EXES FOR EYES, the new project featuring vocalist "Big" James Arsenian from ENDAST and Dave Sheldon, former bassist of ANNIHILATOR and MAN WITH TARGET, has inked a deal with Year Of The Sun Records for the release of its upcoming debut album, "The Amsler Grid". A spring release is expected.

"We've been eager to have the album released for some time now, so to finally have it see the light of day is exciting," comments Arsenian. "Having worked with many of the current and former bands on the Year Of The Sun roster, I can say that they all speak highly of the team at the label. After having had several conversations with label founder/president Chris Benner, it quickly became clear that we are all on the same page and wanted the same thing for this album."

Benner echos the sentiment. "When we originally started talking to Big James and Dave about EXES FOR EYES, we were already fans of the other projects that they've been involved with," he says. "However, it took some conversations to really understand what this project was about and it was really cool to hear the passion that these guys had regarding it. It's a different band with this really groove-driven sound and the guys had a solid enthusiasm about the songs and working with Year Of The Sun to get this record out there. I really admired that and it's what made EXES a perfect fit for our new roster."

Adds Sheldon: "This is an album that really encompasses all of our influences. It's got fast, thrashy elements, and it's got some really epic emotive elements as well. I can honestly say we have poured a lot of passion into this and with the culmination of our combined experience, conditioning, and know-how, it has translated into a solid record. We aren't re-inventing the wheel with 'The Amsler Grid', but we're going to run you over with it."

EXES FOR EYES was a project born out of an overwhelming amount of mutual respect and admiration between two men. A respect for one another's work ethic, musical proficiency, stylistic taste and, of course, for each other as people. With the musical vision of Dave Sheldon and the lyrical conception of vocalist and frontman "Big" James, the project is very quickly taking shape into something more than either anticipated.

During a recent interview with the Palm Springs Boxing Examiner, legendary rocker Alice Cooper was baffled when he was told fellow singer Robert Plant confessed that he may be too old to perform LED ZEPPELIN songs.

"I go out on stage and say 'turn it up,'" Cooper said. "I never get tired of playing my songs."

Cooper continued, "They are just standing there. What is so hard? Jimmy Page wants to do it. John Paul Jones wants to do it. And they got [late ZEPPELIN drummer John] Bonham's son [Jason], who is a killer drummer. All they need is Robert Plant. But what is Robert Plant out there doing? Playing folk music! What is he doing?"

Plant recently spoke about his reluctance to commit to a LED ZEPPELIN reunion tour — and took time out to take a swipe at his peers who rely too heavily on their past laurels. Plant told Rolling Stone that his heart is simply not in the band's music anymore, saying, "The preparations for (the 2007 reunion show) were fraught and intense, but the last rehearsal was really, really good, for all that it represented and all that we were trying to capture. But I've gone so far somewhere else that I almost can't relate to it. . . It's a bit of a pain in the pisser to be honest. Who cares? I know people care, but think about it from my angle — soon, I'm going to need help crossing the street."

Plant added that he has zero interest in becoming a nostalgia act simply to please the masses. "There's nothing worse than a bunch of jaded old farts, and that's a fact," he said. "People who have written their story -- they've gotten to the point where nothing moves. I don't deal in that, and I don't deal with anybody who deals in that."

Swedish metallers THE HAUNTED will release their seventh studio album, "Unseen", in late March via Century Media Records. The CD was once again recorded with longtime producer Tue Madsen (MOONSPELL, DARK TRANQUILLITY, GOREFEST, SICK OF IT ALL) at his Antfarm Studio in Århus, Denmark.

Regarding the "Unseen" cover artwork, which can be seen below, THE HAUNTED said, "The artwork design was made by our friend Frode, who also did the art for [2004's] 'rEVOLVEr'. We really like his design aesthetic, and he seems to come up with something unique every single time."

"Unseen" track listing:

01. Never Better
02. No Ghost
03. Catch 22
04. Disappear
05. Motionless
06. Unseen
07. The Skull
08. Ocean Park
09. The City
10. Them
11. All Ends Well
12. Done

Swedish cult act MORBID has teamed up with Century Media Records to release "Year Of The Goat" — a 100 percent official vinyl and CD offering covering the seminal band's first demo, "December Moon", live and rehearsal recordings — on April 4 in Europe.

