342, the second album from French avant-garde metal masters PIN-UP WENT DOWN, will be released through Ascendance Records on June 28th.

In 2006 Alexis Damien, multi-instrumentalist and former drummer for avant-garde metal band CARNIVAL IN COAL launched his new project, Pin-Up Went Down. He brought in vocalist, Asphodel and although they had only met twice prior to recording, together they went on to create 2 Unlimited, an album that managed to combine gothic metal with funk, jazz, punk, and a whole host of other experimentations into the mix, melding together to create an utterly unique and bizarre blend of styles and moods.

If 2 Unlimited surprised by its originality, 342’s most significant feature might be its maturity. 342 is an un-inhibited display of eccentricity, pushing the genre to new and unchartered waters. Inventive musicianship coupled with Asphodel’s vocal gymnastics strike the balance between unrestrained sickness and emotional beauty. The track 'Vaginaal Nathrakh' features Andy Schmidt from German band DISILLUSION (courtesy of Metal Blade).

ACCEPT werden ihr neues Album "Blood Of The Nations" über Nuclear Blast Records zu den folgenden Terminen veröffentilchen. "Blood Of The Nations" wurde in den Backstage Studio in Derbyshire, England mit Produzent Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE) aufgenommen! Jetzt wurde auch das "Blood Of The Nations" Cover Artwork und die Track List enthüllt.

August 20: Europe
September 14: North America

"Blood Of The Nations" Track List:

01. Beat The Bastards
02. Teutonic Terror
03. The Abyss
04. Blood Of The Nations
05. Shades Of Death
06. Locked And Loaded
07. Kill The Pain
08. Rollin Thunder
09. Pandemic
10. New World Comin
11. No Shelter
12. Bucketful Of Hate

Das neue MURDERDOLLS Album "Women & Children Last" erscheint im Spätsommer 2010. Auf der offiziellen MURDERDOLLS Homepage enthüllen die Herrschaften um Joey Jordison & Wednesday 13 Schritt für Schritt das Cover Artwork. Die ersten Teile sind bereits zu sehen.

Die Tracklist des Albums liest sich übrigens wie folgt:

01. The World According To Revenge
02. Chapel Of Blood
03. Bored 'Til Death
04. Drug Me To Hell
05. Nowhere
06. Summertime Suicide
07. Death Valley Superstars
08. My Dark Place Alone
09. Blood Stained Valentine
10. Pieces Of You
11. Homicide Drive
12. Rock N Roll Is All I Got
13. Nothing's Gonna Be Alright
14. Whatever You Got, I'm Against It
15. Hello, Goodbye, Die

Professionally filmed video footage of ANTHRAX's June 22, 2010 performance at the Sonisphere festival in Sofia, Bulgaria can be viewed below.

The band's setlist was reportedly as follows:

01. Caught In A Mosh
02. Got the Time
03. Madhouse
04. Be All, End All
05. Antisocial
06. Indians
07. Heaven And Hell (BLACK SABBATH cover) (not full song)
08. Medusa
09. Only
10. Metal Thrashing Mad
11. I Am The Law

Canadian rock legends RUSH received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday (June 25) in front of the Musicians Institute on Hollywood Boulevard.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, on hand to induct the musicians were SMASHING PUMPKINS singer Billy Corgan and Donna Halper, a former music director at Cleveland's WMMS-FM who was among the first to champion the enduring band's 1974 self-titled debut album.

"RUSH always stayed true to themselves and true to their music, and never lost their integrity," Halper said to cheers from the crowd that ranged from toddlers in RUSH T-shirts and baby boomers in tattered vintage "2112" tour jerseys.

Frontman-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson were in attendance to claim the 2,412th star on the Walk of Fame. Noticeably absent was drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, who was riding a motorcycle to the band's first tour date in Albuquerque on Tuesday.

Danish death metallers THE CLEANSING have announced the addition of bassist Mads Haarløv (INIQUITY, STRANGLER, SACRIFICIAL, SWOLLEN) to the group's ranks.

In other news, THE CLEANSING is currently in the studio recording its second album for a tentative late 2010/early 2011 release. The band states, "Toke [Eld] is — as we speak — laying down vocal tracks for this slap of brutality that will be our next punch in the face! He's been doing a great job so far — it sounds KILLER! The drums were recorded in February at CB studios in Denmark. Needless to say, Morten [Løwe Sørensen] did an amazing job recording the drums! Expect nothing but over-the-top drumming! We still need to record a lot of guitar stuff but plan to get all guitars, solos and bass done by mid-August."

"Goodnight Insomnia", a brand new song from Germany gothic rockers END OF GREEN, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's seventh album, "High Hopes in Low Places", which is scheduled for an August 20 release in Germany, Austria and Switzerland via Silverdust Records. The CD was recorded at Munich's Weltraumstudios with producer Corni Bartels.

