Italian progressive metallers MIND KEY have announced the addition of drummer Mirkko De Maio to the group's ranks. The band states, "We're happy because we think that Mirkko is the right man for his musical background, his experience (although he's quite young) and mainly for his incredible energy and taste in playing drums. We think he's the right musician to continue MIND KEY's musical path and we can't wait to return on stage to show you what an amazing musician Mirkko is. He's a fuckin' metal drummer guys, you'll notice!"

EBC ROXX — the "musical racing project" featuring German singer Ela; American rock and blues singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music producer Tony Carey (RAINBOW, OVER THE RAINBOW); and Jürgen "J.R." Blackmore (guitar), son of former DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW guitar legend Ritchie Blackmore — will release its debut album, "Winners", on September 17. According to a press release, "the songs [on] 'Winners' not only talk about Formula 1 ('Silver Arrow' and 'Big Livin''), but generally about living in the fast lane on two or four wheels. 'Winners' is about the bright side, [and] 'Your Last Dance' [is about] the dark side of motor racing. The two 'drivin' songs' as well as the opener 'Rolling' depict the intoxication caused by speed. 'Fly' is dedicated to the legendary speed weeks of the Bonneville salt flats (USA). 'Red Dirt Devils' is about the thunderous motocross bikers."

Tony Carey produced a couple of Ela's songs for her latest solo record, "Make My Day", in 2008. He and J.R. Blackmore toured in early 2009 in with OVER THE RAINBOW, also featuring fellow ex-RAINBOW members Joe Lynn Turner on vocals and Bobby Rondinelli on drums.

The cover artwork for "Omega Wave", the much-anticipated new album from reactivated San Francisco Bay Area thrashers FORBIDDEN, can be viewed below.

FORBIDDEN guitarist/songwriter Craig Locicero had the following to say about his collaborative process with artist Kent Mathieu, the visual elements that can be found in the album's artwork, and his concern for the future of the human race:

"As soon as FORBIDDEN committed to writing a new record, I wondered where [early FORBIDDEN artist] Kent Mathieu was.

"I'd always felt like 'Forbidden Evil' and 'Twisted Into Form' were pretty iconic album covers… when things like that actually seemed to matter.

"Then the good people at Nuclear Blast actually located Kent! I got pretty excited and reached out to him immediately. He was equally excited to hear from us, too.

"The only real direction I gave Kent was to somehow tie the past into the future. Find a way to make the two skulls [from 'Forbidden Evil''s artwork] vital again.

"He had worked up about 12 sketches all kinds of variously cool stuff. Out of all of the pictures he sent me, I liked the way one of them was laid out because of its simplicity.

"After thinking about it for a long while, I had a concept for Kent to work with. The Omega Wave concept.

"The title wasn't decided until I had a good idea for the cover.

"I don't want to over-explain the actual picture because there is enough symbolism for everyone to interpret everything differently. That is always a plus in my book. What I can tell you is that the skull in the center is based upon the crystal skull of Belize. This skull was found at some of the pyramid ruins in two perfect pieces, jawbone and upper cranium. It was always quite a mystery, but some years later Hewlett Packard scientists did extensive tests on the skull and found many anomalies. One of them was that there is no way, even with our most modern technology, that we could cut into the crystal the way this skull was formed. It would shatter with any instrument we have available, even today. Another thing was the fact that no matter what temperature the skull was placed in, the skull's temperature would stay almost exactly the same. Scientists even believe the skull holds information that they could not tap into, like a giant computer chip with an impenetrable code.

"So I got to thinking: Does this skull — and the other ones found throughout the most ancient places on Earth — hold something that we would need to know to possibly save ourselves?

"This is not an entirely new concept, but it hit me pretty hard. What could we learn about ourselves that may save us at this all-important juncture for the human race?

"It seems as if we've reached our Omega stage as a civilization. Meaning, we as people seem to be in a hurry to reach some sort of ending… possibly all self-manifested by accepting some sort of pre-determined fate. Or possibly just pawns in a game that was played out before and will be repeated again and again in other times and dimensions. So Omega Wave is part science fact and part from my imagination.