"Year Of The Goat" will be available as ultra deluxe triple-gatefold LP with three 180g vinyls, printed inner sleeves and slipcase as well as deluxe kingsize 2CD mediabook in a slipcase packaging. All material has been collected and compiled by Dr. Schitz in cooperation with Napoleon Pukes, Drutten, Klacke and TG and also features liner notes by Daniel Ekeroth (author of "Swedish Death Metal") along with an in-depth interview by Metalion (taken from the final issue of Slayer magazine). Rounded off with cover artwork and entire layout being done by Erik Danielsson (WATAIN), "Year Of The Goat" is the first comprehensive MORBID release that truly honors the band's musical legacy and memory of legendary vocalist Dead — also renowned for his time in Norwegian black metal act MAYHEM — who committed suicide on April 8, 1991.

Dr. Schitz states in his interview with Metalion (Slayer magazine): "I would have been quite content if MORBID would have remained in utter obscurity, but the Norns wanted otherwise and who am I to argue with them? Seeing all the bootlegs (over 35 last time I counted, and they keep coming) and interest in MORBID we decided that it would be proper to bring some closure to it all by doing a final, ultimate release. Not to cash in; on the contrary, as we have decided to not make any profit but rather donate the proceeds to worthy causes. Of course, also to pay respect to our fans, to the memory of Dead, and to whatever we shared back then. I am very pleased and proud that just about all the old members have actively been involved in the production, without a trace of ego-bullshit. We have spared no efforts in making the very best we could. It should prove to be utterly essential to any fan of MORBID (and Dead)!"

While at NAMM 2011, Backstageaxxess.com caught up with DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen at the Agile Partners booth. Host Gus Griesinger talked to him about his new signature guitar (Jackson PC Supreme), his recent fitness ventures and the future of the band. Colleen says the band's new live album will be out in May and will include new material plus a DVD. He also said they will be touring in the US this summer, but could not confirm the rumors the band will be hitting the road with HEART and KANSAS.

Australian extreme thrash metal band TRUTH CORRODED have unleashed a new song 'Pride Of Demise' from the band's upcoming new album Worship The Bled. The new album features Kevin Talley (DAATH, MISERY INDEX, CHIMAIRA) on session drums and also features and was mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren of SCAR SYMMETRY at Black Lounge Studio, Sweden. The new album will be available in Australia in April through Truth Inc. Records with other territories to follow.

Check out the new song 'Pride Of Demise' at Truthcorroded.com.

Fan-filmed video footage of Finnish "battle metal" warriors TURISAS performing three new songs — "Stand Up And Fight", "Take the Day!" and "Hunting Pirates" on January 22, 2011 at Tavastia in Helsinki, Finland can be viewed below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Victoriae & Triumphi Dominus
02. As Torches Rise
03. One More
04. The March Of The Varangian Guard
05. To Holmgard and Beyond
06. Take the Day!
07. In the Court of Jarisleif
08. Hunting Pirates
09. Rex Regi Rebellis
10. Stand Up and Fight

Encore:

11. Sahti-Waari
12. Rasputin
13. Battle Metal

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 28. Februar 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 auf MySpace der neue Song "Goddess Presiding Over Solitude" online gestellt.

HELL IN THE CLUB so heißt die neue Rock Band von Sänger Damna (Elvenking), Bassist Andrea Buratto (Secret Sphere), Drummer Federico Pennazzato (Secret Sphere) und Gitarrist Andrea Piccardi aus Italien. Die Jungs haben gerade Ihr Debut Album "Let The Games Begin" fertiggestellt. Das Album kommt bei uns am 28. Januar 2011 in den Handel. Jetzt wurde das neue Video zum Song "On the Road " auf You Tube online gestellt.

Hier könnt Ihr euch den Video Trailer zur neuen MARILLION Live CD/DVD "Live At Cadogan Hall" ansehen. In den Handel kommt die CD/DVD am 18. Februar 2011 via earMUSIC/Edel.

Die britische Rockband Marillion macht seit nunmehr über 30 Jahren ihre Fangemeinde mit außergewöhnlicher Musik glücklich. Und die dadurch entstehende einzigartige Verbindung zwischen Künstler und Publikum ist auch bei dem Auftritt der Briten am 07. September 2009 in der Cadogan Hall in London zu spüren. Nun ist es auch den Daheimgebliebenen möglich, das besondere Hör- und Sehvergnügen auf CD, DVD und Blu-ray in bester Bild- und Tonqualität zu genießen.

