"The Doom" and "Time Of Trials", two brand new songs from Raleigh, North Carolina legends CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. Both tracks come off the band's self-titled new album, which is scheduled for a February 28 North American release via Candlelight Records. Recorded at Dave Grohl's Studio 606 in Northridge, California, the CD was produced by the band in cooperation with longtime collaborator John Custer. It was mixed by John Lousteau (FOO FIGHTERS) and features artwork by Seldon Hunt (MELVINS, HIGH ON FIRE).

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

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

Reflecting on the past year and the album's recording process, Dean notes, "We tracked the songs at Studio 606, then headed for Europe, toured the U.S., and returned to Europe. We then did some vocals at home in North Carolina. but not where we originally planned; the studio was flattened by a system of spring tornadoes. We made our way back to 606 about seven months later and mixed twelve songs in ten days. The whole time we were out there, we were living in the onion fields of Ventura County and had to drive over the Santa Susana Pass to the San Fernando Valley every day. That was some fuel intensive time to reflect."

He added, "As a whole, the album was an inspired and efficient collaboration.

"John Custer told me he thought we were all working together as one organism; which is an apt description."

"Corrosion Of Conformity" features eleven new songs, with the deluxe digipak and vinyl formats set to include two additional tracks. Vinyl collectors will want to seek out both formats of the record; the European configuration is confirmed as a double 180-gram clear vinyl, and the American version will feature a single 180-gram black-and-white splatter vinyl with a limited seven-inch single which will include the album's bonus songs. Both versions will feature a gatefold sleeve.

Comments Dean: "We like the idea of pressing this music on vinyl because so much of our inspiration comes from music that precedes the digital era. It's also cool to have that large format for the artwork and the lyrics and the credits. It's such a tangible physical product you can hold in your hands. In Europe, the vinyl will include a CD so you can get the files into your digital realm. In the U.S., a download card is included."

"Corrosion Of Conformity" track listing:

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

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

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY's latest album, "In the Arms of God", came out in 2005 on Sanctuary Records. The group's first collection of new material since 2000's "America's Volume Dealer" was produced by C.O.C.'s longtime collaborator John Custer.

"Subterfuge", a brand new song from the legendary grindcore act TERRORIZER, can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below. Clocking in just shy of two minutes, the track is "packed with TERRORIZER's signature crushing riffs and relentless blast beats," according to a press release.

"Subterfuge" comes off TERRORIZER's new album, "Hordes Of Zombies", which will be released in North America on February 28 via the French label Season Of Mist.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Intro
02. Hordes Of Zombies
03. Ignorance And Apathy
04. Subterfuge
05. Evolving Era
06. Radiation Syndrome
07. Flesh To Dust
08. Generation Chaos
09. Broken Mirrors
10. Prospect Of Oblivion
11. Malevolent Ghosts
12. Forward To Annihilation
13. State Of Mind
14. A Dying Breed

A bonus track, "Wretched", will appear on the vinyl and digital versions of the album, while the limited-edition digipak will also contain a demo version of the title cut.

TERRORIZER's 2011 lineup includes Commando (a.k.a. Pete Sandoval) who remains dug into position on drums, blasting out armor-piercing beats and defending his territory as one of the most brutal drummers alive.

Wolf (a.k.a. Anthony Rezhawk), the vocalist on the previous TERRORIZER album release, "Darker Days Ahead", returns for his second menacing oration of dark politicized prophecies about the apocalyptic near future.

The new TERRORIZER lineup also features David Vincent (MORBID ANGEL) on bass, ready to continue the onslaught he began with TERRORIZER's debut album masterpiece, "World Downfall".

On guitar, it is the great honor of Katina Culture (RESISTANT CULTURE) to shred in place of the late Jesse Pintado, who's still felt to be in the band in heart and spirit. She's attempted to do justice to Jesse's frantic-yet-precise tornado of riffing while adding her own style to the mix of sonic wreckage.

TERRORIZER 2011 is:

Wolf (a.k.a. Anthony Rezhawk) - Vocals
Katina Culture - Guitar
David Vincent - Bass
Commando (a.k.a. Pete Sandoval) - Drums

Pintado, a founding member and guitarist of TERRORIZER, died at Holland's Erasmus MC hospital on August 27, 2006 due to liver failure, only less than a week after the release of TERRORIZER's second album "Darker Days Ahead". His death effectively put TERRORIZER's future in question.

With an aggression and ferocity until then unheard, TERRORIZER took the scene by storm with the 1989 release of its highly acclaimed and genre-defining debut album, "World Downfall" (Earache Records). The LP established the band as a cult institution, and the musicians went on to concentrate on their future main outfits: Pete Sandoval (drums) with MORBID ANGEL and Jesse Pintado with NAPALM DEATH.

With "World Downfall", TERRORIZER created the "Reign In Blood" of grindcore, inspiring a generation of bands, their popularity never waning through these intervening years. The massive amount of available bootleg recordings and band merchandise, as well as rumors of a follow-up album, kept the TERRORIZER name alive.

Finnish progressive death metallers BARREN EARTH will release their sophomore full-length album, "The Devil's Resolve", in North America on March 13 via Peaceville Records. The effort will be made available on CD and vinyl, with artwork provided by notable U.S.-based artist Paul Romano (MASTODON).

Mixed by Dan Swanö (OPETH, KATATONIA) at Unisound in Sweden, "The Devil's Resolve" continues with all the trademarks one has come to associate with BARREN EARTH: brutal riffs, gloomy growls, majestic melodies, as well as acoustic and progressive passages. But this time the band has delved even deeper, taking this sophomore effort to the extremes through musical landscapes encompassing brutal death metal, doomy vocals, trippy 70's prog lunacy, pastoral passages and even bagpipes.

