Новости : DARKSIDE.ru (2024)

Metal guitar master Joe Stump (HOLYHELL, REIGN OF TERROR) will release his ninth solo album, "Revenge Of The Shredlord", on August 17 via Lion Music. The CD was engineered and mixed by Grammy Award winner Ducky Carlise (BUDDY GUY, JOHNNY WINTER) and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (HALFORD, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ARMORED SAINT, ANGRA, SEPULTURA) at Appelbaum Mastering.

Commented Joe: "The new record's heavy, very dark and classically influenced, with the usual mix of strong melodies and fierce metal riffa*ge that are a constant on all my previous releases. This is without a doubt my best effort, both sonically and guitar-playing-wise. I can't wait 'till it's unleashed."

"Revenge Of The Shredlord" track listing.

01. The Ritual Begins
02. Man Your Battlestations
03. Pistoleros
04. Shredlord's Sonata
05. Master's Prelude
06. In The Master's House
07. The Black Knight's Castle
08. Enter The Coven
09. Evil Beasts Below
10. Strat Outa Hell
11. White Knuckle Mayhem
12. The End Approaches

The song "Man Your Battlestations" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.

Stump's last solo album, "Virtuostic Vendetta", was released in April 2009 via Lion Music.

Video footage of ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante laying down a cover version of the BLACK SABBATH classic "Neon Knights" for inclusion on the upcoming Ronnie James Dio tribute album can be seen below. The collection, which is being assembled by the singer's widow and longtime manager Wendy Dio, will also tentatively include contributions from METALLICA, JUDAS PRIEST's Rob Halford, MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy Kilmister, DEEP PURPLE's Ian Gillan, Alice Cooper, Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH), Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW), Chris Jericho (FOZZY) and Dave Grohl (NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS).

"I'm letting them pick what songs they wanna do in the way they wanna do it," Wendy told Artisan News at last December's Dimebash event in Hollywood, California.

Tentatively due next year, the Dio tribute album will see Grohl covering BLACK SABBATH's "The Mob Rules" and Halford contributing a version of RAINBOW's "Long Live Rock 'N' Roll".

In a recent interview with Guitar International, ANTHRAX guitarist Rob Caggiano stated that his band's cover version of "Neon Nights" "came out pretty smoking."

Ronnie James Dio, best known for his work with BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW and his own band DIO, died of stomach cancer on May 16, 2010 at the age of 67.

Video footage of ANTHRAX performing "Neon Knights" on June 15 at the Copenhell festival in Copenhagen, Denmark can be seen below.

Last month, it was reported that ANTHRAX was recording several cover songs, to be issued in September to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the release of the band's latest album, "Worship Music". While the band does have plans to release an EP of covers that they've done, ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian made it clear to VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner that they are "not working on a covers album." He said, "It's not at all what we're doing. [laughs] We just always record cover songs. They just happen when we're in the studio or when we're touring, we get bored of jamming on our own songs at soundcheck, so you end up jamming on cover songs and eventually we'll end up recording them and eventually, somehow, they end up getting released in some way, shape or form as B-sides, but we're definitely not working on a covers album."

Regarding ANTHRAX's plans to write and record new music, Ian told VH1 Radio Network, "We do already have two or three things kind of in the works as far as new music goes, so it's just a case of if you can get into that mode to start working on them. I can't even explain why or how it happens, but sometimes you'll just get into a mode and you're able to create and you're able to work on stuff and move stuff forward, new stuff, but sometimes you just can't. Sometimes you're on tour and there's just no spark, it's just not there, it's just all about what you're doing in the moment, playing those shows."

ANTHRAX has reportedly started recording the following cover songs for possible release:

* AC/DC - "T.N.T."
* BOSTON - "Smokin'"
* JOURNEY - "Keep On Runnin'"
* RUSH - "Anthem"

Laying down drum tracks to "Neon Knights":

Carlos Reali of Superskum.com conducted an interview with vocalist Chris Barnes of Florida death metallers SIX FEET UNDER on June 18 at the Gothic Theatre in Denver, Colorado. You can now watch the chat in two parts below.

When asked about his reputation as a "legalize cannabis" activist in his spare time, Barnes said, "I believe [cannabis] was placed here on earth by a higher power or another being or an alien being or something that has a plan for us. . . It's scientific knowledge that our systems are built around the cannabinoidal system. We need cannabinoids ingested into our bodies to build our immune system; it's a natural benefit to us as humans. There's a lot of things out there, scientifically, that prove this and show that it actually is a possibility to cure cancer as well. . . It is a passive, recreational drug. It is what you make it to be. Those are things that I found to be true, scientifically, about the human body needing cannabis in their system. What we don't need in our system is this [grabbing a bottle of Heineken] — a beer, alcohol. We don't need cigarettes, we don't need tobacco. But, for some reason, these things are legal to us and shoved down our throats, advertised on the Super Bowl, and we're supposed to consume these things. And they are the most deadliest things that we consume as human beings in our daily lives and they kill more people on the face of this planet than anything else that we use recreationally. So why are these items — alcohol and tobacco — available to us and we use them and eat them up and let them kill us? Why does that happen? That's the hypocrisy to why marijuana and cannabis should be legalized. And it's because it does not harm anyone physically. It has been scientifically proven that it helps us and benefits us as humans and we need it in our systems — period. So the hypocrisy in the prohibition of marijuana, of cannabis, should stop across the board. It should be used medicinally, it should be used recreationally, it should be used as products, it should be used as oil to run our cars, it should be used numerous different ways that could benefit the planet. Businesses can be started, economies can be boosted by this plant which grows simply, fast, and it actually produces more replenishing oxygen into the ozone faster than any other plant that grows on this planet. So all of those things wrapped up together, that's what I think about marijuana and cannabis. That's why prohibition is a hypocrisy that is being pushed by those in power for some reason. And the only thing I can think of is they are afraid of those that use it and they wanna kill people with this [holding a bottle of Heineken] to control the population."

