Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH played a "secret" gig last night (Thursday, January 19) under the name RUBBER BAND OF WOLVES at the Key Club in West Hollywood, California.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Storytime
02. Wish I Had An Angel
03. Amaranth
04. Scaretale
05. The Siren
06. Slow, Love, Slow
07. I Want My Tears Back
08. The Crow, The Owl And The Dove
09. The Islander (acoustic)
10. Nemo (acoustic)
11. Last of the Wilds
12. Planet Hell
13. Song Of Myself
14. Last Ride Of The Day
15. Poet And The Pendulum
16. Over The Hills And Far Away

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

Check out photos of the show at this location.

NIGHTWISH's official world-tour kick-off performance will take place this Saturday, January 21 at the Gibson Ampitheater in Universal City. The Universal City concert will be the biggest NIGHTWISH show production ever on North American soil and strictly a one-off — there will be no U.S. tour until later in 2012.

"Imaginaerum", the first album in four years from NIGHTWISH, sold 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, 2007's "Dark Passion Play", opened with 11,000 units to land at No. 84.

"Dark Passion Play" has sold 134,000 copies in the U.S. so far, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"Imaginaerum" was certified gold in Germany earlier this month for sales in excess of 100,000 copies.

The effort entered the official chart in Finland at position No. 1 and has already been certifield triple platinum in the country after shifting more than 60,000 units.

Note: The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) in Finland has revised the sales requirements for albums to reach platinum status in the country from the pre-2010 level of 30,000 to the current 20,000.

"Imaginaerum" was released in North America on January 10 via Roadrunner Records.

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metallers DELAIN will release their third album later in the year via Roadrunner Records. Described as "the band's most powerful, most atmospheric and intoxicating album to date," the CD was helmed by producer Jacob Hellner — renowned for his work with RAMMSTEIN, CLAWFINGER and APOCALYPTICA — while the vocals were tracked with the Epicentre team of Fredrik Thomander and Anders Wikström (SCORPIONS, BACKYARD BABIES).

Commented the band: "As you might expect from us, this album again offers some interesting collaborations, both in musical and visual terms.

"This record features none less than FEAR FACTORY shouter Burton C. Bell as a guest singer, and visual artist Glenn Arthur provided the cover artwork [see below].

"We met Burton at the Wacken Open Air festival a year ago and stayed in touch afterwards. When we were working on [the song] 'Where Is The Blood', we didn't hesitate to contact him for cooperation. He's done such an amazing job on the song turning the song into a most violent duet; his exceptional, raw voice fits perfectly to this song!

"The cover artwork was created by Glenn Arthur, a California-based visual artist whose work is inspired by art nouveau design and steampunk imagery. Charlotte [Wessels, vocals] is a big admirer of Glenn's work and she dedicated multiple blogs to his art.

"For the artwork of 'We Are The Others', we gave Glenn the lyrics to the song as inspiration.

"We're incredibly happy with how the cover turned out."

Added Charlotte: "From the first time I saw [Glenn's] work, I've been imagining it as cover artwork; something in the way his work is both esthetically very delicate, but always with a dark undertone, fits our music very well."

"We Are The Others" track listing:

01. Mother Machine
02. Electricity
03. We Are The Others
04. Milk And Honey
05. Hit Me With Your Best Shot
06. I Want You
07. Where Is The Blood (feat. Burton C. Bell)
08. Generation Me
09. Babylon
10. Are You Done With Me
11. Get The Devil Out Of Me
12. Not Enough

At first glance, some songtitles on "We Are The Others" may sound mysterious and conspiratorial, but there is a very serious background: The lyrics to the title track were inspired by the hate crime against a British girl named Sophie Lancaster in 2007. She and her boyfriend were beaten comatose by a gang of youths, because of their goth looks, and Sophie later died from her injuries. This tragedy sent shockwaves throughout the world.

Commented Charlotte: "Sophie's story hit close to home for us, being part of a subculture ourselves but it's in no way an individual case; people are discriminated against — all the time, to the point of violence — based on their cultural or ethnic background everywhere.

"'We Are The Others' is our own 'outsiders anthem' for everybody who, deliberately or not, diverts from the norm. Whether it's by looking different, acting different, or choosing a different path in life then is expected from you."

DELAIN will embark on a European headlining tour in April with support from TRILLIUM, the metal project masterminded by American singer/songwriter Amanda Somerville.

