Dan RockMusic News

MELDRUM Announce Live Dates For Sweden And Italy, Drummer GENE HOGLAN On Board

2007-11-16T14:32:00.000+02:00

MELDRUM, featuring former PHANTOM BLUE guitarist Michelle Meldrum, have issued the following announcement:

"Hey all you crazy Meldrum Freaks: Meldrum has just completed drums to the follow up to their newly released CD, Blowin' Up The Machine. With no time wasted we are hittin the road in Europe with the metal master himself Gene Hoglan. Check tour dates for the shows and hope to see ya all out there...STAY HARD!"

DARK TRANQUILLITY Nominated For Video Of The Year On Headbanger's Ball

2007-11-16T14:31:00.000+02:00

DARK TRANQUILLITY's 'Focus Shift' has been nominated for Video Of The Year at MTV2's Headbanger's Ball. Go to www.mtv2.com/#series/10896, click "Vote" and scroll to the D.T. clip "to show your undying support, unparalleled devotion and impeccable taste."

As previously reported, Dark Tranquillity's live schedule is as follows:

January
11 - Beijing, China - MG Live Hall
13 - Taipei, Taiwan - Young lion

January (Japanese co-headline with THE HAUNTED)
16 - Osaka - Big Cat
17 - Nagoya - Club Quattro
18 - Tokyo - O-East

CRADLE OF FILTH - Cover Art For Thornography Deluxe Edition Revealed

2007-11-16T14:30:00.000+02:00

As previously reported, CRADLE OF FILTH are gearing up for the release of Harder, Darker, Faster: Thornography Deluxe Edition, due out in early 2008, which features new artwork, new music, live material and videos. The cover art can be viewed on the left (click to enlarge).

BW&BK scribe Aaron Small recently spoke to frontman Dani Filth about the release:

"The artwork is just an extension really of what’s gone before. It’s the same artist (Samuel Araya). He’s just furnished it out a little bit more. The actual content is six new tracks. It was going to be seven, due to the fact that we recorded a song for the new Dario Argento film (Mother Of Tears). We were trying to get the rights for that, but it didn’t come through. There’s going to be some live stuff that we recorded in Philly and Worcester. There are videos on there as well (‘The Foetus Of A New Day Kicking’, ‘Tonight In Flames’ and ‘Temptation’). Then there’s this totally new format where you can mix ‘Lovesick For Mina’ yourself.”

The aforementioned new songs “were written during the Thornography session, but actually finished slightly later.” Dani briefly details each of them: “There’s ‘Murder In The Thirst’ - that’s one of our classic intros. The title was stolen from the lyrics of ‘Cemetery And Sundown’. ‘The Snake-Eyed And The Venomous’ is sort of an anti-critic song; it’s metaphorical. ‘Halloween 2’ (a Misfits cover) has been remixed and remastered by Andy Sneap (who mixed and mastered Thornography), so it sounds a bit better than it did on the Underworld 2 soundtrack – which was the only place it was available prior to this. ‘Courting Baphomet’ is another fable-type song in the vein of ‘Her Ghost In The Fog’. Again, it’s metaphorical. ‘Stay’ is a track by Shakespears Sister that we’ve bastardized. Now it sounds a bit more like a symphonic ‘Nymphetamine’. ‘Devil To The Metal’ is a celebration of everything dark and nasty really. It could have come off Vempire; it’s really fast and brutal. It’s got some really nice drop-downs and weird bits.”

To those who question why Cradle Of Filth is issuing Thornography Deluxe, Dani answers, “the reason for wanting to release a special edition, rather than saving them (the unreleased songs) is because they serve as quite a nice bridge or stop-gap between Thornography and the newer material, which is really shaping up to be fast. There’s 30 minutes of totally new material (on Harder, Darker, Faster). It promises to be good. I’m the first to balk at cash-ins and stuff like that. I’m really excited about this! It’ll be a good attribute to our proverbial boat.”

STEEL ATTACK - Release Date For New Album Confirmed

2007-11-16T14:29:00.003+02:00

According to the band, STEEL ATTACK will release their as-yet-untitled new album on February 22nd through Massacre Records.

As previously reported, earlier this year bassist Anden Andersson decided to leave the band to conentrate on his family and was replaced by Johan Löfgren (LACK OF FAITH). Drummer Tony Elfving and guitarist Johan Jalonen Penn also decided to move on and were replaced by Peter Morén (TAD MOROSE) and Simon Johansson (MEMORY GARDEN, ABSTRAKT ALGEBRA) respectively.

TESTAMENT - New Album Title Confirmed

2007-11-16T14:29:00.001+02:00

Bay Area thrash legends TESTAMENT have confirmed that the title of their new record will be The Formation Of Damnation. According to a band update, the album "is being recorded as we speak! They are currently recording the drum tracks with Andy Sneap at Fantasy Studios, in Berkeley, California. More details, studio reports and pics coming soon... stay tuned!"

Testament 2007 features the originating classic thrash legends Chuck Billy on vocals, Alex Skolnick on lead guitar, Eric Peterson on rhythm guitar and Greg Christian on bass. Paul Bostaph (ex-SLAYER, EXODUS) was recently named as the band's drummer.

The Formation Of Damnation is tentatively scheduled for a spring 2008 release via Nuclear Blast.

Download Festival 2007 - Featuring Headliners IRON MAIDEN - Earns Top Festival Award At Billboard Touring Awards

2007-11-16T14:28:00.003+02:00

At the Billboard Touring Awards tonight (November 15) at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, the United Kingdom's Download Festival in Castle Donington, England, produced by Live Nation UK, returned the top festival award to London, and Live Nation received the top promoter nod.

The 2007 Download Festival took place on June 8-10, 2007 and featured IRON MAIDEN, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, LINKIN PARK as headliners.

Download Festival 2008 is scheduled for June 13th-15th. Although the FOO FIGHTERS are confirmed already, the initial line-up annoncement is due at the end of January 2008.

VICIOUS RUMORS In Pre-Production For New Studio CD

2007-11-16T14:28:00.001+02:00

San Francisco Bay Area metallers VICIOUS RUMORS have issued the following update:

"VICIOUS RUMORS would like to thank all the fans and friends who supported the band over the last year on the World War Tour. We had a great time with everyone at all the shows in the USA, Europe and Japan. As the Warball tour ends the band is now in pre-production for a new studio CD to be released next year.

Even though the band has gone through many changes over the years VR has maintained a solid force in US power metal over the last 25 years. VR has already written several new songs for the new CD to follow up Warball. Due to artistic differences singer James Rivera is no longer in VR. James was let go after the European tour in September 2007. Recently James Rivera has issued a statement saying VR was broken up after his departure with a list of other personal problems. We understand that HELSTAR is his true love and passion and wish them all the best.

VR moves forward to next year with a new CD and a new lineup. After 25 years, 12 CDs and countless tours in no way has Vicious Rumors split up. You can't kill rock n roll. Look for VR on tour with a new CD in 2008."

VELVET REVOLVER Issue Press Release Regarding Cancelled Japanese Tour Dates

2007-11-16T14:27:00.002+02:00

BW&BK has received the following press release:

VELVET REVOLVER were looking forward to their upcoming tour of Japan: a series of four concerts--to promote their current album Libertad - between November 26 and November 30, encompassing the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Yokohama.

For the band, the upcoming trek was the opportunity to reconnect with their fans in Japan, where the band tour has toured before--without incident - back in 2005.

But now it’s a different story as the band’s request for visas has just been denied. The increasingly tough Japanese immigration officials are taking exception with the backgrounds of various band members, which have included arrests. The band is appealing the decision of the officials--which is ironic given that Libertad is Spanish for “liberty” and “freedom”--but this process will unfortunately take months to sort out.

“We want to apologize to our fans in Japan that we won’t be able to perform our scheduled concerts,” Velvet Revolver said in a group statement. “We don’t understand why the authorities won’t give us visas when they granted them for us in 2005 for what was a successful tour and a great experience. We love Japan and look forward to our return there.”

Velvet Revolver will proceed with their Australian tour that begins on December 4 in Brisbane. Upon its return to the U.S., the band- lead vocalist Scott Weiland, guitarist Slash, bassist Duff McKagan, drummer Matt Sorum and guitarist Dave Kushner - will headline Wednesday, December 12 at the Gibson Amphitheatre. This show - with ALICE IN CHAINS - was originally set for Friday, October 26 at the outdoor Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, CA but was postponed due to the devastating Southern California wildfires. See dates below and check out www.velvetrevolver.com

Dates on Velvet Revolver's Australian tour are as follows:

December
4 - Brisbane, Australia - Convention Centre
5 - Sydney, Australia - Enmore Theatre
6 - Sydney, Australia - Enmore Theatre
8 - Melbourne, Australia - Festival Hall
12 - Los Angeles, CA - Gibson Amphitheatre

MÖTLEY CRÜE's Nikki Sixx Is High On Being Sober

2007-11-16T14:27:00.001+02:00

MÖTLEY CRÜE's Nikki Sixx spoke to Vancouver's Straight.com recently about a number of topics including his new book, The Heroin Diaries: A Year In The Life Of A Shattered Rock Star

"People say that as a recovering person, you don't have any balls," said Sixx, who's recently been working as a lobbyist for addiction treatment. "But I'm still having more fun than most people, trust me on that."

Read just a few pages from The Heroin Diaries, a compelling compendium of the bassist's journals from his lost years, and you'll find it hard to believe Sixx could have fun sober. From stories of injecting Jack Daniel's into his veins ("It never occurred to us to drink it") to heartbreaking entries written when Sixx was cracked out, paranoid, and naked in his closet, he relied heavily on substance abuse to enjoy himself.

Nowadays, he's high on everything but drugs: his kids, his music, his clothing line, his book, and most importantly, his efforts to aid drug addicts. With a workaholic's zeal, he jumps from one project to the next.

"My take is never to be a preacher," said Sixx of his and others' addictions. "I hate that people think it's a moral problem. It's a disease. George Bush thinks that it's a moral problem, and so I'm working with people in Washington, D.C., to help him understand that it's a disease."

Finnish Metal Expo - 2008 Line-Up Announced

2007-11-16T14:26:00.002+02:00

The fourth edition of Finnish Metal Expo will take place in Helsinki, February 15th-16th, with a meeting of international metal professionals (journalists, labels, promotions, etc.) being held a day earlier. On the 15th, the organizers will recognize fan-voted awards to Finnish artists/bands. The band schedule is as follows:

Friday, February 15th: TURISAS, MUNICIPAL WASTE, MUSTASCH, SOTAJUMALA, DISCARD, Finnish Metal Awards
Saturday, February 16th: SOILWORK, STAM1NA, KORPIKLAANI, NORTHER, THE SCOURGER, THE SORROW, KIUAS, AMBERIAN DAWN, tba

Spain's Atarfe Vega Rock Festival - DESTRUCTION, EXCITER, GRAVE DIGGER, KORPIKLAANI, MAYHEM, UNLEASHED Confirmed For 2008 Event

2007-11-16T14:26:00.001+02:00

Organizers of Spain's Atarfe Vega Rock Festival have announced that next year's event will take place March 7th/8th, 2008 in the city of Atarfe (at 11 km from Granada, Andalusia). These first confirmed bands include: DESTRUCTION, EXCITER, GRAVE DIGGER, KATATONIA, KORPIKLAANI, MAYHEM, TRIBAL and UNLEASHED.

Says organizers: "Like in past editions, the billing will include international bands, which belong to the different genres of heavy metal. This year the shows will be hold at Coliseo Ciudad Atarfe, a modern covered bull-ring, with all the facilities, that a music festival like the Atarfe Vega Rock Festival requires. First tickets are being sold. The special price for the two-day tickets is 45 Euros plus fee - this promotion will end on December 27th. For more info about our festival, please visit the official website at www.brmusic.net."

QUO VADIS To Record New Material In January

2007-11-16T14:25:00.000+02:00

Montreal-based technical death metallers QUO VADIS have issued the following update:

"The Defiant Imagination guitar tab book many of you have been requesting is now available. You can find it in the
merch section of the website, or for Montrealers, at Steve's Music Store, in the sheet music department. A bass tab book will be available within a few weeks. Also, Bart (Frydrychowicz - guitar/vocals) and Yanic (Bercier - drums/vocals) are working out the details for new material to be recorded sometime in January."

ROSS THE BOSS – Recording New Album For AFM

2007-11-16T14:24:00.002+02:00

Special Report By Martin Popoff

First the immediate news. Tomorrow, DICTATORS and MANOWAR legend ROSS THE BOSS will be co-hosting a German Metal TV Show called Strike!. See www.ross-the-boss.com and www.streetclip.tv for more.

Once you’ve finished headbanging with Ross, be advised that June ’08 marks the release date for an album by the ROSS THE BOSS BAND, on AFM Records.

“Initially, I started playing,” says Ross, “and there's this band MAJESTY, and Tarek is the lead singer. And he does this festival called the Keep It True festival, but this was before. But all of a sudden Manowar were at this Earthshaker Festival, 2005, and all the old members came. And I came out, and the place went berserk. I walked out on stage, and you know, I'm the founding member of Manowar, and they owe it all to me, I mean, right? (laughs). And so my friend Tarek, and his friend Olli says, ‘Do you want to play the Keep It True festival, the very next one?’ And I say, ‘Well, I don't have a band,’ and they said, ‘Well, we've got you a band, they’re called MENOWAR, and they're the greatest Manowar cover band in all of Germany.’ And I listened to the tape, and I said, ‘Wow, these guys are amazing.’ So we were there and we rehearsed twice and then I played this festival. And all of a sudden I got offers to play in Greece, play in Italy, all over the place, Moscow. Everywhere we went it sold out and we were packed; people were flipping out to see us play. And last October I went to Tarek's studio to record a demo, and they finished it over the year, over the winter, and I had all these festivals to play, Rock Hard, and pretty much up high on the bill, a lot of these gigs, right? And I got out of the car at the Rock Hard festival, and they said, ‘You've got a deal, with AFM.’”

And you're going to record in January?

“Yeah, just got back from Germany, we've got ten songs, unbelievable stuff. It's heavy metal. Well, it's my style, I guess, the style that propelled Manowar. So if you would say it is Manowar-tinged, I wouldn't be offended with that. It’s melodic, super melodic. My singer is a genius. He's a real singer (laughs).”

And to clarify, it’s coming out as Ross The Boss Band?

“It’ll come out as Ross The Boss Band, absolutely. The label was insisting on that. I didn't want that. But they said, ‘Everyone knows you,’ and we’re not throwing any curveballs to any of these people. And they're looking for it to be the biggest album on AFM, ever. Listen, I'm not going to hype this record up to people, but let me tell you something, this record is just going to kill. When you think of heavy metal, and my guitar playing, it's going to be there (laughs).”

Ross is also a big loud part of a Dictators rarities CD that has recently been issued called Every Day Is Saturday. “Actually, I don't even know exactly what's all on it,” laughs Ross. “But it's our early demos… Sixteen Forever, all the stuff we never used. Backseat Boogie, Fireman’s Friend… you can't believe all the stuff that never made it to the record.” See www.nortonrecords.com for more on this – a double vinyl issue will be available as well.

AEROSMITH - Autographed Drumhead Up For Auction To Benefit SoCal Wildfire Victims

2007-11-16T14:24:00.001+02:00

AEROSMITH has donated a signed drumhead to the non-profit organizations, Music For Relief and Unite The United, for a huge eBay auction. All proceeds will aid in the recovery and reforestation following the recent Southern California wildfires. Auction ends today, Thursday 11/15 at 6:45 pm so this is your last chance to bid!

To view and bid on all auction items, visit www.musicforrelief.org and click on the wildfire auction banner or go to www.ebay.com/CAwildfires.

Proceeds will be divided to address the immediate needs of the victims and long-term needs of the environment. Auction earnings will be donated to the California Community Foundation's Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund to aid victims in intermediate and long-term recovery needs with a particular focus on needy populations, and those in need of affordable housing. Proceeds will also go to American Forests' California Wildfire ReLeaf Fund to reforest affected areas.

S.E.X. DEPARTMENT To Tour UK With GYPSY PISTOLEROS

2007-11-16T14:23:00.002+02:00

Venice, Italy-based "post-nuclear glampire army" S.E.X. DEPARTMENT have announced that they will embark on a UK and European tour in 2008 with "the best flamenco sleaze glam rock band ever", GYPSY PISTOLEROS.

Further information and tour dates to be announced soon.

S.E.X. Department issued their debut album via Perris Records back on October 5th. Former PRETTY BOY FLOYD guitarist Kristy Majors (KRISTY MAJORS MASSACRE) produced, engineered, mixed and mastered the effort

THIN LIZZY Guitarist John Sykes: "This Incarnation Of The Band Is More About Remembering Phill"

2007-11-16T14:23:00.001+02:00

KomodoRock has issued a new interview with THIN LIZZY guitarist John Sykes, conducted by Mike Elliott. The following is an excerpt:

Q: I know it's always been said that you guys won't do an album. Is that still the case?

