I have known Jason for years, ever since he tried to pickpocket me at the Rainbow [in West Hollywood] aeons ago."

Bach will kick off a short run of North American dates tomorrow night (Wednesday, February 1) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Bach's "TunnelVision" video can be seen below. The clip is one of three videos that the singer filmed on June 28, 2011 in Hollywood, California with director Devin DeHaven of Fortress Entertainment (PAPA ROACH, WHITESNAKE, METHOD MAN, TALIB KWELI).

"TunnelVision" comes off Bach's new album, "Kicking & Screaming", which sold 6,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 73 on The Billboard 200 chart. The singer's previous CD, "Angel Down", opened with 6,400 units back in November 2007 to debut at No. 190.

"Devil's Messenger", the title track from the new album from Riverside, California's THE DEVASTATED, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. Described as a "gross, grimy, groove metal masterpiece," the CD will be released on February 14 via Century Media Records.

The brainchild of former IMPENDING DOOM and OBLIGE members, THE DEVASTATED already has two brutal singles available — "Devil's Messenger" and "Roof Top Drop". Produced by the bandmembers themselves, Chris Eck and co-produced/mixed by Daniel Castleman (AS I LAY DYING), the music was not written with the intent of impressing anyone except the band members themselves.

"Our state of mind was... let's play what we want to hear," says vocalist Greg Wilburn. "Let's write the heaviest, grooviest and ugliest songs we possibly can, and bring something fresh to this extremely watered down scene. If people 'get it' awesome... If not, fuck 'em."

"Devil's Messenger" features a guest appearance by SUICIDE SILENCE frontman Mitch Lucker in the song "Spit Vitriol".

Commented Lucker: "Greg has been a close friend for years. When he reached out to me for the part I was ecstatic! His band is amazing and I can't wait for this record to drop. It's the best shit I've heard in a long fucking time; super original and crushing from start to finish."

"Devil's Messenger" track listing:

01. Drip. Drip.
02. Pseudo Smile Campaign
03. Swallowing Tumors
04. Failure To Thrive
05. Roof Top Panty Drop
06. Devil’s Messenger
07. Spit Vitriol
08. Zombies
09. Bloody Bag Drag
10. Tongue In Cheek
11. Caprice
12. Conductor
13. Hollowed

A 13-year-old MACHINE HEAD fan by the name of Anthony Potenza joined the band on stage this past Sunday, January 29 at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo, New York to perform their song "Aesthetics Of Hate".

Potenza — who has been playing guitar for two and a half years and says he is "self taught" — was brought up on stage after he held up a sign that said "Let This 13-Year-Old Play 'Aesthetics Of Hate' With You."

Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

In a post on his Facebook page, Potenza wrote about the experience of playing with MACHINE HEAD, "It was so fun just looking up and seeing only people like it never ended; it was amazing." He added, "[The band] hung out with me after the show they were all so nice. I can't wait for them to come back."

MACHINE HEAD is currently headlining a North American tour with support from SUICIDE SILENCE and DARKEST HOUR.

More details on "Oro: Opus Primum" — the first installment of the new two-album series from Italy's supernatural doom sorcerers UFOMAMMUT — have this week been confirmed.

Already known for their attention to detail with each release, including incredibly detailed and quality artwork and packaging, as expansive and layered as every obliterating UFOMAMMUT release is musically, this time they take it one notch higher and have completed a massive two-part album, set for release months apart.

Now confirmed for release in the U.K. on April 9, throughout the rest of Europe on April 13, and in North America April 17, this week the artwork and track listing for the incredibly anticipated first installment of the series — "Oro: Opus Primum" — have been unveiled for the first time.

"Oro: Opus Primum" track listing:

01. Empireum
02. Aureum
03. Infearnatural
04. Magickon
05. Mindomine

The second chapter in this monolithic two-part album, "Oro: Opus Alter", will be released sometime in September with more details to be unveiled throughout the months following "Opus Primum".

2012 will see UFOMAMMUT expanding their touring circles wider across the face of the planet in support of "Oro". Stay tuned throughout the year as more details on the release and the act's tour schedule are confirmed.

Vocalist Jesse Leach, who left Massachusetts metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE in 2002, was asked by Australia's Loud magazine if he has been approach to rejoin the band following the recent exit of his replacement, Howard Jones. "I'm not going to comment," he responded. "Everyone wants to know… I'd rather those guys go through what they've got to go through and whenever they make that decision… They're good friends of mine, so I'm respecting their space at the moment. It's more fun, more mystery, too; you don't have to know everything. These days everybody is on Facebook and tweeting everything that happens. What's happened to the mystery of music and not knowing everything?"