Dutch rockers THE GATHERING have issued the following update:

"We are still working on the new record. We will release a new single in May, the album will be released in September. More info as soon as possible!

In the meantime you still can listen to ‘Heroes For Ghosts’, our 11 minute opus magnus which will be on the new album as well! And it is still possible to download it for free at this location."

AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler and Carrie Underwood will team up for a special episode of "CMT Crossroads", which pairs country music stars with popular artists from other genres — pop, rock, R&B — to play together, swap stories, and share their common love of music.

"CMT Crossroads: Steven Tyler & Carrie Underwood Live From the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam" will air Saturday, February 4 — the night before the Super Bowl.

This is the second year "CMT Crossroads" will broadcast from the Super Bowl Fan Jam.

Previous episodes of "Crossroads" have included DEF LEPPARD and Taylor Swift; BON JOVI and SUGARLAND; and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.

Austrian symphonic metallers VISIONS OF ATLANTIS have issued the following update:

"VISIONS OF ATLANTIS is proud and excited to notify all of you: We will enter the Artesonika Studios in Pordenone (near Venice), Italy tomorrow to start the recordings for our next album! The main producer for this most ambitious VISIONS OF ATLANTIS output so far will be a good friend and his name is Fabio D'Amore from our dear labelmates of SERENITY! For this reason we can also announce that two of the leading Austrian metal bands join their forces as Fabio will also be our guest bass player for this record! We can also announce that Austria’s leading metal webzine Stormbringer.at will present the official studio diary which will be updated with reports, pictures and videos and we're glad to have such a strong media partner once again with us! Spread the word and stay tuned! First pictures and more to come in week one, starting now! Get ready to rumble!”

On January 17, Therese Hanserot, the original lead singer for long-running Swedish metallers DESTINY, passed away at the age of 48.

Hanserot joined DESTINY in the fall of 1982, when she was just 18 years old, and she left the band in the summer of 1983. During this time she recorded six songs for the first-ever DESTINY demo and performing with the band at their first-ever gig (at the rock club RPM). After leaving DESTINY, she sang in a couple of cover bands before quitting singing for good.

Commented DESTINY guitarist Stefan Björnshög: "At my 30th birthday party in 1990, we reconnected again, this time as friends. We realized that we had so much in common that never came to the surface in the band. For about two years we hanged out together before life once again took us into different paths. Last year, 18 years later, in August, we reconnected through Facebook. And it didn't take long before we where engaged and in a wonderful loving relationship. Therese planed to start playing keyboards again and even agreed to sing a small part on one of the songs for the 30th anniversary album. Now that will not happen and I will forever carry the memory of Therese in my heart. My sorrow is endless and the hurt is unbearable. I love you, Therese!"

Swedish doom metallers THE GRAVIATORS have inked a worldwide deal with Napalm Records. The quartet, which is said to be "inspired by the sounds of the great rock 'n' roll groups of the '70s," will release its sophomore album at the end of April on CD and LP.

THE GRAVIATORS's self-titled debut came out in 2009. Their first music video, for the song "Back To The Sabbath", was shot by renowned music video director Thomas Tjäder and can be seen below.

The band was featured with the track "The Magician" on the Planet Fuzz compilation "Cowbells & Cobwebs".

In 2010 Dutch label Clear Spot/Headspin records released "The Graviators" as an exclusive double splatter vinyl. The artwork for this vinyl release (and the second pressing of the album on CD) was made by the artist Vance Kelly.

THE GRAVIATORS is:

Niklas Sjöberg: Vocals
Martin Fairbanks: Guitar
Johan Holm: Bass
Henrik Bergman: Drums

KISS singer/guitarist Paul Stanley celebrates his 60th birthday today (Friday, January 20).

KISS' official web site, KissOnline.com, has posted the following birthday greetings from Paul's bandmates:

Gene Simmons: "Paul, my very best wishes on your birthday. You're the brother I never had. You've always been there. For me. For the band. For the fans."

Tommy Thayer: "Happy birthday, Paul! You're a great friend & a brother in arms... We just made a kick-ass album together and had a great time doing it. You are THE rock & roll champion! Happy 60th!!

Eric Singer: "Paul Stanley, Happy Birthday to the Grand Master of Ceremonies! You're still the best and I wish you only better days ahead..."

Paul Stanley (real name Stanley Harvey Eisen) was born January 20, 1952 in New York City.

BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler has issued an update on the recording sessions for original SABBATH lineup's first album together in 33 years.

SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi was diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, it was revealed earlier this month. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system. According to a statement issued by his publicist, the 63-year-old metal legend is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan and remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.

In a brand new post on his official web site, Butler writes, "Today [January 19th] we got the engines back up and running at Tony's home studio. Far from being down and depressed about his lymphoma diagnosis, Tony had already written the music for two new songs, and I must say it has given us all a kick up the rump — it's great to hear him churning out those riffs again, assuaging the Demon C. Takes more than that to stop Tony. Can't wait for you all to hear our workings; it has been great working on this stuff.

He adds, "I want to thank the lovely encouraging emails sent to this site giving Tony love and encouragement and great vibes. It really does help, not only Tony, but us as a band — it raises up our spirits and restores our faith in this tarnished world.

"SABB fans are good people. Time and again, you have proven your faith in us and boosted our endeavour.

"Thanks, love, peace."

SABBATH's new album, which is being produced by Rick Rubin, is set for release this fall. SABBATH is scheduled to embark on a world tour this summer, although Iommi's illness could affect those plans.

Iommi's bandmate in SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL, legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio, died of stomach cancer in May 2010 at the age of 67.

Mark Reale, the founding guitarist of the legendary metal band RIOT was admitted to a San Antonio hospital last week in critical condition due to complications of Crohn's disease — an ailment he has battled for most of his life.

The following update on Reale's condition was posted on Reale's official web site, MarkReale.com:

"When I went to see Mark today, I talked with his nurse (pray for them too) she was nice enough to give me a medical term of Mark's conditions.

"Mark had a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage [Wikipedia] and is why he's still in a coma since January 11, 2012 when he was rushed to the hospital. Mark is also fighting several other critical conditions, but is getting the very best here in San Antonio from gifted and talented doctors.

"Please continue to keep Mark in your thoughts and prayers, I continue every day reading them to Mark! God hears all of us, ask for HIS goodness to heal Mark.

"If you would like to write a prayer that will be delivered personally by myself to Mark's bedside, please click on this link now."

RIOT played its first show without Reale last night (Wednesday, January 18) at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City.

Mark has been battling Crohn's for most of his life, working and performing while enduring almost constant pain and the side effects of treatment for his illness. 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 he was unable to perform.

New Guitar recently conducted an interview with former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

New Guitar: The music on the "Tokyo Jukebox" albums sounds very optimistic and happy — a kind of opposite in comparison to what we heard in MEGADETH. I guess you are a in very happy period of your life. Any comments?

Marty: That is a very good observation. I was happy in MEGADETH and I am happy now. However, I have many more musical challenges now and that's why my music has so many more emotions now. Positive feelings come out in my music much more now, even when the music I'm making now at times is much heavier than MEGADETH.

New Guitar: Your music changed after you moved to Japan. How did it affect your fans? Did you lose some of them and earn some? Do you meet people nowadays who say to you, "Oh, Marty, I liked you more in MEGADETH/CACOPHONY times because blah blah blah?" How do you respond them?

Marty: I hear everything from fans. In Japan, I have done so many different things, that only a small percentage of the people here know me from MEGADETH. I've done over 400 TV shows here, so most people have a different image of me. Outside of Japan, I hear more about MEGADETH and CACOPHONY, and it is usually overwhelmingly positive. The way I see it, if you enjoy my music from any time of my career, I'm happy about it.

New Guitar: You have lived in many places including Hawaii, Germany and California now you reside in Tokyo. How those changes influence you as an artists and human being? What did you learn? What did you miss?

Marty: I am lucky to have lived among several cultures and so many interesting places; that gives me a musical freedom that is unusual. Different cultures accept different things. For example it is totally normal for rock and metal fans to love pop music, but in the U.S. it is somewhat taboo.

New Guitar: How are you able to avoid "burning-out" syndrome?

Marty: By picking and choosing what work I do, and turning down work that I don't really want to do.

New Guitar: You wrote "I'm really proud of the first two bands to debut on my label, Gokukara Records." Could you tell us about idea of making that record company? What kind of music would you like to release on the label? Is it outfit also for your recordings?

Marty: The label is for brand new bands that I put together and produce. My recordings are released on the Avex label. The music is modern J-pop with a rock and metal sound.

New Guitar: Did you meet guys from MEGADETH when they're performing around your area? Are you still friends/colleagues?

