According to TMZ, former ALICE IN CHAINS bassist Mike Starr died in Utah.
Police tell TMZ Starr's body was found in a Salt Lake City home today. Cops say they were called to the house at 1:42PM.




Starr appeared on the third season of Celebrity Rehab back in 2009 - and was arrested last month for felony possession of a controlled substance. Salt Lake City cops say he had 6 Xanax pills and 6 Opana (painkiller) pills when he was busted.

Starr was 44 years old.

Mike's dad tells TMZ, "It's a terrible shock and tragedy."

Die irischen Pagan-Großmeister PRIMORDIAL haben das Artwork und die Tracklist ihres nächsten Albums Redemption At The Puritan‘s Hand, das am 23./26. April in Europa und am 26. April in Nordamerika veröffentlicht wird, enthüllt und heute wurde der erste Song "Bloodied Yet Unbowed" HIER zum probehören online gestellt.

"Redemption At The Puritan‘s Hand" Track List:

1. No Grave Deep Enough
2. Lain With The Wolf
3. Bloodied Yet Unbowed
4. God‘s Old Snake
5. The Mouth Of Judas
6. The Black Hundred
7. The Puritan‘s Hand
8. Death Of The Gods

AC/DC "Live At River Plate", a definitive live concert DVD documenting AC/DC's massive "Black Ice" world tour, will be available for purchase on Tuesday, May 10. Shot in December 2009, "Live At River Plate" marks AC/DC's triumphant return to Buenos Aires where nearly 200,000 fans, over three sold-out shows, welcomed the band back after a 13-year absence from Argentina. This stunning live footage of AC/DC underscores what Argentina's Pagina 12 newspaper reported by saying "no one is on the same level when it comes to pure and clear rock 'n' roll." Directed by David Mallet and produced by Rocky Oldham, "Live At River Plate" was shot with 32 cameras entirely in HD. The set features 19 songs (110 minutes) as well as behind-the-scenes footage of this massive production coming together among the excitement of anxious fans (see below for full track listing).

AC/DC "Live At River Plate" will be available on DVD, Blu-ray and limited-edition collector's edition with exclusive t-shirt. Additionally the DVD contains a bonus feature titled "The Fan, The Roadie, The Guitar Tech & The Meat," containing interviews with AC/DC, their crew and fans among the excitement of the shows and the city of Buenos Aires.

AC/DC "Live At River Plate" track listing:

01. Rock N Roll Train
02. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be
03. Back In Black
04. Big Jack
05. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
06. Shot Down In Flames
07. Thunderstruck
08. Black Ice
09. The Jack
10. Hells Bells
11. Shoot To Thrill
12. War Machine
13. Dog Eat Dog
14. You Shook Me All Night Long
15. T.N.T.
16. Whole Lotta Rosie
17. Let There Be Rock
18. Highway To Hell
19. For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

Bonus features:

* The Fan, The Roadie, The Guitar Tech & The Meat
* AC/DC Tour Animation

German/Norwegian gothic metallers LEAVES' EYES will release their new album, Meredead, on April 22nd in Germany, Austria and Switzerland via Napalm Records. The album will be available exclusively as limited edition Mediabook CD including bonus track and bonus DVD Live At The Metal Female Voices Festival 2010, strictly limited edition Deluxe Box Set and regular jewel case.

The Deluxe Box Set (pictured below) is limited to 1000 copies and includes the Mediabook CD including bonus track and bonus DVD Live At The Metal Female Voices Festival 2010 plus pendant (Celtic Cross with LE Branding).