"The Devil's Resolve" track listing:

01. Passing Of The Crimson Shadows
02. The Rains Begin
03. Vintage Warlords
04. As It Is Written
05. The Dead Exiles
06. Oriental Pyre
07. White Field
08. Where All Stories End
09. Martyrs of Devotion (special edition)
10. World in Haze (special edition)

BARREN EARTH is:

Mikko Kotamäki (SWALLOW THE SUN) - Vocals
Olli-Pekka Laine (ex-AMORPHIS, MANNHAI) - Bass
Kasper Mårtenson (ex-AMORPHIS, BEN GRANFELT BAND) - Keyboards
Janne Perttilä (RYTMIHÄIRIÖ) - Guitar
Marko Tarvonen (MOONSORROW) - Drums
Sami Ylisirniö (KREATOR, WALTARI) - Guitar

"The Origin Of Disease", the new video from Belgian death metalers ABORTED, can be seen below. The clip was shot in the U.K. last summer with director Phil Berridge of Creative Junky Media (CEREBRAL BORE).

"The Origin Of Disease" comes off ABORTED's seventh studio album, "Global Flatline", which will be released on January 24 (one day earlier internationally) via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded, mixed, and mastered by the Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, PESTILENCE, HATESPHERE) at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark. The artwork was once again created by Justin Osbourn from Slasher Design.

"Global Flatline" track listing:

01. Omega Mortis
02. Global Flatline
03. The Origin Of Disease
04. Coronary Reconstruction
05. Fecal Forgery
06. Of Scabs And Boils
07. Vermicular, Obscene, Obese
08. Expurgation Euphoria
09. From A Tepid Whiff
10. The Kallinger Theory
11. Our Father, Who Art Of Feces
12. Grime
13. Endstille

The regular jewel-case edition of "Global Flatline" will include 12 tracks while the limited-edition digipack will have 14 tracks.

"Global Flatline" features several guest vocalists, such as Trevor Strnad (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER), Julien Truchan (BENIGHTED), Jason Netherton (MISERY INDEX), and Keiijo Niinima (ROTTEN SOUND). Their comments follow below.

Trevor Strnad: "It's a pleasure to offer my vocals to Sven and the guys... The new material is fucking sick and I'm glad they would let me be a small part of it. Cheers to the masters of gore, ABORTED!"

Julien Truchan: "I'm so honored to be a part of ABORTED's new baby! So far, what I heard sounds absolutely devastating, sick and furious. Their best album for sure!"

Jason Netherton: "When I got the track for the guest vocals, we loaded the files up and immediately our ears melted! A face-ripping, next-level entry for a new decade of death metal-it was a sheer pleasure to contribute some screams, and I am completely stoked to hear the entire album as soon as it drops!"

"The Origin Of Disease" video:

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!"

In an interview with RockStarWeekly.com, guitarist Shane Clark stated about 3 INCHES OF BLOOD's new material, "I think the vibe will be a little more aggressive than the last one. A little heavier. We don't like repeating ourselves. We explored a lot of our more '70s hard rock and metal influences on the last one. We'll try stuff and see how it sounds, but it probably won't have that overt element to it."

Regarding the band's forthcoming DVD, Shane said, "We've been working on this all year. It started when we did our last headlining show here at the Rickshaw [in Vancouver]. So we got footage from that show and a few other shows in town. We did a show with ALEXISONFIRE at the PNE Forum, we filmed a house party that we did in town, and we did a surprise show at the Astoria. It's really going to be a bit more of a documentary, as well as performance. What we wanted to do was have footage from different types of shows. It's really just something for the fans, and something for us to document."

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.

GOD SEED's "Live At Wacken" DVD and CD will be released on January 27 in Europe and January 31 in North America via Indie Recordings.

A trailer for the set can be seen below.

The number of tracks on the "Live At Wacken" DVD was recently reduced to nine from the previously announced 13.

GOD SEED was the Norwegian band featuring former GORGOROTH members King (bass; real name: Tom Cato Visnes) and Gaahl (vocals; real name: Kristian Espedal).

"Live At Wacken" will include footage of the group's infamous live show from the 2008 edition of the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany where they performed on the main stage in front of 75,000 screaming fans.

The Wacken performance was a reconstruction of GORGOROTH's controversial "Black Mass" show from Krakow in 2004 filmed in a TV studio in Kraków, Poland. The concert featured sheep heads on stakes, "crucified" nude models, satanic symbols, and eighty liters of sheep's blood. The band came under fire for violating Polish anti-blasphemy laws as well as Polish animal-rights laws, resulting in a police investigation with allegations of religious offence and cruelty to animals. The band went free of all charges and at Wacken 2008 they recreated this now-legendary show in all its glory.

This spectacular show is made available as a live CD, including the film of the entire show on DVD. The album is only available in a deluxe digipack edition and holds liner notes from the band about the process of recreating this special show.

"Live At Wacken" features session players Nick Barker (drums) and Ice Dale (guitar) alongside King and Gaahl.

"Live At Wacken" track listing:

CD

01. Procreating Satan
02. Forces Of Satan Storms
03. Teethgrinding
04. Carving A Giant
05. Sign Of An Open Eye
06. Wound Upon Wound
07. God Seed
08. Of Ice And Movement
09. Prosperity And Beauty

DVD

01. Procreating Satan
02. Forces Of Satan Storms
03. Teethgrinding
04. Carving A Giant
05. Sign Of An Open Eye
06. Wound Upon Wound
07. God Seed
08. Of Ice And Movement
09. Prosperity And Beauty

GOD SEED came to life after Gaahl and King lost a court battle in early 2009 against guitarist Infernus (real name: Roger Tiegs) over the rights to the GORGOROTH band name.