Marty: Still friends, but I haven't seen any of them in years.

Read the entire interview at Nthis location.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based extreme metallers KATAKLYSM will release a multidisc DVD, "The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined", in the spring via Nuclear Blast. The set will depict the ups and downs of the band's long, turbulent career, as well as footage of KATAKLYSM's performance at last year's Summer Breeze festival, which took place August 18-20, 2011 in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. The cover art for the release was created by artist Colin Marks (ORIGIN, EXODUS, NEVERMORE) and can be viewed below.

KATAKLYSM recently recorded the single "The Iron Will" in Montreal, Canada with guitarist/producer Jean-François Dagenais. It was mixed Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, BEHEMOTH, MNEMIC) in Denmark and will be made available with a video clip on iTunes one month before the release of "The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined".

KATAKLYSM's "At The Edge Of The World" video was filmed on March 20, 2011 at the band's hometown show at Club Soda. This concert also marked the end of the group's "Spread the Venom" European/North American tour. The video was helmed by director Tommy Jones (DEATH ANGEL, SOILWORK), who is also working with KATAKLYSM on "The Iron Will: 20 Years Determined".

KATAKLYSM's latest album, "Heaven's Venom", sold around 2,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 8 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.

KATAKLYSM's previous CD, "Prevail", opened with 2,250 units back in June 2008.

"Heaven's Venom" was produced by Jean-Francois Dagenais and was mixed by Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, MNEMIC, DARK TRANQUILLITY).

SOULS ON 11 — the project featuring former MEGADETH guitarist Jeff Young and 24-year-old Swedish singer Guernica Mancini — had its October 21, 2011 performance at Genghis Cohen Restaurant, Bar & Music Room in Hollywood, California filmed for DVD release. Joining Young and Mancini during the concert were James Lomenzo (bass; MEGADETH, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, WHITE LION) and Debby Holiday (vocals).

A new edit of the song "Maybe Tomorrow" from the DVD can be seen below.

Fans that want the actual finished hi-fi HD version featuring six more live songs and bonus features can purchase the disc at www.soulson11.com.

Mancini joined SOULS ON 11 earlier in the year as the replacement for Schascle "Twinkle" Yochim, who was unable to move forward with the project due to various "personal and family situations." Seeking a vocalist of European sensibility led the guitarist back to his Alma mater, Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. Mancini is a recent graduate of MI's Vocal Institute Of Technology and is currently attending courses in Music Business at UCLA. During her tenure at VIT, Mancini went through a self-proclaimed "'80s metal phase," exploring a natural affinity and the uncanny ability to sing in the style of Ronnie James Dio, SKID ROW's Sebastian Bach, Janis Joplin and the like.

SOULS ON 11's recording lineup is rounded out by the world-class rhythm section of Lomenzo and drummer Jeff Bowders (PAUL GILBERT, PUDDLE OF MUDD).

Fans worldwide will also be able to check out a special virtual acoustic performance and question-and-answer session with LACUNA COIL on Tuesday, January 24 via www.stageit.com. The event will be broadcast live at 7:00 p.m. EST from acclaimed record store Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey.

Fans who purchase the new album at any Metal Club store will receive an exclusive code to watch the performance for free.

All proceeds will be donated to Rezophonic, a project with which the band is actively involved, that is dedicated to providing medical assistance to remote regions of East Africa.

Fans lucky enough to live near Vintage Vinyl can actually witness this special acoustic performance in person.

Pre-order LACUNA COIL's new album, "Dark Adrenaline", to get a wristband that will get you into into the in-store performance on January 24. Order online or in person at the store while supplies last. The event is on release date, so you can pick up your copy of the album at the performance.

Produced by Don Gilmore (LINKIN PARK, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE), "Dark Adrenaline" promises to deliver the melodic, sensual, metallic rush for which the band has come to be known.

Fans both old and new will have a variety of options to choose from, as "Dark Adrenaline" will be released in a number of formats, including standard-edition CD and vinyl, deluxe-edition digipak with a bonus DVD, sticker, poster and guitar pick and as an iTunes LP with expanded packaging, five bonus audio tracks and video. The Metal Club edition will feature exclusive artwork designed by the band and will be limited to 3000 units. The Hastings edition will feature a bonus 10-track LACUNA COIL sampler, and the Amazon digital edition comes with a free five-track sampler.

