Following weeks of rumors and speculation, RATT drummer Bobby Blotzer has confirmed that former Quiet Riot guitarist Carlos Cavazo will be joining the group as the replacement for rhythm guitarist John Corabi (former Motley Crue singer). According to Blotzer, "we have been rehearsing with Carlos and it sounds pretty freakin cool. He'll be playing his first show with us in Baton Rouge, Lousiana on August 27. Then New Orleans on August 28; Houston, August 29; Calgary, Canada, August 31. So come on out to the show and rock with us!! Crab [Corabi] has one last show that he's committed to with us on September 5 in Virginia Beach."

RATT celebrated the "Year Of The Ratt" with a very special West Coast U.S. run of dates in April. In honor of their Southern California roots, the band embarked on a four-show mini-tour to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the "Ratt" EP.

Los Angeles, California's Abysmal Dawn has parted ways with longtime guitarist Jamie Boulanger. According to the band, "Jamie has other priorities that he needs to take care of in his life, including his new baby girl. We wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors."

Boulanger's replacement in Abysmal Dawn is Ian Jekelis of Artisan, who filled in for the band's past two tours.

Programmed to Consume was recorded last November with producer John Haddad (Intronaut, Phobia, Eyes Of Fire).

Norwegian black metal band Satyricon has set The Age Of Nero as the title of its new album, due on November 3 via Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded in part at Sound City studios in Van Nuys, California, where Metallica recently recorded its forthcoming LP. A European headlining tour will follow beginning on November 12 in Stavanger, Norway and ending in Hamburg, Germany on December 20. Opening all shows will be up-and-coming UK thrashers Evile.

When asked about the involvement of producer Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens Of The Stone Age) in Satyricon’s new CD, the group's vocalist Sigurd "Satyr" Wongraven recently told Norway's VG newspaper, "Joe has been a technician on practically the whole project. There might have been some misunderstandings in the Norwegian media about his role — it is me who is the producer; Joe's role is to know which buttons to push to create the sound that I want."

Speaking about the first time he played the new album for Roadrunner, Satyr said, "I had nothing to say to them. I just played the album loud, and thought that if they they don't like it, it's their problem. I am so sure about what we have done this time that I don't think about changing a single thing. The door is closed, and we are so much on the right path, that we are not turning eiher left or right on this. But they thought it was really good."

Satyricon will support Cradle Of Filth on a North American tour in January/February.

Guitarist Christer "Krunt" Andersson of Swedish metallers Tad Morose has commented on the band's current status via the following posting at the band's official forum:

"We are proud to announce the new lineup! After a few years with various problems it feels great that we now are a working band again! Things just didn't work out the way we wanted with Joe Comeau [ex-Overkill, Annhilator, Liege Lord. He is an excellent singer and a very nice guy, but it just didn't work out for us in the long run. We only did three shows and recorded a two-track demo with him. We wish him all the best!

"The new singer is Ronny Hemlin (Steel Attack). Ronny is a very, very good singer and fits perfect! Check out his work with Steel Attack and you will know what I mean.

"The new bass player is Tommi Karpanen (ex-Morgana Lefay), a long time friend who also play bass in Sefer Jezirah and guitar in God Awful Machine.

"We are busy getting that album together and also rehearsing some old songs because we want to play live! So it might be that we will do some shows even [though] we don't have a new album out."

Comeau joined Tad Morose in March 2006 as the replacement for Urban Breed, who left the band in December 2005.

Former Limp Bizkit/current Black Light Burns member Wes Borland has joined Marilyn Manson as the group's new guitarist. The news was announced by Manson himself at a press conference earlier today ahead of his band's appearance tomorrow (Friday, August 15) at the ETP Festival in Seoul, Korea.

Manson said, "We have a new guitar player that's gonna play for the first time tomorrow; it's the first time we'll play on stage [together]. His name is Wes Borland and he used to be in a really terrible band that he left because he felt that it was a destructive force in art, and he has his own band, Black Light Burns, but now he is in Marilyn Manson. We don't know how permanent that is, but starting tomorrow will be the first step. So this will be the most indestructible Marilyn Manson."

"Everything is going great with the [recording of the new Believer] record. We just recorded some amazing guest guitar solos from Joe Rico (SACRIFICE) and Rocky Gray (Evanescence, Soul Embraced, Living Sacrifice) with some other guests on the way (not too many though). We hope to also have some label info and a release date to you very soon, so stand-by...

"Thanks again to all of you who are talking this up and keeping the buzz alive. Also, thank you for your patience. We just want it to sound amazing when you finally hear it!"

Regarding what fans can expect to hear from Believer’s first studio album in 15 years, Bachman previously said, "Will it sound like 'Extraction from Mortality' [1989], 'Sanity Obscure' [1990], 'Dimensions' [1993]? Well, we think you'll hear a splash of each, but we didn't set out to just rehash the old. That would be boring and offer nothing new for you to hear. With that said (and I will remind you again once the release date draws closer), if you don't expect a total rewrite of the past then we think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

Believer’s albums Extraction from Mortality (1989), Sanity Obscure (1990) and Dimensions (1993) were made available on November 5 via Poland's Metal Mind Productions in a new digipak edition on golden disc, digitally remastered using 24-bit technology and limited to 2,000 numbered copies.

Legendary vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman, Journey, Yngwie Malmsteen) will sing on the upcoming Trans-Siberian Orchestra winter tour beginning November 1. Jeff will be part of the West Coast production (as TSO is split in two).

According to Jeff's official newsletter, "Jeff is thrilled to be part of this tour as it is an introduction to future appearances with TSO, including the new album Night Castle."

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a rock orchestra founded in 1996 by Paul O'Neill, Robert Kinkel, and Jon Oliva (Savatage). The band's musical style is often described in different terms, incorporating progressive rock, symphonic metal, and heavy metal, with influences from classical music.

In Flames, All That Remains, 36 Crazyfists and Gojira will reportedly team up for a North American tour in November/December. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.

In Flames will embark on a European headlining tour in October. Support on the trek will come from Sonic Syndicate and Gojira.

The band’s new album, A Sense of Purpose, shifted 20,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release. This is slightly less than the opening tally of Come Clarity (Ferret), which sold just under 24,000 copies in February 2006 to debut at position No. 58.

All That Remains is currently out on the road as part of this year's Vans Warped Tour.

Nostradamus is scheduled for release via Columbia Records on Monday, June 16 in Europe, and a day later in the U.S. on Epic Records.

Long in the works, Nostradamus takes epic storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world-known 16th century French prophet.

Some of the events that Nostradamus experts have interpreted as his predictions include the great fire of London in 1666, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and most recently, 9-11, among countless other renowned events.

As with all new Priest releases, the group — singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis — will embark on a mammoth worldwide tour in support of Nostradamus.

Metallica has announced the title of its new album — Death Magnetic — by posting the finalized/complete version of the image that originally appeared on the band's official web site on Tuesday (June 10) under the headline "???." The CD is due out in September.

A short video clip revealing the new album title and featuring an audio sample of a brand new song can be viewed below.

Just one day after several UK web sites posted early reviews of six new Metallica songs that were previewed for them in London in early June, the reports were all taken down, reportedly at the request of the band's management. Metallica has since issued a statement blaming a management "error" for the move and has apparently asked for the reviews to be re-posted.

Metallica performed a "secret" show Thursday night (June 12) at The Basement in Nashville, Tennessee in front of an estimated 175 people. The band played Tennessee's Bonnaroo festival Friday (June 13) and is scheduled to perform at the one-day Ozzfest in Dallas on August 9, with a full North American tour in the works for the fall.

The previously announced U.S. tour featuring Cinderella, Warrant, Lynch Mob and Lynam has been cancelled. The official statement from Cinderella's manager, Tim Heyne of Union Entertainment Group, Inc., reads as follows:

"It's with unbelievably deep regret that I must announce that Cinderella's Tom Keifer's left vocal cord has hemorrhaged, thereby making it impossible for him to sing in the immediate future.

"Tom felt his throat give way last night (June 11) finishing the set in pre-production rehearsals, went to his vocal doctor (Dr. Stephen Mitchell) in Nashville this morning, and was told the grim news. In the short term, Tom's doctor told him it would be two to three weeks before the swelling and damage would recede to a point to where an assessment can be made as to whether surgery will be required.

"Consequently, and again, most regretfully, we have no choice but to postpone the upcoming Cinderella tour until such time as Tom is ready tour again."

Tickets will be refunded at points of purchase.

The reunited classic lineup of '80s hard rockers Warrant — whose tour with Cinderella, Lynch Mob and Lynam was recently cancelled — will play the following dates this summer:

For the first time since 1994, original Warrant members Jani Lane (vocals), Joey Allen (lead guitar), Jerry Dixon (bass), Erik Turner (guitar) and Steven Sweet (drums) will grace stages across the land together. They'll deliver a brand new and exciting stage show encompassing material from their first two multi-platinum albums "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich" and "Cherry Pie", plus the gold album "Dog Eat Dog", including such unforgettable hits as "Cherry Pie", "Down Boys", "Heaven", "Sometimes She Cries", "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and many more.

"Are you kidding me?!! We are chomping at the bit to get out this summer and rock!" says Jani Lane, lead singer and songwriter of Warrant. "The original Warrant has mucho grande chemistry! When we did the first rehearsal in 14 years I just stepped back in awe and thought...'Man, now this is Warrant!!' I think fans will have a similar experience this summer!!'"

Former Slaves On Dope vocalist Jason Rockman has resurfaced in a new band called Step 13. The group, whose music is described by Rockman as "no-holds-barred brutal metal for sober motherfuckers," will release its initial recordings through a MySpace page, and tracks will be made available monthly absolutely free of charge. Jason says, "Any fans of [Slaves On Dope’s] Inches from the Mainline record [2000] will love this stuff."

Slaves On Dope’s Inches from the Mainline album was released through Ozzy Osbourne's now-defunct Divine Recordings label. After Divine Recordings lost its distribution deal with EMI's Priority Records, the band was left without a label. After a long search, a deal was struck with Bieler Bros. Records. Slaves On Dope’s second major album, "Metafour", was released in 2003.

In March 2004, Slaves On Dope announced it was going on hiatus due to Jason Rockman leaving the band.

Massachusetts metallers Unearth have begun work the follow-up to 2006's III: In the Eyes of Fire, tentatively due in October via Metal Blade Records. The bulk of the CD's instrumental tracks are being recorded at Massachusetts' System Recording Studios with producer Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage guitarist), while the album's drum tracks are being laid to tape by drummer Derek Kerswill (Kingdom Of Sorrow, Seemless) at Zing Studios. The as-yet-untitled record is said to feature the band's "most dynamic material to date," combining strong tension and release, abundant guitar solos and a bulldozing power-groove.

"HEAVY METAL SHRED MAYHEM! NOW WITH 50% MORE GUITAR SOLOS!! If the new Unearth songs were laundry detergent, then this is what it would say on the box," dishes Unearth lead guitarist Buz McGrath. "Fortunately for all you metal maniacs, it's not laundry soap but a mind-blowing journey consisting of epic mosh and shred, so we had to call in the one man who could wrangle such a massive beast — Adam Dutkiewicz. We are very excited to be working with him again and between 40 oz. chugging and doing burn-outs in Ken's '82 Corvette; we are recording what will definitely be the best album of our career."

Former Judas Priest/Iced Earth singer Tim "Ripper" Owens has now officially joined Yngwie Malmsteen's band. The legendary Swedish guitarist announced the news to the Guitar World staff today when he came to the magazine's New York headquarters for an exclusive interview and photo shoot.

Malmsteen and Owens are hard at work on a new CD, which is currently scheduled for a July release.

Owens's predecessor, Doogie White, was a member of Yngwie Malmsteen's band for six and a half years. Doogie joined Malmsteen's band in September 2001 and recorded two albums with the legendary Swedish guitarist: Attack (2002) and Unleash the Fury (2005).

"I had a long chat with Yngwie today and it is clear that he wants to move musically in a new direction," Doogie said in a statement that was released to BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "It's great news that he will be expanding on his undoubted talents both as a writer and guitarist. I just want to thank, publicly, Yngwie and the many band members past and present that I have worked with. It seems appropriate that we started our working relationship in South America in September 2001 and finished in South America in December 2007. Now, anyone need a singer??"

Commented Iced Earth mainman Jon Schaffer: "I feel like Freddie is the right guy for the gig. He has the chops, the attitude, and from the videos I've seen, a commanding, energetic, and intense stage presence that will fit in nicely with what Iced Earth has always strived to be. I had a strong feeling about him based on the material that he sent and our phone discussions, so I asked him to fly up here before the slated auditions were to commence later in the month. After meeting Freddie in person and watching him play up close and personal, I didn't feel the need to continue the search. He's going to fit right in. We welcome him on board and look forward to jamming together at our first gig at Chicago Powerfest on May 2!

"Finally, I would like to personally thank everyone who auditioned for the position, and I wish you the best in your future endeavors!"

Swedish melodic death metal pioneers Dark Tranquillity are excited to be making their much anticipated return to North America in May with what could well be hailed as one of the best guitar-shredder packages of the year. This tour, presented by ESP Guitars, Randall Amps, Guitar World and Revolver magazine, dubbed "Tyranny and Bloodshred 2008", kicks off on May 9 and features headliners Arch Enemy and the awesome, yet diverse talents of Divine Heresy and Firewind.

Upon completing this tour the band will continue on headlining a slew of additional dates with Divine Heresy and FIREWIND supporting. This tour completes their worldwide touring cycle for "Fiction", an album that revitalized the genre they helped create and further cemented their status as one of the genre's most influential bands.

Niklas Sundin (guitars) states: "We're very pleased to let our growing hordes of U.S. fans know that we'll once again return to your shores to serve you in metal. Starting in the beginning of May, we'll head out as main support for our long-time buddies in Arch Enemy. It'll be a powerful and diverse package that will satisfy everyone."

Burzum, the now-defunct band led by Varg Vikernes (a.k.a. Count Grishnackh) — who is currently serving a 21-year Norwegian prison term for the August 1993 murder of MAYHEM guitarist Oystein Aarseth (a.k.a. Euronymous) — will release Anthology in the U.S. on May 13 via Candlelight Records. According to a press release, "this one-man band retains a vital roll in the early development of Norway's famed black metal scene. His contributions to what was once merely a small circle of friends grew to immense popularity, the genre now having sold hundreds of thousands of records around the globe. Compared to his peers — Mayhem, Darkthrone, Gorgoroth, Immortal — Burzum possessed a very distinct sound. Using ancient mythology as his lyrical muse (the very name Burzum coming from J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings'), he became known for fearless experimentation; each record expanding on previous efforts.

Anthology is a special first-time collection of material that spans the musician's ten-plus year recording legacy; most unfortunately still unavailable for U.S. fans (other than pricey imports). Featuring selections from each of his six albums (and including one from his popular EP 'Aske'), 'Anthology' is anticipated to be a highly sought-after recording for long-time fans and those curious newcomers who up-til-now only knew of the name and not had opportunity to bear witness to the musician's blackened fruit."

Opeth's new album, Watershed, will be released on June 3 in North America (a day earlier internationally) via Roadrunner Records. The record will be released as a regular-edition CD and collector's edition two-disc CD/DVD and limited-edition 180-gram vinyl.

The collector's edition 2-disc CD/DVD set includes three bonus tracks — "Bridge Of Sighs" from Robin Trower's 1974 album of the same title, "Den Ständiga Resan" (sung in Swedish) by Marie Fredriksson as well as the classic Alice In Chains song "Would?" — 5.1 audio mix of the entire album, extensive video content, and expanded artwork. The limited-edition 180-gram double LP set includes a bonus track, exclusive poster and expanded artwork.

Watershed was recorded at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden between November 1 and December 13, 2007. Some additional recordings were done between January 3 and January 7. The album was produced by Jens Bogren and Mikael Åkerfeldt.

Says Mikael Åkerfeldt: "I've worked so hard with these songs for quite some time now, I've listened to 'em a zillion times. I don't hate them just yet! The album sounds great sonically and I think I can hear us evolving as the record plays on. It is taking us somewhere musically and I don't know where. It's very exciting to say the least! I can't remember having enjoyed a recording this much ever before."

Holographic Universe track listing:

Finntroll have released their itinerary for their upcoming North American tour, which will take place in August/September. Support on the trek will come from Warbringer.

Confirmed dates are as follows:

Finntroll’s fifth album, Ur Jordens Djup, entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 91. The CD, which was recorded by Nino Laurenne at Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki, is the group's first release with frontman Mathias Lillmåns (a.k.a. Vreth) following the departure of Tapio Wilska (Sethian, ex-Wizzard, former session vocalist for Nightwish) in January 2006. Like Finntroll’s original singer, Katla Mathias, Lillmåns is reportedly Fenno-Swedish, with Swedish as his mother tongue.

According to The Associated Press, the reunited Stone Temple Pilots on Monday (April 7) revealed the details of their 65-city tour, set to begin May 17 in Columbus, Ohio. As previously announced, the trek will kick off with a headlining appearance at the Rock on the Range festival in Columbus, Ohio. [The exact cities and dates will be released shortly.]

"The story's not finished," singer Scott Weiland told The Associated Press. "There's more to be revealed and more to be told."

Guitarist Dean DeLeo said the band plans to record a new album after the tour, which is set to wrap in November.

The Grammy-winning rockers celebrated their announcement with a private show in the Hollywood Hills.

The band will make its first national TV appearance since reuniting on the May 1 edition of ABC-TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Weiland was dismissed from Velvet Revolver last week, following his announcement that the group's just-completed European tour was its last and accusations of erratic behavior against him by the rest of the group.

Swedish "viking metallers" Thyrfing have issued the following update:

"This weekend we started the recordings of the sixth album! The album will be co-produced by Thyrfing and Jörgen Svensson of Tyroon Production. The recordings and mixing will take place between April and June and the album is scheduled for release through Regain Records in October. Stay tuned for some visual and textual reports and other shite from the workshop!"

Thyrfing last year announced the addition of Jens Rydén as the band's new vocalist. Jens is best known as founding member and ex-vocalist of Naglfar and for his one-man army Profound.

Thyrfing’s fifth album, Farsotstider (in English: "Times of Plague"), was released in November 2005 via Regain Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Vansinnesvisor" (Hammerheart Records) was recorded at EMI Studio in Stockholm with producer Henrik Edenhed (Lambretta, The Sounds).

Maiden Hollywood has announced the launch of its official web site to promote the Reach for the Star Project, an independent campaign designed to raise the $25,000 sponsorship fee required by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to nominate British heavy metal band Iron Maiden for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Maiden Hollywood is currently seeking donations to achieve its fund-raising objectives to forever immortalize Iron Maiden on Hollywood Boulevard.

"Maiden Hollywood is a grassroots campaign initiated by Iron Maiden fans, not the establishment in the entertainment industry," said Maiden Hollywood Founder and President Cindy Santos. "The ultimate mission is to make sure that Iron Maiden is recognized for their significant contribution to music and their influence on music."

Nearly 30 years after the release of its first album, Iron Maiden continues to dominate the heavy metal world as it defies corporate influences and popular music trends. Despite their lack of exposure on American radio stations and other corporate music outlets, they have sold millions of albums and command legions of loyal fans throughout the world.

Incorporated on March 7, 2008, Maiden Hollywood is a non-profit corporation based in Irvine, California.

Swedish doom metal merchants Candlemass are preparing to embark on what is sure to be one of the biggest events in metal in 2008... their first U.S. tour in 17 years! This is will also mark the bands first time performing in the States with vocalist and Texas native Robert Lowe, also of Solitude Aeturnus.

Commented Candlemass bassist and founding member Leif Edling: "Last time we were over was in 1991 and that's way too long! We wanna make this tour a very special event for all our fans in the States and all new American fans of doom and metal too. It will be great to meet up and hang out, and play all the classic C-MASS songs for you guys plus some new ones of course. We've been waiting 17 years for this so make sure you don't miss this opportunity to catch the Kings of Doom in your hometown! See ya soon in a city near you!"

Candlemass with Daylight Dies:

Candlemass new album, King of the Grey Islands, was released June 22, 2007 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The group's guitarist, Mats "Mappe" Björkman, was recently sentenced to two years in prison for grand theft. The musician was convicted of stealing CDs worth approximately $490,000 from the distribution warehouse of Entertainment Network Scandinavia AB, where he and an accomplice shipped the CDs to Stockholm retail outlets.

Björkman's conviction is not expected to affect his participation in the upcoming tour.

Back in the mid-'80s, when rock 'n' roll was still on everybody’s lips, dozens of bands tried to become "the next best thing" of the music industry. Although many have tried, only few succeeded to carve their names into rock history. Among them are Black 'N Blue, a band that never got the proper acclaim for their work, but over the years proved that good music will always defend itself.

Poland's Metal Mind Productions will re-release Black 'N Blue’s album Rarities, on May 5 in Europe. The limited-edition digipack title (limited to 2,000 copies) will be made available on golden disc, digitally remastered using 24-bit technology.

According to a press release, Rarities is "a peep inside the closed doors of the group's history, revealing a unique collection of rare and previously unreleased songs.’Rarities' remains a true treasure chest for all of Black 'N Blue’s fans, with a portion of melodic pop-rock enough to satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts of the genre. This album will get you on a night train straight to the '80s — so fasten up and enjoy the ride!"

Former Stratovarius mastermind Timo Tolkki's new project Revolution Renaissance will release its debut album, New Era, on June 6 via Frontiers Records. According to a press release, the CD "is a masterpiece of melodic power metal, taking the listener straight back to the 'Visions'-era Stratovarius. In fact, 'New Era' is the album that was meant to be the next Stratovarius album.

"Timo called a few friends for the recording sessions and the album features all the lead vocals from such legends as Michael Kiske [Helloween] and Tobias Sammet [Edguy, Avantasia], along with Timo's blistering lead guitar lines and melodic power metal anthems that made him one of the pioneers of the style and trademark performers of the style. Revolution Renaissance witnesses a rebirth, a new era for Timo Tolkki and his music."

Other musicians that reportedly appear on New Era include Pasi Rantanen (vocals; Thunderstone), Mirka Rantanen (drums; Thunderstone) and Pasi Heikkilä (bass; 45 Degree Woman).

In the latest issue of Finland's Soundi magazine, Tolkki states about the CD, "The [Revolution Renaissance album] contains more or less 'Visions'-style [Stratovarius’ acclaimed 1997 release] power metal. Michael Kiske, Pasi Rantanen, Mirka Rantanen, Pasi Heikkilä and Tobias Sammet have recorded their parts. But if there are any live performances, the lineup won't be the same. I have been thinking of asking Jens [Johansson, Stratovarius keyboardist] and Lauri [Porra, Stratovarius bassist] to join me for this."

Regarding the band's name, Timo says, "On the album, there's one song with this title, and Frontiers suggested it to be the band's name too. I thought it was good idea."

When asked if he will perform any Stratovarius songs with Revolution Renaissance, Tolkki replies, "Well, what do you think? Of course. I can play my songs with whomever I want."

