•07/01/09: Mike Albert Interview
Hey guys, check out this interview with The Mike Albert Project!!!

•06/30/09: Revivl- new music news and networking!
Hey guys, Heavy Hitter's own Telescreen have started their own music news and networking site, Revivl. It's totally fan based and totally rad, so check it out! http://www.revivl.com/

•06/29/09: HHINC News Wrap-up
Greetings, metal minions. Here's a whole slew of news! It's all from blabbermouth.net. LITA FORD Invites The World Into Her 'Wicked Wonderland' - June 29, 2009 Pioneering hard rock queen Lita Ford returns to action this fall with "Wicked Wonderland", a disc brimming with loud and lusty new tunes — songs that might make listeners feel as breathless and dizzy as Alice after a trip down the rabbit hole. But rest assured, you'll never hear anything like this at a tea party! "Everybody has their own Wicked Wonderland," says Lita. "It's a place where you can do whatever you want and get as freaky as you feel. These songs are my version of that – they're all about my life…well, the parts that happen when the kids are in bed and my husband and I get into the boudoir." The five-pack of tunes contained on this sampler paint a mighty vivid picture of that room – and the inner workings of Lita's life and libido. Propelled by her distinctive guitar work — a potent blend of blues-based licks, good 'n' greasy slide and punishing post-millennial riffage – they touch down in places that diehard fans will recognize. But there are plenty of expeditions into previously uncharted territory as well, from the gnash and bash of "Scream" to the enveloping "Love". "This is definitely the heaviest stuff I've ever recorded," she says. I've evolved and matured as a person and so has my music. It's lyrically very real." In addition to Lita's own evolution, these songs showcase the family-affair nature of how they were made. "Wicked Wonderland" was largely recorded at the island home she and husband Jim Gillette share with their two sons — who actually appear on the disc reciting the pledge of allegiance prior to mom kicking into the loud and proud "Patriotic S.O.B." Gillette's presence is also felt throughout the disc, in both his production work and backing vocals — harmonies that provide a perfect yin to Lita's yang.. "We recorded all the vocals and lead guitars at home with Jim engineering and I wouldn't have been near as comfortable recording with anyone else," says Lita. "Jim and I are soulmates and we're just about joined at the hip. It's almost like the stuff they say about twins — we're always finishing each others sentences and doing the same things musically. There were times when I'd listen back to a song and be like 'which one of us is that anyway?'" The double-barreled intensity provided by Gillette's presence only serves to highlight Lita's room-filling personality, which resonates loud and clear throughout the disc — not to mention a live show that will cast her in roles as diverse as a naughty bride and a catsuit-draped super-heroine. As ever, when Lita is good, she's good, and when she's bad, well, she's Wicked good! Lita Ford took part in a press conference on June 5 at the Sweden Rock festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden. Watch the question-and-answer session in two parts below. AUGUST BURNS RED: Another New Song Available For Streaming - June 29, 2009 A new AUGUST BURNS RED track entitled "Ocean Of Apathy" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The song comes off the Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based Christian metalcore quintet's third full-length album, "Constellations", which is scheduled for release on July 14 via Solid State Records. The visual themes for "Constellations" echo the band's career-long fascination with spirituality and destiny. "'Constellations' is about directing our attention towards heaven, trusting that God will direct our steps, regardless of our circumstance," says drummer Matt Greiner. "The kites in the artwork represent our own intelligence and innovation. So often we trust our own abilities to guide us through life, but the 'wind' of life will send our kites soaring every which way." "Constellations" track listing: 01. Thirty And Seven 02. Existence 03. Ocean Of Apathy 04. White Washed 05. Marianas Trench 06. The Escape Artist 07. Indonesia 08. Paradox 09. Meridian 10. Rationalist 11. Meddler 12. Crusades Finland's HardcoreSounds.Net conducted an interview with AUGUST BURNS RED vocalist Jake Luhrs