A: "I don't feel it's right. This incarnation of the band is more about remembering Phill (late Lizzy frontman Phillip Lynot), and paying respect to his music and legacy. That's really what it's about, it's not about doing new music. It's about his legacy and his music being timeless, and what a great gift to all of us, through his music and song witting. Phil was a one off sort of giant, if you ever met him he had the presence of like a thousand men. He was a born rock star."

Q: Not something I had the privilege of doing.

A: "Trust me, he was a one off. I've been the game for a long long time, and I've never met anyone like him. The fact that we go out today, and there's a lot of youngsters in the audience. I say to them, 16 or 17 year old kids, how did you get turned onto Thin Lizzy, and a lot of them say we grew up with it with our parents. It's amazing to see the younger audience come out and be so into it. It's a testament to how great Phil's songs are and how timeless they are."

Read the full interview at KomodoRock.

DEATH BREATH On Headbanger's Ball Finland This Sunday

2007-11-16T14:21:00.000+02:00

Swedish old school metal act DEATH BREATH, featuring former ENTOMBED drummer and main songwriter Nicke Andersson, have issued the following update:

"Robert (Pehrsson) and Nicke visited Finland’s MTV Headbanger's Ball. The show will air Sunday, November 18th."

Death Breath recently wrapped up their Scandinavian tour with Swedish extreme metallers VICIOUS ART.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Capitale du Metal To Present Special Benefit Concert In Memory Of CHUCK SCHULDINER

2007-11-16T14:18:00.000+02:00

On December 13th, 2001, one of the most influential musicians in the metal world, CHUCK SCHULDINER, tragically passed away after a long fight with cancer. In order to keep his memory alive, Capitale du Metal is honored to present a very special benefit concert unique in it’s kind. This event will feature the ultimate DEATH tribute band, SYMBOLIC, with former members of Death and other very special guests which will be announced shortly on the Capitale du Metal website.

This show will occur on December 12th at the Theatre Imperial in Quebec City, QC, Canada. It will be over two hours long with a few surprises throughout the night. Tickets will be on sale on Billetech starting November 17th at 10 AM. There will also be limited V.I.P tickets available. This will allow people to enter the show 30 minutes before doors open, have a meet and greet with the band, free posters of the show and more.

All the profits will be divided between Chuck’s foundation for cancer research and a local foundation.

Stay informed for all future information by visiting www.capitaledumetal.com and the official Symbolic MySpace - www.myspace.com/symbolictribute .

Additional information: info@capitaledumetal.com .

SEBASTIAN BACH - "I Would Say Angel Down Is What I Am Most Proud Of"

2007-11-16T14:17:00.002+02:00

Boston-based writer Deb Rao spoke to former SKID ROW singer SEBASTIAN BACH about his new album, Angel Down, which will be released on November 20th via a joint-venture between Merovingian Music, Ltd. (MRV) and Bach's Get Off My Bach Productions, and distributed worldwide through Caroline/EMI Music Group. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

Q. How did you come about to choose AEROSMITH's Back In The Saddle for your new album?
Bach: "Thank you so much. I didn't choose it. It was actually chosen by Roy Z, the producer. I had 13 songs done originally. I didn't want to do a cover version. So there are actually 14 songs on "Angel Down", which is longer than most CD's. But I couldn't take one off of mine . I loved 'Back In The Saddle' so much. Roy explained to me your Sebastian Bach, your back your Bach. You are going to run onstage and yell 'I'm Back'. That would be very cool. I didn't commit to it. I go, 'I don't know? I don't know if I want to do a cover version on my record.' But my band played it, and I was blown away but how they dug into it. It just kicked my ass literally. While they were cutting it, I just ran in there and started screaming along with them. We captured real rock magic in that song. I think the rest of the record too. To have Mr. Axl Rose on that song come in and scream along side of me with such passion and velocity is just crazy. Rolling Stone Magazine, in this issue has picked it in the Number two favorite editor's pick of everything out there this month in the world."

Q: Angel Down has all the ingredients of a great album, including Anthems, ballads, and lots of heavy songs. Do you feel that you surpassed, Slave To The Grind on this album?

Bach: "Well, I wouldn't say surpassed. Because, I don't look at music as a competition. I think it is as good. Which is saying a lot, which is saying more than I can ever say. I just want to put something in your I pod that makes sense next to Slave To The Grind. Because how many years have we all been listening to 'Youth Gone Wild', '18 And Life', 'Monkey Business'? We have all been listening to it for almost 20 years now. It is like unbelievable. I've got a lot of energy. Everybody knows I am on TV every fuckin five seconds. I have been out in a position by EMI and MRV Records, my own label, where I can put my energy into making CD's instead of TV. Which is killer. The reason I am on TV so much, people ask me to do these shows and offer me insane amounts of money and nobody would turn down the things that I get offered to do. I am a human being, and it feels really good to have the music industry treat me, the way the television and theatre industry have treated me".

Q: Well, I think you really proved yourself on Broadway. That opened a lot of doors for you too.
Bach: "I think I proved it. Everybody's going wait a minute man; this Motherfucker's a Rocker. What the fuck?" (Laughter)

Q: Angel Down has an amazing cast of characters, including a guest appearance by Axl Rose. How did you get Axl to play on your album?
Bach: "Well, I just asked him. It really was that easy. He said here is a message for the rest of the world, Axl said, 'This is the coolest thing that somebody has asked me to do in a long time.' He may be unapproachable to some people, but he was saying to me, he would love it if other bands asked him to jam. He did it in a heartbeat. People can't believe it. I am just his friend and he is a human being. People forgot that a lot of the time. I don't forgot that. So I just asked him. It is really shocking but he sings three songs on the record, he is screaming like a demon. I mixed the record with Roy Z. We picked the coolest screams that he did. It is really something to listen to. I am a fan too. It is like I am making my own Guns N' Roses record here too. I am fuckin fan of Axl Rose. Not only am I making my own record, I am a fan of my own record. How fuckin cool is that?"

Q: That is awesome. You also worked with Desmond Child too on the ballad, 'Falling Into You'. Tell me about that song. I am glad that you did put a ballad on Angel Down.
Bach: "Yes, that was the first song written for the record. I have always been a fan of Desmond and I have a lot of respect for Desmond's song-writing. One of my favorite songs is, 'I Was Made For Lovin You', which he wrote with Paul Stanley on Dynasty. I think he wrote some other songs on Dynasty as well. Which is one of my favorite albums. You don't need me to tell you how good Desmond Child is as a songwriter. Everybody knows it. Jason Flom, who signed me in Skid Row back in 1988 or 87, he is the guy who got me on Broadway, he is the guy who signed me for Angel Down and he is also the guy who sent me to Desmond's house in the year 2000. Right when I was done with Jeckyl And Hyde, Jason sent me to Nashville and I wrote the song, 'Falling Into You' in Desmond's living room with him playing piano and me recording it just on a cassette. Then I took Desmond's piano vocal song over to Paul Crook's house, who was my guitar player for a while. He worked on it with me. It used to be in a higher key. Roy Z was the one, that said, 'Dude try it in this key.' It is a very weird key for me and it is the very first piano ballad that I ever sang on a record, so it is a new kind of sound for me."

Q: Sebastian, you also have a new modern day anthem, 'American Metalhead'. Would you say this is kind of like the war anthem for the world today? Like you said before, it has been 20 years since 'Youth Gone Wild'. Would you say, American Metal captures the intensity of the state of the world today? The world has changed so much since the Youth Gone Wild release.
Bach: "Yes, absolutely. It is also goes back to 'Balls To The Walls' vibe; it has got that kind of feel to it. I am known for 'Youth Gone Wild'. When you hear a rock anthem, you better do it. That song was written by Metal Mike. When I first met him, he came over to my house and goes what do you think of this song? I go, 'You fuckin' wrote this? Are you kidding me?' I am the dude that is going to bring this to the world. Because, I am an 'American Metalhead'. I have been singing 'Youth Gone Wild' for twenty years, I have been waiting for this fuckin song right here, because it is such an anthem. Every time we do it, it doesn’t matter if the crowd has never heard it. They always put their fists in the air. They always jump and up and down. Bobby Jarzombek on the drums on that song is so cool, the way he plays is so fluent and just cool is the word. You can't teach somebody how to be cool. That is why, if you listen to Bobby on the drums on this record, he is such a star on the record and every record he does. Man I am the luckiest guy to play with my band. They are all so good".

Q: Yes, I heard your band when you opened for GUNS N' ROSES at the DCU Center. The energy of the band was amazing. It was so great to hear all the classic songs again.
Bach: "That show was slammin'. If you look at VAN HALEN on the road now, THE POLICE and LED ZEPPELIN, I am like new compared to those bands."

Q: What was it like to share the stage with Axl, when you performed the duet on 'My Michelle'?
Bach: "Well, we did it every single night of the tour. We did it probably a hundred times. Which is a lot. It was just really funny. I went to rehearsal at S.I.R. back when they were getting ready to play Hammerstein Ballroom, a long time ago. Axl goes, 'Baz, you want to jam with us?' I go, 'Fuckin right.' Axl goes, 'Pick your favorite Guns N' Roses song.' Right away I go, 'My Michelle.' That is such a rude song. We did it in rehearsal. Everybody was laughing because I was screaming my guts out. Axl goes, 'Let’s do it again.' I go, 'Fuckin OK.' So we did like three times, right there. He goes, 'OK we are doing four nights at Hammerstein. What night do you want to do it?' I go, 'Every night.' Axl goes, 'OK fine, do it every night.' One night KID ROCK came up and did, 'Night Train'. We were all onstage together. LENNY KRAVITZ was there. Axl has done more for me that anybody in rock. That's the truth".

Q: Actually, you sing on Chinese Democracy - on the song 'Sorry'?
Bach: "Yes, I sing the song 'Sorry'. I don't know when it is coming out, I am sorry". (Laughter)

Q: Let's talk about the artwork for Angel Down. I know your Dad, David Bierk was a brilliant artist. Why did you choose his painting, David Watching for your album cover? I know your Dad, also did the artwork for Slave To The Grind.
Bach: "It was done in 1990, it is called, David Watching. My Dad did it, the statue of David looking down at a painting of Jesus. There are many different meanings to me. The first thing that blew me away about it was that I did Jesus Christ Superstar, the month after my Dad died for my Dad that is the reason I did it. Of course, he never got to see that. The first thing that blew me away about that painting was my Dad's name was David, but he named the painting, David Watching, after the statue of David, and not after him. It looks so much like him in heaven looking down on something going on. He is there a rock, he is lifeless. It used to make me cry, that is my Dad in Heaven at the Jesus Christ Superstar play with his son, he can’t see it. That was the first thing that fucked me up about the image. Then I started writing the album, one of the songs is, Angel Down and looking at that cover with that title of the song, which had nothing to do with each other it is unbelievable, it is Angel Down. It just tied right in. Then I wrote all these lyrics about the war, having to do with my 19-year-old son perspective being 19 in 2006. Angel Down could definitely be a soldier. That is the lyric, Angel Down from a barrel of a gun. That painting can be related to that. There are many different meanings on the cover. I could keep going on and on. That is a good album cover, it makes you think. It is an image of one picture that tells a story, you couldn't ask for a better album cover. It just knocks you out and draws you in. It also feels like the, Slave To The Grind cover which my Dad also did which I said many times, I think I will go to my grave trying to beat that album. Angel Down is an example of me trying to beat Slave To The Grind.

Q: Thank you for that emotional insight. It is the perfect cover, as it reflects so many emotions and the state of the world today. Previously, you mentioned you have worked in Television. What was it like to appear on the reality show Supergroup? What was it like working with TED NUGENT and Scott Ian?
Bach: "I enjoyed filming the show more than watching the show. What you saw on TV was an edited version of reality. When the show starts out with me walking in a room and saying we jammed for six hours today. It showed none of the six hours of us playing music. The show starts with me cracking open a bottle of wine at 10 o'clock at night. To me the day is done. Usually, I am really savvy and astute, on how I am going to get fucked up the ass. This time I didn't perceive it, like when I was flying back in the airplane from doing Supergroup that was killer. I only cried once. When they asked me with a couple bottle of wines in me, and said, 'Hey Sebastian your Dad is dead how does it feel really?' Tell me really how does it feel, it was horrible how he went out, how does it feel?' I said how it really feels it sucks and I cried about it. That is life. When I was going back on the plane, I only cried once, what I didn't foresee is them making a commercial out of that part. I go, I didn't think of that. Hey live and learn man, I had enough of that shit."

Q. I can't believe that they would take such an emotional moment like that and put it in a commercial? I guess that is reality TV, where they cut out and make you see what they only want you to see. It is too bad they focused on the drama aspect of the series instead of the music.
Bach: "Yeah know what is weird though? I did Celebrity Rap Superstar, which to me ended up being a cooler show than Supergroup. Which is very, very unexpected. To me Celebrity Rap Superstar was more Rock and Roll than Supergroup to me than all the rock and rollers. Who would have thought that?"

Q: Yes, I agree. Do you any touring plans coming up with the release of your new album?
Bach: "Being that I spent the last year out with Guns. I got real spoiled as far as doing a tour of arenas; it is definitely my preference, as far as that against that of doing clubs. So ideally, I would like to team up with another big band and do some big shows. I like SIXX A.M., Nikki Sixx's new project. So in these interviews, if he is reading them, 'Hey Nikki I will play with you anytime. Let's go on the road.'

Q: Looking back what are you most proud of in your extensive career as a performer?
Bach: "Well obviously I have to say Angel Down because it is brand new. It is my latest thing that I have done. But if you had to put a gun to my head and said at the end of the day what was I the most proud of in my life that I did other than my children which is Number one, as far as my career goes, it would have to be Jeckyl And Hyde, the musical. Because it came at a time, where I wasn't expecting to do something that was as big as Skid Row. In New York City, Broadway is a thousand times bigger than rock and roll. I can't believe that happened in my life and the timing of it. Me being such a comic book fan, one of the first comic books that I ever bought was Marvel Classic Comics Number one with Jeckyl And Hyde on the front. I just really got into it. It was very creatively satisfying. But, I would say Angel Down is what I am most proud of."

Facedown Records Creates Sub-Label, Dreamt Music; Signs THIEVES & LIARS

2007-11-16T14:17:00.001+02:00

Facedown Records reports:

Today marks the dawn of Dreamt Music, an imprint record label founded by Jason Dunn of Facedown Records.

After 10 successful years owning and operating Facedown, Jason has set his sights on genres completely out of the realm of Facedown’s jurisdiction. Dreamt Music will focus on a diverse assortment of rock bands, attuning to a much wider audience.

Citing Facedown’s staunch branding in the heavy-music field as one of his main priorities, Jason explained the basis for the Dreamt Music platform. “It is very important that we keep heavy music associated with Facedown so that fans know what they can expect when they see the logo on an album. Dreamt Music affords us the opportunity to allow Facedown’s focus to remain specific to its genre while simultaneously giving us the freedom to explore more rock-oriented bands.”

His sentiment represents that of the entire Facedown staff, all of who are looking forward to hand-selecting fresh talent for the new label’s roster as well as the chance to delve professionally into a broader range of music.

The birth of Dreamt Music is not just the realization of a long-term goal for Jason but also a window for him to work more closely with Facedown band members in a new way.

The inaugural Dreamt Music release has strong ties to the Facedown family; THIEVES & LIARS is a classic rock outfit ala PINK FLOYD / LED ZEPPELIN that boasts founding member Corey Edelmann, formerly of Facedown’s long-standing hardcore band NO INNOCENT VICTIM.

Jason and his staff are tremendously excited about the release of their debut album When Dreams Become Reality.

“This album has been playing in the Facedown office non-stop for months and it is an honor to be involved with an album of this caliber,” says Jason.

Dreamt Music makes Facedown Records available to support their artists as they freely write the music they love, giving the artists a new expressive outlet.

“Good music is good music, and this is a great opportunity for us to use the resources we have built up over the last 10 years with Facedown.”

Check out both Dreamt Music and Thieves & Liars on MySpace.

James Rivera Discusses New HELSTAR Album

2007-11-16T14:16:00.000+02:00

RockPages.gr recently sat down with HELSTAR's James Rivera and talked about a variety of things regarding the band's future. Here is an excerpt of this interview (note that the interview took place before James Rivera's departure from VICIOUS RUMORS):

Q: From my perspective, this collection of Helstar songs is like a test of the waters for the things that will come. Do you agree?

