Candlelight Records has announced the signing of the English progressive black metal band THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL. The group's fourth album, "The Murder Of Jesus The Jew", will feature guest appearances by Hoest (TAAKE) and Vincent Crowley (ACHERON). Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "From Eagle To Cross", "God Of Sand", "Apostle Of The Uncircumcised", "Jew Killer" and "The Man From Keiroth". The intro and one instrumental were created by Mirai (SIGH), with guitar and keyboard parts handled by Alisa Coral (SPACE MIRRORS) and Elle Torry (live guitarist for IMPERIAL VENGEANCE).

The core elements of THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL — Metatron (vocals), J.D Tait (guitar), Alan Davey (bass) and Urakbarameel (drums) — have created a concept album that centers around the humanity of the Galilean healer who became a God of western aspirations and whose own roots became washed away with the cleansing of the Roman Church.

"Collapse", the new video from the Erie, Pennsylvania-based Christian metal/hardcore act WAR OF AGES, can be viewed below (courtesy of AOL's Noisecreep). The song comes off the band's fourth studio album, "Eternal", which was released on April 13 via Facedown Records.

"Eternal" continues the warrior theme for which the band has become very well known. The writing process for the new record was "perfectly timed and provided release on a personal level," says vocalist Leroy Hamp. With lyrics as heart wrenching as ever, "Eternal" solidifies the band's consistent message of victory over pain.

Hamp and his brother, drummer Alex, certainly know about rising from pain. In their life experience, they have dealt with kidnapping, abuse both physical and mental, and the violence that surrounded their family and their backward beliefs. Through their faith in Jesus Christ as redeemer and savior, the brothers soldiered on and have forged a life of their own choosing.

WAR OF AGES' convictions are as deeply rooted in strength through spirit as their music is based in intensely heavy but melodic and catchy metal and hardcore. The band's spirit of ministry is solidly in place on "Eternal", with songs ranging from pure fun '80s-inspired metal to the more therapeutic "Your Betrayal" about Hamp's father.

WAR OF AGES can easily be pegged as a highly motivated and driven band. Nothing provides more irrefutable proof of their dogged determination than their impressive and extensive touring history which includes playing alongside TERROR, AS I LAY DYING, LIVING SACRIFICE, DEMON HUNTER, UNDEROATH, HATEBREED, SICK OF IT ALL, THROWDOWN, EARTH CRISIS, and many others. The band has also had music videos from previous albums featured on MTV's "Headbangers Ball", a feat which has spurred them on to continue making intriguing, visually exciting clips.

The band chose to stick with Lambesis Studios and Daniel Castleman for the recording of "Eternal", but opted to produce the album themselves this time around. Hamp is confident that the song structure and musical flow of "Eternal" far exceeds that of WAR OF AGES' previous releases. "Our songs are both dark and light, we dance on both sides and write to release what we have built up inside. This is therapy for us," he says.

Finnish gothic metallers CHARON will release their first-ever compilation album, "A-Sides, B-Sides & Suicides", on June 23. The two-disc set will include almost 40 songs and two and a half hours of music spanning the band's entire career — from its first demo tape to the most recent recordings. In addition to the album cuts, there will be outtakes, cover songs and demos.

CHARON will upload a teaser video every week leading up to the compilation's release feature unforgettable moments from the band's 17-year career. The second clip can be viewed below.

EUROPE guitarist John Norum has told U.K.'s Classic Rockmagazine of plans he had to record with the late Ronnie James Dio.

"I met Ronnie only recently, and he told me of a song he'd written that he was keen to have me play guitar on," he said. "We never got beyond talking about the idea, but it was a serious plan."

Norum — whose new solo album, "Play Yard Blues", will be released on July 17 through Mascot Records — was shocked to hear of Dio's passing on May 16 after a six-month battle with stomach cancer.

"Ronnie was one of those great characters whom you thought would go on until he was 100," Norum told Classic Rock. "It seems very strange to think that we will no longer see him onstage, or hear any new songs. His death has left a huge gap that nobody else can hope to fill."