Circle II Circle, the band led by ex-Savatage singer Zak Stevens, will release its new album, Delusions of Grandeur, on April 25 via AFM Records. The CD will be issued as a regular jewel case, a limited edition featuring bonus material, and on picture vinyl.

Circle II Circle will release a new four-track single on March 28 via AFM Records. Entitled "Every Last Thing", it will include a non-album and a live video clip.

Circle II Circle, Jon Oliva's Pain and Manticora will team up for the first leg of the North American “Global Intrusions” tour this fall. This marks the first time that Jon Oliva (Jon Oliva's Pain, Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and Zak Stevens (Circle II Circle, ex-Savatage) have toured together since their days in Savatage in 1999.

Commented Stevens: "It's always special to perform on the same bill with Jon Oliva, especially here in the States! Obviously, Jon has been a huge influence on my musical career and I remain one of his biggest fans. This tour will be a special event for all our fans that have enjoyed our work throughout the Savatage years and now into the new generation of Jon Oliva's Pain and Circle II Circle music."

The band's last album, Burden of Truth, was released in October 2006 via AFM Records.

Canadian metal band Kittie has announced the departure of bassist Trish Doan.

Doan has been diagnosed with the eating disorder anorexia-athletica-nervosa, which she developed during the recording of Kittie's Funeral For Yesterday, Doan's first release with the group.

"It breaks my heart to say goodbye to this family that has given me the best two years of my life," Doan said. “I wish my time with Kittie did not have to end, but this decision was made based on doctors' orders. Unfortunately this is the only option that will allow for my full recovery."

Doan has been battling the disease for nearly two years.

"Trish is a part of our family and her talents and friendship will be missed by all of us," said Tara McLeod and sisters Mercedes and Morgan Lander. "We are continuing to be respectful and supportive of Trish's needs during her period of healing. We wish her the best on her road to recovery and will remain close to her throughout this difficult time."

A new two-disc edition of Opeth’s Still Life album will be released on March 31 via Peaceville Records. The set features a remastered stereo mix of the album on CD, plus a DVD with a new 5.1 Surround Sound mix and performance footage of "Face Of Melinda" filmed live in London. The artwork has been re-worked by original designer Travis Smith.

Still Life was Opeth’s first outing for Peaceville. Like My Arms, Your Hearse before it, Still Life was originally recorded under the watchful eye of engineer Fredrik Nordström at Gothenburg's Studio Fredman and Maestro Musik and has now been remastered and remixed by Jens Borgen.

Opeth has set Watershed as the title of the band's forthcoming album, due out on June 3 via Roadrunner Records (one day earlier internationally). The CD, recorded in the band's native Sweden and produced by frontman/guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt and Jens Bogren, is a masterwork that follows the time-honored Opeth tradition; it’s modern yet timeless, progressive yet paying homage to the sounds of classic rock.

German power metallers Primal Fear, who yesterday announced that guitarist Stefan Leibing was leaving the band in order to focus on family life, have issued the following update:

"We've decided to continue with one of the most exciting and respected guitar player in the business — Magnus Karlsson from Sweden. Magnus is known from his excellent work as a guitarist, songwriter and producer for Allen/Lande, Magnum's Bob Catley, Starbreaker and many more. We're looking forward to hit the road again with a special best-of setlist and Magnus will be an additional attraction for the shows. It looks like we're planning to get back into the recording studio after the summer festival season to work on a new album!"

Primal Fear singer Ralf Scheepers comments: "After working together with Magnus on several songs for our previous albums 'Seven Seals' and 'New Religion', it's more than a pleasure to have him in the band now. In my ears he is one of the most talented guitarists on this planet and he is also an excellent composer. I absolutely look forward to rock the stages of this world with him!"

Magnus Karlsson added: "I've been a big fan of Primal Fear since I first heard them. I love their straight-forward metal in combination with beautiful melodies and a world-class musicianship. That's why I'm both honored and excited to join Primal Fear on their mission to show the world that metal is forever!"

Stefan Leibing's final performance with the band will take place on April 26 at the 10th anniversary concert in Reichenbach at H2O. Says the band, "[Stefan] will be on stage for some special songs, including a meet-and-greet. This will be a very emotional and unique moment for us all!"

Legendary hard rockers King'S X have changed the projected title of their new album to XV from the previously announced "Go Tell Somebody". The CD will be released through InsideOut Music on the following dates:

XV was recorded and mixed at Wireworld Studios in Nashville, Tennessee with producer Michael Wagener (Skid Row, Alice Cooper). This is the second King's X album in a row with Wagener manning the boards. Pleased with the results of 2005's Ogre Tones, the band headed into the studio more prepared and creative than ever before.

"We really enjoyed working with him on the last album," guitarist Ty Tabor said shortly before entering the studio to record the new CD. "There was no pre-production on anything and we were pleased with how it turned out. This time, we're doing some pre-production, some writing together and we're going to try to outdo ourselves. We're going in this time with a complete and prepared attack."

Pagan's Mind's latest album, God's Equation, last fall entered the Norwegian domestic chart (featuring only Norwegian artists) at position No. 14. It also landed on the international chart (featuring all artists) at No. 35. The CD was recorded by Espen Mjøen at his Mediamaker Studio in Skien, Norway, and mixed at Toy Town Studios in Stockholm by Stefan Glaumann (Rammstein).

After Forever recently announced that it will take a break from band activities for most of 2008 while the group's guitarist, Sander Gommans, undergoes medical tests after suffering a seizure last November.

According to a posting on her official web site, Jansen is currently offering singing and performance lessons in her native Holland, both individual and in groups of no more than 10 people. Lessons are available to beginners and experienced vocalists.

Dane, who first shattered the boundaries of conventionality with the legendary Sanctuary and Nevermore, proves that he is one of metal's most diverse frontmen with this solo effort as he unleashes a barrage of introspective and personal lyrics that are heartfelt and extremely powerful. All of this emotion backed with his soaring angelic and dynamic vocals provides all of the necessary elements for a savagely captivating, melodic assault that quickly hooks you in. This exhilarating new offering begins a new chapter for Dane and will soon further solidify his spot as one of the genre's most influential artists.

Before beginning this new venture, Dane went out and surrounded himself with some of the best musicians that he could find. This search ultimately resulted in landing the renowned Peter Wichers (ex- Soilwork) on guitars and bass, Dirk Verbeuren (Soilwork) on drums and Matt Wicklund (ex-Himsa) on guitars. The effort was also recorded and mixed by Wichers (co-producer of Soilwork).

Legendary Chicago doomsters Trouble are booking dates for a West Coast tour beginning on May 1 in Las Vegas with a worldwide live Internet broadcast from the Deep Rock Drive studios. The band will be touring in support of its newest release, "Simple Mind Condition", which is scheduled to receive its long-awaited U.S. release in April on the Escapi Music label.

The follow-up to 1995's Plastic Green Head, Simple Mind Condition was produced by Vinny Wojno (Kreator, Machine Head) and features vocalist Eric Wagner, guitarists Rick Wartell and Bruce Franklin, drummer Jeff Olson and bassist Chuck Robinson (formerly of This Tortured Soul).

Escapi Music reissued Trouble’s classic first two albums, Psalm 9 (1984) and The Skull (1985), on October 24, 2006. Both were digitally remastered and are packed with rare photos and brand new liner notes. Psalm 9 includes an extremely rare exclusive bonus DVD of a public-access TV performance from 1982. The Skull comes with an extremely rare exclusive bonus DVD of a 16-track live performance from 1984.

The reunited Warrant (featuring lead singer Jani Lane) and Cinderella will team up for a U.S. tour in July/August. The two bands are rumored to be performing at the Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin on July 17. Additional dates are expected to be announced soon.

Warrant's latest album, Born Again, was released last year on Deadline Music. It was the group's CD to feature singer Jaime St. James of Black 'N Blue.

According to The Pulse of Radio, Sevendust will hit the road this spring with Saliva. Dates and venues for the trek will be announced in the weeks ahead. Saliva is currently in the midst of a trek with Drowning Pool, while Sevendust has yet to announce any tour dates on its own. Sevendust recently pulled out of its participation in this summer's inaugural Rockstar Energy Mayhem Tour, indicating in a statement that it canceled its involvement "due to changes in (the group's) touring schedule." The Rockstar Energy Mayhem Tour, featuring headliners Disturbed and Slipknot, is scheduled to kick off on July 9 in Seattle and will hit 30 North American cities.

Sevendust will release its new album, Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow, on April 1. The first single is called "Prodigal Son", while the disc features guest appearances from Chris Daughtry and members of Alter Bridge.

Programmed to Consume track listing:

Abysmal Dawn recently posted two new songs — Programmed to Consume and "Compulsory Resurrection" — on its MySpace page.

Abysmal Dawn's forthcoming sophomore album was produced by John Haddad (Intronaut, Phobia, Eyes Of Fire).

Programmed to Consume is set for release on May 13 (North America) and May 17 (rest of world) via Relapse Records.

Commented Abysmal Dawn's Charles Elliott: "I'm very confident that these are the sickest vocals I've put to tape yet! We even had our friend Jacob from Reciprocal come in and do some guest vocals on the track 'Twilight's Fallen'. Some very sick sounds will meet all your ears soon indeed! Everyone played their hearts out on this album and I think you can feel the intensity in all our performances. Quite frankly, we feel this album is Abysmal Dawn's best yet and will destroy 'From Ashes' by far! Maybe it's just us though, so we'll let you be the judge."

Commented frontman David Coverdale: "The new album contains all the elements I enjoy about Whitesnake, and more. I can hear moments that take me back to the bluesy, early years of the band all the way through the band's musical history to fully embrace the more electric aspects of where we are now, as a band. I'm thrilled with it and can hardly wait to unleash it on an unsuspecting public! If this is indeed the last Whitesnake studio record, then I'm happy to finish like this. It was a labor of love making this record...a joy... and I'm still enjoying listening to it. Can't be bad!"

The new songs, written by Coverdale and guitarist Doug Aldrich (who also co-produced the album with Coverdale and Michael McIntyre) provide a good balance of eight rocking tracks and three ballads. Coverdale feels it's the first "real" Whitesnake album in almost 20 years, commenting "It's very butch. Very muscular..."

"Good to be Bad" track listing:

Legendary Little Rock, Arkansas-based Christian death/thrash/metalcore band Living Sacrifice is back. Founding members Bruce Fitzhugh (vocals, guitar) and Lance Garvin (drums) have reunited with Rocky Gray (lead guitar; ex-Evanescence drummer) and Arthur Green (bass) and are currently writing material for a brand new album, due later in the year. Touring plans are also firmed up for this summer.

Living Sacrifice’s last release was the In Memoriam CD, which came out in 2005 via Solid State Records. The album was a "best of" collection containing three newly written and recorded songs by Lance Garvin, Rocky Gray and Bruce Fitzhugh, two tracks from each Living Sacrifice album, plus "Enthroned", a 1998 re-recording of a song that originally appeared on 1992's "Nonexistent".

Former Onward guitarist and solo instrumentalist Toby Knapp has issued the following update:

Onward officially split up in June 2003 following a parting-of-the-ways with the band's record label, Century Media Records

Swedish metallers Persuader will enter the studio in May to begin recording their fourth album for a late 2008 release via Dockyard 1.

Persuader’s third full-length effort, When Eden Burns, was released in May 2006 via Dockyard 1. The follow-up to 2004's Evolution Purgatory (Sanctuary/Noise) was recorded at Powerhouse studio in Hamburg, Germany with producer (and Savage Circus bandmate) Piet Sielck (Iron Savior).

Persuader members Jens Karlsson (vocals, guitar) and Emil Norberg (lead guitar) teamed up with Sielck and former Blind Guardian drummer Thomen Stauch in a new band called Savage Circus. The group's debut album, "Dreamland Manor", was released in August 2005 via Dockyard 1. Stauch has since been kicked out of the band.

Danish metallers Raunchy have issued the following update:

"So it is finally happening — our gear's all packed and we're on our way to the recording studio [in Ribe, Denmark] to finish up our new album. We're really looking forward to enter the house of gun jack again and team up with our friend Jacob [Hansen, producer] to complete what will be the MOTHERFUCKER of the year! We're dirty, we're heavy, we're poppy and we're prepared to make this album our best to date (maybe whatever, hahaha). Eleven songs have taken their final form and we will record one cover song as well. It's gonna be a sweet heart."

Raunchy's as-yet-untitled new album will be released on June 30 via Lifeforce Records. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Straight to Hell", "Recovery", "Heavy Burden", "To the Lighthouse", "Destroyer", "Somewhere Along the Road", "Thieves", "Western Gutter", "A Dead Epic", "Black House, Glass City", "To Shatter Bliss" and "Get Fighted".

The group's vocalist Kasper Thomsen previously described the new material as "dirty, melodic, thrashy, epic, melancholic and... drum roll... heavy. We are experimenting a lot this time around, with vocals, arrangements and musical expression, but we're not gonna change radically — don't worry! But as a wise man once said: there's no point in writing the same record twice, right?"

Century Media Records has set a February 22 German release date for Slave to the Dark, a comprehensive box set featuring all featuring 14 CDs plus a DVD covering the band's years as a Century Media recording artist. The set includes the following titles:

Swedish death metal super group Bloodbath has issued the following update:

"So the time has come for Bloodbath to once again poison the scene with a contagious doze of über brutal death metal. An old acquaintance in this zombified bloodline has once again re-visited his old home. We can now announce that the vocalist on the new mini-CD is none other than Mikael Åkerfeldt courtesy of Opeth.

"Second deathster to join the elite is Mr. Per 'Sodomizer' Eriksson (ex-21 Lucifers, ex-Genocrush Ferox). Sodomizer's brutal death metal songwriting approach as well as guitar shredding is a highly welcomed element in the legacy of Bloodbath."

Bloodbath 2008 is:

Bloodbath’s latest album, Nightmares Made Flesh, received a U.S. release in March 2005 via Century Media Records. Due to the long gap between the European and North American release dates, the American version was enhanced with two bonus songs taken from a previously unreleased demo recording of Breeding Death EP, as well as a different front cover, featuring artwork by Wes Benscoter.

Iced Earth has been confirmed as the headliner of this year's ProgPower USA festival, set to be held September 26-27 at Center Stage in Atlanta, GA. It will be a rare opportunity to see the band, now that they are restricted in the amount of touring they can undergo due to the return of vocalist Matt Barlow.

Iced Earth founder Jon Schaffer had the following to say regarding the festival: "Well, it's been a long time coming, but things have finally lined up right for us o be able to do Glenn's [Harveston, promoter/organizer] festival. It's truly an honor for Iced Earth to play the ProgPower USA festival. I flew down several years ago to check it out and it is definitely a top notch operation. It's really a model for the way festivals should be run. Good people with integrity make all the difference in any organization, and Glenn and his crew are all that and more. This is something that we've wanted to do for a long time and it's finally going to work out perfectly for our plans in 2008. Part 2 of the 'Something Wicked' epic will be out right around this time and it will be a killer celebration! This will be very cool, and a good time will be had by all! We look forward to seeing you there!"

Commented promoter Glenn Harveston: "I am beyond excited to have America's premiere metal band on stage at America's premiere metal festival. I may be the promoter, but I'm just as big a fanboy as everyone else in wanting to see them here in Atlanta. I want to personally thank Jon Schaffer for believing in me and the festival."

ProgPower USA IX marks the first confirmed show with returning vocalist Matt Barlow to the group.

Joining Iced Earth at the festival are Florida's Jon Oliva’s Pain, Poland's Riverside, Germany's Iron Savior, Denmark's Volbeat, Sweden's Andromeda, Italy's Elvenking, France's Spheric Universe Experience, Austria's Serenity, and Italy's Pathosray.

The second festival headliner is scheduled to be announced within the next few weeks.

Harveston also has announced a roster change. "I'm afraid that Astral Doors will not be able to make their scheduled appearance. This is 100% my fault as I knew there was a risk involved with booking them so early. I appreciate the professionalism the band has shown and can now announce that they are the first band confirmed for ProgPower USA X. Florida's Rob Rock has graciously stepped into their former slot."

Tickets for ProgPower USA IX go on sale March 1 and limited to 900 tickets. Advance gold badges are sold-out for the seventh consecutive year.

Jag Panzer guitarist Mark Briody has issued the following:

"First of all — a HUGE congratulations to Chris Broderick [former Jag Panzer guitarist] for his new gig with Megadeth. Chris is a world-class talent and the hardest worker I've ever met. He's like a brother to me and I'm excited for him to get this opportunity. Myself, and everyone else in the band, not only support Chris's decision, we're excited for him.

"We (Jag Panzer) have brought Chris Lasegue back to play guitar. Chris tore it up on 'Chain Of Command' and his chops are light years better then they were back then.

"So why the total silence from Jag Panzer over the past year? Frankly, I'm upset about getting the rug pulled out from me on the live album. We have a budget for the live album. A tiny budget. I took out a spreadsheet and figured that this budget would allow us to rent a van and drive to Montreal to record the live album. We'd have to supply the recording equipment ourselves and mix the live album ourselves. Yes, the budget is that small.

"We were planning on recording the show for a live DVD as well. Releasing this live DVD would have offset our additional costs we incurred on the live album. But I never saw the DVD release paperwork from the label. Gas prices have gotten so high that our budget wouldn't even cover expenses one way to Montreal or anywhere else we'd need to go for a live album.

"So right now we're stuck. We're contractually obligated to do a live album, but there funds to do it just aren't adequete. People have suggested we record the Keep It True [festival] show [in Germany in April 2008]. That's a great idea. But I checked on the price of a mobile truck and it's double the budget. Arghhh!!!

"My solution — we're moving forward with new material after we get back from Germany. I'm hoping things can get sorted out with the live album, but I have to move forward.

"I'm not angry with Century Media [record label], I know they are trying to run a business. But something has to give.

"So look for a new single in the months after Keep It True."

Guitarist Mark Briody comments: "We had set the bar pretty high for lead guitar playing with our first full-length album. There was much concern among fans and critics as to whether or not we could maintain such a high level of musicianship in the lead guitar department. Christian quelled those concerns about two seconds into his first solo. A large part of the underground popularity of 'Chain of Command' is easily attributed to the electrifying guitar playing of Christian Lasegue. Christian was a great guitar player back then and his chops are light years beyond that today. I'm excited to be working with him again."

Christian first gig back with the band will be on stage as headliners at the prestigious Keep It True festival this April in Germany.

Regarding former Jag Panzer guitarist Chris Broderick's new gig as a member of Megadeth, Briody said, "It's not enough to just say 'Best of luck to Chris.' We're a close-knit band and Chris is a brother to all of us. He's a great guy and a close friend. We're all very excited and happy for Chris. Megadeth fans are in for a treat, Chris is a world-class player."

New Megadeth guitarist Chris Broderick has commented on his status in his previous bands Nevermore and Jag Panzer as well as his latest gig, which was officially announced earlier today.

Said Chris: "I'm glad I have [the fans'] support in this. Unfortunately I will not be able to do any more shows with Jag Panzer or Nevermore because the extensive touring that Megadeth will be doing. I wish them all the best and remain friends with both bands. I look forward to touring with Dave [Mustaine], James [Lomenzo] and Shawn [Drover] and will keep my eye out for [longtime Broderick fans]."

Chris Broderick has been playing guitar since he was eleven years old and has been teaching for the last 15 years. Styles range from classical, rock, blues, and jazz. He started taking lessons at 14 years of age studying guitar as well as voice, violin, and piano. Chris has a degree in classical guitar music performance at the University of Denver and the Lamont School of Music. He has performed in many master classes including ones given by David Russell, Benjamin Verdery, and his primary instructor, Ricardo Iznaola. In addition, Chris has taken classes such as jazz improvisation, chord voicing, advanced music theory, and sight-reading.

Frontiers Records has announced the details surrounding the forthcoming House Of Lords album, Come To My Kingdom, to be released on March 14.

The band's previous studio CD, World Upside Down, was a real fan favorite, so James Christian and the guys went back to the recording with the precise task to create a true rock milestone which could pick up where World Upside Down left off.

With the help of the "Fifth Lord" Jeff Kent plus Tommy Denander and Chris Pelcer, the band's songwriting talents of James Christian, BJ Zampa and Jimi Bell have been flourishing to reach some of the highest levels in the band's career ever.

Written during the summer 2007, the album was recorded in the fall and mixed by Dennis Ward in November/December. The result is truly outstanding. From the signature intro of "Purgatorio Overtoure n.2" to the epic atmosphere of the title track through to soaring melodic numbers like "I Need To Fly" to the in-your-face attack of "One Foot in the Dark" and to the baroque ballad "Another Day From Heaven", this record has truly everything the fans may want to ask to James Christian and his cohorts.

Come to My Kingdom track listing:

* Exclusive Bonus Track for Europe

Check out audio samples at this location.

House Of Lords is planning live shows in the spring/summer 2008, including an appearance at the Rocklahoma festival.

The second coming of Megadeth's acclaimed traveling metal festival Gigantour arrives on both DVD and CD April 22 via Image Entertainment — just ten days after Gigantour's latest incarnation begins its North American invasion April 12 in Denver. Conceived in 2005 by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine, Gigantour — proclaimed "the mother of all shred fests" by Revolver magazine — resurrects metal's focus on stellar musicianship.

"Gigantour 2" features over an hour of blistering performances by iconic and influential heavy metal pioneers Megadeth — who have sold more than 20 million albums worldwide in a career now spanning 25 years — along with Lamb Of God, Opeth, Arch Enemy, Overkill, The Smashup, and Into Eternity. Recorded in DTS 5.1 surround sound, the DVD version also features a behind-the-scenes look at the 2006 tour, while both the DVD and CD offer a hidden bonus track — Megadeth's ever-relevant "Peace Sells".

The release of the "Gigantour 2" DVD and CD coincides with this year's Earth Day — perfect, really, since Mustaine has said, with a laugh, about Gigantour's mission of emphasizing true musicianship and virtuosity: "I think that in a small way, we are cleaning up the environment of crappy bands."

The DVD and CD track listings are below.

DVD:

CD:

Nevermore guitarist Jeff Loomis will make a guest appearance on former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman's upcoming album, to be released in March. Jeff was very pleased and honored to be asked to appear on the CD by the Friedman himself, who happens to be one of Jeff's biggest influences.

Loomis took part in a clinic for Schecter Guitar Research on Friday, January 18 during this year's NAMM show (National Association of Music Merchants) at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. Jeff played Nevermore solos and an instrumental from his upcoming solo album.

Nevermore is currently working on material for the follow-up to 2005's This Godless Endeavor, tentatively due later in the year via Century Media Records.

Swedish metallers In Flames have inked a deal with Koch Records for the North American release of their new album, A Sense of Purpose. Due on April 1 (April 7 in most of Europe via Nuclear Blast), the follow-up to 2006's "Come Clarity" was recorded at the band's own IF Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden and was mixed by Toby Wright (Metallica, Slayer). The group received assistance during the vocal-recording sessions from producer Daniel Bergstrand, who previously produced the vocals on Reroute To Remain, Soundtrack To Your Escape and Come Clarity. All artwork for the album was created by Alex Pardee for ZeroFriends. Alex also created the artwork for the first single, "The Mirror's Truth".