SIX FEET UNDER last month announced the addition of Swedish rhythm guitarist Ola Englund (FEARED, SCARPOINT) to their legendary ranks. Englund, who made his first official appearance with the band on the "18 Nights Of Blood Tour" earlier this month, takes the place of Rob Arnold (CHIMAIRA).

SIX FEET UNDER's new album, "Undead", was released on May 22 through Metal Blade Records. The 12-track CD was produced by Mark Lewis (DEICIDE, DEVILDRIVER) and mixed by Jason Suecof (WHITECHAPEL, JOB FOR A COWBOY), at AudioHammer Studios in Sanford, Florida.

Virginia grindcore titans PIG DESTROYER have entered the studio to record their highly anticipated fifth full-length album. The band is producing and recording the CD at guitarist Scott Hull's Visceral Sound Studios in Alexandria, Virginia. The as-yet-untitled effort is described in a press release as "a return to a raw, primitive sound and will feature 19 songs of their signature misanthropic grind." A late 2012 release via Relapse Records is expected.

For the recording of PIG DESTROYER's new album, the band has enlisted Adam Jarvis (MISERY INDEX) to lend his inhuman drumming skills to the aural hatred.

Commented Hull: "Tracking the drums happened this week and I'm honestly amazed at how Adam stepped up to the task of learning some challenging sh*t outside of his standard comfort zone. He came into the studio ready to destroy and destroy he did. And in the haze of long studio hours, he never settled for a bad take. He's a real soldier. Adam has helped breathe new life into the band and we feel like we are starting fresh. Everyone here is excited for people to check out the new jams."

In other news, PIG DESTROYER has been confirmed for the U.K.'s Damnation Festival, se to take place this November, with numerous other dates and festival appearances to be announced shortly.

PIG DESTROYER's last album, "Phantom Limb", came out in 2007 via Relapse Records. The CD was recorded at Omega Studios (BAD BRAINS) in Rockville, Maryland under the helm of guitarist/producer Scott Hull.

John Corabi — former lead singer of MÖTLEY CRÜE, THE SCREAM and UNION — has unveiled the cover art of his upcoming "Unplugged" CD. Check it out below.

Corabi recently released a limited-edition two-song CD sampler at this location. The disc features John's last live performance with THE SCREAM singing "Father, Mother, Son" as well as the track "If I Never Get To Say Goodbye..." from the unplugged CD.

Corabi's acoustic album will include "old songs, new songs and just a sample of things to come." Tentatively due in the spring, the set will contain two versions of the MÖTLEY CRÜE's song "Hooligan's Holiday" — a stripped-back acoustic version and a more elaborate but still acoustic-based band arrangement — as well as a version of the CRÜE's "Loveshine" and even a song by Corabi's first band, ANGORA, which was originally produced by Steve Vai.

Corabi originally joined CRÜE in 1992 as the replacement for the group's original singer, Vince Neil, who was fired due to personal differences. With Corabi on vocals, MÖTLEY CRÜE released one critically acclaimed full-length CD, which ended up being a commercial failure in the wake of grunge despite a Top-Ten placing on the album chart. When Neil returned to the fold in 1997, Corabi was left on his own and formed the band UNION with ex-KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick.

Due to a number of health issues, including a knee problem which will require surgery soon, former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno has announced that he will stop touring next year.

In a statement to his fans released earlier today, Paul said, "I am gonna be 'pulling the plug' next year 2013, and making it my 'farewell tour'... It was good whilst it lasted."

According to Michael Salenius, Di'Anno's Swedish booking manager and tour manager, next year will be "a big, fantastic" last touring year for Paul, with a lot of solo shows, festival appearances and Di'Anno vs. Blaze Bayley concerts. You will also see various guest musicians joining Paul on stage.

Di'Anno recorded two classic albums with IRON MAIDEN before being fired and replaced by Bruce Dickinson. He went on to front a number of other bands, including KILLERS and BATTLEZONE, and released several solo records.

On August 27, 2011, Di'Anno played his first show since serving time in a U.K. prison after he falsely collected U.K. government benefits by claiming he suffered nerve damage to his back that prevented him from working.

After serving his jail term in early 2011, Di'Anno issued a short statement in which he thanked his fans for their support and claimed that he "managed not to drop the soap" during his stint behind bars.

Di'Anno, 53, was sentenced to nine months for swindling £45,000 (approximately $72,000) in benefits. He was told he would serve at least four and a half months of the sentence behind bars before being released on conditional bail.

D'Anno was reportedly busted when investigators at Department Of Work And Pensions (DWP) received an anonymous tip that he was still singing. They then found videos and pictures on YouTube and the rocker's own web site of Di'Anno "energetically leaping around on stage, singing to fans around the world."

Di'Anno completed his first North American tour in early 2010, 17 years after he was deported following a prison term for guns and drug offenses.

"In 1991 I did a couple of stints in jail for guns and drugs," Di'Anno explained in a 2010 interview. "I was stupid. But after I'd done my stretch they still treated me like a criminal. And I was — but I wasn't that bad. So I didn't feel good about America. The government, not the people.

"Prison was tough, but I'm tougher. I was nobody's bitch, put it that way. You've got to do it; otherwise people will walk all over you."

According to Mediafax.cz, Novinky.cz and PrvniZapravi.cz, LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe remains behind bars in a Czech prison after the prosecutor filed a complaint against the singer's release on bail.

On Monday (July 9), a spokesman for the the Municipal Public Prosecutor's Office in Prague Štepánka Zenklová confirmed that the complaint was delivered to the Prague 8 district court this past Friday (July 6).

Another bail hearing will be held at the Municipal Court in Prague at a later date.

Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal group — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.

Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Blythe remains in detention at Pankrác Prison in Prague even after the band's manager posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000) on July 3. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.

Although bail has been posted, the decision to release the singer is still subject to appeal and so it will take some time for the state prosecutor's office to give approval.

LAMB OF GOD manager Larry Mazer spoke with Rolling Stone last week about the alleged incident, telling the magazine, "There are YouTube videos which 100 percent show Randy's innocence. As a matter of fact, all of those videos have now been sent to our lawyer, and he's presenting it to the judge. This case is so full of holes. Nobody reported an injury of any kind at the concert, or after the concert. It was at least an hour to two hours later, supposedly, when this kid went to a hospital."

Mazer continued, "So that's number one — why did nothing occur during the show? Number two, he had supposedly been in a coma for 30 days, but it wasn't [until] a couple of months later that they contacted the promoter to ask his understanding of the events. He said the same thing — that the show went on fine, no nothing, no incidents. They told him that a person had been injured, which led to a death, which he had no knowledge of whatsoever. And then it went away. Two years go by, and Randy gets arrested."

Legendary hardcore band CRO-MAGS was forced to cancel its concert Friday night (July 6) at Webster Hall in New York City as part of the CBGB Festival after the group's former bassist, Harley Flanagan, assaulted two people, including at least one current member of the band.

The CRO-MAGS have since released the following statement on the matter:

"We as a band are truly sorry for the way it all turned out in every regard, even the ex-member whose family is now affected by his choices. Our prayers go out to them as well as Mike C. [Michael 'The Gook' Couls], and the others who were hurt, but it was 'his' choice to come to our concert with a hunting knife, standing by our dressing door. Who knows what his actual intent was?! Obviously he wasn't there with it to cut bread for a peace offering as he was heard saying outside he was putting an end to us playing without him. Let's move on now and stop the trash-talking. Keep that PMA — that's what we are all."

According to the Daily News, William Berario, 45, was slashed above the eye and bitten on his cheek, and Couls was cut on his arm and stomach during the incident, which happened around 8:30 p.m. Flanagan was seen in photographs posted on BoweryBoogie.com being wheeled from the venue by EMTs. He was reportedly taken to Bellevue Hospital to be treated for a broken leg and was charged with second-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

The organizers of the CBGB Festival later released a statement, saying, "We are saddened to learn about the events that occurred at Webster Hall.

"Our primary concern is always the safety and experience of New Yorkers, music fans and the general public. Naturally, we will fully cooperate with law enforcement while hoping for the speedy recovery of those injured.

"Live music can be incredibly uplifting, empowering and positive. We don't feel the actions of one person should overshadow four amazing days and nights of events that include historic and unprecedented free concerts in Times Square and Central Park."

In a 2010 interview, Harley stated about CRO-MAGS singer John Joseph, "The guy has been pretty much a bullsh*t artist since the old days . . If John EVER actually has the balls to back up all the sh*t he talks, to step up, I'll beat his ass. Again... That is if he EVER has the balls to actually step up to the hundreds of times I've called him out, e-mailed him, called him, etc. . . Me and him both know the truth and we both know he's a fraud. A really fake motherf*cker and all that 'spiritual' sh*t is just another smokescreen."

ICED EARTH mainman Jon Schaffer is one of a number of musicians who have come out in support of LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, who is facing manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic.
Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. — a guitarist in a local metal band — and that person died almost a month later of bleeding in the brain.

Randy has been charged with causing "bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan" and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Speaking to Metalholic.com, Jon said (see video below), "I like Randy a lot — he's a great guy, and I really feel bad for what he is going through. I saw some video tape and I am not convinced that there was any wrongdoing. You can't f*cking charge a stage and keep doing that kind of stuff after what happened to Dime [referring to late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist 'Dimebag' Darell Abbott, who was killed onstage in 2004) and expect people to not… And it's not even that anybody really overreacted; it's just normal… This stuff happens at shows all the time. It sucks… I've seen so many times where I'm like, 'Oh my God…' Bodies just come flying over the barricade. And OK, the security guys usually catch them, but if there is a whole and somebody, you know… I see it a lot, and a lot of these guys are so wasted, they get up and, like, 'Yeah!' and they still keep coming, and I'm [thinking], 'You're gonna feel that tomorrow, dude.'"

LAMB OF GOD had been touring Europe in support of its latest album, "Resolution", when Blythe was arrested on June 27.

Many of Blythe's fellow musicians have cited the 2004 shooting death onstage of PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott as the reason why musicians are so defensive nowadays about fans invading the stage. Some reports say that the late fan tried to mount the stage as many as three times that evening.

The band has set up a legal defense fund for Blythe, which has drawn criticism from some of its own fans. Guitarist Willie Adler addressed the issue in an online post, saying, "We are by no means requesting charity, nor are we demanding money from our fans. We have received dozens upon dozens of requests from supporters wanting to help in any way possible. This was a direct response to that in order to give fans a voice in all of this if they choose to do so. By no means are we trying to make a dime off of this."

According to National Turk, Israeli progressive folk metal masters ORPHANED LAND will become Turkish citizens.

The band was previously given a "Friendship And Peace Award" by Turkey for its contributions to peace in the troubled region.

"ORPHANED LAND will perform in another concert in Turkey in September," the band's manager said. "I hope the process will run properly and ORPHANED LAND will be in their second homeland, Turkey, as Turkish citizens for the next concert."

ORPHANED LAND lead vocalist Kobi Farhi spoke about his love of playing Turkey before the band's concert in Istanbul in September 2011: "We're always glad to return to Turkey, and not only are we not afraid — we feel at home there. There are people there who sing with us in Hebrew and we don't face any hostility in Turkey."

ORPHANED LAND's concert DVD, "The Road To OR-Shalem", was released last October in Europe and November in the U.S. via Century Media Records.