Dem charismatischen Leadsänger Steve Hogarth sieht man an, dass er all seine Energie, all seine Kraft, all sein Herz in die Auftritte der Band steckt. Auch wenn er erst später zu der Gruppe stieß, ergänzt er die Originalbesetzung der Gruppe bestehend aus Gitarrist Steve Rothery, Keyboarder Mark Kelly, Bassist Pete Trewavas und Drummer Ian Mosley - auf seine ganz eigene Art und Weise. So gelangen Marillion im September 2009 eindrucksvolle Performances ihrer Lieder. Darunter sind Highlights des 2009 bei EDEL Germany earMUSIC veröffentlichten Studio-Albums "Less Is More" wie "Interior Lulu", "It's Not Your Fault" und "If My Heart Were A Ball" zu finden. Diese werden im ersten Teil des Auftritts in der Cadogan Hall in London performt. Am zweiten Teil des Abends präsentieren die Briten heißgeliebte Klassiker auf eine ebenso neue wie emotionale Art. So kam das Publikum unter anderem in den Genuss von "80 Days", "Easter und "Youre Gone".

In einem außergewöhnlichen Ambiente, ein in rotes Licht getauchter Saal, fangen neun Kameras jede Regung, jedes Gefühl und jeden perfekt getroffenen Ton der Performance aller Bandmitglieder in 5.1 Surround und Stereo Sound ein. Die Blu-ray-Version bietet darüber hinaus noch einen nie zuvor veröffentlichten Song, das komplette Studio-Album "Less Is More" ist ausgezeichneter Tonqualität sowie ein weiteres Highlight für Fans und solche, die es werden wollen: die Racket Television Series. Marillion beweisen nicht zum ersten Mal, dass sie sich immer wieder neu erfinden können - und das auf eine mehr als gelungene Art und Weise.

Pünktlich zum zweiten Teil ihrer “Monsters On Tour” durch Europa legen die skandinavisch-amerikanischen Industrial-Maniacs COMBICHRIST mit einer hoch explosiven Maxi im edlen Digipak nach. "Throat Full Of Glass" enthält fünf Club-kompatibel aufgemischte Versionen eines der beliebtesten Tracks von COMBICHRISTs Hit-Album "Making Monsters", sowie eine exklusive B-Seite.

Als speziellen Bonus enthält die europäische Version exklusiv die "dirty Version" des Grindhouse-Clips zu "Throat Full Of Glass", die für den US-amerikanischen Markt zu heiß ist, als Datentrack für Computer und iPhone 4/iPad. Chicks, Guns & COMBICHRIST!

"Throat Full Of Glass" Track List:

01. Throat Full Of Glass (Single Edit)
02. Throat Full Of Glass (Tough Guy Mix By S.A.M.)
03. Throat Full Of Glass (Vocal Mix By Computer Club)
04. Throat Full Of Glass (Dub Mix By Computer Club)
05. Throat Full Of Glass (Renegade Of Noise Mix By Daniel Myer)
06. Industrial Strength (Instro-Mental Mix)
07. Throat Full Of Glass (video – dirty version)

Los Angeles guitarist Caleb Bingham (pictured below; ASCENSION, ex-FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH) has joined the Swedish death/black metal band ZONARIA.

Commented ZONARIA guitarist Emil Nyström: "Caleb has been a great friend of mine for quite some time. And while recording our third CD, Simon felt like he wanted to focus on the singing. So from now on Simon will only handle the vocals and Caleb has stepped in as our new guitarist. He's an amazing guitarist and has a fantastic view on music and guitar playing."

Added Caleb: "It's fantastic to be out on the road with ZONARIA. I've always been a fan of death metal music, especially death metal music from Sweden, so playing with what I would consider to be one of the best modern Swedish death metal bands is both a pleasure and an honor. People should most definitely expect some major things coming from ZONARIA in the very near future."

ZONARIA is currently on tour in Europe with NILE, DEW-SCENTED, MELECHESH and DARKRISE.

EDEN`S CURSE haben für ihr kommendes Album "Trinity" gleich zwei Coverversionen eingespielt: "Rock´N´Roll Children" (DIO) und "Unchain The Night" (DOKKEN), von denen Letzterer nur auf der japanischen Auflage von "Trinity" zu finden sein wird. Dafür enthält die Europa-Pressung mit "We Climb" einen exklusiven Song. Jetzt wurde das "Trinity" Cover Artwork und die Track List enthüllt. In den Handel kommt via am 18. März 2011 via AFM Records!

"Trinity" Track List:

01. Trinitas Sanctus (Intro)
02. Trinity
03. Saints Of Tomorrow
04. No Holy Man (Feat. James LaBrie)
05. Guardian Angel
06. Can't Fool The Devil
07. Rivers Of Destiny
08. Dare To Be Different
09. Children Of The Tide
10. Black Widow (Feat. Andi Deris)
11. Jerusalem Sleeps
12. Rock ‘N' Roll Children (Dio Cover Version)

Exclusive European Bonus Track
13. We Climb

Exclusive US Bonus Track
13. Never The Sinner

Exclusive Japanese Bonus Tracks
13. Unchain The Night (Dokken Cover Version)
14. Guardian Angel (Acoustic Version)

According to The Detroit News, MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil allegedly owes over $1 million in unpaid taxes. The IRS filed a $740,171 lien against Neil and his wife, Lia, in April 2010, while another $371,050 demand was filed against the couple for income taxes in December. The address on the lien is Neil's 6,800-square-foot mansion in Las Vegas, which was featured on MTV's "Cribs" show (see video below).

