On Saturday, June 5, former HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske returned to the live stage for the first time in 17 years with his new band UNISONIC — also featuring Dennis Ward (bass) and Kosta Zafiriou (drums) of Germany's PINK CREAM 69 and Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer (who has previously played with ASIA, GOTTHARD and KROKUS) — for a headlining performance at Live Music Hall in Mörlenbach, Germany.

The group's setlist was as follows:

01. Cross The Line (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
02. I'll Be Gone (extended ending) (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
03. I'll Be Waiting (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
04. Set Me Free (PLACE VENDÔME's "Streets Of Fire")
05. My Guardian Angel (PLACE VENDÔME's "Streets Of Fire")
06. Too Late (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
07. 6/8 Souls Alive (new song, written by Mandy Meyer)
08. Completely Breathless (PLACE VENDÔME's "Streets Of Fire")
09. Sign Of The Times (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
10. Streets of Fire (PLACE VENDÔME's "Streets Of Fire")
11. The Setting Sun (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
12. Follow Me (PLACE VENDÔME's "Streets Of Fire")
13. Kids Of The Century (reworked HELLOWEEN song from Kiske's "Past In Different Ways")
14. A Little Time (reworked HELLOWEEN song from Kiske's "Past In Different Ways")
15. 6/8 Souls Alive (reprise)
16. Cross The Line (reprise)

Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be viewed below.

A review of the concert and photos can be found at MichaelKiske.net.

UNISONIC has finished composing nine songs for its forthcoming debut album. A demo recording is currently being put together and will be used to procure label interest. Italy's Frontiers Records, with whom Kiske and Ward have both worked in the past on various projects, is reportedly very interested in releasing the CD, but the group is said to be keeping its options open.

Remaining UNISONIC dates:

June 10 - Fabrik - Bruchsal, Germany
June 11-12 - Sweden Rock Festival - Sölvesborg, Sweden

UNISONIC marks the first time Kiske has been involved in a real band situation in almost 16 years. Having split with HELLOWEEN in late 1993, he participated in various projects and released several solo albums but had not been part of a real group effort until now.

While collaborating with Ward and Zafiriou on the PLACE VENDOME project four years ago, Kiske found two musical soulmates. They ended up recording two PLACE VENDOME albums before deciding to join forces in a new brand new band. Ward, who had previously produced a record for KROKUS, suggested Meyer as the perfect addition to the group in the vacant guitarist slot.

Kiske, one of the finest and most unique voices in contemporary rock music, explains his motivation of becoming a part of a band again: "Since the PLACE VENDOME productions I was impressed by Dennis Ward's skills as a songwriter and producer. We were occasionally fooling around since then via email that we should do more together in the future, so the idea came up to do a new band. I was generally getting a bit tired of doing everything on my own for so many years, so it just felt like the right thing to do now. We can all only benefit from working together. No matter how good you are solo, four people will always be better than one, I think, if they manage to function together. And a real band is also a very good reason to finally go on tour again. After 17 years, I can't wait to get back on stage and have some fun with the band and the fans!"

Profound Lore Records will release the new full-length album from Pacific Northwest dark metal band AGALLOCH. The group will enter the studio later this month in its hometown of Portland, Oregon to record the much-anticipated follow-up to 2006's "Ashes Against The Grain".

Profound Lore and AGALLOCH already have a history that goes as far back to the label's beginnings when Profound Lore released the original vinyl versions of AGALLOCH's "Pale Folklore" and "The Mantle".

Austrian female-fronted symphonic metal band EDENBRIDGE will release its seventh album, "Solitaire", on the following dates:

June 30: Spain
July 2: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy, Sweden
July 5: Rest of Europe
July 13: USA/Canada

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Entree Unique
02. Solitaire
03. Higher
04. Skyline's End
05. Bon Voyage Vagabond
06. Come Undone
07. Out Of This World
08. Further Afield
09. A Virtual Dream?
10. Brothers On Diamir
11. Exit Unique

"Solitaire" audio sample:"Skyline's End" audio sample:"Higher" audio sample:

The limited-edition version of the album will include two additional songs: "Eternity" and "Inward Passage".