According to a press release, "The Road To OR-Shalem" "is the premier Middle Eastern progressive metal crusaders' DVD debut and documents the band's incredible mission to unite warring factions in their home region through the power of music. Filmed in Tel Aviv, Israel in December 2010, 'The Road To OR-Shalem' features nearly two hours of stunning live material, as well as a second bonus DVD. The bonus DVD material includes additional live footage, a behind-the-scenes documentary and video clips."

Peter Iwers and Björn Gelotte of Swedish metallers IN FLAMES, along with Nicka Hellenberg and Mathias Larsson of Fiskejournalen, the largest fishing magazine in Europe, will meet you in Mehamn, where you will enjoy the grandeur of the Norwegian landscape, some pleasant company and, above all, some almost sinfully exciting fishing.

Nordic Safari in Mehamn is situated in one Europe's most northerly areas. Just outside the camp you'll find one of the best places in the world for fishing big cod, catfish and halibut. And just a few minutes away from the camp, you can fish for char and trout in clear mountain lakes. Nordic Safari will do everything to make sure you have a good time: fishing guides for sea and lake fishing, fully equipped sports fishing boats, cosy accommodation in Nordic chalets and plenty of good food.

Fiskejournalen will be reporting the trip, and the rockers from IN FLAMES will be in the boats all the time. The journey ends in the wake of the successful TV series "Deadliest Catch", when they fish for king crab, to be enjoyed as the sun goes down over the Barents Sea.

Included in the trip:

* Three full days fishing with guides (two days sea fishing and one day mountain fishing)
* Fishing equipment and fully equipped sports fishing boats, including fuel.
* Chalet accommodation (4 people per chalet)
* Full board and a king crab buffet
* IN FLAMES T-shirt, signed by the group
* Pictures and film from the trip (sent to you after the trip by Fiskejournalen)

Not included:

* Transport to and from Mehamn.
* Alcoholic beverages.

Price: 10,750 SEK (1,175 euros)

For more information, visit www.nordicsafari.no.

MANOWAR has confirmed the first dates for their upcoming "The Lord Of Steel" world tour. The trek will start in October in Europe, and will continue with worldwide events in 2013.

The "Lord Of Steel" world tour will feature a power-filled set, including brand new songs, a celebration of the 10th anniversary of "Warriors Of The World", and many other classic MANOWAR hymns.

"We can't wait to unleash 'The Lord Of Steel' to the world. It's going to be hard, heavy and brutal! Time to face The Lord Of Steel!" said MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio.

Confirmed dates:

Oct. 09 - Zaragoza, Spain - Interpeñas
Oct. 11 - La Coruña, Spain - Coliseum
Oct. 13 - Barcelona, Spain - St Jordi Club
Oct. 14 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
Oct. 16 - Paris, France - Trabendo
Oct. 19 - Kerkrade, Holland - Rodahal
Oct. 23 - Prague, Czech Republic - Mala Sportovni Hala
Oct. 24 - Pardubice, Czech Republic - CEZ Arena
Oct. 26 - Zlin, Czech Republic - Euronics
Nov. 23 - Worcester, MA - The Palladium
Nov. 24 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount
Nov. 25 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount

MANOWAR's new album, "The Lord Of Steel" — which was mixed and mastered at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands with the help of longtime collaborators, mixing engineer Ronald Prent and Grammy Award-winning mastering engineer Darcy Proper — was released as a limited "Hammer Edition" through Metal Hammer magazine and as a digital release on www.thekingdomofsteel.com and iTunes. The retail edition will be rolled out into worldwide retail in September. (Dates may differ from territory to territory.) Track titles like "Annihilation" and "Hail, Kill And Die!" set the tone for a record that is packed with surprises. In contrast to the 2007 release "Gods Of War", this new album is not a concept album, yet each song tells a different story, retaining the MANOWAR vision of righteousness, honor and everything MANOWAR fans have come to know and love.

MANOWAR fans should expect to have "their heads completely blown off," said MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio in a recent interview, and explained that "this album is all about brutality and raw power!"

"We were talking about a concept album but then got inspired to go in a different direction. This is where we are right now," explained DeMaio. "I've been doing research on getting the best microphones and pre-amps for the guitars. The bass sound is death defying. We've done a lot of work on drums too, giving Donnie [Hamzik, drums] room to stretch out. And Eric [Adams, vocals] will simply sound bigger than life, as always."

"The Lord Of Steel" includes the track "El Gringo", which will also serve as the theme song for the After Dark Action franchise film "El Gringo", an action western starring Scott Adkins ("The Expendables 2", "The Bourne Ultimatum"), Christian Slater and Yvette Yates ("Without Men").

"El Gringo" marks the first time MANOWAR has written a song specifically for a movie. The song depicts the struggle of a hero torn between his moral code and financial gain, and the challenge of being true to oneself and the real values in life — a recurring theme in MANOWAR's music.

"Everyone loves action movies! Our music, along with ass-kicking visuals and a great story, are a perfect match, not to mention a chance to actually see the music come alive on screen," said DeMaio. "'El Gringo' has been a great experience, the team at After Dark Films has been a pleasure to work with, and we are ready for more!" he continued.

When asked about the long gap between MANOWAR's last CD and the new effort, DeMaio said, "I know that a lot of people don't wanna wait another five years for a MANOWAR record, but we hope that people are gonna think that it was worth waiting the time. Because, you know, you go to a restaurant and you order dinner, if the waiter walks in the kitchen and comes back out two seconds later and puts the dinner on the table, I really don't know what you're gonna get. Every now and then I like McDonald's, too — it doesn't mean something fast is not good — but we're not a fast-food restaurant with MANOWAR. We think it's quality, so we hope you're gonna feel the same way."