"Adding a band at the level of In Flames to the Koch roster shows our commitment to the metal genre," said the label's VP of Metal Scott Givens. "They are poised to be one of the biggest metal bands in the world and we are thrilled to be chosen to help them make it happen."

A Sense of Purpose track listing:

"We are extremely happy with the end result and so proud of what we have achieved with the new album and can't wait for you all to hear it," the band said in a statement.

In Flames will release a the "The Mirror’s Truth" single on March 7 via Nuclear Blast Records. The European-only release will contain the following tracks:

* Exclusive non-album tracks

A new In Flames track, entitled "Abnegation", is featured on the Viva La Bands, Vol. 2 album, which was released on September 4, 2007 via Ferret Music and Filthy Note Records. The CD features exclusive tracks, written and recorded for the CD/DVD combo from some of Bam's favorite acts like Clutch, CKY, Children Of Bodom, Viking Skull and Vains Of Jenna. A U.S.-exclusive track from Shiny Toy Guns and music from other faves like GWAR, The Sounds, Dimmu Borgir and Kill Hannah also appears on the compilation.

In Flames, Children Of Bodom, Job For A Cowboy and High On Fire will play this year's Gigantour in North America beginning mid-April and running through the end of May. Headlining the trek will be Megadeth.

San Diego, California heavy metal band Cage and Minneapolis, Minnesota prog-power metallers Seventh Calling have been confirmed for the Sanctuary Stage at the 2008 Cornerstone Festival on Friday, July 4, 2008 in Bushnell, Illinois.

Cage's latest CD, Hell Destroyer, was released on May 18, 2007 in Western and Eastern Europe via MTM Music; May 22 in the USA and Canada via Destroy All Records Entertainment/BCD Music Group; May 18 in Mexico via Asenath Records/Iguana Records and May 21 in Central and South America via Dynamo Records.

Seventh Calling's debut album, "Monuments", was released on June 29, 2007 through Melissa Records.

Lance Lange of Seventh Calling says the band's new CD has all the staples of great metal, delivered with Seventh Calling unique personality. "Originality doesn't mean copying the current trends that are out there now because you think you need to fit in with everyone else," he declares, also adding that Seventh Calling will have a huge appeal for fans of melodic music.

Fresh off the December 4 release of the "Deluxe Producer Edition" of Sacrament, Grammy-nominated metal juggernaut Lamb Of God has teamed up with Sirius Satellite Radio and GarageBand to bring fans the "Producer Challenge" contest.

The contest winners will win a trip to New York to meet Lamb Of God at the premiere of their upcoming DVD, slated for a spring 2008 release.

Fans will be able to submit entries in the following categories:

The winning tracks will be featured on the official Lamb Of God web site. Five (5) finalists will win the new DVD (before it's available for purchase) and an autographed Lamb Of God photo.

The Grand Prize Winner plus a guest will win a trip to NYC to attend the DVD Premiere and meet the band!

With the "Deluxe Producer Edition" of Sacrament, the Lamb Of God are breaking down the smoke and mirrors and allowing — for the first time in music history — fans and professionals alike the revolutionary opportunity to produce and/or remix the entire "Sacrament" audio CD.

All of the studio audio tracks (guitar, vocals, drums and bass) from the entire Sacrament album have been isolated, separated and prepared for use by music fans everywhere in ANY Mac or PC.

The T.J. Martell Foundation in conjunction with 10th Street Entertainment, has announced it will auction off a "Day in the Studio" experience with Eleven Seven Music/Atlantic Records recording artists Buckcherry, with proceeds going to leukemia, cancer and AIDS research. In an eBay auction, which will begin on Sunday, December 16, 2007, at 12:00 p.m. PST / 3:00 p.m. EST, and running for one week only, Buckcherry fans can bid on a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spend a day in a Los Angeles, California recording studio with the band while they record tracks for their fourth full-length CD release.

The winning bidder and a guest will receive round-trip coach airfare courtesy of Continental Airlines from any major U.S. city, two nights’ accommodations from a leading four-star Hollywood or Beverly Hills hotel, and two days use of a Mercedes Benz C300 courtesy of Midway car rental. As a memento to remember this experience, the band will also present the winning bidder with a brand-new autographed Schecter guitar.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit the life-saving research conducted at eight leading research facilities, including Children's Hospital L.A., The Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt-Ingram, Columbia Presbyterian Cancer Center, and others.

The T. J. Martell Foundation has auctioned off many celebrity experiences for charity on eBay such as a "Day in the Studio" with Metallica, front-row Bon Jovi concert tickets, tickets and stage access for the 2004 through 2007 Vans Warped Tour, autographed instruments, as well as other experiences with top bands and recording artists.

The Associated Press reports that the death last month of Kevin Dubrow, lead singer for the 1980s heavy metal band Quiet Riot, has been ruled an accidental cocaine overdose.

Clark County coroner spokeswoman Samantha Charles confirmed the cause Monday (December 10) after toxicology results were received.

Dubrow was found dead Nov. 25 at his Las Vegas home. He was 52.

Quiet Riot was perhaps best known for its 1983 cover of "Cum on Feel the Noize". The song, featuring Dubrow's powerful, gravelly voice, appeared on the band's album Metal Health — which was the first by a metal band to reach No. 1 on the Billboard chart.

DuBrow recorded a solo album in 2004, In for the Kill, and the band's last studio CD, Rehab, came out in October 2006.

"It will be a very heavy progressive record," Dokken told Deb Rao of KNAC.COM earlier in the year. "Just some cool songs, some dark songs, and some medium tempo. Some of the best work that I have done in years. I am not looking for any kind of sound. I am just writing whatever spiritual inspiration comes to me. You could say the sound is very heavy, like 'Kiss of Death'."

Rhino Records in March revisited Dokken's early days with a pair of releases packed with previously unreleased material. The first release, a CD entitled From Conception: Live 1981, captures Dokken in an early, previously unseen concert recorded before the band signed with Elektra. The second release is the DVD debut of the band's first home video, the platinum-certified Unchain the Night, which is expanded with unreleased videos and new extended interviews with the band.

Founded in Donzdorf, Germany in 1987, ranked #11 in the "Top 20 Rock/Metal Labels" and #41 in the "Top 50 Labels" charts by Hit Quarters in 2007, Nuclear Blast Records has extended its production and distribution deal with The Century Family, Inc. for the United States.

From his office in Germany, Nuclear Blast label owner and President Markus Staiger had this to say about the continued two-year contract renewal: "We are very thrilled to continue our work with The Century Family. It is great that two metal companies can work together so close without any problems and fun to have such professional and nice people in the U.S. working for us! Be sure to expect a great year in 2008 for Nuclear Blast and Century Media. Nuclear Blast will release new titles from Meshuggah, Dimmu Borgir, Kataklysm, Korpiklaani, Threat Signal, All Shall Perish, Death Angel, Hypocrisy, Immortal, and Exodus, as well as a stunning new album from Testament and Avantasia's third album The Scarecrow (featuring members of KISS, Scorpions, Magnum, Jorn Lande, and more), along with some In Flames re-releases, too. Also, keep an eye out for our new U.S. signings — they are all young, fresh and brutal new acts with tremendous new albums. Among these is Success Will Write Apocalypse Across The Sky who play brutal Florida grind-death metal! Big thanks goes to the NB U.S.A. Team, Century Media, and our distributor Caroline/EMI. Special thanks to our great metal fans!"

Since 2000, Nuclear Blast has maintained U.S. staff and operations in Los Angeles via a successful and long-running production and distribution deal with The Century Family, Inc., parent of Century Media Records. Century Media currently maintains a distribution deal with Caroline/EMI which it manages for Nuclear Blast under the arrangement.

States Century Media CEO Oliver Withoeft: "Nuclear Blast and Century Media are looking forward to an even closer cooperation in 2008. The New Year will prove to be a decisive year for the music industry, and we will continue to be at the forefront of setting trends in metal. Our customers will be pleased to learn that we will expand our offers beyond the traditional ways of selling music."

2007 has been a year of distinction for Nuclear Blast in both Europe and North America. In addition to hosting a celebratory 20-year anniversary festival in Stuttgart this past October in the presence of over 6,000 metal fans, various 2007 releases made extremely noteworthy entries onto the Billboard charts.

Roadrunner Records has set a February 5, 2008 release date for the MVI (Music Video Interactive) version of Cradle Of Filth's Thornography Deluxe – Harder, Darker, Faste". This special edition will include the following:

Plus new, exclusive updates featuring new unreleased music, videos and unparalleled access into the world of Cradle Of Filth.

Thornography Deluxe – Harder, Darker, Faster track listing:

Most of the new songs featured on Thornography Deluxe – Harder, Darker, Faster were written during the Thornography sessions but were completed at a later date.

North Carolina's Daylight Dies has issued the following update:

"We began recording our third full-length album on Saturday at Volume 11 studio in Raleigh, North Carolina. The title of the third album will be 'Lost to the Living' with some song titles being 'The Morning Light', 'Cathedral' and 'Last Alone'. Thankfully we've escaped any major technical dilemmas and Jesse has already completed tracking drums to five songs. We anticipate the drums to be finished on Tuesday and then moving the operation to TMC Laboratories to begin recording the massive layers of guitars sometime next week. We've posted a few photos from the past two days, as well as a short video which includes Jesse tracking drums to scratch guitars. We will be announcing more song titles, a release date for the album and address the tour talk shortly."

Watch video footage from the recording sessions below.

Daylight Dies’ latest album, Dismantling Devotion, is out on Candlelight Records. The CD was mixed by Jens Bogren and mastered by Thomas Eberger at The Cutting Room (Opeth, The Hives).

Roadrunner Records has set a January 29, 2008 North American release date for a "best-of" collection from California's Spineshank, appropriately titled The Best of Spineshank. The track listing for the effort is as follows:

Spineshank’s third and last album, Self-Destructive Pattern, was released on September 9, 2003. The album's lead single, "Smothered", was nominated for a Grammy in the category of "Best Metal Performance".

Former Spineshank, frontman Jonny Santos is a member of Silent Civilian, which released its debut album, Rebirth of the Temple, in May 2006.

Swedish metaler’s Amon Amarth have issued the following update:

"There will be a series of meet-and-greets on our North American tour. The meet-and-greet will be half an hour long beginning from when doors open. We are looking forward to meeting our fans in person and we'll try to make them happen at every show. Unfortunately, due to time restraints, we will be unable to have a meet-and-greet on the dates where there will be in-store signing sessions.

"Because of the recent tragic events, Decapitated will not be able to be part of the North American tour. We are deeply sadden by the events and are disappointed that our metal brethren will not be able to share the stage with us.

"We've tried to find a replacement for Decapitated but it has been impossible. We've decided to play a longer set and throw in some songs that we either never played live before or haven't played live in a very long time. And we think we have a set list that will please both old and new fans!

"We are really looking forward to hitting the roads in North America and finally do a full 90-minute set. We hope that as many of you as possible will be able to catch the show!"

Dimmu Borgir's latest album, In Sorte Diaboli, has been certified gold in the band's home country of Norway for sales in excess of 15,000 copes. Dimmu Borgir is said to be the first metal band in Norway to shift than 15,000 units of a single release.

Dimmu Borgir was honored in the "Metal" category at Alarmprisen 2007 (Alarm Awards) on Saturday, October 27 at Sentrum Scene in Oslo, Norway. The group had finished performing at Nuclear Blast's 25 anniversary festival in Stuttgart, Germany and was backstage when it found out it had won the award for In Sorte Diaboli. Also nominated in the "Metal" category were the latest releases from Satyricon (Now, Diabolical), Audrey Horne (Le Fol), Mayhem (Ordo Ad Chao) and Keep Of Kalessin (Armada).

In Sorte Diaboli has sold more than 50,000 copies in the United States since its April 2007 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Forget whatever rumors you've been hearing about Tommy Lee not being in Motley Crue or turmoil within the band. While at the recent Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, frontman Vince Neil gave MTV News the lowdown on what's happening. "Well, see what happens is, there's a press release saying that Tommy was out of the band and everybody jumped on that. But when Tommy issued his own press release saying that 'no', nobody paid attention to him. So, he was never out of the band and actually I just talked to him yesterday and I talked to Nikki a couple of days ago and we're going to go into the studio in January and hopefully have a single out by March and a tour in June." As for what the band will be working on, Vince says the album will be called The Dirt, just like the collaborative autobiography on the Crue. And also like that tell-all, Neil hopes each song on the disc will tell a story from their lives. However, the group could just as easily scrap those ideas since, in Vince's own words, "Who knows, in two weeks we'll change the title."

Sevendust will return to Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta, Georgia at the end of November to complete its seventh studio full-length record. Tentatively titled The 7th Chapter, the CD will be released on March 4, 2008 on Sevendust's own 7 Bros. Records in conjunction with Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. More information will be made available soon.

Sevendust's sixth studio album, Alpha, will be released outside of the U.S. and Canada on Monday, November 12. The CD will contain the original 12 songs plus the bonus track "The Rim" along with a brand new studio cut entitled "Abuse Me".

December 11, 2007 will see Sevendust open the vault on a three-year ride beginning in early January 2005 with the making of the album Next, right up to the present with the release of Retrospective 2; a DualDisc CD/DVD pack. Retrospective 2 will feature six live cuts and three brand new studio tracks on the CD and almost two hours of video footage on the DVD. The DualDisc is the second release on Sevendust's own 7 Bros. Records in conjunction with Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The collection includes videos from the hits "Ugly" and "Driven", the fury of one of rocks premier live performers captured on the tracks "Hero", "Silence", "Clueless" and "Alpha". But that's not all, embodied here are rare clips forever on display such as the unique Orlando question-and-answer event on the eve of the release of the record "Alpha", the New Year's Eve video of "The Rim", and as a special bonus, a comical episode of "Pete the A&R Guy" and what he has to say about the state of the Dust. This DVD and companion CD pack includes new audio tracks "Losing You" and "Sleeper", making this keepsake packaging a must for every Sevendust fan.

Sevendust drummer Morgan Rose and his wife Teri Harrison (former "The Price is Right" model) are expecting their first child on January 8. This will be Morgan's second kid. His first is Kayla, 7, from his previous marriage to ex-Coal Chamber bassist Rayna Foss.

Sevendust's sixth studio album, Alpha, came out in March and debuted at No. 14 on the Billboard album chart.

The Scorpions concert at Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany on August 3, 2006 will be released on DVD in Europe on December 7 via Sony BMG Music Entertainment GmbH. A North American release date has not yet been announced. Entitled Live At Wacken Open Air 2006: A Night To Remember - A Journey Through Time, the disc will include the German hard rock band's historic performance at the festival during which they were joined by former bandmates Uli Jon Roth, Michael Schenker and Herman Rarebell.

King Diamond's North American headlining tour — which is scheduled to launch March 23 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and run through May 8 in Houston — has been cancelled due to a herniated disc.

"I can't sit down, even on my couch, for more than a few minutes," King recently told MTV.com. "About [two months ago] I tried, and after 15 minutes, it started feeling like my left leg was getting set on fire."

"It can take up to a year and a half for a severe herniated disc to heal properly, but it varies from person to person," he added. "Right now there's not much more we can do."

Diamond got a taste of what might happen if he hits the road too soon in September when director Bill Schacht from video company Aestheticom — which has also worked with Amon Amarth — shot a video for "Give Me Your Soul", the first King Diamond clip in 17 years. "They limited what I had to do, of course, so I only did one day of shooting for 90 minutes, but just standing there moving a little bit in the full outfit was very difficult," he said. "And afterwards, I got one of those sharp attacks of pain that I hadn't had in a month and a half. The only thing I can compare it to is a really super-bad toothache or earache. And afterwards, I was like, 'OK, I'm not ready [to tour] yet.' "

Regarding how he injured his back, the 51-year-old singer said, "I think the real damage happened mixing the record, because I did that three weeks straight for a minimum of 12 hours a day. One of the last nights, when I was going to bed, I felt these pains in the sciatic nerves on each side, and I thought, 'Oh what is this?' The next morning I woke up and I couldn't walk or stand. It was like being paralyzed. I can't begin to say how painful it was. They say that's the worst pain you can experience as a human being. Had I not lived on the ground floor in a house, I would have jumped out the window."

Swedish metaler’s Scar Symmetry have issued the following update:

"We're back home from the Live Consternation North American tour, together with Katatonia, Insomnium and Swallow The Sun. It's been an amazing month and we've had nothing but the best of times. We would like to sincerely thank everyone for coming out each night, checking us out, buying our merch, hanging out, sharing their beer with us and so on. Thank you all for being the coolest ever and for your kind support!

"As goes for what the future holds, we will begin recording our third album, starting December 1st. So far we have 13 songs written, but we're aiming to have another three or four done, before we start sifting through the material, deciding which songs to include on the album. The new disc will go under the name of Holographic Universe and it will most likely see its release in the late spring of 2008, through Nuclear Blast Records.

"Also, out now is the Nuclear Blast All-Stars album Part II, Out Of The Dark, written by Peter Wichers (ex-Soilwork) and featuring Christian Älvestam, among other singers. It's the second and last one of two albums to be released in support of Nuclear Blast 20th anniversary. Check it out!"

In This Moment's tour bus trailer was broken into and some gear was stolen following the band's November 14, 2007 concert in Portland, Oregon with Rob Zombie and Ozzy Osbourne.

In This Moment's debut album, Beautiful Tragedy (Century Media Records) has sold over 30,000 copies in the United States since its March 20, 2007 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Veteran California rockers Tesla have scheduled the following 2008 dates:

Tesla has just released a new seven-track iTunes digital-download exclusive EP called A Peace of Time. According to the group, the EP is a "seven-song taste of music that was recorded live in the studio and features recordings of Tesla's own songs in a different fashion as well as a few covers that we love. Set to be released for the holiday season, there is a recording of the Christmas classic 'Silent Night' and alternate recordings of Tesla classics."

Leaves' Eyes — the German/Norwegian band formed by ex-Theater Of Tragedy singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull and members of Atrocity (who are fronted by Liv's husband Alexander Krull) — has issued the following update:

Leaves' Eyes filmed its October 20, 2007 concert at the Metal Female Voices Fest in Wieze, Belgium for an upcoming DVD. The stage set featured a Viking ship designed by Leaves' Eyes tech Leebee. A tentative March 2008 release is expected.

Swiss hard rockers Krokus are the first confirmed band for next year's Rocklahoma festival, which will be held July 11-13, 2008 at the Catch The Fever Festival Grounds, four miles north of Pryor, Oklahoma. Krokus' participation in the event was announced on Monday (November 19) by the festival's organizers, Catch the Fever Music Festival, via KMOD radio in Tulsa.

Tickets for Rocklahoma 2008 went on sale to the general public on October 1. Over fifty percent of the VIP seats have been renewed making the remaining seats in great demand. The public is encouraged to get their VIP seats early as they are becoming more limited.

Rocklahoma will re-create the Hollywood scene of the Eighties with help from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Whisky A Go Go and the famed Rainbow Bar and Grill, both on West Hollywood's Sunset Blvd.

"The Eighties was a magical moment in regards to the history of rock and roll as many of the hottest bands at that time got their start right there on Sunset Blvd.," said Mark Nuessle, general manager of the Catch the Fever Music Festival.

Sweden's Tiamat will release its new album Amanethes, on April 18, 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD will be mixed at Studio Woodhouse in Hagen, Germany in January.

Tiamat's last studio album, Prey, was released in 2003 through Century Media.

Grammy-nominated metal band Lamb Of God will release the "deluxe producer edition" of its latest album, Sacrament (with bonus CD) on December 4, 2007.

Lamb Of God is breaking down the smoke and mirrors and allowing fans and professionals alike the revolutionary opportunity to produce and/or remix the entire Sacrament audio CD. All of the studio audio tracks (guitar, vocals, drums and bass) from the entire "Sacrament" album have been isolated, separated and prepared for use by music fans everywhere in ANY Mac or PC, so it is very user-friendly.

Remix the album any way you want to hear it. More bass? Your call. Less drums? Your call. Dub remix? Your call. New vocals? Good luck!

Track and add your own effects, vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and anything else you can imagine! Isolate tracks to help learn or to play/sing along. Create your own new unique songs or loops by cutting apart, rearranging or mixing up tracks or even entire songs. The possibilities are endless and the tools are now in your hands.

Let your inner-producer shine! Share your Lamb Of God creations online and check out the creative adventures of other new producers. You are the beginning of a revolution in music as we know it.

Norwegian gothic metal band Sirenia has parted ways with Danish singer Monika Pedersen due to "musical differences."

Commented Monika: "After much consideration I have chosen to leave Sirenia, but I will continue with music. The reason is that we have too many musical differences, and I don't feel like it's the right band for me. I have had a great time in the band, lots of good experiences and only wish the best for the band in the future.

"I want to send a big 'thank you' to all the fans for your support — you haven't heard the last of me!"

The band added: "As a result of these circumstances Sirenia will have to pull out of the planned European tour with Therion. The show in Athens will be postponed until May 2008. You have our apologies for this, Sirenia will be back on the road next year. We will use the coming months to find a new singer, as well as composing music for our next album."

Sirenia's new album, Nine Destinies and a Downfall, entered the German Media Control chart in March at position No. 54. The album was recorded at Jailhouse studios in Norway with engineer Hans Eidsgard and Soundsuite studios in France with Terje Refsnes and was mixed and mastered at Antfarm studios in Aarhus, Denmark with Tue Madsen.

Progressive metaler’s Symphony X will embark on a North American headlining tour in April 2008. Support on the shows will come from Epica and Into Eternity. The dates are as follows:

Tickets are available exclusively through EnterTheVault.com until November 24 at which point tickets will go on sale through all normal ticketing outlets.

A 10-minute audio interview with Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo conducted by Norway's Metal Express Radio (web site) has been posted online at this location.

Symphony X's video for the song "Serpent's Kiss" has been posted on MySpace. The track comes off the New Jersey progressive metaler’s' new CD, which sold around 6,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"Paradise Lost" was released on June 26 via Inside Out Music. The CD was mixed by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Soilwork, Amon Amarth) at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden.

Rocklahoma, which purports to be the largest '80s rock festival of its kind ever to be organized, has announced more details about next year's event, which will be held July 11-13, 2008 at the Catch The Fever Festival Grounds, four miles north of Pryor, Oklahoma.

"With tickets having been sold in all fifty states, every province in Canada, every country in Europe and six out of the seven continents, Rocklahoma was indeed a global event!" said Mark Nuessle, general manager of the Catch the Fever Music Festival. "Our goal is to make 2008 even bigger for the fans!"

Tickets went on sale to the general public Monday, October 1. Over fifty percent of the VIP seats have been renewed making the remaining seats in great demand. The public is encouraged to get their VIP seats early as they are becoming more limited.

Through November 5, VIP seating is $325.00 plus tax and handling and can be purchased at www.rockfeverfest.com or by calling toll-free at 1-866-310-2288. The remaining seats, if any will increase in price on Tuesday, November 6.

Rocklahoma will re-create the Hollywood scene of the Eighties with help from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Whisky A Go Go and the famed Rainbow Bar and Grill, both on West Hollywood's Sunset Blvd.

