U.K. metal legends HELL have inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The band's new album, "Human Remains", will be released on May 13.

Cited as a huge indirect influence, and as one of the true founding fathers of occult metal, the band formed in 1982 from the carcasses of U.K. metal bands RACE AGAINST TIME and PARALEX, whose "White Lightning" EP was listed by METALLICA as a favorite, and which was subsequently included on the Lars Ulrich, Geoff Barton "NWOBHM '79 Revisited" sampler album.

Despite over five years of constant touring, the band was cruelly overlooked by the '80s music press, who just didn't get it. HELL were too different, too extreme, too musically intelligent and far too thought-provoking for all but the most enlightened to understand them. The final crushing blow came when their long-awaited 1986 album deal with Mausoleum collapsed as the label went bankrupt, followed by the tragic suicide of singer/guitarist Dave Halliday in 1987. The remaining members drew a line in the sand and stopped playing overnight.

A teenage Andy Sneap was a permanent fixture on the front row of almost every show HELL played and was also taught to play guitar by Halliday. He then went on to form SABBAT and become a renowned metal producer. Upon meeting again, the remaining members of HELL — Kev Bower (guitar/keyboards), Tony Speakman (bass) and Tim Bowler (drums) — talked with Andy about re-recording the old material to release in conjunction with the old demos. With Sneap replacing Halliday on guitar and David Bower on vocals, the band has recorded 10 HELL classics from the '80s.

One hugely respected European journal has already described "Human Remains" as one of the best things they have heard in the last 15 years and THE band to watch out for in 2011.

Commented Nuclear Blast A&R representative Jaap Wagemaker: "HELL are one of my all-time fave bands from the NWOBHM and I am really stoked to get the chance to work with an act I'd consider so groundbreaking! Back in the day I received the demos through tape trading and now years later with the music re-recorded by Andy Sneap, the band sounds even fresher than ever before! I am very proud that we at Nuclear Blast now have the chance to work with HELL and give you the chance to listen to some timeless music. It is about time that HELL got the international recognition that they deserve and that so many people who are unaware of this monster band finally get the chance to hear all these classics!"

Swiss industrial black metallers SAMAEL will release their new album, "Lux Mundi" (which translates as "Light of the World"), in April via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD will contain 12 new original tracks, including "Antigod", "Soul Invinctus", "Pagan Trance", "The Truth Is Marching On", "Of War" and "The Shadow Of The Sword". The album cover artwork was created by SLUDGE drummer Patrick Pidoux, who previously worked with SAMAEL on 2007's "Solar Soul" and 2009's "Above".

Commented SAMAEL guitarist/vocalist Vorph: "For the cover artwork of 'Lux Mundi' I envisioned a series of rays starting or ending at the centre of the cover. I wasn't even thinking about any kind of motives, just black on black using a matte and shining black to make the rays apparent. I spoke about that with Patrick Pidoux, who did the artwork of 'Solar Soul' and 'Above' and he came out with that idea upon which we immediately all agree."

Added Pidoux: "I drww a very graphic version of an eye which represents sight, the first human sense able to capture light."

JAG PANZER haben einen Deal bei SPV/Sony unterschrieben und sind seit August 2010 endlich daran ihr bereits fertig komponiertes Album "Scourge Of The Light" aufzunehmen. In den Handel kommt "Scourge Of The Light" in Deutschland am 25. Februar 2011 und im Rest von Europa am 28. Februar 2011. In den USA kommt das Album am 8. März 2011 in den Handel. Jetzt wurde HIER der neue Song "Union" zum probehören online gestellt.

Ozzy Osbourne tells ABC News Radio that he and fellow original BLACK SABBATH members Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward "are in the talking process" regarding a reunion which will include the recording of a new studio album. Osbourne stressed, however, that nothing is definite yet, in part because of the pressure the four of them will face if they make a new record. He said, "the problem that we have is that if we do an album and it's anything less than where we left off, it's gonna be a big anticlimax."