Rustyn Rose of Metalholic.com conducted an interview with drummer Jon Larsen of Danish metal rock 'n' rollers VOLBEAT prior to the band's July 6 concert in Boise, Idaho with HELLYEAH and ICED EARTH. You can now watch the chat below.

On when fans can expect to hear a new VOLBEAT album:

Jon: "It kind of depends on when we think we're ready, actually. Once this tour is over, we're gonna go home and hide out in the rehearsal room for awhile and see what we can come up with. I know Michael [Poulsen, vocals/guitar] already, of course, has a lot of ideas, a lot of riffs, melody lines, ideas for everything from artwork to lyrics to themes, the whole thing, but, of course, everything needs to get done. And if we're ready, then maybe late October, mid-November we will go into the studio. And if we're not ready, then we won't do it until next year."

On the departure of guitarist Thomas Bredahl and VOLBEAT's search for a replacement:

Jon: "Being in a band, I guess, to use that cliché, it's a bit like a marriage. In a normal relationship, sometimes things work out and sometimes things don't work out. When we're together, we're together 24/7 for several months or for however long, and, of course, we're four very different people, always have been. Sometimes you need to change things. When things don't work out, you change things, like you do in a normal relationship. If you are unhappy about your day job, you might wanna change that. I don't think that we're any more difficult than any other people. Sometimes changes happen."

"There is something in the works [with regards to a new guitar player], [but we can't talk about it] yet."

On LAMB OF GOD singer Randy Blythe's arrest in the Czech Republic on manslaughter charges in connection with the death of a fan more than two years ago:

Jon: "First of all, I think it's terrible. We know Randy, we know the guys from LAMB OF GOD, because we toured with them, along with METALLICA. It's mind-boggling. And from what I hear — I haven't really read too much about it — it seems like it wasn't even Randy who was beating that guy up, it seems like it was more like the local security, actually, who was beating him up afterwards, from what I've heard. Somebody posted, I think on Blabbermouth, that there should be some footage available that will show that Randy definitely did not kill the guy, so to speak. But I think it's really, really terrible, and our thoughts are definitely with him. I really, really hope that he gets out of there as soon as possible and goes home."

On whether it scares him to know that musicians like him can now potentially be held liable for what happens when stage divers get injured at rock shows:

"Of course, it's scary. Everbody knows what happened to Dimebag [late PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist 'Dimebag' Darrell Abbott who was killed by a crazed fan onstage in 2004). I mean, how was that possible? But it was, and now the same thing with Randy. Of course, it makes you think a lot — what can you do to prevent stuff like that? That's why we have — we always have, but now we definitely have to take better care of the barriers and make sure the security do their jobs and stuff like that. People can get hurt, but for what happened at that show, that's just terrible."

Cleveland metallers ALTERNATE REALITY have released a new video for their song "Metal Coma". This is the follow-up to the band's 2011 viral video sensation "The King That Never Was", which has been declared one of the greatest metal videos of all time and also was voted the No. 1 worst video of 2011 by Yahoo! Music, beating out such high-profile videos as Rebecca Black's "Friday".

"Metal Coma" was once again directed, edited, and produced by ALTERNATE REALITY frontman and Ohio lawyer Steve Delchin. It debuted exclusively on Friday, July 6 in front of a large crowd at the WJCU "Metal On Metal" 30th-anniversary concert at the House of Blues in Cleveland.

"The whole world was wondering what we would do to follow up our famous 'King' video," Delchin explains. "Would it be more castles? More wizards? More maidens? Well, we decided on a new theme that pays homage to old-school metalheads. [The] 'Metal Coma' [clip] was shot on location at the world-famous Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, and features over 100 actors drawn from Cleveland's metal scene, legal community, and entertainment industry."

ALTERNATE REALITY guitarist and Cleveland State radio personality Bob Delchin (who is also an Ohio lawyer) highlights how several Hollywood blockbuster films have been shot at the Mansfield Reformatory, including "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Air Force One". Most of ALTERNATE REALITY's new video was shot in the facility's five-story-high west cell block that dates back to 1886 and is known for prisoners being thrown over the rails to their deaths during fights with fellow inmates, says Ron Puff, a volunteer at the Ohio State Reformatory.

The "Metal Coma" video follows the tale of old-school metalheads who are suffering from "an acute overexposure to heavy metals" and are locked up in "The Metal Sanitarium", a sinister asylum run by Dr. Overkill and his staff of nurses.

"ALTERNATE REALITY's new video is like the 'King' video, except on steroids," says Dave Overkill, frontman for the legendary Cleveland metal band DESTRUCTOR, who plays the role of Dr. Overkill. "Everything is more over the top."

"As always, the goal of our videos is to entertain, and I'm extremely grateful to all the volunteer actors in the Cleveland area who gave up their Sunday afternoon in April to be part of our video shoot. The response was overwhelming," says Steve Delchin.

"Metal Coma" features several luminaries from Cleveland's metal scene, including Auburn Records president Bill Peters, and members of such noted acts as BREAKER, DESTRUCTOR, MANIMALS, ETERNAL LEGACY, SOULLESS, VENOMIN JAMES, JJ GRIM, and BLACK DEATH. The video also features members of the Bloodview Haunted House in Broadview Heights, Ohio.

"I had an absolute blast taking part in ALTERNATE REALITY's latest video shoot," says Bill Peters. "My daughter Lily also has a cameo in the video where she delivers a blood-curdling scream in the halls of the Mansfield Reformatory. And the best part (thankfully) is that I wasn't asked to wear a wizard's hat like in the last video. All they did was lock me up in a 100-year-old prison cell!"

The Ohio State Reformatory is open to the public for historic and Hollywood tours and paranormal events, including "ghost hunts," hosted by the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society.

