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1 фев 2012
MERCENARY Confirms Russian Headliner Shows
 Danish metallers MERCENARY will be heading to Russia this March to play the first Russian shows ever in their career.
A band update reads: "We're happy and proud to kick off 2012 in a great way by announcing our first ever shows in Russia this March! We are psyched about performing in both Moscow and St. Petersburg - and to sample large quantities of the excellent and cheap vodka!
Moreover, we have begun to meet up this month to write new material for the follow-up to Metamorphosis from 2011. We feel that this new incarnation of Mercenary got off to a perfect start last year with two amazing tours with (among others) SYMPHONY X, NEVERMORE and DARK TRANQUILLITY and we can't wait to write and release the next album and get out on the road again!
The most perceptive of our fans might have noticed that we have only been joined by drummer Morten Løwe for a few shows in 2011. Morten was unable to commit to our touring schedule, so we had the excellent drummer Peter Mathiesen fill in. As he's an all-round nice guy and we have a great chemistry with him musically and personally, we have asked him to join the band as a regular member. Please give him a warm welcome and buy him a beer the next time we play in your town! We are one - The Black Brigade!“
Tour dates:
March
24 - Moscow, Russia - Relax
25 - St.Petersburg, Russia - Orlandina
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1 фев 2012
CHILDREN OF BODOM To Start Writing New Album In May
 Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM are scheduled to commence the songwriting sessions for their next album late spring, according to the band's bassist, Henkka Seppälä (a.k.a. Henkka T. Blacksmith).
Speaking to Plug'd In Magazine, Henkka stated about CHILDREN OF BODOM's plans for the immediate future, "We'll [complete the current North American] tour, and then we go home. And then we will actually start writing new songs for an album in May and then we'll go back on tour for summer and keep writing for the that album. Hopefully we can start recording at the end of the year."
CHILDREN OF BODOM's last album, "Relentless Reckless Forever", sold nearly 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 42 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, 2008's "Blooddrunk", opened with 19,000 units to land at No. 22. This number was roughly four times the opening tally of "Blooddrunk"'s predecessor, "Are You Dead Yet?", which premiered with 5,000 units back in October 2005 to enter the chart at No. 195.
"Relentless Reckless Forever" was certified gold in the band's home country for first-day sales of over 10,000 copies. The CD was recorded in Finland's Petrax Studios with famed rock producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, MONSTER MAGNET).
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1 фев 2012
DEATH ANGEL, TESTAMENT Members Perform With ANTHRAX (Video)
 San Francisco Bay Area metallers DEATH ANGEL have posted a new video blog from their current North American tour with ANTHRAX and TESTAMENT. The 12-minute clip, which can be seen below, focuses on the two shows DEATH ANGEL members Rob Cavestany and Ted Aguilar played with ANTHRAX, filling in for that band's guitarist Scott Ian, who was taken ill and was unable to perform.
Ian contracted a bad viral infection on Wednesday, January 25 that caused him to be hospitalized near his home in Los Angeles. He was put though a battery of tests, and received fluids intravenously. While he was allowed to go home to await the test results, ER doctors told him he could not fly for at least 24 hours; consequently Ian missed Thursday's show in Kansas City and missed the following night's Indianapolis concert. He rejoined the band in Fort Wayne on Saturday.
ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante is taking a short leave from the band's concert tour to be with his mother who is terminally ill. Immediately following Thursday's show Kansas City, Benante flew to New York to join his family at his mother's bedside.
In Ian's absence, guitarists from TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL stepped in to play his parts on various songs; starting with Friday's show in Indianapolis, TESTAMENT's drummer Gene Hoglan is filling in for Benante.
"We didn't want to cancel any of the concerts, we didn't want to let anyone down," said ANTHRAX's Rob Caggiano, "so we decided to figure out a way to keep the show on the road. We're so grateful to the guys in TESTAMENT and DEATH ANGEL for stepping up." | 0 | |
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1 фев 2012
AEROSMITH Guitarist JOE PERRY Performs On 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' (Video)
 AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry performed "Man of Peace" live on last night's (Monday, January 30) edition of "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno". You can now watch the entire episode below. (Note: Perry's performance can be seen starting around the 38-minute mark.)
Perry recently joined Amnesty International's latest music project, Chimes Of Freedom: The Songs Of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International, by recording "Man Of Peace" for the compilation.
Chimes Of Freedom, which supports Amnesty's life-saving human rights work, features over 80 musicians across the generational and musical spectruym who have donated their time to support Amnesty International. The album is dedicated to people worldwide who are unjustly imprisoned or threatened for the peaceful expression of their beliefs. | 0 | |
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1 фев 2012
ULI JON ROTH: Milwaukee Footage Available
 Fan-filmed video footage of legendary guitarist Uli Jon Roth's (SCORPIONS) January 26 concert at the Shank Hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin can be viewed below (courtesy of Arthur Creech).
In 2007, Uli Jon Roth conduceted his Sky Academy in Hollywood, California. Two concerts highlighted the week-long event. Soon after, many recordings of the show surfaced. Combining these sources, Uli and his team were able to capture the magic of one of these nights.
"Live In Hollywood" is an NTSC-only DVD which contains footage of Uli playing material from the SCORPIONS, solo and ELECTRIC SUN. This is a very limited pressing and is only being made available for Uli's North American tour in January and February. Once sold out, it will not be pressed again.
"Live In Hollywood" track listing:
01. Intro Jam
02. Firewind
03. Land Of Dawn
04. We'll Burn The Sky
05. Fly To The Rainbow
06. Pictured Life
07. In Trance
08. Polar Nights
09. Going Down
10. Sails Of Charon
11. Catch Your Train
To order a copy, go to this location (scroll down).
Sky Academy was conceived by Uli to provide knowledge and inspiration to those who take guitar seriously and to help them reach a new plateau.
The seminars are designed to open people's eyes to new possibilities and to trigger an awakening of the student's full awareness.