"The Eighties was a magical moment in regards to the history of Rock and Roll as many of the hottest bands at that time got their start right there on Sunset Blvd.," said Nuessle.

Nightwish is expected to perform at the Helsinki (Finland) and Hamburg (Germany) release parties for the group's new album, Dark Passion Play. The Hamburg party will take place on the album's German release date, September 28, at a club called Delphi Showpalast. It has been announced that the entire group will attend the event, which will feature a performance by "a famous and glorious Nightwish cover band called Sushi Patrol from Japan" (believed to be the members of Nightwish themselves). The Helsinki party will take place on September 26 at Tavastia in Helsinki, Finland. A "Nightwish cover band from Estonia called Natuvissyset" is scheduled to appear at the Helsinki event, which will coincide with the Finnish release date of the group's new CD (via Spinefarm Records/Universal).

Nightwish will make its "official" live debut with new singer Anette Olzon on October 6 in Tel Aviv, Israel. The group's U.S. tour kicks off on October 15 in West Springfield, Virginia.

Nightwish shot two videos in Los Angeles with Antti Jokinen, reportedly at a cost of 270,000 euros (approximately $362,000). "We saved time and money by doing two videos in one session," Nightwish leader Tuomas Holopainen told the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat.

Dark Passion Play is scheduled for release in the U.S. on October 2 via Roadrunner Records.

According to HMV Japan, Dokken will release its new album, entitled Lightining Strikes, in Japan on October 24. The CD will be issued via Rhino Records in the U.S. and Frontiers Records in Europe. The follow-up to 2004's Hell to Pay will feature the lineup of Don Dokken (vocals), Jon Levin (guitar, ex-Warlock), Barry Sparks (bass, Ted Nugent, Yngwie Malmsteen, MSG) and Mick Brown (drums). Backing vocals on six songs were laid down by legendary hard rock singer Jeff Scott Soto (Journey, Yngwie Malmsteen, Talisman).

Soto previously stated about the CD: "The album really hits back home with the classic Dokken sound, if you've been waiting for them to return to 'Tooth And Nail' or 'Under Lock And Key', you're really gonna be pleased with this one!!"

Rhino Records in March revisited Dokken's early days with a pair of releases packed with previously un-issued material. The first release, a CD entitled From Conception: Live 1981, captures Dokken in an early, previously unseen concert recorded before the band signed with Elektra. The second release is the DVD debut of the band's first home video, the platinum-certified Unchain the Night, which is expanded with unreleased videos and new extended interviews with the band.

Savage Circus members Jens Karlsson (vocals), Emil Norberg (lead guitar) and Piet Sielck (guitar, bass, backing vocals) has issued the following statement:

"After all it's time for some good news again. Savage Circus is happy to present our new official drummer, Mr. Mike Terrana. Known from great bands like Axel Rudi Pell, Rage, Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Masterplan not only to the metal community, Mike is a versatile artist with a very unique style of his own. Exactly this style along with his great character makes the Mighty Troll a perfect match. Mike, welcome aboard!

"But that's not all! After being our unofficial bass guitarist for over a year it is more than due to make Yenz Leaonhardt an official member, too. This has been in our heads for a long time, but being lazy bastards we never came up with an announcement. Yenz is known from playing with or in bands like Lacrimosa, Kingdome Come, Stormwarrior and Iron Savior. Needless to say that Yenz is a great person. Yenz, welcome aboard officially!

"Now with the completion of the Circus we are ready for action again. Work on the new record runs at full throttle and release is scheduled for early 2008 followed by various live performances.

"All of us are totally happy about this great lineup, which already brings so much energy to the band."

Savage Circus’ current lineup:

Savage Circus last month announced the departure of drummer Thomen Stauch (ex-Blind Guardian) due to personal differences.

The band recently released a DVD, entitled "Live in Atlanta", through Dockyard 1. The live footage was filmed last year at the ProgPower USA VII festival in Atlanta, GA.

Ride The Sky, the new band featuring ex-Helloween drummer and Masterplan founder Uli Kusch alongside ex-Tears Of Anger/Beyond Twilight singer Bjørn Jansson, guitarist Benny Jansson, and bassist Mathias Granås (Xsavior), has parted ways with keyboardist Kaspar Dahlqvist (Dionysus, Stormwind) due to "personal reasons." Norwegian musician Henning Ranseth (Return, Ram-Zet) will handle the keyboard and second guitar duties for the band's upcoming European tour with Sonata Arctica and Epica beginning late October.

Ride The Sky's video for the song "New Protection", which was shot in Umeå, Sweden with director Owe Lingvall of Village Road Film, can be viewed below. The track is the title cut of the group's debut album, which was released in Germany on August 24 via Nuclear Blast. An e-card for the effort can be found at this location.

"New Protection" (artwork) was recorded and mixed by Benny Jansson at Zinkens Studio in Stockholm, Sweden and was mastered by Christofer Stannow at Cosmos Mastering.

A rough-mix version of the song "New Protection" is featured on the Nuclear Blast compilation "Into the Light", which was released on June 1. The track "A Smile from Heaven's Eye" will appear on the 20 Nuclear Years four-CD box, due in August.

Sweden's Dream Evil has announced plans to release a CD containing several new cuts and songs that were previously only available in Japan as bonus tracks, combined with a live DVD recorded on November 25, 2006 at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg. Entitled Gold Medal in Metal, the set will tentatively be issued in November/December.

Dream Evil's latest CD, United, hit the Swedish official album chart at position #24, the Swedish metal chart at #3 as well as the Greek album chart at position #41.

On December 13, 2006 Dream Evil made its U.S. live debut when it headlined the Century Family's third annual Christmas Balls show at The Key Club in Hollywood.

United was recorded at Sweden's famed Studio Fredman with Dream Evil guitarist and legendary producer Fredrik Nordström (Arch Enemy, Opeth, At The Gates). The limited-edition first pressing of United includes a bonus second CD containing five exclusive, brand new songs.

Commented Åkerfeldt: "The Roundhouse concert will always be a very memorable gig for us for many reasons, but most importantly it caught the band at the peak of the Ghost Reveries tour. I must say we're quite tight after 18 odd months on the road supporting the record. I'm extremely pleased we got it documented and I hope it will please our beloved fans as well. As an extra bonus we've decided to collaborate with one of our past labels for this release, the legendary Peaceville Records. Here's a toast to Hammy and Lisa for helping us back in the day as well as to the new team for preserving this pleasurable memory for today's music lovers as well as for generations to come."

"The Roundhouse Tapes" tracklisting:

CD1:

Opeth's The Roundhouse Tapes will be released as a high-definition-filmed DVD in early 2008. This will also feature lots of fan interviews, band interviews, soundcheck footage and live photos, along with exclusive menu music written by mainman Mikael Åkerfeldt and keyboardist Per Wiberg.

Helloween will team up with Gamma Ray for the "Hellish Rock" tour beginning November 16 in Budapest, Hungary. Support on select dates will come from AXXIS.

Apart from very few festival appearances, this will be the first time ever Helloween and Gamma Ray have toured together. In addition, it is extremely likely that Kai Hansen — Gamma Ray leader and ex- Helloween member — will join his former bandmates for a jam on classic Helloween numbers.

Commented Helloween guitarist Michael Weikath: "This is going to be a historical event for all Helloween fans. We are looking forward to have Kai and his band on our tour with us."

Plans also exist to take this powerful package to the territories of Southeast Asia, as well as North and South America.

According to a posting on guitarist Chris Caffery's (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Doro) web site, he has just completed his first official songwriting session with German metal singer Doro Pesch. "[We're] working on stuff for her next CD...the 25th anniversary one," says Caffery. "There are a couple of things she really likes so far. I am excited, it went well! She is planning on releasing it next summer."

Doro is planning a new U.S. tour that will take place in the spring of 2008. More information will be made available soon.

Pesch's new version of the Warlock classic "All We Are" — featuring a backing band consisting of Destruction frontman Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer, After Forever guitarist Bas Maas and well-known session drummer Tim Husung — was released on June 8. The 45-minute CD includes other rare material and bonus video footage and was issued on the AFM Records label.

Swedish metaler’s Amon Amarth have issued the following update:

"We are happy to announce that our DVD, Wrath of the Norsemen, has officially sold gold in the USA. [This comes out to around 16,000 copies sold due to the fact that the set consists of three discs; gold certification for a single-disc release is 50,000 copies.]

"We want to thank Metal Blade Records, and especially Michael Trengert, for making this DVD happen. We also want to thank our friends 'Die Jomswikinger', our crew, and the Roax film team for an excellent job. Last but not least we want to thank all our American fans who have supported us and bought the DVD. You kick ass, America!"

Released in June 2006, Wrath of the Norsemen DVD entered the Swedish Music DVD chart at position No. 2. A three-disc set, it was released in a deluxe 10-page digipack with special gold-laminated slipcase. The main body of the DVD is the Cologne show from 2005 — filmed with 11 cameras, this was the longest show Amon Amarth have ever played (23 songs!). Bonus footage includes interviews, behind-the-scenes of the DVD recording and other stuff filmed around the Cologne show. Discs 2 and 3 feature professionally filmed shows from Summer Breeze 2005, the Metal Blade Rrroooaaarrr 2005 (a show with a really unusual setlist!), Wacken Open Air 2004 and the release show for "Fate of Norns" in Ludwigsburg (Germany) in 2004.

My Ruin is set to film a video for album opener "Ready for Blood" with director Ben Levine who previously directed their video for "Made to Measure" from My Ruin's 2003 release The Horror of Beauty on Century Media Records. "We came up with a kind of true to life concept for the video that documents what we've been through as a band over the past year without going into graphic detail," says Tairrie.

Leaves' Eyes vocalist Liv Kristine has issued the following update:

"After a busy spring and summer, touring Europe with KAMELOT, playing festival shows, working on our DVD production, moreover on our next album, we are now getting ready for our third North American tour. We will leave Germany on Friday, heading for Springfield at our first show. It will be fantastic! Jaxx in Springfield is already sold out. Our live show will consist of both well-known tracks as well as material we have never presented to an audience before. After the tour we will continue the recordings of our next full-length album. I had a brilliant idea a while ago and decided to find out more about it. We've opened up for new influences, however staying true and close to our roots."

Leaves' Eyes latest EP, Legend Land, entered the German chart at position No. 75.

Legend Land was released in North America on July 28, 2006 via Napalm Records.

Formed in the winter of 2006, Watch Me Bleed came together to fulfill the band's "vision of aggressive, modern metal," according to the group's official bio. In February 2007 they hit the stage for the first time... opening for Stone Sour in front of 750 screamin' metalheads.

Van Halen last toured in 2004 with vocalist Sammy Hagar, grossing nearly $40 million, according to Billboard Boxscore.

Wolfgang Van Halen, the projected replacement for VH bassist Michael Anthony, told People magazine in April 2007 that he wasn't disappointed there wasn’t' going to be a Van Halen tour this summer following his father's decision to check himself into rehab. "My dad's taking care of himself," he said. "I also think I'm too young for the experience, because I know there are a lot of bad things out there."

Eddie Van Halen issued a statement addressed to fans in early March announcing that he was seeking treatment because "at the moment I do not feel that I can give you my best.

"That's why I have decided to enter a rehabilitation facility to work on myself, so that in the future I can deliver the 110 percent that I feel I owe you and want to give you," the statement said.

Back in January, Eddie Van Halen told Rolling Stone magazine about Wolfgang, "Wait until you hear this kid play. I pick him up from school every day and we jam. We've got a shredding bass player now that's laying down the law for Alex [Van Halen, drums], so I get to weave in and out."

Van Halen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March.

The Black Crowes have completed the recording of their new album and will start mixing in September for a spring 2008 release. Sixteen new tracks were recorded, all of which have not yet been played to a live audience.

The album was recorded at Allaire Studios in Shokan, New York and was produced by Paul Stacey and The Black Crowes.

Prior to the start of recording, The Black Crowes brought in Adam MacDougall to perform on keyboards and are proud to announce that Adam will be joining The Black Crowes for future touring. In addition, The Black Crowes invited Luther Dickinson from North Mississippi Allstars to perform on the record.

King Diamond with Kreator, Leaves' Eyes and Cellador:

King Diamond's latest album, "Give Me Your Soul ... Please" recently entered the Swedish national chart at position No. 28. As previously reported, the CD also landed at No. 58 on the Danish chart (the second highest new entry on the chart behind Velvet Revolver).

Give Me Your Soul ... Please sold 4,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 174 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Give Me Your Soul ... Please draws from themes from the occult and both King Diamond's personal life, after-life experiences, as well as King Diamond's signature dark imagination. The result is a montage of murder-mysteries-meets-nightmare-dream-sequences wrapped in a proto-power-metal soundtrack. King says, "It's a horror murder mystery story mixed with reality from beginning to end."

Anthrax has abandoned plans to utilize the services of Slipknot/Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor on its next album due to scheduling conflicts with Taylor's other projects. Anthrax is said to be currently looking for a new singer to join the fold, although this has not yet been officially confirmed by the band or its management.

Anthrax split with singer Joey Belladonna in January, less than two years after reuniting with him and other members of the band's "classic" lineup of the '80s and early '90s. Vocalist John Bush had been a member of the band before that, from 1992 to 2005.

Taylor confirmed that he was working with Anthrax on material for their next studio album in a June 2007 interview with Germany's Rock Hard magazine. Asked if he would become the group's vocalist, Taylor said, "It's been bandied about. I'm not saying anything right now because all it's been is just talked about...It kind of started as a joke. And then the more we talked about it, the more serious it got. I'm gonna at least help them out. It's kind of a dream come true — Anthrax is one of my favorite bands."

Taylor said in June that he and Anthrax were "taking baby steps," but that he had written lyrics for eight or nine songs. He also admitted that while he was interested in singing for Anthrax, "I'm in two huge bands right now. So it's like I barely get enough time to sleep, let alone do another band."

Taylor is currently on the road with Stone Sour and is scheduled to regroup with Slipknot later in the year. It is also unlikely that Taylor would be able to record with Anthrax since he is signed to Roadrunner Records (Anthrax is believed to still have a European record deal with Nuclear Blast).

Bieler Bros. Records and Skindred, in association with Reverbnation, have unveiled the exclusive global premiere of Skindred's new single, "Ratrace".

"Ratrace" is taken from Skindred's highly anticipated new record, Roots Rock Riot, which will hit stores on October 23 in the United States, with an international release date to be announced soon. Roots Rock Riot will be the follow-up to the band's breakthrough debut, Babylon, which sold over 250,000 albums and featured the top-ten, hit single, "Nobody", and its successful follow up "Pressure". Skindred has toured the world exhaustively with the likes of Korn, Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin, HIM, Sevendust, Papa Roach, Soulfly and also appeared on the mega Download festival; where frontman Benji Webbe took over vocals for Korn to perform their legendary song, "A.D.I.D.A.S."

The recording of Roots Rock Riot was completed at Bieler Bros. Studios in Pompano Beach, FL with producer Matt Squire (Panic At The Disco) and was mixed by Rick Will (Babylon). The album will feature twelve tracks sure to take hardcore Skindred fans to a whole new level.

Threshold’s original vocalist Damian Wilson has confirmed that he will perform with the U.K. progressive metal band for all their tour dates this year following the departure of previous singer Andrew "Mac" McDermott. Damian already stood in earlier this month for the band's performances at Slovenia's Metalcamp and Germany's Earthshaker Fest.

Wilson sang on Threshold’s early albums "Wounded Land" and "Extinct Instinct". He is currently lead singer for the band Headspace who recently supported Ozzy Osbourne for U.K. shows, including Wembley Arena.

McDermott confirmed his departure from Threshold earlier this week. In a statement he told fans that he knew the timing was bad but thanked them for all their support. He also wished the band all the best and expressed his gratitude to Wilson for standing in for him.

Threshold’s new album Dead Reckoning has received eight "Album of the Month" awards across Europe, Canada and South America. The band will tour Europe in September with a three band support featuring Communic, Machine Men and Serenity, followed by further shows and festivals including October's sold-out ProgPower USA festival.

Due to a recently diagnosed injury, Dimmu Borgir drummer Hellhammer will be unable to play drums for the band on the remaining festival dates this summer and the upcoming European tour with Amon Amah and Hatesphere.

Hellhammer's x-ray confirmed a severe neck prolapse causing numbness in his right arm. He will be going into treatment for soon and could — quite possibly — undergo corrective surgery.

Taking over drum duties for the upcoming dates will be Tony Laureano (Nile, Angelcorpse, Aurora Borealis), who played for Dimmu Borgir during the band's North American stint on Ozzfest in 2004 and during festival performances throughout 2005.

Dimmu's record label said in a statement, "We wish Hellhammer a swift and successful recovery!"

A new Children Of Bodom track, entitled "Tie My Rope", has been posted on the group's MySpace page. The song comes off the forthcoming Viva La Bands, Vol. 2 album, which is scheduled for release on September 4 via Ferret Music/Filthy Note Records/

In his position as one of the world's leading pop culture icons and most acclaimed action sports athletes, Bam Margera has made it his mission to expose an entire generation of his peers to some original high-energy music through his Viva La Bands album and tour series.

The CD features exclusive tracks, written and recorded for the CD/DVD combo from some of Bam's favorite acts like Clutch, In Flames, CKY, Children Of Bodom, Viking Skull and Vains Of Jenna. A U.S.-exclusive track from Shiny Toy Guns and music from other faves like GWAR, The Sounds, Dimmu Borgir and Kill Hannah also appears on the killer compilation.

The DVD component to this rocking release contains almost an hour of never-before-seen Bam footage — a must-have for the 'Jackass generation!' Revealing what makes the DVD special, Bam adds, "I'm finding some of my best, unused footage for the DVD. Everyone keeps asking me for a CKY5 but I think this DVD might be the closest thing to that!"

Viva La Bands, Volume 2 track listing:

* Exclusive tracks

Edguy frontman Tobias Sammet announced at a press conference at Wacken Open Air earlier today that his solo project Avantasia will perform at next year's installment of the festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany. Also scheduled to appear are Iron Maiden (headliners) and Children Of Bodom.

Drummer Eric Singer (KISS, Alice Cooper) revealed during a recent interview with rock and roll comic C.C. Banana at the 21st annual NY/NJ Kiss Expo that Alice Cooper has recorded a guest appearance on The Scarecrow, the third full-length release from Avantasia. According to Singer, Michael Schenker (ex-UFO, Scorpions) and Michael's brother Rudolf (Scorpions) will also appear on the album, which features Eric on drums, Tobias on bass, and former Masterplan/Ark frontman Jorn Lande and Amanda Somerville (the American singer-songwriter and vocal coach who is better known for her collaborations with various European metal bands, including Epica, After Forever and Edguy) on additional vocals. More guest appearances are expected to be announced soon.

In a recent interview, Sammet described the music on the new Avantasia CD as "diversified, pomp metal with some classic rock elements, Classic orchestrated moments and Celtic stuff, a big timeless production and so on and so forth. It's going to consist of many different elements. Bombastic kick-ass music with a lot of heart and depth."

The new Avantasia album will be a concept album featuring different singers singing different characters in a story. But the concept itself won't be a sequel to the first two Avantasia albums.

Avantasia's last release was the two-part epic called The Metal Opera (issued in 2001 and 2002), which featured an impressive array of guest vocalists playing the various characters of the opera, including Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween), David DeFeis (Virgin Steele), Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation), Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray), André Matos (Angra, Shaaman), Timo Tolkki (Stratovarius), Rob Rock (Impellitteri), and others.

Swedish Melodic Death experts Soilwork finished work for their new, yet untitled album which will get in stores in autumn this year. "All I can say, it sounds excellent... great sound, great playing and a good mix of songs," says guitarist Ola Frenning on the band's official website www.soilwork.org

The vocals of Björn "Speed" Strid were recorded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with the help of Strapping Young Lad mastermind Devin Townsend who already worked together with Soilwork on their 2002 effort Natural Born Chaos. Songtitles set to appear on the album include “Your Beloved Scapegoat”, “Light Discovering Darkness”, “The Snare Broken” and “The Pittsburgh Syndrome'”.

Waysted, the reunited semi-obscure mid-'80s British heavy metal outfit led by UFO bassist Pete Way (hence the spelling of the group's name), has issued the following update:

"Another year, another location, so time now methinks for another Waysted album. Don't you?” This time round the classic line-up are back together: Pete Way, Fin (vocals), Chris George (guitar) and Paul Haslin (drums).

"Yes, Chris George has returned, but terms and conditions do apply and Pete has been made fully aware of them. Currently they are holed up somewhere on the south coast (U.K.) putting the finishing touches to a set of brand new songs, before entering the studio in two weeks to record the harsh reality due for release on U.K.'s Livewire Records in early October. Beware! Live dates will be announced in the near future. So there. Keep it sweet."

Los Angeles-based band Onesidezero has announced a short headlining tour beginning on July 20 in Santa Barbara, CA and running through August 3 in Salt Lake City, UT.

Onesidezero is supporting its recently released Ulrich Wild-produced (Static-X, Stabbing Westward, Taproot) sophomore album, which was released through Corporate Punishment Records. The CD is the long awaited follow-up to the band's critically acclaimed 2001 debut "Is This Room Getting Smaller?", which saw the group tour with the likes of Incubus, 311, Static-X, and Soulfly.

The album's first single, "My Confession", has been picking up steam at radio with the track receiving steady rotation on XM Radio's Squizz channel and Los Angeles-based KROQ.

Onesidezero tour dates:

"This version of 'Black Serenade' is the version [guitarist] Jeff [Hanneman] originally wrote, and during the miscommunications of recording, it came out the way it did," guitarist Kerry King told MTV.com. "I like the original version better. And 'The Final Six' was a song that just wasn't finished in time for the record, because [frontman] Tom [Araya] had to head home for [gall-bladder] surgery."

"The Final Six", said King, "isn't going to sound out of place, because it was written for Christ Illusion. So, it's just another song off of that album, and it's not separate at all. The track was recorded by the time Christ Illusion came out — we just had to have Tom sing on it."

The reissue will also boast a bonus DVD called "Slayer on Tour '07", according to MTV.com. It will include the "Eyes of the Insane" video; a live rendition of the band's 1988 LP track "South of Heaven" that was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia, on last year's "Unholy Alliance" run; and a behind-the-scenes, five-minute documentary-style montage of footage shot earlier this year when the band performed in Florida and Australia.

Bleed The Sky from Orange County, California have set Murder The Dance as title of their new upcoming second album and have issued the following update: "We have been extremely busy and focused on the progress of the second Bleed The Sky album. We finished all the guitars, bass, and drums for the album last week. We are currently working on all the vocal tracks at Christian's (Olde Wolbers, producer and guitar player of Fear Factory) studio. Everything sounds fucking awesome, and we are stoked for everyone to hear the new material. The album title will be Murder The Dance, featuring 12 tracks, and is slated for a fall release. Also on this album we had a good and long time friend of the band, Jeremy Hall, come in for guest vocals for a track. He is the vocalist for the southern California metal band Audkik, who have played multiple shows and drank great amounts of alcohol with us for years, and we have always been fans of their sound. We saw fit to have him come in and he did a great fucking job." Bleed The Sky released their first album Paradigm In Entropy in 2005.