He added, "My viewpoint is to respectfully step back from the situation and support them. Whatever decision they make will be the right one for them and I look forward to what it is."

Leach spent most of the past year touring with TIMES OF GRACE, his collaborative project with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE members Adam Dutkiewicz (guitar) and Joel Stroeltzel (guitar). That band's debut album, "Hymn Of A Broken Man", came out in January 2011 via Roadrunner Records.

Jones issued a statement regarding his departure from the group, which was announced earlier in the month. Jones wrote in part, "I've had a pretty interesting couple of years, to say the least, battling with some personal issues. One of the low points being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes that went unchecked for years. The rest of the band stuck with me through it, and, to be honest, they are the ones that kept me going. The whole experience definitely put a scare in me."

He continued, "Recently we've all been in writing mode, but somehow I couldn't get excited about the new album and all the touring that would go with it. The guys saw it before I did. In hindsight, I now realize that my heart wasn't in it."

Jones thanked the rest of the band for "an amazing decade," adding, "I have so many good memories, and those are the ones that I will keep."

The band said in its statement, "We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we've had him in the band. Out of respect for everyone involved we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision. Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well."

No replacement has been found yet for the 41-year-old Jones, who joined KILLSWITCH in 2002. Jones sang on the band's last three studio efforts, including 2009's self-titled set.

RIOT guitarist Mike Flyntz has issued the following statement regarding the passing of his bandmate, RIOT's founding guitarist Mark Reale:

"I would like to thank everyone for the support and love regarding the passing of my dear friend Mark Reale. I have had the honor to stand next to him on the stage and in the studio for over 22 years. Mark gave me the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of recording and writing records, and also touring in support of those records. I was a fan first, getting his autograph after a RIOT show at L'Amour [in Brooklyn, New York] when I was in college. Mark was a shy man who didn't talk much unless he was being interviewed or on the phone. Lord knows he could talk on the phone. Mark also loved to laugh. One part of our special relationship was that we could laugh until we were crying, and he would be lying on the floor yelling 'please stop' and after five minutes of silence, all I had to do was look at him and it would start all over. I will forever cherish those moments. As far as a musician, he is the most underrated guitarist, songwriter, riff-creator, visionary in rock music. He should be in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame for his vibrato alone. Listen to his vibrato. His sense of melody was incredible. He taught me so much.

"There is so much more I need to say about my friend, but I have been at a loss of words since his passing. The only comfort I have is that he is out of pain."

Reale died Wednesday (January 25) in a San Antonio hospital due to complications of Crohn's disease — an ailment he had battled for most of his life. He was 56 years old.

Reale had reportedly been in a coma for the past two weeks after suffering a subarachnoid hemorrhage on January 11.

Mark is survived by his father, Anthony Reale, and was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Reale.

Mark spent most of his life working and performing while enduring almost constant pain and the side effects of treatment for Crohn's disease. He was in Texas bravely attempting to practice for the shows, but was felled by a severe onset of Crohn's symptoms, leaving him in the Intensive Care Unit at an undisclosed facility. Mark was struggling with these symptoms throughout the production of RIOT's new album, "Immortal Soul", and guitarist Mike Flyntz recorded a major portion of the guitars on the LP with Mark's creative direction while Reale was unable to perform.

Video footage of members of CHILDREN OF BODOM, ANNIHILATOR and TRISTANIA performing karaoke-style cover versions of several popular standards on the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise — which set sail Monday, January 23 aboard the Royal Caribbean Majesty Of The Seas from Miami, Florida to George Town, Cayman Islands and returned four days later — can be viewed below.

For more karaoke performances, click here.

The following bands performed on this year's cruise:

ALESTORM
AMORPHIS
ANNIHILATOR
ATHEIST
CANDLEMASS
CANNIBAL CORPSE
CHANNEL ZERO
CHILDREN OF BODOM
CORONER
DARK FUNERAL
DIAMOND PLATE
EDGUY
ELUVEITIE
EXCITER
GOD DETHRONED
GRAVE DIGGER
HAMMERFALL
IN EXTREMO
KAMELOT
KATAKLYSM
MASSACRE
MEGORA
MOONSORROW
MY DYING BRIDE
NIGHTWISH
OVERKILL
PENTAGRAM
PESTILENCE
PRETTY MAIDS
RIOT
SAMAEL
SAPIENCY
STRATOVARIUS
SUFFOCATION
TANKARD
THERION
TRISTANIA
VENOM
VICIOUS RUMORS
VIRGIN STEELE
WHIPLASH

For more information, visit www.70000tons.com.

"Live And Learn", the first video from OBEY THE BRAVE, the new metal/hardcore band featuring former members of DESPISED ICON and BLIND WITNESS, can be seen below. The clip was directed and edited by acclaimed Montreal director Jessy Fuchs and it "showcases exactly what the band is all about: raw music paired with an in-your-face attitude," according to a press release.