"Kent Mathieu is an artistic genius who created something that respects this concept, as well as FORBIDDEN's past, present and future! All of this with one very strong hand-painted picture. That's right, no computer manipulation whatsoever. Something else we can all be proud of!

"We hope you approve."

"Omega Wave" will be released in Europe on October 22 and in North America on October 26 via Nuclear Blast Records. It was recorded at Sonic Room/Audio Voyage Studios in Livermore, California, produced by FORBIDDEN guitarist/songwriter Craig Locicero with Tim Narducci, and mixed by Sean Beavan (SLAYER, MARILYN MANSON, NINE INCH NAILS).

According to TokyoHive, Sebastian Bach (ex-SKID ROW), Eric Martin (MR. BIG), John Corabi (ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE), Mike Vescera (ex-LOUDNESS, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) and George Lynch (LYNCH MOB, ex-DOKKEN) are among the artists who are featured in a tribute album to one of the most popular Japanese rock groups, SIAM SHADE, who disbanded in 2002. The tribute album, called "Siam Shade Tribute", was produced by Marti Frederiksen (OZZY OSBOURNE, AEROSMITH, DEF LEPPARD) is due out on October 27. As a special bonus, Japanese rock band ACID BLACK CHERRY has added its cover of "1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou" to the CD.

"Siam Shade Tribute" track listing:

01. Don't Tell Lies - Sebastian Bach (ex-SKID ROW)
02. Get Out - Nik Frost (THE BANGKOK FIVE)
03. 1/3 no Junjou na Kanjou - Jani Lane(ex-WARRANT)
04. Setsunasa Yori mo Tokuhe(Alternate Version) - Richie Kotzen (ex-MR.BIG, ex-POISON)
05. Love - Eric Martin (MR.BIG)
06. Life (Alternate Version) - John Corabi (ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE)
07. Get A Life - Mike Vescera (ex-LOUDNESS, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN)
08. Kumori Nochi Hare - Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER)
09. Dreams - Mike Ruocco (CINDER ROAD)
10. Triptych (Alternate Version) - George Lynch (ex-DOKKEN)

"Doppelgängers", the second full-length album from Norwegian death metallers GOAT THE HEAD, is available for streaming in its entirety on the band's MySpace page. Due on September 13 via Aftermath Music, the CD was mixed and mastered by Tue Madsen (HALFORD, BEHEMOTH, KATAKLYSM, THE HAUNTED) at his Antfarm Studio in Århus , Denmark and it "boasts 10 furious tracks exerting about every color of the metal palette," according to a press release.

Fan-filmed video footage of former WARRANT singer Jani Lane performing with GREAT WHITE on September 4, 2010 in Galveston, Texas can be viewed below.

Lane is filling in for GREAT WHITE frontman Jack Russell while Jack is recovering from major surgery after suffering a perforated bowel (a medical emergency in which a hole in the bowel opens to allow its contents to empty into the rest of the abdominal cavity). "I consider it an honor and a privilege!" Lane previously said.

Martin Söderqvist, guitarist of Swedish metallers HOSTILE CELL, has checked in with the following update:

"Just wanted to write a few lines about the events that have taken place in the last couple of weeks. I almost joined another band, but in the last minute I pulled out of the whole situation. Not feeling motivated enough, I realized that I can't give what it takes to play in this band. It doesn't matter if they have good support from their label, my heart belongs to metal and heavy rock. And of course with my family. So officially: I am not joining HIDE THE KNIVES, but we are good friends and I helped them out with some of the songwriting for their next album. Check them out at Myspace.com/HideTheKnives if you're into alternative rock with strong melodies. These guys are gonna make it big if they find a new guitarist =)

Right now I am rehearsing with my number one priority DEBBIE RAY. We're playing the Stockholm Rock Out on September 11th. After that we will schedule a gig at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg before starting to record a video for the song 'Addicted' off our debut album Artificial Misery. The album is available through iTunes in Europe and via Demon Doll Records in the US. After the video is done we will start the song writing process for our next album, my first album with Debbie Ray as their new permanent bassist. Check us out at DebbieRay.com.