A: "Exactly! In addition, the way we play the classic songs now are much different than we used to do 20 years ago. They sound heavier and they are played better. So, we sat down and said: 'Let’s record the songs the way we play them live!' But, there’s nothing really different about it…I mean, if you listen to the songs of how we played them last year on our reunion show, you can’t really tell the difference with regards to the basic core of the tracks. But, one thing that is evident right away is the fact that they sound better from the album version, especially the ones from Burning Star. On the other hand, we didn’t want to disappoint the old fans, so we stayed true to the classic Helstar spirit but we gave them an up to date production. The other thing is that we are already working on our full studio album that it should be out in June. The label is really backing us up and helping us in every way that they can and we have signed a contract of a 4-record deal!"

LED ZEPPELIN In Talks For Glastonbury 2008?

2007-11-16T14:15:00.000+02:00

According to Scott Colothan from Gigwise.com, LED ZEPPELIN have been in negotiations to headline next year’s Glastonbury Festival, it has been reported.

The rock legends have apparently been in talks with Glastonbury head Michael Eavis about the mouth-watering prospect. They have even give the Worthy Farm owner a price for performing at the June event.

Despite the early talks, the NME claims that the negotiations have broken down after the rock outfit’s representatives named too high a price, prompting Eavis to pull out.

Glastonbury, of course, has a capped fee that they are willing to pay artists – unlike many other major UK festivals.

OZZY OSBOURNE: "I Want To Be Remembered As A Working-Class Hero..."

2007-11-16T14:14:00.004+02:00

San Diego Union Tribune has issued the following report from George Varga:

Next week, four lucky OZZY OSBOURNE fans will celebrate their victory in the all-expenses paid “Win Thanksgiving Dinner With Ozzy!” contest that was recently promoted on his website.

In addition to receiving tickets for his Tuesday concert at the San Diego Sports Arena, the winners will visit the heavy-metal legend at his family's new home in an exclusive gated community in Los Angeles. After feasting on turkey dinner - no cracks about how (or by whom) the bird might be beheaded, please - they'll get to sample Osbourne's “famous Yorkshire pudding.”

What may be missing is a warm greeting from rock's fabled Prince of Darkness, since no one bothered to inform him of the contest.

“I don't even know what you're talking about,” Osbourne said, when asked about his pudding preparations.

He let out a knowing laugh that sounded warm and friendly, not evil or menacing.

“Sometimes, I open my door, and people say: 'Hi, Ozzy. We're the winners!' And I go: 'Winners? Winners of what?' ”

In the past, such confusion may very likely have stemmed from Osbourne's notorious abuse of drugs and alcohol. As anyone can attest who saw him attempt to prepare breakfast in the 1988 Penelope Spheeris film documentary “The Decline of Western Civilization, Part II: The Metal Years,” just trying to pour a glass of orange juice seemed like a daunting challenge for him at the time.

Even by rock's brain-shriveling standards of debauched self-abuse, Osbourne repeatedly set a new standard. But no more.

Clean and sober for the past two years, he sounded like a new man during a phone interview last week from a concert tour stop in Montana.

His speech, which was often slurred almost beyond comprehension, is now relatively clear. His thoughts, which used to seem addled on even his best days, are mostly lucid. His latest album, the rock-solid “Black Rain,” is the first of his career that he recorded and wrote all the songs for without any chemical or alcoholic intake.

“I don't drink or use drugs today. I don't even smoke cigarettes,” said the 59-year-old singer. “I reckon nicotine is the hardest to give up; I've been in rehab with junkies who can get off of the smack, but they can't put the cigarettes down.

“Somebody asked me, 'What would you have done if you couldn't have done the new album without alcohol or drugs?' I suppose then it would be time for me to call it quits. But this person on my recovery program team said: 'Ozzy's got a lot more years in him. It's not a sin to ask for help.' ”

Accordingly, his first radio hit in years is titled 'I Don't Wanna Stop' (sample lyric: I'm like a junkie without an addiction). And his once infamously batty behavior - which ranged from biting the head off a pigeon during a meeting at his record company to getting arrested in Texas for urinating on the Alamo (while wearing a dress he took from his wife) - is also now apparently a thing of the past.

What hasn't changed is his love for his second wife and manager of 25 years, Sharon; their three children, Jack, Kelly and Aimee; and his two kids from his first marriage, Jessica and Louis.

“I love my wife more than anything. I wouldn't be in the position I'm in without her,” said Osbourne, who later in the interview noted: “My wife is the best person in the world not to argue with. Because once she gets going, it's like 'Whoa!' ”

Also unchanged is his frequent use of a word that sounds a lot like “trucking” and his passion for the hard-rocking music he makes as a solo artist and on periodic reunion tours with Black Sabbath, his pioneering heavy-metal band.

The contrast between the clear-eyed Osbourne of today and the stumbling, mumbling drug-and-drink casualty of the past is remarkable. But the clear-eyed and newly pragmatic singer is quick to note that his recovery is a work in progress.

“Even if I don't drink, the disease of addiction is still going on; everyday I have my (12-step recovery) book in front of me,” he noted.

Osbourne's new lease on life was largely inspired by his wife's battle against colon cancer a few years ago. Now that he's straight, he no longer wants to be a walking punch line.

“Even straight people aren't happy all the time. Even straight people have a bad day or an argument,” Osbourne observed.

“But what I am geting sick and tired of is, well, I've been sober for a couple of years now and I want people to take me seriously. Because I used to be a piece of (sounds-like-'trucking') flesh and drool on the floor. And now that I've got my (sounds-like-'trucking') head out of the bottle and the bag and whatever (stuff) I was doing, I want people to take me seriously.

“I have a therapist, and he says: 'Look, do the math. How many years were you geting loaded?' I answer: 'Most of my life.' Then he asks: 'How long have you been clean?' People don't change because they got clean; you have to work at it.”

Osbourne is now at work on a Broadway musical, his first. It's based on the life of Rasputin, an enigmatic Siberian mystic who was often referred to as “the Mad Monk” and lived a life as debauched as that of a rock star.

In the past, such a life of debauchery mirrored Osbourne's own. Today, he is embarked on a new chapter that could just change his future legacy for the better.

“I want to be remembered as a working-class hero, not for biting the head off a (sounds-like-'trucking') bird, or whatever it was,” Osbourne said.

VENGEANCE Celebrates 25th Anniversary

2007-11-16T14:14:00.003+02:00

VENGEANCE is about to kick-off a fantastic year in the huge career of the band.

The Dutch hard rockers will celebrate their 25th Anniversary and will do this together with their fans! Their new live CD, Same/Same… But Different, will be launched on November 23rd through Metal Heaven and will be followed with the official kick-off of the 25th Anniversary Tour at Rockfabrik in Ludwigsburg, Germany on December 4th.

The official live CD presentation will take place December 12th at 013 in Tilburg, Holland with an incredible live show. The fans can expect an unique year filled with an amazing amount of live shows, great special events and activities - and on top of that the release of the new studio album.

LYMPHATIC PHLEGM Issue Second Full-Length; Album Sample Available

2007-11-16T14:14:00.001+02:00

Black Hole Productions have issued the following in regards to the second full-length album from LYMPHATIC PHLEGM:

"The wait is over for every forensick goregrind freak. The doors of the most obscure and cold morgue are open
again to show that Lymphatic Phlegm's decomposing promise to bring you the terrible beauty of anatomy is here.

For sure this long-awaited second full-length CD is the apice on their autopsying carrer. Surgical concepted and well produced had also a compulsive mastering by Scott Hull (AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED, PIG DESTROYER, SUFFOCATION, etc.).

Everything is still intact waiting for your "hands on" and you will live againthat dream anatomy experience.

Crawl into this anatomical cave, and be forever changed."

Order now: store@blackhoprods.com - PayPal Accepted!

OVERKILL To Receive Support From MORTAL SIN, DRONE On Select Dates In Europe

2007-11-16T14:13:00.001+02:00

MORTAL SIN and DRONE have been confirmed to support OVERKILL on a portion of their upcoming European tour. The bands will support Overkill from March 9th - 21st.

KISS - Fan Army Australia Christmas Party, Expo Detailed; New Clock Approved For Production

2007-11-16T14:12:00.002+02:00

KISSOnline.com reports:

"The KISS Fan Army Australia fan club is proud to announce their first annual Christmas Party and Mini-Expo. KISS Army Australia in conjunction with KISSTERIA - The Australian KISS Show, will be holding this monumental event on Saturday, December 22nd, 2007 at the Forest Inn Hotel in Bexley, Sydney NSW.

Playing all your favourites, Live & In Your Face!

- KISS Karaoke
- Prizes to be given away
- KISS Merchandise, Memorabilia on display
- KISS DVDS will be played on 3 big screens throughout the night
- Come dressed as your favourite KISS band member
- Make sure you clear your calendar, get your grease paint out and get ready to "Rock N Roll all nite"
- Tickets will be $10 - do not miss out!

Visit www.kissarmyaustralia.com for more details ."

Another message from KISSOnline reads: "Here's the latest KISS pre-production sample - approved and ready for production.

BRUCE KULICK - Comando Rock Interview Available

2007-11-16T14:12:00.001+02:00

Guitarist BRUCE KULICK (GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, ex-KISS) was recently interviewed by Antonio Rodrigues Junior for Brazilian hard rock magazine Comando Rock's November 2007 issue.

The topics covered include: Bruce's next solo CD BK3, his visits to Brazil for KISS conventions, his time with KISS, the ESP live CD and DVD, KISSology, and much more.

JEFF YOUNG - Former MEGADETH Guitarist To Join Staff At Guitar Institute Of Technology

2007-11-16T14:08:00.000+02:00

The following brief update has been posted at former MEGADETH guitarist JEFF YOUNG's MySpace page:

"Jeff Young joins the GIT (Guitar Institute of Technology) teaching staff in January 2008.

The 1985 GIT grad toured and recorded with Megadeth from 1987-1988 and traversed the stylistic universe to serve as guitarist, songwriter and producer with Brazilian phenomenon Badi Assad from 1997-2000."

THE ARCANE ORDER Set Release Date(s) For In The Wake Of Collisions; Tracklisting, Artwork Revealed

2007-11-16T14:07:00.000+02:00

Danish modern thrashers THE ARCANE ORDER return after their debut The Machinery Of Oblivion with a record no one would have expected.

In The Wake Of Collisions is not the logical follow-up and it is not what people are used to in meaning of being a fan of the band. It's way beyond what the band once created. Improved instrumental skills and even more improved songwriting are what makes this record stand out.

Inspired by STRAPPING YOUNG LAD's complex compositions mixed with their Danish vibe and very own sound, The Arcane Order set out to release a hurricane of a modern thrash metal album!

Produced in the most brutal and crystal clear way by Jacob Hansen (NEAERA, VOLBEAT, HATESPHERE) at the infamous Hansen Studios, In The Wake Of Collisions will feature the following tracklisting: 'Death Is Imminent', 'Between Reason And Hubris', 'The Serpent Tower', 'Eruptions Of Red', 'When Oceans Become Deserts', 'Unleash The Tyrant', 'The Reaping Reverence', 'Sanctity Of Allegiance', 'Horizons Buried'.

In The Wake Of Collisions (artwork pictured) will be unleashed on January 11th (Germay, Austria, Switzerland, Italy)
and January 14th (Europe) through Metal Blade Records.

SHINING Forced To Cancel Turkish Appearances

2007-11-16T14:06:00.000+02:00

Due to the recent escalation in violence and military action within the country, SHINING have been forced to cancel their plans to play in Turkey. The two gigs, scheduled to take place in Istanbul and Ankara on November 15th and 17th will be rescheduled at a later date.

In a statement issued today, Shining frontman Niklas Kvarforth had this to say: “I would personally like to apologise to the fans in Ankara and Istanbul for the cancellation. We have always received a lot of correspondence from Turkish fans asking us to play in their country, and we know that this must be a disappointment for them. It’s a big disappointment for us too. I would, however, like to stress that the decision to cancel was most emphatically NOT taken by the band. We have never been political, and we are not taking sides with anyone. Had it been down to us we would have played - violence or no violence, and I think people who know the band, know this to be true. Unfortunately the booking agency, and others involved with the tour, were not prepared to let us go ahead and play in a country where people were being killed, as they considered it too dangerous for both the band and the audience. We held out as long as we could to see if the situation would ease, but the matter was always completely out of our hands. We will definitely try to reschedule as soon as we can”.

Shining will undertake a 19 date European tour with Maniac’s SKITLIV and Austrian black metallers HELLSAW during December.

Tracks from the band can be found on the official Shinig MySpace page

DEF-CON-ONE - New Music Online

2007-11-16T14:05:00.002+02:00

Britain's DEF-CON-ONE, which features in it's ranks VENOM drummer Antony Lant (aka Anntton), have updated their MySpace page to include two new tracks, 'Hypocracy' and 'Rage War'.

Check out the new tracks at myspace.com/defcononehq.

The band are expected to release their new albu, Ten Bullets, sometime next year. Details to follow.

TWILIGHT GUARDIANS - Ghost Reborn Audio Samples Available

2007-11-16T14:05:00.001+02:00

Spinefarm Records has issued the following update regarding Finnish power metallers TWILIGHT GUARDIANS:

"‘Twas the year 1996 when the then younglings from Salo formed the basis what is still known as Twilight Guardians. After three releases the dashing metallers release Ghost Reborn, which incorporates neo-classical musicianship to powerful anthems. Their trade may be overcrowded, but they hold out their own. Amongst these more traditional songs, the album holds a real treat. The passionate fans of the band will probably already what is going on, but to many a other this will be a really surprising twist."

Ghost Reborn was released in Europe on November 7th, and features the following tracklisting: 'Glasschains', 'Rainbow's Gold', 'Wildbite', 'The Game', 'Bring It On', 'Walk This Line', 'The Weight', 'This Blood', 'Fallen Lamb', 'Out Of Our Hands'.

£83,000 Paid For LED ZEPPELIN Tickets

2007-11-16T14:04:00.002+02:00

According to BBC News, a LED ZEPPELIN fan has paid £83,000 for two tickets to the rock band's reunion concert, as part of an auction for the BBC's Children in Need. BBC Radio 2 listener Kenneth Donell, from Glasgow, paid to see the band rehearse and perform on December 10th.

Children in Need is raising funds for disadvantaged young people in the UK.

Led Zeppelin's three remaining members play together for the first time since 1988 in December's sold-out concert.

PETE TOWNSHEND, BILL WYMAN and PAOLO NUTINI will also perform at the show, which is a tribute to Ahmet Ertegun, the late founder of Atlantic Records.

Tickets went on sale for £125 each in October.

Originally scheduled for 26 November, the concert was postponed for two weeks because guitarist Jimmy Page fractured a finger.

Children in Need culminates with a fundraising TV show on BBC One from 1900 GMT on Friday (November 16th).

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE - Scream Aim Fire Details Revealed

2007-11-16T14:04:00.001+02:00

BW&BK has received the following press release:

"Having spent most of the last two years taking over the world with massive UK, European, US and worldwide headline tours, supporting GUNS N' ROSES, METALLICA and IRON MAIDEN, playing Main Stage at almost every rock festival across the world, and seeing their 2006 debut album, The Poison, sail past the million sales mark (350,000 in the US alone), BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE is set to return with album number two, Scream Aim Fire, set for release in the US on January 29th, 2008 (Jive/SonyBMG).

Scream Aim Fire was produced by Colin Richardson (MACHINE HEAD, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND) who also produced The Poison, and was recorded at Sonic Ranch near El Paso, TX earlier this year. The eleven new songs are, according to frontman Matthew Tuck, "really melodic heavy metal... catchy, hooky choruses and full-on vocals, with the music being very in-your-face and heavy... it's a lot more uptempo [than The Poison], a lot more aggressive."

An exclusive 15-minute digital single - a special sneak preview of Scream Aim Fire - will be available for download beginning December 18th. Two of the album's tracks, 'Eye Of The Storm' plus the title track will be included, along with the band's Matt and Moose providing a behind-the-scenes track-by-track commentary about the album. The Scream Aim Fire digital single will sell for $1.98 and be available through all the major digital media services (iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, etc.).

The four-piece metal core band from Bridgend, South Wales, UK - Matthew "Matt" Tuck/vocals, Michael "Padge" Paget/Guitar, Michael "Moose" Thomas/drums, and Jason "Jay" James/Bass - will headline a tour of the UK and Europe starting in late January, and will then head to the US in late February. Details to be announces shortly.

Full track listing for Scream Aim Fire is as follows: 'Scream Aim Fire', 'Eye Of The Storm', 'Hearts Burst Into Fire', 'Waking The Demon', 'Disappear', 'Deliver Us From Evil', 'Take It Out On Me', 'Say Goodbye', 'End Of Days', 'Last To Know', 'Forever And Always'.

MOONSPELL In Pre-Production For Follow-Up To Memorial Album

2007-11-16T14:03:00.002+02:00

SPV USA has issued the following update on Portuguese gothic metallers MOONSPELL:

"Fernando Ribeiro, Moonspell singer has just finished translating 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson to Portuguese; it's the first time it's printed in his native language.