The philosophy and approach of Sky Academy is consistent with the ideals of its founder.
The teaching center on achieving the student's transition to a noticeably higher level of ability. This includes raising their general and specific musical awareness, as well as facilitating an increase in their technical abilities. The participants are able to receive invaluable direct insights into the way Uli approaches the art of guitar playing, as well as concerning his philosophy of music in general.
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1 фев 2012
UFO: Audio Interview Posted Online; New Song Available For Streaming
 On January 30, Aniruddh "Andrew" Bansal of Metal Assault conducted an interview with drummer Andy Parker of legendary British hard rockers UFO. You can now listen to the chat using the Mixcloud player below.
UFO will release its new album, "Seven Deadly", on February 28 (one day earlier internationally) via SPV/Steamhammer. The effort, which was recorded with producer Tommy Newton at his Area 51 studio in Celle, Germany, will be made available as a limited-edition digipack (including two bonus tracks), a double gatefold LP with printed innersleeves and colored vinyl, standard-edition CD and as a digital download.
"Seven Deadly" track listing:
01. Fight Night
02. Wonderland
03. Mojo Town
04. Angel Station
05. Year Of The Gun
06. The Last Stone Rider
07. Steal Yourself
08. Burn Your House Down
09. The Fear
10. Waving Good Bye
11. Other Men's Wives (bonus track)
12. Bag O' Blues (bonus track)
The song "Fight Night" is now available for streaming at GuitarWorld.com.
According to a press release, "Seven Deadly" is "an atmospherically dense fabric consisting of classy guitars, tight rock grooves and vocals which are unique to UFO. The classic rock of 'Burn Your House Down' features all the important UFO strengths, 'Going Down To Mojotown' sees the musicians sound tougher than ever, and last but not least, 'Wonderland' features a pointed reference to UFO's early days. 'Angel Station' sees the band prove how classic rock music is complemented perfectly with epic elements, while 'Fight Night' is an excellent track to be performed in a live context."
UFO's latest best-of collection, "Best Of A Decade", was released in North America on September 28, 2010 via SPV/Steamhammer.
The band's most recent studio album, "The Visitor", came out in June 2009.
The current lineup continues to consist of the three original members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Paul Raymond (guitar, keyboards), and Andy Parker (drums), as well as American world-class guitarist Vinnie Moore.
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1 фев 2012
SAINT VITUS To Release 'Blessed Night' Single
 The long-awaited new album from U.S. doom legends SAINT VITUS, "Lillie: F-65", will hit the stores this spring via Season Of Mist. Due to "manufacturing issues," the North American release date will be announced later. The CD is tentatively due on April 13 in the rest of the world.
In the meantime, SAINT VITUS will release a seven-inch single featuring "Blessed Night", a track from "Lillie: F-65". The B-side is a live version of classic VITUS tune "Look Behind You", recorded in December 2010 at Z7 in Pratteln, Switzerland.
The "Blessed Night" seven-inch single is limited to 1,000 hand-numbered copies. Pre-order it at this location.
Speaking to Terrorizer magazine, SAINT VITUS frontman Scott "Wino" Weinrich stated about the band's new album title, "Y'know the reason we called it 'Lillie: F-65'? It was a powerful downer back in our day and well, Dave [Chandler, guitar] really had a thing for his downers."
SAINT VITUS' current lineup features Chandler, drummer Henry Vasquez, bassist Mark Adams and Weinrich.
"Making this album was really a blast," said Chandler. "Being able to live in an environment where all we had to concentrate on was the new material, became very inspiring. And along with our new drummer, Henry Vasquez, and label, Season Of Mist, this record has given us a new opportunity to show everyone that we still have more to shove in your face."
When asked why he thinks SAINT VITUS' music continues to resonate, Wino said in an interview, "Because it comes from the gut. The music has that low tone and it hits you in those emotional places. I've always tried to make the lyrics just as interesting as the music. It's always been a little bit dark but I'm not drawn to the happy stuff. I like music that grabs you by the balls."
"Superskum" ( web site) has uploaded quality video footage of SAINT VITUS performing the song "Blessed Night" on March 29, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. Check out the clip below.
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1 фев 2012
AC/DC's BRIAN JOHNSON Finishes 32nd In Daytona Race
 AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson took part in the 50th running of the Rolex 24, which was run over January 28-29 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida. The BMW Riley car driven by Johnson, Byron Defoor, Elliott Forbes-Robinson, Jim Pace and Carlos de Quesada finished 32nd, after completing 672 laps.
Eagerly anticipated by drivers, auto manufacturers and race fans everywhere, the Rolex 24 at Daytona is the first major race of the international motor sport season. Every January, the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida comes to life in celebration of this incredible endurance race, recognized by leading drivers as one of the most difficult in the world to win.
Video footage of Johnson talking about the race can be seen below.
During the 24 hours of the 50th running of the Rolex 24 Hours Of Daytona, Brian raised funds to provide services to families affected by pediatric cancer.
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1 фев 2012
SODOM To Record New Album In May
 German thrash metal veterans SODOM are currently writing material for their next studio album, which they plan to record in May. A tentative late summer release is expected, to be followed by a celebration of the band's 30th anniversary.
SODOM in 2010 announced the addition of drummer Markus "Makka" Freiwald to the group's ranks.
Freiwald previously played for the German bands DESPAIR and FLAMING ANGER and was involved with the VOODOOCULT project. In addition, he played percussion as a session musician on the MOONSPELL album "Irreligious" and is featured on the 1996 LP "Triarchy Of The Lost Lovers" by Greek extreme metallers ROTTING CHRIST.
SODOM in November 2010 parted ways with drummer Bobby Schottkowski due to "personal and private problems between Tom [bassist/vocalist Thomas 'Angelripper' Such] and Bobby," according to a statement released by the band.