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metallers Within Temptation will embark on a North American headlining tour in September. The 13-stop tour will take the band from the Northeast to the Southwest in support of their July 24 Roadrunner release, The Heart of Everything. The dates are as follows:

According to a posting on the band's web site, The Divine Conspiracy "will be Epica‘s first full length concept album. This concept deals with the theory that, as a test, God created all kinds of different religions and released those upon humanity to see if they would be able to find the true nature of them, realizing that in all religions it is actually the same. But there's more to it; it also +concludes the 'Embrace That Smothers' concept that could already be found on The Phantom Agony."

The Divine Conspiracy was mixed by Sascha Paeth and features a session appearance by God Dethroned drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek. Epica has yet to name a full-time drummer following the departure of Jeroen Simons in 2006.

Epicas June 21, 2007 concert at The Underground in Cologne (Köln), Germany was filmed as part of the WDR TV network's Rockpalast series. The footage will air on August 6.

As previously reported, Epica has been confirmed as the support act for Sonata Arctica on their upcoming European tour in November.

dates have been released for Megadeth's upcoming U.S. headlining tour, with support from In This Moment and The Confession. The schedule is as follows:

Tickets go on sale to the public starting this Friday, July 13. Pre-sales go on sale exclusively to MegaFanClub members Wednesday morning (July 11) at 10:00 a.m. local.

Megadeth's latest CD, United Abominations, has sold 105,000 copies in the United States since its May 15 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

In This Moment's debut album, Beautiful Tragedy, was issued on March 20 via Century Media Records.

The Confession released its album Requiem, produced by Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows, in June 2007 through Science Records and spent the summer on the Warped Tour.

Ayreon, the brainchild of Dutch guitarist/composer Arjen Lucassen, has revealed the identity of the second singer who will guest on the band's upcoming album, tentatively due late 2007/early 2008: Simone Simons of Epica.

Ayreon previously announced that Magali Luyten (Virus IV, Beautiful Sin) would also appear on the new album.

Twelve vocalists have been confirmed so far, with a number of singers still to be added over the next few weeks.

Ayreon’s last CD, Ayreon: The Human Equation, was released in 2004. It contained guest appearances by a number of acclaimed vocalists, including James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Mike Baker (Shadow Gallery), Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth), Eric Clayton (Saviour Machine), Devon Graves (Deadsoul Tribe, ex-Psychotic Waltz) and Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad).

Launch Radio Networks reports: Die-hard "Van Hagar" fans can rejoice, as they're about to get a taste of both of their favorites: Sammy Hagar has just announced his U.S. tour dates, which will include opener — and ex-Van Halen bandmate — Michael Anthony's Mad Anthony Express.

Hagar's headlining show will consist of three hours of the Cabo Wabo Village vibe that was so successful on last summer's Livin'It Up! tour. Mad Anthony Express will perform both early Van Halen songs and various early rock classics; the support act, Los Tres Gusanos will play early Sammy Hagar songs; and, finally, Hagar and Anthony will perform as The Other Half — as in "the other half of Van Halen " — to perform Hagar-era Van Halen tunes.

Sammy Hagar tour dates (subject to change):

Powerhouse heavy metal vocalist Rob Rock (ex-Impelliteri, Driver, Joshua) will release his new solo album, "Garden of Chaos", in Japan on August 22 via Victor Entertainment/JVC Music. The CD was produced by Rob Rock guitarist CJ Grimmark and co-produced by Roy Z (Judas Priest, Bruce Dickinson, Halford) and Rob Rock. Rob wrote seven of the 11 tracks with longtime partner Roy Z, and the other tracks were co-written by Rob with Gus G. (Firewind), CJ Grimmark, Bob Rossi, and Liza Rock. The album was mixed and mastered at Hansen Studios in Denmark by Jacob Hansen.

JVC/Victor Entertainment Japan released Rob Rock's last CD, Holy Hell, with four bonus tracks on September 22, 2005: Ride the Wind, featuring a Gus G. (Firewind) guitar solo; "Lost in a World", originally recorded and mixed during the Rage of Creation (2000) sessions; "I’m a Warrior" (alternate mix) and "First Winds of the End of Time" (alternate mix) (alternate mixes by Roy Z).

Holy Hell was released in the U.S. on September 6, 2005 via Candlelight/Caroline Records. The CD features contributions from Bobby Jarzombek (drums; Halford, Iced Earth, Riot), Carljohan Grimmark (guitar; Narnia), Andreas Olsson (bass; Narnia), Bob Rossi (guitar), Rick Renstrom (guitar), and producer/guitarist Roy Z. Special guests include Edguy singer Tobias Sammet and Italian keyboard sensation Mistheria.

According to a posting on the official Children Of Bodom fan site Scythes Of Bodom, the band will put on a 10th anniversary bash in Helsinki, Finland in November. The group's debut album, Something Wild, was released in Finland in November 1997.

Commented guitarist Alexi Laiho: "We're planning to arrange a two-night event where we will perform on the first night. Tickets will be sold even though there will be many invited guests. On the second night we'll concentrate on partying more privately, but we might indeed end up on stage, at least for small moments. Anyhow, other bands will perform on the second night. The exact date for the (Helsinki) party has not been decided yet, but we're aiming for November."

In other news, Scythes Of Bodom has revealed three songtitles that are set to appear on the band's forthcoming album: Tie My Rope (which was recorded in May for Bam Margera's "Bam Margera Presents…Viva La Bands, Vol. 2" compilation), "Roundtrip 2 Hell And Back" and "Pretty For The Devil". A total of five tracks have been completed thus far and the band plans to enter the studio in October to begin recording the effort for a tentative March 2008 release.

SPV has set the following release dates for Iced Earth's new studio album, Framing Armageddon - Something Wicked Part I:

Framing Armageddon - Something Wicked Part I (cover artwork) expands the "Something Wicked" storyline first introduced in the trilogy of the same name appearing on the 1998 release, Something Wicked This way Comes. Framing Armageddon will be followed in February/March 2008 by the band's ninth full-length studio release, tentatively titled Revelation Abomination - Something Wicked Part 2 , continuing where Framing Armageddon leaves off.

According to MelodicRock.com, Van Halen is preparing to hit the road in the U.S. beginning in September. The group's lineup for the trek is expected to include David Lee Roth (vocals), Eddie Van Halen (guitar), Alex Van Halen (drums) and Eddie's 16-year-old son Wolfgang Van Halen (bass).

Wolfgang Van Halen, the projected replacement for VH bassist Michael Anthony, told People magazine in April 2007 that he wasn't disappointed there wasn’t' going to be a Van Halen tour this summer following his father's decision to check himself into rehab. "My dad's taking care of himself," he said. "I also think I'm too young for the experience, because I know there are a lot of bad things out there."

Eddie Van Halen issued a statement addressed to fans in early March announcing that he was seeking treatment because "at the moment I do not feel that I can give you my best.

"That's why I have decided to enter a rehabilitation facility to work on myself, so that in the future I can deliver the 110 percent that I feel I owe you and want to give you," the statement said.

Back in January, Eddie Van Halen told Rolling Stone magazine about Wolfgang, "Wait until you hear this kid play. I pick him up from school every day and we jam. We've got a shredding bass player now that's laying down the law for Alex [Van Halen, drums], so I get to weave in and out."

Van Halen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March.

Stream Of Passion parted ways with founding members Arjen Lucassen (guitar), Lori Linstruth (guitar) and Alejandro Millán (piano), back in March. The band recently added keyboardist Jeffrey Revet and guitarist Eric Hazebroek.

Stream Of Passion’s debut album, Embrace the Storm, was released in Holland in October 2005 via Sony/BMG Benelux. The CD was issued in the rest of Europe and the U.S./Canada via InsideOut Music.

Heavy metal heroes Testament have inked a deal with Heavy Metal Record Company Giants Nuclear Blast to distribute brand new Testament music featuring the killer lineup of original members Eric Peterson, Chuck Billy, Alex Skolnick, Greg Christian and the addition of monster drummer Nick Barker (Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth). "We are very happy that we are signed to one of the best metal labels in the world. It's a great feeling that we are in a house that will not crumble" says band vocalist Chuck Billy. "This is going to be our best record to date, and it will be the essence of what Testament is. Nuclear Blast is the perfect label for us. They eat, breathe and sleep, metal. I am excited also because a lot of my favorite bands are on Nuclear Blast, giving us the opportunity to be label-mates with them. Finally we are coming home!" stated Eric Peterson.

Obituary have finalized dates on their upcoming US tour. Support for the shows will be Alabama Thunderpussy, Full Blown Chaos and Hemlock. The tour will be in immediate support of the band's new album, Xecutioner's Return, that is set hit stores nationwide on August 28. Candlelight Records in cooperation with ITunes will release an advance single, the album track "Evil Ways," on July 31. It will be fans' first opportunity to hear the new material.

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metal band Epica has signed a deal with Nuclear Blast Records and have set The Divine Conspiracy as the title of their new album, due August/September. The CD, which is currently being mixed by Sascha Paeth, will feature a session appearance by God Dethroned drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek. Epica has yet to name a full-time drummer following the departure of Jeroen Simons in 2006.

Formed by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Mark Jansen (ex-After Forever) in 2002, Epica has so far released three albums, among them a full-length soundtrack in the vein of Hollywood composers Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman. The Dutch metaler’s have already played in 24 countries, and have completed successful tours in Europe, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and the USA.

Epica will embark on a North American headlining tour in September. Support at the shows will come from the Austrian/American "epic metal" band Visions Of Atlantis.

Epica's previously announced live DVD, which was filmed on May 4, 2006 at Paradiso in Amsterdam, Holland, has been delayed until later this year, according to a posting on the group's official web site. The band's last album, Consign to Oblivion, was recorded in early 2005 and features a guest contribution from Kamelot vocalist Roy Khan.

Vocalist/bassist Steve Rowe of the Australian Christian death metaler’s Mortification has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"As it stands today, it looks quite definite that we will tour in the U.S. and Europe in October and November. However, nothing is 100% just yet. Tour costs may push the release of [the] 'Live Humanitarian' [DVD] into early next year. This is why we are presenting the special half-price offer on the reissue DVD.

"The Soundmass digipak re-issue of the '91 self-titled album has now been put forward to early July. However, their re-print of the classic 'gory' cover Mortification t-shirt is now available at the Soundmass.com store."

Rowe previously stated about the upcoming "Live Humanitarian" DVD. "The audio sounds MASSIVE! It was recorded live at the deluxe but intimate Imax Theatre in Perth, Australia late last year. It is a Mortification 17-year celebration featuring 24-track digital live recording and a seven-digital-camera shoot. It will be coming out in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. This is the first full-length Mortification show ever to be done this well. 'Live Planetarium' (1993) had only half the show on video (now re-issued and available on DVD) and the full show was only on the CD. This is a huge undertaking but with seven cameras and Surround Sound, it will surpass any past official Mortification releases."

Mortification’s most recent studio album, Erasing the Goblin was released in 2006 through MCM Music.

"Extra" profiled Poison singer Bret Michaels, who is one of the men being offered on the show's "Eligible Bachelor" contest. Watch a clip, where Bret talks about what he looks for in a woman, here.

As previously reported, Michaels will be looking for love in a new VH1 series from the producers of the network's hit "Flavor of Love".

According to Reuters, the cable network is set to debut a 10-episode reality series titled "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels" in July. The show will feature Michaels looking for a woman who can keep up with his rock 'n' roll lifestyle and not become jealous of his one true passion — performing — which is said to be the reason for and destruction of most of his relationships.

The women, who will live with Michaels in his "Los Angeles rock palace," will be put through various challenges in a test of their devotion to him as well as their understanding of everything rock 'n' roll. Those who win these challenges will join Michaels on "wild and exclusive excursions," while "those who can't hang like true backstage VIPs will be escorted out in bona fide rock star fashion," VH1 said.

Norwegian melodic thrashers Susperia have set a US release date of 19th June 2007 for their new studio album Cut From Stone, through Candlelight Records. The album was released in Europe in April, where it entered the Norwegian National Artist Charts at number 18.

Cut From Stone was recorded at Strand Studio, Oslo, Norway during 2006. The mix was completed by Daniel Bergstrand (In Flames, Meshuggah, Soilwork) at Dug Out Studios in Uppsala, Sweden, whilst the production was handled by Susperia and Marius Strand.

The Oslo based five piece - vocalist Athera, bass guitarist Memnock, drummer Tjodalv, guitarists Elvorn and Cyrus - have assembled a collection of aggressive hard hitting metal songs with a melodic edge. A maelstrom of vicious riffs and melody lies at the heart of the bands powerhouse performance on the eleven new songs that make up Cut From Stone. The full track listing is ’More‘, ’Lackluster Day’, ‘The Clone’, ‘Distant Memory’ ‘Release’, ‘Life Deprived’, ‘Between The Lines’, ‘Bound To Come’, ‘Under’, ‘Brother’, ‘Cut From Stone’.

Though constantly underrated and often overlooked, Susperia have delivered on the promise shown on their last album, Unlimited. Their new recording represents a further step forward for the band as they continue to carve out their own niche in the metal fraternity.

Cut From Stone is the follow up to the bands’ 2004 TABU / Candlelight debut ‘Unlimited’, which has become their best selling release to date. Their first two albums were released through Nuclear Blast. Susperia subsequently released the Devil May Care EP in 2005 which reached Number 19 on Norway's official 'Hit List', making the band the first home-grown act in the metal genre to achieve a Top 20 hit in the country.

On June 5th, America's beloved heavy metal flag bearers Iced Earth return to action and set the stage for their upcoming double-album epic!

The Overture Of The Wicked EP features the brand new, hard-hitting track "Ten Thousand Strong" along with a special 2007 version of the Something Wicked trilogy (originally appearing as the closing to 1998's classic Something Wicked This Way Comes album.) This release is the prelude to the full-length album Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part 1), coming this fall.

Led as always by guitarist/composer Jon Schaffer and featuring the soaring vocal mastery of Tim Owens, Iced Earth returns stronger than ever and are about to embark on the most ambitious journey of their career.

Schaffer explains: "The Something Wicked trilogy (comprised of the songs "Prophecy", "Birth of the Wicked", and "The Coming Curse") has been completely rerecorded. From the ground up this is a more vicious and more atmospheric version of the epic piece. All of the vocals have been redone, obviously by Tim Owens, who did a masterful job at retaining the passion and honesty of the original, and still put his stamp on it and made it his own. We also put in some teaser atmospheric things that will give you a hint of things to come on Part 1. But just a hint...we don't want to spoil any surprises."

"For those of you that aren't familiar with the old version or the Something Wicked story at all, you should check it out. The original trilogy is just an overview of the story that begins 12,000 years ago and leads us to modern day. You should look at the trilogy as an introduction to this whole epic. What is coming next in the two parts is a far more in depth look into this very tragic, heavy and apocalyptic sci-fi/fantasy story."

A full tour of North America is in the planning stages - more details will be available soon.

Riverside, CA-based quintet Suicide Silence has put the finishing touches on its much-anticipated debut album, due this summer via Century Media Records. This scorching new effort was recorded with acclaimed producer John Travis (Static-X), while the renowned Tue Madsen (HIMSA, The Haunted) handled mixing duties. The newly recorded version of the fan favorite, "Bludgeoned to Death", is now available on the band's MySpace page and is also featured on their upcoming disc.

Suicide Silence is currently annihilating crowds across the U.S. alongside Bury Your Dead, Stick To Your Guns and Since The Flood, which leads them immediately into a short Canadian stint with Dead To Fall and Stick To Your Guns.

Commented vocalist Mitch Lucker: "We just heard the final mix of the record amidst our current tour with Bury Your Dead. The amazing combination of John Travis and Tue Madsen captured the intensity of our live show within the confines of the record, which is exactly what we were aiming for. We hope the fans enjoy the listening to the record as much as we enjoyed recording it. For now, we've uploaded a re-recorded version of the song 'Bludgeoned to Death' that will appear on the record and give everyone an idea as to what they're in for."

Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine has posted the following message in the "Forums" section of the band's official web site:

"We just got back recently from the Heaven and Hell tour and are celebrating our new release 'United Abominations'. It will be just over a week until we fly overseas to celebrate with you in Europe and the U'K.

"I can't tell you how excited we are with the new record and your reaction to it. We are seeing tremendous interest around the world and can't wait to play the new songs for you.

"Just so you know, we are looking to visit Euro/U.K. for the next month, ending in Tel Aviv; go out for a brief tour in the states the month of September or so; go internationally touring again the month of November; and maybe some special shows in December. This is all subject to change — so don't hold me to it.

"Gigantour will not be happening until 2008 due to time constraints, and we will let you know upon further information and scheduling permits.

"Thanks again to Black Sabbath and Machine Head and Down for the last couple of months touring time together. Best wishes to Heaven and Hell overseas, too.

"Lastly, I really enjoyed meeting everyone on the last tour; especially the time in the interviews (because those usually sucked in the past)."

Fireball Ministry frontman Rev. James A. Rota II has issued the following update:

"First and foremost, we are in the stages of writing a new album. It's coming along great. It's going to be a bit different than our last three. We've definitely decided to take the band to some new territory, but it's definitely Fireball Ministry. Emily, Johny, John and I are holed up here writing and fighting our way through this material. Might even see some of it surface at the show we just booked with our old friends Fu Manchu at the Malibu Inn on June 23rd. If you happen to be in Malibu, CA that night come on out.

"I've also been working on an as-yet-untitled side project with Neil Fallon [Clutch], Jess Margera [CKY], Dave Bone and Jason Diamond. We recorded four songs that are waiting to get the Neil treatment and are planning to release an EP sometime this summer. Andrew Alekel, producer extraordinaire, has been at the knobs for this one. Andrew is the kind of guy that says, 'You know what would sound sick on this song that Martin Birch guitar sound from British Steel.' Next thing you know it's dialed in, minus the playing of K.K. and Glenn, of course. Check out some pics of us rehearsing and one of us boozing after the jump (minus Jason, sadly)."

Fireball Ministry's 2005 release, Their Rock Is Not Our Rock, featured the single "Sundown", which received regular airplay on MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball" and was performed live on NBC's "Last Call with Carson Daly".

Therion mainman Christofer Johnsson has posted the following message on the band's web site:

"It's not completely finished with all details yet, but as one of the promoters seems to have published the info already, we can reveal that in December we will celebrate 20 years of Therion by making a tour where we will:

* Perform the entire 'Theli' album
* Perform 'Adulruna Rediviva' and 'Wisdom of the Cage' from 'Gothic Kabbalah'
* Make a fan-chosen 'best-of' set 'Vovin' – 'Lemuria/Sirius B' for the rest of the evening
* Invite several special guests
* Make a stage show that will blow everyone away!
* 16 shows are planned.

"Sirenia is confirmed to go with us (yes, we know what you guys want!). A second band you will also appreciate will be confirmed very soon. Reprinted 'Theli' merchandise is also gonna be available for the shows.

"There's more to it, but it's too early to reveal now. Stay tuned."

Therion recently announced the departure of vocalist Mats Levén (Yngwie Malmsteen, Krux, Treat, At Vance) prior to the band's appearance at this year's Wacken Open Air festival in early August. His replacement in the group will be Thomas Vikström, who is best known to metal fans as the voice behind Candlemass' "Chapter VI" album (1992).

Therion's latest studio album, the dual-disc Gothic Kaballah, was released in North America on February 6 via Nuclear Blast Records.

After much speculation and anticipation following the airing of their "Behind the Music" episode on VH1 last spring, multiplatinum hard rock act RATT with vocalist Stephen Pearcy, guitarist Warren DeMartini and drummer Bobby Blotzer will grace the stage together for the first time since 1999. Plans for not only a U.S. summer tour but a full-fledged comeback are being mapped out now as the band prepares to hit the road with Poison. The band's own tour dates will extend into the fall and may also include shows in Canada, Europe, Japan, South America and Australia. Joining the band onstage will be bassist Robbie Crane and guitarist John Corabi.

A full itinerary is still being finalized, but Poison and RATT will join forces for a summer trek that is scheduled to begin June 13 at the Bi Lo Center in Greenville, S.C., and wind around the country through the end of August.

The tour, which brings the two bands onstage together for the first time since 1999, will visit major U.S. cities such as Boston, Detroit, New York, Oklahoma City and Los Angeles.

The band has recently aligned with Carl Stubner, CEO of Sanctuary Artist Management (ZZ TOP, Mick Fleetwood/co-manager of Fleetwood Mac, Tommy Lee/Rock Star Supernova, Paulina Rubio, Jack's Mannequin) and is booked by Jay Frey at Paradise Artists.

RATT made their mark in the early '80s going "Round and Round" with a string of hit songs, videos and four consecutive multiplatinum albums (over 16 million albums sold worldwide). Their arena-filling live shows set the standard for all bands to follow. Creating anthems for the youth of that era, their music and performances maintain a timeless quality to this day.

 

4/23/07

Queensryche will release the Mindcrime at the Moore (cover) double CD ($24.98) and double DVD ($29.99) on June 26 via all physical retail outlets (on Rhino Records) and www.rhino.com The album will also be available at all digital retail outlets for a suggested retail price of $14.99. An iTunes exclusive version featuring a video of "The Chase" with Ronnie James Dio will be available for $15.99.

For more information, click here.

Tesla has set a June 5 release date for its "covers" album, entitled Real to Reel. The two-disc set will contain 25 tracks, and will only be available at the band's live shows. Songs that are expected to appear on the CD include:

Aerosmith - Seasons Of Wither
Alice Cooper - Is It My Body
Bachmann Turner Overdrive - Not Fragile
Bad Company - Shooting Star
Black Sabbath - War Pigs
Eric Clapton/Derek And The Dominoes - Bell Bottom Blues
James Gang - Walk Away
Led Zeppelin - Thank You
Lynard Skynyrd - Saturday Night Special
Montrose - Make It Last
Peter Frampton - Do You (Feel Like We Do)
Robin Trower - Day Of The Eagle
Sly & The Family Stone - I Want To Take You Higher
Temptations - Ball Of Confusion
The Beatles - I've Got A Feeling
The Rolling Stones - Honky Tonk Woman
The Rolling Stones - Street Fighting Man
Thin Lizzy - Bad Reputation
Traffic - Dear Mr. Fantasy
UFO - Rock Bottom
Uriah Heep - Stealin'
ZZ Top - Beer Drinkers, Hell Raisers

At noon on Thursday, May 17, 2007, guitarist extraordinaire "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, will be posthumously inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk, the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of rock 'n' roll. A bronze bust of Abbott will be unveiled during the ceremony and later installed along the RockWalk posthumous inductee wall, which also includes Robert Johnson, Elvis Presley and Bill Graham among others. Abbott will be located directly adjacent to other equally accomplished musicians and innovators on the RockWalk such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Van Halen, Bonnie Raitt, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, The Ramones, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder and John Lee Hooker.