"A Girl Called Cerveza", the video for the title track of the 30th-anniversary album from German alcoholic thrashers TANKARD, can be seen below.

"A Girl Called Cerveza" will be released on July 27 via the band's new label home, Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Studio 23 in Frankfurt with producer Michael Mainx (ONKELZ, DER W, DISBELIEF, D-A-D).

"A Girl Called Cerveza" track listing:

11. Running On Fumes
12. A Girl Called Serveza
13. Witchhunt 2.0
14. Masters Of Farces
15. The Metal Lady Boy (feat. Doro Pesch)
16. Not One Day Dead (But One Day Mad)
17. Son Of A Fridge
18. Fandom At Random
19. Metal Magnolia
20. Rapid Fire (A Tyrant's Elegy)

TANKARD's fourteenth studio album, "Vol(l)ume 14", was released on December 17, 2010 via AFM Records. The limited-edition digipak version of the album included a bonus DVD containing footage of TANKARD's performance at the 2009 edition of the Headbangers Open Air festival, which took place July 23-25, 2009 in in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany.

"A Girl Called Cerveza" video:

"Sweet 16", the new video from AUDIO p*rn, the band featuring HYDROGYN guitarist Jeff Westlake alongside Azriel St. Michael and Byron Black, can be seen below. The song comes off AUDIO p*rn's self-titled debut album, which will be released in North America on August 27 via Super D Distribution and on August 31 in Europe through Music Buy Mail.

"This was a project that I just kind of fell into," said Westlake. "I had met Azriel while producing another band from Canada that Azriel is a part of called BLACK SUN. BLACK SUN had hired Az as the vocalist so we got to know each other during that process back in January and February earlier this year. One thing led to another and here I am in AUDIO p*rn."

Westlake will be balancing his many duties — including HYDROGYN, AUDIO p*rn and his studio and producing role which is a full-time job in itself.

"We basically have the second AUDIO p*rn record already written as well and will be going into my Ridgeline studio starting the end of July through September to record that," said Westlake.

AUDIO p*rn's next CD will not be released until the summer of 2013.

"We wanted to have a lot of music for people to find and be able to reference and not just have one single release to listen to for say two years," said St. Michael. "Between the three of us, we have a ton of ideas that have already been worked out and another album's worth of material so we want to release it right on the heels of this one in August."

HELLYEAH's third album, "Band Of Brothers", is available for streaming in its entirety at AOL Music. Due on July 17 via HELLYEAH's new label home, Eleven Seven Music, the CD was recorded in Dallas, Texas at drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott's home studio, VP's Upstairs Studio, and was produced by the band and Jeremy Parker (GODSMACK, EVANESCENCE), who also served as engineer.

"Band Of Brothers" track listing:

01. War In Me
02. Band Of Brothers
03. Rage/Burn
04. Drink Drank Drunk
05. Bigger God
06. Between You And Nowhere
07. Call It
08. Why Does It Always
09. WM Free
10. Dig Myself A Hole
11. What It Takes To Be Me

Having produced track after track of heavy-hitting, in-your-face, feel-good rock and roll on their previous two albums (2010's "Stampede" and 2007's self-titled debut), HELLYEAH takes a slightly different musical direction on "Band Of Brothers". Drawing on their former bands' collective metal roots for inspiration, the influences and style of MUDVAYNE, PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN and NOTHINGFACE are immediately recognizable in tracks such as "Band Of Brothers", "War In Me" and "Rage Burn", while the party anthem "Drink, Drank, Drunk" retains the essence of earlier HELLYEAH.

"Band Of Brothers" video:

IWRESTLEDABEARONCE — the Shreveport, Louisiana quintet now transplanted to Los Angeles, California — played its first show with singer Courtney LaPlante (UNICRON) on July 5 at the St. Louis, Missouri stop of the Vans Warped Tour. Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be seen below.

Vocalist Krysta Cameron left IWRESTLEDABEARONCE's current tour after she discovered that she and her fiancé are expecting a child.

IWRESTLEDABEARONCE guitarist Steven Bradley previously stated about LaPlante, "Courtney is a beast in both the singing and screaming departments and is also an incredibly awesome person. We wouldn't tarnish the years of work that we've put into this band by having somebody half-ass it on stage with us, so please come to a show and give her a high-five and make her feel welcome for doing us this huge favor. It makes it feel even better and more natural since she has been a long-term fan of our band and already knows the material."

IWRESTLEDABEARONCE's latest album, "Ruining It For Everybody", sold around 5,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 80 on The Billboard 200 chart.

IWRESTLEDABEARONCE's "I'm Gonna Shoot" video can be seen below. The clip features footage from the band's first-ever shows in Mexico, which took place on May 26 in Guadalajara and May 27 in Mexico City.

"Drug Of Choice", the new video from Los Angeles-based goth-metallers VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE!, can be seen below. The clip was directed by Robby Starbuck (ESCAPE THE FATE, ASKING ALEXANDRIA, PIERCE THE VEIL) and "truly captures the paradoxical squalor and glamour of the song," according to a press release.

Commented VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! vocalist Michael Vampire: "In a world that considers the human form imperfect without certain robotic attributes, we must all suffer the fate of being unwanted — unnecessary — and the feeling of being less than human. Every day we wake up and judge ourselves against certain commercial-fed stigmas that force our minds to consider eating disorders, self-rejection and even suicide. Some people choose another form of self-gratification that helps them cope with the everyday struggle of being rejected and I feel this song was meant to define that notion. Whether you throw yourselves on others to feel relevant or whor* yourselves out to feel instant bliss, we all struggle with being imperfect and trying to fit in. That being said, we will never fit into the so-called commercial-made model and thus we are all pieces to a puzzle that will never be completed."