He commented on it: "Hard work but a pleasant time inside Robert's Neville boarded house and mind". The major motion picture with Will Smith is coming out on Decmeber 14th, 2007, two weeks later in Portugal, followed by the book coming out on the 5th of the same month.

In the meanwhile the band is working on the follow up to the publicly acclaimed Memorial, yet-untitled, and they are pre-producing it in Portugal with Waldemar Sorychta this November.

The studio is booked for January, 2008 at Antfarm in Denmark with Tue Madsen. Under Satanae collected ravishing response and review everywhere and it even charted in their home country where they played a one off show in Lisbon Coliseum. The setlist was comprised of all titles of this release to the band played to 3,500 surrendered fans."

More updates to follow.

House Of Metal 2008 - SCAR SYMMETRY, FREEDOM CALL Confirmed

2007-11-16T14:03:00.001+02:00

House Of Metal 2008 (www.houseofmetal.se) is scheduled for February 15th - 16th at Folkets Hus in Umeå, Sweden.

The latest acts confirmed for the festival include SCAR SYMMETRY and FREEDOM CALL.

Acts on the bill now include: SCAR SYMMETRY, FREEDOM CALL, NOCTURNAL RITES, GOD AMONG INSECTS, EASY ACTION, HEEL, GHAMOREAN and BONE PIRATES.

More details to follow.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Confirmed For Wacken Open Air Festival

2007-11-16T14:02:00.000+02:00

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE are the latest act confirmed for next summer's Wacken Open Air Festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany.

The festival will be headlined next year by IRON MAIDEN. The current line-up includes: AT THE GATES, AVANTASIA, AXXIS, CARCASS, CHILDREN OF BODOM, CREMATORY, DESTRUCTOR, DREAM OF AN OPIUM EATER, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HATEBREED, IRON MAIDEN, KAMELOT, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, KREATOR, KRYPTERIA, LORD BELIAL, SALTATIO MORTIS, SONATA ARCTICA, THE BONES.

Visit www.wacken.com for more information.

CHILDREN OF BODOM Cover SUICIDAL TENDENCIES And CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL For New Album

2007-11-16T14:01:00.000+02:00

Scythes Of Bodom, the official CHILDREN OF BODOM fan site, has confirmed the four cover songs recorded by the band during the sessions for their new album, Blooddrunk. They are 'War Inside My Head' (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES), 'Lookin' Out My Back Door' (CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL), 'Just Dropped In' (KENNY ROGERS) and 'Ghost Riders In The Sky' (STAN JONES). The songs will be issued on various formats of the album. Details to follow.

As previously reported, Blooddrunk is being recorded by producer/mixer/engineer Mikko Karmila and will feature a guest appearance from Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN). The album will contain a total of nine songs, including a re-recorded version of the Viva La Bands track 'Tie My Rope'.

The band will see the new album available in Europe on April 7th via Spinefarm. Prior to the album's release, a new single will be available as of March 3rd.

NOCTURNAL RITES Confirmed For House Of Metal Festival 2008

2007-11-16T13:59:00.002+02:00

NOCTURNAL RITES have checked in with the following update:

"Hey, we just wanted to thank everyone involved in this tour for some awesome parties, great shows and new friendships! We had a blast! So; thanks all Finnish (THUNDERSTONE) and German (CAST IN SILENCE) guys! Also, big thanks to the fans for showing up and having a ball with us all! We will be posting some videos and stuff soon, so stay tuned.

Next up is the HAMMERFALL boat thing next week, which of course also will be a blast.

By the way, we are confirmed for House Of Metal Festival in Umeå in February next year!

Rock on and talk more soon!"

As previously reported, pictures from Nocturnal Rites' November 3rd in Zlin, Czech Republic, are now availble.

RUNNING WILD - Official Website Undergoing Renovations, Seeking Fan To Write New And Improved Biography

2007-11-16T13:59:00.001+02:00

RUNNING WILD's webmaster has issued the following update:

"Dear Friends and Fans,

Since a long time already I am planning to re-design a new website and getting this forum updated as well. I believe many things will change and I hope everyone will be happy seeing that something is going on, going further, expanding and simply moving on.

The first step will be done by a new forum which I hope I'll be able to set it up with the beginning of the new year already. Because of safety reasons and because of the fact that many users did not return for a long(er) period now, I will delete every registered person starting with the new forum-software! This means: anyone who is still interested in the band and of course in staying in contact with some of the fans here around has to register again. The 'Charts' will be not part anymore, but I will presumably add some nice new things. Let's wait and see. However I will definitely keep some of the most interesting threads.

The website will be completely re-designed and also updated and upgraded as well. All the things I announced earlier already and/or some specials I have in mind, will be finally part of it! It will be interesting for everyone, believe me!

I can't give you exact details yet, and I am not willing to tell you any date when everything will be up and running. All I can say is that it is planned to be released starting with the new year or very early the next year (2008).

Request: The current biography reads simply too plain and everyone knows it already. So if YOU would like to write a new and much more interesting biography, preferably in ENGLISH and GERMAN (but at least in ENGLISH), please do so and send it to me. Of course your name will be mentioned as author directly under the text and in the credits.

Thanks, Cheers & Stay Wild!"

VOX TEMPUS Featuring Drummer GREGG BISSONETTE Sign With Angel Milk Records

2007-11-16T13:58:00.000+02:00

BW&BK has received the following VOX TEMPUS press release:

Vox Tempus is proud to have signed an exclusive deal with Angel Milk Records in Europe! This has been is a long time coming. Label president Andy Bramhall initially expressed interest in the band when they were first shopping the debut, In the Eye of Time. The album ultimately saw a small independent release in the U.S., with virtually no overseas distribution. Andy went on to form Angel Milk Records in the U.K., and kept in touch with the band through keyboardist Eric Ragno. With the latest resurgence in progressive rock, there has been a new wave of interest in the band through both MySpace and the individual careers of Eric Ragno and super-drummer Gregg Bissonette.

Says Eric: "We often receive questions about where to buy the album, if there are any leftover tracks and what will come next. In conversations with Angel Milk, many of these same questions arose. After some discussion, it was agreed that we should explore these answers together."

The first step is to re-release the debut album In the Eye of Time in Europe and Asia. The album is being expertly remastered by Andy Bramhall, with assistance by Greg Michael Burnell at Jellyjam Digital UK using Daniel Weiss Engineering products - "the finest Digital Mastering hardware boxes in the world." Eric continues: "We are excited about this new partnership, and look forward to seeing the album get the overseas exposure that it deserves. Be sure to visit out website at www.vox-tempus.com, and visit our MySpace page at www.myspace.com/voxtempus to hear clips from the album, as well our unreleased cover of the JOURNEY classic 'Stone In Love'.

Andy Bramhall from Angel Milk: "This is a quality release as it stands with plenty of light and shade and superb musicianship - I love the progressive vibe if it's done well, always have always will, and these boys do it well! I have done a deal with the band to re-master the record in the UK and do a small European release with a Japanese licence to follow, there's a strong possibility that there will be another record from Vox Tempus with the label shouting up some money to get the band out playing to support it, both in the UK for some shows, the USA and Japan."

Stay tuned for release information when available."

BON JOVI Sells Out In Australia

2007-11-16T13:57:00.002+02:00

According to Tim Cashmere from Undercover.com.au, tickets to BON JOVI's upcoming Australian tour sold out today in just a few minutes. Fans in Melbourne will be disappointed to learn they've missed out, but fans in Sydney will be given an extra chance with a second show added on Tuesday January 22 at Acer Arena. The band are doing a fairly small run of shows across the country to promote their latest record 'Lost Highway' where the band throw in a country tinge.

Check them out at:

January
19 – Myer Music Bowl - Melbourne, Australia
21 – Acer Arena - Sydney, Australia
22 – Acer Arena - Sydney, Australia
25 – Subiaco Oval - Perth, Australia

Guitarist TOBY KNAPP Decides Against Resurrecting ONWARD

2007-11-16T13:57:00.001+02:00

Guitarist TOBY KNAPP has issued the following update on the possibilities of an ONWARD reunion:

"I have decided out of respect to the members of the original Onward line-up not to resurrect this beast. I feel some new recruits hearts are not in the right place, and perhaps Onward are just not brutal enough for 2008. Of course we all know this is bullshit, and it's a shame we will never know what could have been. Onward were not gay power-metalists, Onward were progressive heavy metal with no boundaries. Perhaps some day we can reunite for a one time gig with the original members."

Knapp is currently working on his latest solo project with Dean Sternberg and hopes to release it in early 2008.

MEGADETH - Dave Mustaine Coffee Coming Soon

2007-11-16T13:56:00.000+02:00

Dave Mustaine's Blend - stay tuned for news on Dave's new coffee blend available ONLY to his fans coming up next week.

After "sharing" his daily morning coffee with fans at the Megadeth.com forums in the last few months and engaging in several conversations with coffee lovers there, he came up with a true blend he would love to share with all of you.

Catch MEGADETH live on the killing road at the following locations:

November
15 - Luna Park Big Top - Sydney
16 - Luna Park Big Top - Sydney
18 - Riverstage - Brisbane

March
4 - Alcatrazz - Milan
5 - Palasport - Pordenone
7 - Metalmania 2008 - Zimny Stadion - Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic
8 - Metalmania 2008 - Spodek - Katowice

1349 Confirmed For Norway's Inferno Festival

2007-11-16T13:54:00.000+02:00

Norwegian black metallers 1349 are the latest act confirmed for the 2008 edition of the Inferno Festival which is being held in Oslo, Norway from March 19th-22nd at the following venues: Rockefeller, John Dee, Sentrum Scene, Garage, Maiden and Rock In. The confirmed lineup is now as follows: SATYRICON (headliners), DESTRUCTION 1349, TULUS and SHINING. The full schedule will be announced at their kick-off in January. The tickets for the 2008 edition of the festival are now available.

DESTRUCTOR Confirmed For Wacken Open Air Festival

2007-11-16T13:46:00.000+02:00

Cleveland thrash metal legends DESTRUCTOR have been confirmed for next summer's Wacken Open Air Festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany.

"The opportunity of a lifetime", says lead vocalist/guitarist Dave Overkill. "The band is very excited and looking forward to the whole event. Having a chance to play the world's largest heavy metal festival is a bonus and we're honored to have been invited."

Destructor is the second band Auburn Records has arranged to play W:O:A, as long time labelmates BREAKER performed back in 2000.

The festival will be headlined next year by IRON MAIDEN. The current line-up includes: AT THE GATES, AVANTASIA, AXXIS, CARCASS, CHILDREN OF BODOM, CREMATORY, DESTRUCTOR, DREAM OF AN OPIUM EATER, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HATEBREED, IRON MAIDEN, KAMELOT, KREATOR, KRYPTERIA, LORD BELIAL, SALTATIO MORTIS, SONATA ARCTICA, THE BONES.

Visit www.wacken.com for more information.

Destructor's new full length studio CD, Forever In Leather, has just been released by Auburn Records. The album was produced by BREAKER's Don Depew and features 11 brand new Destructor originals. The band will be doing their official CD release show in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, November 17 at the Jigsaw Saloon & Stage. The concert will also feature special guests SOULLESS, CELLBOUND and DAWN OF WOLVES. Visit www.myspace.com/jigsawsaloon for more information.

KAMELOT "Making Final Plans For Headliner European Tour Dates In Early 2008"

2007-11-16T13:45:00.004+02:00

KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood has issued the following update:

"We've been getting tons of emails regarding the next plans for Kamelot. Well a lot is going on despite the short break we are taking this Fall. A trip to Serbia is coming up in a few week and we are still making final plans for the headliner European Tour dates in early 2008, just got some proposals for the stage design, pyros, etc... it's gonna rock! Our new partners ICS Concerts and Thomas Kreidner are doing a great job for us in Europe. We confirmed some great festivals for the Summer 2008, we can't announce them just yet but we will asap. What else... our management is busy with the first stages of another North American Headliner Tour. We are mapping out some great venues and locations and hope to return soon! Oh... new song-writing sessions as well. Stay tuned for more!"

BLAZE BAYLEY - New Album Due Out Next Spring

2007-11-16T13:45:00.003+02:00

Former IRON MAIDEN singer BLAZE BAYLEY's website has been updated as follows:

"The new album will be available in spring 2008 - we are thinking of doing a limited addition of 1000 units. If you are intersted in pre-ordering a limited addition or would like more information on what will be contained on the limited addition then please email bblimitedadditioninfo@rock.com. This is research only at this point. Thank you."

SUSPYRE Confirmed For ProgPower Europe 2008

2007-11-16T13:45:00.001+02:00

ProgPower Europe 2008 is scheduled for October 3rd - 5th, 2008 at JC Sjiwa in Baarlo, The Netherlands.

Organizers state, "SUSPYRE from the USA is now confirmed to play ProgPower Europe 2008. The band that surprised many people last year with their excellent album A Great Divide and a stunning performance at the Chicago PowerFest. The band will do an exclusive performance in The Netherlands, it is unsure yet how many gigs they will do in Europe. If you do not know this band right now, you definitely must check them out. Before ProgPower Europe 2008 they will release another album."

Also confirmed for the festival is Poland's DIVISION BY ZERO.

ROB HALFORD - Clip Available From War Of Words - The Film

2007-11-16T13:43:00.002+02:00

A new clip, featuring the track 'Light Comes Out Of Black', lifted from War Of Words - The Film, starring ROB HALFORD and his first solo band FIGHT.

As previously reported, the New York City premier for War Of Words - The Film, has been moved to a new venue.

The premier was originally scheduled to take place tonight (Wednesday, November 14th) at Clearview’s Chelsea West, but has since been moved to Clearview’s Chelsea, located at 260 West 23rd Street.

In related news, Rob Halford has added a San Francisco date to his upcoming in-store appearance schedule.

Dates now include:

November
15 - FYE Store #140 - New York, NY (12 noon - 1:30 PM, with Metal Mike)
16 - J&R Music World - New York, NY (5:30 - 7 PM, with Metal Mike)
17 - Vintage Vinyl - Fords, NJ (5:30 - 7 PM, with Metal Mike)
20 - Best Buy - West Hollywood, CA (5 - 7 PM, Fight reunion)
28 - Rasputin Music - San Francisco, CA (5 PM, Rob Halford only)

PRIMORDIAL Singer Discusses Lyrical Content On New Album, To The Nameless Dead

2007-11-16T13:43:00.001+02:00

In a new article from Germany's Metal Hammer, PRIMORDIAL singer Alan "Naihmass Nemtheanga" Averill discusses the band's upcoming sixth album, To The Nameless Dead, talking about the album's lyrical content, and what the songs mean in general.

The article is available in German and English.

Primordial will be releasing their new album, To The Nameless Dead, on November 16th in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and November 19th throughout the rest of Europe via Metal Blade Records. A North American release is set for November 27th. Metal Blade has launched a special Primordial MySpace page with two new tracks streaming ('Empire Falls' and 'Heathen Tribes').

To The Nameless Dead tracklist: 'Empire Falls', 'Gallows Hymn', 'As Rome Burns', 'Failures Burden', 'Heathen Tribes', 'The Rising Tide', 'Traitors Gate', 'No Nation On This Earth'.

The Gathering Wilderness will also be available on picture disc vinyl. The double 12" picture disc will be released by Sentinel Records sometime between November and December 2007. The double vinyl is limited to 500 copies world-wide. Pre-orders are now being taken, the first 100 copies come with a patch.

TYGERS OF PAN TANG - Classic Catalog Titles To Be Reissued In Japan As Limited Edition Mini Sleeves

2007-11-16T13:42:00.001+02:00

The first four albums from legendary New Wave Of British Heavy Metal band TYGERS OF PAN TANG are being reissued as Limited Edition Paper Sleeves on December 19th via Geffen Japan. The titles are as follows: Wild Cat (1980), Spellbound (1981), Crazy Nights (1982), The Cage (1983).

On October 29th, Tygers Of Pan Tang released a brand new 5 track EP called Back & Beyond. The EP features two new songs, 'Live For Today' and 'Bury The Hatchet' as well as three reworked classics, 'Hellbound', 'Take It' and 'Rock And Roll Man'.

The EP was mixed by Ben Matthews of THUNDER and released through Thunder's record label. For more info visit www.thunderonline.com.

Metalocalypse Episode Featuring EMPEROR Available Online

2007-11-16T13:41:00.002+02:00

During EMPEROR's final visit to the US this past summer, vocalist Ihsahn, guitarist Samoth and drummer Trym stopped by Titmouse Studios, the creative team behind Adult Swim's popular late-night cartoon Metalocalypse in Los Angeles.