SODOM's latest album, "In War And Pieces", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 64. The CD was released in North America on January 11, 2011 via SPV/Steamhammer.
Photo credit: Anton York
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1 фев 2012
3 INCHES OF BLOOD: 'Long Live Heavy Metal' Track Listing Revealed
 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada traditional metallers 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will release their fifth studio album, "Long Live Heavy Metal", on March 27 via Century Media Records. According to a press release, "fans can expect a blast of pure metal assured to leave no face unmelted."
"'Long Live Heavy Metal' is the fifth chapter in the book of 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, and we couldn't be more pleased and proud of our new onslaught of honest heavy metal," says guitarist Justin Hagberg.
For "Long Live Heavy Metal", 3 INCHES OF BLOOD reunited with producer and engineer Terry "Sho" Murray (CITY OF FIRE, EXHIBITIONISTS), who worked with the band on their seven-inch single, "Anthems For The Victorious".
"When a band is releasing a new record, they often speak about it being their most important work or best album to date," explains vocalist Cam Pipes. "Regardless of how clichéd either statement may sound, I think we would say both apply to this album. All of us have a special feeling about this one. We're more committed than ever to the cause of real, honest, no-bullshit heavy metal. No trends, no fucking around!"
3 INCHES OF BLOOD teamed up with Kim Thiessen to perfect their artistic vision for the album, which will be released as a digipack and when opened, lays out similar to that of a book.
"Long Live Heavy Metal" track listing:
01. Metal Woman
02. My Sword Will Not Sleep
03. Leather Lord
04. Chief And The Blade
05. Dark Messenger
06. Look Out
07. 4000 Torches
08. Leave It On The Ice
09. Die For Gold (Upon The Boiling Sea IV)
10. Storming Juno
11. Men Of Fortune
12. One For The Ditch
Check out photos from the studio on the 3 INCHES OF BLOOD Facebook page (all photos by Aaron Aubrey).
3 INCHES OF BLOOD recently recruited Byron Stroud (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FEAR FACTORY) as its new bassist.
Stroud and 3 INCHES OF BLOOD have been working together on a variety of things, and Stroud is beyond pleased shift his involvement to a creative level.
Beginning March 16, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD will head out on the "Metal Alliance Tour 2012" alongside DEVILDRIVER, THE FACELESS, DYING FETUS, JOB FOR A COWBOY, IMPENDING DOOM and WRETCHED.
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31 янв 2012
LANDMINE MARATHON: 'Beaten And Left Blind' Video Released
 "Beaten And Left Blind", the new video from Arizona grind masters LANDMINE MARATHON, can be seem below. The song comes off the band's fourth album, "Gallows", which was released on September 27 via Prosthetic Records. The CD was recorded by LANDMINE MARATHON guitarist Ryan Butler at Arcane Digital Recording Studio (EXHUMED, NIGHTRAGE, MISERY INDEX, PHOBIA) and mastered by Dave Shirk at Sonorous Mastering. The album features the debut of the band's new drummer, Andy York.
The "Gallows" cover art was created by U.K. artist Rob "Mid " Middleton, who has previously worked with NAPALM DEATH, EXTREME NOISE TERROR and DEVIATED INSTINCT (in which Middleton plays guitar), among others.
"Gallows" track listing:
01. Three Snake Leaves
02. Cutting Flesh And Bone
03. Knife From My Sleeve
04. Liver And Lungs
05. Dead Horses
06. Cloaked In Red
07. Beaten And Left Blind
08. Morbidity
Fronted by vocalist Grace Perry, once heralded by MTV as a "dynamic she-beast" and widely considered one of the most captivating live performers in the metal scene, LANDMINE MARATHON has ascended steadily since its 2006 debut. Much like the apocalyptic sandstorms seen in recent newscasts from LANDMINE's hometown of Phoenix, the quintet brings a raw, destructive power to its grinding anthems, revitalizing the sound pioneered by bands like BOLT THROWER and ENTOMBED.
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31 янв 2012
SEBASTIAN BACH Taps Former STONE SOUR Touring Bassist
 Bassist Jason Christopher — who filled in for Shawn Economaki during STONE SOUR's spring 2011 tour and who previously played with SLIPKNOT/STONE SOUR frontman Corey Taylor in the JUNK BEER KIDNAP BAND — has joined former SKID ROW singer Sebastian Bach's solo group. Bach says, "I have known Jason for years, ever since he tried to pickpocket me at the Rainbow [in West Hollywood] aeons ago."
Bach will kick off a short run of North American dates tomorrow night (Wednesday, February 1) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Bach's "TunnelVision" video can be seen below. The clip is one of three videos that the singer filmed on June 28, 2011 in Hollywood, California with director Devin DeHaven of Fortress Entertainment (PAPA ROACH, WHITESNAKE, METHOD MAN, TALIB KWELI).
"TunnelVision" comes off Bach's new album, "Kicking & Screaming", which sold 6,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 73 on The Billboard 200 chart. The singer's previous CD, "Angel Down", opened with 6,400 units back in November 2007 to debut at No. 190. | 0 | |
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31 янв 2012
THE DEVASTATED: New Song Available For Streaming
 "Devil's Messenger", the title track from the new album from Riverside, California's THE DEVASTATED, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. Described as a "gross, grimy, groove metal masterpiece," the CD will be released on February 14 via Century Media Records.
The brainchild of former IMPENDING DOOM and OBLIGE members, THE DEVASTATED already has two brutal singles available — "Devil's Messenger" and "Roof Top Drop". Produced by the bandmembers themselves, Chris Eck and co-produced/mixed by Daniel Castleman (AS I LAY DYING), the music was not written with the intent of impressing anyone except the band members themselves.
"Our state of mind was... let's play what we want to hear," says vocalist Greg Wilburn. "Let's write the heaviest, grooviest and ugliest songs we possibly can, and bring something fresh to this extremely watered down scene. If people 'get it' awesome... If not, fuck 'em."