Commented King: "GOD SEED represents a more spiritual side to us than what GORGOROTH did. GOD SEED represents the will to grow; the will to be the super man, so to speak. I think it's a suitable name for what we will represent in the future. I am also aware of the fact that we use the word 'God' in the name. It will challenge the weak minded in the respect that we in the past used the word Satan a lot, but it's all about the same thing. The God within man, and the God within nature. I never believed in a Christian force named Satan. I believe in the God within man."

Gaahl left GOD SEED in 2009 because he chose to retire from metal music.

The European release date of "III", the third album from the Marseille, France-based female-fronted metalcore band ETHS, has been pushed back to April 6 from the previously announced March 2 (via Season Of Mist). The new North American release date has not yet been announced.

"III" was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Fredrik Nordström, who has previously worked with AT THE GATES, IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK and BRING ME THE HORIZON, among others.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Voragine
02. Harmaguedon
03. Adonaï
04. Gravis Venter
05. Inanis Venter
06. Sidus
07. Proserpina
08. Hercolubus
09. Praedator
10. Anatemnein

On February 24, ETHS fans living in the south of France will have the opportunity to meet the band and purchase "III" before everybody else during a special evening at the Maison Hantée in Marseilles, France.

The band recently filmed a video for one of the songs from the new CD.

ETHS has announced the first leg of its upcoming tour in support of "III". Joining the band on most of the dates inMarch, April and May 2012 will be fellow French metallers KELLS, who will release their new album, "Anachromie", on January 20.

As previously reported, ETHS was recently rejoined by the band's original drummer, Guillaume Dupré.

ETHS' sophomore album, "Tératologie", was released in France in October 2007 and was made available in other parts of Europe in April 2008 via Season of Mist. The band's sound is described in a press release as "dark and powerful metal with tortured atmospheres, led by charismatic female singer Candice Clot, who with her amazing voice sings, talks, whispers and growls."

"Psycho California", the new EP from HOTEL DIABLO — the band featuring vocalist Rick Stitch (LADYJACK, ex-ADLER'S APPETITE), guitarist Alex Grossi (QUIET RIOT), bassist Mike Duda and drummer Mike Dupke (both of W.A.S.P.) — can be streamed in its entirety below. The EP consists of material the group recently recorded with producer (and former GUNS N' ROSES/ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA guitarist) Gilby Clarke.

"We are very excited to get this stuff out there," says Grossi. "We have been taking our time in the studio and I think people will be into what we have so far."

"Psycho California" track listing:

01. Set It Off
02. Psycho California
03. What You Do To Me
04. All These
05. Trigger
06. What You Do To Me (acoustic)

Clarke is best known for his tenure as the rhythm guitarist of GUNS N' ROSES. He joined the band in November 1991, replacing Izzy Stradlin, who quit the group in the middle of a 28-month world tour. Gilby has also played with ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA, HEART, NANCY SINATRA, Kathy Valentine (of THE GO-GO'S) and the reformed MC5 on their 2005 European tour.

HOTEL DIABLO will make an in-store appearance that will include an acoustic performance at Naked Dave's Music in Tempe, Arizona on Saturday, January 14 at 6:00 p.m.

Naked Dave's Music
2155 E. University Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
Tel. #: 480-820-0882

HOTEL DIABLO released its first single, "Set It Off", back in July 2010.

Upcoming HOTEL DIABLO shows:

Jan. 13 - Count's Vamped - Las Vegas, NV
Jan. 14 - Naked Dave'S Music - Tempe, AZ (in-store appearance/acoustic performance)
Jan. 14 - Club Red - Tempe, AZ
Jan. 28 - Key Club - Hollywood, CA (EP-release party)
Mar. 01 - Whisky A Go-Go - Hollywood, CA

Cult metal act MAXX WARRIOR reunited for one show on January 7, 2012 at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina.

MAXX WARRIOR's lineup for the performance consisted of vocalist CJ Snare (FIREHOUSE, RUBICON CROSS), bassist Perry Richardson (ex-FIREHOUSE) and guitarists Al Eddins and Jeff Boatwright. Drummer Jason Patterson (CRY OF LOVE, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY) filled in for the absent Billy Dorey. Special guests included former guitarist Scott Atkins and guitarist Chris Green (FURYON, RUBICON CROSS). The band performed classic material from its 1985 EP, including "Taken By Forces" and "High On Metal", among other original tunes, as well as a couple of JUDAS PRIEST covers.

MAXX WARRIOR was joined by LEXX LUTHOR, BROOKS PAUL BAND, REPLICA and STEEL STANDING at the second annual Cliff Jackson memorial concert.

Video footage of MAXX WARRIOR's performance can be seen below.

MAXX WARRIOR was highly successful on the East Coast club circuit in the early to mid-'80s. The band performed original material as well as cover songs from all of the top metal acts of the day. The group's four-song EP from 1985 (Executive Records) has become quite a sought-after collectable for metal fans worldwide.

In the early '90s, Snare and Perry went on to commercial success in the band FIREHOUSE.

This was the first time MAXX WARRIOR has performed since 1987.

Lakeland, Florida Christian power metallers THE SACRIFICED recently completed work on their third album, aptly entitled "III", for a January 31 release via Roxx Records and Divine Metal Distribution. According to a press release, the CD "will see the band continue to grow and expand upon that signature sound that their fans have grown to love on their previous efforts, '2012' and 'The Da Vinci Hoax'."

"III" track listing:

01. The World is Changing (Intro)
02. Falling
03. Ark Of The Covenant
04. The Nephilim Agenda
05. Time's Up
06. Words On The Gin
07. Behold The Power Of God
08. Regeneration
09. Offended
10. Before The Storm
11. 24

With the addition of two new members, Michael Phillips (DELIVERANCE, FASEDOWN) on guitar and backing vocals and Daniel Cordova (VENGEANCE RISING) on bass, coupled with founding members Eli Prinsen as lead vocalist and Jay Williams on the drums, "III" promises to take the band to a whole new level, both musically and lyrically.