For true fans of LACUNA COIL, the "Darkest Adrenaline" box set will be available. It includes both the digipak and vinyl versions of the album along with a hardcover photo book, a LACUNA COIL custom syringe pen and ink, a lyric pad, signed lithographs created by the band and more, all housed in a LACUNA COIL medical box. This box set is limited to 500 pieces and is available exclusively through CM Distro.

As previously announced, LACUNA COIL will support MEGADETH on their critically-acclaimed Gigantour. This run will also feature MOTÖRHEAD and VOLBEAT.

Former NOTHINGFACE bassist Bill Gaal will release "This Is The Sweetest Kind Of Lie...You Are The Deadliest Surprise", the new album from his IN FOR THE KILL project, sometime this spring.

The cover artwork for the CD can be seen below.

A track from the effort, "The Gold And The Gun", will be made available for streaming on Tuesday, January 24 at www.inforthekillband.com.

IN FOR THE KILL's sound is more comparable to that of groups like QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE or a lighter ALICE IN CHAINS. Gaal sings and plays guitar in the new group, which released an album titled "Kingdom Sessions: Volume One" in 2008.

Regarding how the sound for IN FOR THE KILL came together, Gaal told Revolver magazine in a 2011 interview, "The first IN FOR THE KILL record was a carryover from my band KINGDOM OF SNAKES, which was the band I started right after NOTHINGFACE. The type of songs that I have always been the most attracted to have big vocal hooks and big rock riffs. I spend a lot of time writing and studying all kinds of music, and I had a really clear idea of what I was looking for with IN FOR THE KILL. I wanted to write songs that had catch memorable riffs and vocals, but also had plenty of heavy guitars and bass. Oddly enough, the bass playing in IN FOR THE KILL is actually much heavier than almost anything that I wrote in NOTHINGFACE. Lyrically, IN FOR THE KILL songs usually deal with things that are going on in my life. I'm not really one to tell people how they should feel about things. The sound of the new IN FOR THE KILL record is a definite growth from the first one. The new songs are a bit heavier and complex, which was probably an outgrowth of the time I spent writing new NOTHINGFACE songs a couple of years ago! It's also because of the influence of [original NOTHINGFACE drummer] Chris Houck's drumming on the album."

BUFFALO THEORY MTL — the project featuring three former members of the now-defunct Montreal deathcore act GHOULUNATICS — will enter Montreal, Quebec, Canada's Indica studios at the end of January to record six songs for its upcoming second album, entitled "Heavy Ride". The band states, "We still have a bit of arranging to do, but other that that we're ready to go! We are recording in three days, as we have a very limited budget, as most indie bands do, and by recording live, we can get the most out of the sessions." The group adds, "Along with the six new songs, we will be adding the five songs from our first demo EP (March 2010), which will finally get properly mastered. Our first EP was meant to be a demo at the time and was released without being mastered. The EP is now out of print.

The mix and mastering should be done by the end of February and the plan is to release it by mid-March to start touring the new album in April or May."

Interested parties should contact BUFFALO THEORY MTL now at buffalotheory@live.ca or at booking@galyrecords.com.

BUFFALO THEORY MTL is:

Gary Lyons (ex-GHOULUNATICS) - Bass
Pat Gordon (LES EKORCHÉS, ex-GHOULUNATICS) - Guitar
Yannick Pilon (ARSENIQ 33) - Guitar
Brian Craig (ex-GHOULUNATICS) - Drums
Anton Parr - Vocals

THE WILDFIRE, the brainchild of a Finnish singer Antti Railio, is a new band that combines influences of heavy metal and rock music to create their own unique sound. Having formerly made his mark in bands such as CELESTY and DIECELL, Antti has spent the last three years touring extensively under his own name, doing acoustic shows and special appearances all around Finland. He is also currently performing in "Dance Of The Vampires", a cult musical running at the Seinäjoki City Theatre.

THE WILDFIRE is:

Antti Railio - Vocals
Arto Pitkänen - Drums
Iiro Juntunen - Bass
Kimmo Perämäki - Guitar
Satu Huhtala - Keyboards
Teemu Koskela - Guitar

The band's as-yet-untitled debut album will be released later in the year.

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

"Goodbye To Death", a brand new song from Orange County, California's BLEEDING THROUGH, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track comes off the band's new album, "The Great Fire", which will be released on January 31 via Rise Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. March
02. Faith In Fire
03. Goodbye To Death
04. Final Hours
05. Starving Vultures
06. Everything You Love Is Gone
07. Walking Dead
08. Devil And Self Doubt
09. Step Back In Line
10. Trail Of Seclusion
11. Deaf Ears
12. One By One
13. Entrenched
14. Back To Life

Check out the cover artwork below.