BLACK SABBATH bassist Geezer Butler said in an interview with AOL's Noisecreep that while all four of the band's original members are interested in taking part in a reunion, Ozzy Osbourne's current world solo tour will keep SABBATH on ice for the foreseeable future. Butler explained, "It's not going to happen next year. Ozzy's on tour with his own band for the next year or whatever . . . I'm sure Ozzy will say 'yes' and 'no' every week for the next year while he's on tour. It's one thing to want to do something like that just before you go out to tour a record. You say, 'Oh yeah, I'm gonna tour for the next five years.' And then six weeks into it, you can't wait to get home. So we'll just see how he feels when he finishes his Ozzy Osbourne tour."

This echoes remarks that Osbourne has made to The Pulse Of Radio about the chances of touring with SABBATH again. "You know what? I don't want to say yes, and I don't want to say no, because I've put my foot in my mouth so many times," he said. "If it's meant to happen, it will happen."

Osbourne and Iommi recently amicably resolved their problems over the ownership of the BLACK SABBATH name and court proceedings in New York were discontinued.

The original SABBATH lineup of Ozzy, Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward has not toured together since the summer of 2005, and last convened for their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in early 2006.

AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED and DESPISE YOU have teamed up for a split release, titled "And On And On…", due on April 26 via Relapse Records. This split features the first new recorded DESPISE YOU material in almost 10 years, with 18 punishing hardcore tracks clocking in at just under 17 minutes. The AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED side of the split features seven brand new tracks of the band's always-evolving-grindcore.

Swedish vocalist Elize Ryd of AMARANTHE has been selected to fill the female singer spot on KAMELOT's upcoming European and South American tours in April/May.

Elize previously performed with KAMELOT on last year's "Summer Pandemonium Tour" and the band's European trek in April/May 2010.

Commented KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood: "I am very pleased to hear that Elize will be touring with us again, she toured with us for the entire year of 2010 and was amazing at every show!"

Added Elize: "I am very excited about going on tour with KAMELOT. I had so much fun during the 2010 performances on all the great stages with this awesome band in front of all their amazing fans! It's a real honor to be able to do that once again!"

Danish melodic death metallers MERCENARY will release their sixth album, "Metamorphosis", in North America on March 29 via Prosthetic Records. The North American version of the CD will feature the exclusive bonus track, "Incorporate Your Demons".

"Metamorphosis" will be made available in Europe on February 25 via NoiseArt Records. The CD was produced by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, VOLBEAT, NIGHTRAGE, HATESPHERE, PYRAMAZE).

WE ARE THE FALLEN — the group formed by EVANESCENCE co-founder Ben Moody (guitar) and other former members (LeCompt and Gray) along with "American Idol" powerhouse vocalist Carly Smithson and bassist Marty O'Brien (DISTURBED, KELLY CLARKSON, STATIC-X, METHODS OF MAYHEM,TOMMY LEE) — played a special show this past Saturday, January 22 at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood, California. The concert, dubbed "Cirque Des Damnés" (English translation: "Circus Of The Damned"), was previously described by Moody as "a carnival-style event thrown into the unpredictability of a rock and roll show — bigger than we've ever done before." The performance, which was filmed for an upcoming DVD, featured "aerial acts and old-school freakshow freaks," and a burlesque show.

POISON frontman Bret Michaels underwent successful surgery earlier today (Monday, January 24) to repair a hole in his heart — a condition he's had since birth, but only recently discovered.

Michaels, 47, is said to be recovering at a Phoenix, Arizona hospital following the surgery.

According to The Arizona Republic, doctors at Barrow and St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center directed Michaels to continue follow-up treatment for his April 2010 hemorrhage before moving ahead with surgery to repair his heart.