at this year's edition of the Provinssirock festival, which was held June 12-14 in Seinäjoki, Finland. Watch the chat below. AUGUST BURNS RED will undertake a U.S. headlining U.S. tour from July 10 to August 8. Joining the band on the 24-city trek are BLESSTHEFALL, ENTER SHIKARI (July 10-27), ALL SHALL PERISH (July 28-August 8) and IWRESTELEDABEARONCE. The romp across the country will also feature a first for AUGUST BURNS RED — multiple-night stands in the markets of Pomona, California and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. SLAYER: New Songtitles Revealed - June 29, 2009 Gary Graff of Billboard.com recently conducted an interview with SLAYER guitarist Kerry King about the band's forthcoming album, "World Painted Blood", which is scheduled for release late summer via American Recordings/Columbia Records. Songtititles set to appear on the CD include "Psychopathy Red" (which was released as a limited-edition red vinyl seven-inch single in April for Record Store Day), "Beauty Through Order", "Unit 731", "Playing with Dolls", "Public Display of Dismemberment", "Americon" and the title track. "I figured, and I'm sure the other guys figured, that if there was another five-year gap this would probably be our last record," King told Billboard.com. "If we're going in five-year gaps, that means two records in 10 years. I think we all didn't want to wait that long. Not that we didn't have ideas — we toured, put out DVDs and box sets and had a lot of other stuff going on." 13 songs were laid down for "World Painted Blood" with producer Greg Fidelman (METALLICA, SLIPKNOT) — six by King, seven by fellow guitarist Jeff Hanneman — 11 of which will appear on the album. "I like when Jeff writes as much as he did for this record," King said. "When you have one guy doing most of the writing you only get one perspective. A lot of Jeff's stuff has a very punky vibe this time; the stuff I write sounds thrashy but with a hint of punk, and when Jeff writes the stuff is more punk with a hint of thrash. It works together well." QUEENSRŸCHE: Footage From Last Night's Bucharest Concert Available - June 29, 2009 Video footage of QUEENSRŸCHE performing the song "Empire" on June 28, 2009 in Bucharest, Romania can be viewed below (taped by Satanic for Bloodbath.ro). On May 18, QUEENSRŸCHE rocked the troops at Fort Benning, Georgia in between tour dates in support of their new Rhino Records CD, "American Soldier". The post welcomed QUEENSRŸCHE with "open arms" as they gave all band members and their crew an exhilarating ride in an M1A1 Abrams tank and an M2 Bradley tank. In addition to that experience, the band dined with the troops earlier in the day and gave a concert performance on Sledgehammer Field, Kelley Hill in the afternoon. To commemorate the day, the band was given a personalized sledgehammer by the 3HBCT / 3 ID Sledgehammer Brigade (3rd Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division). Check out photos at this location. QUEENSRŸCHE will continue to tour throughout the year in support of "American Soldier" and plans to visit and perform for more troops along the way. DREAM THEATER Drummer Reveals Top 5 Metal Bands Of All Time; Video Available - June 28, 2009 Roadrunner Records has uploaded video footage of DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy revealing and discussing his "top five metal bands of all time." Watch the seven-minute clip below. Portnoy's top five metal bands of all time are as follows: 01. BLACK SABBATH 02. IRON MAIDEN 03. METALLICA 04. SLAYER 05. OPETH According to Hits Daily Double, the companion web site of music industry tip sheet HITS, the new album from DREAM THEATER, entitled "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", is on track to sell between 35,000 and 40,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. DREAM THEATER's last CD, "Systematic Chaos", opened with 36,000 units in 2007 to enter The Billboard 200 chart at No. 19. 