The music on "III" is stronger then ever and continues in a direction that fans of hard and progressive rock bands like SYMPHONY X, DREAM THEATER or QUEENSRŸCHE fans are sure to enjoy. "This album marks a shift into progressive metal, and we're extremely excited for people to hear it," says Michael Phillips on the musical direction and journey on "III".

Lyrically, the topics covered on "III" are not for the faint of heart. Covering such topics as The Ark of the Covenant and The Nephilim Agenda, the band is not afraid to speak from the heart and tackle some very controversial topics, topics that many of today's Christian artists shy away from. Eli Prinsen says, "Don't take my word for it, do your own research, seek the truth through prayer and your eyes will be opened" of the lyrical content of "III".

For more information, visit www.roxxproductions.com.

California sludge metallers BLACK SHEEP WALL will release their sophomore album, "No Matter Where It Ends", in Europe on March 23 via Season Of Mist. A North American release date for the effort has not yet been announced.

Shortly after signing its deal with Season Of Mist last spring, BLACK SHEEP WALL said in a statement, "If you were to tell us seven years ago when we started playing heavy music in our parents' garages that we would one day be sharing a label with bands we listened to and idolized, such as MAYHEM, MORBID ANGEL, KYLESA, and THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, we probably would not have believed you. Fast-forward to 2011 and here we are announcing a partnership with Season Of Mist for the next BLACK SHEEP WALL record. We are excited and honored to be part of one of the leading labels in heavy music and look forward to making all kinds of exciting things happen with Season Of Mist."

Craig Silverman (ONLY LIVING WITNESS, SLAPSHOT), Steve Young (SINNERS & SAINTS, CONFRONT), Robert Falzano (SHATTER MESSIAH, ANNIHILATOR), Mark Lind (SINNERS & SAINTS, DUCKY BOYS) and Will Toxic (TOXIC NARCOTIC) have joined forces in a new Boston, Massachusetts-based band called EBENEZER BLOOD.

EBENEZER BLOOD began in 2010 as a recording project between Lind and Falzano. The goal of the project was to recreate a style of heavy music from the early to mid '90s that would appeal to people in the 28-40 age bracket.

According to the group, EBENEZER BLOOD "was a militiaman killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War. His name appears on a memorial near the site. We picked it up there."

EBENEZER BLOOD's debut album, "Was This The Only Way?", came out last fall and is available for streaming in its entirety at Bandcamp.com

"Was This The Only Way?" track listing:

01. Nothing
02. Only Enemy
03. This Revolution
04. Gunshots
05. Liars Snakes and Thieves
06. Resident Evil
07. Tensions
08. Save Me
09. Wicked Eyes
10. The Chosen Ones

German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS performed their 1984 hit "Rock You Like A Hurricane" in front of hundreds of thousands of people who gathered at Berlin's landmark Brandenburg Gate to ring in the new year under a 12-minute firework display.

According to Deutsche Welle, authorities in the German capital had shut down entrances to the country's biggest party two hours before the clock struck midnight to prevent overcrowding.

Organizers expected around a million people to attend the event in the two-kilometer-long (1.2-mile) "party mile" near the iconic landmark.

Video footage of SCORPIONS' performance can be seen below.

Legacy Recordings has set January 24 as the domestic release date of two essential new titles from SCORPIONS: "Comeblack", a new album of classic rock covers and fresh performances of signature repertoire recorded earlier this year, and "Get Your Sting And Blackout - Live in 3D", available on Blu-ray disc, an 11-camera 3-D concert film recorded in Saarbrücken, Germany on April 15, 2011 during SCORPIONS' current farewell tour.

Launched by guitarist Rudolf Schenker in 1965, SCORPIONS forged metal, rock and pop into a sound that's come to signify an entire genre through hard rock anthems like "Rock You Like A Hurricane" and hits like "Send Me An Angel", "Wind of Change" and "Still Loving You", selling more than 100 million records in the process.

Last year, 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 2012 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).

Knoxville, Tennessee-based female-fronted metal/hardcore act STRAIGHT LINE STITCH has parted ways with drummer Kanky Lora.

Commented Lora in a statement: "I have decided to step away from STRAIGHT LINE STITCH. I actually made this decision and informed the band of my departure, after our last European tour. And now with the New Year and a fresh start, I feel now is the best time to show this to the public.

"Obviously, there are many reasons behind this decision, but none that I feel the need to discuss since I would like to leave in good faith.

"I will always cherish the countless memories, good and bad, and will always be thankful for all of the great experiences that I've had with the band.

"Thank you to all the fans for your generous support and God bless you all. I wish nothing but the best and good luck to the band and their future members.

"As of right now, Im still producing and engineering and had a few offers for touirng already so I will be hitting the road soon. I'm still looking to join another band full-time as well."

STRAIGHT LINE STITCH's sophomore album, "The Fight Of Our Lives", sold around 2,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 5 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

The follow-up to 2008's "When Skies Wash Ashore", "The Fight Of Our Lives" was produced and mixed by the Grammy Award-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, MACHINE HEAD, SEVENDUST) and includes eleven new songs. Additional work on the album was done by Ben Schigel.

Photo credit: Tom Medvedich

Former MOTOGRATER members Michael "Angel" Woodruff, Nathan Harris, Mark Nosler, Tyler Hole and Jeremy "Twitch" Scheller have unveiled their new project, RIVEN.

Fans were ecstatic to be introduced to RIVEN, an ambient hard rock/metal ensemble featuring Angel and Harris on vocals, Nosler on guitar, Hole on bass and Twitch on drums.