The special edition of STAR ONE's Victims Of The Modern Age includes a second CD featuring guest singers who are not part of the Star One lineup. In his latest video update, Arjen introduces two of them. But there is a third singer Arjen DOESN'T mention by name - in this first contest your task is to guess the identity of this mystery singer.

Here's how to participate:

Watch the video below, where (after some yakkin' by Arjen) you can hear the mystery singer.

When you are ready to guess, go to Arjen's Message board and post your guess in the official Contest 1 thread here. Don't forget to post your contact info so we can reach you if you win.

You do not need a user account to participate. During the contest guest users can to post in the contest thread without creating an account.

The first person to guess the identity of the mystery singer correctly wins a free copy of Victims Of The Modern Age.

For those who can't watch the video, the two singers Arjen introduces are Rodney Blaze and Mike Andersson, who each sing one of the five extra tracks that appear on CD2 of the special edition version of the album.

HORTUS ANIMAE vocalist Martyr Lucifer has commenced work on his debut solo album, tentatitively titled "Farewell To Graveland". an

"Farewell To Graveland" recording lineup (more guests to be announced later):

* Martyr Lucifer - Vocals, Synth, Programming
* Arke (OPPOSITE SIDES) - Guitar
* Evgeniy "Vrolok" Antonenko (NOKTURNAL MORTUM) - Bass
* Bless (HORTUS ANIMAE) - Piano, Keyboards
* Adrian Erlandsson (PARADISE LOST, CRADLE OF FILTH, AT THE GATES) - Drums
* Grom (HORTUS ANIMAE, ANCIENT, DOOMSWORD) - Drums

Germany's "doom metal kings" MIRROR OF DECEPTION will release their fourth album, "A Smouldering Fire", on October 15 via Cyclone Empire. It will be available in two versions: a regular CD and a digipack containing the "The First 2 Decades" bonus CD.

"A Smouldering Fire" was recorded at Soundmann Studio in Stuttgart, Germany and features the following track listing:

01. Isle Of Horror
02. The Riven Tree
03. Heroes Of The Atom Age
04. Bellwethers In Mist
05. Unforeseen
06. December
07. Lauernder Schmerz
08. Walking Through The Clouds
09. Leguano
10. Sojourner
11. The Flood And The Horses
12. Voyage Obscure

The song "Isle Of Horror" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

"The First 2 Decades" track listing:

01. Der Student von Ulm
02. The Falls (Hick Hubins Loundess War Remix)
03. Ode
04. Yearn
05. Leaves
06. One Mind
07. Katharsis
08. Mirrorsoil 2010
09. Chapter MMX
10. (We Are) Mirror of Deception

Audio samples of all 10 tracks that will appear on the forthcoming "String Tribute To Iron Maiden" album from CC Entertainment are available at Amazon.com.

Due on September 14, the CD features the following track listing:

01. El Dorado
02. Run To The Hills
03. The Trooper
04. The Number of The Beast
05. Hallowed Be Thy Name
06. Fear of The Dark
07. Aces High
08. 2 Minutes To Midnight
09. Powerslave
10. Dance of Death

According to Planet Rock, DEEP PURPLE's Come Taste The Band 35th Anniversary reissue is due out on October 25th in the UK.

The reissue includes a remastered version of the album, plus the single version of 'You Keep On Moving' on CD 1. CD2, meanwhile, has the album remixed by Kevin Shirley (LED ZEPPELIN, IRON MAIDEN), with input from Glenn Hughes, plus two unissued instrumental tracks from the sessions.