"I've done a lot of neurological tests, and they say I'm about 95 percent there," said Michaels. "I still have a little 'funk' with my left hand that I haven't quite figured out, but I think with a little more therapy, by one full year (after the hemorrhage), I'll be as good as I'm going to get."

He added, "Barring any complications, I should be out within three to four days. Then, I will be down (resting) for three weeks. I don't know if I can sit around for that long, but I'll try my best."

DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED — the band led by VELVET REVOLVER/ex-GUNS N' ROSES bassist Duff McKagan — has changed the title of its upcoming album to "The Taking" from the previously announced "The Soundtrack". Due on April 19 via Eagle Rock Entertainment, the CD was recorded at a Seattle-area studio with veteran rock producer Terry Date (SOUNDGARDEN, PANTERA, DEFTONES). Two tracks from "The Taking", both available on all digital service providers, are already making a splash with the public. Anthemic rocker "We Win" was played during the World Series and riled up football fans for McKagan's hometown Seattle Seahawks. "Fight On" draws inspiration from our military veterans, and proceeds from these downloads go exclusively to the Puget Sound Healthcare System.

From the team that brought you "We Wish You A Metal Xmas" comes "SIN-atra", heavy metal's tribute to the genius of Frank Sinatra. Twelve songs made famous by Ol' Blue Eyes are given a radical and individual new treatment from some of the finest voices in rock including members of ANTHRAX, TWISTED SISTER, DEEP PURPLE, QUEENSRŸCHE, MR. BIG, WARRANT, NONPOINT, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, KING'S X and CHEAP TRICK with the backing of a superb band led by guitarist Bob Kulick (KISS, MEAT LOAF). The songs are known to everyone but you've never heard them quite like this before!

"SIN-atra" track listing:

01. New York, New York (Devin Townsend)
02. I've Got You Under My Skin (Glenn Hughes)
03. Summerwind (Geoff Tate)
04. It Was A Very Good Year (Dee Snider)
05. Witchcraft (Tim "Ripper" Owens)
06. Fly Me To The Moon (Robin Zander)
07. Lady Is A Tramp (Eric Martin)
08. I've Got The World On A String (Doug Pinnick)
09. Love And Marriage (Elias Soriano)
10. Strangers In The Night (Joey Belladonna)
11. High Hopes (Franky Perez)
12. That's Life (Jani Lane)

The "SIN-atra" house band features Bob Kulick (guitar); Brett Chassen (drums); Billy Sheehan (bass); Doug Katsaros (keyboards, orchestrations); Richie Kotzen (lead guitar on "That's Life").

"SIN-atra" will be in stores March 29 via Eagle Rock Entertainment.

Johnny Firecloud of CraveOnline.com recently conducted an interview with Philip Anselmo (DOWN, PANTERA, ARSON ANTHEM, SUPERJOINT RITUAL). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

CraveOnline.com: There's a hot-button issue that's been messing with my head that I'd like to get your thoughts on. In the wake of this Arizona shooting of Gabrielle Giffords and the killing of all those people, Rush Limbaugh went out and said that the shooter's insane, and it's clear because he listens to heavy metal, among other things.

Anselmo: If Rush Limbaugh said something about the idea that someone murdered someone or is crazy because they listen to heavy metal, that's a kneejerk reaction. And from me especially, because motherfucker I create heavy metal and I don't have a murderous fuckin' bone in my body. Nothing that's gonna fuckin' take me somewhere and take the coward's way out. He's out of his mind. I think that's about the most shallow view you could possibly take. I think you really need to take a look at what ignited some stupid motherfucker to do something like this. Obviously it's a lot more than heavy metal. I don't know what the guy was listening to, but it wouldn't matter if he was listening to tapes of Osama Bin Laden preaching the goddamn jihad. Look at the guy first, don't look at the music. He's out of his fuckin' mind. Fuck Rush Limbaugh.

CraveOnline.com: Looking through the history of damnation of heavy metal music or rock music in general, it falls in line with Marilyn Manson being blamed for Columbine and so many more incidents that preceded it...