"We're really excited about the new sound and the energy that is surrounding the band right now," says Angel, "We're able to express ourselves in ways we may not have been able to in the past."

RIVEN is working hard in the studio, recording with Ahrue Luster of ILL NINO.

RIVEN's sound is described as "an atmosphere of fury and aggression combined with evocative lyrics. Their music embodies wrathful, brooding melodies and intense moments of lament and clarity."

For more information, go to this location.

"Perfect Mansions (Mountains Of The Sun)", the new video from Long Island, New York metal veterans VIRGIN STEELE, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's "Age Of Consent" reissue, which came out in November via SPV/Steamhammer. This 2CD digipak comes with bonus tracks, five of them previously unreleased, and a massive booklet with new liner notes and previously unseen photos. It was also made available in vinyl for the first time since 1988.

Commented VIRGIN STEELE vocalist David DeFeis: "As you may or may not know, the new 'Age Of Consent' reissue has just come out, and we have put together the first video from it. The track we completed is 'Perfect Mansions (Mountains Of The Sun)'.

"It is not a huge massive-budget production. It is more of a simple home-movie-type experience. It was shot by our longtime friend and engineer Ed Warrin, with one camera in several locations. I then spent several days learning how to edit.

"We have come up with something that I believe represents the attitude and the feeling of what the group is all about. It has a strong live energy about it, possibly because it was shot just a few days after we returned from our latest European performances. It is a kind of guide or overture to the VIRGIN STEELE experience, as it has all the various barbaric-romantic elements that you've come to know and expect from us over the years. There is a really nice ambiance about the clip. It captures a very specific mood and moment in time, and shows a nice part of our island where we live. I hope you will enjoy it."

Originally released in October 1988, "Age Of Consent" was the fourth full-length album by VIRGIN STEELE. It took eight months to be completed, in comparison with 1985's "Noble Savage", which was recorded in only a few weeks. The songs on "Age Of Consent" follow in style and content the music of its precedessor.

Before the release of "Age Of Consent", VIRGIN STEELE toured heavily in Europe as special guests for BLACK SABBATH and MANOWAR.

Commented David DeFeis: "To me, 'Age Of Consent' is the album that I usually refer to as 'the one that got away album' in our career. When it was originally released it was sent out into the world without any promotion or fanfare, much like a soldier, catapulted onto a battlefield, naked and without any weapons. Because of this many people were completely unaware of its existence. Therefore we are absolutely over the moon about being able to present it to you once again. For this reissue, I have remastered all the songs from the original source tapes, and added several more 'bonus tracks.' Some of the bonus material features brand new compositions, and other tracks are covers that have been re-arranged and in some cases re-written."

Track listing:

Double digipak (including new booklet with rare photos and new liner notes by David DeFeis):

CD1

01. The Burning Of Rome (Cry For Pompeii) (6:39)
02. Let It Roar (3:48)
03. Prelude To Evening (1:10)
04. Lion In Winter (5:32)
05. Stranger At The Gate (1:30)
06. Perfect Mansions (Mountains Of The Sun) (8:33)
07. Coils Of The Serpent (1:24)
08. Serpent’s Kiss (8:15)
09. On The Wings Of The Night (4:41)
10. Seventeen (4:21)
11. Tragedy (4:22)
12. Stay On Top (3:37)
13. Chains Of Fire (3:35)
14. Desert Plains (4:52)
15. Cry Forever (4:32)
16. We Are Eternal (4:13)

CD2

01. Screaming For Vengeance (5:11) (bonus track)
02. The Curse (2:57) (Bonus Track)
03. Breach Of Lease (5:58) (bonus track; previously unreleased)
04. Another Nail In The Cross (6:24) (bonus track; previously unreleased)
05. A Changling Dawn ("Noble Savage" acoustic version) (10:56) (bonus track; previously unreleased)
06. Under The Graveyard Moon (6:53) (bonus track; previously unreleased)
07. Down By The River (5:43) (bonus track; previously unreleased)

Double Gatefold LP in coloured blue vinyl and printed innersleeves:

LP1

Side A

01. The Burning Of Rome (Cry For Pompeii) (6:39)
02. Let It Roar (3:48)
03. Prelude To Evening (1:10)
04. Lion In Winter (5:32)
05. On The Wings Of The Night (4:41)

Side B

01. Seventeen (4:21)
02. Tragedy (4:22)
03. Chains Of Fire (3:35)
04. Cry Forever (4:32)
05. We Are Eternal (4:13)

LP2

Side C

01. Perfect Mansions (Mountains Of The Sun) (8:33)
02. Coils Of The Serpent (1:24)
03. Serpent’s Kiss (8:15)
04. The Curse (2:57 (bonus track)

Side D

01. Screaming For Vengeance (5:11) (bonus track)
02. Another Nail In The Cross (6:24) (bonus track; previously unreleased)
03. Under The Graveyard Moon (6:53) (bonus track; previously unreleased)

American melodic metallers KAMELOT will kick off their next European headlining tour in November in The Netherlands.

KAMELOT's recently completed North American, South American and European tours featured guest singer Fabio Lione of RHAPSODY OF FIRE following the departure of KAMELOT's longtime frontman, Roy Khan.

KAMELOT is now busy working on new songs and continuing to review audition videos from potential new singes.

"We are getting real close to making a choice," states KAMELOT bassist Sean Tibbetts.

"There are some amazingly talented singers out there.

"We are taking our time on this.

"The vocals for the new album will be done last, like always. So there is no rush to make the decision now."

KAMELOT will return to Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany later this month with Sascha Paeth producing, to begin recording its new album. The production is expected to be several months long and will include special guests, orchestra arrangements and much more.

"The new songs are really coming along great — lots of variation, melody and energy," says Youngblood.