The tracklist is as follows:

CD1
'Comin Home'
'Lady Luck'
'Gettin Tighter'
'Dealer'
'I Need Love'
'You Keep on Moving'
'Love Child'
'This Time Around'
'Owed to G'
'Drifter'
'You Keep on Moving' 45 edit

CD2
'Comin Home'
'Lady Luck'
'Gettin Tighter'
'Dealer'
'I Need Love'
'You Keep on Moving'
'Love Child'
'This Time Around'
'Owed to G'
'Drifter'
'Always the Same in LA'
'Bolin/Paice Jam'

KILLING JOKE will release their 13th studio album, Absolute Dissent, on September 27th 2010 via Spinefarm Records UK.

The album – housed in a sleeve designed by artist/musician Jimmy Cauty of KLF fame – will be available in variety of formats, including standard 12-track CD, digital download & limited edition Deluxe CD format featuring enhanced packaging, sleeve notes, plus an 11-track second CD (‘Absolute Respect’) showcasing KJ cover versions from a wide variety of artists, including METALLICA, HELMET, FEAR FACTORY and FOO FIGHTERS.

The full tracklisting of the Deluxe version is as follows:

CD 1 (Absolute Dissent)

Absolute Dissent
The Great Cull
Fresh Fever From The Skies
In Excelsis
European Super State
This World Hell (Die, Long Pig!)
Endgame
The Raven King
Honour The Fire
Depthcharge
Here Comes The Singularity
Ghosts Of Ladbroke Grove


CD 2 (Absolute Respect)

The Wait – METALLICA
Europe – AMEN
Primitive – HELMET
Pssyche – ECONOLINE CRUSH
Love Like Blood – DEAD BY APRIL
Democracy (NIN Remix) – Killing Joke
Wardance – MAD CAPSULE MARKETS
Pssyche – NOUVELLE VAGUE
Millennium – FEAR FACTORY
Requiem – FOO FIGHTERS
Pandemonium – KOTITEOLLISUUS (Finland’s biggest selling rock act featuring NIGHTWISH's Tuomas Holopainen on arrangement duties, keyboards and programming)

A new single/video, ‘European Super State’, is currently being scheduled for release.

Swedish metallers STONELAKE are currently in the studio to working on a new album.

According to a band update, "it will be a follow up to Shades Of Eternity, but with more massive sound, very heavy guitar’s and walls of big drums. There will be a couple of well known guest players on lead guitar and a duet song with a well known metal singer! The new album will sound like StoneLake powerful high energy heavy metal with melodic melodies as always with high pitch vocals."

The recordings will take place at UMP Studios in Sweden and the producing, mixing and mastering will be handled of Jan Akesson. More details coming soon.

"Number One", the new Salvatore "Xavy" Perrone-directed video from TWINSPIRITS — the Italian progressive metal band featuring Daniele Liverani (KHYMERA, EMPTY TREMOR, GENIUS) — can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's second album, "The Forbidden City", which was released in September 2009 via Lion Music. The CD marked the recording debut of the group's new Swedish vocalist Göran Nyström whose stunning range, power and projection is a perfect fit for the TWINSPIRITS' mix of technical progressive metal and melodic elements.

The band's current lineup is completed by keyboardist Daniele Liverani, guitarist Tommy Ermolli, bassist Alberto Rigoni and drummer Dario Ciccioni.

The original lineup of Swedish AOR masters ALIEN has reunited after some 22 years and will release a new single, "Ready To Fly", on October 10 via Manora Records. The track features "up-to-date production by Mårten Eriksson and Mats Lindfors" and is described in a press release as "melodic rock at its best."

ALIEN 2010 is:

Jimmy Wandroph: Keyboards
Toby Tarrach: Drums
Jim Jidhed: Vocals
Tony Borg: Guitar
Ken Sandin: Bass

"The Internal Dialogue", the second album from the Melbourne, Australia trio CONTRIVE, is available for streaming in its entirety below. The CD is available in Australia at all JB Hi Fi and independent stores through MGM Distribution or iTunes worldwide. The first pressing is a limited-edition hand-numbered digipack — limited to 500 copies only — which is available through the band's MySpace page for fans outside of Australia.