Anselmo: Even before that it was kids committing suicide and it getting blamed on JUDAS PRIEST, and Ozzy Osbourne's been through this whole thing too. As a matter of fact, there's been some isolated PANTERA fuckin' events where kids have done certain things and they were caught and they were wearing PANTERA shirts. People were alarmed and what-not, but I mentioned Ozzy and Rob Halford from JUDAS PRIEST actually went to court and spoke in an extremely sane way — he took the stand on behalf of all of us, before any of us had been blamed. At least ten years before all that blame really took off. But Rob Halford almost singlehandedly enlightened the court system to the fact that you cannot tie insanity, murder or anything into music people listen to. So Rob Halford definitely deserves a pat on the back for that one.

CraveOnline.com: Fans have been eager for news on "Down IV", but I hear there's not been a lot of time for that....

Anselmo: Yeah. Man, there will be a time for DOWN. Matter of fact we had a meeting this past week, and I know Jimmy's [Bower, drums] gotta go do an EYEHATEGOD tour in February. But after that, I think we're looking to do some shows starting in March. Maybe local around here, maybe even some Mardi Gras gigs. But yeah, last week we sat around and they played me some new stuff they're working on, and it sounds good. Sounds like it's got a lot of promise, and really they just need me in the fuckin' practice room. So all this is going to happen this year. It has to happen. I know there's a responsibility here. DOWN has a fan base and they are very, very, very loyal. So I don't want to let those people down. They deserve some new music, we have it. We've demoed other songs, there's songs that haven't even been released that people have never heard, so there's always DOWN there. For all you people out there, don't you stress. We got the DOWN coming.

Finnish metallers AMORPHIS have issued the following update:

"The [new AMORPHIS] album recordings are advancing straight and smoothly (whatever that means...). We are now working on the vocals and again we have Marco Hietala [NIGHTWISH, TAROT] producing Tomi [Joutsen, vocals]. This time everything else has been done at Sonic Pump Studios except for the vocals, which are currently in the works at Marco's home studio in Kuopio.

"We are emerging with roughly 15 new songs and on the album there’s most likely going to be 10-11 tracks.

"It’s again a great feeling to start realizing that the songs and ideas which have been in our heads are finally going to see the light of day.

"Pekka Kainulainen has worked really hard on the lyrics.

"The album is going to tell the story of the most important character of Finnish mythology and folklore. He is Finnish god Väinämöinen, who was described to be an extremely powerful, wise old man who had a magical voice. Some believe that Väinämöinen was the creator of the world, an ancient hero and a very influential shaman.

"Having a subject as strong as this, it was pretty obvious that making music for the album was going to be a challenge. There are lots of musical elements that have been heard on previous albums, but there is also much more.

"Needless to say, we are keen to hand all the material over to Mikko Karmila, who is going to start the mixing at the end of this month.

"Travis Smith is currently working on the album cover and the coming artwork so far looks no less than amazing."

"The Chevalier", the new video from Austrian symphonic melodic metallers SERENITY, can be viewed below. The song, which features a guest appearance by Ailyn (SIRENIA), comes off the band's third album, "Death & Legacy", due on February 25 via Napalm Records. The CD was produced by Oliver Philipps, Jan Vacik, Thomas Buchberger and Georg Neuhauser and it features additional guest appearances by Amanda Somerville (AVANTASIA, EPICA, KISKE/SOMERVILLE) and Charlotte Wessels (DELAIN). The album was mixed and mastered by Jan Vacik at Dreamsound Studios in Munich, Germany. The artwork was created by Stefan Heilemann (LEAVES' EYES, ATROCITY, SONS OF SEASONS) and it "represents the historical based concept dealing with famous characters such as Galileo Galilei, Sir Francis Drake, Marco Polo and many more," acording to the band. "An angel of of death holding the book of time, symbolizing their legacy."