2005's "Octavarium" premiered with 27,000 copies to debut at No. 36. In addition to the standard-version CD, DREAM THEATER's tenth studio album, "Black Clouds & Silver Linings", was also made available on vinyl LP, as well as a three-disc, special-edition CD that includes the full album, a CD of instrumental mixes of the album and a CD of six cover songs. HEAVEN & HELL: Footage From Italy's GODS OF METAL Festival Posted Online - June 28, 2009 Fan-filmed video footage of HEAVEN & HELL's June 27, 2009 concert at the Gods Of Metal festival at Brianteo Stadium, Monza, Italy can be viewed below (courtesy of "arpemax"). HEAVEN & HELL was forced to cancel its June 21 appearance at the Metalway Festival in Zaragoza, Spain due to back pain suffered by guitarist Tony Iommi. As previously reported, HEAVEN & HELL's June 16, 2009 concert at Museumsmeile in Bonn, Germany was professionally filmed by WDR's (German public TV) series "Rockpalast" and will be broadcast the morning of July 13 at 00.25h. For more information, visit Rockpalast.de. HEAVEN & HELL will bring its wicked world tour to North America for a select number of shows this August. The band will start its summer headlining music festivals across Europe before bringing its macabre stage show of metal classics to North America starting on August 7 in Vancouver. COHEED AND CAMBRIA will provide support on all shows except the Seattle date on August 8, which will feature NEUROSIS in the supporting slot. "The Devil You Know", the new album from HEAVEN & HELL, has sold 62,000 copies since its April 28 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It debuted at position No. 8 on The Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 30,000 units. SUFFOCATION: New Video Interview Available - June 28, 2009 Buick McKane (a.k.a. Emily) conducted an interview with Frank Mullen, Terrance Hobbs and Guy Marchais of legendary New York death metallers SUFFOCATION when the band played New Orleans, Louisiana on June 17, 2009 as part of the Summer Slaughter Tour. Watch the 10-minute chat below. SUFFOCATION's new album, "Blood Oath", is scheduled for release in Europe on July 3 and in North America on July 14 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2006's self-titled record was recorded with Joe Cincotta (who worked on the band's last two releases) and was mixed by Zack Ohren (ALL SHALL PERISH, DECREPIT BIRTH). The cover artwork (see below) was once again brought to life by Jon Zig (DEEDS OF FLESH, DISGORGE, GORGASM). "Blood Oath" will be available in three formats exclusive to the North American territory. In addition to the standard retail version, there will be a mail-order edition available exclusively through the Nuclear Blast U.S. webstore, and a digital version through iTunes. SUFFOCATION filmed a video clip for the track "Cataclysmic Purification" on May 31 with director David Brodsky (ARSIS, GOD FORBID, KATAKLYSM, SWASHBUCKLE). PANTHEON I To Release Digital Single - June 28, 2009 Norwegian extreme metallers PANTHEON I will release a new single, "Serpent Christ", on June 29. The track, taken from the forthcoming album "Worlds I Create", will be available on Candlelight Records as a digital download only. In addition to the title cut, the single will feature the first-ever PANTHEON I song to have been written. "Enter The Pantheon" has so far only been available on the band's first demo and has been completely re-recorded for inclusion on the single. The five-piece, whose lineup includes members of TYRANN, SARKOM, TROLLFEST, THE ALLSEEING I and DEN SAAKALDTE, as well as former and current members of 1349, recently released a series of promo pics with cellist Live Julianne in the role of a dominatrix. According to frontman Andre Kvebek, the uncensored version of the photos caused quite a bit of interest. "Having seen the photos that were chosen for publication, I have a sneaking suspicion that the two females involved in the band — Live Julianne and our manager Patricia Thomas, have concocted some kind of plot to knock the band's alpha male (that would be me) off his perch." Somewhat tongue-in-cheek, Kvebe continued, "No red-blooded male could resist rising to the challenge, so I've added my own 'sex god' photo from the recent promo shoot. Now let's see what the fans say!" The new photo, along with the other uncensored pics, can be found on the band's web site at www.pantheon-i.com. "Worlds I Create", the third full-length album from PANTHEON I, will be released on Candlelight Records this summer. "I'll Come Back As Fire", a track specially written by the band, is featured in the soundtrack of the latest Chad Ferrin horror flick "Someone's Knocking At The Door", which made its U.S. debut earlier this month. The band is also currently working on a video of "Serpent Christ", which is in the final stages of production. Below you can see the official video for the track "Where Angels Burn" from the PANTHEON I album "The Wanderer and his Shadow". OBITUARY Drummer: 'Don't Listen To Some Dude At A Record Label Behind A