One of metal's finest guitar players, Dimebag Darrell Abbott was born on August 20, 1966 in Dallas, Texas. Born into a musical family, his father was a country and western songwriter and producer, Dimebag Darrell's interest in hard rock and heavy metal began to grow upon his discovery of KISS and their guitarist Ace Frehley. He entered numerous guitar competitions in the Dallas area which resulted in him winning an instrument that he would eventually become closely associated with, the Dean ML. In 1981, Dimebag Darrell along with his brother, drummer Vinnie Paul, formed what would turn out to be one of the most popular heavy metal bands of the 1990s. Beginning with Cowboys from Hell, Pantera touched off a string of classic metal releases; Vulgar Display of Power followed and with it, brought the band star status and domination in the hard rock/metal music community for a decade. The band received four Grammy nominations, platinum for The Great Southern Trendkill, Cowboys from Hell and Pantera's Greatest Hits and double platinum for Vulgar Display of Power and Far Beyond Driven, which had its debut at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart. Released in 2000, Reinventing the Steel was the final studio effort from the band. Darrell and Vinnie went on to form Damageplan, releasing New Found Power in 2004. During a Damageplan performance in Columbus, Ohio, on December 8, 2004, Dimebag was fatally shot at the age of 38.

Dimebag Darrell Abbott will always be remembered as one of the most influential guitarists in modern metal music.

The induction event is free and open to the public.

A full-length audio stream of OZZY OSBOURNE's new single, "I Don't Wanna Stop", is available at the following links: Windows Media, Quicktime, Shockwave Flash.

"I Don't Wanna Stop" comes off Ozzy's new album, Black Rain, due on May 22 via Epic Records. Other song titles set to appear on the CD include "Not Going Away", "Thank God For The Almighty Dollar", "Civilize The Universe", "Black Rain", "Countdown's Begun" and "Trap Door".

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metal outfit After Forever will embark on a North American tour in October. Confirmed dates so far are as follows:

Oct. 07 - Nashville, TN @ The Muse
Oct. 09 - Houston, TX @ The Meridian (supporting Sonata Arctica)
Oct. 10 - San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit (supporting Finntroll)
Oct. 12 - Cedar Falls, IA @ The Reverb
Oct. 13 - St Paul, MN @ Station 4
Oct. 14 - Mokena, IL @ Pearl Room (supporting Overkill)
Oct. 15 - Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's Down Under
Oct. 16 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
Oct. 17 - Ottawa, ON @ Mavericks
Oct. 18 - Montreal, QUE @ Club Soda
Oct. 19 - Bedford, NH @ Marks Place
Oct. 20 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx
Oct. 21 - New York, NY @ B.B. King Blues Club & Grill (supporting Overkill)

Tickets for Oct. 7, Oct. 12-13, Oct. 15-20 are on sale now through EnterTheVault.com exclusively until May 4, at which point they all go on sale through normal ticketing systems. Tickets for Oct. 9-10, Oct. 14 and Oct. 20 are all on sale already through EnterTheVault.com and all normal ticketing systems.

After Forever's video for its new single, "Energize Me", has been posted online at YouTube.com. The clip was shot in February in Amsterdam, Holland. The "Energize Me" single was released on March 23, featuring the songs "Energize Me" (radio edit), "Energize Me" (album version), "Sweet Enclosure" (non-album track). The cover artwork for After Forever's new self-titled album has been posted online at this location.

Former Iced Earth frontman Matt Barlow has reportedly joined Danish metaler’s Pyramaze as the replacement for Lance King. The news was revealed in the brand new issue of the German magazine Rock Hard, which features an in-depth interview with Barlow and a short question-and-answer session with Pyramaze guitarist/songwriter Michael Kammeyer. A rough English-language translation of the Rock Hard articles can be found at this location.

Pyramaze split with Lance King last November due to "personal and professional reasons." The group is currently working on material for its third album, tentatively due next spring.

Pyramaze's latest album, Legend of the Bone Carver, was released last year via Massacre Records (Europe) and Nightmare Records (USA and Canada).

Dokken mainman/namesake Don Dokken has issued the following update:

"The boys and I are currently in the studio working on [the new Dokken album] 'Lightning Strikes Again' and it should be out sometime in September. We will be playing various festivals this summer and we all hope you will make it to one of our shows in your area. I will post our tour dates as soon as they are confirmed.

"For those of you that have picked up our '1981 Live' CD, I hope you like it. I think it's pretty cool and very punchy sounding considering it was recorded a zillion years ago. Also our 'Unchain the Night' video is now out on DVD with three bonus videos as well as Mick [Brown, drums] and I doing commentary. Our commentary is pretty funny to watch. Mick was really on a roll that day. We will be going on tour in Europe in September and I will be posting those dates soon. I've been seeing a few blogs on the Internet lately that I got married, and although I do live with my girlfriend, neither one of us are fans of traditional marriage. So stop congratulating me!

"I hope to see you this summer out there at the shows. It should be a fun summer. See you soon!"

Rob Zombie's first-ever live album is scheduled for release in August via Geffen. The CD was recorded over several nights during the band's Educated Horses tour and will include a 36-page super-deluxe book of never-before-seen live pictures and a DVD of live footage and animated videos. It was mixed by Zombie and producer Scott Humphrey.

As previously reported, Zombie is putting together a White Zombie box set containing "everything we ever recorded," according to the singer. "I am currently transferring all the early shit from the original tapes," he previously said. "No remixing going on here — everything will be as it was originally recorded. Don't know when this box set will be available, but it is slowly moving forward. This will be the final word on White Zombie."

Zombie's remake of the classic horror film Halloween is scheduled to hit theatres in August. His previous credits as a screenwriter and director are 2003's House of 1000 Corpses and 2005's The Devil's Rejects.

Rob Zombie's first-ever career retrospective, "Past, Present & Future", has sold more than a million copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. The two-disc set, which was released in September 2003 through Geffen Records, contains a CD of 19 digitally remastered selections and a DVD of 10 music videos, including three that were previously unreleased.

Poison has posted four songs from its upcoming album of cover songs, featuring many of their favorite rock classics. Poison'd, the band's first new studio album since 2002, will be released June 5 on CD and digitally by EMI America Records/Capitol.

Go to Poison’s official MySpace page page to hear the groups' versions of The Romantics' "What I Like About You", David Bowie's "Suffragette City", Sweet’s "Little Willy" and The Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See".

The following message has been posted on Metallica's official web site:

"Metallica left the comfort of HQ this week to descend upon the greater Los Angeles area to begin recording their ninth original album. This is the first time they've recorded outside of the Bay Area since they spent an eternity at One On One Studios recording the 'Black' album in '90 and '91. The last couple days have been devoted to each band member working out the right sounds, including Lars [Ulrich, drums] who remembered to turn on the snare and Kirk [Hammett, guitar] who played a solo! The big, shiny red button was finally pushed today — and the wait begins.'

Check put pictures from the recording studio at Metallica.com.

Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich told a New York radio program on March 2 that the band will lay down 14 songs for its ninth studio album, which the group officially began recording on March 12.

Unlike the troubled, turbulent sessions for the band's last album, 2003's St. Anger, Ulrich told Launch that pre-production for the new effort has had a whole different vibe. "It's frighteningly tame (laughs)," he said. "The four of us show up and we hang out and we have a great time, and there are no psychiatrists in sweaters, there are no film crews, it's very much like it used to be. It's pretty mellow around here. All that 'St. Anger' stuff seems like a movie (laughs)."

The group plans to work in the studio until early June, take a break for its European tour, then finish recording in August. As for whether Metallica will release the new album in 2007, Ulrich said, "I'd like to try and get it out this year; I hope we can get it out this year. If it doesn't come out this year, then it will be out at the very beginning of next year."

Edguy frontman Tobias Sammet is currently working on the third installment of his solo project Avantasia. The album is being produced by Sascha Paeth, who also played the rhythm guitar on the CD. The drums were laid down by KISS/Alice Cooper drummer Eric Singer and the bass is being handled by Tobias himself.

Commented Sammet: "I can't tell you how happy I am to be able to do this. There is so much creativity in the studio and the material sounds so great. There is so much variety — we got fast songs, mid-tempo songs, a few ballads. There are modern elements, epic elements, classic elements. There's no limits [to] our creativity and I feel blessed that I am allowed to work with the most talented sidekicks I could ever dream of."

The new Avantasia album will be a concept album featuring different singers singing different characters in a story. But the concept itself won't be a sequel to the first two Avantasia albums.

Avantasia’s last release was the two-part epic called The Metal Opera (issued in 2001 and 2002), which featured an impressive array of guest vocalists playing the various characters of the opera, including Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween), David DeFeis (Virgin Steele), Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation), Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray), André Matos (Angra, Shaaman), Timo Tolkki (Stratovarius), Rob Rock (Warrior, Impellitteri), and others.

For more information on Avantasia, visit www.avantasia.net.

Swedish melodic metaler’s Nocturnal Rites have finished filming a video for the new song "Never Again". According to bassist Nils Eriksson, the track "is a sort of midtempo, in-your-face, heavy-slab-of-meat kind of thing."

Nocturnal Rites will release its new album later in the year via Century Media Records. Eriksson says, "This album feels really different, fresh and new. Still it sounds like us, in some weird way. Guess we can't escape the Nocturnal Rites ghost. However, we have some REALLY cool songs on the way."

As previously reported, Nocturnal Rites has been confirmed for this year's edition of the Sweden Rock Festival; set to take place June 6-9 in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

Nocturnal Rites' last album, Grand Illusion, was released in September 2005 via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2004's New World Messiah was recorded and mixed at Toontrack Studio in Umeå, Sweden and features guest appearances by Stefan Elmgren (Hammerfall), Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), Henrik Danhage (Evergrey), Kristoffer W. Olivius (Naglfar) and the Swedish cross-country skiing world champion, Per Elofsson.

British gothic metaler’s Paradise Lost will release their 11th album, "In Requiem", in the U.S. on June 5 via Century Media Records. The artwork for the CD was created by Seth Siro Anton, who was the artwork designer for the group's last album, "Paradise Lost". The CD was produced by Rhys Fulber (Fear Factory, Front Line Assembly) and mixed by Mike Fraser (Slipknot) and marks a return to their heavy trademark sound. "The melancholic atmosphere is as oppressive as ever, but this go round the gloom is fused with an equal amount of dense, punishing riffs," according to a press release.

As previously reported, Paradise Lost has been confirmed as the support act for Nightwish on their upcoming North American tour. The trek will be only Paradise Lost's third visit to the U.S. after previously supporting Morbid Angel and Opeth.

Commented Paradise Lost singer Nick Holmes: "We can't wait to get to the U.S. on a great tour, and try and make an impact after years of focusing on Europe."

Paradise Lost will play an exclusive show in London at Camden's Koko on April 12. The band will perform songs from across their ten-album career which will be filmed for the definitive DVD, entitled From Gothic to Paradise Lost, to be released later this year.

Commented Nick Holmes: "We're all really excited to be playing this show at Koko. After playing so many venues in our career it'll be cool to play a different venue. It's going be a really special show as we're playing songs spanning our whole career and hopefully we'll be able to play something very new for you. The show will be filmed for our new DVD so you'd better get those lighters ready! Come along — it should be a night to remember."

G.U.N./ Sony/BMG in Europe and Abacus Recordings in the U.K. and the U.S released the band's last album, Paradise Lost.

Sevendust are rumored to be one of the bands who will join headliners Korn at the 2007 Family Values Tour. Other acts that are expected to appear include Evanescence and Aiden, according to a promotional e-card sent out by Korn's label, Virgin Records. An official announcement regarding this year's Family Values tour will be made by Korn on March 24 at korn.com.

Sevendust's latest album, Alpha, sold 42,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 14 on next week's The Billboard 200 chart.

Fresh off a triumphant sold-out tour of Japan, Michael Schenker Group is returning to the U.S. and Canada for a summer tour. The legendary guitarist will be performing timeless classics from all stages of his illustrious career, including Scorpions, UFO and MSG, to commemorate his Tales of Rock 'n' Roll, which is out now. Support on all dates will come from San Francisco-based guitar virtuoso Doug Doppler, signed to Steve Vai's Favored Nations label. This tour will run June 17 to July 21. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.

Michael Schenker Group’s current touring lineup is as follows:

Michael Schenker (guitar)
Wayne Findlay (guitar, keyboards)
Jari Tiura (vocals)
Bodo Schopf (drums)
Frank Rummler (bass)

Michael Schenker Group released Tales of Rock 'n' Roll, a special CD to celebrate the band's 25-year anniversary, on August 1 via Locomotive Records. The CD contains Michael Schenker's signature riffage on new cuts featuring an all-star assembly of singers who have recorded with Schenker over the past quarter-century: Graham Bonnet, Gary Barden, Robin McAuley, Kelly Keeling, Leif Sundin, Chris Logan and Michael's most recent vocalist, Jari Tiura. UFO's Pete Way chips in with bass for this special occasion and Racer X vocalist Jeff Martin is behind the kit.

Exodus guitarist Gary Holt has issued the following update:

"I'd like to take a moment here and welcome back Tom Hunting to Exodus' drum throne. It was always understood that when and if Tom was ever ready to resume his drumming duties for the band, his seat would be waiting. Paul [Bostaph] always knew this, and was the first to say it upon joining the band. Paul and Tom have always been good friends and we, as a band, cannot thank Paul enough for his services on Shovel Headed Kill Machine and all the subsequent tours he did to support that album. We had a great time and kicked many asses along the way. Paul has given this reunion his whole-hearted endorsement with no mixed blessings and is happy to see Tom back in the fold. Now, some band out there may just become the luckiest bunch of suckers in the world, because one hell of a drum is on the market! We wish Paul all the best, and he will always be a member of the extended Exodus family.

"That having been said, we are so excited to have Tom back in the band he co-founded. He, other than the time spent out of the band, is the only drummer I've ever played with, and he and I have an unspoken language of metal that I am stoked to continue. We are hard at work on the new songs, and this shit is the best and heaviest music we've ever written. I've kept quiet until now — because everyone always brags about how great their new shit is — but this is no boast. This album will redefine thrash metal as we know it. We will be hitting the studio mid-May with Mr. Andy Sneap. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED."

Due to an overwhelming response to its maiden tour of North America in 2005 with Hammerfall, Germany's beloved Edguy is bringing its "Rocket Ride World Tour" to the western hemisphere in support of its 2006 release of the same name, which climbed to the #27 slot on Billboard's Hard Music chart. The tour will launch on Tuesday, September 11 in Hartford, Connecticut and will include Canada's Into Eternity, Norway's Susperia, plus a special guest.

Exclusive pre-sale tickets for Edguy will be available online on Friday, March 16 through April 13 at EnterTheVault.com. Beginning April 14, pre-sale tickets will only be available through normal ticketing outlets.

To view the dates you can purchase advanced Edguy tickets for, click here.

Hammerfall have parted ways with bassist Magnus Rosén the official statement reads, "Bass player Magnus Rosén has elected to step down from Hammerfall to be able to focus on his own projects. While it is surprising, it's not a total shock to us since he has seemed to be unhappy with the situation in the band and on tour for quite a while. We wish him all the best with his future endeavors and turn our attention to the future, immediate and distant.

This will change nothing for us as far as booked gigs and other planned activities are concerned. Rest assured, Hammerfall will continue blazing its trail just like before. The process of selecting the right replacement both musically and personally is already set in motion, and we will announce it as soon as a decision is made.

- Joacim, Stefan, Oscar and Anders"

And a word from Magnus Rosén:

"Thanks to all the fans around the world who supported the band for 10 years. You all gave me very nice memories after all the concerts we did. It was a pleasure to get a big public [following] like you people! Without you, we would not [have been] able to [record] all the CDs and tour [like] we did [these past] 10 years! So thank you all.

It´s important for me to tell you that I loved every second I had on the stage when we played our concerts! To hear your happiness really made my day!!!!

It was also very nice for me to use my fame to do the solo bass charity [work] for poor people, the clinics in the schools for the kids, and the music against violence. I believe it’s a nice way to give and take.

So it’s time for me to be more creative in my music life! So I will, from now [on], give myself a chance to write songs and be creative in [other] bands. This is possible. The year [is] passing by fast and for a musician, it’s important to grow in the situation you are in!

I hope Hammerfall find a nice and good bass player for you all, and I hope our fans will respect my choice. Anyway, be sure that I will still [be] doing Heavy Metal, so have your eyes open!!!

Best Regards, Magnus Rosén"

German hard rock veterans Scorpions have posted the following message on their official web site:

"We enjoyed a fantastic four months in Los Angeles, California, recording the songs for our new album 'Humanity – Hour 1'. The mixing is making great progress as we speak. Very soon, the new album will be completely mixed and mastered and ready to be shipped across the world. The official release date is expected to be in the second half of May, but may vary from country to country, so make sure you check with your local record company or record store. It felt great for all of us to hit the stage again and rock the house as we did March 2nd at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow. Thanks again to a great audience! After spending quite some time in the studio, we are definitely ready to go out on the road again."

The Humanity - Hour 1 artwork has been posted online at this location. The CD was produced with songwriter/producer Desmond Child, who has worked with such high-profile pop/rock artists as Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Ricky Martin, Cher, Michael Bolton and Bonnie Tyler.

Scorpions' last album, Unbreakable, was released in the U.S. in June 2004 through Sanctuary Records. The CD was recorded at Peppermint Park Studio in Hannover, Germany and was mixed at Wisseloord studios in Hilversum, Holland.

Swedish metal band Sonic Syndicate will release its second album, Only Inhuman, on May 18 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Black Lounge Studios in Avesta, Sweden with producer Jonas Kjellgren (Scar Symmrtey guitarist). The track listing is as follows:

01. Aftermath
02. Blue Eyed Fiend
03. Psychic Suicide
04. Double Agent
05. Enclave
06. Denied
07. Callous
08. Only Inhuman
09. All About Us
10. Unknown Entity
11. Flashback

Check out the cover artwork at this location.

Sonic Syndicate landed a deal with Nuclear Blast Records in July 2006 after taking part in a "band contest" which was originally launched in the summer of 2005. A jury consisting of the Nuclear Blast staff and representatives for such magazines as Metal Hammer (Germany, Metal Hammer (Spain), Metal Hammer (Italy), Rock Hard (France), Inferno (Finland), Scream (Norway) and Close-Up (Sweden) went through more than 1,500 submissions and selected three winners who competed for the following prizes: A deal with Nuclear Blast, a download co-operation and a gig with a Nuclear Blast band.

Sonic Syndicate’s debut album, Eden Fire, was recorded at StudioMega (The Crown, Lake Of Tears, Beseech), and was released on September 13, 2005 through the Florida-based record label Pivotal Rockordings.

Stream Of Passion members Johan van Stratum (bass), Davy Mickers (drums) and Marcela Bovio (vocals, lyrics, violin) have issued the following statement:

"Since our last tour we've received a lot of inquires about the future of Stream Of Passion. As you may have [read] on the Ayreon website, Arjen [Lucassen, guitar] has been going through a very rough period on in his life; he has decided to quit the band and focus entirely on his new Ayreon album, which we know for sure will be a huge success, so good luck with it, Arjen!

"Besides Arjen, Lori [Linstruth, guitar] and Alejandro [Millán, piano] have also decided to part ways and focus on their own personal lives and musical projects. We, the rest of [Stream Of Passion], wish the three of them all the success and happiness in the world.

"HOWEVER THIS [IS] BY NO MEANS THE END OF THE BAND! The rest of us are extremely motivated to continue this beautiful story called Stream Of Passion and give it a more than positive future, like we think it deserves. We are already busy writing music for a new album, so soon you'll hear more about our future plans and musical ideas. Stay tuned!"

Stream Of Passion’s debut album, Embrace the Storm, was released in Holland in October 2005 via Sony/BMG Benelux. The CD was issued in the rest of Europe and the U.S./Canada via InsideOut Music.

Tommy and Chris Rehn from Angtoria have produced the new four-song EP from Swedish technical death metaler’s Soreption. The CD, which was recorded, mixed and produced at Sidelake Studios in Sundsvall, also features artwork by Chris Rehn.

Formed in 2005, Soreption specializes in "technically and artistically advanced riffs topped with in-your-face brutal vocals," according to a press release. "These twenty-year old guys perform their songs quickly, brutally and highly technical with musicality and finesse. A very unusual combination especially for a band as young as Soreption."

For more information, including audio samples, go to this location.

Testament's current lineup — drummer Nick Barker (Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth) alongside original members Alex Skolnick (guitar), Greg Christian (bass), Eric Peterson (guitar) and Chuck Billy (vocals) — is currently working on new material for an upcoming CD release.

Guitarist Eric Peterson exclaims, "Working hard with Nick on some new ideas and some cool old-school styles and it's coming together really killer! Six songs already in the can so far! Just waiting for the Chief [singer Chuck Billy] to come up with some lyrics to match, we get into the studio to track the drums in June...looking forward to busting out some new ones for this summer at the festivals and get a reaction!"

Chuck Billy states: "It’s been a long time coming, this new album is like a good wine, you throw in the grapes and 'CRUSH'."

Upcoming Testament shows:

Mar. 23 - Almassy MK Hall - Budapest, Hungary
Mar. 24 - Hala Spodek - Katowice, Poland
Mar. 26 - Granada Theatre - Dallas, TX
Mar. 27 - Scout Bar - Houston, TX
Mar. 29 - Rialto Theatre - Tucson, AZ
Mar. 30 - El Moro Theatre - Flagstaff, AZ
Mar. 31 - California Metal Fest: Galaxy Theatre - Santa Ana, CA
Apr. 19 - Saloon Ferrocarrilero - Torreon, Mexico
Apr. 20 - Cafe Iguana - Monterrey, Mexico
Apr. 21 - Full Metal Fest 2: Arena Lopez Mateos - Mexico City, Mexico
Apr. 22 - Arena Pier 10 - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Apr. 25 - Bar Opiniao - Porto Alegre, Brazil
Apr. 26 - Helloch - Curitiba, Brazil
Apr. 27 - Via Funchal - Sao Paulo, Brazil
Apr. 29 - El Teatro Flores - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Apr. 30 - Teatro Caupolican - Santiago, Chile
Jun. 24 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
Jul. 06 - Bloodstock Fest - Derby, England
Jul. 07 - Waldrock Festival - Leeuwarden, Netherlands
Jul. 19 - Earthshaker Festival - Nuernberg, Germany
Aug. 17 - Jalo Metalli Fest - Oulu, Finland
Aug. 18 - Metal Days Fest - Notodden, Norway
Aug. 19 - Musikens Hus - Goteborg, Sweden
Aug. 21 - Godset - Kolding, Denmark
Aug. 22 - Hof Ter Lo - Antwerpen, Belgium
Aug. 23 - Burgerweeshuis - Deventer, Holland
Aug. 24 - Hole In The Sky Fest - Bergen, Norway
Aug. 25 - Up From The Ground Fest - Gemunden, Germany
Aug. 31 - Velvet - Rimini, Italy
Sep. 01 - Route To Hell Fest - Palamaggio - Caserta, Italy

Norwegian black metaler’s Mayhem are scheduled to return to the American continent this summer. So far, only one date has been released: July 24 at Jaxx in Springfield, Virginia. More shows will be announced soon.

Season of Mist has set an April 23 release date for the new Mayhem album, Ordo Ab Chao. A track from the CD, entitled "Anti", is available for download at this location.