Lione stated in a 2011 interview that he would "would love" to join KAMELOT permanently. He said, "The KAMELOT songs are great, I really like the style and Khan is probably one of the few singers that I like. So, of course, I would consider that!!! But first let's do the North American [tour]. Then if they will ask me, I'll be more than happy to join the band permanently."

He added, "Since the first time we met and played together, we had a very good feeling. Everything was easy and natural like we knew each other for years and everybody who saw the band in South America or Europe said we did great shows. I'm happy for the guys and the fans, so let's see what the future will bring for us. Never say never."

"Necropolis", the new video from KAMELOT, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's latest album, "Poetry For The Poisoned", which sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD was released in North America on September 14, 2010 via the group's own label, Kamelot Media Group (KMG Recordings), and in Europe on September 10 through earMUSIC/Edel. Marquee/Avalon Records made the CD available in Japan.

Commented KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood: "With this video, we gave [director] Owe [Lingvall of Village Road Film] free rein to create something unique and visually stunning. Him and his team did a fantastic job! Here you have 'Necropolis'!"

Los Angeles-based thrashers ANGER AS ART have announced the addition of bassist Henry De La Cruz (MANIACAL GENOCIDE, STIGMATA, REVMATIX) to the group's ranks. Henry replaces Angelo Espino, who departed in October.

Commented ANGER AS ART mainman/founder Steve Gaines: "Henry was at the top of all of our lists of guys we wanted to talk to. He has been in bands with both Dan [guitarist Daniel Oliverio] and Rob [Alaniz; drummer] — and I have been onstage and jammed with him many times over the years. Musically, he’s a monster. Influences? The same. He knows the history of ANGER AS ART. But most important was 'the hang.' The chemistry.

"We were facing a big unknown going forward without Angelo — and needed to know that the new person would not just fill the space, but make it his own. Intangibles. Henry is that guy."

ANGER AS ART is putting the finishing touches on its fourth album, "Hubris Inc.", at Trench Studio in Corona, California for a spring 2012 release via OSM Records.

Songtitles set to appear on the CD:

* Hubris Inc. (intro)
* This Is Why I Hate
* Pieces Of Red
* Divided We Fall
* As The Exalted Seethe
* Time Devours Life
* The Evil You Create
* Gods Of Hate
* Pearls Before Swine
* Anger Is the Reason
* Never Forgive, Never Forget
* Head Of The Snake
* Rage And Retribution
* Speed Kills

ANGER AS ART's concert DVD, "Live Dissent", was released last year. The disc features footage from the February 21, 2010 concert at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, California, clips of the band on tour in Europe and in the USA, and a segment of the recording process for the "Disfigure" album.

ANGER AS ART's third album, "Disfigure", was released in November 2009 via Old School Metal Records. The bulk of the tracking was done at Trench Studio in Corona, California with John Haddad, while the vocals and "extra stuff" was overseen by Chris Trent at CT Audio.

ANGER AS ART's current lineup:

Steve Gaines - Vocals, Guitar
Henry De La Cruz - Bass
Rob Alaniz - Drums
Daniel Oliverio - Guitar, Vocals

On August 6, 2010, Stockholm, Sweden-based melodic death metallers DEGRADEAD played for their first time at the Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken. Germany. Their full set, as performed on the W.E.T Stage before an enthusiastic audience, along with many extras, is included on the brand new DVD release, "Live At Wacken And Beyond", due on February 28 via Metalville Records. The disc also contains "From Tullinge To Hyderabad", a 50-minute documentary following DEGRADEAD from their first years in Tullinge, a small suburb south of Stockholm where the band was formed, to their successful tour of India in February 2011. It includes interviews, live clips and a lot of other "interesting stuff for the fans."

The "Human Nature" performance clip from the "Live At Wacken And Beyond" DVD can be seen below.

DEGRADEAD's third album, "A World Destroyer", was released in North America on June 28, 2011 via Metalville Records. The CD was recorded at Peter Tägtgren's (HYPOCRISY, PAIN) Abyss studios in Pärlby, outside Ludvika, Sweden, with producer Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CENTINEX, WORLD BELOW).

DEGRADEAD is:

Mikael Sehlin - Vocals
Anders Nyström - Guitar
David Szücs - Guitar
Michel Bärzén - Bass
Kenneth Helgesson - Drums

BEYOND DEATH, the pre-CANNIBAL CORPSE band featuring Alex Webster (current CANNIBAL CORPSE bassist), Jack Owen (former CANNIBAL CORPSE and current DEICIDE guitarist), Darrin Pfeiffer (current drummer for the pop-punk band GOLDFINGER) and Frank Lombardi (guitar, vocals), reunited for a one-off appearance at the benefit concert for SONS OF AZRAEL guitarist Tony Lorenzo on January 7-8 at Club Infinity in Buffalo, New York. The two-day event also saw a reunion of another pre-CANNIBAL CORPSE act, TIRANT SIN, which once featured original CANNIBAL members Chris Barnes (vocals; currently in SIX FEET UNDER), Bob Rusay (guitar) and Paul Mazurkiewicz (drums). Mazurkiewicz took part in this past weekend's concert along with current CANNIBAL guitarist Rob Barrett.

Fan-filmed video footage of BEYOND DEATH and TIRANT SIN's performances can be seen below.

Check out photos:

* Beyond Death
* Tirant Sin

Lorenzo was shot in the back while walking in his hometown of Buffalo on October 26, 2011. The bullet was lodged in his spine and Lorenzo underwent extensive survey to have the bullet removed. The 25-year-old is now paralyzed from the waist down and is in need of financial assistance.

Belgian blackened pagan metallers THEUDHO will release their fourth full-length album, "When Ice Crowns The Earth", mid-January through the Australian label Aurora Australis Records with distribution by Twilight Vertrieb. The eight songs on the CD have a combined playing time of nearly 42 minutes and were mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound in Örebro, Sweden.