"Devil's Messenger" features a guest appearance by SUICIDE SILENCE frontman Mitch Lucker in the song "Spit Vitriol".
Commented Lucker: "Greg has been a close friend for years. When he reached out to me for the part I was ecstatic! His band is amazing and I can't wait for this record to drop. It's the best shit I've heard in a long fucking time; super original and crushing from start to finish."
"Devil's Messenger" track listing:
01. Drip. Drip.
02. Pseudo Smile Campaign
03. Swallowing Tumors
04. Failure To Thrive
05. Roof Top Panty Drop
06. Devil’s Messenger
07. Spit Vitriol
08. Zombies
09. Bloody Bag Drag
10. Tongue In Cheek
11. Caprice
12. Conductor
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31 янв 2012
13-Year-Old MACHINE HEAD Fan Performs With Band In Buffalo (Video)
 A 13-year-old MACHINE HEAD fan by the name of Anthony Potenza joined the band on stage this past Sunday, January 29 at the Town Ballroom in Buffalo, New York to perform their song "Aesthetics Of Hate".
Potenza — who has been playing guitar for two and a half years and says he is "self taught" — was brought up on stage after he held up a sign that said "Let This 13-Year-Old Play 'Aesthetics Of Hate' With You."
Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.
In a post on his Facebook page, Potenza wrote about the experience of playing with MACHINE HEAD, "It was so fun just looking up and seeing only people like it never ended; it was amazing." He added, "[The band] hung out with me after the show they were all so nice. I can't wait for them to come back."
MACHINE HEAD is currently headlining a North American tour with support from SUICIDE SILENCE and DARKEST HOUR.
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31 янв 2012
UFOMAMMUT Reveals First Chapter Of 'Oro' Two-Album Series
 More details on "Oro: Opus Primum" — the first installment of the new two-album series from Italy's supernatural doom sorcerers UFOMAMMUT — have this week been confirmed.
Already known for their attention to detail with each release, including incredibly detailed and quality artwork and packaging, as expansive and layered as every obliterating UFOMAMMUT release is musically, this time they take it one notch higher and have completed a massive two-part album, set for release months apart.
Now confirmed for release in the U.K. on April 9, throughout the rest of Europe on April 13, and in North America April 17, this week the artwork and track listing for the incredibly anticipated first installment of the series — "Oro: Opus Primum" — have been unveiled for the first time.
"Oro: Opus Primum" track listing:
01. Empireum
02. Aureum
03. Infearnatural
04. Magickon
05. Mindomine
The second chapter in this monolithic two-part album, "Oro: Opus Alter", will be released sometime in September with more details to be unveiled throughout the months following "Opus Primum".
2012 will see UFOMAMMUT expanding their touring circles wider across the face of the planet in support of "Oro". Stay tuned throughout the year as more details on the release and the act's tour schedule are confirmed.
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31 янв 2012
Will Singer JESSE LEACH Rejoin KILLSWITCH ENGAGE?
 Vocalist Jesse Leach, who left Massachusetts metallers KILLSWITCH ENGAGE in 2002, was asked by Australia's Loud magazine if he has been approach to rejoin the band following the recent exit of his replacement, Howard Jones. "I'm not going to comment," he responded. "Everyone wants to know… I'd rather those guys go through what they've got to go through and whenever they make that decision… They're good friends of mine, so I'm respecting their space at the moment. It's more fun, more mystery, too; you don't have to know everything. These days everybody is on Facebook and tweeting everything that happens. What's happened to the mystery of music and not knowing everything?"
He added, "My viewpoint is to respectfully step back from the situation and support them. Whatever decision they make will be the right one for them and I look forward to what it is."
Leach spent most of the past year touring with TIMES OF GRACE, his collaborative project with KILLSWITCH ENGAGE members Adam Dutkiewicz (guitar) and Joel Stroeltzel (guitar). That band's debut album, "Hymn Of A Broken Man", came out in January 2011 via Roadrunner Records.
Jones issued a statement regarding his departure from the group, which was announced earlier in the month. Jones wrote in part, "I've had a pretty interesting couple of years, to say the least, battling with some personal issues. One of the low points being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes that went unchecked for years. The rest of the band stuck with me through it, and, to be honest, they are the ones that kept me going. The whole experience definitely put a scare in me."
He continued, "Recently we've all been in writing mode, but somehow I couldn't get excited about the new album and all the touring that would go with it. The guys saw it before I did. In hindsight, I now realize that my heart wasn't in it."
Jones thanked the rest of the band for "an amazing decade," adding, "I have so many good memories, and those are the ones that I will keep."
The band said in its statement, "We love Howard and are thankful for the nine years that we've had him in the band. Out of respect for everyone involved we will not be discussing the specific reasons behind this decision. Howard is a part of our family and always will be, and we wish him well."
No replacement has been found yet for the 41-year-old Jones, who joined KILLSWITCH in 2002. Jones sang on the band's last three studio efforts, including 2009's self-titled set.
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31 янв 2012
RIOT's FLYNTZ: MARK REALE 'Is The Most Underrated Guitarist, Songwriter, Riff-Creator In Rock'
 RIOT guitarist Mike Flyntz has issued the following statement regarding the passing of his bandmate, RIOT's founding guitarist Mark Reale:
"I would like to thank everyone for the support and love regarding the passing of my dear friend Mark Reale. I have had the honor to stand next to him on the stage and in the studio for over 22 years. Mark gave me the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of recording and writing records, and also touring in support of those records. I was a fan first, getting his autograph after a RIOT show at L'Amour [in Brooklyn, New York] when I was in college. Mark was a shy man who didn't talk much unless he was being interviewed or on the phone. Lord knows he could talk on the phone. Mark also loved to laugh. One part of our special relationship was that we could laugh until we were crying, and he would be lying on the floor yelling 'please stop' and after five minutes of silence, all I had to do was look at him and it would start all over. I will forever cherish those moments. As far as a musician, he is the most underrated guitarist, songwriter, riff-creator, visionary in rock music. He should be in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame for his vibrato alone. Listen to his vibrato. His sense of melody was incredible. He taught me so much.