SEBASTIAN BACH Checks In From Angel Down Promo Tour

2007-11-16T13:41:00.001+02:00

SEBASTIAN BACH (ex-SKID ROW) has issued the following update:

"Cincinnatti Ohio WEBN FM parking lot - in the middle of the national radio tour. Sitting in the parking lot of WEBN radio in Cincinnati Ohio, waiting to go live on air in person with Fritz. Just drove here from Dayton where we played a bunch of new songs on WTUE with Bman (thanks dude!). Was on the air in person this morning at 7:45 am in Columbus Ohio where we played a lot of Angel Down on the Morning Blitz and had a great time with Blazor & Mo. Premiered the song 'Falling Into You' this morning in Columbus. It feels so great to play the new music on the air across the country!

I have never done this before. I have never gone on tour without playing concerts. It's alot of travel but well worth it. If I was doing shows there would be little chance of me going to a radio station at 7:45 am. This is a great way to let people hear the new album. The whole list of all the radio stations I am going to is on the myspace page. I will be at every station, live in person, playing fresh cuts off Angel Down, which finally hits stores on November 20! Tune into your local station to hear the new album, or come down to the station and get a free autographed poster as long as we got 'em!

In the current issue of Rolling Stone Magazine, on newsstands now, 'Back In The Saddle' off Angel Down is listed at #2 on the Editors Hotlist of Favorite Songs, Videos, or Albums Of The Month. This is a big honor and I freaked out in the airport when I saw it! Glad you dig it ROLLING STONE! Thanks alot for the support!

For the second time this month, I am going on MTV's Total Request Live. I will be a judge in the Rockband Video Game Contest on MTV's TRL on November 15! Check it out !"

Angel Down, will be released on November 20th via a joint-venture between Merovingian Music, Ltd. (MRV) and Bach's Get Off My Bach Productions, and distributed worldwide through Caroline/EMI Music Group.

Produced by Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD, JUDAS PRIEST), and recorded at Sound City Studios and Under City Studios in Los Angeles, CA, the album features the following tracklisting: 'Angel Down', 'You Don't Understand', 'Back In The Saddle' (AEROSMITH cover featuring GUNS N' ROSES' Axl Rose), '(Love Is) A Bitchslap' (featuring Axl Rose), 'Stuck Inside' (featuring Axl Rose), 'American Metalhead', 'Negative Light', 'Live & Die', 'By Your Side', 'Our Love Is A Lie', 'Take You Down With Me', 'Stabbin' Daggers', 'You Bring Me Down', 'Falling Into You'.

DISTORTED - New Album To Feature THERION, DRACONIAN, ABORTED Members

2007-11-16T13:40:00.000+02:00

Female fronted Israeli metal stalwarts DISTORTED are about to enter Underground Studios with producer Pelle Seather to record the follow up to their 2006 album Memorial.

Vocalist Miri Milman comments on the material 'We are extremely thrilled about the new material, it has been a couple of intense months for us, focussing on nothing but the writing and every little detail. The new album is going to be a huge leap forward for Distorted, everything just fits together. The material is more mature, catchy and intense at the same time whilst keeping the oriental melodies and singing that marked our style before, it just takes it to a whole new level'.

To complete the package, Distorted's new album is going to feature guest appearances of Thomas Vikström (THERION), Lisa Johansson (DRACONIAN) and Sven De Caluwe (ABORTED) , who will also be doing the artwork for the record. More updates on artwork, track listing, album title and such will be available in the coming weeks as well as studio reports on the bands MySpace/YouTube sites.

Distorted recently signed with Candlelight Records and this new album should be released by early 2008.

AFM To Release All For Metal, Heart Breakers Compilations

2007-11-16T13:39:00.002+02:00

On November, 30th and December, 7th, AFM Records will release two compilations which will include several AFM highlights. The first compilation, a DVD/CD box set, is called All For Metal. The DVD contains many video clips of the AFM artists as well as some rare live video material. The CD will include lots of highlights of the latest AFM releases as well as brand new unreleased songs of DEZPERADOZ, PARADOX and PRESIDENT EVIL. The release date of All For Metal will be November, 30. The second compilation with the title Heart Breakers will include 18 metal ballads from SHAKRA, KROKUS, MASTERPLAN, EDGUY and U.D.O among others. It will be released on December, 7th.

All For Metal tracklist DVD:

U.D.O. - 'The Wrong Side Of Midnight'
DESTRUCTION - 'The Alliance Of Hellhoundz'
MASTERPLAN - 'Lost And Gone'
THE POODLES - 'Seven Seas'
ELVENKING - 'The Divided Heart'
MAGICA - 'All Waters Have The Colour Of Drowning'
ABSOLUTE - 'Sebastian'
DORO - 'Warrior Soul'
KOTIPELTO - 'Sleep Well'
EVIDENCE ONE - 'The Sky Is The Limit'
SHAKRA - 'Chains Of Temptation'
LION'S SHARE - 'The Edge Of The Razor'
HEAVENLY - 'Spill Blood On Fire'
NOSTRADAMEUS - 'Not Only Woman Bleed'
TANKARD - 'The Beauty And The Beast'
JORN - 'Living With Wolves'
EDGUY - 'All The Clowns'
DEBAUCHERY - 'Lords Of Battle'
EISBRECHER - 'Vergissmeinnicht'
THEATRE OF TRAGEDY - 'Storm'
PERZONAL WAR - 'For The Last Time'
THE TRACEELORDS - 'My Evil Girlfriend'
ANNIHILATOR - 'All For You'
TARANTULA - 'Face The Mirror'

Bonus Live - Clips:
KROKUS - 'Hellraiser' (Live)
CIRCLE II CIRCLE - 'Revelations' (Live)
SILENT FORCE - 'Infatuator' (Live)
ROSS THE BOSS - 'Kill With Power' (Live)
DIONYSUS - 'Time Will Tell' (Live)
SHAMAN - 'Fairy Tale' (Live)

All For Metal tracklist - CD:
MADE OF HATE - 'Bullet In Your Head'
X-WORLD/5 - 'Cyber Christ'
AXXIS - 'Doom Of Destiny (Arabia)'
PARADOX - 'Infected'
JON OLIVA'S PAIN - 'Through The Eyes Of The King'
EDEN'S CURSE - 'Fly Away'
AT VANCE - 'Cold As Ice'
ROB ROCK - 'Garden Of Chaos'
CRYSTAL BALL - 'Minor Key'
HELSTAR - 'The King Is Dead'
HEADHUNTER - 'Parody Of Life'
MEKONG DELTA - 'Purification'
PRESIDENT EVIL - 'Hell In A Box'
ALMAH - 'Children Of Lies'
BEAUTIFUL SIN - 'Lost'
DEZPERADOZ - 'Rawhide'
MICHELLE DARKNESS - 'My Sweet'
BLACK MESSIAH - 'Moskau'

Heart Breakers tracklist CD:
KROKUS - 'Angel Of My Dreams'
EDEN'S CURSE - 'The Voice Inside'
SHAKRA - 'Love Will Find A Way'
THE POODLES - 'Crying'
EDGUY - 'Land Of The Miracle'
ANNIHILATOR - 'The One'
JON OLIVA'S PAIN - 'Still I Pray For You Now'
AT VANCE - 'Lost In Your Love'
KOTIPELTO - 'After The Rain'
AXXIS - 'The Fire Still Burns
ROB ROCK - 'Unconditional'
CRYSTAL BALL - 'Dreaming Of You'
NOSTRADAMEUS - 'Not Only Women Bleed'
DORO - 'Warrior Soul'
MASTERPLAN - 'Dying Just To Live'
BEAUTIFUL SIN - 'Closer To My Heart'
AVANTASIA - 'Into The Unknown'
U.D.O. - 'Tears Of A Clown'

AEROSMITH Singer Appearing At Champagne Ball - Ride For Children Event In December

2007-11-16T13:39:00.001+02:00

AEROSMITH singer Steven Tyler will be appearing at the Champagne Ball - Ride For Children dinner/auction event at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Friday, December 7th to auction off a Red Wing Motorcycle Company designed guitar to benefit the Ride For Children charity. The highest bidder not only gets the guitar, but Steven is going to personally sign it for them at the event.

Visit RideForChildren.com for more information on the event and the charity.

LED ZEPPELIN Collections Coming To Vinyl In March 2008

2007-11-16T13:38:00.000+02:00

The following report is courtesy of Chartattack.com.

Yesterday (November 13th) saw the simultaneous release of two huge collections from perennial rock favourites LED ZEPPELIN. Greatest hits collection Mothership and concert film The Song Remains The Same will be available today in their standard CD and/or DVD formats. But for the purists that relish the sound of vinyl, or for the original fans that started their collections when turntables were still the newest in music technology, Warner Canada says there'll vinyl releases of these packages.

Both Mothership and The Song Remains The Same soundtrack will be released in collectible vinyl editions sometime in March 2008.

Mothership will be available on four-LP, high-end, audiophile quality vinyl and will be sold with collectible memorabilia for about $75 US.

Specific details for the vinyl release of The Song Remains The Same have not been released, but it is expected to have a simultaneous release with Mothership, much like for the standard-format collections.

DAVE MUSTAINE Inviting MegaFanClub Members To Film Behind-The-Scenes And 'A Tout Le Monde' At Upcoming Sydney Gigantour Shows

2007-11-16T13:37:00.002+02:00

The following announcent has been issued via the official MEGADETH website:

"Dave Mustaine is inviting 12 fan club members with movie cameras to come to the Sydney Gigantour shows [November 15th and 16th] each day and film the whole day including the duet of 'A Tout Le Monde', with Christina Scabbia of LACUNA COIL. To show his appreciation he is offering the member and a mate a free ticket and a backstage pass to that show. MFC members, e-mail megafanclub@megadeth.com if you are interested. Fans chosen will be picked on a first come - first serve basis. Not a member? Join now and take part in this incredible opportunity!"

MIDNATTSOL Recording Guitar Tracks For New Album

2007-11-16T13:37:00.001+02:00

MIDNATTSOL have issued the following update from the recording sessions for their forthcoming album, Nordlys:

"Hey folks,

Chris Merzinsky is done with the drum recordings and it sounds huge - much more complex than (debut album) Where Twilight Dwells.

On Saturday, Chris H. and Daniel D. played an AHAB gig and arrived in the studio at 5:30pm on Sunday. Recordings started at 9:00pm - so way too less sleep for the both. We just recorded the lead-guitars.

Stay tuned for more news!"

Cheerio,
Your Midnattsols

BW&BK has learned that Hector and Droste have the rhythm guitar tracks for six songs in the can and are now concentrating on the lead and acoustic tracks. According to the band they are on schedule in spite of lack of sleep and an encounter with their mini-bar.

DOMINICI - Two Songs From O3: A Trilogy - Part 2 Available For Free Download

2007-11-16T13:36:00.000+02:00

DOMINICI, featuring former DREAM THEATER vocalist Charlie Dominici, are offering two songs from their latest album, O3: A Trilogy - Part 2, for free dowload on their official MySpace page. Go to myspace.com/charliedominicimusic to download the songs 'Greed, The Evil Seed' and 'The Calling'.

O3: A Trilogy - Part 2 was released through InsideOut on February 23rd. The tracklist is as follows: 'The Monster', 'Nowhere To Hide', 'Captured', 'Greed, The Evil Seed', 'School Of Pain', The Calling', 'The Real Life', 'The Cop', 'A New Hope'.

IN THIS MOMENT Drummer Issues Road Report From OZZY OSBOURNE / ROB ZOMBIE Tour

2007-11-16T13:35:00.002+02:00

IN THIS MOMENT drummer Jeff fabb has issued the following road report from the ongoing Ozzy Osbourne / Rob Zombie tour:

"To be on this tour is a dream come true! The bands, the people, the crew; everyone is so cool and pro. I am a huge Ozzy and Sabbath fan (I remember playing 'Iron Man' in my basement with childhood friends, I think that was one of everyone's first songs to jam!) so the fact that we are on this tour is amazing!

Here is how it usually breaks down every night: we normally go on at around 7:00. I am currently playing a Ddrum Dominion Maple kit with two 20x22" kicks, 10" and 12" racks, and 14" and 16" floors. The kit rocks, I feel like I am taking over the world when I am playing it on stage! Ddrum has incredible snare drums; I have been rotating between a Dios 7x13" Walnut, and the 7x14" engraved Aluminum Heavy Hitter model (Shawn Drover from MEGADETH got me hooked on that one!)

After we are done with our set we take a minute in the dressing room, and discuss the night with our manager, Blasko. Then we get ready to watch one of the best stage shows ever: Rob Zombie! His show is sick, and all the players in the band (not to mention the dancers,) are killer! There are flames on this stage that seem to almost hit the ceiling! I couldn't imagine how hot it is for them on stage.

To watch Ozzy, Zakk, Blasko, and Mike kill it from side stage is indescribable. True rockers at their best, giving you what you paid for: a great rock show!

Then we get on our new bus and head for the next town to repeat the cycle! We are on the road through January with this tour, it is flying by for me, and I wish it wasn't. The Bands, the arenas, the bus, it's the best ever! The fact that my drum tone is mammoth doesn't hurt either. Rock on!"

VAINGLORY - New Album In The Works

2007-11-16T13:35:00.001+02:00

VAINGLORY guitarist Corbin King has checked in with the following update:

"Well....the new CD is well underway and all I can say is....it will knock you out! It's way beyond heavy and has riffs that will kill you!

I will be wrapping up all the music in the very near future, and Kate (French) is writing some unbelievable vocals. We will also have some big news about the recording line-up and even more details of the CD will be announced soon.

Stay tuned for the ultimate Vainglory CD!!!

Thanks,
Corbin King

As previously reported, Vainglory's self-titled album, officially released on December 1st, 2006, is now available via CDBaby.com. The tracklist is as follows: 'Walking Dead', 'Burdened', 'The Only Way I Know', 'Face Of Death', 'Midnight Hellfire', 'Undying Love', 'Decapitation Attack', 'Act Of God', 'Vainglory', 'Endlessly', 'Blackened Soul', 'My Living Hell'. Bonus video: 'Burdened'.

SEVEN TEARS Guitarist Runs Through In Every Frozen Tear, Track By Track

2007-11-16T13:34:00.002+02:00

Frontiers Records recently announced the release of the debut album from the Swedish progressive metal hopefuls SEVEN TEARS entitled In Every Frozen Tear on December 7th.

Now, guitarist Jonathan Carlemar runs through the album tracks, track by track:

'Twist Of Fate': "A powerful opening track that contains everything that Seven Tears stand for, with heavy riffs and melodic song melodies. It was a part of the demo that gave us the deal with Frontiers Records and it means a lot to us all. Great song!"

'Faded Memory': "This catchy song starts with a really cool 7/4 guitar riff and an awesome synth melody. I'm sure you will sing along to the chorus as soon as you hear it and it has a lot of influences from the 80s!"

'Hollow Ground': "This is one of the heaviest songs on the album and I think that many bearded, tattooed men will enjoy it! Brutal guitars and great vocals in a beautiful combination. I think that this will be the favourite track for many listeners!"

'Reflections': "This song is a nice hybrid between and modern metal and AOR. I think that this track will work on the radio stations worldwide and the chorus has a catchy "hit-feeling". This song will also be released as a radio edit in Japan."

'All Alone': "This powerful ballad is one of our oldest songs and I just love the version on the record! Heavy guitars, excellent work with the keys and brilliant vocals by Zoran. I hope that the listeners will enjoy it as much as I do!"

'In Every Frozen Tear': "The title track of the record contains a lot of Prog elements and is a nice mixture of heavy guitar rhythms and melodic singing. It has always been a challenge for us to play, but truly fun!"

'Sorrows': "The song starts with catchy riff that leads in to a cool tapping run. I don't know what to say about the song really, but I think it's a great one!"

'Prayer For The Dying': "This track opens with a heavy Megadeth riff that might be the heaviest part of the record. The song is very catchy and a mixture of different styles and influences. One of the coolest if you ask me!"

'The Story Unfolds': "One of my personal favourites on the record. The intro riff is as powerful as the rest of the song and the melodic chorus adds an interesting touch on the track. I'm also very satisfied with the guitar work on this song!"

'Dream of Insanity': "This is a cool track with a great riff melody and a heavy verse followed by a catchy up tempo chorus. It was one of the last songs that we wrote for the album and I am truly satisfied!"

'Fragments': "This dark track is kind of demanding for the listener but a true highlight on the album. It has always been a favourite for us in the band. It has a really cool solo part with an outstanding keyboard solo and a melodic guitar part. The end of the song is kind of weird but we decided to keep it that way because it sounds awesome."

'Truth Of Tomorrow': "I wrote this epic song in a very important time of my life and is therefore a very special song for me. It starts with an acoustic guitar intro that is followed by some strings and a heavy and melodic riff. It's a good end song and hope you will enjoy it as much as the record!"

IRON MAIDEN Manager ROD SMALLWOOD Issues Post-Charity Bike Ride Update

2007-11-16T13:34:00.001+02:00

IRON MAIDEN's official website reports:

"(Manager) Rod (Smallwood) has just reurned from a 450 km charity bike ride across the Andes in Peru and sent us this note. If any of you would like to sponsor him in aid of Mencap, a charity for learning disablilities, please see
www.justgiving.com/rodsmallwood.