According to FoxNews.com, POISON frontman Bret Michaels's personal 1969 Camaro snagged a whopping $200,000 — with a signature guitar and lifetime backstage pass to his concerts thrown in for good measure — at the 40th annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction on Saturday, January 22 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

An avid car and motorcycle enthusiast, Michaels was recently named People magazine's "Survivor of the Year" and Fox411's "Celebrity of the Year." In May 2010, he was hand-picked as Donald Trump's Season 3 winner on "The Celebrity Apprentice".

Michaels owned this tight, fast and fun 1969 Camaro that has been featured on MTV's "Cribs", VH1's "Rock Of Love", VH1's "Bret Michaels: Life as I Know It", and in his latest video "Driven". This custom dream machine sports a custom Moonbeam silver paint job with black racing stripes and black leather interior.

As frontman of legendary rock band POISON, Michaels has sold over 29 million records and scored an amazing 14 Top 40 hits, including the timeless #1 smash single "Every Rose Has its Thorn", his solo country crossover hit "All I Ever Needed", and his rock hit "Go That Far". As an actor, Michaels has made regular appearances on multiple hit television shows and starred in his hit reality show, "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels", which became the highest rated series on VH1. His most recent show, "Bret Michaels: Life As I know It", still remains one of the top-ranking shows on the network.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Christian metalcore quintet AUGUST BURNS RED will enter Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida on February 14 to begin recording its fourth album for a late 2011 release.

Suecof is no stranger to AUGUST BURNS RED's brand of metalcore, having produced the band's last album, 2009's "Constellations". The CD — whose sales have soared past 90,000 — established in no uncertain terms that AUGUST BURNS RED was a leader of its genre, a band that was quietly outselling, outdrawing and garnering more praise than peers who've been gracing magazine covers for years.

"We can't wait to get back to Florida to start recording with Suecof," says AUGUST BURNS RED guitarist and principal songwriter JB Brubaker. "We're just about finished writing and it's shaping up to be a huge sounding album. I can't ever recall feeling this excited to get started when getting ready for past albums."

"Home", the new DVD/CD from AUGUST BURNS RED, was released on September 28, 2010 via the band's longtime label Solid State Records.

The "Home" DVD/CD captures AUGUST BURNS RED's June 4, 2010 concert at Warehouse 54 in Manheim, Pennsylvania. The DVD/CD shoot drew a sold-out crowd of 1,250 people who wanted to participate in the exciting performance, including some who traveled internationally, from as close as Montreal to as far as away as Amsterdam. Shot and edited by Space Monkey Studios, whose phenomenal work has been seen on releases by acts like COHEED AND CAMBRIA, LAMB OF GOD, EVERY TIME I DIE and more, the live show is accompanied by a documentary on the band detailing life on the road and at home and featuring many fans discussing the ways in which AUGUST BURNS RED have impacted their lives in a positive, meaningful way.

French symphonic gothic ensemble WHYZDOM, which recently announced the addition of singer Clémentine Delauney to the group's ranks, has set "Blind?" as the title of its upcoming second album. The band states, "It is dedicated to people who follow misleading paths, misguided by the ones who love or hate or try to control them, or even sometimes by their own pride.

"We are pretty convinced that each and every one of us can recognize him or herself in this situation one way or the other."

WHYZDOM will enter the studio on February 21 to begin recording the new CD for a late 2011 release. The group says, "The whole week (and more if needed) will be dedicated to drums. Other sessions will follow until spring. Mix and mastering should be done during summer."

WHYZDOM has scheduled the following dates:

* May 10 - Paris, FRA - La Scène Bastille (with ELYOSE, AZYLYA)
* May 30 - Birmingham, UK - The Asylum (Femme Metal Fest with REVAMP as headliner)

Commented the band: "We will play songs from [WHYZDOM's debut CD, 'From The Brink Of Infinity'], but also some new songs [from] our forthcoming album!"