"There is so much more I need to say about my friend, but I have been at a loss of words since his passing. The only comfort I have is that he is out of pain."
Reale died Wednesday (January 25) in a San Antonio hospital due to complications of Crohn's disease — an ailment he had battled for most of his life. He was 56 years old.
Reale had reportedly been in a coma for the past two weeks after suffering a subarachnoid hemorrhage on January 11.
Mark is survived by his father, Anthony Reale, and was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Reale.
Mark spent most of his life working and performing while enduring almost constant pain and the side effects of treatment for Crohn's disease. He was in Texas bravely attempting to practice for the shows, but was felled by a severe onset of Crohn's symptoms, leaving him in the Intensive Care Unit at an undisclosed facility. Mark was struggling with these symptoms throughout the production of RIOT's new album, "Immortal Soul", and guitarist Mike Flyntz recorded a major portion of the guitars on the LP with Mark's creative direction while Reale was unable to perform.
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31 янв 2012
ANNIHILATOR, TRISTANIA, CHILDREN OF BODOM Members Sing Karaoke On '70000 Tons Of Metal' (Video)
 Video footage of members of CHILDREN OF BODOM, ANNIHILATOR and TRISTANIA performing karaoke-style cover versions of several popular standards on the 70000 Tons Of Metal cruise — which set sail Monday, January 23 aboard the Royal Caribbean Majesty Of The Seas from Miami, Florida to George Town, Cayman Islands and returned four days later — can be viewed below.
For more karaoke performances, click here.
The following bands performed on this year's cruise:
ALESTORM
AMORPHIS
ANNIHILATOR
ATHEIST
CANDLEMASS
CANNIBAL CORPSE
CHANNEL ZERO
CHILDREN OF BODOM
CORONER
DARK FUNERAL
DIAMOND PLATE
EDGUY
ELUVEITIE
EXCITER
GOD DETHRONED
GRAVE DIGGER
HAMMERFALL
IN EXTREMO
KAMELOT
KATAKLYSM
MASSACRE
MEGORA
MOONSORROW
MY DYING BRIDE
NIGHTWISH
OVERKILL
PENTAGRAM
PESTILENCE
PRETTY MAIDS
RIOT
SAMAEL
SAPIENCY
STRATOVARIUS
SUFFOCATION
TANKARD
THERION
TRISTANIA
VENOM
VICIOUS RUMORS
VIRGIN STEELE
WHIPLASH
For more information, visit www.70000tons.com.
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31 янв 2012
OBEY THE BRAVE: 'Live And Learn' Video Released
 "Live And Learn", the first video from OBEY THE BRAVE, the new metal/hardcore band featuring former members of DESPISED ICON and BLIND WITNESS, can be seen below. The clip was directed and edited by acclaimed Montreal director Jessy Fuchs and it "showcases exactly what the band is all about: raw music paired with an in-your-face attitude," according to a press release.
"I didn't expect this much love or hate on the web already," said current OBEY THE BRAVE singer and former DESPISED ICON frontman Alex Erian. "I guess we're doing something right. We still have dues to pay as a band though and we're working hard on what matters the most: actually playing music, working on a killer record and doing everything we can to get back on tour. So stoked on our new material and can't wait to share it with you all."
In the meantime, OBEY THE BRAVE has been keeping busy, booking dates back home across Quebec. The band also has more Canadian touring plans in the works in Ontario and the Maritimes this winter but for now, you can catch them at the following shows:
Feb. 17/11 - Sherbrooke, QC @ Le Magog
Feb. 18/11 - St-Hyacinthe, QC @ L'Espace Temps
Feb. 20/11 - Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
Mar. 02/11 - Kemptville, ON @ Leslie Hall
Mar. 03/11 - St-Jerome, QC @ Cafe d'en Face
Mar. 09/11 - Kingston, ON @ TBA
Mar. 10/11 - Toronto, ON @ Rockpile
Mar. 15/11 - Quebec, QC @ L'Agitée
Mar. 16/11 - Chicoutimi, QC @ TBA
Mar. 17/11 - Trois-Rivieres, QC @ L'App-Art
Mar. 23/11 - Victoriaville, QC @ Club Aramis
Mar. 24/11 - Rimouski, QC @ [to be announced]
May 06/11 - Gatineau, QC @ Heart Fest
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/obeythebrave.
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31 янв 2012
SEVENDUST Members Begin Recording CALL ME NO ONE Debut; Video Available
 CALL ME NO ONE, the new project featuring SEVENDUST members Clint Lowery (guitar) and Morgan Rose (drums), entered the studio on January 22 to begin recording its debut album for a tentative May release.
Lowery recently stated via Twitter that he is "very excited" about the new collaboration, while Rose added that CALL ME NO ONE will "absolutely" be touring in support of the forthcoming CD.
A couple of short video clips from the early CALL ME NO ONE album-recording sessions can be seen below.
SEVENDUST is not scheduled to begin writing material for its new album until June, leaving Lowery and Rose a few months to focus on CALL ME NO ONE.
SEVENDUST's latest CD, "Cold Day Memory", sold around 27,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The band's previous effort, "Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow", opened with 25,000 units back in April 2008 to land at position No. 19.