Rod will be doing a website diary of the trip with pics - we will post if here for anyone interested when we get it."

Rod's message reads:

"Dear friends,

I got back in one piece but have to say it was not only the hardest bike ride I have done but one of my most gruelling weeks ever - harder than on the road with the band!! As on the this photo the highest point was at 4335 m (14,222 ft) and over half the ride was over 13,000 ft on the Peruvian Altiplano leading to Lake Titticacca, so we were almost head in the clouds and at the snow line a lot of the time.

On top of that allow for 450 km in five and a half days on the Andes, sleepless nights camping at sub zero temperatures, long offroads on rocky paths, perpetual headwinds, massive hills and various aillments and you will understand why many of us were wondering what the hell we were doing there!!!

On the good side l did get to see some wonderful scenery and visit Machu Picchu where we saw the Rugby World Cup Final live in a restaurant just below there, although the results of the food and beverage intake there did have rather a negative effect on the ride!! But more of this later when, over the next week or so, I sort out photos, write the diary and post to the website.

Once again thanks for your support. If you feel that you would like to help Mencap with a donation please see payment details below.

Regards, Rod Smallwood.

Please log on to my Justgiving website page at www.justgiving.com/rodsmallwood - this is very straightforward and takes any amount and any currency if you just put in the Sterling equivalent."

Briefly about Mencap: Mencap exists because children with learning disability are disadvantaged in society. It is the leading charity working with children and adults with a learning disability and their families and carers. They provide services, advice and support to meet people's needs and choices throughout their lives.

Nearly 1.5 million people - nearly 3 in 100 - in the UK have a learning disability and this figure is increasing. 200 babies will be born this week with a learning disability. They will face discrimination all their lives. Mencap is fighting to put a stop to this.

You can find out more if you wish on their website www.mencap.org.uk

Thanks for reading this and I do hope you will feel able to make a donation to this worthwhile cause."

BLOODBATH On Facebook

2007-11-16T13:30:00.000+02:00

Swedish metallers BLOODBATH check in with the following update:

"Bloodbath now has an official page on Facebook using their new "Page" service, where you can watch videos, view pictures, listen to music, meet other fans of the band and much more.

If you have a Facebook account, check it out and click ‘Add To My Music’ to add them to your profile and start shooting the shit with others."

Lifehouse 'Whatever It Takes' Video

2007-11-16T12:22:00.003+02:00

Lifehouse are out with the video to their new single 'Whatever It Takes', from the alternative rock band's fourth album 'Who We Are', out now on Geffen Records.

Dave Navarro Out With His Girlfriend

2007-11-16T12:22:00.001+02:00

The Panic Channel guitarist Dave Navarro was spotted out and about with his girlfriend on Sunday (November 11) in Los Angeles. The rocker, dressed in a black tank top, black sweatpants, and a white hoodie, looked like he'd just finished a workout.

Chris Daughtry Visits 'TRL'

2007-11-16T12:21:00.002+02:00

'American Idol' season five finalist Chris Daughtry was spotted arriving at MTV's Studios in Times Square on November 5th in New York City for an appearance on 'Total Request Live'.

From First To Last 'Two As One' Audio

2007-11-16T12:21:00.001+02:00

From First To Last have begun work on their self-titled third album and although it won't hit stores until next year, the Los Angeles rock act is streaming its first single, 'Two As One', on the band's MySpace player. Listen at myspace.com/fftl.

Marilyn Manson And Evan Rachel Wood In Moscow

2007-11-16T12:19:00.000+02:00

Marilyn Manson and girlfriend Evan Rachel Wood were spotted dressed in trademark black outfits, trying to wrap up and keep warm in Moscow earlier this week. Manson was in town for two concerts at Moscow's B1 club and to present an exhibition of his watercolors at the Guelman Gallery.

SMASHING PUMPKINS Bassist Checks In From The Road

2007-11-15T16:02:00.000+02:00

SMASHING PUMPKINS bassist Ginger Reyes has checked in with SmashingPumpkins.com and shared some more insight and photos from the road.

As previously reported, Jimmy Flemion of THE FROGS joined Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin on stage during the encore of the SMASHING PUMPKINS show last night (Tuesday, November 13) in Austin, Texas after it was revealed that a special guest would be performing with them. Together they played THE FROGS song "I Only Play For Money". They also covered "Taxman" by THE BEATLES.

During SMASHING PUMPKINS' "Mellon Collie" era, John Flemion would often join the band on stage for "1979" and invite fans on stage to dance.

SMASHING PUMPKINS' latest album, "Zeitgeist", has been re-released and packaged with a full-length DVD documentary titled "Inside the Zeitgeist". The disc also contains three bonus tracks, including a previously unreleased song called "Ma Belle". The other songs included are "Stellar" and "Death from Above". This special version of "Zeitgeist" features an all-new metallic silver color scheme as well.

The "Zeitgeist" re-release is sold exclusively at Best Buy stores.

UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER To Take Part In Online Chat Tomorrow

2007-11-15T16:01:00.002+02:00

Former ACCEPT and current U.D.O. frontman Udo Dirkschneider will take part in an online chat tomorrow (Thursday, November 15) at the web site of the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. The chat will be conducted in English and will begin at 4:00 p.m. local time. Udo will also be interviewed at 8:30 a.m. Swedish time by EUROPE drummer Ian Haugland and Ina Jonsson on the Stockholm radio station Rockklassiker. They will ask Udo a few questions and talk about the competition "Win-A-Wake-Up-Call-From-Udo" where the winner will be awakened by Dirkschneider on live radio on November 19 at 7:45 a.m.

According to a posting on U.D.O.'s web site, fans who attend the German group's concerts will now have achance to purchase a recording of each show immediately following the completion of the gig on a 1 GB USB stick with a U.D.O. logo printed on it.

U.D.O. will release its "best-of" album, "Metallized - 20 Years of Metal", on November 30 via AFM Records. The CD booklet will be filled with photos from the last 20 years and and will include liner notes written by Metal Hammer journalist Andreas Schöwe. The first 12 songs on the collection were chosen by fans via the official U.D.O. web site, while tracks 13 to 16 will consist of two unreleased songs, an acoustic version of the ACCEPT classic "Balls to the Wall", and a live version of "The Bullet and the Bomb".

U.D.O.'s new album, "Mastercutor", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 39 — the highest German chart position in the band's history.

"Mastercutor" was released on May 18 via AFM Records. Several extra songs were recorded for the CD, with different territories getting their own bonus cuts. The Japanese edition of the CD comes with the track "Man a King Ruler", the Russian album includes "Platchet Soldat", and both feature the song "Streets of Sin". The European limited-edition version of "Mastercutor" includes the songs "Borderline" and "Screaming Eagles".

DREAM THEATER: New Interview With JORDAN RUDESS Posted Online

2007-11-15T16:01:00.001+02:00

MusicPlayers.com has posted an interview with DREAM THEATER keyboardist Jordan Rudess. The discussion covers the musical direction chosen for his new solo CD, "The Road Home", the guest contributions to the project, the ongoing evolution of Jordan's keyboard setup, programming, and technical style.

Having been influenced by classic progressive acts such as GENESIS, YES and GENTLE GIANT, Rudess revisits some of the great songs from those bands with his own special Jordan Rudess touch. He is assisted on "The Road Home" by a great group of guests, such as Nick D'Virgilio (SPOCK'S BEARD), Kip Winger (WINGER), Rod Morgenstein (WINGER), Ed Wynne (OZRIC TENTACLES), Bumblefoot (GUNS N' ROSES), Marco Sfogli (JAMES LABRIE), Ricky Garcia (LAFEE) and several others.

"The Road Home" track listing:

01. Dance On a Volcano
02. Sound Chaser
03. Just The Same
04. JR Piano Medley
05. Piece of The Pi
06. Tarkus

SUPREME PAIN Joined By FONDLECORPSE Guitarist

2007-11-15T16:00:00.000+02:00

Dutch/Slovenian brutal death metal band SUPREME PAIN has announced the addition of Bas Brussaard from FONDLECORPSE as the group's second guitarist. The band's lineup is now as follows:

Aad Kloosterwaard (SINISTER, INFINITED HATE) - Vokills
Erwin Harreman - Guitar/Bass
Bas Brussaard (FONDLECORPSE) - Guitar
Robert Kovacic (SCAFFOLD) – Drums

SUPREME PAIN has posted the cover artwork for its debut album, "Cadaver Pleasures", due in early 2008 via the U.S. label Comatose Music. Check it out on the band's MySpace page.

SUPREME PAIN will join forces with U.S. evil death metallers EVIL INCARNATE for a split 7", to be released through the U.K.-based Heidenwut Productions. SUPREME PAIN will contribute the track "Souleater", taken from their recently released promo CD "Lifeless Skin and Bones".

PHILIP ANSELMO: 'I'm The Best Frontman In The World, I'm The Best At What I F**king Do'

2007-11-15T15:57:00.000+02:00

In the second installment of Headbanger's Blog's week-long series with DOWN/ex-PANTERA vocalist Philip Anselmo, the pugnacious fighter steps into the ring and talks about why he's the undisputed heavyweight champion of heavy metal and how he’s working with the best band playing today. Watch the two clips below. (Note: Video stream is NOT available to non-U.S. residents.)

In the first clip, Anselmo says: "I just think I'm the best frontman in the world and I have the best band behind and I'm the best at what I fucking do. And I've known most of them since I was 13 years old. That's the magic there. That's longevity. That's a team. That's what got you there.

He continues: "We can't be categorized. We've taken the southern rock thing… We wrote about being southern on our first damn record. On our second record we touched upon the fact… We have transcended the entire thing. As a matter of fact, last night I think I saw a confederate flag for the first time the entire tour and it got yanked down into the crowd and I never saw it again. I stand on no damn flag."

DOWN's video for the song "On March The Saints" will make its "Headbanger's Ball" debut this Saturday, November 17 at 11:00 p.m. on MTV2 (re-air at 4:00 a.m.). This episode will also feature a piece with Phil Anselmo in which he compares the world of boxing to playing music.

The "On March The Saints" clip will make its online debut tomorrow (Thursday, November 15) on the Headbanger's Blog.

An audio interview with DOWN/ex-PANTERA bassist Rex Brown conducted by Synthesis Radio in September 2007 is available.

DOWN's new album, "Over the Under", was released on September 25 through ILG/Warner Music Group (one day earlier internationally via Roadrunner Records). The LP was issued in Europe as a limited-edition digipack CD featuring the bonus track "Invest in Fear".

ROB HALFORD's FIGHT: 'Light Comes Out Of Black' Video Premiere

2007-11-15T15:56:00.002+02:00

he video premiere of "Light Comes out of Black", taken from JUDAS PRIEST frontman Rob Halford's upcoming release "War Of Words - The Film", is available.

Compelling, stark and aggressive "War Of Words - The Film", starring Rob Halford and his first solo band FIGHT, unleashes upon legions of metal maniacs November 20 in North America, November 30 in the United Kingdom and Europe, December 3 in Australia and New Zealand and December 19 in Japan.

After nineteen years, more than a dozen global concert tours and dozens of gold and platinum awards as the defining vocalist of JUDAS PRIEST, Rob Halford departed the band in 1992 to pursue a solo career immediately releasing "Light Comes Out Of Black" supported by members of PANTERA. The track rocketed to the top of radio playlists, and later that summer Rob would assemble his own band FIGHT and place most of its new tracks from "War Of Words" in heavy-radio rotation while aggressively ushering in a new sound for the metal communities.

"Fight War Of Words - The Film" brilliantly documents a key moment in heavy metal history combining behind-the-scenes, hand-held and pro-shot footage of FIGHT's original 1992 K5 rehearsal and demonstration-recording sessions; 1993 Amsterdam recording sessions of the original "War Of Words" Epic/Sony audio release, and pre-tour interviews climaxing with a full-length 5.1 concert filmed at 22 venues in 20 select cities during FIGHT's first five months of its "1993 - 1994 Nailed To The Road / War Of Words World Tour".

Rare audio and film footage of FIGHT's earliest concert performances in Europe, United Kingdom, USA, Mexico and Japan have been restored. Stereo and 5.1 Dolby surround mixes have been produced by Roy Z. 5.1 Dolby surround encoding and mastering for DVD and The Metal God's theatrical premiers handled by industry giant Technicolor.

"Fight War Of Words - The Film" will theatrically premier at 5.1 Dolby Surround Digital cinemas in:

New York: November 14
Hollywood: November 20
San Francisco: November 28
Detroit: November 28
London: December 18

Tickets may be purchased at www.DandEEntertainment.com.

Rob Halford will attend select premieres for a 30-minute conversation on the assembling of FIGHT and songs written for "War Of Words". Tickets are limited for this rare opportunity to experience "Fight War Of Words - The Film" in 5.1 Dolby Surround Digital cinema and participate in a rare conversation with The Metal God, Rob Halford, as he relates his experiences of his first solo band.

Movie-sized posters of "War Of Words - The Film" will be distributed to all in attendance after the performance.

Rob Halford is uniting the original members of FIGHT — Brian Tilse, Russ Parrish, Jay Jay and Scott Travis — in Hollywood, California at 5:00 PM Tuesday, November 20, 2007 for an exclusive autograph session of "new product only" at Best Buy in West Hollywood, CA.

FIGHT will also be in attendance for the theatrical premier of "War Of Words - The Film" at Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA 8:00 PM on November 20.

AEROSMITH Frontman To Appear At 'Champagne Ball - Ride For Children' Event

2007-11-15T15:56:00.001+02:00

AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler will appear at the Champagne Ball - Ride for Children dinner/auction event at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Friday, December 7 to auction off a Red Wing Motorcycle Company designed guitar to benefit the Ride for Children charity. The highest bidder not only gets the guitar, but Steven is going to personally sign it for them at the event.

Visit RideForChildren.com for more information on the event and the charity.

ELUVEITIE Signs With NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS

2007-11-15T15:55:00.002+02:00

Nuclear Blast Records has announced the signing of the Swiss folk metal band ELUVEITIE.

Commented the group: "While being busy finishing up the production of 'Slania' and working on our 'Evocation' concept, we still found the time to travel to Donzdorf in Germany for a few beers and a talk with the people of Nuclear Blast Records. Not only did they make us drunk as hell, but they also impressed us with a great artist roster, 20 years of incredible work (happy birthday, Nuclear Blast!) and their professional but still very 'metal' staff. So we did what had to be done — we came, we saw and we signed.

"We are looking forward to many years of great work together with one of the world's biggest record companies in metal and are glad to announce that our new full-length record, 'Slania', will join the legions of legendary albums released by Nuclear Blast on February 15th, 2008!"

The band also added, "[Our fans may] remember a news entry of some weeks ago, telling you about 'Evocation I' and 'II' on Twilight Records... You remember right, and no, we weren't drunk. But we are very happy that Twilight and Nuclear Blast decided to join forces, so Twilight will take care of our back catalogue ('Spirit' [2006] is being re-released by Twilight these days and our first EP, 'Ven' [2003], will follow in spring 2008, while 'Evocation I' (that's right: it's gonna be two full albums) will be released through Nuclear Blast in winter 2008."

DEF LEPPARD Confirmed For Norway's CLASSIC ROCK FESTIVAL

2007-11-15T15:55:00.001+02:00

DEF LEPPARD has been confirmed for the Classic Rock Festival, set to take place May 12-14, 2008 in Sandnes, Norway.

After first being announced and then withdrawn from the official festival web site, DEF LEPPARD is now back on the lineup.

Rumors from the Classic Rock Festival camp suggest that the reason for the date being previously withdrawn was that DEF LEPPARD wanted to have a second show in Norway. This, however, has not yet been officially confirmed.

DEF LEPPARD's May 21, 2008 performance at the Classic Rock Festival will mark the band's first appearance in Norway since 1996. Other European dates are expected to be announced soon.

DEF LEPPARD's upcoming record will be called "Songs from the Sparkle Lounge", but no release date has been set for it. It will be their first album since last year's "Yeah!", which was a collection of covers of songs by artists who had influenced the band. Their most recent studio album of original material was 2002's "X".

TOOL: New Video Interview With MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN Posted Online

2007-11-15T15:54:00.002+02:00

SuicideGirls.com recently conducted an exclusive interview with TOOL frontman Maynard James Keenan on Keenan's vineyard in Arizona. Watch the four-minute chat below.

The debut album from Maynard's new band PUSCIFER, "V is for Vagina", sold 27,000 in the United States in the first week of release to debut at position No. 25 on The Billboard 200 chart. The record, which was released through Maynard's own label, features contributions from a number of artists, including PRIMUS drummer Tim Alexander, ex-NINE INCH NAILS member Danny Lohner, producer Alan Moulder and actress Milla Jovovich.