Ordo Ab Chao (view cover artwork at this location) track listing:

01. A Wise Birthgiver
02. Wall of Water
03. Great Work of Ages
04. Deconsecrate
05. Illuminate Eliminate
06. Psychic Horns
07. Key to the Storms
08. Anti

Commented guitarist Blasphemer (a.k.a. Rune Erickson): "The sound is raw and powerful, and listening to it, it reminds me of the 'Wolf's Lair Abyss' era, only more varied and more philosophical. The album also contains the most aggressive songs in the Mayhem history as well as the most wicked and darkest."

The upcoming CD will mark Mayhem’s first release since 1993 with vocalist Attila Csihar back behind the microphone.

Csihar rejoined Mayhem in November 2004 as the replacement for departed singer Maniac (real name Sven Erik Kristiansen).

Mayhem’s last studio album, Chimera, entered the Norwegian album chart at position No. 28 upon its release in March 2004.

German power metaler’s Primal Fear have posted the following message on their official web site:

"Most of the recordings for the new Primal Fear album are done! Yesterday, we spent our final day at the House Of Music Studio and finished our work there. We worked 15 hours a day during last couple of weeks and a personal tough period for the band. But the result is so satisfying that it was worth to drive the engine to the limit. Huge compliments to our engineer Charlie Bauerfeind, who co-produced the album again together with Mat Sinner. It was a pleasure to work with Charlie again. Thanks to the House Of Music team for a great time! We will have to record some more lead guitars in the coming weeks and some additional vocal lines. Watch out for some surprises coming up! Matthias Ulmer is finishing the keyboard and orchestra files together with Mat next week. We will start mixing the album in early April at the Galaxy Studio in Belgium, together with Ronald Prent. We will reveal the album title and the finalized song titles on this page soon!"

Songtitles set to appear on the follow-up to 2005's Seven Seals include "Save Me", "Fighting the Darkness", "Every Time It Rains" (featuring a guest appearance by Epica singer Simone Simons) and "Torn". A summer release via Frontiers Records is expected.

Check out pictures from the recording studio at this location.

German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell has issued the following update:

"We'll be in the studio in April to record a new album which will be a covers album! Yes, that's right... but all NEW recorded material, no songs from earlier releases, just 10 songs which I picked personally out of some really great tunes! And... surprise...there will be NO cover version of either a Deep Purple or a RAINBOW song! Expect all the songs sounding typically in the style of Axel Rudi Pell! I promise you'll really be satisfied! The record will be released by SPV after the summer."

Axel Rudi Pell cancelled the final four shows on the second leg of the Mystica tour after he had a "breakdown" before the first Spanish show in Madrid and was diagnosed with "total exhaustion combined with a virus."

Axel Rudi Pell’s latest CD, Mystica, entered the German national chart at position No. 27. It also debuted on the Swedish chart at position No. 56. The CD was co-produced/engineered by Charlie Bauerfeind and features artwork by Colombian illustrator Felipe Machado Franco.

Finnish melodic metaler’s Sonata Arctica have announced the details of their new album, Unia (Finnish for "Dreams"), due on May 25 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was mixed at Finnvox studio in Helsinki and was mastered at the Cutting Room in Stockholm, Sweden.

Unia (view cover artwork at this location) track listing:

01. In Black And White
02. Paid In Full
03. For The Sake Of Revenge
04. It Won't Fade
05. Under Your Tree
06. Caleb
07. The Vice
08. My Dream's But A Drop Of Fuel For A Nightmare
09. The Harvest
10. The Worlds Forgotten, The Words Forbidden
11. Fly With The Black Swan
12. Good Enough Is Good Enough

A single, "Paid In Full", will precede the album on April 27. The track listing is as follows:

01. Paid in Full (radio edit)
02. Out in the Fields (Gary Moore cover)
03. Paid in Full

Check out the single artwork at this location.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/randyrhoadsfilm.

2/8/07

W.A.S.P.'s previously announced deal with SPV Records appears to have fallen through and the band has now landed a new label home with Demolition Records. The group's new album, "Dominator", is expected sometime this spring. Song titltes tentatively set to appear on the CD include: "Mercy", "Take Me Up", "Heaven's Hung In Black", "Heaven's Blessed", "Long Long Way To Go" and "Teacher". Two cover versions were also recorded during the sessions — "Burn" (Deep Purple) and "Fortunate Son" (Creedence Clearwater Revival) — but it s not clear if those tracks will appear on the final product.

Regarding the album title, Blackie Lawless said in a recent interview, "It is based on the idea of Western imperialism and about what's wrong with Washington D.C. It's important that people understand this is not about the American people and it is not a critique on the American people — it is a critique on the government in the United States. If someone looks at the lyrics of “Dominator”, they'll think it's a man talking to a woman. And I like the interesting concept of that because that's what bigger countries do to smaller countries — they toss them like they're their bitch."

Vocalist/bassist Steve Rowe from Australian Christian death metal band Mortification has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"It is summer-time over here and, besides being on vacation with my wife and son, I have been busy with Mick Jelinic mixing the audio for our upcoming DVD release Live Humanitarian. Yes, you heard it here first! Live Humanitarian will be out in the second half of this year. The audio sounds MASSIVE! It was recorded live at the deluxe but intimate Imax Theatre in Perth, Australia, late last year. It is a Mortification 17-year celebration featuring 24-track digital live recording and a seven-digital-camera shoot. It will be coming out in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. This is the first full-length Mortification show ever to be done this well. Live Planetarium (1993) had only half the show on video (now re-issued and available on DVD) and the full show was only on the CD. We may be doing Live Humanitarian on CD also. We are very excited about this release so stay posted. I will send the audio and bonus material over to Perth this week for the visual cut to be completed in the coming months. This is a huge undertaking but with seven cameras and Surround Sound, it will surpass any past official Mortification releases.

"I pray that you are all very healthy and praise God that this past Saturday was my 10th anniversary out of bone marrow transplant for leukemia. 10 years and one month ago I was given a maximum of 10 years to live. I still struggle with health issues but we plan to do some more touring this year if all things go to plan. So it is great to be alive and still working with the music and message that is so strong in my heart. I will be around for many years to come making metal for Jesus. It will be great to arrive at 25 years Mortification in 2015."

Mortification's thirteenth studio album, Erasing The Goblin was released in 2006 through the Rowe Productions label. The follow-up to 2004's Brain Cleaner was described at the time as "the heaviest project the band has recorded in 10 years" and was said to be "a lot more of a death metal/grind-orientated album but with plenty of power and thrash metal mixed in to keep it interesting and multi-dimensional."

The original LOVE/HATE lineup — vocalist Jizzy Pearl, guitarist Jon E. Love, bassist Skid Rose and drummer Joey Gold — will reunite for the first time in ten years. On February 24 at Club Vodka in Hollywood, California, they will perform their classic record "Black out in the Red Room" in its entirety.

Released in 1990, "Blackout in the Red Room" reached position No. 154 on the Billboard Top 200. The video for the single "Why Do You Think They Call It Dope?" received good rotation on MTV, chiefly on "Headbanger's Ball". In 1992 when the band released its second album "Wasted in America", Jizzy Pearl used himself in a legendary publicity stunt to help album sales. With the help of a few others, Jizzy successfully erected a cross on the Hollywood sign and positioned himself on it.

Kotipelto, the band led by Stratovarius singer Timo Kotipelto, has inked a deal with AFM Records. The group's third album, Serenity, is due in April. The CD was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Finland and was mixed by Mikko Karmila. The album's first single, "Sleep Well", entered the Finnish chart at No. 5. A video for the song has been posted online at YouTube.com. The track is also included in the new Finnish movie Vares 2, which had its premiere on January 12. "The song is a main theme and can be heard when the credits are scrolling at the end of the movie," said Kotipelto. "The music video include[s] clips from the movie. Some of the actors who are playing the characters on these clips are my personal friends and are very well known in Finland."

Kotipelto's sophomore solo album, Coldness, was released in Europe in April 2004 through Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2002's Waiting for the Dawn was recorded by Children Of Bodom keyboardist Janne Wirman at his Beyond Abilities Studios as well as by Tero Kostermaa at High and Loud's ELK Studios and Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, where the mixing (Mikko Karmila) and the mastering (Mika Jussila) also took place. Matthias Norén, who has previously worked with bands like Into Eternity, Lost Horizon and Evergrey, designed the album's artwork.

Jeff Scott Soto (Talisman, Yngwie Malmsteen, Soul Sirkus) has been officially named the new lead singer of Journey. He had been filling in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the U.S. tour with Def Leppard shortly after it began on June 23 due to illness.

"We are so grateful to Steve for all the years he dedicated to Journey," says Journey in a joint statement. "We thank Steve for all his hard work and we wish him only the best in his future endeavors. Over the past few months, we've come to realize that Jeff has proven himself above and beyond that he can sing the hell out of our songs and we're happy to officially welcome him as part of the family. We're excited to start a new chapter with Jeff and we're excited about what the future may bring.”

Steve Augeri states: "Singing for Journey these last eight years have been the most challenging and the most rewarding of my career. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the band, and especially the fans, for the privilege of being part of a musical legacy that has touched so many hearts and souls. I wish my fellow bandmates success and happiness as they continue to make great music in the future, as I will strive to do the same myself."

Jeff Soto also adds, "With delight and pleasure, I am accepting the offer to continue my tenure with Journey now as their permanent vocalist after the amazing past months we've spent together on tour. I also pay high respect to Steve Augeri for coming in and helping Journey continue their legacy for nearly the last decade and to Steve Perry for co-creating this legacy. I hope to now add and help drive Journey into the next stage of this band's future."

Since Soto's first appearance with Journey on July 7 in Bristow, VA, his performances have been garnering rave reviews.

Steve Augeri is currently recording his debut solo album, In the Moment, due out the summer of 2007. He's also putting the finishing touches on the much-anticipated follow-up to the AOR classic Tall Stories album, launching early next year.

Journey — Neal Schon (guitar), Ross Valory (bass), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Jeff Scott Soto (vocals) — are currently mapping out plans for 2007.

Spiritual rockers P.O.D. (a.k.a. Payable On Death) have been rejoined by guitarist Marcos Curiel. A photo of the group's new lineup — singer Sonny Sandoval; guitarist Marcos Curiel; drummer Wuv Bernardo; and bassist Traa Daniels — taken last week on Catalina Island can be viewed at this location. The band will make its first appearance with Curiel in nearly four years this New Year's Eve at Times Square in New York City.

P.O.D. released a "greatest hits" collection, aptly titled Greatest Hits - The Atlantic Years, on November 21 through Rhino Records. The CD contains 17 tracks, including two new songs — a previously unreleased track from the Testify sessions (helmed by Glen Ballard), and a new song that was recorded with producer Travis Wyrick (Pillar). The latter track was mixed in Los Angeles by Chris Lord-Alge (AFI, Underoath).

P.O.D., who recently parted ways with longtime label Atlantic Records, has reportedly already inked a record deal, the details of which will be announced soon.

P.O.D. was with Atlantic for four albums and two EPs. The band signed with Atlantic in 1998, after selling more than 40,000 copies of its independently released EPs. The group's Atlantic debut, The Fundamental Elements of Southtown, came out in 1999 and went platinum, while 2001's Satellite was a multi-platinum success. But the group felt that personnel changes at Atlantic were responsible for recent sales dips — more than 500,000 copies of 2003's Payable On Death were sold, but less than 250,000 copies of the recent Testify.

Launch Radio Networks reports: Things are going well with the recording of the new Judas Priest album. It's a concept album about the 16th Century French prophet Nostradamus, and the band has started thinking about release dates. Frontman Rob Halford told Launch that everyone's excited about the project. "The writing sessions were fantastic — some of the best writing that (guitarists) Glenn (Tipton) and K.K. (Downing) and myself have ever created, and we're in good shape, we're recording. And fingers crossed, and with the belief that it's ready when it's ready, we should be out by the middle of 2007 with Nostradamus."

This will be Priest's first album since Angel of Retribution came out in 2005, marking Halford's return to the group.

Judas Priest is also working out the details for a stage show to go along with the album's subject matter.

According to a posting on the web site of the New York City venue B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, Kamelot and Leaves' Eyes are scheduled to play there on August 19. More North American tour dates are expected to be announced soon.

Kamelot and Leaves' Eyes will team up for a European tour beginning late March. A list of dates can be found at Kamelot.com.

As previously reported, a video clip of Kamelot performing the song "When the Lights are Down" on February 11, 2006 at the historic Rockefeller venue in Oslo, Norway has been posted online at YouTube.com. The footage comes off the group's first-ever DVD, One Cold Winter's Night, which entered the Swedish Music Video chart at position No. 8. Kamelot enlisted renowned film and video director Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, Lacuna Coil, In Flames) to chronicle the night's events. Bringing with him from Gothenburg, Sweden, Patric had a large crew of professionals and equipment, including 18 cameras that would be used in and around the concert grounds.

Kamelot is currently working on a new studio album for a spring 2007 release.

Disturbed will not embark on a second leg of its Music As A Weapon tour this winter. A spokesperson told Harddrive Radio yesterday (Wednesday, January 3) that Disturbed will instead start working on its fourth album. This contradicts recent comments made by singer David Draiman, who told Launch that another run of shows was "definitely in the planning stage." He added, "We are as yet still trying to solidify that bill. But we're definitely talking to people and it's looking to be as strong of a lineup as we've thankfully been able to assemble this time for this first leg."

The latest Music As A Weapon bill featured Stone Sour, Flyleaf and Nonpoint.

The tour, which began in mid-October and ended in late December, was marred on several of its last dates by a number of injuries and arrests.

Disturbed's third album, Ten Thousand Fists, came out in September of 2005 and featured the singles "Stricken" and "Land of Confusion".

Dio's official web site has been updated with the following message:

"Ronnie [James Dio, vocals] and the boys celebrated the New Year with a bash in Varna, Bulgaria, which also celebrated the country's acceptance into the European Union. Ronnie was the guest of honor at the ribbon cutting ceremony at which a 16-story building side painting of him was unveiled. A fine way to bring in the New Year for sure!

"NAMM 2007: This year's NAMM convention will be held January 18-21, 2007 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. Ronnie and Craig [Goldy, guitar] will be signing autographs at the Engl Amps booth on Friday, January 19 at 1:00 p.m., while Simon [Wright, drums] will be signing over at the Vic Firth booth at that time. The entire band will appear at the Dean Markley booth later that day 3:00-5:00 p.m."

Great White are kicking off a reunion tour in Los Angeles later this month. The '80s nostalgia act is finishing a new album and embarking on a tour with its original lineup to mark its 25th anniversary. The reunited band's first show is a Jan. 27 benefit at Hollywood's Key Club to raise money for Harpseals.org, a nonprofit dedicated to ending Canadian seal hunting, according to the group's Web site.

Heaven and Hell — the new band featuring legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (Dio, Black Sabbath, Rainbow) alongside original Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, plus drummer Vinny Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath) — has been confirmed as the headliner of this year's installment of the Bang Your Head!!! festival, set to take place June 22-23, 2007 in Balingen, Germany. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

Heaven and Hell
Edguy
Amon Amarth
Brainstorm
Evergrey
Finntroll
Girlschool
Mercenary
Mystic Prophercy
Nazareth
Powermad
Praying Mantis
Steelheart
Thunder

Eight more acts will be announced. Tickets are limited to 20,000 and are available at ticket-hotline (+49-74 57-94 46 12) and via www.bang-your-head.de. Prices are 65 euros (plus shipping) at pre-sales.

The Heaven and Hell tour will kick off in Vancouver, British Columbia, on March 3 and play at least seven shows across Canada, ending in Toronto. Then the band will likely play South America, Japan, Korea, Australia and Europe before returning to North America for a U.S. tour in August or September.

The upcoming Dio-era Black Sabbath anthology, Black Sabbath: The Dio Years, will feature three new songs ("Shadow of the Wind", "Devil Cries" and "Ear in the Wall"), and is tentatively due this spring.

Finnish melodic metaler’s Sonata Arctica will embark on a North American headlining tour in September/October 2007. Confirmed dates so far are as follows:

Sep. 16 - Key Club - Los Angeles, CA
Sep. 17 - Galaxy Theater - Santa Ana, CA
Sep. 21 - The Metro - Chicago, IL
Sep. 22 - Harpo's - Detroit, MI
Sep. 23 - Peabody's Down Under - Cleveland, OH
Sep. 24 - Opera House - Toronto, ONT
Sep. 27 - The Medley - Montreal, QC
Sep. 28 - The Chance Theater - Poughkeepsie, NY
Sep. 29 - The Palladium - Worcester, MA
Sep. 30 - B.B. King's - New York, NY
Oct. 02 - The Trocadero - Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 03 - Jaxx - Springfield, VA
Oct. 05 - ProgPower USA VIII - Atlanta, GA
Oct. 09 - The Meridian - Houston, TX

Sonata Arctica is currently recording its new studio album for a tentative early 2007 release.

The new single from Sonata Arctica, "Replica" — containing a new version of the title cut, which originally appeared on the band's 1999 debut, Ecliptica, plus the songs "Draw Me" (instrumental) and "Respect the Wilderness" — entered the Finnish single chart last month at position No. 1.

The new version of "Replica" is included on Sonata Arctica’s best of collection, entitled "The Collection 1999-2006", which entered the Finnish album chart at No. 16. In addition to material from the band's studio albums, the CD contains a new version of the song "My Land", which also originally appeared on Ecliptica.

For more information on the "Replica" single and the "The Collection 1999-2006" CD, go to this location.

Edguy frontman Tobias Sammet has confirmed via his official web site that he is currently working on the third installment of his solo project Avantasia. "Again it's going to be a conceptual album with different musicians and singers," he writes.

"You ask why I am doing it? Because I can! Because I am dying to go for it! And because the time has come that I feel ready and strong enough to start something big, bombastic and monumental again! Believe me: you won't find any other man on the face of the earth who has got more work and stress right now — and who's yet as happy as I am. It's so exciting to see another dream of mine take shape."

Avantasia's last release was the two-part epic called The Metal Opera (issued in 2001 and 2002), which featured an impressive array of guest vocalists playing the various characters of the opera, including Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween), David DeFeis (Virgin Steele), Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation), Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray), André Matos (Angra, Shaaman), Timo Tolkki (Stratovarius), Rob Rock (Warrior, Impellitteri ), and others.

For more information on Avantasia, visit www.avantasia.net.

Due to "production issues," the North American release date for Kamelot's first-ever DVD and double live CD, entitled One Cold Winter's Night, has been moved from October 24 to November 21.

One Cold Winter's Night was recorded on February 11, 2006 at the historic Rockefeller Musichall in Oslo, Norway. Kamelot enlisted renowned film and video director Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, Lacuna Cuil, In Flames) to chronicle the night's events. Bringing with him from Gothenberg, Sweden, Patric had a large crew of professionals and equipment, including 18 cameras that would be used in and around the concert grounds.

The title for the band's first DVD to date (based on an earlier Kamelot song title) was chosen long before the actual shoot. Ironically this winter turned out to be one of the longest and coldest in the country's history, with enormous amounts of snow and numerous chaos-causing blizzards.

One Cold Winter's Night will be available as a double DVD (cover), double CD (cover) or a 2DVD/2CD double pack with poster (Europe only).

For more information, click here.

According to a posting on In Flames' official web site, guitarist Jesper Strömblad has undisclosed "issues to deal with" and "will take a break" from the group's current touring activities. However, fans are being assured that Jesper "will be back." The rest of the band will complete the forthcoming tours and no dates will be cancelled.

As previously reported, In Flames' latest album, Come Clarity, has sold more than 100,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Come Clarity, the highly influential band's debut for Ferret Music, took the hard rock community by storm upon its release, debuting at #58 on the Billboard Top 200 with first week sales of nearly 25,000 copies. The highest charting record in both the band and label's sales history, Come Clarity has met to widespread critical acclaim and solidified In Flames' place as leaders of the modern day heavy music movement. In Flames is also seeing success at radio with the launch of the first U.S. commercial campaign in the band's storied history.

A representative for Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi has confirmed that the highly anticipated and much-rumored reunion of Iommi, Ronnie James Dio, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward appears to be shaping up and taking a new form. After various promoters have approached the former Sabbath bandmates' respective representatives, the guys have started taking all of this very seriously, as they have apparently wanted to reunite for some time now. It looks as if the new shape may be that of Heaven and Hell — that is the moniker that the band is likely to use on their new venture. If all goes well, Heaven and Hell should be hitting the road in early 2007.

San Diego power metal band Benedictum has parted ways with drummer Blackie Sanchez due to musical differences. "We wish Blackie the best of luck in his future endeavors — we had some great times together but over the last few months it became apparent that we were moving in different directions," said the band in an official statement. "We are happy to announce that we have found an awesome new drummer named Paul Courtois who we've been jamming with and things have never been better. We're gelling beautifully on a musical level and we're having more fun than ever; we're currently in the early pre-production stages for our second album and already working up a batch of new tunes with Paul. We'll be heading up to L.A. shortly to meet up with our producer, Jeff Pilson, and get the ball rolling with a view toward tracking in February."

On the live front, Benedictum has been forced to drop out of the Monterrey Metal Fest in Mexico due to scheduling conflicts but are heading back over to Europe for a December tour with German metal goddess Doro. "I'm a huge fan and I can't wait it meet her so this tour is like a dream come true for me" states Benedictum vocalist Veronica Freeman. "We're looking forward to getting back to Italy, Holland, and Belgium, and we're totally stoked to finally be able to play for the fans in Germany, which we didn't get a chance to last summer. We'll see you all very soon!"

Confirmed Doro / Benedictum tour dates are as follows:

Dec. 05 - Italy - Florence Flog
Dec. 06 - Italy - Traviso New Age
Dec. 07 - Italy - Milan Live Club
Dec. 09 - Germany - Affalter Zur Linde
Dec. 10 - Germany - Braunschweig Jolly Joker
Dec. 11 - Germany - Berlin Postbahnhof
Dec. 13 - Germany - Bremen Aladin
Dec. 15 - Austria - Wörgl Komma
Dec. 16 - Germany - Kaufbeuren All-Karthalle
Dec. 19 - Germany - Ubach-Palenberg Rockfabrik
Dec. 20 - Netherlands - Weert De Bosuil
Dec. 21 - Netherlands - Hellendorn Lantaarn
Dec. 22 - Germany - Flensburg Roxy
Dec. 25 - Germany - Speyer Halle 101
Dec. 26 - Germany - Bochum Zeche
Dec. 27 - Belgium - Antwerpen Hof Ter Loh
Dec. 28 - Germany - Aschaffenburg Colos-Saal
Dec. 29 - Germany - Andernach JUZ Live Club
Dec. 30 - Germany - Crailsheim Jahnhalle

The U.S. release date of the new Children Of Bodom DVD, Chaos Ridden Years - Stockholm Knockout Live, has been pushed back to December 5. The audio CD version of the release arrived in stores this past week (Tuesday, October 24).

As previously reported ,a "Media Plyer" for Chaos Ridden Years - Stockholm Knockout Live has been launched at this location.

For more information, click here.