'Spirits’ Masquerade'
'Étaín'
'Velvet Heart'
'Kråkevisa'
'To France'
'Meredead'
'Sigrlinn'
'Mine Tåror er ei Grimme'
'Empty Horizon'
'Veritas'
'Nystev'
'Tell-Tale Eyes'
'Sorhleod' (Bonus Track)

Bonus DVD - Live at Metal Female Voices Festival 2010

Tracklisting:

'Njord'
'My Destiny'
'Ragnarok'
'Elegy'
'Frøya's Theme'

Welsh quartet REVOKER will release its debut album, "Revenge For The Ruthless", on May 2 via Roadrunner Records. The CD was completed at Nott-In-Pill and Junkyard studios in Newport with producer Benji Webbe (SKINDRED). A single, "Stay Down", was made available on February 27.

"Stay Down" captured the attention of the British Association of Mixed Martial Arts (BAMMA), which adopted the song as its official theme tune for 2011. The track made its theme debut at the BAMMA 5 event at Manchester's M.E.N. Arena on February 26 — and the band was there to witness it. The video for the tune — which was shot in London on February 24 — stars one of BAMMA's top fighters.

With its fist-pumping refrain and bombastic guitars, "Stay Down" is a veritable brawler, making it a perfect choice for the partnership. "It's basically about a weekend where we live," declares Chris Green, lead guitarist. "We're the odd ones out in South Wales. We've got long hair, love heavy rock music, and don't play rugby. We're always having to fight back."

Boston, Massachusetts grind metallers THE RED CHORD have issued the following update:

"We've parted ways with our old friend and original drummer, Mike Justian. It was awesome jamming with him, as always, and our split is totally mutual. We wish Mike the best! We're excited to announce that Jon Rice (Charn) of JOB FOR A COWBOY will be playing drums for us on the upcoming TRAP THEM/GAZA tour. Jon is an exceptional drummer and we're excited to play some shows with him."

Roadrunner Records has set a May 31 release date for the third BLACK STONE CHERRY album, "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea".

Kentucky's BLACK STONE CHERRY, comprised of vocalist Chris Robertson, guitarist Ben Wells, bassist Jon Lawhon and drummer John Fred Young, is a band adept at creating both timeless rock 'n' roll and new, innovative sounds. While the band's last record, "Folklore And Superstition", was a compelling tribute to brotherhood and history, the new album is the summation of a year in the life of the band — every emotion, triumph, loss, romance and everything in between — it's all here on "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea".

This is the first time BLACK STONE CHERRY has not recorded in the South, this time taking up residence in Los Angeles to work with famed producer Howard Benson (THEORY OF A DEADMAN, DAUGHTRY, THREE DAYS GRACE). The new surroundings allowed them to strengthen their relationships as both band members and friends, ultimately a detail that sets "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea" above previous recordings. The raw intensity that pervades the music on this album harkens back to the early days of BLACK STONE CHERRY, when they were a bunch of blue-collar guys just making music together for the hell of it. The band admits, "When we first began writing music, we hadn't traveled very far out of our home state of Kentucky. Now, ten years later, we've traveled the world and experienced things we never imagined we would."

First single, "White Trash Millionaire", set to hit airwaves in April, pairs Robertson's soulful delivery with the urgent and infectious rhythms of his fellow players. Sure, this is Southern rock at heart; but the concept is universal: just take what the world gives you and make that work. "This album is the culmination of all of the everyday ups and downs life throws at you," says the band. "Sonically, you'll hear some of the meanest sounding guitar riffs we've ever laid down, and at the same time, you'll find ballads that will tug on your heartstrings. We wanted the album's intensity to match that of our live show. We're very proud of this album and excited for our fans to hear it!"

To celebrate the release of "Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea", BLACK STONE CHERRY is participating in an ongoing partnership with Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon. The promotion brings 450,000 BLACK STONE CHERRY-branded bottles to shelves nationwide through June, including special mp3 offers and a chance to win a trip to meet the band at one of their shows.

BLACK STONE CHERRY is set to have quite the busy spring, with tours with HINDER and ALTER BRIDGE on the horizon.