"Drug Of Choice" comes off VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE!'s sophom*ore album, "Hellbound And Heartless", which sold around 2,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 10 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Hellbound And Heartless" was released on June 19 via Hollywood Waste Records. According to a press release, the CD "showcases the darker side of VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE!, focusing on message-driven lyrics and deriving musical influence from industrial rock icons such as MARILYN MANSON and ROB ZOMBIE. "

"Hellbound And Heartless" was co-produced by the band and Mike Sarkisyan and Tommy Decker, both members of Grammy-nominated alternative-metal act SPINESHANK. Every song on the album presents a fresh, new morsel of gothic darkness for fans to sink their teeth into.

VAMPIRES EVERYWHERE! recently parted ways with bassist Philip Kross. Filling in on bass for the Vans Warped Tour this summer is Adam Vex (SUFFER WELL, AESTHETIC PERFECTION, IMPERATIVE REACTION).

"The Earthling", the brand new video from Norwegian avantgarde metallers BORKNAGAR, can be seen below.

Commented BORKNAGAR mainman Øystein G. Brun: "The lyrical core theme of BORKNAGAR has always been to portray the primal encounter between man and Nature, to project the poetry of Nature and to profess pondering about man's existence therein.

"Over the last couple of months we have been working with Twitchy Films to produce a video for the song 'The Earthling'. Thematically, this song really grips onto the backbone of the album 'Urd' and the band in general. As with our music, we wanted to do something really unique and special — and not a typical metal video. You won't see a raging metal band in dim lights with scary effects, but rather a video that sophistically portray the beauty, magnitude and power of the nature.

"Kjetil Kolbjørnsrud and David Solbjørg at Twitchy Films spent a lot of time and effort to get the right shots and the perfect vibe. They spent hours and days in the Norwegian wilderness to make this video a reality. As you know, nature is untamable. Hands down for their efforts and the great work!"

"The Earthling" comes off BORKNAGAR's new album, "Urd", which was released March 27 in North America via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded with Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, PARADISE LOST, KATATONIA) in Örebro, Sweden.

The "Urd" artwork was designed by Brazilian artist Marcelo Vasco, who has not only already worked on BORKNAGAR's previous "Universal" release but also with artists such as SOULFLY, BELPHEGOR, EINHERJER and KEEP OF KALESSIN.

"Urd" track listing:

01. Epochalypse
02. Roots
03. The Beauty Of Dead Cities
04. The Earthling
05. The Plains Of Memories
06. Mount Regency
07. Frostrite
08. The Winter Eclipse
09. In A Deeper World

BORKNAGAR recently recruited Baard Kolstad (ICS VORTEX) as its new drummer.

BORKNAGAR 2012 is:

* Øystein G. Brun (Cronian, ex-Molested) – Clean and Electric Guitar
* Vintersorg (VINTERSORG, FISSION) - Grim Vocals, Clean Vocals and Choirs
* Lars A. Nedland (SOLEFALD, ex-CARPATHIAN FOREST) - Keyboards, Clean Vocals, Choirs
* Jens F. Ryland (ICS VORTEX) - Lead Guitar
* ICS Vortex (ex-DIMNMU BORGIR, ARCTURUS, ICS VORTEX) - Bass, Clean Vocals and Choirs
* Baard Kolstad - Drums

Drums and percussion on "Urd" were performed by David Kinkade (SOULFLY, ex-MALEVOLENT CREATION).

A teaser for "Red", the new single from Helsinki, Finland-based gothic metallers THE 69 EYES, can be seen below. The full track will be made available in August.

"Red" comes off THE 69 EYES's 10th studio album, "X", which is scheduled for release in late September through RCA/Sony Music in Finland and Nuclear Blast in the rest of Europe and North America.

The cover artwork for "X" can be seen below.

Commented THE 69 EYES lead singer Jyrki69: "The cover is pure goth 'n' roll: a psychedelic mirror image of old wild animal bones with our X-tagram projected over all. It's good, evil, magic and voodoo all together! Something to stare at when tripping on the album."

"X" was mixed by Stefan Boman (THE HELLACOPTERS, BULLET). "The sound is the most melodic, yet melancholic, we've ever had," says Jyrki69. "Listening to the pre-mixes have been giving goose bumps to everyone here. This is the best THE 69 EYES album ever done!"

Regarding the album title, Jyrki69 said, "We've never really celebrated anything, not that we've been playing 20 years or so (vampires don't count decades). Thus this time we thought to celebrate a bit: the new album is entitled as tenth in Roman numbers, it'll be called 'X'."

THE 69 EYES will film its first video in three years later this month in Gothenburg, Sweden with Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.

To coincide with the new album release, THE 69 EYES will also launch its own vampire-style red wine, simply called as "Red," which will mainly be distributed in Sweden and Finland.

EX DEO, the Ancient Roman-themed arsenal fronted by KATAKLYSM singer Maurizio Iacono, will release its sophom*ore album, "Caligvla", via Austria's Napalm Records on the following dates:

Aug. 29 - Spain, Finland, Sweden, Greece
Aug. 31 - Germany/Austria/Switzerland, Benelux
Sep. 03 - Rest of Europe
Sep. 11 - USA/Canada

"Caligvla" was mixed by KATAKLYSM guitarist Jean-François Dagenais, who has previously worked with MALEVOLENT CREATION, MISERY INDEX and DESPISED ICON, among others. The artwork and layout for the album were handled by SEPTICFLESH's Seth Siro Anton. The booklet for the new album will feature commentaries and descriptions from frontman Iacono with his views on each song. The limited first pressing will be released as a six-panel digipack featuring the bonus track "Burned To Serve As Nocturnal Light", a song dealing with Caligvla's madman rival emperor Nero. In addition, catch Iacono's girlfriend and Colombian model Suzzy in the upcoming video "I, Caligvla". The clip was filmed last month in Philadelphia, and according to the band, will be, "a resurrection in time, blood and courage."