BLEEDING THROUGH's latest self-titled CD sold around 3,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 143 on The Billboard 200 chart.

BLEEDING THROUGH's previous effort, "Declaration" (2008), opened with 6,000 units to land at No. 101.

Juliet, the eight-year-old daughter of Australian producer Rob Sharpe, teamed up with her dad over the holidays this to smash out a "brutal" track called "My First Hardcore Song". In the one-minute clip, which can be seen below, Juliet takes you on a journey of her love for her dog, Robert and how her pet fish stink even though Juliet has zero sense of smell.

The song, posted earlier today, was produced by Rob Sharpe and filmed by Juliet's mother, Tina C.

Juliet is featured in a number of other videos, including one where she loses a tooth and one where she sings for her father's 40th birthday.

The Australian hardcore scene will never be the same!

Ohio-based metallers AXEMASTER are making good, steady progress on the final writing and recording sessions for their new album. Guitarist Joe Sims is producing the CD and has completed early mixes of the guitar and drums for five songs, which "so far sound 100 percent better than any of the band's previous releases," according to a press release. "The response from the few people who have listened to them has been outstanding."

Stated Sims: "This is the first release I have produced on my own and the result so far is much better than even I expected. I have been taking my time and paying attention to every small detail and it's DEFINITELY paying off. This material is by far the best stuff I have ever done and the CD has to have the sound quality to match. So far so good, the sound's there and the performances have been top notch!!!!"

Added vocalist Tony Webster: "It's been a crazy last few months. I spent a lot of time getting ready for 2012 with 'The Metal Command' radio show which has taken a lot of time away from writing. However... so far the recordings are going well. Every week Joe comes up with better and better sounding mixes and recordings of the guitars and drums. I have now written parts for five songs and recorded my parts for three songs. I can tell you that this album is taking AXEMASTER and even my songwriting down a much darker lyrical path than ever before. So far the vocal parts are sounding killer. I am in full force writing mode for this new album."

There is still a lot of work to be done in writing, recording, and production, so it will be a while before all the material is completed.

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

According to The Pulse Of Radio, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello is slated to appear on the new album from Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen manager Jon Landau confirmed Morello's appearance on the Boss' 17th studio effort, which may be titled "Wrecking Ball" and is due out this spring. Landau also said that the record may include contributions from former PEARL JAM drummer Matt Chamberlain.

Morello has joined Springsteen onstage at several of the Boss' Southern California shows, starting back in April 2008 when he joined him at two gigs in Anaheim. Morello told The Pulse Of Radio at the time how it came about. "We've been friends for about 10 years and I just ran into him at a recording studio a couple of days before the show, and he said, you know, 'We need to get you up onstage, Tommy!'" he said. "Like, I don't get nervous for too much, I've, you know, I've rocked my share of arenas, but I was terrified (laughs). But it went great. His crowd couldn't have been more appreciative, and soloing over the rocking E STREET BAND while the Boss nods his approval is...those are a couple of nights that I'll remember forever."

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE covered Springsteen's "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" on its 2000 covers collection, "Renegades".

Morello may have another chance to join Springsteen onstage as the E STREET BAND is scheduled to hit the road in the U.S. this spring.

"Babylon", a brand new song from Louisiana rockers LILLIAN AXE, can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below. The track comes off the band's new album, "XI: The Days Before Tomorrow", which will be released in North America on February 14 via CME Records. The CD will be made available in Europe on January 27 through Germany's AFM Records.

"XI: The Days Before Tomorrow" was recorded at Sound Landing Studio in Covington, Louisiana, with the band's guitarist/songwriter Steve Blaze acting as producer and Rob Hovey engineering. The mixing duties were handled by Sylvia Massey (TOOL, JOHNNY CASH, DEFTONES, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, PRINCE, BLACK CROWES).

"XI: The Days Before Tomorrow" track listing:

01. Babylon
02. Death Comes Tomorrow
03. Gather Up The Snow
04. The Great Divide
05. Take The Bullet
06. Bow Your Head
07. Caged In
08. Soul Disease
09. Lava On My Tongue
10. My Apologies
11. Angels Among Us (European bonus track)

"This is the best record I have ever written for LILLIAN AXE," says Blaze.