Desk' - June 27, 2009 Shaxul Records recently conducted an interview with drummer Donald Tardy of Florida death metallers OBITUARY. A few excerpts from the chat follow below. Shaxul: You and Travor [Peres, guitar] have quite epic beards growing lately. Did you both sit down one day and say "let's grow some beards, man?" Donald Tardy: (Laughs) Not even. In fact, I've never discussed it with him. I just know he's probably got the same mentality as me... Thank god I do music for a living because I hate shaving. It's just always been that way... I'm too lazy to remember to do it every day and then it's just annoying if you don't do it for a week or two... once it gets this long. As long as your girl is cool with it, and my girl is cool with it, it's just way easier to be a red-bearded fool especially when you tour. You gotta carry shaving cream and razors and you're gonna be out there for a month and you're gonna be losing razors... I'd rather just be a hippy. A bearded freak, ya know? Shaxul: So the song from "Frozen in Time" called "Redneck Stomp" — was that based on some sort of actual event that occurs at a certain time? Donald Tardy: "Redneck Stomp" was something we wrote when Big Al [guitarist Allen West] was still in the band. He is a "redneck," and when something's really good... We recorded it at practice one day, we were listening back to it. We probably had a couple beers and he literaly started stompin his foot as hard as he can just listening to the song because it's just THAT inspiring. And it's just "Redneck Stomp" — it just makes you wanna tap your foot! Not just tap, but stomp. And that's how it came out. Shaxul: So you didn't wanna taint the raw "stomping power" of the riffs with any vocals? Donald Tardy: Yeah, in fact John [Tardy, vocals] said, "I dunno if I wanna do anything with this song vocal-wise." It was just such a cool song and we're like, "You know what? Then don't. Let's do it." And then it was my idea to say, "You know what? We been gone for like seven years and everyone loves John's voice and they're gonna be waiting to hear it. What if we were to put this song first on the album?" And the record label's like, "You can't do that. You guys would be so stupid to do that." And you ask most band members... When some schmuck at a record label tells you that it's a stupid thing to do... the creative musician part of you? Go with it. Those [record label] people are out of their minds. What they think is "black" is "white." Anything they think is stupid is usually smart when it comes to creative music. And that's just exactly the way it was. Roadrunner Records said, "You guys CANNOT do that. That would be suicide." And we said, "You know what? Good. It's gonna be the first song on the album." And all my friends and fans who heard the record were like, "That was cool cause I was waiting and waiting for John's voice but the song was such a cool, groovy song, I didn't mind waiting for John's voice." So that just goes to show: Don't listen to some dude at a record label behind a desk. Go with your musician instinct. Shaxul: You got these new hunting or "fishing hats" out now. Was that your idea? Donald Tardy: You talking about the "camo-hat with the orange lettering?" Shaxul: Yeah. Donald Tardy: Yeah, that was probably mine and my brother's idea. I love camo-stuff. And we are obviously "Florida boys." You ask Trevor what his favorite thing is to do, it's drop a boat in with his dad and go fishin'. My brother's constantly out on his boat...it's just one of those things. It fits the whole "Florida thing." And hunter's cap with the green and orange — it just made sense. People love it. Everytime we take it on tour that hat sells like crazy. Shaxul: You ever encounter any gators? Donald Tardy: In Florida you can go to any lake on any given evening and you'll see alligators everywhere. I live next to the university of South Florida and there's a huge golf course on that campus. If you take a flashlight and look at the lakes on that golf course [at night], you'll see TONS of alligators and their eyes because alligator's eyes are like frog eyes when you shine a light on them at night. You see little red eyes. They're everywhere. Where I live, they are in every river and every lake that you would think about jumping in. Shaxul: Any songs inspired by gators? Donald Tardy: [Surprised] No, I don't think we do! There's been so many songs about gators with the Florida bands that I grew up listening to that you know... MOLLY HATCHET