According to Billboard.biz, LED ZEPPELIN's classic 1971 album "Led Zeppelin IV" (which spent four weeks at No. 2), sold around 3,600 copies in the United States last week to return to the chart (No. 166) for the first time since 1987. The LP — which is priced at $5.99 at AmazonMP3 and $6.99 at iTunes — is up 273% in overall sales (compared to around 980 copies sold the previous week) and 654% in downloads.

On November 8, "Led Zeppelin" turned 40. The album has been referred to as "Led Zeppelin IV", following the naming standard used by the band's first three studio albums and even four symbols that symbolized each band member: singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist John Paul Jones and late drummer John Bonham. Not only does the album have no title, but there is no writing on the front or back cover, or even a catalogue number on the spine (at least on the original LP release).

Following the lukewarm reaction to the band's acoustic-leaning "III" album, "Led Zeppelin IV" was more upbeat and sits as one of the most influential albums in hard rock/heavy metal history.

"Led Zeppelin IV" is the third best-selling album of all time in the U.S., with cumulative sales of more than 23 million.

New singer confirmed. He is Swiss!

Dear GOTTHARD Fans – it gives us great pleasure to announce that we have found a new singer. The successor to Steve Lee, who was killed in a tragic accident last year, is Nic Maeder and is Swiss-born. Nic was born in 1971 in Lausanne, lived in Melbourne, Australia and grew up between Switzerland and “Down Under”. “Nic not only has a great voice and is a fantastic musician, but we also have a great person in our midst”, says Leo. “We can rock again at last”.

During the months after the decision to carry on was taken, we received a huge amount of applications from all over the world; it was really overwhelming! At this point we would really like to thank everyone, especially the candidates, to whom we were not able to send a personal message. Thank you for your understanding and we wish all of you lots of luck and success in the future!

“The search took a long time but it was clear to all of us when we met Nic that he was the right guy. With him we can enjoy the music again and celebrate new success,” states Hena. “I’m really happy that we are continuing”. The final decision for Nic Maeder was unanimous. “We noticed straight away that the chemistry, both musically and personally, was right. For us, he is the new member of the family”, says Freddy.

Nic Maeder, who besides his singing position also plays guitar and piano, is a very talented and creative person. His songwriting ability also means he fits perfectly into the Gotthard family. He is the missing piece in the puzzle. “Music has been my companion all my life and always was an important part of it. It is a great feeling to be able to share in the birth of a song and to see how it keeps growing. I can experience that with GOTTHARD and it makes me happy. I am making music with friends,” says Nic Maeder.

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

Marc “With Nic, we have taken the right decision for GOTTHARD. A lot of courage is needed to step into the footsteps of such a great singer. For that, Nic has earned our respect. Let’s never forget this and make Nic welcome in the family.

We are in the studio at the moment and are working with renewed energy and enthusiasm on songs for a new album, which will be released in the spring of 2012…keep on rocking!!!

GOTTHARD

Austria awakens with the breaking of the extremely long silence around the country's best electronic output ever: L'âme Immortelle. For the past three years since "Durch fremde Hand" (August 2008), Thomas Rainer and Sonja Kraushofer have been working on a new album, "Momente", to be released on January 27th, 2012.

Originally, the album was meant to be simply called "L'âme Immortelle" which shows clearly that Sonja Kraushofer and Thomas Rainer were planning to let this be the very artistic essence of this project.

The new L'âme Immortelle album "Momente" will hold 10 new songs and will be available in two editions: a standard edition and limited digibook special edition. The latter holds the following:
CD in digibook format (14 x 21 cm approx) and slipcase
Lavish "insideout" print for the digibook and slipcase
32 page booklet, semigloss art print on high quality paper
Includes all lyrics and additional artwork

This fine gem comes hand-numbered and personally signed by Sonja Kraushofer and Thomas Rainer and is strictly limited to 2000 copies

Portuguese death prog masters DISAFFECTED have inked a deal with the German label Massacre Records. The band's new album, "Rebirth", was recorded between August and December 2010 at The Pentagon in Lisbon, Portugal and was produced by Fernando Matias (MOONSPELL, GWYDION) and DISAFFECTED.

Commented DISAFFECTED: "As you can imagine, DISAFFECTED are simply radiant about the unique opportunity of being featured in a roster alongside artists such as KING DIAMOND, MALEVOLENT CREATION, SINISTER, CREMATORY and so many others. A dream comes true!"