Die Progressive Metaller von BELIEVER sind zurück mit ihrem fünften Album namens "Transhuman", das am 8. & 11. April 2011 auf Metal Blade Records erscheint. Abgemischt von Kevin Gutierrez in den Assembly Line Studios, gemastert von Maor Appelbaum und produziert von Trauma Team Productions, befasst sich "Transhuman" mit transhumanistischem Gedankengut. The World Transhumanist Association (WTA) halt für den Transhumanismus zwei Definitionen bereit:

1. eine intellektuelle und kulturelle Bewegung, die die Möglichkeit und die Sehnsucht der fundamentalen Verbesserung der menschlichen Bedingungen durch angewandte Erkenntnis bestätigt, vor allem durch die Entwicklung und generelle Nutzbarmachung von Technologien, die den Alterungsprozess stoppen und gleichzeitig, den menschlichen Intellekt, seine Physis und seinen Geist erweitern.

2. Die Lehre der Auswirkungen, Aussichten und potentiellen Gefahren von Technologien, die es uns nicht ermöglichen, unsere menschlichen Grenzen zu überwinden, und die dazu gehörigen ethischen Lehren, wenn es um die Entwicklung und den Gebrauch solcher Technologien geht.

Die erste Single "G.U.T." könnt Ihr jetzt HIER auf der von Metal Blade Records veröffentlichten "Transhuman" Landing Page anhören.

"Transhuman" Track List:

01. Lie Awake 5:03
02. G.U.T. 3:39
03. Multiverse 4:44
04. End Of Infinity 4:12
05. Transfection 3:55
06. Clean Room 4:50
07. Currents 2:50
08. Traveler 4:23
09. Ego Machine 4:29
10. Being No One 4:47
11. Entanglement 4:15
12. Mindsteps 6:52

Die Brasilianischen Female-Fronted Power Metaller ECLIPTYKA werden ihr neues Album mit dem Titel "A Tale Of Decadence" am 28. März 2011 via Die Hard Records veröffentlichen. Aufgenommen wurde das Album in den Mark Studio und als Gäste sind Marcelo Carvalho (HATEFUL) und Danilo Herbert (MINDFLOW) zu hören. Das Cover Artwork wurde von João Duarte (ANGRA, ANDRE MATOS, HANGAR) erstellt. Auf MySpace wurde jetzt der neue Song "Splendid Cradle" feat Danilo Herbert (MINDFLOW) zum probehören online gestellt.

THE GATE werden ihr Debütalbum 2011 mit dem Titel "Earth Cathedral" via Rock It Up Records veröffentlichen. Die Band um ex RUNNING WILD Gitarrist Preacher plant den Release für Mai/Juni 2011. Das neue Album wird mit folgenden 10 Songs in den Handel kommen.

"Earth Cathedral" Track List:

01.Through The Gate
02.Shout For Metal
03.Face Your Fear (The Money Song)
04.Guy Anvil
05.1000 Miles Away
06.Mountains
07.Hiding Where The Wolf Lives
08.Into The Pit
09.Saver
10.Deliver From Sin
11.Earth Cathedral

Die Finnischen Gothic Metaller POISONBLACK haben Ende 2010 einen neuen Plattenvertrag beim Label Hype Records unterschrieben und sind seit Januar 2011 mit Produzent Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, MOONSPELL, DARK TRANQUILLITY, GOREFEST) in den Antfarm Studio in Århus in Dänemark um das neue und fünfte Album mit dem vorläufigen Titel "Lead & Roll Vol. 5" aufzunehmen. Jetzt wurde die erste Single "Mercury Falling" zum probehören online gestellt!

Die aus Portugal stammenden Dark/Goth Metaller von HEAVENWOOD haben bei Listenable Records unterschrieben und werden kommendes, bereits viertes Album mit den Titel "Abyss Masterpiece" am 18. März 2011 veröffentlichen. Gemischt und gemasterd wird das neue Album von Produzent Kristian "Kohle" Kohlmannslehner (CREMATORY, AGATHODAIMON, BENIGHTED) in den Kohlekeller Studios in Deutschland. Jetzt wurde das Album HIER (Player startet Automatisch) komplett online gestellt.