did it. That was the deal. A band called STRANGER did it back in the '80s here in Florida. We've never really conquered trying to take on an alligator song. Shaxul: I always wanted to know, what the hell is "Stinkapuss" anyways? Donald Tardy: Good question, man! I honestly don't know. I don't know where that came from or why. I think there was a couple different [bands called] INCUBUS back in the day because there was... two Florida bands. One of them was the old drummer for MORBID ANGEL (Mike Browning). His band was called INCUBUS and they were awesome. There was another band called INCUBUS and I think they sucked and I think that might be where it came from. We called it "stinky puss." Shaxul: Being from San Francisco, I was just wondering if you had any sort of interesting memories from playing in the Bay Area. Donald Tardy: Yeah, absolutely. Playing the Stone and uh... First thing we did as band in 1989, we opened for SACRED REICH. Our first show is San Francisco so we had to get in a van with seven people and and we had to drive for three or four days across the United States. And we arrived the day of the show and had to get out of the van from sitting down for three days and go out and play a show. And we went to do a soundcheck and found out that two of the guys from METALLICA were gonna be there tonight. And, of course, never played a show before outside of Florida and just sat in a van and got completely out of shape and had to perform in front of, I think it was Lars [Ulrich] and [Jason] Newsted or something. So, that's what I remember about San Francisco. And the SADUS boys, of course, I think they're from Oakland but...they always seem to come out to our San Francisco shows also.

•06/24/09: PIZZA PARTY IN ATLANTA WITH DAATH!!!
That's right folks, tonight in Atlanta, Daath, along with Goatwhore, Abysmal Dawn, Abigail Williams, and Success Will Write Apocalypse Across the Sky will be at a pizza party in Atlanta. Check out the details below! http://www.criminal.com/NewsItem/1591 Best, HH

•06/23/09: A message from the SHOWDOWN!
We'll be seeing you this weekend! That's right! If you're near or around the Shirleysburg area be sure to make it out this Saturday to Creation East for The Showdown along with a myriad of other amazing bands all on one bill! As well be sure to keep a look out on our Myspace for additional tourdates with Hands and Amarna Reign!!! Plus keep on the lookout for us on Twitter for updates always!!! www.twitter.com/showdownmetal www.myspace.com/theshowdown THANKS! The Showdown

•06/23/09: GALLOWS IN THE NEWS!!!
Gallows brings brutal punk back to Warped Tour 10:00 PM PDT on Thursday, June 18, 2009 By VANESSA FRANKO The Press-Enterprise Stephen Carter has never had as many stitches, X-rays and broken bones as he's had since he started playing in his band, Gallows. The breadth of the guitarist's injuries merely reflects how brutal the British punk band's music is. "I don't care because I love it. Those 20, 30 minutes I'm on stage are the best 20, 30 minutes of my life," Carter said. Gallows is the reason why punk still matters. The band is on this year's Warped Tour, which starts its 15th annual run June 26 in Pomona with stalwarts Bad Religion, NOFX, Guttermouth and Less Than Jake, Coachella vets Dear and the Headlights plus a handful of other exceptional acts such as The A.K.A.s, Meg and Dia and Black Tide. There are more than 70 acts playing the Pomona date. But Gallows, which also includes Carter's brother Frank on vocals, guitarist Laurent Barnard, bassist Stuart Gili-Ross and drummer Lee Barratt, has the edge of hardcore, but the social issues harkening back to the days of the Clash. Story continues below. British band Gallows will be performing on the 15th annual Warped Tour, which starts in Pomona on June 26. The band's new album, "Grey Britain," and tracks such as "The Vulture (Acts I and II)" and "London Is the Reason," is an onslaught against the music of bands like Coldplay. "It's a wakeup call," Carter said. "A lot of bands these days write safety music." The band looks at its music as a mission of raising awareness of issues in a world oblivious to everything except what's playing in their iPods, but not preaching. "I don't know what needs to be done to fix this, but something does need to be done," Carter said. "We want them to realize the world's not the place it used to be and it probably never will be that place again. That's what we want; we want people to recognize what's going on."