"Cold Day Memory" was released on April 20, 2010 on the band's own 7Bros. Records, through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The CD — produced by Grammy Award winner Johnny K (DISTURBED, STAIND, 3 DOORS DOWN, PLAIN WHITE T'S) — was the group's first new album with its original lineup back together with guitarist Clint Lowery's return after his departure in 2003. | 0 | |
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31 янв 2012
Makeup-Less KING DIAMOND Performs Surprise Three-Song Set In Dallas (Video)
 Legendary Danish heavy metal singer King Diamond (KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE) played a surprise three-song set this past Friday, January 27 at Tree's in Dallas, Texas during the "5th Annual Nomad Recording Studio Throwdown". King, who appeared without his trademark makeup, was joined for the performance by Michael Harris on guitar, Neil Brincks on bass, J.T. Longoria on guitar and Matt Thompson (KING DIAMOND, SHAOLIN DEATH SQUAD) on drums. King also presented awards at the event, which featured additional performances by BORN & RAISED, SHAOLIN DEATH SQUAD, LOVE STRICKEN DEMISE and RIVETHEAD.
Fan-filmed video footage of King's surprise set — consisting of the songs "The Family Ghost", "Burn" and "Evil" — can be seen below.
Nomad Recording Studio is a full-service, Pro Tools and analog recording facility based in Carrollton, Texas. Nomad offers exceptional recording, as well as mixing and mastering services.
King Diamond previously stated about Nomad engineer/producer J.T. Longoria, "He is unbelievable; he is the best guy I ever worked with in a studio."
The success of the "Nomad Recording Studio Throwdown" is credited largely to Nomad's sponsors, who lend their names, financial support and merchandise/product to the event. The money they raise goes to the Blue Star Connection, a charity which helps put musical instruments into the hands of children who are battling cancer or other life-threatening diseases.
King Diamond (real name: Kim Bendix Petersen), 55, underwent open-heart triple-bypass surgery in November 2010. He has since completed his cardiac rehabilitation program and has stopped smoking entirely, changed his diet and is getting regular exercise, according to his wife Livia Zita.
King Diamond made his long-anticipated return to the stage with his MERCYFUL FATE bandmates Hank Shermann, Timi Hansen and Michael Denner on December 7, 2011 at the second of four intimate shows at the Fillmore in San Francisco as part of METALLICA's week-long celebration of its 30th anniversary as a band for fan club members only.
As previously reported, KING DIAMOND will play only two shows in Europe this summer:
June 09 - Sweden Rock Festival – Sölvesborg, SWE
June 15 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
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31 янв 2012
JOHN SYKES Says His Collaborative Project With MIKE PORTNOY 'Didn't Work Out'
 Guitarist/vocalist John Sykes (WHITESNAKE, BLUE MURDER, THIN LIZZY) has commented on the dissolution of his much-hyped collaborative project with drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ADRENALINE MOB).
Portnoy and Sykes announced they were working together during a July 2011 taping of season eight of VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show". The program's co-host Eddie Trunk tweeted about the project at the time, "I heard demos. Sounds like killer BLUE MURDER meets '1987' WHITESNAKE. Amazing!" He also said that the new group would perform some BLUE MURDER material when it hits the road.
The project last year demoed more than a dozen songs at a Los Angeles studio, with Portnoy describing one track as "copping the [LED] ZEPPELIN/[BLACK] SABBATH vibe" and another as "[PINK] FLOYD meets [DEEP] PURPLE!!! Some serious old-school classic rock."
In a new posting on his official web site, Sykes writes, "The project I was putting together with Mike Portnoy didn't work out, and I wish him all the best for the future. I'm continuing to work on my new album, and I look forward to putting out some great new music in 2012."
Commented Portnoy on Twitter, "Sad but true... I tried my best to make it work... Me and the bass player [Billy Sheehan] couldn't wait around any longer... [Billy] and I are moving on and have already begun work with another guitarist/vocalist [rumored to be Richie Kotzen, formerly of POISON and MR. BIG. — Ed.], keeping the original 'power trio' concept."
Portnoy, who co-founded DREAM THEATER more than 20 years ago, abruptly quit the band in September 2010 while on tour with AVENGED SEVENFOLD. He has since been replaced by Mike Mangini (ANNIHILATOR, EXTREME, JAMES LABRIE, STEVE VAI).
Portnoy played on AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest album, "Nightmare", following the death of that band's drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, and toured with them for the entire second half of 2010.
Sykes announced his departure from THIN LIZZY in July 2009, explaining that "I feel it's time to get back to playing my own music."
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31 янв 2012
MICHAEL ANTHONY Has No Plans To Go After VAN HALEN For Songwriting Credit On Reworked Old Songs
 Former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony says he's looking forward to hearing the band's new album because it includes material that he recorded with the group before they got signed in the 1970s.
Speaking to the U.K. digital radio station Planet Rock, Anthony said, "They [the current lineup of VAN HALEN] played a show in New York the other week. There was [a] song they played called 'She's The Woman', which is actually a song that was, basically, written before I even joined VAN HALEN."
During the same interview, Anthony said he has no plans to go after his former bandmates for songwriting credit on the reworked compositions on the new VAN HALEN album, "A Different Kind of Truth", despite their former policy of crediting all members equally. "I don't want to do anything," he said. "I just let it be." He added, "And, hey, it'll be nice to hear some of those old songs again that I haven't played in a long time."
Audio clip of Michael Anthony talking to Planet Rock about the new VAN HALEN album: | 0 | |
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31 янв 2012
New GOTTHARD Singer Interviewed (Video)
 SpazioRock recently conducted an interview with new GOTTHARD singer Nic Maeder. You can now watch the chat below.
Nic was born in 1971 in Lausanne, Switzerland, lived in Melbourne, Australia and grew up between Switzerland and "Down Under."
Commented guitarist Leo Leoni: "Nic not only has a great voice and is a fantastic musician, but we also have a great person in our midst. We can rock again at last."
Added drummer Hena Habegger: "The search took a long time but it was clear to all of us when we met Nic that he was the right guy. With him we can enjoy the music again and celebrate new success. I'm really happy that we are continuing."
The final decision for Nic Maeder was unanimous.
"We noticed straight away that the chemistry, both musically and personally, was right. For us, he is the new member of the family," said guitarist Freddy Scherer.