Christian hard rockers STRYPER were joined by legendary hard rock vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (TALISMAN, JOURNEY, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA) for a performance of the BOSTON classic "Peace Of Mind" at the House Of Blues in Anaheim, California on January 15 during the winter NAMM show. You can now watch fan-filmed video footage of Soto's appearance below. STRYPER played its classics as well as some material from its upcoming covers album, "The Covering", which will be released on February 15.

Legendary heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne was interviewed on this morning's (Thursday, January 27) edition of the Los Angeles-based "Mark And Brian Show", which airs on 95.5 KLOS Southern California's Best Rock. You can now listen to the chat using the audio player below.

Ozzy said: "I often get asked this question: 'Will there ever be a [new BLACK SABBATH studio] album?' One thing I can say for definite [is] we are all talking, we are all friends. But it's been 30 years since we did a studio album — if it's not something extra, extra special, the people are gonna go, 'We waited 30 years [for this...]' But before my life's over, I would love... my dream is to do the ultimate BLACK SABBATH album; I would love to do that."

"Hate Is My Fuel", a brand new song from German thrash metal veterans DESTRUCTION, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's new album, "Day Of Reckoning", which will be released on February 18 via Nuclear Blast Records. The first limited edition of the album will not feature the band's logo on the booklet while the vinyl version and second pressing of the CD will show a red DESTRUCTION logo on it.

"No Doubt About It", the brand new video from Swedish hard rockers BONAFIDE, can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's new EP, "Fill Your Head With Rock - Old, New, Tried & True", which will be released on January 28 via Black Lodge/Sound Pollution. The band states, "[We] decided to go for a EP instead of the ordinary radio single format this time around. The reasons were many, but first and foremost it shows a band vitalized by the addition of drummer Niklas Matsson (RAGING SLAB, BACKDRAFT), and what better way to introduce a new member than to buy some studio time and record a couple of favorite tracks live in the studio!

A trailer for "One Night Of Insurrection", the first-ever live DVD/CD from French power metallers NIGHTMARE, can be viewed below. Also available is a full-length performance clip of the song "Eternal Winter". Due on February 25 via AFM Records, the set was filmed/recorded in Grenoble, France and contains NIGHTMARE's special 30th-anniversary show, including guest appearances by the band's former members. Also included us footage of NIGHTMARE's performance at Summerblast in Israel.

DVD track listing:

01. Intro
02. Eternal Winter
03. White Wicked Demon
04. Heretic
05. Legions Of The Rising Sun
06. Secret Rules
07. Queen Of Love And Pain
08. Three Miles Island
09. Hallucinations
10. The Wind Of Sin
11. Target For Revenge
12. The Gospel Of Judas
13. Mind Matrix Schizophrenia
14. The Watchtower
15. Power Of The Universe
16. Lord Of The Sky
17. Trust A Crowd

Bonus:

* Summer Blast in Tel-Aviv, Israel

CD track listing:

01. Intro
02. Eternal Winter
03. White Wicked Demon
04. Heretic
05. Legions Of The Rising Sun
06. Secret Rules
07. Queen Of Love And Pain
08. Three Miles Island
09. Cosmovision
10. The Wind Of Sin
11. Target For Revenge
12. The Gospel Of Judas
13. The Watchtower

Celebrarating their 25th anniversary of all original members, Chicago's murder metal pioneers MACABRE unleash their brand new studio album, "Grim Scary Tales", in Europe on January 31 via Hammerheart Records and in North America on February 8 through Willowtip Records. The CD explores the history of murder from the earliest times and proceeds forward through the ages. Stylistically, it is MACABRE in nature, yet very diverse musically. It features original cover art and layout by Scott Jackson from Monsterman Graphics and Rock 'N' Roll Comics fame.

"Grim Scary Tales" tracklisting:

01. Locusta
02. Nero's Inferno
03. The Black Knight
04. Dracula
05. The Big Bad Wolf
06. Countess Bathory
07. Burke and Hare
08. Mary Ann
09. The Bloody Benders
10. Lizzie Borden
11. The Ripper Tramp From France
12. Bella the Butcher
13. The Kiss of Death
14. The Sweet Tender Meat Vendor