"I didn't expect this much love or hate on the web already," said current OBEY THE BRAVE singer and former DESPISED ICON frontman Alex Erian. "I guess we're doing something right. We still have dues to pay as a band though and we're working hard on what matters the most: actually playing music, working on a killer record and doing everything we can to get back on tour. So stoked on our new material and can't wait to share it with you all."

In the meantime, OBEY THE BRAVE has been keeping busy, booking dates back home across Quebec. The band also has more Canadian touring plans in the works in Ontario and the Maritimes this winter but for now, you can catch them at the following shows:

Feb. 17/11 - Sherbrooke, QC @ Le Magog
Feb. 18/11 - St-Hyacinthe, QC @ L'Espace Temps
Feb. 20/11 - Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
Mar. 02/11 - Kemptville, ON @ Leslie Hall
Mar. 03/11 - St-Jerome, QC @ Cafe d'en Face
Mar. 09/11 - Kingston, ON @ TBA
Mar. 10/11 - Toronto, ON @ Rockpile
Mar. 15/11 - Quebec, QC @ L'Agitée
Mar. 16/11 - Chicoutimi, QC @ TBA
Mar. 17/11 - Trois-Rivieres, QC @ L'App-Art
Mar. 23/11 - Victoriaville, QC @ Club Aramis
Mar. 24/11 - Rimouski, QC @ [to be announced]
May 06/11 - Gatineau, QC @ Heart Fest

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/obeythebrave.

CALL ME NO ONE, the new project featuring SEVENDUST members Clint Lowery (guitar) and Morgan Rose (drums), entered the studio on January 22 to begin recording its debut album for a tentative May release.

Lowery recently stated via Twitter that he is "very excited" about the new collaboration, while Rose added that CALL ME NO ONE will "absolutely" be touring in support of the forthcoming CD.

A couple of short video clips from the early CALL ME NO ONE album-recording sessions can be seen below.

SEVENDUST is not scheduled to begin writing material for its new album until June, leaving Lowery and Rose a few months to focus on CALL ME NO ONE.

SEVENDUST's latest CD, "Cold Day Memory", sold around 27,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The band's previous effort, "Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow", opened with 25,000 units back in April 2008 to land at position No. 19.

"Cold Day Memory" was released on April 20, 2010 on the band's own 7Bros. Records, through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The CD — produced by Grammy Award winner Johnny K (DISTURBED, STAIND, 3 DOORS DOWN, PLAIN WHITE T'S) — was the group's first new album with its original lineup back together with guitarist Clint Lowery's return after his departure in 2003.

Legendary Danish heavy metal singer King Diamond (KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE) played a surprise three-song set this past Friday, January 27 at Tree's in Dallas, Texas during the "5th Annual Nomad Recording Studio Throwdown". King, who appeared without his trademark makeup, was joined for the performance by Michael Harris on guitar, Neil Brincks on bass, J.T. Longoria on guitar and Matt Thompson (KING DIAMOND, SHAOLIN DEATH SQUAD) on drums. King also presented awards at the event, which featured additional performances by BORN & RAISED, SHAOLIN DEATH SQUAD, LOVE STRICKEN DEMISE and RIVETHEAD.

Fan-filmed video footage of King's surprise set — consisting of the songs "The Family Ghost", "Burn" and "Evil" — can be seen below.

Nomad Recording Studio is a full-service, Pro Tools and analog recording facility based in Carrollton, Texas. Nomad offers exceptional recording, as well as mixing and mastering services.

King Diamond previously stated about Nomad engineer/producer J.T. Longoria, "He is unbelievable; he is the best guy I ever worked with in a studio."

The success of the "Nomad Recording Studio Throwdown" is credited largely to Nomad's sponsors, who lend their names, financial support and merchandise/product to the event. The money they raise goes to the Blue Star Connection, a charity which helps put musical instruments into the hands of children who are battling cancer or other life-threatening diseases.

King Diamond (real name: Kim Bendix Petersen), 55, underwent open-heart triple-bypass surgery in November 2010. He has since completed his cardiac rehabilitation program and has stopped smoking entirely, changed his diet and is getting regular exercise, according to his wife Livia Zita.

King Diamond made his long-anticipated return to the stage with his MERCYFUL FATE bandmates Hank Shermann, Timi Hansen and Michael Denner on December 7, 2011 at the second of four intimate shows at the Fillmore in San Francisco as part of METALLICA's week-long celebration of its 30th anniversary as a band for fan club members only.