Keenan also has a merchandise company under the Puscifer banner, and plans to make several short films as part of the project.

TOOL will begin a new North American tour on November 14 in Austin, Texas and issues a DVD called "Vicarious" on December 18.

VAINGLORY Working On 'Beyond Heavy' New CD

2007-11-15T15:54:00.001+02:00

American power metal band VAINGLORY, fronted by vocalist Kate French (CHASTAIN) and featuring lead guitar virtuoso Corbin King, has commenced the songwriting process for its sophomore album, due sometime in 2008. "Aall I can say is [the new material] will knock you out!" says King. "It's way beyond heavy and has riffs that will kill you!"

He adds, "I will be wrapping up all the music in the very near future, and Kate is writing some unbelievable vocals. We will also have some big news about the recording lineup and even more details of the CD will be announced soon."

VAINGLORY's self-titled debut album was released in Europe in April via MTM Music.

According to a press release, VAINGLORY "has all the ingredients in place to be a major force on the metal market for years to come. Kate's ability to mix power, conviction, emotion, and true heavy metal singing is very uncommon in today's 'metal' vocalists. Kate is a veteran to heavy metal and has not only pushed beyond the normal bounds of female vocalists, but has delivered her best recorded performance to date on this CD."

MEGADETH Joined By RATT Members At Melbourne Gig

2007-11-15T15:53:00.000+02:00

RATT members Warren DeMartini and John Corabi joined MEGADETH on stage in Melbourne, Australia on Tuesday, November 13 for a rendition of the MEGADETH classic "Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?!" Tony Campos from STATIC-X and Dez Fafara of DEVILDRIVER also joined in.

The Australian leg of Gigantour — featuring headliners MEGADETH alongside STATIC-X, DEVILDRIVER and LACUNA COIL — wraps up Sunday, November 18 in Brisbane.

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine will be the featured guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline", hosted by Bob Coburn, airing Monday, December 17 at 11:30 p.m. EST/8:30 p.m. PST. Fans can talk live with Dave Mustaine by calling 800-344-ROCK (7625). To find a station near you or to listen to the show live via the Internet, go to www.rocklineradio.com. Mustaine will discuss MEGADETH's "Warchest" 4-CD+DVD collection, which sold 1,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

DIO Guitarist Helping Musicians Break Into The Industry

2007-11-15T15:52:00.002+02:00

Full In Bloom Music recently conducted an interview with DIO guitarist Craig Goldy. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Full In Bloom Music: When Ronnie James Dio comes to you with a song are the parts already recorded? Does he play all the parts himself, or does he just strum on a guitar and sing a melody?

Craig: He is very accomplished in his studio, especially nowadays with ProTools. Ronnie and I did the entire album, "Master of the Moon", on different ProTools for the PC. He runs ProTools himself. You know, Ronnie used to be a bass player in ELF and then as a bass player, he can also play guitar and he can also play keyboards. So, he can program the drums, play bass, play guitar, put some keyboard parts down and then sing and do all the background vocals. Most of the time he doesn't sing, he just puts the track together and you listen to it and it's great. So, we have all come to that point where me, Rudy (Sarzo) and Ronnie can program drums, play bass, play guitar, play keyboards and put some ideas together, so we can all take a listen to them and decide what we should use. A lot of times, just by sitting around and listening to the ideas, we can prioritize... we've got to work on that right away.... we'll put that one off for a bit and then progresses from there. But that is what is in the future for the next DIO record. So, obviously Ronnie is doing the BLACK SABBATH tour, so I am doing some songwriting for Doogie White, who was the last vocalist for RAINBOW, before Ritchie (Blackmore) did BLACKMORE'S NIGHT. Doogie is doing a solo project, but he is going to do some touring in Europe with a band he works with called CORNERSTONE. He's got a two-album solo deal, so I have been sending him some stuff and he seems to really dig it. Then he puts a vocal on it and sends it back to me; he's in London and we do stuff via iTunes. Other than that, I am just doing some songwriting, there are a couple of record companies that want to do a solo project... there may even be a GIUFFRIA reunion.

Full In Bloom Music: Wow, you're kidding...with all the original members?

Craig: Yes, with all of the original members. That would be great. With Ronnie doing the BLACK SABBATH thing, it would be an ideal time to do it.

Full In Bloom Music: I thought Greg Giuffria was out of the loop now.

Craig: He has been. There really hasn't been anything that would inspire him to do it. But now, it seems like he really wants to do it, but we'll see how it goes.

Full In Bloom Music: What else have you been up to?

Craig: There's a band called VIRUS I have been working with. Through my program, there's a band called BENEDICTUM that has been doing really well in Europe...Germany. My program [Destiny Bridge] is directly responsible for them getting signed.

Full In Bloom Music: Yeah, I have seen their name around. Who did they sign with?

Craig: Locomotive.

Full In Bloom Music: Can you tell us a little more about your program and how it works?

Craig: Yeah. Actually, it started off as a class as the Musician's Institute. The educators approved it to be part of the bachelor's degree program. But then the college was sold and the new owners did not want to have any programs under two years old and my program was at about a year and half, so they dumped me. (laughs) So, I started doing it on my own. While I was at the college, there were kids lined up down the hallway trying to get into the class. This program is designed to give unknown musicians the equivalency as if they had been in the music industry's top level for twenty years, before they even start. The reason for that is very, very simple. For one thing there is nowhere to go. These musicians have nowhere to go to get their careers started. Especially rock n roll musicians. There are books and there are colleges, but they really don't teach people how to go from nowhere to getting a major gig with a famous musician, or getting a record deal and getting worldwide distribution and becoming famous. That's what this program does. I was sleeping in a car on the streets and then five years later I was headlining Madison Square Garden with my favorite singer, Ronnie James Dio. I teach people how to do that. There is a thing in the book that shows people how to be unique and how to have your own style... nobody teaches that... this program teaches them how. I have developed a method that guarantees them 100% if they follow that method, that they will develop their own style and will become unique. It teaches them what a hit song is made of... what a hit band is made of... I had a hit song with DIO and a hit song with GIUFFRIA, we had a hit album, hit tour. We were #9 in the MTV top twenty countdown.... gold records, as a songwriter... and I have met people who have seen shit behind the scenes....it changes how you write songs. David Coverdale, when he was lead singer for DEEP PURPLE in 1974, they hardly sold a hundred thousand records, but it was still under the name DEEP PURPLE. It wasn't because he wasn't a good vocalist, or a good songwriter, it's just that he....you know, the machine, the music industry is a machine and it has a certain type of fuel it runs off of. It took him eleven years on the learn as you go program that has been in full force, until now. It took him eleven years before he started selling millions of records with WHITESNAKE....and it wasn't because he wasn't any good.

Full In Bloom Music: Sure and even a few early WHITESNAKE songs that weren't hits when they were released, became hits for him after WHITESNAKE made it big.

Craig: Yeah. A lot of it is, you start meeting managers of other bands and record company executives and you sit in on meetings. You get to see what program directors and music directors of radio stations and what kind of criteria they use to get an unknown band on heavy rotation. What a record company thinks is a hit song and what a radio programmer thinks is a hit song, what the kids thinks is a hit song and what you think is a hit song. But before that, you really only have what you think is a hit song. Then, when you find out what managers and record company executives and radio programmers and music programmers think....when you see the machine first-hand, you start changing the way you write songs and it's not really compromising, so much as it is, just trying to fit in. Then once you fit in, then you become the fuel that the machine needs to run on and depending on how you design yourself, you can have a successful career. It teaches people what goes on behind closed doors. The kind of things they need to know, before they start.

Full In Bloom Music: What do you get for the $200.00?

Craig: It gives them a legitimate opportunity to make their dreams come true; it gives them a place to start. First thing is, there's a thing called unsolicited material, it bypasses all that. That could be anywhere from five to ten years worth of struggling, completely gone....just trying to make contact. These are all people waiting to hear their songs. People that are working with me specifically and they are waiting for material. The reason they are so excited about it; number one, I've known them a long time, but they agree with me, it's about time something changes in the music industry. Their motivation is, that once they read the book, they thought, "Whoa, I never thought about it that way"...their motivation is that they think they will be able to pick from the cream of the crop. Because once the musicians read the book, these guys will know what they're doing. So when they start writing and recording their new material for their demo, they will submit to us, it's going to be fucking-dead-on-balls-accurate. So, they, the industry contacts, think they are going to gain an edge against their competition.

Full In Bloom Music: Can they buy the book first and then later purchase the contact program?

Craig: Sure, either way. I suggest that people read through it five times to really soak it all in, because it is twenty years' worth of information... and then write their demo and send it in... or some people are already... their music is really right on and just need to make a few changes... they don't have to start all over again... those people may want to buy the program all at once. Some people have to start all over again... some people are going to have to be brutally honest with themselves.... does my existing demo really have what it takes?... after reading that book?... and it's not rewriting the songs, we're only talking about five songs, how hard can it be to write five new songs. Record them in a decent studio, doesn't have to be state-of-the-art, just as long as it sounds good and represents the band and send with lyrics and pictures and send five copies of each. These guys that will be listening to the music are heavy hitters.

Read the entire interview at www.fullinbloommusic.com.

NEMHAIN Parts Ways With Guitarist, Seeks Replacement

2007-11-15T15:52:00.001+02:00

NEMHAIN, the British band featuring ex-CRADLE OF FILTH/AT THE GATES drummer Adrian Erlandsson and his wife, fetish model Morrigan Hel (a.k.a. Amber England), has issued the following update:

"Stevie Lee [guitar] has decided to leave NEMHAIN, so we are looking for a suitable replacement.

"We are looking for someone serious that can rehearse at least 1-2 times a week in London, UK; has their own pro equipment and is dedicated; must be able to do leads and rhythm guitar.

"We have a lot of good things ahead of us next year. U.S. showcase gigs in January with labels attending. Album recording in March at Studio Fredman, Gothenburg Sweden, with touring to follow.

"So if you think that you have the chops for the gig please get in touch with us!
band@nemhain.com."

GAMMA RAY: New Audio Interview With KAI HANSEN Available

2007-11-15T15:50:00.000+02:00

A 13-minute audio interview with GAMMA RAY mainman Kai Hansen conducted earlier in the month by Vassil Varbanov of Bulgaria's Tangra Mega Rock is available for download. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Tangra Mega Rock: Let's now focus on your ninth full-length studio album, "Land of the Free II". To what extent does it differ from the previous ones, and to what extent does it keep the basics of GAMMA RAY?

Kai: For ourselves it's always very hard to describe our own work, but we have a feeling this album is kind of special. It's some sort of a summary of our experience during the last ten years, but of course it's something very fresh again. There was a very enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the entire recording process, and I think the direction we took marked that this album will be special in a way. We all wanted to have this positive output, because that's how we feel at the moment. Some people say that "Land of the Free II" is like a summary of the strongest parts of GAMMA RAY, reaching from "Heading for Tomorrow" (1990) until "Majestic" (2005). I can agree to that.

Tangra Mega Rock: The bigger part of the 12 songs on the CD were written solely by you, Kai, and your drummer Dan Zimmermann and bass player Dirk Schlächter have one each...

Kai: There's some misinformation. Our guitarist Henjo Richter wrote two songs as well — "Rain" and "Hear Me Calling". It seems that on every album I'm the most productive one, and I'm always the first one to start with the songwriting, but all the others come up with a lot of ideas, too. It's not like a generalhood — everybody is allowed and free to come up with tons of ideas, and then we just sort them out. In the end we go to the rehearsal room and play every song — no matter who wrote it — and we all add to it our ideas and decide for the final arrangements, so it's some kind of a team work.

Tangra Mega Rock: You know, there are still a lot of people regretting that you left HELLOWEEN, although it happened almost two decades ago. Do you personally regret it sometimes?

Kai: Well, my past is still with me, of course, and it was a very good time, but when I left the band things were not good anymore. It's a sad thing that it was like that, but it was the right decision to leave, because the situation could not be changed at that moment. Today things look different, but back then I felt like this. Maybe you need some time to see the difference... but I don't have any regrets on having done this move, and I'm really happy with GAMMA RAY.

Tangra Mega Rock: Did the other guys in HELLOWEEN approach you through the years to get back?

Kai: No. There were never talks about anything like this kind of typical reunion stuff. We're two completely separate bands and everybody knows that.

Tangra Mega Rock: I see, but in some sense this Hellish Rock '07-'08 Tour is some sort of a reunion, as HELLOWEEN and GAMMA RAY will share the same stage.

Kai: I think it's a very successful package and, of course, these two bands are historically connected. We had some chances to play together on festivals, we even did some jam sessions, and we always agreed that it would be great to have GAMMA RAY and HELLOWEEN going on tour together. Now our release plans were pretty much the same time wise, therefore it was just a matter of a few phone calls to get this done. We're very happy to reach this kind of status and relationship, so of course we couldn't miss the chance to tour together and do some jams as well. It's gonna be a lot of fun.

Singer JAMES RIVERA Says End-Of-Tour Altercation Led To His Exit From VICIOUS RUMORS

2007-11-15T15:47:00.000+02:00

Veteran heavy metal vocalist James Rivera (HELSTAR, SEVEN WITCHES, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) has confirmed his departure from VICIOUS RUMORS, the long-running San Francisco Bay Area metal band he joined in September 2005.

In a statement released to BLABBERMOUTH.NET earlier today, Rivera said about his decision to leave the group, "A public announcement should have been made sooner, but I tried keeping my business to myself. Unfortunately, it isn't working and the more people are finding out the truth of what happened, the more they say you should let the world know what kind of [people Geoff Thorpe (VR guitarist) and Larry Howe (VR drummer)] are!

"It just sickens me to see that Geoff and Larry are going about everything like nothing has happened, just as they always do, living in complete denial!!!! Thaen [Rasmussen; ANVIL CHORUS, BLACK SUN], the other guitar player, and I are GONE and VR is over forever!!!

"Sadly our tour of Europe ended VERY drastically — it ended with Geoff hitting me with a beer bottle on my forehead on the last night of the tour, after he got knocked into place. He provoked a physical confrontation with me, I defended myself and he couldn't handle the defeat like a man, so when I was not looking and my guard was down explaining to the tour manager what had just happened, that is when he grabbed a beer bottle, struck me with it and said 'There you go bitch!! How about that!!!' Geoff is supposed to be handicapped, or a person of special needs. However, handicapped people don't start physical fights, nor do they walk all over Europe in KISS boots in a drunken stupor!!

"The blow to my forehead from the bottle he hit me with had gotten so bad, AFM Records, the new record label HELSTAR is signed to, insisted on taking me to the hospital because the swelling of my forehead and face in general had gotten worse and both of my eyes had turned completely purple from internal bleeding.

"After the tour, I had to go to Hamburg, Germany, for an additional week to do press interviews for HELSTAR at AFM Records' office, for those wondering where AFM came into this whole thing. Now I'm home and doing better and ready to move on.

"So my days with VR are over and just think, I was going to get them a record deal with AFM as well.

"Family, friends, myself and the rest of the HELSTAR guys are just devastated over this. I did so much for those guys [VICIOUS RUMORS] when they were here and finally got to tour Texas again after 20 years. Not to mention the Atarfe Rock festival in Spain, the tour with BEYOND FEAR, and all the U.S. dates I got them outside of the Bay Area. There were so many things I brought to the table for them. I have gotten e-mails from just about all the promoters and even the president of the record company we were previously signed to, Mascot Records (which dropped VR), wanting to know if I am okay.

"Now you know the truth before you hear any lies from their end, which is what they are good at."

Rivera appears on VICIOUS RUMORS' latest album, "Warball", which came out in the U.S. in October 2006.

AFM Records has set a November 23 release date for HELSTAR's "Sins of the Past", a "best-of" album featuring re-recordings of the band's classics along with two brand new tracks. The first edition of "Sins of the Past" will come in a special CD layout. A limited picture vinyl version will also be available.

An all-new album of original HELSTAR material is tentatively due next summer.

A 13-minute audio interview with James Rivera conducted by Danish rock/metal magazine Revolution-Music.dk has been posted online

LAND OF TALES Completes Songwriting Process For Debut Album

2007-11-15T15:46:00.004+02:00

Finnish duo LAND OF TALES has completed the songwriting process for its debut album, to be released next year on Frontiers Records. Songtitles set to appear on the as-yet-untitled CD include "Silence", "All the Same", "Outlander", "Keep Out", "Choose", "Slow Waters", "So Long" and "Nobody Dares".

Check out photos from the studio at www.landoftales.net.

According to the band's official bio, LAND OF TALES "plays melodic rock and tales are sung in English. The two masterminds behind the band, Kristian and Palle, started making music at the ages of six and seven and have been playing together for fifteen years in a Finnish band called NAISKALA. All the time, there's been constant urge to make more adult-orientated rock music, sung in English. The feedback, especially from abroad, that they got through the MySpace page of the band NAISKALA, drove them to form the band LAND OF TALES. Kristian started writing songs in November 2006, meanwhile Petri Lahtinen and Mika Mäkiranta wrote the lyrics for the tales."