The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Blackened Eyes
02. Goodnight Insomnia
03. Carpathian Gravedancer
04. Under The Sway
05. Tie Me A Rope… While You're Calling My Name
06. High Hopes In Low Places
07. An Awful Day
08. Saviour
09. Slaves
10. Starlight

German power metallers BLIND GUARDIAN will release their new album, "At The Edge Of Time", late summer via Nuclear Blast Records. A single, "A Voice In The Dark", preceded the full-length CD on June 25.

"At The Edge Of Time" track listing:

01. Sacred Worlds (9:17)
02. Tanelorn (5:58)
03. Road Of No Release (6:30)
04. Ride Into Obsession (4:46)
05. Curse My Name (5:52)
06. Valkyries (6:38)
07. Control The Divine (5:26)
08. War Of The Thrones (4:55)
09. A Voice In The Dark (5:41)
10. Wheel Of Time (8:55)

Members of the "Big Four," including Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH), Lars Ulrich (METALLICA), Scott Ian (ANTHRAX) and Kerry King (SLAYER), recorded a special video tribute to the late, great heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW) from the Sonisphere festival in Sofia, Bulgaria on June 22. The video tribute was shown as part of the satellite broadcast of the "Big Four" concert from Sofia to movie theaters around the world. Watch the six-minute video clip below.

Andrew Paine of Billboard.com reports that the Sonisphere cinecast from the Sofia, Bulgaria leg of the touring rock festival was seen by more than 100,000 fans, according to promoter Stuart Galbraith.

The global June 22 cinecast featured the "Big Four" of 1982 thrash metal — METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX — and was beamed via satellite in HD to cinemas. It was distributed globally into hundreds of cinemas by New York-based BY Experience.

In the U.K. it was screened in 79 cinemas. "At the Odeon in Leicester Square in London there was a mosh pit, and at the end of the show they had a stage invasion, which is just phenomenal to even think about," says Galbraith. "Not only are we hitting the territories that we're playing with this tour, [with the cinecast] we've taken the Big Four and Sonisphere into countries we haven't been able to get to this year."

MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn has recorded audio and video of an acoustic cover of BLACK SABBATH's "Die Young" song from the classic "Heaven and Hell" album in tribute to the late Debbie Abono, who sadly passed away on the same day as legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio. In a statement made at the beginning of the video (which was recorded the day after Debbie's passing and which can be viewed below), Robb says, "I don't know why I recorded this song — it doesn't really have relevance to Debbie or Dio — but I was sad and depressed and it was the only thing that made sense in the world."

There are no plans to officially release Flynn's version of "Die Young", but an MP3 version of the track is available for free download at the MACHINE HEAD web site, www.machinehead1.com (MP3, file size: 11 MB). It can also be streamed using the audio player below.

San Diego/Phoenix-based metallers BENEDICTUM have finished recording their third album with producer Ryan Greene (MEGADETH, LITA FORD, NOFX) at his Area 52 studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. The CD will feature guest appearances by Rudy Sarzo (DIO, QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE) and Craig Goldy (DIO, BUDGIE). BENEDICTUM singer Veronica Freeman also worked with FOREIGNER bassist Jeff Pilson (ex-DIO, DOKKEN) to produce some acoustic bonus tracks for the album. A winter release is expected.

Commented Jeff: "My affinity for BENEDICTUM was instant. Upon hearing Veronica's voice and Pete Wells' guitar, I knew the seeds were there for a classic monumental rock band."

BENEDICTUM has just signed a deal with a major European label (details to be announced soon).

earMUSIC, the international rock label of the Hamburg-based entertainment group Edel, has announced the signing of American/Norwegian melodic metallers KAMELOT. The band's new studio album, "Poetry For The Poisoned", will be released in Europe on September 3, 2010.

KAMELOT is one of metal's most unique, influential and prestigious acts to come along in decades. The group's reputation among fans and media alike is marked by enthusiasm as well as esteem, with each of their eight studio albums to date surpassing its predecessor in terms of songwriting, production and commercial results. As one of the most difficult-to-categorize artists on the metal scene, KAMELOT is ready to release its most insightful and ambitious album to date, "Poetry for the Poisoned".

Throughout the recent years, KAMELOT's releases have achieved cult status around the world, and "Poetry for the Poisoned" will "once again raise the bar for others to follow," according to a press release. "The new studio album blends their trademark KAMELOT sound with new elements and a creation of musical art that will set a new standard in the genre."

"Poetry for the Poisoned" was mostly written in the remote woods of Norway to the final songwriting sessions in a remote region of Germany. The compositions take the listener through many emotions and dynamics that touch the soul and the mind.

"I think this album is by far our most diverse, fusing new ideas and elements along with the traditional KAMELOT sound and style that we have established over the years," states KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood.

Recordings took place in the familiar Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producers Sascha Paeth and Miro. Additional tracking also took place in Tampa, Florida as well as various studios in Sweden, Greece and the U.S.

"Poetry for the Poisoned" features guest appearances by Simone Simons (EPICA), Gus G. (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIREWIND), Björn "Speed" Strid (SOILWORK) and Jon Oliva (SAVATAGE, JON OLIVA'S PAIN). The artwork was created by many great artists, including Seth Siro Anton, Natalie Shau and Michal Loranc.

"'Poetry for the Poisoned' is a mix of progressive elements, modern rock, dark arts and also power metal," states Youngblood. "It comes at a time where many people around the world are searching for something to grab on to spiritually, including myself. I recently lost my mother and to be honest it was very hard on me. So there are some melancholy moods reflected on this album."

Frontman Roy Khan assures that "Poetry for the Poisoned" will both please the band's existing following and expose the universe of KAMELOT to a whole range of new fans. "'Poetry for the Poisoned' is our longest and toughest production so far, but when I hear the result I know it was well worth the struggle," he says.

Max Vaccaro, director of the earMUSIC label, commented: "If there is one thing that is absolutely clear with KAMELOT, it's that the band has a unique vision of metal and they consider anything they do as the 'next step' to something bigger and better, constantly adamant to reach new ambitious artistic targets. We're happy about the fact that they have chosen earMUSIC as the partner to expand their audience with this new wonderful album."

"Poetry For The Poisoned" will also be available as a limited edition hard-cover digipak CD with a bonus DVD, LP and limited collector's edition featuring a bonus 45" vinyl with two rare songs only available on this strictly limited format, personally signed by the band.

APOCALYPTICA is offering a total of seven different pre-order packages of their new album, 7th Symphony, which is scheduled for release on August 23rd internationally and on the 24th in North America.

Besides the standard album version, 7th Symphony will also be available as a limited edition with a bonus DVD, or on vinyl and on a cello-shaped USB stick with bonus content. Check the webshop for further details. The cello package pictured at left (click to enlarge) contains the following:

- 7th Symphony Album (ltd. edition) with two exclusive bonus tracks.
- Bonus DVD with filmed acoustic recordings from a session at the Sibelius Academy in Finland.
- Special packaging with a 32 page booklet
- Exclusive 7th Symphony shirt (men's or skinny shirt)
- Limited two-track of the single 'End Of Me' (plus 'Path' acoustic version recorded at XM Radio)
- Apocalyptica 7 messenger bag
- Exclusive sheet music originally autographed by Apocalyptica

Chicago deathcore heavyweights OCEANO have begun recording their sophomore album, to be released later this year. Entitled "Contagion", the CD promises to take the band's music to explosive new heights, thanks to the production of Chris "Zeuss" Harris (MUNICIPAL WASTE, THE ACACIA STRAIN, HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL) and the addition of two new guitarists who have quickly become acquainted with the continual misery that has become OCEANO's trademark.

Commented OCEANO frontman Adam Warren: "As of last night we finished up drum tracking!

"Danny's [Daniel Terchin] a little monster and flew through everything in 2 1/2 days. Now we're onto guitars today.

"We're excited to begin and work with Zeuss as we are looking forward to getting his input on what we have come up with. We are all confident he's going to help further creation of 'Contagion' to be even more infectious to all of your ears."

To kick off the start of "Contagion"'s recording process, OCEANO have posted the premiere episode of Oceano TV on their brand new official YouTube page. Styled similarly to a '90s-style multi-camera sitcom, this episode stars drummer, Daniel Terchin. Here, he gives fans a tour of his drum kit, pwns n00bs on Call of Duty and sneaks a peek at his tracking sessions.

"Oceano" will soon be hitting the road once again as part of the "Over The Limit Tour". Ever the road warriors, this will not be a typical tour for OCEANO. It will mark their first major North American co-headlining tour alongside AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK. The tour will also act as a prelude to the release of the band's forthcoming album. Those attending the "Over The Limit Tour" will be among the first anywhere to hear some of the crushing new material from the CD. Joining headliners OCEANO and AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK on the bill will be ARSONISTS GET ALL THE GIRLS, THE TONY DANZA TAPDANCE EXTRAVAGANZA, THICK AS BLOOD, BURNING THE MASSES, CIRCLE OF CONTEMPT, and BLINDWITNESS, with SON OF AURELIUS and THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE on select dates.

As of August 1, 2010, Ronny Munroe, formerly the lead vocalist of METAL CHURCH, will join Louisiana rockers LILLIAN AXE as a full-time member, replacing departing singer Derrick LeFevre.

The members of LILLIAN AXE wish Derrick LeFevre nothing but the best of luck in his future endeavors. Unfortunately, Derrick could not commit to the rigorous touring schedule that LILLIAN AXE prides itself on to this day.

When Ronny Munroe takes the stage, he has the crowd's attention. His unique vocal style sets him apart from other singers because he brings something extraordinary to every song.

Ronny is an in-your-face performer, consummate professional, innovative lyricist and songwriter who fuses melody with hard hitting rock in a way that will take your breath away.

LILLIAN AXE founder and guitarist Steve Blaze says, "We met Ronny in Seattle playing a show together two years ago. My first impression was 'Damn, he's tall!' After watching him perform, I thought to myself how amazing a vocalist and presence he was.

"I always keep in the back of my mind great talents when I see them, and Ronny was one of those guys.

"During the three days we spent together in New Orleans rehearsing and getting to know each other, I was amazed how well he fit in as a human being as well as a bandmate.

"The true talent is only half the game; the person is the other. Ronny has it all.

"Having Ronny as a writing partner and performing partner is something I am very much looking forward to!”

Bassist Eric Morris agrees: "I am looking forward to what a vocalist like Ronny can bring to the table. I think he will add a whole new element and catapult our music into a brand new fan base as well as satisfy the die-hards."

LILLIAN AXE recently completed work on its tenth album, "Deep Red Shadows", at Sound Landing Studios in Covington, Louisiana for a July 20 release via Love & War Records. The CD was produced by guitarist Steve Blaze, mixed by Rob Hovey and mastered by Ty Tabor of KING'S X. The song "47 Ways To Die" was mixed by Sylvia Massy, who is best known for her work with TOOL, GREEN JELLY, POWERMAN 5000 and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS. Tabor is the special guest on the song "The Quenching Of Human Life", adding an "amazing" guitar solo to the track.

"Deep Red Shadows" track listing:

01. Under The Same Moon
02. 47 Ways To Die
03. The Quenching Of Human Life
04. A Minute Of Years
05. Nobody Knows (acoustic)
06. The Day I Met You (acoustic)
07. Sad Day On Planet Earth (acoustic)
08. Nocturnal Symphony (acoustic)
09. Deep Red Shadows (instrumental)

Ash Sivils, who created the artwork for LILLIAN AXE's last CD, 2009's "Sad Day On Planet Earth", was responsible for designing the new album cover (see here).

"Sad Day On Planet Earth" was released on June 30, 2009 via the Swedish label Blistering Records. The CD contained 14 songs written by Steve Blaze.

LILLIAN AXE is:

Ronny Munroe - Vocals
Steve Blaze - Guitar/Vocals
Sam Poitevent - Guitar/Vocals
Eric Morris - Bass
Ken Koudelka - Drums

"Indian Theme", a brand song from Atlanta progressive metallers MASTODON, can be streamed at Stereogum.com. The track comes off "Jonah Hex", a six-song EP from the film's original motion picture score, which is scheduled for release on June 29 via Reprise Records.

"Jonah Hex" features an original score by Reprise recording artists MASTODON and Oscar-nominated composer Mario Beltrami ("The Hurt Locker", "3:10 to Yuma"). MASTODON was asked to create the score personally by the film's director, Jimmy Hayward, who was inspired by repeated listenings of MASTODON's 2006 album, "Blood Mountain".

"Jimmy called us out of the blue as a fan," bassist Troy Sanders told Paste magazine in an interview. "It was the most beautiful, authentic way to collaborate."

For its first film-scoring experience, MASTODON recorded the tracks for "Jonah Hex" by viewing movie footage and actually composing the score spontaneously on the spot in the studio. This method of experimental and immediate composition proved to be a daring, daunting and ultimately fun way of creating music together over a short period of time. The resulting sessions yielded incredibly exciting results produced in a completely different way than they normally would approach writing and recording for a MASTODON album. Fans will get a chance to hear the four new tracks — "Death March", "Clayton Boys", "Indian Theme" and "Train Assault", with two bonus versions as they become available through iTunes and all other digital outlets.

Based on the legendary character from the comic book series from DC Comics, "Jonah Hex" is an epic action adventure about one man's personal quest for redemption against the canvas of the battle between good and evil. The film stars Academy Award nominee Josh Brolin ("Milk", "No Country For Old Men"), two-time Academy Award nominee John Malkovich ("In the Line of Fire", "Places in the Heart"), Megan Fox ("Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"), Michael Fassbender ("Inglourious Basterds"), Will Arnett ("Blades of Glory") and Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road").