HOLY RAGE, the U.K. metal band featuring original JUDAS PRIEST vocalist Al Atkins, has completed work on its debut album, "Just Don't Run". A late 2010 release via an as-yet-undetermined record label is expected.

A short trailer for "Just Don't Run" can be viewed below.

HOLY RAGE recently announced the addition of guitarist Vince O'Regan (ex-BOB CATLEY, EDEN) and bassist/vocalist Steve Mercy (ex-ABIGAIL'S MERCY) to the group's ranks.

Commented guitarist Chris Johnson: "At the begining of the year, Al began writing some new songs with the help and ideas of two other writers for the HOLY RAGE debut album and shocked us all by announcing that he wanted both of them to play a part in the band, too.

"After listening to the new songs that they had written (which, by the way, are awesome), and rehearsing together for the first time, it really did sound like a killer idea and only not are we sounding even heavier, but also it seems like we have played together forever.

"We would also want to wish Scott Dallow all the best for the future and wish to thank him for all his input and contribution while playing for us and by telling everyone that there is no ill feeling with him leaving the band and we will all be having a beer or two again with him very soon."

HOLY RAGE's current lineup:

* Al Atkins (vocals)
* Chris Johnson (guitar)
* Mick Hales (drums)
* Vince O'Regan (ex-BOB CATLEY, EDEN) (guitar)
* Steve Mercy (ex-ABIGAIL'S MERCY) (bass, vocals)

As previously reported, HOLY RAGE is putting together a video for the song "A Void to Avoid", featuring a special guest appearance by Bernie Tormé, former guitarist for GILLAN, OZZY OSBOURNE, ATOMIC ROOSTER, and DESPERADO, and current guitarist/vocalist for rock and roll power trio GUY-MCCOY-TORME (GMT).

"A Void to Avoid", along with "Give Them Hell", are bonus tracks on the global release of Al's 2007 solo album "Demon Deceiver" (re-titled "Demon Deceiver... Plus"), which is available worldwide right now, but will also be featured on the new HOLY RAGE album.

Atkins is the co-writer of several PRIEST songs which are included on the band's first two albums "Rocka Rolla" and "Sad Wings of Destiny", both of which eventually went gold. Atkins co-penned the heavy metal classic "Victim of Changes", which was a combination of Rob Halford's song "Red Light Lady" and Atkins' own "Whiskey Woman". He also co-wrote "Winter", "Never Satisfied", "Dreamer Deceiver" and "Caviar and Meths".

In 1989 Atkins released his debut solo album, "Judgement Day", to great acclaim. But it was "Heavy Thoughts" and "Victim of Changes" (the latter being his collaborative album with ex-JUDAS PRIEST drummer Dave Holland) that brought him strong sales and critical acclaim around the world. Recently Atkins formed HOLY RAGE and has shared the bill with ex-RAINBOW/MSG singer Graham Bonnet in California.

JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill penned the foreword to Al Atkins's autobiography, titled "Dawn of the Metal Gods: My Life in Judas Priest and Heavy Metal". The book, which was written with Neil Daniels — a freelance rock writer and heavy metal fan who befriended Atkins during the writing of Neil's book "The Story of Judas Priest: Defenders of the Faith" (Omnibus Press) — was released last spring via Iron Pages.

REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, the band led by former STRATOVARIUS mastermind Timo Tolkki (guitar; ex-STRATOVARIUS), has set "Trinity" as the title of its forthcoming third album, tentatively due in the fall via Napalm Records. The CD, which is once again being engineered by Santtu Lehtiniemi, follows a more "power metal" direction than its predecessor, last year's "Age Of Aquarius", although it will not be a clone of Timo's previous efforts with STRATOVARIUS. The vocals and the drums — which are being handled by REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE's Brazilian contingent, consisting of Gus Monsanto and Bruno Agra, respectively — were recorded in Brazil. According to Tolkki, the new CD will sound "very organic and natural, but also very modern."

In other news, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE has tapped FIREWIND's Bob Katsionis as its new keyboardist. The band's current lineup is as follows:

Gus Monsanto - Vocals
Timo Tolkki - Guitar
Magnus Rosén - Bass
Bruno Agra - Drums
Bob Katsionis - Keyboards

REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE in October 2009 parted ways with bassist Justin Biggs and keyboardist Michael Khalilov because it "became evident to everybody that REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE was not the right band for the guys," the group said in a statement. "Justin is more of a thrash guy and Mike expected the music to be something totally different. Out of these reasons the decision has been made that it is better to go separate ways."

REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE recently signed a three-album deal with Napalm Records.

Recorded over three months in Finland, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE's sophomore album, "Age Of Aquarius", was released in March 2009 via Scarlet Records. It was described in a press release as "by far the darkest, heaviest and most symphonic album that Tolkki has ever been involved in."

"White Washed", the new video from the Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Christian metalcore quintet AUGUST BURNS RED, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed in Philadelphia near the band's home turf and it "captures the chaotic energy of an AUGUST BURNS RED live show — a fitting move for a song that has quickly become a live favorite for fans," according to a press release.

"The video doesn't have a concept, per se, and maybe because of that ended up being one of my favorite AUGUST BURNS RED videos," says guitarist JB Brubaker. "We simply shot a performance video in a completely white studio space with lots of washed-out shots.

"Get it? White washed?

"It was a grueling day of shooting, but now that we've seen the end result, it was more than worth the effort."

The "White Washed" video's release comes at the front end of a busy summer for the famously hard-working AUGUST BURNS RED, whose packed schedule includes the band's first tours of Japan and South America, and a headlining tour of Europe, not to mention the summer festival circuit.

AUGUST BURNS RED will film its June 4 concert at Warehouse 54 in Manheim, Pennsylvania for a forthcoming CD/DVD, to be released later this year through longtime label home Solid State Records.

MUSICA DIABLO — the São Paulo, Brazil-based thrash metal project featuring SEPULTURA singer Derrick Green, guitarist André NM (NITROMINDS), bassist Ricardo Brigas, guitarist André Germani Curci (KORZUS, THREAT) and drummer Edu Nicollini (NITROMINDS) — will release its self-titled debut album on May 28 via SAOL / H'Art / Zebralution. The CD's cover artwork was created by Gustavo Sazes, who has previously worked with ARCH ENEMY, GOD FORBID and OLD MAN'S CHILD.

"Musica Diablo" track listing:

01. Sweet Revenge
02. Sacrifice
03. Live To Buy
04. Underlord
05. Work Out
06. Lifeless
07. In The Name Of Greed
08. Betrayed
09. The Flame Of Anger
10. Twisted Hate
11. The Rack

The song "Betrayed" is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Corey Taylor of SLIPKNOT and STONE SOUR released a statement to Billboard.com regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW). He called Dio "one of the strongest, purist and consistent singers of all time. Ronnie sang like he lived — all out, from the heart, with so much honesty and joy. He was a great man with a smile and a handshake for fans and peers alike. He spoke his mind and stood his ground for decades. I will miss him dearly."

Guitarist Mick Box of legendary progressive rock veterans URIAH HEEP has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"This is a very sad day today, as we have lost one of the true great rock singers of our time, Ronnie James Dio. He was a wonderful man, and whenever our paths crossed on the road we always shared a laugh or two, and I can honestly say he was a true gentleman of the highest order, and a shining example to us all. He will now be singing in rock 'n' roll heaven, which is our loss and their gain. He will be sadly missed as a singer, writer and a friend, and he really did have a set of golden pipes that really set the standards for others to follow. There will surely not be another one like him, and his music will live on forever."

Denmark-based hard rock/progressive metallers ROYAL HUNT have released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"[On Sunday, May 16] we lost an amazing man, a fantastic musician, a true legend — Ronnie James Dio.

"We offer our deepest condolences to his friends and family.

"Being huge fans of his talent, we've been privileged to meet Ronnie James Dio in person while supporting his band a few years ago… and will always remember him as a great artist and a kind, caring and bright person… a true gentleman."

CITY OF FIRE, the band featuring FEAR FACTORY vocalist Burton C. Bell and bassist Byron Stroud, will release its self-titled debut album on August 24 via Candlelight Records. The CD, recorded at renowned Factory Studios in Vancouver in late 2008 with additional material completed in April of this year, features Bell and Stroud with guitarist Terry Murray, drummer Bob Wagner (ECONOLINE CRUSH), and guitarist Ian White. The album features fourteen songs, including remakes of THE CULT's "Rain" and T-REX's "Children of the Revolution". It will also include the band's video for the song "Rising".

Bell says, "CITY OF FIRE is the culmination of our life's musical influences. It is a mature approach to a sound that has been lost in today's music. Do not approach this album expecting to hear the sounds of any of our other bands for this is altogether a different beast. Based in hard rocking groove, psychedelic, and post-punk sounds of the '70s and '80s, this band experiments without restrictions or conceptual boundaries. The world is our palette, and we are using every color to our advantage."

It was early 2008 when the Cobalt Hotel in Vancouver hosted the reunion of Canadian-born Stroud's old band CAUSTIC THOUGHT; a popular local band that had not played together for twelve years. Little did the bassist and his old band mates (including Wagner and White) realize that this special evening would light a spark that would take the reunion further than they initially expected. Later recruiting Murray and adding friend/bandmate and lone American Burton C. Bell (also of ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS, G/Z/R, MINISTRY) the spark had now become a spirited new band.

Bell explained to popular music site Noisecreep in 2009, "Byron and I have always talked about music and realized that we had many similarities between us: the same music likes and dislikes. He knew that I would love the music he and the guys were creating and he was right. When I first heard the music I was pretty excited."

Discussing the album's two unique remakes and the decision to include them, Stroud notes, "'Rain' really fits well with the concept of the record and the vibe of Vancouver, which really influenced CITY OF FIRE. I have been wanting to do a version of that song for a long time and once we started writing the record, I knew this was the band to do it." Murray adds, "aside from being a killer rock song, we chose 'Children of the Revolution' because we felt the title was a relevant commentary on the climate of the world today. Kids have a lot to revolt about these days and hopefully this will be an anthem for it. We knew that Burt's voice could give this song a modern edge to it, and make it for this generation."

Bassist Bob Daisley, who was a member of RAINBOW from 1977 to 1979, has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, ELF):

"With the sad passing of my friend and colleague, the world has lost a great man. Not only was he a unique singer, musician and writer, he was a very special human being.

"Long live rock 'n' roll and long live the memory of the great Ronnie James Dio. He'll be sadly missed in many ways. Bless him."

DEEP PURPLE guitarist Steve Morse has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"Ronnie Dio was a real musician. He was a guy that everybody liked, and always sang loud, in tune, and strong, with that famous voice. I watched him patiently deal with fans at the stage door, and patiently deal with me when I was lucky enough to back him up on our orchestra tour (DEEP PURPLE and orchestra with special friends). We backed him up doing a couple of his tunes, and he was tactful and precise with his constructive comments. He could tell if I played one note wrong. I recall him telling me that he used to play trumpet, which might explain his very good ears.

"Everybody that ever met him will miss him, as well as anybody who ever heard him sing.

SLAYER guitarist Kerry King, who listened to "Man on the Silver Mountain" by Ritchie Blackmore's RAINBOW as a teenager, told Billboard.com that being able to meet Ronnie James Dio was one of his treasured memories. "Few people have had the ability to carry a song like Dio, literally demanding your attention as he effortlessly recreated live the amazing things he did on record," King said. "It's odd how things get taken from you quickly...I just saw him a month ago. I know I was lucky to have known Ronnie. One of the nicest guys in the business, without a doubt. He will be hugely missed."

According to an article in the new issue of Rolling Stone magazine (Issue 1104 - May 13, 2010), 30th-anniversary editions of OZZY OSBOURNE's first two solo albums — "Blizzard Of Ozz" (1980) and "Diary Of A Madman" (1981) — are due out later this year. The upcoming releases will feature the original Bob Daisley (bass) and Lee Kerslake (drums) recordings — 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.

In a statement, Osbourne's wife and manager, Sharon, revealed that Daisley and Kerslake had been omitted due to bad blood with the Osbourne family.

"Bob Daisley and Lee Kerslake have harassed Ozzy and our family for several years," she said in 2002. "Because of their abusive and unjust behavior, Ozzy wanted to remove them from these recordings. We turned a negative into a positive by adding a fresh sound to the original albums."

According to E! Online, Daisley, for one, was not impressed by the result.

"They sound awful," he said of the revamped albums in London's Daily Express in 2002. "They are nothing like the originals. It is an insult to us, but more importantly to the fans."

However, despite Daisley's grievances, the appeals court determined that he and Kerslake were owed nothing by the Osbournes.

The Osbournes' lawyer, Orin Snyder, was glad to wash his hands of the case, stating, "This decision is a complete vindication of Ozzy and Sharon and confirms what we have been saying all along — that this worthless lawsuit was a waste of the court's precious time."

PORCUPINE TREE's Steven Wilson revealed to Chordstruck Magazine that he has begun work on material for his much-anticipated collaboration with Mikael Åkerfeldt from OPETH and Mike Portnoy from DREAM THEATER. "I started writing with Mikael last month, finally," he said. "It's still in the very early days.

"We wrote about 15 minutes of music last month in my studio near London and we're very excited about it.

"I think people are going to be very surprised by the direction.

"If they're expecting some kind of death-metal-progressive rock, they're going to be surprised [because] it's not like that."

He continued, "If you put the two of us together, the last thing we're going to do is something similar to what people already know from our most high-profile project.

"It's very arty, very ambitious; it's going to be epic.

"We're still writing.

"[It's going to be] very dark, very twisted, very experimental.

"It's still rock music, but we're trying to do something really, really special and really different with this."

Swedish death/black metallers APOSTASY have announced the addition of drummer Thomas Olsson (THE PROJECT HATE, KAMTJATKA) to the group's ranks. The band states " Thomas really likes our work and we're really thrilled that he joined to bring APOSTASY to yet another level.

"Thomas use to play in THE PROJECT HATE, KAMTJATKA and has co-written albums/songs with PRIMAL FEAR, SINNER, SAINT DEAMON, Michael Kiske/PLACE VENDOME and Fergie Fredriksen (ex-TOTO) for a solo album release 2010. He has been on tour in Europe and play everything from symphonic art to death metal."

In other news, APOSTASY has been confirmed for this year's edition of the Rockweekend festival, set to take place July 8-10 in Kilafors (two hours north of Stockholm), Sweden.
Several new songs from APOSTASY are available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The tracks will appear on the group's forthcoming third full-length album, "Nuclear Messiah", which will be released later in the year.

"Nuclear Messiah" was recorded in part at Ballerina studios in Umeå, Sweden.

Vocalist Fredric Edin previously stated about the upcoming CD, "It's been a rocky road for us when we lost [guitarist] Henrik [Johansson], but now we are stronger than ever and can guarantee you folks that this will surely be the most brutal and most technical we have ever made, so what I want to say is: We don't slow down like everybody else does, we just accelerate and make it more brutal. It is worth waiting for!"

APOSTASY made national headlines in Sweden in 2006 when the group's guitarist Henrik Johansson was stabbed to death by his girlfriend. At 3:55 a.m. on March 9, 2006, the 19-year-old girlfriend dialed 112 (the Swedish equivalent of 911 in the U.S. or 999 in the U.K.) and said that her boyfriend was lying bleeding on the floor in the couple's apartment in Kramfors, Sweden. When the paramedics and police arrived, Henrik Johansson was already dead.

Tasmania's technical death metallers PSYCROPTIC are hard at work on material for the follow-up to their Nuclear Blast Records debut, "Ob(Servant)". The band continue the songwriting process right up until it embarks on a U.S. tour in October with Egyptian-themed deathers NILE, the ancient Roman-themed arsenal EX DEO, Norwegian extreme metallers KEEP OF KALESSIN, and brutal death grinders PATHOLOGY.

Commented PSYCROPTIC guitarist Joe Haley: "We're halfway through the writing process for the new PSYCROPTIC album, and everything is going great. The songs are coming together really naturally — nothing sounds forced, and we're really excited to start recording this one. The material is the strongest and most memorable we have written. I know every band says this, but if it wasn't true, there wouldn't be a point in us recording it!

"The demoing process will begin in the next few weeks.

"We hope to have everything finished up before we head out on the last touring for 'Ob(Servant)'.

"Which brings us to the other news we have — we'll be supporting NILE through the U.S. later this year. We're really happy to be have been extended the invitation to tour with NILE once again — they are an amazing band, and are a pleasure to tour with."

Former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER drummer Matt Sorum has joined forces with guitarist Tracii Guns (L.A. GUNS), bassist Phil Soussan (OZZY OSBORNE, BILLY IDOL, VINCE NEIL) and vocalist Franky Perez (SCARS ON BROADWAY, CAMP FREDDY) in a brand new "ultimate all-star party band" called CARNIVAL OF DOGS. The group made its live debut at the "Giving 2010" benefit event on May 3, 2010 at The Troubadour in Hollywood, California and had so much [fun that we] are going to do some gigs," says Sorum, who calls Perez "the most amazing rock singer." Matt adds, "I am loving playin', man, and these guys play the stuff I grew up with — [LED] ZEPPELIN, [JIMI] HENDRIX, CREAM, FREE, BAD COMPANY, [BLACK] SABBATH, etc. So look out for us."

CARNIVAL OF DOGS is described as a "'70s rock cover band" that "will have you swinging from the rafters and singing along to every song."

CARNIVAL OF DOGS is:

* Franky Perez (SCARS ON BROADWAY, CAMP FREDDY) – Vocals, Guitar
* Tracii Guns (L.A. GUNS) - Guitar
* Phil Soussan (OZZY OSBORNE, BILLY IDOL, VINCE NEIL) - Bass
* Matt Sorum (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER, THE CULT) - Drums

German hard rock veterans SCORPIONS have released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"The passing of Ronnie James Dio is a huge loss to the world of rock and roll.

"He will be missed by millions of fans around the world.

"He was an amazing artist, lovely human being, and a dear friend.

"We will miss you, Ronnie."

Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen has released the following statement regarding the passing of legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW):

"I'm deeply saddened by the devastating news.

"Ronnie was a dear friend and without a doubt the most brilliant of all rock sirens. He lives forever in our hearts and will never be a equaled.

"Long live Ronnie James Dio."

Powerhouse Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ARK, THE SNAKES) will honor the musical legacy of Ronnie James Dio with his new album, aptly entitled "Dio", to be released on July 2 in Europe and July 27 in the U.S. via Frontiers Records.

Handpicking some lesser known tunes of the Dio era, along with some of the true classics, Jorn offers a fine collection of songs that present the music of the man and the artist, with a unique twist.

Commented Lande: "Throughout the years I have had the privilege of both meeting and working with many of the musicians that have inspired me on my musical journey. Ronnie James Dio has inspired me through decades, and this man's influence continues to add colour to my creative spirit. Ever since the first time I heard his royal roar back in the '70s, I have been fascinated by this extremely talented man's creative force and dedication to music. His career has been going on for so long and includes so many great songs that it was a challenge to decide which songs and what era to focus on. I ended up focusing on the Dio era."

"Dio" will also include an original song for which a video, shot by Thomas Tjader (PRETTY MAIDS, IN FLAMES), was produced. Jorn says, "I wrote 'Song for Ronnie James' as a tribute and a personal thanks to the man who has been my mentor for more than 35 years. This great man has affected my life and career in such a way that without his presence, I would not have become the artist I am today."

The "Song for Ronnie James" video can be viewed below.

"Dio" was mixed by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios and it features the following tracks:

01. Song For Ronnie James
02. Invisible
03. Shame on the Night
04. Push
05. Stand Up And Shout
06. Don't Talk to Strangers
07. Lord Of The Last Day
08. Night People
09. Sacred Heart
10. Sunset Superman
11. Lonely Is The Word / Letters From Earth (2010 version)
12. Kill The King
13. Straight Through The Heart (live)
14. Song For Ronnie James (video)

Former IRON MAIDEN/WOLFSBANE singer Blaze Bayley, who currently fronts his own band, has issued the following update:

"As you all probably know, Anna [Di Laurenzio; manager] and Larry [Paterson; drums] have decided to leave the [BLAZE BAYLEY] band. This is for reasons we will not go into to respect their privacy. We wish them well in the future.

"First of all, our apologies for not coming out with this news first, but we are on road and didn't have the opportunity to do so.

"This will only be a short statement as we are facing a 12-hour drive today to Moscow.

"We would like to reassure you that this will not change anything for the band. We are going on with finishing the gigs that are booked and new bookings are still coming through. All recording plans for the next album stay on as well as all other plans for the future.

"We have found a good, talented replacement drummer in Claudio [Tirincanti], so hope that the fans will support him as well.

"So far we have had incredible reactions on this tour and hope that you will keep on supporting us as you have done in the past."

BRUTAL GODZ, the new Germany-based project featuring former/current members of BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY OF FIRE and REBELLION, has parted ways with former METAL CHURCH singer Ronny Munroe and has replaced him with Ian Breeg, a young Russian musician from Moscow.

Commented bassist Oliver Holzwarth (who also plays with BLIND GUARDIAN and TARJA TURUNEN, among others): "Out of thin air things literally happened when Iceland's volcano ashes made it impossible for Ronny to fly in which raised severe schedule problems for the band. As we therefore would have had to postpone all vocal recordings to next year.

"We wish Ronny all the best for his future endeavours.

"Welcome aboard, Ian!

"We are absolutely thrilled to introduce such a high-calibre musician to the group's ranks. His high screams will scare you to death sounding like a mixture of young Halford (JUDAS PRIEST) and Midnight (CRIMSON GLORY). A diamond yet uncut."

Added Ian Breeg: "I could hardly believe it when guitar player Uwe Lulis invited me to start working on their songs, write lyrics and do all the vocal arrangements. I need more time to realize what just happened.

"Dude, I am so happy about this!"

Classic Swedish heavy metal veterans OVERDRIVE have finished recording the drums for 19 new songs at Studio Sound Palace with Johan Blomström (BLINDED COLONY, SPICE & THE RJ BAND, KAPTAIN SUN), who also mixed the band's previous album, "Let The Metal Do The Talking" (Lion Music). About 12 of the tracks will end up on the new OVERDRIVE CD and some on the vinyl edition.

Songtitles set to appear on the album include:

* Cold Blood Chaser
* Call The Priest
* Wavebreaker
* Signs All Over
* Mother Earth
* Hold On
* Angelmaker
* Brand New Sinner
* It's Not As Easy As It Seems

PAPA ROACH has parted ways with Interscope Records and has inked a deal with Eleven Seven Music, the independent record label founded by Allen Kovac, who is the CEO of 10th Street Entertainment (MÖTLEY CRÜE, BUCKCHERRY, DROWNING POOL). The band's new album, "Time For Annihilation", will feature 11 live tracks and five brand new songs, including a cut named "Kick In The Teeth" which the group has been performing at its most recent shows. A tentative August release is expected.