"XI: The Days Before Tomorrow" marks the debut of new lead vocalist Brian Jones of Jackson, Mississippi.

LILLIAN AXE has recorded an impressive amount of songs, earned the loyalty of a devout fan base worldwide and amassed an extensive amount of effusive critical acclaim from their peers. Brian Jones brings an amazing new voice and incredible vocal range to LILLIAN AXE. His vocal style complements Steve Blaze's songwriting and in turn has inspired Steve to write some of his most passionate, deep and soulful new songs to date.

The songs on "XI: The Days Before Tomorrow" reflect Steve Blaze's passionate beliefs in the power of music. Steve's compositions are as emotional as they are infectious. They are in your face songs of truth, war, neglect, Mother Nature, the innocent victim, the state of the world, current issues and spirituality. Personally charged rock 'n' roll is what makes Steve's songwriting so melodic and drenched with deep lyrical insight.

With the creative momentum in the studio, LILLIAN AXE took seven months to write and record the new album. Blaze recounts, "I had so many ideas and we experimented with a lot of sounds, we took our time to make the album we wanted to for ourselves and the fans. We took no shortcuts recording this album."

Although LILLIAN AXE has been through some tough times and taken the long road; they still create new music that is both relevant and exciting and continue to tour while others have forsaken the live performances. LILLIAN AXE respects its past but looks forward to the future by reinventing themselves with the current times. Steve Blaze reflects, "I continue to learn about writing songs, recording, performing and growing as a complete human being. My life experiences are those that make its way into the songs I write for LILLIAN AXE."

Extreme metal supergroup LOCK UP will embark on its first-ever North American headlining tour in February. Support on the trek will come from GOATWHORE and STRONG INTENTION.

LOCK UP bassist Shane Embury will be unable to make the trek and will be temporarily replaced by Dan Lilker (NUCLEAR ASSAULT, BRUTAL TRUTH, S.O.D., VENOMOUS CONCEPT).

"It's a pleasure and an honor to (briefly) step in for Mr. Shane Embury and hold down the bass for LOCK UP for these East Coast shows," commented Lilker. "Hope to see all the grindfreaks come out and experience the mayhem. Full speed ahead, fuckers!"

Originally formed by Shane Embury (NAPALM DEATH, VENOMOUS CONCEPT), Nick Barker (ex-CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR) and Jesse Pintado (NAPALM DEATH, TERRORIZER) to blast out the most caustic, skin-flaying brand of deathgrind, LOCK UP was joined by the raw throat of Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY) for its debut album, 1999's fearsome "Pleasure Pave Sewers", and Tomas Lindberg (AT THE GATES, DISFEAR) for 2002's "Hate Breeds Suffering", touring Japan and then falling into inactivity.

Now joined by guitarist Anton Reisenegger (Chile's PENTAGRAM, CRIMINAL) in place of the late Jesse Pintado, LOCK UP is back in the most uncompromising style possible.

Commented Barker: "After many attempts in the past, sadly to no avail, LOCK UP finally gets to make it stateside for a string of shows with our good friends from Louisiana, GOATWHORE. For us in LOCK UP, to play with GOATWHORE in the U.S. is like a dream tour, as they are one of our favorite bands — and being good friends with them too only makes this package even more special to us. Be prepared North America 'cause we're coming over to blast your minds into deathgrind oblivion!"

The dates are as follows:

Feb. 08 - Buffalo, NY @ Club Infinity
Feb. 09 - Albany, NY @ Bogies
Feb. 10 - Boston, MA @ Club Lido
Feb. 11 - Montreal, QC @ Katacombes
Feb. 12 - Tortonto, ON @ Wreck Room
Feb. 13 - Chicago, IL @ Reggie's
Feb. 14 - Columbus, OH @ Alrosa Villa
Feb. 15 - Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
Feb. 16 - Brooklyn, NY @ Europa

LOCK UP's third studio album, "Necropolis Transparent", the was released in North America on July 12, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded in November-December 2010 at HVR Studios in Ipswich, United Kingdom and was mixed in January.

"Necropolis Transparent" features guest appearances by HYPOCRISY/PAIN mainman (and one-time LOCK UP vocalist) Peter Tägtgren along with Jeff Walker (CARCASS, BRUJERIA).