"She Comes In Colors", a brand new song from Seattle metallers NEVERMORE, is available for streaming using the audio player below (courtesy of Revolver magazine). The track comes off the band's new album, "The Obsidian Conspiracy", which will be released in North America on June 8 via Century Media Records.

"Broken Frames", the third album from EYES SET TO KILL, is available for streaming in its entirety at AOL Music. The CD will be released on June 8 via BreakSilence Records.

Recorded at Wade Studios in Ocala, Florida with producer Andrew Wade, "Broken Frames" takes the sparkling melodic prowess that EYES SET TO KILL has become known for and shows the band stepping outside of its comfort zone to create the next chapter in their growing musical evolution. With expectations from fans and critics at peak levels for their upcoming new album, EYES SET TO KILL have recorded their heaviest and most aggressive album to date.

"Broken Frames" track listing:

01. All You Ever Knew (3:10)
02. Broken Frames (2:53)
03. The Listening (3:33)
04. Ticking Bombs (3:34)
05. Play The Part (2:39)
06. Falling Fast (3:34)
07. Catch Your Breath (0:27)
08. Ryan (3:10)
09. Inside the Eye (3:23)
10. Two Letter Sins (3:01)
11. Escape (4:19)
12. Let Me In (4:18)

STONE SOUR debuted a brand new song called "Mission Statement" during the band's June 7, 2010 concert at Columbia in Berlin, Germany.

Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be viewed below.

STONE SOUR has set September 7 as the release date for the band's third album, "Audio Secrecy". This Thursday (June 10) at 11:00 a.m. ET, the band and its label will post a free MP3 download of "Mission Statement" at their respective web sites. The track is the first to go public from the album and will only be available for 48 hours.

STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor told The Pulse of Radio recently that the band was looking for an "anthem" to open the album when they came up with "Mission Statement". "We literally put that together in one day and really shot for the moon with it," he said. "And it came together so well that just as a track itself it's amazing, but setting the rest of the album up, I couldn't hope for a better point of view or a better song that would set the album up like that. It just — it was magic."

STONE SOUR's last effort, 2006's "Come What(ever) May", debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard album chart and included the hits "Through Glass", "Sillyworld" and "Made Of Scars".

The new disc will arrive just as STONE SOUR embarks on the inaugural Uproar Festival tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD and DISTURBED. The trek kicks off on August 17 in Minneapolis and will hit 36 cities.

Taylor and STONE SOUR guitarist Jim Root are also members of SLIPKNOT, which was rocked two weeks ago by the death of bass player Paul Gray. SLIPKNOT is on hiatus until at least 2011.

British heavy metal legends IRON MAIDEN have announced details of their much-anticipated new album, "The Final Frontier".

Due on August 16, the follow-up to 2006's "A Matter Of Life And Death" was recorded earlier this year at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas and The Cave Studios in Malibu, California with producer Kevin Shirley.

Fans can now get their hands on a free download of the song "El Dorado" via the band's official web site, www.ironmaiden.com.

"As we'll be including it in the set of our 'Final Frontier World Tour', we thought it would be great to thank all our fans and get them into 'The Final Frontier' mood by giving them this song up front of the tour and album release," says vocalist Bruce Dickinson.

"The Final Frontier" track listing:

01. Satellite 15....The Final Frontier (8:40)
02. El Dorado (6:49)
03. Mother Of Mercy (5:20)
04. Coming Home (5:52)
05. The Alchemist (4:29)
06. Isle Of Avalon (9:06)
07. Starblind (7:48)
08. The Talisman (9:03)
09. The Man Who Would Be King (8:28)
10. When The Wild Wind Blows (10:59)

Check out the cover artwork below.

"The Final Frontier World Tour" begins in Dallas on June 9 with 25 shows across North America. The band will then return to Europe for a run of headline dates, including the U.K.'s Sonisphere festival at Knebworth on August 1.

"We're hugely excited about this tour," says bassist Steve Harris. "I think the fans will really like the brand new stage production — Eddie has changed a bit for this tour but is possibly the most outrageous one to date. I can't say too much about him as don't want to spoil the surprise, but I guarantee he will scare the hell out of you!"

Inakustik/MVD has set an October 19 release date for MSG (MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP)'s "The 30th Anniversary Concert - Live In Tokyo" CD/DVD/Blu-Ray. This performance was recorded in January 2010 during the band's 30th-anniversary Japanese tour. On this trek, the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP consisted of Michael Schenker (guitar), Gary Barden (vocals), Simon Phillips (drums), Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards), and Neil Murray (bass). The band, in impeccable form, blasts through a track list highlighting all stages of Schenker's career: from UFO and SCORPIONS hits, through MSG classic tracks, to his solo compositions.

The track listing is as follows:

01. Intro
02. Armed And Ready
03. Feels Like A Good Thing
04. Cry For The Nations
05. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
06. Victim of Illusion
07. Are You Ready To Rock
08. I Want You
09. Night To Remember
10. Into The Arena
11. Lost Horizons
12. Rock My Nights Away
13. On And On
14. Attack of the Mad Axeman
15. Ride On My Way
16. Rock Bottom
17. Dance Lady Gypsy
18. Doctor, Doctor

"Die My Darling", the new video from the Canadian all-girl metal band KITTIE , can be viewed below. The clip was filmed on May 4 with veteran Canadian director John Barber.

"We had the most fun we have ever had filming this video," stated KITTIE guitarist/vocalist Morgan Lander. "There are cars babes and beatings involved, and it is unlike anything we have ever done before. We can't wait for everyone to see it!"

Swedish modern metallers SOILWORK have posted a trailer for the bonus DVD of their upcoming album, "The Panic Broadcast". The clip, which can be viewed below, contains a snippet of the bonus track "Sweet Demise" which will be included with the limited digipack version of the CD.

"The Panic Broadcast" will be released in Europe on July 2 and in North America on July 13 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was mixed at Fascination Street studio in Örebro, Sweden with Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, PARADISE LOST, BLOODBATH).

"The Panic Broadcast" deluxe edition track listing:

01. Late for the Kill, Early for the Slaughter
02. Two Lives Worth of Reckoning
03. The Thrill
04. Deliverance is Mine
05. Night Comes Clean
06. King of the Threshold
07. Let This River Flow
08. Epitome
09. The Akuma Afterglow
10. Enter Dog Of Pavlov
11. Sweet Demise (bonus track)

DVD:

* Extended Studio Footage
* High-Definition Drum Video
* Photo Gallery

As reported earlier this week, QUIET RIOT are part of Legacy Recordings’ brand-new Setlist series of live collections which will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting July 13th. The tracklisting for the compilation features over half previously unreleased material and is as follows:

01. Sign Of The Times (live)
02. Let's Get Crazy (live)
03. Mama Weer All Crazee Now (live)
04. Slick Black Cadillac (live)
05. Anytime You Want Me (live)
06. Party All Night (live)
07. Bang Your Head (Metal Health) (live)
08. Run For Cover (live)
09. Love's A Bitch (live)
10. Stomp Your Hands, Clap Your Feet (live)
11. Gonna Have A Riot (live)
12. Cum On Feel The Noize (live)

According to a press release, each single-CD volume in the Setlist series will consist of remastered .mp3-ready live tracks drawn from each artist’s vast archive of live album recordings. The CD is embedded with computer-accessible .pdf files containing liner notes essays, discographical information, photography, bonus features, and more. The package itself will be a plastic-free, 100% recycled paper, recyclable eco-friendly digi-pak, and the product line will be priced for budget-minded consumers.

The Setlist series takes advantage of the multitudes of live recordings – some rarities, others released on best-selling albums, and still some others remaining previously unreleased in the vaults – until now.

"Too Hot", the new video from Swiss hard rock veterans KROKUS, can be viewed below.

According to Peter Waelti of the KROKUS Globe Club For Clan & Fan, "The largest Boulevard paper in Switzerland, Blick, asked their readers to vote on five girls that would become possible extras in KROKUS' newest video for the track 'Too Hot', taken from the recent 'Hoodoo' release. From the newspaper's five finalists, the band had the hard task to choose the final three.

"Production and directing of the new video clip was done by Kaya Inan and Matthias Günter.

"Even cult director Quentin Tarantino could not have told the crude story better in this short clip.

"Shooting of the video was challenging due to extreme temperatures, lots of dust and time restraints. All involved in the shoot were extremely patient and did not lose a beat of enthusiasm and intensity in between takes.

"The band delivered a powerful, uncomplicated and raw performance! Roaring motors, hot girls and hard rock — that's what KROKUS is all about.

"The video has sex appeal, is sweaty hot and all rock 'n' roll!"

"Hoodoo", the new album from KROKUS, was certified platinum in the band's home country for sales in excess of 30,000 copies. Sony Music presented the bandmembers with their gold and platinum plaques prior to the first concert of the "Hoodoo Tour" on April 30 in Zuchwil.

"Hoodoo", which entered the Swiss chart at No. 1 in its first week of release, was made available in the U.S. on May 25 via SonyMusic Independent Network (SIN). The CD was produced by bassist and founding member Chris Von Rohr and was recorded by Dennis Ward (who previously worked on KROKUS' "Hellraiser" album) at House of Music Studios in Winterbach, Germany, with additional recordings at Pink Bild and Ton (engineered by ex-KROKUS member Jürg Naegeli) in Solothurn, Switzerland and Henson Studios, Los Angeles. Photography, artwork and graphic design was handled by Martin Häusler.

Partnered with Ariola and Arista, KROKUS became an international success and ran up the charts with their hit albums "Metal Rendez-Vous" (1980), "Hardware" (1981), "One Vice At A Time" (1982), "Headhunter" (1983), "The Blitz" (1984) and "Change Of Address" (1986).

Even though AEROSMITH hasn't released a record of original material since 2001's "Just Push Play", and an attempt to record with PEARL JAM and BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN producer Brendan O'Brien fell apart when they failed to agree on a musical direction. guitarist Joe Perry tells RollingStone.com that he has higher hopes for their next effort. "Looking at the calendar we'll probably be going into the studio sometime around the holidays or maybe in the beginning of next year," he says. "We'll have to take time off from touring to make the best record we can make. We owe it to ourselves to make the best record we can make."

The group just wrapped a quick South American tour that attracted scores of young fans. "Half of them were between the ages of 15 to 25. After the encore at one show, we were getting ready to leave, but we hadn't done 'Crazy'," Perry says. "The kids were screaming so loud for it that we just had to go back onstage and play it."

Oakland, California extreme metallers ALL SHALL PERISH have issued the following update:

"So we're long due for an update on the currently happenings of ALL SHALL PERISH.

Firstly, we're pleased to announce that Adam Pierce (SEA OF TREACHERY) has come onboard as our new drummer. Yes, this means that one of our original members, Matt Kuykendall, is no longer in the band.

"It's always tough to part ways with a longtime member and friend, but it was absolutely necessary in order to maintain forward progress.

"Also, as many of you may already know, our most recent lead guitarist, Jason Richardson, has left ALL SHALL PERISH and joined BORN OF OSIRIS.

"That being said, we'd like you all to welcome Francesco Artusato, originally hailing from Treviso, Italy, as our new touring guitarist for the foreseeable future. This is the lineup you'll see throughout this year and hopefully well beyond.

"We feel great about these new additions and are confident that the ALL SHALL PERISH fans will make them feel welcome!

"There will be new photos and more updates coming soon.

"Come see us on Summer Slaughter and hang out!"

Dark Balance has announced the signing of Britain's MY SILENT WAKE.

My Silent Wake was formed from the dying embers of ASHEN MORTALITY in May 2005 by Ian Arkley (SEVENTH ANGEL, Ashen Mortality, CENTURY SLEEPER, PARAMAECIUM, THE OTHER WINDOW).

My Silent Wake will release their fourth full-length album on Dark Balance in October 2010. Album title and recording details will come soon.

To promote the album, My Silent Wake will tour over Europe beginning November 2010. The tour will include festivals like Dutch Doom Days (Baroeg, Rotterdam, NL), Brainstorm Festival (Gigant, Apeldoorn, NL), Blast Of Eternity (Heilbronn, Ger) and club shows in at least Germany, Czech Republic and Switzerland.

My Silent Wake recorded so far an EP, three full length albums and a recent split album. The albums were released by Bombworks Records. Recently, My Silent Wake announced a band member change for the tour: Steve Allan is having a rest period and Tank (Seventh Angel) joined in on drums. Also, Jasen Whyteannounced he will leave the band beginning 2011.

SPIRITUAL BEGGARS, the Swedish band featuring ARCH ENEMY guitarist Michael Amott and bassist Sharlee D'Angelo, has parted ways with vocalist Janne "J.B." Christoffersson (GRAND MAGUS) and has replaced him with Apollo Papathanasio (FIREWIND).

Commented Amott: "This will be a surprise to most of you, but it's been mutually decided for some time now that J.B. would step down from his role as the singer in SPIRITUAL BEGGARS to focus on his own band.

"We had a fantastic time working with J.B. We remain great friends and we wish him the best of luck!

"We decided to make a new SPIRITUAL BEGGARS record and to find a new voice — and we found a killer singer that lives in our hometown. Some of you will already be familiar with him as a singer in the Greek metal band FIREWIND.

"We've had a blast in the studio and it's been highly satisfying on a creative level.

"We have already confirmed some shows in Japan later in the year and we are in the process of booking more concerts around the world.

"We are looking forward to getting the new music out to the fans and playing LIVE again"

A short sample of new song featuring Apollo Papathanasio on vocals is available now at the SPIRITUAL BEGGARS official MySpace page.

On Friday, May 28, a small group of SLIPKNOT fans gathered at Alexanderplatz in the heart of German capital Berlin to mourn the loss of the band's bassist, Paul Gray. Some wore masks, some brought banners, some brought candles — and all bid the musician farewell. The meeting was organized solely by fans.

Footage of the fan meeting and personal goodbyes is available for viewing at the web site of the German edition of Metal Hammer magazine.

Orange County, California's AVENGED SEVENFOLD has launched a pre-order for the limited-edition version of the band's new album, "Nightmare", which will be released on July 27 via Warner Bros. Records. The package can be ordered here.

The limited edition includes:

* Full "Nightmare" album on CD.
* Expanded booklet featuring lyric sheets from the band and exclusive artwork.
Housed in a synthetic leather bound book with special silver-plated "Nightmare" crest.
* Limited 24" x 36" lithograph entitled "Death Bat Anatomy" featuring original artwork on special textured paper embossed with a silver-colored Death Bat.
* Instant download of the new single "Nightmare"

AVENGED SEVENFOLD recently tapped famed video director Wayne Isham to helm the clip for the band's new single, "Nightmare".

JUDAS PRIEST is part of Legacy Recordings' brand-new Setlist series of live collections which will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting July 13.

The track listing for the PRIEST compilation is as follows:

01. Judas Rising
02. Riding On The Wind
03. Heading Out To The Highway
04. Breaking The Law
05. Exciter
06. Tyrant
07. Out In The Cold
08. Dissident Aggressor
09. The Green Manalishi (With The Two Pronged Crown)
10. Beyond The Realms Of Death
11. Freewheel Burning
12. You've Got Another Thing Comin'

In an exciting new configuration, each single-CD volume in the Setlist series will consist of remastered .mp3-ready live tracks drawn from each artist's vast archive of live album recordings. The CD is embedded with computer-accessible .pdf files containing liner notes essays, discographical information, photography, bonus features, and more. The package itself will be a plastic-free, 100% recycled paper, recyclable eco-friendly digi-pak, and the product line will be priced for budget-minded consumers.

The Setlist series takes advantage of the multitudes of live recordings – some rarities, others released on best-selling albums, and still some others remaining previously unreleased in the vaults — until now.

The Setlist series follows up Legacy's successful Playlist series launched two years ago. Each volume reflected an insider's musical tastes, with familiar tracks and hits alongside rarities, out-of-print, hard-to-find, and unreleased material that is characteristic of the Legacy experience.

According to Metal Hammer, last night's (Thursday, June 3) SLAYER concert at the Forum in London, England was shut down for 25 minutes while a fan was taken out of the venue in a stretcher.

Despite a strong police presence outside the show, it reportedly took the ambulance service nearly half an hour to get to the venue an take the fan to a hospital.

SLAYER was forced to put its show on hold while the injured fan was left unconscious on the Forum floor waiting for the emergency services to arrive.

Anthony Jenkins, who attended last night's concert, tells BLABBERMOUTH.NET, "The show initially ground to a halt during the fourth song, 'Disciple', when the band realized that there was a fan who was seriously hurt in the pit to the extent that they couldn't be moved. There was a 20-minute delay while the ambulance crew arrived, loaded said fan on to a stretcher and wheeled him out. Tom [Araya, SLAYER bassist/vocalist] then thanked to the crowd for being so patient and laid back before launching back into the show and treating everyone to a world-first, the whole of 'Seasons In The Abyss' back to back."

SLAYER's setlist was as follows:

01. World Painted Blood
02. Jihad
03. Hate Worldwide
04. Disciple
05. Beauty Through Order
06. War Ensemble
07. Blood Red
08. Spirit in Black
09. Expendable Youth
10. Dead Skin Mask
11. Hallowed Point
12. Skeletons of Society
13. Temptation
14. Born of Fire
15. Seasons in the Abyss

First Encore:

16. Mandatory Suicide
17. Raining Blood
18. Aggressive Perfector

Second Encore:

19. South of Heaven
20. Angel of Death

On May 26, SLAYER kicked off a European tour which will include several Sonisphere festival appearances where the band will be part of the "Big Four" — METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, and ANTHRAX. The group will return to North America in late July to co-headline (with MEGADETH) the east coast Canadian Carnage tour, and then, starting August 11, the American Carnage tour.

Basick Records will be releasing Cursed, the new ear-crushing album from Canadian extreme technical heroes ION DISSONANCE.

Ion Dissonance was founded in early 2002 by 5 friends who had the intention of creating an extreme metal sound, more defined and complex than anything else previously heard before.

After 3 successful and progressive full length albums (notably Minus The Herd, 2007) and more than 750 shows played in over 5 years of touring, Ion Dissonance went into hiatus to concentrate on a more personal life, as well as renew their inspiration to create pioneering extreme music.

After almost three years of working full time jobs the band finally came back together and created Cursed (recorded and produced by the bands guitar player Antoine Lussier); an album inspired by the bands personal struggles and underpinned by a unifying determinism to break the mould of generic standards in heavy music.

With their heaviest and most extreme album to date, the band is ready to bring their fresh new style to a whole new level.

Cursed, Ion Dissonance's fourth album, will be released in Europe on August 23rd.

A brand-new track from the New Jersey/New York band ILL NINO entitled "Scarred (My Prison)" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Commented the group: "We know it's been a while but, we have some great news for you all. At the moment, we are well into the production of our new record.

"It feels awesome to be back in the studio making new music.

"Looking back to our first record, 'Revolution', it feels like it was just yesterday. Except it's 2010 and you've stuck with us for almost 10 years!

"Thank you for being patient. We love you all!

"This record is going to be worth the wait!"

According to an article in the new issue of Rolling Stone magazine (Issue 1104 - May 13, 2010), Ozzy Osbourne will release a Christmas album, "Black Christmas", late next year, accompanied by a TV special. Ozzy's wife and manager insisted with a laugh that she'd discussed the idea with him, but "he's trying to forget that it actually exists." The article also reveals that Ozzy will release deluxe 30th-anniversary editions of his first two solo albums — "Blizzard Of Ozz" (1980) and "Diary Of A Madman" (1981) — with their original drum and bass tracks restored (unlike the 2002 reissues of these albums, which saw the replacement of the original bass and drum tracks by Osbourne's then-drummer Mike Bordin and -bassist Robert Trujillo).

Regarding the sound of his new solo album, "Scream", Ozzy told Rolling Stone, You can stay in the Eighties or move on. It's a very heavy record. It's a bit of my SABBATH days. It's a bit of my solo days. It's a bit of the modern day."

The new album and tour will introduce Greek guitarist Gus G. (FIREWIND, DREAM EVIL, ARCH ENEMY). Ozzy parted ways last year with axeman Zakk Wylde, who has played on every Ozzy album and almost every tour since 1988.

Gus played over nearly finished tracks rather than collaborating on songwriting as Wylde did. "It's a fine line, actually, between thinking of the ghosts of past [Ozzy] guitar players and basically not caring at all," said Gus. "I just tried to be myself and have respect for Ozzy's legacy as an artist."

Meanwhile, Ozzy has sold the film rights to his best-selling memoir, "I Am Ozzy". "It has to be a brand new talent playing Ozzy," said Sharon, "because if you go the Val Kilmer/'Doors' way, it becomes too Hollywood."

Ozzy told Rolling Stone he was excited to hit the road and was already thinking about potential set lists. "I've got such a fucking body of work to choose from now," he said. I'd like to do some different SABBATH songs, and some different Ozzy songs." Also under consideration are full performances of the "Blizzard" and "Diary" albums as a way to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

On Saturday, June 5, former HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske returned to the live stage for the first time in 17 years with his new band UNISONIC — also featuring Dennis Ward (bass) and Kosta Zafiriou (drums) of Germany's PINK CREAM 69 and Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer (who has previously played with ASIA, GOTTHARD and KROKUS) — for a headlining performance at Live Music Hall in Mörlenbach, Germany.

The group's setlist was as follows:

01. Cross The Line (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
02. I'll Be Gone (extended ending) (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
03. I'll Be Waiting (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
04. Set Me Free (PLACE VENDÔME's "Streets Of Fire")
05. My Guardian Angel (PLACE VENDÔME's "Streets Of Fire")
06. Too Late (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
07. 6/8 Souls Alive (new song, written by Mandy Meyer)
08. Completely Breathless (PLACE VENDÔME's "Streets Of Fire")
09. Sign Of The Times (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
10. Streets of Fire (PLACE VENDÔME's "Streets Of Fire")
11. The Setting Sun (PLACE VENDÔME's self-titled debut)
12. Follow Me (PLACE VENDÔME's "Streets Of Fire")
13. Kids Of The Century (reworked HELLOWEEN song from Kiske's "Past In Different Ways")
14. A Little Time (reworked HELLOWEEN song from Kiske's "Past In Different Ways")
15. 6/8 Souls Alive (reprise)
16. Cross The Line (reprise)

Singer Sean Peck of San Diego metallers CAGE has been added to the list of musicians who have recorded guest appearances on "Reborn in Fire", the upcoming album from EMPIRES OF EDEN — the brainchild of PAINDIVISION/ex-DUNGEON guitarist Stu Marshall.

Commented Stu: "Sean was one of the guys I approached for the album after being a huge fan of his band CAGE. His vocal range is something to really hear as the guy has one of the most intense and expressive voices in metal music today. The other great thing was his ability to compose material. I sent him a song that was really aggressive and he was able to rearrange the parts as he saw a best fit.

Century Media Records has set a July 9 European release date (July 13 in the U.S.) for "A Star Crossed Wasteland", the third album from Southern California's IN THIS MOMENT. The CD was recorded at The Wolves Den studio in Las Vegas, Nevada with producer Kevin Churko (OZZY OSBOURNE, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH).

"A Star-Crossed Wasteland" track listing:

01. The Gun Show
02. Just Drive
03. The Promise
04. Standing Alone
05. A Star-Crossed Wasteland
06. Blazin'
07. The Road
08. Iron Army
09. The Last Cowboy
10. World In Flames

The album's aggressive opening track, "The Gun Show", is available for streaming on the band's Facebook page. The song has also been released digitally via iTunes.

"England Rocks", the new video from DOWN 'N OUTZ — a project fronted by DEF LEPPARD's Joe Elliott, backed by THE QUIREBOYS and playing rare tracks connected only by MOTT THE HOOPLE — can be viewed at this location. The clip features cameo appearances by Alice Cooper, Brian May and Ian Hunter, among others.

In other news, DOWN 'N OUTZ will play a special club show at the Borderline in London, England on July 22. Tickets, which only cost 10 pounds, are extremely limited and can be purchased at Ticketweb.

Sometimes the most interesting of projects arise from the most unusual of circumstances.

Joe Elliott takes up the story: "When MOTT THE HOOPLE announced they were reforming for a week's worth of shows at the Hammersmith Odeon, I was asked that I participate in some capacity. They've always been my favorite band and it's nice to see the rest of the rock world finally catch up and give them their due.

"But, what was I to do? It was suggested to me that THE QUIREBOYS would be up for offering their services. This was perfect! A fan since their first album, I loved the idea of working with a band as enthusiastic to do this as I was.

"I decided that the thing to do was play some songs that like minded people thought they would never hear live again, if ever, songs by spin-offs of MOTT THE HOOPLE — songs by Mott, Ian Hunter and BRITISH LIONS. Songs that are close to my heart, songs that I've played every week for the best part of 35 years on record, cassette, CD, iPod and now live."

The DOWN 'N OUTZ supported MOTT THE HOOPLE at one of their legendary 2009 reformation shows at Hammersmith Odeon. In addition to Joe Elliott (vocals, guitar, keyboards), the band featured THE QUIREBOYS' Paul Guerin (guitar), Guy Griffin (guitar), Keith Weir (keyboards) and Phil Martini (drums) and finally bassist Ronnie Garrity (RAW GLORY). Following a rapturous reception, the one-night project took on a life and energy of its own and an album project was born. DOWN 'N OUTZ then set about recording an album's worth of material. Entitled "My Re Generation", the CD was produced by Joe Elliott, with co-production by Ronan McHugh, and was recorded at Elliott's own studio Joe's Garage and Moor Hall studio in Bedfordshire.

"My Re Generation" track listing (with original recording artist listed in parenthesis):

01. Golden Opportunity (Ian Hunter)
02. Storm (Mott)
03. Overnight Angels (Ian Hunter)
04. Career (No Such Thing As Rock 'n' Roll) (Mott)
05. England Rocks (Ian Hunter)
06. Shouting And Pointing (Mott)
07. By Tonight (Mott)
08. Who Do You Love (Ian Hunter)
09. One More Chance To Run (BRITISH LIONS)
10. Good Times (Mott, originally recorded by THE EASYBEATS)