"Abyss Masterpiece" Track List:

01. The Arcadia Order
02. Fading Sun
03. Like Yesterday
04. Winter Slave
05. September Blood
06. Sudden Scars
07. A Poem For Mathilde
08. Leonor
09. Burden
10. Goddess Presiding Over Solitude
11. Morning Glory Clouds (In Manus Tuas Domine)
12. Her Lament

Die Schwedischen Melodic Metaller ENBOUND werden ihr neues Album mit dem Titel "And She Says Gold" am 29. April 2011 via Inner Wound Records veröffentlichen. Aufgenommen und gemastert wurde das Album mit Björn Engelmann (Rammstein, Primal Fear, Sonata Arctica) in den Cutting Room Studios und das Artwork wurde von Thomas Ewerhard (Avantasia, Edguy, Masterplan) erstellt. Hier im Player könnt Ihr euch den neuen Song "Under A Spell" anhören.

West Hollywood's legendary the Sunset Strip has announced MÖTLEY CRÜE as the 2011 recipients of the "Elmer Valentine Award" for their contributions to the history of the Sunset Strip. The Thursday, Aug. 18 award ceremony at House of Blues Sunset Strip will kick off the fourth annual Sunset Strip Music Festival, a three-day celebration of music held along the iconic 1.6 mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard (Aug. 18, 19 and 20).

"It's an honor to be recognized by the Sunset Strip Music Festival," said MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee. "It means a lot to us that we are recognized for our contribution to this historic place."

MÖTLEY CRÜE got their start on the Sunset Strip, as they performed many nights at the Whisky A Go-Go and The Roxy Theatre. The band also filmed their "Kickstart My Heart" video at the Whisky and for a while lived just up the street from the venue on Clark Street, making the Sunset Strip their official home.

"Bursting onto the scene in the early '80s with a sound and style that blended punk, glam and heavy metal, MÖTLEY CRÜE helped re-establish the Sunset Strip as one of the top music destinations in the world," says Sunset Strip Music Festival Executive Director Todd Steadman. "The band has forever left their mark on the music industry and the Sunset Strip, and we're looking forward to celebrating their influence and bringing their spirited energy to this year's tribute event."

In addition to the tribute event, the City of West Hollywood will also recognize MÖTLEY CRÜE with a special day in their honor.

Metal Blade Records haben die legendären Doom Metaller PENTAGRAM unter Vertrag genommen. Die Band, die gerade das 40. Jahr ihrer Karriere begonnen hat, wird am 12. April 2011 ein neues Album mit dem Titel "Last Rites" mit ausschließlich neuen Songs auf den Markt bringen und Ende des Jahres eine DVD hinterherschieben. Jetzt wurde der neue Song "Call the Man" HIER zum probehören online gestellt.

Die Paten des New York Hardcore, AGNOSTIC FRONT, haben ihr neues Album am 4. März 2011 veröffentlicht! "My Life My Way" wird 13 neue, heftige und hymnische Songs und ein Cover Song beinhalten. Aufgenommen wurde gemeinsam mit Erik Rutan (MADBALL, GOATWHORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE etc) im Mana Recording Studio in Tampa, Florida unter den wachsamen Augen von Produzent Freddy Cricien von MADBALL. Die Scheibe wurde von Alan Douches (NILE, MASTODON etc) gemastered und jetzt wurde der neue Song "A Mi Manera" vom Label zum probehören online gestellt.

Am 18. März 2011 schlagen MONO INC. ein weiteres Kapitel in Ihrem Buch des Teilwahnsinns auf: es erscheint mit "Viva Hades" das fünfte Album der Band. Immerhin legen MONO INC. im Laufe der letzten 2 Jahre einen derart planierraupenartigen Siegeszug durch die Szene hin, den man getrost als kompletten Wahnsinn bezeichnen kann! Jetzt wurde das neue Video zum Song "Symphony Of Pain" online gestellt.