"Dagger", the new video from Swedish progenitors VILDHJARTA, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's new album, "Måsstaden", which will be released on November 28 in Europe and November 29 in North America via Century Media Records.

Described in a press release as "one of the most respected bands in the scene, VILDHJARTA mixes ambient, peaceful moments with brutal and dark music to create some of the most awe-inspiring and unique musical output in modern metal. Hyped since their early days, thanks to short demos that circulated the web amongst fans of groove metal, they have taken more than half a decade to musically advance to a point where their unexpected endeavors leave the listener in a state of blissful confusion."

Multinational symphonic prog metal band REIGN OF THE ARCHITECT has set "Rise" as the title of its debut album, tentatively due in early 2012. Yuval Kramer's (AMASEFFER) brand new sci-fi project will feature guest appearances by Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X), Jeff Scott Soto (YNGWIE MALEMSTEEN, JOURNEY) and Joost van den Broek (AYREON), among others.

REIGN OF THE ARCHITECT was formed in 2007 as a collaboration between Kramer and Mexican drummer Mauricio Bustamante. In 2010, Mauricio joined Yuval in Jerusalem, Israel to finally begin recording their debut effort.

The story, which the band has yet to reveal, will unfold over the course of two albums.

Joining Mauricio (drums) and Yuval (guitars), are Israeli vocalists Yotam Avni (PREY FOR NOTHING), Tom Gefen, Davidavi "Vidi" Dolev, Adva Kramer and Grace Hannah Woolf.

"Even though we had the chance to collaborate with some of our favorite musicians out there," Mauricio and Yuval state, "we wanted to introduce fresh and unknown artists, both instrumentalists and vocalists, to the world. Artists we can guarantee will blow your mind!"

REIGN OF THE ARCHITECT's debut CD will feature "a plentitude of layers consisting, among others, multiple guitar and vocal layers, and multitudes of orchestral and exotic instruments," according to a press release.

"Quell The Souls In Sing Ling Temple", the new video from Taiwanese metallers CHTHONIC, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's sixth album, "Takasago Army", which was released in North America on September 6 via Spinefarm Records. Produced by Rickard Bengtsson (ARCH ENEMY, NEMESIS) at Sweet Spot Studios in Halmstad, Sweden, this 10-track outing completes a trilogy of CHTHONIC releases, telling a story that binds together the band's "Seediq Bale" and "Mirror Of Retribution" albums, released in 2007 and 2009, respectively.

CHTHONIC bassist/backing vocalist Doris Yeh previously stated about "Takasago Army", "It's a masterpiece of the elements of Orient folk and extreme metal. The background revolves around WWII, and we want to reveal the spirit of finding your own dignity through the most difficult and dangerous mission on the battle ground. The closer you cone to death, the more you know who you are."

Dutch singer Anneke Van Giersbergen (AGUA DE ANNIQUE, ex-THE GATHERING) will release her new solo album, "Everything Is Changing", on January 20, 2012 via PIAS Holland. The CD was recorded at Ultrasound Studios in Braga, Portugal with producer Daniel Cardoso.

"Everything Is Changing" track listing:

01. Feel Alive (3:37)
02. You Want To Be Free (3:23)
03. Everything Is Changing (3:18)
04. Take Me Home (3:23)
05. I Wake Up (3:30)
06. Circles (4:00)
07. My Boy (4:15)
08. Stay (4:08)
09. Hope, Pray, Dance, Play (3:19)
10. Slow Me Down (2:57)
11. Too Late (4:11)
12. 1000 Miles Away From You (4:59)

Check out audio samples at Amazon.com.

More video footage of PAPA WHEELIE, the "stoner punk metal" crew consisting of former METALLICA/VOIVOD bassist Jason Newsted (a.k.a. Jaylor) on guitar/vocals, Steven Wiig (a.k.a. Swiiglor) on drums and Joe Ledesma (a.k.a. Joefus) on bass, performing on November 12, 2011 at Road House Studios in Walnut Creek, California can be seen below. The concert was professionally recorded and filmed for possible release.

Cult thrash band PROTECTOR has reformed and is writing new material. The group's new incarnation features vocalist Martin Missy — who sang on PROTECTOR's first two albums, 1988's "Golem" and 1989's "Urm The Mad" — alongside Swedish musicians Matte Johansson (bass/vocals; SUICIDAL WINDS), Micke Carlsson (guitar; MASTEMA) and Carl G. Karlsson (drums; also GRIEF OF EMERALD, MASTEMA).

PROTECTOR's current lineup has spent the last five years playing gigs in Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Czech Republic, Italy and Germany as MARTIN MISSY AND THE PROTECTORS.

On October 8, MARTIN MISSY AND THE PROTECTORS announced at the Way Of Darkness festival that it will continue under the name PROTECTOR. At the same event, a four-song rehearsal demo, "The Return Of Thrash And Madness", was released and one of the tracks ("Road Rage") was performed live. The same song can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Commented Martin: "In the beginning I didn't want to take the big step of reactivating PROTECTOR. That's why we formed the cover band THE PROTECTORS. But after a long consideration and thought, we finally decided to awaken PROTECTOR again."

U.D.O.'s November 16 concert at Hristo Botev Hall in Sofia, Bulgaria was professionally filmed for the band's next official live DVD, due in 2012.

Commented the group: "The audience was absolutely fantastic and forced us to play for nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes. More than 2,000 fans welcomed back us after 7 years and pushed everybody over his personal limit. Sofia was absolutely great and we will never forget this show. To make sure all the fans can participate of this great event, we will do everything to release the DVD/CD/Blu-ray as soon as possible."

U.D.O.'s setlist for last night's concert was as follows:

01. Rev-Raptor
02. Dominator
03. Thunderball
04. Leatherhead
05. Independence Day
06. Screaming For A Love Bite (ACCEPT cover)
07. Heart Of Gold
08. Vendetta
09. Princess Of The Dawn (ACCEPT cover)
10. I Give As Good As I Get
11. Guitar Solo
12. Neon Nights (ACCEPT cover)
13. Break The Rules
14. Man And Machine
15. Drum Solo
16. Living On A Frontline
17. Up To The Limit (ACCEPT cover)
18. Two Faced Woman
19. Metal Heart (ACCEPT cover)

Encore:

20. The Bogeyman
21. I'm A Rebel (ACCEPT cover)

Encore 2:

22. Balls To The Wall (ACCEPT cover)
23. Burning (ACCEPT cover)

"Golden Days", the new video from Denmark's ANUBIS GATE, can be seen below. The song comes off the band's new, self-titled album, which came out on September 13 via Nightmare Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Hold Back Tomorrow
02. The Re-Formation Show
03. Facing Dawn
04. World In A Dome
05. Desiderio Omnibus
06. Oh My Precious Life
07. Golden Days
08. Telltale Eyes
09. River
10. Circumstanced

According to a press release, "Anubis G

SOEN — the project featuring Swedish drummer Martin Lopez (ex-OPETH, AMON AMARTH), bassist Steve DiGiorgio (SADUS, TESTAMENT, DEATH, ICED EARTH), vocalist Joel Ekelöf (WILLOWTREE), and guitarist Kim Platbarzdis — has inked a deal with Spinefarm Records. The band's debut album, "Cognitive", will be released in February 2012. The CD is being mixed by the Grammy Award-winning Canadian producer David Bottrill, who has previously worked with PETER GABRIEL, TOOL, SMASHING PUMPKINS and MUSE.

"Cognitive" tentative track listing:

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

A teaser for "Dance With The Devil: The Cozy Powell Story", British independent film director Lee Hutchings' proposed documentary about late drummer Cozy Powell (RAINBOW, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, BLACK SABBATH, WHITESNAKE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), can be seen below.

Featuring exclusive and extensive interviews with family, friends, work associates and fans, inbetween various archival footage, "Dance with the Devil: The Cozy Powell Story" will be an essential, in-depth and personal account of the man who, from humble beginnings, would go on to play an essential part in British and American rock drumming by playing in and alongside multiple bands and solo artists, as well as his own solo recordings, including his signature instrumental "Dance With The Devil", up until his tragic death.

Powell died on April 5, 1998 following a car crash while driving his Saab 9000 at 104 mph (167 kmh) in bad weather on the M4 motorway near Bristol, England. According to a BBC report, Powell's blood-alcohol reading at the time of the crash was over the legal limit, he was not wearing a seatbelt, and he was talking to his girlfriend on his mobile phone.

Five years after leaving the band to focus on his solo career, singer Jimi Jamison has rejoined SURVIVOR.

SURVIVOR — Jimi Jamison (vocals), Frankie Sullivan (guitar), Marc Droubay (drums), Billy Ozzello (bass) and Walter Tolentino (keyboards/guitar) — will begin working on a new album, expected for release in 2012.

"It feels great to be back with Frankie and the band, singing the songs that the fans love," says Jamison.

Frankie Sullivan adds, "I'm excited to have Jimi back up front singing the hits, and giving the fans what they want."

SURVIVOR's first album with Jamison, "Vital Signs", is still praised by fans and critics alike as one of the best AOR albums of all time.

Legendary San Francisco Bay Area gore grind act AUTOPSY has completed work on its new collection, "All Tomorrow's Funerals", for a February 28 release via Peaceville Records. This monstrous 22-track effort will contain all of AUTOPSY's EPs remastered by the bandmembers themselves, as well as new cuts. Everything from "Retribution For The Dead" to the now-sold-out "The Tomb Within" will be presented on CD and DLP with all original artworks, liner notes from the band and new cover art from renowned artist Matt Cavotta.

Commented the band: "Well, we've finished recording a few new tracks for the upcoming collection album, 'All Tomorrow's Funerals', and they came out brutal and heavy as hell. Along with the newly written songs, we did a revamped version of 'Mauled To Death', which is the very last of the old songs that needed a proper album quality recording. This album will also contain all four EPs, all of which are out of print, as well as a compilation track from 1991, so the grand total is 22 tracks. It's something we've wanted to do for quite awhile, getting all the loose chunks together in one place rather than having them split up and added on as bonus tracks here and there. Everything has been painstakingly remastered with the band's guidance and sounds better and more crushing than ever. And don't worry, we didn't get carried away and ruin anything! Combine all that with killer new cover art from Matt Cavotta and we've got one hell of release in the works. Look for it in February 2012.

"We are now working on all new material for the next album, due out late 2012/early 2013 and we can definitely promise more of what you would expect from AUTOPSY. There will be no compromise and no holding back.

"If you want 100% pure death metal brutality, you will certainly get it."

"Macabre Eternal", the first full-length album from AUTOPSY since 1995's "Shitfun", sold around 600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 67 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.

"Macabre Eternal" was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California and includes AUTOPSY's first 10-plus minute song "Sadistic Gratification".

AUTOPSY had previously decided to make an

Norwegian pioneers in Blackened Death metal, Fester have revealed the cover art and tracklisting for their forthcoming new album, A Celebration Of Death. The band's first offering of new material in 17 years, A Celebration Of Death will be out in early 2012 through Abyss Records. In an exclusive premier, Bravewords.com is now streaming the track "Rites of Ceres." Visit this location to experience the return of Fester!

The cover for A Celebration Of Death was painted by artist Eliran Kantor (Testament, Sodom, Atheist, Sigh, Anacrusis). The rest of the layout was done by Joce of Industrie Chimere Noire (Portal, Ghäst, Total Holocaust). The core members of the band, bassist Jon Bakker (Kampfar), vocalist Thomas Andersen and guitarist/vocalist Bjørn "Tiger" Mathisen, all made the following comments regarding the album, "A Celebration Of Death is a whirl of flavours hitting you all at once. All the varieties makes you spin the tracks over and over again. A real treat for the fans of Black, Death and Doom. The mix of musicians makes everything really original, but all in all Fester reeks through it all." - Jon Bakker

"For me personally, A Celebration of Death has the ultimate lyrics evolving the theme of death, and it manages to pull all my aggression just to the edge, without turning over " - Thomas Andresen

"Have you ever felt the sensation of darkness and death embracing you, and that you actually welcome it? Like love, death comes in all different shapes and sizes, and I really feel that we have captured our feelings around the theme. It's darker and more melancholic than our previous releases, but it's FESTER no doubt!" - Bjørn "Tiger" Mathisen

In addition to Bakker, Andersen Mathisen, A Celebration Of Death also features Audun Kleive (session drums), Raymond Pellicer (additional guitars, programming and synth), Eivind Aarseth (additional guitars), Guido Saint Roch (guest vocals on "Metalized") and Mortiis (Dark Converter). For more on Fester, visit the band's Facebook page. Norway's atmospheric masters have returned to once again change the face of black/death metal. Prepare yourselves...