The original demo tape that got LAND OF TALES its recording deal can be heard at www.myspace.com/landoftales.

SAINT DEAMON Signs With FRONTIERS RECORDS

2007-11-15T15:46:00.003+02:00

Frontiers Records has announced the signing of the Swedish/Norwegian melodic metal sensation SAINT DEAMON. The group's debut album, "In Shadows Lost From The Brave", will be released on January 25, 2008.

This group, named after a fictive ghost rider called S. Deamon, was formed in 2006 by drummer Ronny Milianowicz after a seven-year long successful era with Swedish/German melodic metal band DIONYSUS. He rejoined forces with DIONYSUS bass player Nobby Noberg, whom Ronny describe as "the best bass player in the business", along with the exceptional guitar virtuoso Toya Johansson, whom Ronny knew back from their studying together at the University Of Music, in Örebro Sweden.

SAINT DEAMON scoured the Internet to find a singer that would do their magnificent music justice and in the spring of 2008, they finally found the ultra-talented voice of gold, Norwegian vocalist Jan Thore Grefstad, most known for his impressive singing in Norwegian power metallers HIGHLAND GLORY and for being the singer in TNT guitarist Ronni Le Tekro's second band WILD WILLY'S GANG, a position he took over following Jorn Lande's departure.

The SAINT DEAMON lineup was then complete and started to work on the debut album, under the guidance of the high acclaimed monster producer Jens Bogren, best known for his excellent work with SYMPHONY X, HAMMERFALL, OPETH, KATATONIA and DIONYSUS.

The musical idea of SAINT DEAMON is to mix four very talented musicians dream and ideas and come up with a unique form of music that varies from apocalyptic riffing and shredding to visions of historical musical landscapes, from Gregorian hymns to the sophisticated aggression of the SAINT DEAMON stylish trademark of metal.

Ronny Milianowicz has been co-writing metal anthem singles like "Seven Seals" and "Fighting The Darkness" with PRIMAL FEAR; "Red Light" with CANS as well as some classic hymns for DIONYSUS; Toya has been co-writing immortal songs for SINNER and RIDE THE SKY and in 2006 together with Joacim Cans (HAMMERFALL), Uli Kusch (RIDE THE SKY, MASTERPLAN, HELLOWEEN) and Ronny, co-wrote the football world cup metal hymn "Glorious" where some of the world’s leading metal singers such as Ralf Sheepers (PRIMAL FEAR), Tobias Sammet (EDGUY), Edu Falaschi (ANGRA), Timo Kotipelto (STRATOVARIUS) joined forces and blew of the roof entering on position #7 in the Swedish charts: the highest position for any of the members ever in Sweden!

"In Shadows Lost From The Brave" track listing:

01. The Exodus (Intro)
02. My Judas
03. In Shadows Lost From The Brave
04. My Heart
05. The Burden
06. No Man's Land
07. Ride Forever
08. Black Symphony
09. Deamons
10. The Brave Never Bleeds
11. My Sorrow
12. Run For Your Life

SLASH To Judge Guitarists In 'Ultimate Guitar Showdown'

2007-11-15T15:46:00.001+02:00

Music Nation, the online home for independent artists, announces Slash's Ultimate Guitar Showdown, an online competition in search of the ultimate guitar solo. Guitarists will be judged by one of the most recognizable figures in modern music: Slash, current VELVET REVOLVER and former GUNS N' ROSES guitar god, and now the animated star of wildly popular video game Guitar Hero III. Looking to serve any and every guitar-wielding gearhead, Slash's Ultimate Guitar Showdown will award one competitor, courtesy of Gibson, Slash's favorite guitar — a Gibson Les Paul guitar — and the setup that brings it all together — a Marshall stack.

Slash's Ultimate Guitar Showdown will empower bedroom guitar heroes and bands with killer guitarists to go head-to-head for bragging rights. Entrants can upload their videos and/or mp3s at showdown.musicnation.com to create an artist profile beginning today. Slash will not only be the sole judge of guitar craft, but guitarists can also browse the website for hidden interview footage of the iconic axeman himself.

Musicians can enter from today through December 4. Beginning November 19, musicians will gain valuable feedback from the public, who can rank competition entries via head-to-head voting before the best ten are judged by Slash beginning on December 5. The winner will be announced on the web site December 10 with four honorable mentions.

For more information, please visit: showdown.musicnation.com.

Bon Jovi for Governor?

2007-11-15T15:25:00.000+02:00

Despite some speculation that Jon Bon Jovi has been positioning himself to run for governor of the state he abandoned, his PR person has denied such plans and says that Jon's "day job is going too well" for him to contemplate such a move. Maybe the pay cut would be too much for him?

Bon Jovi has long been a supporter of left-wing politics and politicians so it's natural to assume that he may want to get involved directly instead of being a fund-raiser for the political causes he believes in. Some have read into a few facts that Jon is positioning himself for a run.

Fact one is that when Jon and his family abandoned their native New Jersey for the trendy mecca of SoHo, Jon kept his house in Red Bank in retain his residency so he could run for governor. They also point to his political appearances with the Al Gore's and John Kerry's of the world. Perhaps thinking his fame would help him actually win elections? And the big one is the fact that Bon Jovi has hired former Mayor David Dinkins chief of staff Ken Sunshine as his new public relations "guru".

Sunshine has dismissed the political speculation with the following statement to the New York Post, "Jon has been approached many times about running for office," he said. "His day job is going too well, and this way he can keep the house." What he didn't say is with what Bon Jovi is charging his fans for tickets he can probably keep more than just that one house if he wanted. On the other hand, maybe Jon is just practicing at being a politician and learning the first main skill which is how to deny something?

Ozzy Goes To Vegas

2007-11-15T15:24:00.002+02:00

Ozzy Osbourne will bring his massive 40-concert North American tour to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas on Saturday, November 24th 2007. This will be his first solo concert in Las Vegas in more than four years and will feature special guest, Rob Zombie.

The tour follows BLACK RAIN-- Ozzy's first album of new studio material in six years and ZOMBIE's hit film Halloween, which premiered number one at the box office in its debut weekend and broke all Labor Day Weekend records, grossing an estimated 31 million dollars.

Hot off the heels of the record breaking box office hit Halloween, ROB ZOMBIE unleashes his first-ever live album ZOMBIE - LIVE (Geffen Records/UMe) released on October 23. ZOMBIE - LIVE is a brain-bashing, soul-shaking sonic earthquake that spans the hard rocker's entire career.

Radiohead Snub Beatle

2007-11-15T15:24:00.001+02:00

Most people in music wouldn't turn down Beatle Paul when he came a-calling hoping for a collaboration. But Thom Yorke isn't like most people. Gigwise has the story:

Paul McCartney has revealed that Thom Yorke turned him down when he asked him to collaborate on his latest album.

In an interview for T4 he said "My daughter was putting an album together and she put us in touch. I asked Thom to do a duet, but he said he couldn't because he only felt happy working on his own and Radiohead's material."

Ozzy's Secret Pop Album

2007-11-15T15:23:00.002+02:00

Seems Ozzy Osbourne has a secret pop album hidden away at the bat cave. Contact Music has the story: Rob Zombie was left amazed the first time he met his hero Ozzy Osbourne - because the rock veteran star played him excerpts from a lost album.

Zombie first met the former Black Sabbath singer in the mid 1990s, and he wasn't expecting Osbourne to invite him back to his Los Angeles home - and play him an uncharacteristic pop album.

Zombie says, "You know, I'd always loved Ozzy, loved Black Sabbath, and it was just me and Ozzy in his house and he played me this entire album he had made with (producer/songwriter) Mark Hudson that was very Beatles-sounding. It's never been released, but it was fantastic."

Satriani & Gilbert Doing the UK

2007-11-15T15:23:00.001+02:00

Joe Satriani, of rock music's most renowned electric guitarists, will undertake a nine date UK tour starting Monday 12th May 2008 at Birmingham Symphony Hall. Paul Gilbert will be special guest on all of Satriani's UK concerts except for Nottingham Royal Centre on Wednesday May 21st.

Joe Satriani has been a worldwide guitar hero since his 1986 breakthrough album, Surfing With The Alien. Over 10-million albums and CD’s later, in addition to 13 Grammy nominations including this year for his latest studio release Super Colossal, Joe continues to push the envelope of modern rock guitar playing.

Tickets go on sale from 9am on Friday 16th November 2007, and can be purchased directly from the concert venues, or from the national credit card hotline on 0871 424 444 or www.ticketline.co.uk.

Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007

2007-11-15T15:22:00.000+02:00

Rhino Entertainment will release the Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007 From Chicago two-DVD set on November 20th, 2007.

Three years ago, Eric Clapton assembled a who's who of guitar masters for the first Crossroads Guitar Festival, raising funds for the Crossroads Centre, Antigua, a chemical dependency treatment and education facility Clapton founded. The sold-out show yielded a double-DVD that has been certified platinum eight times on the way to becoming one of the worlds' top-selling music DVDs.

In a second stunning effort earlier this year, Clapton invited old friends and new for the Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago. The all-star cast featured Steve Winwood, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Jeff Beck, Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Guy, Derek Trucks, John Mayer, Doyle Bramhall II, and more. Rhino Entertainment captured every angle with a two-DVD set chronicling that scorching summer day in Chicago with Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007 From Chicago.

DVD Track Listing
Disc 1
INTRODUCTION Bill Murray
UBERESSO Sonny Landreth
HELL AT HOME Sonny Landreth with Eric Clapton
MAHARINA John McLaughlin
ROSIE Doyle Bramhall II
OUTSIDE WOMAN BLUES Doyle Bramhall II
LITTLE BY LITTLE Susan Tedeschi with The Derek Trucks Band
ANYDAY The Derek Trucks Band
HIGHWAY 61 REVISITED - Johnny Winter with The Derek Trucks Band
NOBODYSOUL Robert Randolph & The Family Band
POOR JOHNNY The Robert Cray Band
DIRTY WORK AT THE CROSSROADS Jimmie Vaughan with The Robert Cray Band
SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD - Hubert Sumlin with The Robert Cray Band & Jimmie Vaughan
PAYING THE COST TO BE THE BOSS B.B. King with The Robert Cray Band with Jimmie Vaughan & Hubert Sumlin
ROCK ME BABY - B.B. King with The Robert Cray Band with Jimmie Vaughan & Hubert Sumlin
SWEET THING Vince Gill
COUNTRY BOY Albert Lee with Vince Gill
IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY - Sheryl Crow with Vince Gill & Albert Lee
TULSA TIME - Sheryl Crow with Eric Clapton, Vince Gill & Albert Lee
BLUE EYES CRYING IN THE RAIN - Willie Nelson with Vince Gill & Albert Lee
ON THE ROAD AGAIN - Willie Nelson with Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill & Albert Lee

Disc 2
BELIEF John Mayer
GRAVITY John Mayer
DON'T WORRY BABY Los Lobos
MAS Y MAS Los Lobos
CAUSE WE'VE ENDED AS LOVERS Jeff Beck
BIG BLOCK Jeff Beck
TELL THE TRUTH Eric Clapton
ISN'T IT A PITY Eric Clapton
LITTLE QUEEN OF SPADES Eric Clapton
WHO DO YOU LOVE Robbie Robertson with Eric Clapton
PRESENCE OF THE LORD Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton CAN'T FIND MY WAY HOME Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton
HAD TO CRY TODAY Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton
DEAR MR. FANTASY Steve Winwood
CROSSROADS Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood
MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB Buddy Guy
DAMN RIGHT I'VE GOT THE BLUES Buddy Guy SWEET HOME CHICAGO Buddy Guy with Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, John Mayer, Hubert Sumlin, Jimmie Vaughan & Johnny Winter

Bullet For My Valentine Reveal New Album Details

2007-11-15T15:10:00.001+02:00

Having spent most of the last two years taking over the world with massive European, U.S. and worldwide headline tours, supporting GUNS N' ROSES, METALLICA and IRON MAIDEN, playing main stage at almost every rock festival across the world, and seeing their 2006 debut album, "The Poison" — an album London's daily The Sun called "one of the finest debut albums in rock history" — sail past the million sales mark (350,000 in the U.S. alone), BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE is set to return with album number two, "Scream Aim Fire", due in the U.S. on January 29, 2008 (Jive/SonyBMG).

"Scream Aim Fire" was produced by Colin Richardson (MACHINE HEAD, FEAR FACTORY) who also produced "The Poison", and was recorded at Sonic Ranch near El Paso, TX earlier this year. The eleven new songs are, according to frontman Matthew Tuck, "really melodic heavy metal...catchy, hooky choruses and full-on vocals, with the music being very in-your-face and heavy...it's a lot more uptempo [than 'The Poison'], a lot more aggressive."

An exclusive 15-minute digital single — a special sneak preview of "Scream Aim Fire" — will be available for download beginning December 18. Two of the album's tracks, "Eye of the Storm" plus the title cut, will be included, along with the band's Matt and Moose providing a behind-the-scenes track-by-track commentary about the album. The "Scream Aim Fire" digital single will sell for $1.98 and be available through all the major digital media services (iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, etc.).

The four-piece metal core band from Bridgend, South Wales, UK — Matthew "Matt" Tuck (vocals), Michael "Padge" Paget (guitar), Michael "Moose" Thomas (drums), and Jason "Jay" James (bass) — are, according to the UK's Kerrang!, well on their way to "phase two of world domination" with the new disc. For "The Poison", BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE graced the covers — at least once — of Kerrang!, Rock Sound, and Metal Hammer. In addition, they won Metal Hammer's 2006 "Golden God Award" for Best British Band, and the 2006 Kerrang! Award for "Best UK Single" for their track "Tears Don't Fall". Here in America, the band was named "British Import of the Year" in Revolver, and "The Poison" generated the hit singles "Tears Don't Fall" and "All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)", with the video for "All These Things I Hate" going to the #1 spot on MTV2.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE will headline a tour of the UK and Europe starting in late January, and will then head to the U.S. in late February. Details to be announces shortly.

Full track listing for "Scream Aim Fire" is as follows:

01. Scream Aim Fire
02. Eye of the Storm
03. Hearts Burst Into Fire
04. Waking the Demon
05. Disappear
06. Deliver Us From Evil
07. Take It Out On Me
08. Say Goodbye
09. End of Days
10. Last to Know
11. Forever and Always

Velvet Revolver Denied Japanese Visas

2007-11-15T15:08:00.002+02:00

VELVET REVOLVER has been forced to cancel its four scheduled concerts in Japan as immigration officials there have denied the band's request for visas. According to concert promoter Creativeman Productions Co., Ltd., "the members of VELVET REVOLVER were looking forward to their tour of Japan — a series of four concerts to promote their current album 'Libertad' between November 26 and November 30, encompassing the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Yokohama. For the band, the upcoming trek was an opportunity to reconnect with their fans in Japan, where the band tour has toured before — without incident — back in 2005. But now it's a different story as VELVET REVOLVER's request for visas has just been denied. The increasingly tough Japanese immigration officials are taking exception with the backgrounds of various band members, which have included arrests."

The affected dates are as follows:

Nov. 26 - Zepp - Osaka, Japan
Nov. 27 - Zepp - Nagoya, Japan
Nov. 29 - Blitz - Yokohama, Japan
Nov. 30 - Nihon - Budokan - Tokyo, Japan

VELVET REVOLVER recently completed a North American tour with ALICE IN CHAINS.

"The Last Fight" is the second single from VELVET REVOLVER's sophomore album, "Libertad", which has sold 250,000 copies in the United States since its early July release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The melodically transcendent and emotionally cathartic "The Last Fight" is one of the songs inspired by the recent passing of frontman Scott Weiland's brother Michael. In an August 3 interview with The Sun (UK newspaper), Scott explained, "'Libertad' is dedicated to Michael. It is a fitting album title as my brother was certainly searching for his own liberty and freedom up to the way he died. I was really angry at him at first, for my parents and our family but I was able to channel this anger and grief into songs as 'The Last Fight' and 'For A Brother'. It made me come to terms with how sad I was."

The first single from "Libertad" was "She Builds Quick Machines".

Devildriver Confirm Australian In Store Appearance

2007-11-15T15:08:00.001+02:00

Santa Barbara, California's DEVILDRIVER will take part an in-store signing session at Utopia Records in Ultimo, NSW, Australia on Friday, November 16 beginning at 4:30 p.m.

DEVILDRIVER's third album, "The Last Kind Words", sold a little more than 14,000 copies during its first week of release to debut at No. 48 on The Billboard 200 chart. This figure represented around a 40 percent increase over the opening-week number of 2005's "The Fury of Our Maker's Hand", which premiered at No. 177 with sales of 10,400.