Nic Maeder, who besides his singing position also plays guitar and piano, is a very talented and creative person. His songwriting ability also means he fits perfectly into the GOTTHARD family. He is the missing piece in the puzzle.
"Music has been my companion all my life and always was an important part of it. It is a great feeling to be able to share in the birth of a song and to see how it keeps growing. I can experience that with GOTTHARD and it makes me happy. I am making music with friends," said Nic Maeder.
The band concluded: "Of course, you can write a lot about a new singer, but in the end there is nothing better than seeing and hearing him sing. We therefore decided to produce a song plus video [see below] as a thank you to our fans, which can be downloaded free of charge. It is dedicated to all our fans who didn't lose their faith and trust in GOTTHARD. You have supported us with all your strength during the past months. Thank you so much!"
Said bassist Marc Lynn: "With Nic, we have taken the right decision for GOTTHARD. A lot of courage is needed to step into the footsteps of such a great singer. For that, Nic has earned our respect. Let's never forget this and make Nic welcome in the family. We are in the studio at the moment and are working with renewed energy and enthusiasm on songs for a new album, which will be released in the spring of 2012."
GOTTHARD vocalist Steve Lee was killed on October 5, 2010 in what has been described as a freak road accident in Nevada.
Interview:
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31 янв 2012
D.R.I. Guitarist Recovering From Complications Of Total Colectomy
 Founding member and guitarist Spike Cassidy of hardcore/metal crossover pioneers D.R.I. (DIRTY ROTTEN IMBECILES) is in the hospital recovering from complications — including infection — that arose after he underwent total colectomy surgery (having his entire colon removed) earlier this month. Doctors have pinpointed the infection and he is expected to be released from the hospital within the next few days.
Spike's rehabilitation will likely have some effect on the band's touring schedule in early 2012.
In 2004, Cassidy was diagnosed with colon cancer. He underwent surgery (a one-foot section of large intestine was removed through an eight-inch incision in his stomach on March 27, 2006), radiation and chemotherapy and is said to be winning the battle against the disease.
Video footage of D.R.I.'s December 14, 2011 concert in Denver, Colorado can be seen below (courtesy of Superskum).
D.R.I.'s classic 1987 album "Crossover" was reissued in April 2010 via Beer City Records. Available on LP, CD and as a digital download, the LP was remastered by Bill Metoyer, who was the engineer for the original recordings. The CD and digital version of the reissue include the original 13 songs plus 11 bonus tracks.
For the past 29 years, D.R.I. has been the epitome of the aggressive, hardcore-punk thrash sound that we've all become accustomed to hearing. Throughout this time, they've been one of the few genuine underground bands to remain true to their pure punk roots. Still actively touring and recording, the only thing that may have changed is that they're a little older now, but time hasn't gotten the best of the DIRTY ROTTEN IMBECILES. They're still thrashing just as hard, and just as loud as ever, continuing to overload our senses with the sound that is, and will always remain, uniquely D.R.I. | 0 | |
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31 янв 2012
HELSTAR/MALICE Singer Launches METAL ASYLUM
 Acclaimed Houston, Texas-based heavy metal singer James Rivera (HELSTAR, MALICE, VICIOUS RUMORS, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) has formed a new project entitled METAL ASYLUM, which is slated to be launched in February.
The concept of METAL ASYLUM was inspired by two of Rivera's previous endeavors; the first tribute band the singer ever created entitled PROJECT RIVERA, which was a tribute to classic '80s metal, in addition to a more recent specialty show of his known as "James Rivera, A Tribute To His Metal History". The frontman has recruited several quality local Houston musicians to perform material from his own music career, in addition to fan favorites from the forerunners of classic and true metal. Audiences can expect to witness Rivera and company's renditions of the SCORPIONS, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, MERCYFUL FATE, METAL CHURCH, plus many others! Currently three regional Texas shows are scheduled to take place early this year in San Antonio, College Station and Houston. James Rivera's METAL ASYLUM promises to deliver a pulse-pounding, headbanging, horns in the air experience for every metalhead!
METAL ASYLUM lineup:
* James Rivera (HELSTAR, MALICE, VICIOUS RUMORS, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) - Vocals
* Marc Petillon (WINTERS END) - Guitar
* Scott Fisher (WINTERS END) - Guitar
* Michael Millsap (SIX MINUTE CENTURY) - Bass
* Mikey Lewis (HELSTAR) – Drums
Upcoming shows:
Feb. 24 - Bonds 007 Rock Bar - San Antonio, TX
Feb. 25 - Schotzis - College Station, TX
Apr. 14 - Acadia Bar & Grill - Houston, TX (James Rivera's Birthday Bash) | 0 | |
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31 янв 2012
THE CULT: New Album Title, Release Date Revealed
 Legendary rock band THE CULT has set "Choice Of Weapon" as the title of its long-awaited ninth album, due on May 22 via Cooking Vinyl Records. The group's first full-length work in five years (though the band has kept active by putting out "capsules" of new songs and live recordings in recent years) was co-produced by Chris Goss (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, U.N.K.L.E. ) and longtime collaborator Bob Rock (METALLICA, AEROSMITH).
"Choice Of Weapon" was made in several studios, including the band's own Witch Mountain as well as spots in New York City, Los Angeles and the California desert.
A new THE CULT song entitled "Lucifer" can be streamed at RollingStone.com.
Regarding the recording process for the new album, THE CULT frontman Ian Astbury tells RollingStone.com, "We began with Chris Goss, who is a very close friend and somebody I've been friends with for over 20 years. And we always talked about doing a CULT record together. Chris did all the refinement, helping us find the material, craft it, and I think we've been at it for quite a while. It just became attrition. Everyone was getting kind of exhausted. Kind of wearing each other out in the studio."