As previously reported, KING DIAMOND will play only two shows in Europe this summer:

June 09 - Sweden Rock Festival – Sölvesborg, SWE
June 15 - Hellfest - Clisson, France

Guitarist/vocalist John Sykes (WHITESNAKE, BLUE MURDER, THIN LIZZY) has commented on the dissolution of his much-hyped collaborative project with drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ADRENALINE MOB).

Portnoy and Sykes announced they were working together during a July 2011 taping of season eight of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show". The program's co-host Eddie Trunk tweeted about the project at the time, "I heard demos. Sounds like killer BLUE MURDER meets '1987' WHITESNAKE. Amazing!" He also said that the new group would perform some BLUE MURDER material when it hits the road.

The project last year demoed more than a dozen songs at a Los Angeles studio, with Portnoy describing one track as "copping the [LED] ZEPPELIN/[BLACK] SABBATH vibe" and another as "[PINK] FLOYD meets [DEEP] PURPLE!!! Some serious old-school classic rock."

In a new posting on his official web site, Sykes writes, "The project I was putting together with Mike Portnoy didn't work out, and I wish him all the best for the future. I'm continuing to work on my new album, and I look forward to putting out some great new music in 2012."

Commented Portnoy on Twitter, "Sad but true... I tried my best to make it work... Me and the bass player [Billy Sheehan] couldn't wait around any longer... [Billy] and I are moving on and have already begun work with another guitarist/vocalist [rumored to be Richie Kotzen, formerly of POISON and MR. BIG. — Ed.], keeping the original 'power trio' concept."

Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 20 years ago, abruptly quit the band in September 2010 while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD. He has since been replaced by Mike Mangini (ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME, JAMES LABRIE, STEVE VAI).

Portnoy played on AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest album, "Nightmare", following the death of that band's drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, and toured with them for the entire second half of 2010.

Sykes announced his departure from THIN LIZZY in July 2009, explaining that "I feel it's time to get back to playing my own music."

Former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony says he's looking forward to hearing the band's new album because it includes material that he recorded with the group before they got signed in the 1970s.

Speaking to the U.K. digital radio station Planet Rock, Anthony said, "They [the current lineup of VAN HALEN] played a show in New York the other week. There was [a] song they played called 'She's The Woman', which is actually a song that was, basically, written before I even joined VAN HALEN."

During the same interview, Anthony said he has no plans to go after his former bandmates for songwriting credit on the reworked compositions on the new VAN HALEN album, "A Different Kind of Truth", despite their former policy of crediting all members equally. "I don't want to do anything," he said. "I just let it be." He added, "And, hey, it'll be nice to hear some of those old songs again that I haven't played in a long time."

Audio clip of Michael Anthony talking to Planet Rock about the new VAN HALEN album:

SpazioRock recently conducted an interview with new GOTTHARD singer Nic Maeder. You can now watch the chat below.

Nic was born in 1971 in Lausanne, Switzerland, lived in Melbourne, Australia and grew up between Switzerland and "Down Under."

Commented guitarist Leo Leoni: "Nic not only has a great voice and is a fantastic musician, but we also have a great person in our midst. We can rock again at last."

Added drummer Hena Habegger: "The search took a long time but it was clear to all of us when we met Nic that he was the right guy. With him we can enjoy the music again and celebrate new success. I'm really happy that we are continuing."

The final decision for Nic Maeder was unanimous.

"We noticed straight away that the chemistry, both musically and personally, was right. For us, he is the new member of the family," said guitarist Freddy Scherer.

Nic Maeder, who besides his singing position also plays guitar and piano, is a very talented and creative person. His songwriting ability also means he fits perfectly into the GOTTHARD family. He is the missing piece in the puzzle.

"Music has been my companion all my life and always was an important part of it. It is a great feeling to be able to share in the birth of a song and to see how it keeps growing. I can experience that with GOTTHARD and it makes me happy. I am making music with friends," said Nic Maeder.

The band concluded: "Of course, you can write a lot about a new singer, but in the end there is nothing better than seeing and hearing him sing. We therefore decided to produce a song plus video [see below] as a thank you to our fans, which can be downloaded free of charge. It is dedicated to all our fans who didn't lose their faith and trust in GOTTHARD. You have supported us with all your strength during the past months. Thank you so much!"

Said bassist Marc Lynn: "With Nic, we have taken the right decision for GOTTHARD. A lot of courage is needed to step into the footsteps of such a great singer. For that, Nic has earned our respect. Let's never forget this and make Nic welcome in the family. We are in the studio at the moment and are working with renewed energy and enthusiasm on songs for a new album, which will be released in the spring of 2012."

GOTTHARD vocalist Steve Lee was killed on October 5, 2010 in what has been described as a freak road accident in Nevada.

Interview: