As first predicted here earlier today, British heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST performed during tonight's (Wednesday, May 25) season 10 "American Idol" finale. They hit the stage with James Durbin, the 22-year-old rocker from Santa Cruz, California, who was eliminated from "American Idol" earlier in the month but who made a return appearance during tonight's broadcast.

PRIEST and Durbin performed the band's classic songs "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking The Law".

Like a mixture of dangerous chemicals, equal parts guitarist extraordinaire, rudeboy rock drummer, and the righteous rhythms of a badass bass player and all together you have one hell of an explosive combination. Add to this concoction the experience of selling 75 million records and the attitude that comes from being at the top of your game and you've got MANRAZE. This London-based alternative/nuwave rock band was formed by iconic lead guitarist Phil Collen of DEF LEPPARD. The band members include punk rock forerunner Paul Cook of the SEX PISTOLS on drums and Simon Laffy, rockin' bass player of Collen's former glam-band, GIRL. The long awaited and highly anticipated sophomore album for these revolutionaries of rock, titled "punkfunkrootsrock", will be unleashed upon the masses on August 2 through Rocket Science Ventures in the U.S. and Canada. The album will also be released July 27 in Japan on Nippon/Columbia and in the Europe via Edel Music. In addition, a limited-edition version will be available for order in the U.S. as soon as June 1.

Prior to the album's summer release, the first single, "Over My Dead Body", is set to hit iTunes on May 31. "Over My Dead Body" is a hard-hitting track combining a mixture of fiery THE ROLLING STONES' foot-stomping rhythms and SEX PISTOLS' over-the-top energetic drum beats.

For fans that pre-order the album, an acoustic version of the track will be offered as a free download. The remainder of the album's twelve tracks feature many diverse genres including rock, soul and reggae dub, a perfect blend of influences each band member brings to the mix.

It all started in 2004 when Phil Collen, after 20-plus years as lead guitarist for DEF LEPPARD, decided to express himself via another creative outlet — something a bit closer to his musical home. After a chance meeting on the street with Paul Cook, MANRAZE finally released their debut album, "Surreal", through Universal Records in the summer of 2008 to rave reviews. The group's debut album was chocked full of rebellious in-your-face mantras ("Turn it Up", "This Is", "Running Me Up") ranging from hardcore punk to dub. Seen as a cross between the FOO FIGHTERS, GREEN DAY, NIRVANA, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and THE POLICE, MANRAZE is a response to the ever changing climate of multi-faceted music and should be heralded for far more than just being a ‘rock band'.

In the spring of 2011 the band's single "I Superbiker" was the theme song for the feature documentary of the same name. Directed by MANRAZE music video director Mark Sloper, the film was released solely in the U.K. The documentary is an in-depth expose' into the merciless world of competitive speed bike racing and a look at the men who have dedicated their entire existence to this incredibly dangerous, adrenaline based sport. Mark Sloper's camera follows four superbike riders through their dramatic, life-altering Superbike season. MANRAZE also released a promotional video for the song and film.

"punkfunkrootsrock" track listing:

01. Over My Dead Body
02. I C U In Everything
03. All I Wanna Do
04. Closer To Me
05. Lies
06. Get Action
07. Edge Of The World
08. Dreamland
09. Fire
10. I, Superbiker
11. Bittersweet
12. Dogbite (instrumental)

Drummer Freddy Steady has left Swiss hard rock veterans KROKUS. Guitarist Fernando Von Arb stated, "The split was not of personal nature but solely a professional decision. Freddy concluded that he really wanted to play music just for fun in small clubs rather than conquering the world, playing arenas on huge stages with pyro props, etc."

He added, "KROKUS was always known to play large venues worldwide. When we get together, compose new songs and play them live we always think big — with a vision on an international level. That sets us apart from many other Swiss bands. Our albums are sold worldwide; then and now."

When asked if this is the end of KROKUS, vocalist Marc Storace said, "We surely did not reunite in 2008 and carefully planned our comeback just to stop now! We enjoyed three extremely successful and productive years with exciting live shows and our new platinum CD, 'Hoodoo'. This isn't the beginning of the end for the rest of us. We have so much more planned for the future. We are in charge of our destiny and we will decide when the final curtain call will come. It will be with a big bang and fireworks. But that's years away from now!"

On the topic of KROKUS' plans for the immediate future, Storace said, "We just started with the songwriting for our next album and as a creative balance some of us allow ourselves some time on our own to pursue other interests. Chris Von Rohr is writing another book and moderates in Switzerland a new TV show called 'Tonspur', Fernando Von Arb plays for fun some gigs with his cover band and I am part of 'Rock Circus' that tours across Switzerland. However, for all of us KROKUS always will be top priority!"

Regarding what KROKUS is seeking in a possible replacement for Steady, bassist Chris Von Rohr said, "With our three-chord music style, three things are of utmost importance: groove, drive and push/thrust forward. Like AC/DC, we are one of the few bands that deliver meticulously this alleged simple but never uninteresting brand of music. We definitely are not looking for a metal drummer. The whole groove has to do with feeling, kick and routine. For sure it has to be a top-notch professional that has the ability to give us rock druids a kick in the ass and a run for the money. An aggressor in a musical way."

On what else is driving force to push KROKUS even more forward:

Chris Von Rohr: "The constant search for the even better song than anyone before, the better album than any previous one and the hottest live-set – that’s what pushes us continuously forward."

On whether KROKUS is contemplating retirement as the band approaches its 40th anniversary:

Storace: To the contrary, we're just getting warmed up! We can promise this to our fan base worldwide: When KROKUS announce the final countdown, it will be with fireworks and power music."

Chris Von Rohr: Only the Gods of rock and health know when that will be. We are full of energy and have a massive desire to rock and we will do this again very soon!"

Marc Storace: We have various offers to play international festivals. Almost certain is a gig at the biggest Japanese rock festival with OZZY OSBOURNE and METALLICA. Regardless of the possible nuclear threats, we'll fly there. We are highly motivated. After all, we are one of the few Swiss rock bands that really deliver on the international market!"

Chris Von Rohr: We want to finish the possibly last round with power, pride and gratification. That has nothing to do with money or anything else. Simply joy to play our style of music and the feeling we get at live shows when we pull the trigger — long stick goes boom!!!"

Karen Bliss of AOL's Noisecreep recently conducted an interview with vocalist Anders Fridén of Swedish metallers IN FLAMES. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Noisecreep: How difficult was recording this album, given that Jesper [Strömblad, former guitarist] was not in the band?

Anders: We've been without him for almost two years prior to the actual album recording. It wasn't so much on the musical side; it was more on the friendship side. We've known each other for so long and we've seen him struggle with his [alcohol] addiction, and whatever problems come along with the addiction, for quite some time. But the recording was pretty much as always, or even better. Like, the whole vibe was very good within the band.

Noisecreep: In the studio, did recording go smoother since you didn't have to worry about an alcoholic friend?

Anders: Yeah, in a way. I mean, we all miss him as the person, Jesper. It looks more different and looks like a struggle from the outside, when people look into the band, but we've been living with this for such a long time and we've been struggling with this issue for more years than you can imagine, and we just tried to keep it hidden from the public. I don't want to take away anything from Jesper because it's been really significant for our sound, but he has not been the one holding everyone together. And the band is way bigger than us — me, Björn, Peter, or Daniel. I think IN FLAMES is way bigger than the individual and if we can't trust each other that we will appear on upcoming tours and so on, then that makes it harder for everyone else.

Noisecreep: Is the door open if [Jesper] wants to come back?

Anders: Never say never, but we are very happy with the situation we are in. Now we can work as a band. But who knows? Obviously a lot of changes need to come from him. As I said, we're good friends. We're not enemies or anything. It's just a long relationship that's been burning out.

Swedish progressive metallers OPETH have set "Heritage" as the title of their tenth album, due in September via Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded earlier this year at Atlantis studios (formerly Metronome studios) in Stockholm. Mixing duties were handled by Steven Wilson (PORCUPINE TREE) and OPETH vocalist/guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt. The new material has been described by the band as "good."

According to HMV Japan and Amazon Japan, legendary guitarist Michael Schenker will release a new album titled "Temple Of Rock" on July 27 in Japan.

The CD will reportedly feature guest appearances by the following musicians:

* Slash (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER) - Guitar
* Rudolf Schenker (SCORPIONS) - Guitar
* Pete Way (UFO) - Bass
* Neil Murray (BLACK SABBATH, WHITESNAKE) - Bass
* Chris Glen (MSG) - Bass
* Simon Phillips (TOTO, THE WHO, JUDAS PRIEST) - Drums
* Carmine Appice (KING KOBRA, VANILLA FUDGE, ROD STEWART, JEFF BECK, OZZY OSBOURNE, BLUE MURDER) - Drums
* Chris Slade (AC/DC) - Drums
* Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW) - Keyboards
* Michael Voss - Vocals
* Myles Kennedy (ALTER BRIDGE, SLASH) - Vocals

"Temple Of Rock" track listing:

01. Intro
02. How Long
03. The End Of An Era
04. Saturday Night
05. Fallen Angel
06. Hangin' On
07. With You
08. Miss Claustrophobia
09. Scene Of Crime
10. Lovers Sinfony-Speed
11. Stormin' In
12. Speed
13. Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
14. How Long (guitar battle version)
15. Remember (bonus track for Japan)

"Sulffer", the new video from the innovative Egyptian-born artist Nader Sadek, can be viewed below. Known as the designer responsible for the stage imagery on MAYHEM's 2009 U.S. tour, innovative Egyptian-born artist Nader Sadek decided to delve deeper into the metal world by forming his own project. He thus teamed up with guitarist Rune Eriksen (AVA INFERI, AURA NOIR, ex-MAYHEM), bassist Steve Tucker (ex-MORBID ANGEL) and drummer Flo Mounier (CRYPTOPSY) to create a death metal project under his own name. Released on May 16 (one day later in the U.S.) via Season Of Mist, NADER SADEK's debut is entitled "In The Flesh" and features compositions and performances by all four artists.

Commented Nader: "My latest video piece for the song 'Sulffer' features a character played by Steve Tucker, waist-deep in the primordial waters of creation. Stalactites hang from the ceiling of the cave like slow-drip syringes. Flashes of yellow crystal embedded in the rock walls suggest a fool's gold, sulphur. A byproduct of the petroleum-refinement plants heard in the opening 20 seconds of the video, down the processing chain sulphur makes its way into food and pharmaceuticals as a preservative. The effort to preserve life through a petroleum byproduct points to the central paradox of my 'In The Flesh' concept album: the resurrection of dead matter through petroleum extraction, a resurrection that fuels new cycles of death and decay (for is not sulphur a key component of gunpowder?). The song's singer-protagonist himself, a prehistoric warrior who has slain the primeval serpent, sinks into the antediluvian ooze only to rise again, a mechanical butterfly emerging from a toxic chrysalis. He extracts sulphur crystals from the cavern-womb and hurls them toward humanity's machine-gun future. As he sings, 'Reborn as stone of fire / Man again is sulphur,' these crystals violently re-lodge themselves into humankind's waxy flesh, burning off the excess, preserving us as crystalline mineral deposits awaiting yet another resurrection."

THE RESISTANCE, the new Sweden-based metal band featuring former members of IN FLAMES, THE HAUNTED and GRAVE, has been confirmed for the new Sonic Rock Circus festival, set to take place on September 30 at Klubben in Stockholm, Sweden.

THE RESISTANCE's lineup is as follows:

* Marco Aro (FACE DOWN, ex-THE HAUNTED) - Vocals
* Jesper Strömblad (ex-IN FLAMES, DIMENSION ZERO) - Guitar
* Glenn Ljungström (ex-IN FLAMES, DIMENSION ZERO) - Guitar
* Alex Losbäck Holstad (ex-DESPITE, DECAMERON, CARDINAL SIN) - Bass
* Chris Barkensjö (CARNAL FORGE, GODSIC, ex-GRAVE) - Drums

"One Eye Red", the new video from Swedish "death 'n' roll" band THE GENERALS, can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's debut album, "Stand Up Straight", which was released last year via Metalcentral Records. The CD was recorded at Sunlight Studios with producer Tomas Skogsberg (ENTOMBED, THE HELLACOPTERS, DISMEMBER) and features cover artwork (see below) by Kristian Wåhlin (BATHORY, KING DIAMOND, AT THE GATES).

Lo and truly behold! A hellish new band has emerged from the quagmire that is the extreme music scene.

Imagine a cauldron bubbling over with the unsavory flavors of TOOL and CELTIC FROST, and seasoned with the likes of IMMORTAL and AT THE GATES, and you'd be about halfway to describing the uncouth racket these guys have spat upon an unsuspecting planet.

Calling themselves the TEMPLE OF THE BLACK MOON, the group (who describe their output as "music for an evil film noir') are an eclectic stew of musicians/hell-raisers/miscreants in the ungainly form of Dani Filth (CRADLE OF FILTH), Rob Caggiano (ANTHRAX, THE DAMNED THINGS), King (formerly of GORGOROTH and OV HELL) and John Tempesta (formerly of WHITE ZOMBIE and now drumming with THE CULT).

Explaining the origins of the name, vo-killist Dani Filth had this to mutter on the subject: "We had an innumerable amount of names that never seemed likely to stick, that was until we put our proverbial heads together and narrowed it down to just three or four, and then tossed for it (proverbially of course) using a silver Norwegian crown (we couldn't find any proper money). The name TEMPLE OF THE BLACK MOON represents the rigorous worship of desire, (the black moon astrologically has always held association with the dark Goddess Lilith) and of course the ramifications of the lunar eclipse, always a herald for death and ill-omen."

So far almost an album's worth of material has been demoed, with TEMPLE OF THE BLACK MOON hooking up in the darkest depths of Bergen, Norway to collectively thrash it out. Songtitles thus far include "Infernal Desire Machine", "Don't Call Up What You Can't Put Down", "Dark Eyes For Trouble", "Beautifully Perverse" and "C.N.T (All That's Missing Is You)".

An album release and subsequent live dates are expected to happen around mid-2012.

All five members of JUDAS PRIEST — Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill, Scott Travis, and the band's latest addition, 31-year-old guitarist Richie Faulkner (LAUREN HARRIS, DIRTY DEEDS) — took part in a press conference this afternoon (Tuesday, May 24) at the Renaissance Hotel at Highland and Hollywood in Los Angeles to answer questions about the upcoming "Epitaph" U.S. tour and to formally introduce Faulkner. During the event, it was revealed that JUDAS PRIEST will release the "Single Cuts" CD-singles box set and the "Classic Albums Collection" later this year containing the following material:

1. "Single Cuts" CD-singles box set:

* The complete U.K. CBS/Columbia singles from 1977-2008 featuring all 7" and 12" tracks.
* All singles will carry original artwork.
* This box will only be available online and sold through the official JUDAS PRIEST web site.
* Fans can pre-order the box starting in June; the product will ship later in the summer.

2. The "Classic Albums Collection":

* Timed for the start of the U.S. tour
* Box set featuring all the albums from the classic lineup years, including first two Gull records
* Includes 17 albums (19 discs in total)
* All remastered albums with original artwork

Lead guitarist and songwriter Jon Levasseur has rejoined Canadian extreme metallers CRYPTOPSY. Youri Raymond, who had been playing guitar, is now handling bass duties following Levassour's return and previous bassist Eric Langois' departure from the band.

Commented the band: "We have some important informative news we would like to announce. Jon Levasseur, former lead guitarist and major creative contributing force behind 'None So Vile', 'Whisper Supremacy', 'And Then You'll Beg...' has returned to the band. The combination of Jon and Chris Donaldson has revived the power and energy of the infamous CRYPTOPSY string section, without losing the backup vocal and creative talent of Youri Raymond who is now playing the six string bass for the rhythm section. Eric Langlois has, for now, decided to step back and take a break from the CRYPTOPSY family. The reborn and fully motivated chemistry of Matt, Chris, Youri, Jon and Flo is determined to make an impact in 2011 and beyond. New material is in the works (with the [current] lineup) and will be available to all with your support in late 2011. Meanwhile, three new songs have been completed and will soon be featured on a final Century Media release. This meaning, the future is ours and yours and promises to be true CRYPTOPSY."

"Screaming Eagles", the new video from Swedish metallers SABATON, can be viewed below. The track comes off the band's fifth album, "Coat Of Arms", which sold around 450 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 124 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

Despite the fact their frontman Twan van Geel recently joined the ranks of LEGION OF THE DAMNED as that band's new guitar player, Dutch black/death thrashers FLESHMADESIN have every intention of carrying on.

FLESHMADESIN recently completed work on its third album, "'Delirigion", which is described in a press release as the band's "most demonic and, above all, most honest and intriguing album to date. With the new [CD], FLESHMADESIN has taken [its] music out of the thrash and into the darkened wastelands of death and black metal. 'Delirigion' combines the sinners own somewhat unique approach of aggression and groove, which was already noticeable on their forerunners 'Dawn of the Stillborn' [2004] and 'The Aftermath of Amen' [2009], together with the sharpness and anarchistic transcendence of harsh blackened metal."

Commented Twan van Geel: "'Delirigion' is FLESHMADESIN's next step on our highway to hell, but we rather see it as the first step into the new flesh. This reptile changed skin, so the band's logo made way for a more suiting armor to maintain its venomous innards on the right place. We are ready to bring back the danger once again and set ablaze the hearts of true metal heads still breathing for that bloody taste of hell's metal!"

"Delirigion" was recorded and mixed at Aftermath studios by drummer Marco Stubbe. The CD was mastered at Necromorbus Studio (WATAIN, UNANIMATED, DESTRÖYER 666) in Alvik, Sweden.

FLESHMADESIN is currently seeking a suitable record label to release "Delirigion".

San Diego's PATHOLOGY will enter Lambesis Studios in the band's hometown this summer with producer Daniel Castleman (IMPENDING DOOM, AS I LAY DYING, WINDS OF PLAGUE) to begin recording its new album for a fall release.

Commented drummer Dave Astor: "The writing process for the new album is going very smooth. The new songs are some of the heaviest stuff we have ever written

"We are all thrilled to be working with producer Daniel Castleman at Lambesis Studios here in San Diego. I am a fan of all his recordings and feel his skills will bring our sound to where it needs to be."

Progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER have tapped Andy Wallace (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, WHITE ZOMBIE, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, SEPULTURA, SLAYER, NIRVANA) to mix their new album, tentatively due in September via Roadrunner Records. The band's keyboardist, Jordan Rudess, said, "We are all REALLY excited to have [Andy's] magic touch!"

When asked about the status of the recording sessions for the follow-up to 2009's "Black Clouds & Silver Linings" album, DREAM THEATER vocalist James LaBrie told U.K.'s Rock Radio last Wednesday (May 18), "Right now, I'm talking to you, and then, literally, within about a half an hour after we're done talking, I'm going into the studio and I start doing vocals for the new DREAM THEATER. So I'm about six songs into the album. I'm recording up in Canada, and as I'm recording my vocals, Jordan [Rudess] is currently recording his keyboards, piano and putting on all his amazing sounds from his various software that he has, and he's doing that down in New York. The drums, the guitar and the bass are all done, so it's just a matter of Jordan and I finishing our parts, and the mix is to commence… I think May 30 or the 31st we're supposed to start mixing the album. But it's all going incredible and it's all moving ahead. We're looking at an early September release — somewhere around the 7th or the 10th, somewhere around there is the release indication at this point."

In a recent interview with Music Radar, DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci and keyboardist Jordan Rudess were asked if the band's new drummer, Mike Mangini (STEVE VAI, ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME) contributed to the songwriting on the band's forthcoming CD. "Mike didn't write with us," Rudess replied. "Basically, we got in the studio and did our thing. We wrote songs and sent them to him. He came in and just nailed his parts. He's incredible. I'm finishing my keyboard parts right now, and I'll go to the computer to see how things are lining up, and I'm just speechless. The guy doesn't mess up!" [laughs]

"We had the demos, had them fully written out, and he learned them and added his own stuff," Petrucci stated. "But every time he would do something, if I said, 'Hey, can you do that again?' he'd do it, and it would be perfect. The guy is… he's out of his mind! [laughs] People are not going to believe how great he is."

"But what's really special about him is, he's not just a technician," Rudess added. "Yes, he plays his parts perfectly, but he comes at everything as a total musician. Everything he does has real soul and a depth of feeling."

When asked how not having DREAM THEATER's former drummer, Mike Portnoy, in the recording and writing process changed the band dynamic, Petrucci replied, "It was a lot quieter. [laughs] Mike Mangini's playing style is different. He plays very hard, but he's got a very deep groove. He almost plays behind the beat just a little bit — even through he's right on the money. He's extremely locked in, but if he does do something technical, he's still right there."

RATT frontman Stephen Pearcy is continuing work on his solo album, "Sucker Punch", tentatively due later in the year. He writes on his web site, "Working on lead vocals and guitar solos on a few songs. A special guest may appear on a song that will blow your minds!" The CD's first single, "Don't Want To Talk About", was released earlier this month digitally via iTunes.

In other news, Pearcy's management is currently "entertaining publishers" for the singer's first book. Stephen says, "[I am] working on a few rough chapters as we speak!"
Pearcy will hit the road in September as part of the "Metal In America" tour. The singer's touring band includes an impressive pedigree of rock alumni consisting of drummer Greg D'Angelo (ex-WHITE LION), guitarist Greg Walls (ex-ANTHRAX), bassist Mike Duda (W.A.S.P.) and guitarist Erik Ferentinos (ANTIDIVISION; signed to Pearcy's Top Fuel Records). Stephen writes, "Rehearsals to start in a few days for the warm-up shows. We'll film some of the rehearsals and post so you can meet the band and check out a song or two!"

The "Metal In America" tour is expected to include material from RATT's deep catalog of classic rock anthems and Pearcy's impressive solo material.

For tour date information, visit www.stephen-pearcy.com.

Pearcy recently recorded a new version of RATT's '80s hit "Wanted Man" for "Big John's Rock N Lock", the new show featuring world-famous rock and roll bodyguard "Big" John Murray, celebrity reality star of VH1's "Rock Of Love".

Chicago black metal assassins NACHTMYSTIUM have announced the addition of bassist Reid Raley (RWAKE, DEADBIRD) to the group's ranks.

Commented founding guitarist/vocalist Blake Judd: "NACHTMYSTIUM, for the first time in the band's history as a full-time touring band, has a solid live lineup that matches the studio lineup. We intend to move forward and keep this group together indefinitely. It's taken 10 years to put together the perfect band, and now we've got it. So watch for us on the road starting in June and throughout the rest of the year! We anticipate that Reid's presence will not only bring a thunderous low-end onslaught on the live stage, but also will hopefully bring in some new elements into the writing of future NACHTMYSTIUM recordings."

Besides Judd, NACHTMYSTIUM have forced their way from the depths of the American black metal scene to international popularity over the past decade incorporating temporary lineups from release to release, and presenting a new set of musicians for nearly every tour the band has embarked on. Over recent months, Judd has recruited several other full-time members, including lead guitarist Andrew Markuszewski (AVICHI, LORD MANTIS), drummer Charlie Fell (LORD MANTIS, AVICHI), and keyboard/synth engineer Sanford Parker (MINSK, CIRCLE OF ANIMALS), now solidifying the crew with the addition of Reid Raley on bass, making this the first "official lineup" for the band, ever.

Catch the full new NACHTMYSTIUM wrecking crew live over the summer months at the band's confirmed upcoming live attacks, including a co-headlining spot at this year's Alehorn Of Power festival in Chicago June 11, a co-headlining spot at the Central Illinois Metalfest on July 23, and an appearance at Party.San Open Air festival in Schlotheim, Germany on August 12. The band has constructed a longer set than usual for these performances, mostly comprised of tracks it has not performed live before.

Renowned drummer Craig Smilowski (ex-IMMOLATION, ex-GOREAPHOBIA) has teamed up with Cazz Grant (CRUCIFIER) Matt Dwyer (RELLIK) and Chris Milewski to form MASADA. The band has just released its first demo, "Suffer Mental Decay", which contains two songs — "Suffer Mental Decay" and "Toxic Unreality" — of "old-school death metal with a unique edge."

The demo is available as a free download or on CD directly from the band (masadadasam@yahoo.com).

Swedish extreme metallers SHINING have, for the first time in the band's 15-year history, released a video for a track from one of their albums. The clip was directed by Martin Strandberg and Niklas Kvarforth, produced by Martin Strandberg and created by Black Shadows Filmproductions and Hill Fifty and uses the track "Förtvivlan, Min Arvedel" from the group's new album, "VII / Född Förlorare". It has been released in both censored and uncensored versions given the graphic nature of some of the scenes, and can be seen below.

"We know we are going to get heavily criticized for some of the scenes," commented SHINING frontman and founder Niklas Kvarforth, "but it's nothing more than you will see as soon as you switch on a television or watch a move, or walk down a city street, come to that. But we're SHINING and it's always open season on SHINING when it comes to people who have neither understood, nor taken the time to try and understand, where the band is coming from."

SHINING's seventh full length album, "VII / Född Förlorare", which in English means "Born Loser", was released this month on the band's new label, Spinefarm Records, and includes guest appearances from Erik Danielsson of WATAIN, Chris Amott of ARCH ENEMY, Peter Bjärgö of ARCANA, and Nordman, who is one of Sweden's biggest pop stars. The band also recently announced that it would be releasing its first-ever single, which, aside from "Förtvivlan, Min Arvedel", will include a cover of the ALICE COOPER song "Prince of Darkness". The single will only be available in Sweden for the time being, although, according to Kvarforth, the band is looking into the possibility of releasing a different version elsewhere.

Vocalist Aad Kloosterwaard of Dutch death metallers SINISTER has revealed the band's new lineup following the recent departures of guitarist Alex Paul, drummer Edwin van den Eeden and bassist Joost van der Graaf. It is as follows:

* Aad Kloosterwaard - Vocals
* Toep Duin (ex-SUPREME PAIN, GODMODE) - Drums
* Bastiaan Brussaard (SUPREME PAIN) - Guitar
* Dennis Hartog (GODMODE) – Bass/Guitar

Commented Kloosterwaard: "Soon we will start with the first practice with the new SINISTER lineup. We have also already two new tracks finished... 'Deranged By Desecration' and 'Regarding The Imagery By The Hand Of Bastiaan' for our next record that will get the name 'The Carnage Ending'."

Leander Games has secured the exclusive worldwide rights to develop MEGADETH-branded games for both the online and landbased industry.

Ramiro Atucha, founder and CEO of Leander Games, said, "Providing licensed games for a phenomenal brand such as MEGADETH is a really exciting proposition for us. Drawing on the band's staggering worldwide popularity and in keeping with their image, we have developed a game that will truly engage players on a global scale. We have an in-house team that specialize in providing the most thrilling mathematics and advanced graphics with most of the creative team specializing in 2D, 3D and motion art, therefore the MEGADETH slot game player experience is unparalleled."

Added MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine: "We have an amazing fan base that is incredibly loyal to our music and everything we stand for and we never dreamed that one day we would have a 'MEGADETH' slot game for fans to play. However, with the assistance of Leander Games' vision and creativity, we have produced a fantastic game that will appeal to anyone that already appreciates the band, while also giving us an opportunity to continue widening our appeal to a new casino playing audience."

Game features:

* Main Screen with "Meta Screen" feature with 3 bet levels to get new winning combinations and Extended Wild.
* Multiple Levels Bonus Screens with "Free Spins" bonus with "Sticky Wild" feature that fixes the Wild all through the Free Spins and a "Picker" bonus where the player must end the punishment portrayed in the "Head Crusher" video.
* "Multihand Infinite Hold 'em" bonus, where cards will continue to be dealt with at least a Two Pair hand, potentially infinite times.
* Game Specifications: 5 reels by 4 rows, 40 line video slot game.
* Top Award: 50,000 credits.

"Slaughterhouse Five", a brand new song from BURY YOUR DEAD, can be streamed in the YouTube below. The track comes off the band's new album, "Mosh & Roll", which is scheduled for release on August 2 via Mediaskare Records.

BURY YOUR DEAD recently parted ways with vocalist Myke Terry and replaced him with the group's previous frontman, Mat Bruso.

"I'm so glad this song is finally out, so I'm not the only one who knows the words anymore," commented Bruso. "I'm excited as hell to play shows this summer and see kids injure somebody to this one. I hope everyone is practicing the part they want the mic for 'cause I'm out of shape now, I can't do it all on my own."

BURY YOUR DEAD will headline the "Over The Limit II Tour", with support from EVERGREEN TERRACE, FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS, IN THE MIDST OF LIONS, THICK AS BLOOD, HUNDREDTH, BETRAYAL, and MURDER DEATH KILL. Dates and venues are set to be announced shortly.

Following the "Over The Limit II Tour", BURY YOUR DEAD will head overseas for a European run with FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS and BETRAYAL.

BURY YOUR DEAD's last album, "It's Nothing Personal", landed at position No. 2 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.

Eagle Rock Entertainment will release the landmark metal debut of 1982, "Under The Blade" by TWISTED SISTER, on May 31. The CD — originally produced by Pete Way of UFO — will also contain four tracks from their 1982 "Ruff Cuts" EP (never before available on CD) as well as "Shoot 'Em Down", an '82 live track from England's prestigious Reading Festival. The lavish package features the original "Under The Blade" cover, which has not appeared on any domestic versions of the album until now, and reflects the original Secret Records track list and remastered audio mix.

The DVD contains the entire previously-unreleased Reading concert. Vocalist Dee Snider, guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda, bassist Mark Mendoza and drummer A.J. Pero gave the crowd something they had not exactly ever seen before. It was, for all intents and purposes, a coming-out affair for this great band. They play as if their life depends upon it. They play as if they have something to prove. And they did. They're young, hungry, determined and wind up headbanging with a desperate ferocity usually reserved for those kinds of life-altering performances that make a band. This is one of those performances. The set concludes with a show-stopping version of "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll" as the band jams out with Pete Way and MOTÖRHEAD's Fast Eddie Clarke and Lemmy! The DVD also includes 40 minutes of newly shot interviews with the band about the recording of "Under The Blade" and the Reading Festival.

French joined the band SILVER STAR, a New Jersey-based "glitter band" in December 1972. The group, whose original purpose was to be the New Jersey version of the NEW YORK DOLLS, changed their name to TWISTED SISTER on Valentine's Day 1973. The band, however, continually changed lineups and didn't take off until Snider joined in 1976. The lineup didn't fully coalesce until 1982 with the final addition of drummer A.J. Pero.

"Under The Blade" first came out on an independent U.K.-based label called Secret Records, but really gained momentum when Atlantic Records released a different mix of the album nationally in 1985 while taking advantage of the bands newly minted stardom. Their meteoric ascent came in tandem with the simultaneous rise of MTV. This version you now have in your hands is the most requested and sought after. The new digital remastered original mix of "Under the Blade".

CD track listing:

01. What You Don't Know (Sure Can Hurt You)
02. Bad Boys (Of Rock 'n' Roll)
03. Run For Your Life
04. Sin After Sin
05. Shoot 'Em Down
06. Destroyer
07. Under The Blade
08. Tear It Loose
09. Day Of The Rocker
10. What You Don't Know (Sure Can Hurt You) (Ruff Cutts Version)
11. Shoot 'Em Down (Ruff Cutts Version)
12. Under The Blade (Ruff Cutts Version)
13. Leader Of The Pack (Ruff Cutts Version)
14. Shoot 'Em Down (Live At Reading)

DVD track listing:

01. What You Don't Know (Sure Can Hurt You)
02. Sin After Sin
03. Bad Boys (Of Rock 'n' Roll)
04. Destroyer
05. Shoot ‘Em Down
06. Tear It Loose
07. Under The Blade
08. It's Only Rock 'n' Roll