On the topic of the "Choice Of Weapon" album cover, Astbury said, "This image has been with me for many years, since I was about 11 years old. I grew up in Hamilton, Ontario. I immigrated there when I was a kid. I was exposed to Native American culture very early on. And that kind of piqued my interest in indigenous cultures. It had a quite profound effect on me. With this particular image, it had been hovering around me for quite a while. And it's almost like I had to manifest this image within myself. I wanted to have an image that in some way reflected the sentiment of not only the record, of the deepest sentiment of the record, but also the sentiment of what's going on in society. I mean, the fact that the shaman figure has a veiled face, there's a face mask pulled over, it's almost reminiscent of images we've seen from Libya and Egypt and also from things like the Occupy movement or the riots we had in the U.K."
He continued, "The title of the record reflects the fact that here we are, we have a choice to make right now. We can choose different modalities. We can either choose literal weapons, which, many people have picked up weapons in Libya, Egypt, Syria. Or picking up weapons and overtaking systems, physically, by force. In a more metaphorical sense, a weapon can be a camera, a weapon can be a pen, a weapon can be a statement, a verbal statement, a weapon can be an article of clothing. Tantric weapons are symbols they use in tantric rituals, like the dorje, which is an object that the shamanic figure is actually holding. The dorje being representative of a thunderbolt enlightenment, that moment of awakening, where you go, 'Aha!'
"Time magazine said this year the Person of the Year was the demonstrator, the image of the woman with the veil. So this is an icon that we're seeing more and more in our culture. It's almost like people don't want to come out and show their faces and say something. Because they're almost afraid of . . . I don't know. There's a lot of intellectual bullying going on. People are very quick to jump on someone if they say something that's maybe different. They're certainly not part of the status quo, of a moving force. Everyone's kind of pointing at it, but nobody's really saying it, what really needs to be said. So in some ways, this shamanic figure, the look in the eyes is almost like a wild animal, which I connect to nature."
Read the entire interview at RollingStone.com.
THE CULT is Ian Astbury (vocals), Billy Duffy (guitar), Chris Wyse (bass), John Tempesta (drums) and Mike Dimkich (rhythm guitar). | 0 | |
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31 янв 2012
BLEEDING THROUGH: Entire New Album Available For Streaming
 "The Great Fire", the new album from Orange County, California's BLEEDING THROUGH, can be streamed in its entirety on AOL Music. The CD will be released on January 31 via Rise Records.
"The Great Fire" track listing:
01. March
02. Faith In Fire
03. Goodbye To Death
04. Final Hours
05. Starving Vultures
06. Everything You Love Is Gone
07. Walking Dead
08. Devil And Self Doubt
09. Step Back In Line
10. Trail Of Seclusion
11. Deaf Ears
12. One By One
13. Entrenched
14. Back To Life
Check out the cover artwork below.
BLEEDING THROUGH's last, self-titled CD sold around 3,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 143 on The Billboard 200 chart.
BLEEDING THROUGH's previous effort, "Declaration" (2008), opened with 6,000 units to land at No. 101.
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31 янв 2012
OVERDRIVE\'s Original Singer Returns As Band\'s New Bassist
 Classic Swedish heavy metal band OVERDRIVE formed in 1980 and recorded two albums, "Metal Attack" and "Swords And Axes", before splitting up in 1985. A shortlived reformation took place in 1992, at the time featuring original drummer Kenta Svensson, guitarist Janne Stark and singer Pelle Thuresson now handling the bass. In 2003 the band played, what was to be a one-off reunion show, but it became permanent as more concerts were booked and a new deal with Lion Music was signed. The band continued with new singer Per "Perilo" Lengstedt (formerly Karlsson) and has since released an EP and three albums. The group's latest CD, "Angelmaker" (2011), received rave reviews and the band played a number of shows.
In December 2011, internal communication problems caused the group to break up for a short time. Not willing to let go of a great band, the members reformed with Thuresson once again handling the bass.
After leaving OVERDRIVE in 1985, Pelle switched to playing bass and has since played with such bands as OVERHEAT, CROSSEYED MARY and the AC/DC cover band AC/DC JAM.
"It's truly sad it had to come to this, but it was impossible to continue under previous circumstances," OVERDRIVE said in a statement. "It, however, feels really great to have Pelle back in the band, both on a personal and a musical level. We've stayed friends through the years and Pelle even made a guest appearance on one of our shows in 2010. This also opens up possibilities for some more interesting things for OVERDRIVE on a live show level. We are really exited to get this sucker on the road."
Added Pelle: "I didn't expect this at all, but I immediately jumped at it when I was asked. Now I just have to relearn all the old songs on bass instead."
OVERDRIVE's new single, "Short Moments", is in heavy rotation on the Swedish radio channel P4 and a digital release will follow soon. The band will also support NAZARETH in Sweden.
Pictured below is OVERDRIVE's current lineup (left to right): Kjell Jacobsson (guitar), Pelle Thuresson (bass), Per "Periloz" Karlsson (vocals), Janne Stark (guitar) and Kenta Svensson (drums). | 0 | |
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30 янв 2012
JEFF LOOMIS: New Solo Album Artwork, Track Listing Revealed
 Former NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis has set "Plains Of Oblivion" as the title of his sophomore solo album, to be released on April 10 in North America (one day earlier in Europe) via Century Media Records. The CD was produced by Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES) and features cover artwork by Colin Marks of Rain Song Design, who has previously worked with ALL SHALL PERISH, THE END and XERATH.
"Plains Of Oblivion" track listing:
01. Mercurial (feat. Marty Friedman)
02. The Ultimatum (feat. Tony MacAlpine)
03. Escape Velocity
04. Tragedy And Harmony (feat. Christine Rhoades)
05. Requiem For The Living (feat. Attila Voros)
06. Continuum Drift (feat. Chris Poland)
07. Surrender (feat. Ihsahn)
08. Chosen Time (feat. Christine Rhoades)
09. Rapture
10. Sibylline Origin
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Mercenary