"When Ice Crowns The Earth" track listing:

01. War Into The World
02. When Ice Crowns The Earth
03. The Second Coming
04. Niðr Ok Norðr
05. Heracleidae (Seevölkersturm)
06. Sacrifice The King
07. Lokabrenna
08. The Straw Death

THEUDHO's last album, "Cult Of Wuotan", was released in March 2008 via Germany's Det Germanske Folket. The same label also reissued the band's first two albums that were originally made available via the Belgian label Nepherex: "Treachery" (2004) and "The Völsunga Saga" (2006).

At the end of 2009, THEUDHO decided to record a free digital EP with the then-current live lineup. "The Silence EP" featured re-recordings of four tracks of the previous three albums and was characterized by a sound that goes back to the vibe of the "Treachery" album, drastically scrapping the keyboard arrangements that came to dominate the sound of the previous two albums.

For more information, visit www.theudho.com.

A number of hard rock and heavy metal musicians have taken to Twitter to offer best wishes to legendary BLACK SABBATH guitarist Tony Iommi, who announced earlier today that he has been diagnosed with the early stages of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of cell that forms part of the immune system.

Iommi, 63, is currently working with his doctors to establish the best treatment plan and remains upbeat and determined to make a full and successful recovery.

This comes as BLACK SABBATH — Ozzy Osbourne (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Bill Ward (drums) — are writing and recording their first album in 33 years in Los Angeles (still set for release this fall) with producer Rick Rubin. They will now go to the U.K. to continue to work with Tony.

ANTHRAX (band): "This really does suck. GET WELL SOON TONY!"

Slash (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N' ROSES): "Best wishes for a full recovery to Tony Iommi."

Robb Rivera (NONPOINT): "Just when i was happy to announce that I had finished his book last night, today I read this sad story about metal."

David Draiman (DISTURBED): "Everyone please send their prayers/good vibes/best wishes to Tony Iommi for a speedy recovery; he has been diagnosed [with] lymphoma."

Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW): "All hail the mighty Tony Iommi. & FUCK YOU, Cancer."

Tommy Clufetos (OZZY OSBOURNE, ROB ZOMBIE, ALICE COOPER): "All my positive vibes to Tony Iommi of [BLACK SABBATH] for a healthy speedy recovery... A true rock legend!!"

Randy Blythe (LAMB OF GOD): "I absolutely insist that every single follower of mine, religious or not, send a prayer up for Tony Iommi. He has been diagnosed with lyphoma. It's in its early stages — SABBATH is writing a new record, and they are continuing to. Iommi is the reason heavy metal exists. Pray for him. You pray to Crom, Odin, yourself — don't care who. Just send up some positive vibes for Tony Iommi. This is terrible news for metal. I've toured with Iommi a coupla times. He is a gentleman and a living legend. Hopefully since it's in early stages they can beat it pretty easily. But Iommi's not a young man, so think good thoughts! It is no secret that I have donated both my time, energy, facial hair, and a fair amount of my money to cancer research. I've walked the walk (literally) as well as talked the talk. However, there's nothing wrong with positive vibes."

Zakk Wylde (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, OZZY OSBOURNE): "Big BL get well wishes out to Lord Iommi!!!"

Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION): "Prayers please for my brother Tony Iommi... We all pray for a full, speedy recover from cancer.... Much love…"

Angela Gossow (ARCH ENEMY): "Very, very sad to hear about Tony Iommi's cancer diagnosis. FIGHT! You never know what the future holds for you. Live and love every day!"

EXHORDER: "Get well soon Tony Iommi. Sad news."

Frank Bello (ANTHRAX): "Get well soon Tony!!"

Richie Faulkner (JUDAS PRIEST): "My thoughts go out to Tony Iommi and I wish him a fast and full recovery."

Gus G. (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIREWIND): "I'm in shock to hear the news about Tony Iommi. Get well soon 'Iron Man'!! Your biggest fan."

Michael Amott (ARCH ENEMY, CARCASS): "Here's hoping for a solid and speedy recovery for my guitar hero Tony Iommi!"

Niji Entertainment Group (the record label Wendy Dio and her late husband Ronnie James Dio formed before his untimely passing): "Our thoughts, love and prayers are with Tony Iommi and his family! Please say a prayer!"

Sacramento, California progressive metal outfit LIFEFORMS has inked a deal with Lifeforce Records.

LIFEFORMS is a fast paced, up-and-coming heavy-hitter in the progressive metal scene, with a recent release of a five-song EP entitled "Illusions" and their second EP "Synthetic", having tremendous positive feedback from fans. The band is currently writing material for its Lifeforce Records debut, to be released on June 19 in North America and this summer in the rest of the world.

A six-minute video clip featuring "bloopers" from ICED EARTH's European leg of the 2011-2012 "World Dystopia Tour" can be seen below.

ICED EARTH kicked off the trek on October 30 at Zeche in Bochum, Germany.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Dystopia
02. Burning Times
03. Angels Holocaust
04. Slave To The Dark
05. V
06. Stand Alone
07. When The Night Falls
08. Damien
09. Dark City
10. Pure Evil
11. Anguish Of Youth
12. My Own Savior
13. Anthem
14. Declaration Day
15. Days Of Rage
16. Tragedy And Triumph
17. Dante's Inferno

Encore:

18. Iced Earth

ICED EARTH filmed a video for the song "Anthem" on December 7, 2011 at Essigfabrik in Cologne, Germany.

The band's latest album, "Dystopia", sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 67 on The Billboard 200 chart.

ICED EARTH's previous CD, "The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)", opened with 6,700 units in September 2008 to debut at No. 79.