HELL'S DOMAIN, the Danish thrash metal band featuring former members of HATESPEHERE, KOLDBORN, EXMORTEM and ARTILLERY, made its live debut on January 12 in the group's hometown Aarhus, Denmark. Video footage of the performance can be seen below.

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

"Undaunted", the new video from ADRENALINE MOB — the band featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD), SYMPHONY X frontman Russell Allen and guitar virtuoso Mike Orlando (SONIC STOMP) — can be seen below. The song comes off the group's debut album, "Omertá", which will be released on March 13 via the newly formed Elm City Music in conjunction with EMI Label Services. The 11-song CD — which was produced by ADRENALINE MOB and mixed by Jay Ruston, who has previously worked on ANTHRAX's "Worship Music" and STEEL PANTHER's "Balls Out" — includes a blistering reinterpretation of DURAN DURAN's classic "Come Undone" featuring guest vocals by Lzzy Hale of HALESTORM.

Norwegian avantgarde metallers BORKNAGAR have completed work on their new studio album with Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, PARADISE LOST, KATATONIA) in Örebro, Sweden. Entitled "Urd", the CD will be released on March 26 in Europe and March 27 in North America via Century Media Records.

The album's artwork was designed by Brazilian artist Marcelo Vasco, who has not only already worked on the band's previous "Universal" release but also with artists such as SOULFLY, BELPHEGOR, EINHERJER and KEEP OF KALESSIN.

Commented BORKNAGAR mastermind Øystein G. Brun: "The cover and design for 'Urd' is spot on when it comes to portraying the very core of the band. This time around we wanted an earthly expression through our cover and general design to support and empower the main themes on the album. You can almost smell and feel the texture of the old Norse wooden carvings — still there is a sophisticated and eclectic approach to the expression that entwines perfectly into the music. Marcelo Vasco enhanced our ideas into brilliance, he painted the face of the beast that is about to be unleashed..."

"Urd" track listing:

01. Epochalypse
02. Roots
03. The Beauty Of Dead Cities
04. The Earthling
05. The Plains Of Memories
06. Mount Regency
07. Frostrite
08. The Winter Eclipse
09. In A Deeper World

Brun previously stated about the upcoming CD, "Our new album, 'Urd', was finished in mid December and all in all we spent about six months to record, produce and mix it. In the 'Bork-World' this isn't really long, but I can assure you that we have never before invested so much time, energy and effort into one single production. It has been a tough, yet inspiring ride.

"Since June 2011 I have constantly been working with this album, recording, editing and so forth — day and night. The same goes for my comrades. Never before have we made an album where everybody in the band has been so heavily involved and dedicated as this time around.

"'Urd' is surely the peak of our musical journey so far and we are extremely proud to have made this giant of an album! It's massive, it's emotional, it's fast, it's slow, it's epic, and it's progressive… all the ingredients that we have crafted our musical world on! And not to mention the 'golden threesome' on vocals (Vintersorg, Mr. Vortex and Lazare) really shines on this album… Do I need to say more?!"

Regarding where the album title fits in within BORKNAGAR's historical context, Øystein explains, "Our previous album was called 'Universal' and where should we go after an album title with such a magnitude? Well, we decided to head back home to earth. We really wanted to get back to the core of the band, where it all started - the admiration and pondering about nature and mankind's place therein. 'Urd' is the name of one of the norns that according to northern mythology stands under Yggdrasill and weaves the lifeline of mankind. 'Urd' is representing the past, while 'Verdande' is representing the present and 'Skuld' is representing the future. You might very well say that this is an ancient expression of what we today know as DNA. And I have always been very fascinated by the fact that parts and bits of our DNA actually derive from the very beginning of time. All living creatures are somewhat connected to the very first organic cell. That is some of the story behind the album title…"

BORKNAGAR 2012 is:

* Øystein G. Brun (Cronian, ex-Molested) – Clean and Electric Guitar
* Vintersorg (VINTERSORG, FISSION) - Grim Vocals, Clean Vocals and Choirs
* Lars A. Nedland (SOLEFALD, ex-CARPATHIAN FOREST) - Keyboards, Clean Vocals, Choirs
* Jens F. Ryland (ICS VORTEX) - Lead Guitar
* ICS Vortex (ex-DIMNMU BORGIR, ARCTURUS, ICS VORTEX) - Bass, Clean Vocals and Choirs

Drums and percussion on "Urd" were performed by David Kinkade (SOULFLY, ex-MALEVOLENT CREATION).