Powerhouse heavy metal vocalist Rob Rock (ex-Impellitteri, Driver, Joshua) has cancelled his previously announced South American tour. "We are unable to tour at this time because certain contractual commitments and deadlines were not met," reads a posting on Rob's web site. "Our sincerest apologies to our fans. Rob Rock will work hard to tour South America as soon as possible."

JVC/Victor Entertainment Japan released Rob Rock's latest CD, Holy Hell, with four bonus tracks on September 22, 2005: "Ride the Wind", featuring a Gus G. (Firewind) guitar solo; "Lost in a World", originally recorded and mixed during the "Rage of Creation" (2000) sessions; "I’m a Warrior" (alternate mix) and "First Winds of the End of Time" (alternate mix) (alternate mixes by Roy Z).

Holy Hell was released in the U.S. on September 6, 2005 via Candlelight/Caroline Records. The CD features contributions from Bobby Jarzombek (drums; Halford, Iced Earth, Riot), Carljohan Grimmark (guitar; Narnia), Andreas Olsson (bass; Narnia), Bob Rossi (guitar), Rick Renstrom (guitar), and producer/guitarist Roy Z. Special guests include EDGUY singer Tobias Sammet and Italian keyboard sensation Mistheria.

Sweden's Amon Amarth has issued the following update:

"It's time for us to decide the set list for our upcoming tours in Europe and North America, and we want YOUR help! Choose 15 of your favourite Amon Amarth songs. The 15 most popular choices will be picked for the set list (the 10 most popular will be picked for the North American tour). Click here to vote."

As previously reported, Amon Amarth's video for the song "Runes to my Memory" has been posted online at this location (Windows Media). An exclusive media player for With Oden On Our Side, featuring two songs from the album, can be accessed at this location. The CD was recorded at Fascination Street studios in Örebro, Sweden with producer Jens Bogren.

Dokken mainman Don Dokken has uploaded audio samples from his upcoming Solitary solo album at his official web site. Check out the cuts "Someday", "Sarah", "Never Forget", "Meadows", "Ship of Fools" and "Everything" at this location (Scroll down to the bottom of the page).

Dokken filmed their recent shows in Mexico and Greece for a bonus DVD to be included with their upcoming album, "Lightning Strikes Again", tentatively due in early 2007.

Dokken's latest CD, Hell to Pay, was released in July 2004 via Sanctuary. The recording lineup on the album was as follows: Don Dokken (vocals), Jon Levin (guitar, ex-Warlock), Barry Sparks (bass, Ted Nugent, Yngwie Malmsteen, MSG) and Mick Brown (drums).

Trivium's entire new album, The Crusade, is available for listening at NME.com (click on "Media Player"; registration required).

The Crusade is scheduled for release on October 10 via Roadrunner Records (one day earlier internationally). The follow-up to 2005's Ascendancy was recorded at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, FL, just outside of Orlando. Once again produced by Trivium and Jason Suecof, the CD is "a dazzling explosion of tight, intricate and instantly memorable songs that feature awe-inspiring musicianship from all four members of the band," according to a press release. An e-card for The Crusade can be accessed at this location.

As previously reported, Trivium's video for the song "Anthem (We Are The Fire)" has been posted online at this location. The clip was shot on August 11 in Agoura Hills, California and features the band and its loyal fans crashing and taking over "a lame house party...bringing their huge metal show (complete with pyro, flaming swimming pool, and fire cannons) and showing the world how they ROCK."

Norway's black metal legends Immortal disbanded in 2003 after 13 successful years as one of the pioneers of metal, with a legacy of seven full-length albums, including their latest milestone, 2002's Sons of Northern Darkness, through Nuclear Blast Records.

After a solid break, the band has decided to enter the battlefield again, and what better way to do so than performing a few selected, exclusive concert appearances!

Come 2007, the world will see a new ferocious lineup of Immortal, featuring Abbath and Horgh, and a new bass player in Apollyon from Aura Noir.

After already confirming their headlining appearance at Germany's Wacken Open Air 2007, Photograve Management has announced the mighty Immortal’s return to U.S. shores for two exclusive shows. The dates are as follows:

Jul. 13 - New York City, NY – B.B. King Blues Club & Grill
Jul. 15 - Los Angeles, CA - The Avalon

Tickets go on sale October 13 2006 at 12:00 p.m. (noon).

Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish, which recently entered the studio to begin recording their first album since the departure of singer Tarja Turunen, has posted the following message on their official web site:

"There has been again false news about [the] Nightwish vocalist [position] in some media [outlets] at least in Finland. There has not been any decisions made concerning the vocalist and there will not be any before year 2007. When the band chooses the vocalist, they will inform all [members of the] media about it. Once again: Do not trust any news if it's not found in www.nightwish.com!"

Buckcherry recently filmed two videos in one day, shooting a new clip for the song "Crazy Bitch" as well as one for the track "Next to You".

Guitarist Keith Nelson had an easy way to keep track of which video he was shooting when. "I just looked down at my shirt and I knew exactly what to do," Nelson said, explaining that he wore a red T-shirt for "Next to You" and a gray for "Crazy Bitch".

“Next to You” is about two female fans that basically go to great lengths to try to get next to the band with a series of near-misses, finishing up at the Inland Invasion concert."

As for their white-hot single, Nelson says, "The 'Crazy Bitch' video is five rock 'n' roll guys get a parking ticket that goes really bad. I don't want to give it away, but all I can I say is I wish every traffic cop in L.A. was as hot as the one that decided to throw us in jail for our parking violation." It's like 'The Terminator' meets 'Hot for Teacher'," he says.

Soulfly bassist Bobby Burns will sit out the band's U.S. Dark Ages Tour with after suffering a stroke last Thursday. Although home at this time, Burns will need long rest for recovery.

Two bassists stepped up to the plate for their Soulfly brother. Dave Ellefson (formerly of Megadeth, currently of F5/Temple Of Brutality). played bass through September 26 through the remainder of the tour, Danny Lilker (formerly of Anthrax/S.O.D., currently in Nuclear Assault and Brutal Truth) has taken over on bass.

Remaining Soulfly tour dates are:

Sep. 28 - Bedford, NH - Mark’s Place
Sep. 29 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock Café
Sep. 30 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
Oct. 01 - Winston-Salem, NC - Ziggy's
Oct. 02 - Charlotte, NC - Amos’ South End
Oct. 03 - Tallahassee, FL - The Beta Bar
Oct. 04 - St. Petersburg, FL - State Theatre
Oct. 05 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - The Culture Room
Oct. 06 - Atlanta, GA – Masquerade

Atlantic recording group Shadows Fall is currently in the studio recording their highly anticipated major label debut with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Stone Sour, Rush). The still untitled project is the Grammy-nominated band's follow-up to 2004's critically acclaimed The War Within, and its companion release, 2006's Fallout From The War, both released on Century Media Records.

After headlining this summer's Sthress Tour with such supporting acts as Suffocation and Poison The Well, Shadows Fall headed straight back to their rehearsal space to begin pre-production. On September 18 the band entered Studio 606 in Northridge, CA to begin recording. Says singer Brian Fair, "I cannot wait to finally get this started! We have been working on these songs for the past few months in the practice space and are ready to lay them down in the studio. Pre-production with Nick has been amazing. He is definitely on the same page as us, musically and personally. He is a lifelong fan of metal but also has a great understanding of rock and roll, which complements our style and sound perfectly." Raskulinecz adds, "I've wanted to work with this band for years and had to bug the hell out of them until they said yes. We're going to tighten the songs so that every riff, every lyric, every drum hit counts on this record, and really focus on the songwriting to make it a force to be dealt with."

Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, Shadows Fall first garnered attention from the underground metal scene with their first three releases, Somber Eyes To The Sky, Of One Blood, and The Art Of Balance. Known for their unrelenting live performances, they have toured with a diverse array of artists, among them Slipknot, Damageplan, Misfits, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Killswitch Engage and Glassjaw. The group's 2004 breakthrough album, The War Within, not only debuted at #20 on the Billboard 200 chart but also earned the group a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance and secured them a spot on Ozzfest's 2005 main stage.

A live recording of the new W.A.S.P. song "Mercy", taped during the band's appearance in Bulgaria earlier in the month, has been made available for download via the band's official forum at www.waspnation.com (free registration required).

According to a posting on The Rainbow Fanclan Legacy, the second of three shows from Rainbow's September 1976 tour of Germany, newly mixed from the multi-tracks, is nearing release, and follows the pattern set by the previously issued Cologne recordings. Only one track from this particular gig is believed to have ever been issued before ("Catch the Rainbow" on the old Connoisseur title "Live in Germany"). The show dates from September 27, 1976 in Düsseldorf, Germany, and features the regular set list from that tour:

The CD can be pre-ordered now via Deep-Purple.net mail order and release is expected in November.

Twisted Sister's version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" (written by Thomas Connor; first recorded by Jimmy Boyd in 1952) has been posted online at the band's official MySpace page. The track will be included on Twisted Sister's recently completed "final" disc, A Twisted Christmas, featuring metal versions of holiday classics, including "Deck the Halls" and "Oh Come All Ye Faithful".

In a recent interview with Doug Podell of Detroit's WRIF 101.1 FM, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider stated about the upcoming CD, "We've been in the studio… I don't know if you heard about this. It came to us that when it comes to Christmas, there's every kind of music Christmas records — there's jazz, there's barbershop quartet, there's classical, there's easy listening — but there's no old-school metal. And we have just finished recording 'A Twisted Christmas' — 10 traditional Christmas songs done '80s-metal style. I'm telling you — it works. It's unbelievable. It rocks.

"You know what? Years ago, back in the '80s, I was saying, 'Man, it would be great if all the bands got together and we each took a Christmas song and did it our own way.' So what J.J. [French, guitar] — knowing this is the last year for me — said, 'What do you think about doing a Christmas record?' And I said, 'You know what? That could just be insane enough to be successful.' So we went in and the stuff works, man. We've got an AC/DC-type version of 'Silver Bells', a Maiden version of… This is what we did: We approached it like, 'How would these bands do it?' A Maiden version of 'White Christmas', Thin Lizzy, a Judas Priest 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus'. It rocks. Me and Lita Ford did a duet, power ballad-style, on 'I'll Be Home for Christmas'; it came out incredible."

A Twisted Christmas (view cover here) track listing:

01. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
02. Oh Come All Ye Faithful
03. White Christmas
04. I'll Be Home For Christmas (feat. Lita Ford)
05. Silver Bells
06. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause
07. Let It Snow
08. Deck the Halls
09. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)
10. Heavy Metal Christmas (The Twelve Days of Christmas)

A Twisted Christmas is scheduled for release on October 17 via Razor & Tie Records.

Christian thrash metaler’s Deliverance reunited for a one-off gig at the Up From The Ashes 2 Christian metal festival, which took place on Saturday (September 2) at the Chapel of the Hills Sanctuary in Sunland, California. As a surprise, Jim Chaffin — the former Crucified/Deliverance and current Once Dead drummer — joined the band to perform the classic Deliverance track "No Time".

Axel Rudi Pell's latest CD, Mystica, has entered the German national chart at position No. 27. As previously reported, the CD debuted on the Swedish chart at position No. 56.

The album was released in North America on September 26, and was co-produced/engineered by Charlie Bauerfeind. It features artwork by Colombian illustrator Felipe Machado Franco. Axel explained the story behind the cover and the album: "The five knights are on their way home now since they released their crown back from the evil breed during their visit at the 'Kings and Queens' castle. Their way will lead them back passing the 'Shadow Zone' and sailing on through the 'Oceans Of Time'. Of course it is a rather mystical travel and they are attacked by various creatures... I included some of this lyrical content in a few of the new songs, but not in all of 'em."

German power metaler’s Symphorce, featuring Brainstorm frontman Andy B. Franck, have announced the addition of drummer Steffen Theurer to the group's ranks. The band is currently working on material for its upcoming CD, Become Death, which it expects to begin recording in November at the House of Music studios in Winterach, Germany with producer Dennis Ward. "It seems like this is going to be the hardest and probably heaviest output ever," Symphorce writes on its web site. The cover artwork will be handled by Thomas Ewerhard. A February/March 2007 release is expected.

Symphorce's last album, GodSpeed, was released in September 2005 via Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to 2004's Twice Second was recorded at House of Music studios and features 10 tracks. A limited-edition version of the album includes a bonus DVD of approximately 45 minutes of "live and backstage" footage and the video clip for "Cause of Laughter". The cover artwork was designed by Travis Smith (Iced Earth, Nevermore).

Atlanta's Mastodon has made its entire new album, Blood Mountain, available for streaming via its MySpace page page.

Blood Mountain is scheduled for release on September 12 via Warner Bros. Records. A video for the song "The Wolf is Loose" can be viewed by clicking here. The clip was shot on August 12 with director Jonathan Rej (Further Seems Forever, Stretch Armstrong), who worked with the band on the video for "Blood and Thunder" from 2004's Leviathan.

Mastodon are currently touring in support of the album with dates scheduled through October 7. The Bronx and Converge have been tapped as support. The band will then take off for a month (guitarist Bill Kelliher's got a baby on the way) before heading to Europe for a headlining run there. Mastodon will be touring the States again in early 2007, with plans to stay on the road for much of the year.

German hard rock singer Doro will release a special "winter edition" of her latest album, Warrior Soul, on November 20 through AFM Records. Dubbed 20 Years A Warrior Soul, the set will include the regular album plus a bonus DVD featuring footage from Doro's December 2003 20th anniversary gig in Düsseldorf, Germany and a CD containing new/previously unreleased tracks. A special "fan box" will also be included, according to a posting on the AFM web site.

Warrior Soul, was released in North America in May via Locomotive Records. The CD was created in Switzerland, Tennessee, New York and Germany; and inspired by her first feature film role earlier this year in Luke Gasser's "Anuk - The Warrior's Way". The sound returns Doro to the ways of her first band, Warlock, which she fronted to forever change the face of modern metal music. It stands in perfect contrast to her last opus, 2004's Classic Diamonds, in which she stretched out to perform decidedly non-metal ballads and mid-tempo rockers with a symphony orchestra. Here — with bassist Nick Douglas, guitarist Joe Taylor, keyboardist Oliver Palotai and drummer Johnny Dee — Doro is back to major league metal form, hard-charging through 12 tracks in a beefy 54:10.

8/11/06

Stratovarius frontman Timo Kotipelto has entered Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Finland in August to begin recording his third solo album, tentatively due in early 2007 via his own label, High and Loud Records. "Mirka [Rantanen] has already laid down some good drum tracks with excellent drum sounds at the Sonic Pump Studios," Timo writes on his web site.

Kotipelto's sophomore solo album, Coldness, was released in Europe in April 2004 through Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2002's Waiting for the Dawn was recorded by Children Of Bodom keyboardist Janne Wirman at his Beyond Abilities Studios as well as by Tero Kostermaa at High and Loud's Elk Studios and Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, where the mixing (Mikko Karmila) and the mastering (Mika Jussila) also took place. Matthias Norén, who has previously worked with bands like Into Eternity, Lost Horizon and Evergrey, designed the album's artwork.

Progressive metal act Symphony X has set Paradise Lost as the title of the follow-up to 2002's The Odyssey, tentatively due before the end of the year. The band expects to return to the road shortly after the release of the new album.

Symphony X was recently forced to cancel a couple of European festival appearances after bassist Michael LePond was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease (an inflammatory bowel disorder). He has since undergone surgery and has been released from the hospital.

Symphony X was one of the second-stage bands at last summer's Gigantour, a six-week festival trek co-headlined by Megadeth and Dream Theater. Rarities and Demos, the first fan club CD from the Symphony X fan club, Church of the Machine, was shipped out in July 2005 to fan club members. The CD included demo material, rare unreleased material, and guitarist Michael James Romeo's interpretation of the Star Wars theme, done with over 15 guitar tracks.

According to Hits daily Double, San Diego Christian rockers P.O.D. have left their longtime label Atlantic Records. "We've been proud to be Atlantic recording artists, but it's not the same place anymore," reads a statement from the band. "For most of our stay, we were blessed by a staff that was gracious towards their vision, faith, and love of music... It's time to dream again with a new staff and we leave with grateful hearts."

P.O.D.'s latest album, Testify, sold just over 54,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 9 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Testify is the follow-up to Payable on Death, which opened with 106,000 copies back in November 2003 to debut at No. 9 on The Billboard 200.

P.O.D. recently revealed their own skate shoe line with Tribal Clothing, "The Warrior".

Evanescence has lined up 17 theater gigs that will constitute the first leg of its world tour, according to MTV.com.

The initial North American run will kick off in Toronto on October 5 - two days after the group's new album, The Open Door, lands in stores - with dates scheduled through October 29 in San Francisco. Evanescence then plan on heading across the pond for a brief run of European shows, after which they'll return to the States before year's end to play in larger arenas.

In other news, Evanescence has found a replacement for recently departed bassist William Boyd in former Revolution Smile guitarist Tim McCord, who'll be switching instruments to fill the void.

Evanescence tour dates:

According to Hits Daily Double, Slayer's Christ Illusion (American/Warner Bros.) is poised to sell between 55,000 and 60,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release to land in the Top 10 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Christ Illusion is Slayer's first new studio album since 2001, and the first recorded by the group's original line-up - Kerry King (guitar), Tom Araya (bass, vocals), Jeff Hanneman (guitars), Dave Lombardo (drums) - since 1990's Seasons In The Abyss. The CD was produced by Josh Abraham and executive-produced by Rick Rubin.

III: In the Eyes of Fire was recorded at a Seattle studio with producer Terry Date (Pantera, Deftones). A limited-edition version of III: In the Eyes of Fire includes a bonus DVD containing the "making of" footage for the album and a live video filmed on the Sounds of The Underground tour.

Century Media Records has set an October 31 North American release date for Nightwish's Highest Hopes - The Best of Nightwish. Originally released in Europe by Spinefarm Records, the collection spans the band’s recording career. Certified double platinum in Finland, "Highest Hopes" debuted No. 1 on the Finnish charts, and in the top 25 across Europe. In 2005 the album helped to secure Nightwish the 2005 Best Finnish Artist award and the award for the top-selling Finnish album of 2005. Making their domestic premiere are songs "Walking In The Air", "Deep Silent Complete", "Sleeping Sun" and "Ever Dream", heretofore only available on hard-to-find and limited import singles for North American fans. The collection also includes the first and second singles from the Once album. "Nemo", the first single debuted at No. 1 on the German charts, stayed in the U.K. charts for more than a year, received the "2004 Best Song" award from Germany's Rockantenne and helped propel the band's 2004 album Once to triple platinum in Finland, platinum status in Germany and gold in Greece and Sweden. The second single, "Wish I Had An Angel", debuted in both the Finnish and German charts at No. 1 and appeared in the soundtrack for the movie Alone In The Dark.

Highest Hopes – The Best of Nightwish track listing:

Venom's previously announced North American tour, which was scheduled to start on August 13 in New York City, has been cancelled, apparently due to "immigration problems" (as announced by frontman Dez Fafara of the support act Devildriver). The British black metal pioneers are believed to be trying to reschedule the dates for early September, although this has not yet been officially confirmed.

Venom's new album, Metal Black, was released in North America on April 4 via Sanctuary Records. The CD was mixed at the Townhouse Studios in London and contains 14 new songs.

Venom recently recorded a session for the BBC at London's Maida Vale studios. The session, which was broadcast on Radio 1 on April 11 during Mike Davies' Rock Show, marked the second BBC recording by Venom since 1985, when they laid down four tracks for Tommy Vance's Friday Rock Show.

Avenged Sevenfold and Dragonforce have been added to the main-stage lineup of this year's Ozzfest, which is scheduled to kick off June 29 in Auburn, Washington.

"Ozzfest has so much history," says Avenged Sevenfold vocalist M. Shadows. "We are honored to be sharing the stage with so many great bands and even more excited in being part of the legacy that is Ozzfest."

Meanwhile, Ozzy Osbourne — who recently announced an Ozzfest first with his decision to headline the second stage at the festival's July 8 stop at San Bernardino, CA's Hyundai Pavilion of Glen Helen — has elected to headline two additional shows on the second stage on this summer's trek (July 11 in San Antonio, TX at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre and July 22 in East Troy, WI at the Alpine Valley Music Theatre). The move will place the festival's founder and namesake directly into the outstretched hands of his devoted fans.

A management representative for Dragonlord — the San Francisco-based black metal band featuring Eric Peterson (guitar, vocals; Testament), Gian Pyres (guitar; ex-Cradle Of Filth), Derrick Ramirez (bass), Lyle Livingstone (keys) and Jon Allen (drums; Sadus, ex-Teatament) — has issued the following statement:

"I have been informed that Gian Pyres, Dragonlord guitarist, has developed very bad tendonitis in his left hand. Accordingly, his doctor advises refraining from playing guitar for the immediate future for fear of more permanent damage. Therefore, he is not available for the scheduled Dragonlord tour and thus the Dragonlord tour must be postponed at this time. He apologizes for any and all inconveniences as does Dragonlord, and hopes that the tour can be rescheduled as soon as possible. At this time, due to the foregoing unforeseen problem, the Dragonlord tour from June 23, 2006 to July 8, 2006, is cancelled."

As previously reported, Dragonlord have been added to the upcoming Thrash Domination 2006 two-day mini-festival, set to take place on September 16-17 at Club Citta in Tokyo, Japan. Also scheduled to appear are Venom, Death Angel, Sodom and Onslaught.

Dragonlord's sophomore album, "Black Wings of Destiny", was released in the U.S. in October 2005 via Escapi Music. The follow-up to 2001's "Rapture" (Spitfire Records) was recorded and mixed by Fredrik Nordström (Hammerfall, Dimmu Borgir, Arch Enemy) at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Vocalist Sean Peck of the San Diego, California-based heavy metal band Cage has posted the following message on the group's official web site:

"For those of you who were wondering, Cage is alive and well and currently working on several exciting projects. The ambitious nature of these is such that all must remain secret for now. For up-to-the-minute Cage conversations and info, click on this link for our MySpace page which has received quite a lot of activity in the past few months. Stay tuned and patient and all will be rewarded!"

Cage’s third CD, Darker Than Black, was released in Europe in April 2003 via Germany's Massacre Records. The album was produced at Silvercloud Studio by Richard Carr (Halford, Bruce Dickinson).

Blind Guardian have announced the details of their North American tour in support of their new album, A Twist In The Myth, which is slated for a September 2006 release via Nuclear Blast Records. The dates are as follows:

Nov. 08 - Marquee Theatre - Phoenix, AZ
Nov. 09 - House Of Blues - San Diego, CA
Nov. 10 - Galaxy Theatre - Santa Ana, CA
Nov. 11 - Avalon - Los Angeles, CA
Nov. 12 - Fillmore - San Francisco, CA
Nov. 14 - TBA - Vancouver, BC
Nov. 15 - El Corazon - Seattle, WA
Nov. 17 - Avalon - Salt Lake City, UT
Nov. 18 - Gothic Theatre - Denver, CO
Nov. 20 - The Rave - Milwaukee, WI
Nov. 21 - House Of Blues - Chicago, IL
Nov. 22 - The Quest - Minneapolis, MN
Nov. 24 - Newport Music Hall -