"Dystopia", was released in Europe on October 17 and in the U.S. on October 18, 2011 via Century Media Records. Two bonus tracks were also recorded for inclusion on special editions of the album.

The third trailer for "Resolution", the forthcoming album from Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD, can be seen below. The one-minute clip features the song "King Me", which closes the CD. The track, one of the most musically ambitious the band has ever put forth, features a full orchestra as well as opera singer Amanda Munton.

Due in North America on January 24, 2012 via Epic Records (one day earlier internationally through Roadrunner Records), "Resolution" was recorded at various studios in Virginia and New York with producer Josh Wilbur, who worked on the band's last effort, 2009's "Wrath".

"Resolution" will feature 14 songs and will come in a digipack with artwork by longtime art director Ken Adams.

The "Resolution" cover artwork can be seen below.

"Resolution" track listing:

01. Straight For The Sun
02. Desolation
03. Ghost Walking
04. Guilty
05. The Undertow
06. The Number Six
07. Barbarosa
08. Invictus
09. Cheated
10. Insurrection
11. Terminally Unique
12. To The End
13. Visitation
14. King Me

The official lyric video for "Ghost Walking" can be seen below.

During its 2012 world tour, LAMB OF GOD, in connection with Epic Records and 914 Films, will shoot a feature film documenting fans and their personal stories of how they use the band's music to cope with their everyday lives.

"Wrath" sold around 68,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 2 (behind TAYLOR SWIFT's "Fearless") on The Billboard 200 chart.

LAMB OF GOD performed at the sixth edition of D-TOX Rockfest on June 17 in Montebello, Quebec, Canada. This marked the group's first and only 2011 appearance.

New "Resolution" trailer:

Queens, New York-based deathcore act EMMURE has entered the studio with producer Joey Sturgis (ASKING ALEXANDRIA, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA) to begin recording its new album for a late spring release via Victory Records. The CD will mark the recording debut of the band's new drummer, Mark Costillo, who has previously played with BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and BURY YOUR DEAD.

Commented EMMURE guitarist Jesse Ketive: "Mark Costillo has been a good friend for a few years now.

"Mark approached us as he heard through the grapevine that EMMURE needed a helping hand, so at that point I chatted with him about possibly recording our new CD and playing some shows. After jamming the set a few times, we all decided that Mark was the perfect fit for us and undoubtedly should be our new drummer. He is the utmost professional and his work on the new effort in going to really help us bring everything to another level. Everyone better watch out."

EMMURE is:

Frankie Palmeri - Vocals
Jesse Ketive - Guitar
Mike Mulholland - Guitar
Mark Davis - Bass
Mark Costillo - Drums

EMMURE's fourth album, "Speaker Of The Dead", sold around 10,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 68 on The Billboard 200 chart. The group's previous CD, 2009's "Felony", opened with 7,800 units to land at No. 68.

Photo by: Mathieu Ezan

Quality fan-filmed video footage of STEEL PANTHER's January 7, 2012 concert at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, Nevada can be seen below.

STEEL PANTHER's sophomore album, "Balls Out", sold nearly 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 40 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released on November 1 via Universal Republic Records, the follow-up to 2009's "Feel The Steel" contains 14 soon-to-be classics such as "Just Like Tiger Woods", "Gold Digging Whore" and "Weenie Ride". The album also features cameos by Dane Cook on the album opener "In The Future" and NICKELBACK frontman Chad Kroeger and EXTREME axeman Nuno Bettencourt show up on an instant classic "It Won't Suck Itself". "Balls Out" was produced by Grammy-nominated producer/mixer Jay Ruston who produced the band's "Feel The Steel" debut and is known for his work with ANTHRAX, MEAT LOAF, THE DONNAS and MORRISSEY, to name a few.

STEEL PANTHER is Michael Starr (vocals), Satchel (guitar), Lexxi Foxx (bass) and Stix Zadinia (drums).

T.R.A.M., the new band featuring Adrian Terrazas (THE MARS VOLTA) on saxophone, flute, bass clarinet and percussion, Javier Reyes (ANIMALS AS LEADERS) on guitar, Tosin Abasi (ANIMALS AS LEADERS) on guitar and Eric Moore (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES) on drums, will release its debut album, "Lingua Franca", on February 28 via Sumerian Records.

An unmastered version of a song from the CD, "Endeavor", can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

"Ironwood", the new video from DEATH WOLF (formerly DEVILS WHOREHOUSE), the "horror-death rock" side-project of MARDUK guitarist Morgan Håkansson, can be seen below. The song comes off DEATH WOLF's self-titled new album, which was released in May 2011 via Regain Records/Blooddawn.

"Death Wolf" track listing:

01. Circle Of Abomination
02. Weaving Death
03. The Other Hell
04. Morning Czar Shineth
05. Ironwood
06. Sword And Flame
07. Wolfs Pallid Sister
08. Ramsvart
09. Unto Dying Eyes
10. Black Mark
11. Coming Forth By Night
12. Dawn Of Flesh

DEVILS WHOREHOUSE changed its name to DEATH WOLF (symbolizing the strength, dedication and will shown in its creations) because "the music and philosophy behind the orchestra has outgrown its name," according to a press release.

DEATH WOLF made its live debut in June 2011 at the Wave Gotik Treffen festival in Leipzig, Germany.

Formed in 2000, DEVILS WHOREHOUSE's sophomore CD, "Blood & Ashes", came out in May 2009.

After a lengthy hiatus, DEVILS WHOREHOUSE, returned in 2008 with the release of an EP titled "Werewolf". The effort was made available in three different formats — CD, 7" and 12" picture disc.

DEATH WOLF is:

Morgan - Bass
Makko - Guitar
Maelstrom - Vocals
Hrafn - Drums

For more information, visit www.deathwolf.net.