EX DEO debuted "I, Caligvla", on April 1 at Club Soda in Montreal, Quebec, Canada as part of the "Paganfest America Part III" tour with TURISAS, ALESTORM, ARKONA and HUNTRESS. Video footage of the performance can be seen below.

In addition to the previously announced guest appearances by ALL SHALL PERISH guitarist Francesco Artusato and TRISTANIA singer Mariangela Demurtas, "Caligvla" will feature contributions from SEPTICFLESH's Seth Siro Anton and GRAVEWORM's Stefano Fiori. Every invited guest on the album is of Roman or Greek descent.

"Caligvla" track listing:

01. I, Caligvla
02. The Tiberius Cliff (Exile To Capri)
03. Per Oculos Aquila
04. Pollice Verso (Damnatio Ad Bestia)
05. Divide Et Impera
06. Burned To Serve As Nocturnal Light
07. Teutuborg (Ambush Of Varus)
08. Along The Appian Way
09. Once Were Romans
10. Evocatio: The Temple Of Castor & Pollux

"I, Caligvla" performance footage:

"Blood", the new video from Southern California's IN THIS MOMENT, can be seen below. The track is the title cut of the band's fourth album, which will be released on August 14 via longtime label Century Media Records. The CD was once again produced by Kevin Churko, who has previously worked with OZZY OSBOURNE and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, among others.

IN THIS MOMENT began work on the new album just a few months following the departures of drummer Jeff Fabb and guitarist Blake Bunzel, who left the band late last year in order to join the backing group of "American Idol" finalist James Durbin. Fabb and Bunzel have since been replaced by Tom Hane (THYATEIRA) and Randy Weitzel (FLATLINE, 3/13, AMERICAN MASSACRE), respectively.

"Blood" track listing:

01. Rise With Me
02. Blood
03. Adrenalize
04. whor*
05. You're Gonna Listen
06. It Is Written
07. Burn
08. Scarlet
09. Aries
10. From The Ashes
11. Beast Within
12. Comanche
13. The Blood Legion
14. 11_11

Commented singer Maria Brink: "There are no words to describe how excited we are... We are on fire with this record. It's by far the most powerful material we have ever written.

"IN THIS MOMENT has gone through some big changes. I admit sometimes change is scary, especially when facing the unknown, but in this case everything has been perfectly meant to be. It's a brave, dark, hard-hitting album that will make you feel dirty inside, but still wanting more."

Added guitarist Chris Howorth: "Over the last [few] months, we have undergone some interesting changes within the band. As a result, Maria and I were brought closer together united in our mutual determination to top everything we have previously done with IN THIS MOMENT. It's our fourth album and we definitely have something to prove this time. During the writing process, Maria, Kevin and I are pushing ourselves to make sure every song is something unique and special. I honestly feel this is the most focused and powerful music we have ever created and I am beyond psyched to get it out there for people to hear."

In a recent interview with Australia's Loud magazine, Maria stated about IN THIS MOMENT's new material, "We brought some stuff to the table that we've never done before and it really sounds like something special, something new. I can't explain it; I mean, if you know our old music, when you hear the new stuff you're going to go, 'Holy sh*t, okay, I totally get it.' But I don't want to give away anything either, it's just unique; it's something new we've brought to the table. We found something special within us; we found this certain thing, so I'm excited for it."

Regarding IN THIS MOMENT's split with Fabb and Bunzel, Brink said, "You know how sometimes, you don't realize sometimes something happening (that's) traumatic, that it can be the most beautiful thing that could have happened to you? It's like one of those situations. It got really stripped back down to me and Chris [Howorth, guitar], and me and Chris started this band together, just me and him, and then it was like everybody came to the table, everybody brings their own influence. I believe it was all meant to be, all of those albums with them. I love them, I wish them the best. But it was almost like this new, with just me and Chris, this new fire, this new strength within me that I just… magical things started happening between what we started creating. And it's just so meant to be; it's meant to be that they moved on and some other things in my life, it's so cool 'cause it's just like this brand new everything and it feels really awesome. And you're going to be able to hear it."

"Will It Always Be The Same", the new video from ONE-WAY MIRROR — the French band featuring Guillaume Bideau (MNEMIC) and David and Franck Potvin (LYZANXIA, PHAZE I) — can be seen below. The clip was directed by Matthieu Bichelberger and Stephane Keca. The song comes off the group's sophom*ore album, "Destructive By Nature", which will be released on April 16. The cover artwork was once again designed by plastic arts master Alain Tréhard at the Maria Hell Studio in La Rochelle, France. According to a press release, "Alain was inspired by the title of the album to create this unstructured masterpiece."

ONE-WAY MIRROR previously stated about the upcoming album, "Even though they composed these latest bombtracks in the similar vein of their first album, ONE-WAY MIRROR was able to nurture the fresh and perfectly controlled combination of violence and pure melodies with catchy components.

"This album is not unlike shrapnel as it will embed itself in your system upon explosion. Some songs will make the fans bang their heads while others will simply decimate them altogether.

"The band’s goal will remain playing the very music they want to listen to. No constraints, no limits or barriers and no rules apply. The musicians of ONE-WAY MIRROR agree that the motivation to compose and to record a metal album is pure pleasure before any other consideration.

"David Potvin and Guillaume Bideau are producing the album and . . . the sound is extremely powerful, natural and modern."

ONE-WAY MIRROR's self-titled debut album was released in June 2008 via Metal Blade Records.

ONE-WAY MIRROR is:

Guillaume Bideau (MNEMIC) - Vocals
David Potvin (LYZANXIA, PHAZE I) – Lead Guitar
Franck Potvin (LYZANXIA, PHAZE I) – Rhythm Guitar
Clément Rouxel (T.A.N.K) - Drums
Vincent Perdicaro (GENERAL LEE) - Bass