•6/22/09: HEAVY HITTER NEWS 6/22/09!!!
Hey there metalheads, Big news today, check it out! LIVE FOOTAGE OF THE REUNITED WHIPLASH!!! Reunited New Jersey Thrashers WHIPLASH recently played a headlining show at Hellbrigade Festival 2009, along with other acts such as Artillery, Brain Dead, Adimiron, Methedras, etc. 2 WHIPLASH live footages were captured at the festival, playing the old classics "The Burning Of Atlanta" and "Spiral Of Violence". Click the links below for the footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ6-bL0riGU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZqbnT8vSrQ GALLOWS GREY BRITAIN FILM SYNOPSIS: The film element of 'Grey Britain' comprises a full four-song half-hour set that was conceived, written and co-directed by frontman Frank Carter alongside director Adam Powell, visually dealing with the harsh realities of life that lyrically form 'Grey Britain'. The concept behind the film, the songs and the lyrics, the record as a whole is outlined below, in the words of Frank Carter. "Grey Britain' is about life in a selfish society, where greed and aggression rules, aspirations are low and a young generation is desensitized to the world around them. The record is aimed at bringing awareness to some of the chains on our lives that we locked around our necks and live in under fear; religion, politics, corruption of authority, economic downturn, social ignorance, complete lack of moral awareness. It is a commentary on Living and Dying in today's world. The world that countless generations before ours have built for us. We are taught to ignore people cries for help. We behave like animals towards other human beings, immigrants live in fear and nationals fear the immigrants. Nobody is trying to bridge the culture gaps, instead we fear the hard work and determination of other people less fortunate than ourselves. It's hard for me to explain in detail without losing track of myself or coming off to pretentious. The moral of the story is that the story we are writing has no morals. There will be no future" - Frank Carter / Gallows. SLIPKNOT ANNOUNCES SUMMER HEADLINING TOUR: New York, NY - Grammy-award winning rock powerhouse Slipknot announced summer U.S. headline tour dates, today. The two week run kicks off on August 22 in Seattle, WA and runs through September 5 in Milwaukee, WI. Members of OutsideThe9.com, the band's official fan club, will be offered tickets first with a presales starting on June 24. A limited number of tickets will be available for general presale on Slipknot1.com on June 25th, with the majority of tickets going onsale to the general public starting June 26 and 27. Anthrax and Black Dahlia Murder will support. The summer leg of the All Hope Is Gone World Tour marks Slipknot's first headline shows in America since early May, which featured the band playing to over 30,000 people during their headline slot at this year's Rock on the Range Festival in Columbus, OH. 2009 is a special year for the band, as it marks the 10th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album. Slipknot will be punishing crowds with classics from their self-titled first record, and will also be busting out tracks from the rest of their catalogue right up to their current album, All Hope Is Gone. The latest single from the #1 album All Hope Is Gone, "Sulfur" is quickly climbing the charts at rock radio. MTV2 premiered the video, which is currently in regular rotation at the station as well as on Fuse. "Dead Memories" hit #1 at Rock radio and is a Top 20 Modern rock hit, while the album's first single "Psychosocial" was Top 10 at Rock and Top 25 at Modern. The dates are as follows: 8/22 Seattle, WA White River Amphitheater+ 8/23 Kennewick, WA Toyota Center+ 8/25 Great Falls, MT Four Seasons Arena^ 8/26 Billings, MT Metra Park Arena^ 8/28 Boise, ID Quest Arena+ 8/29 Salt Lake City, UT The E Center^ 8/31 Colorado Springs, CO Colorado Springs World Arena^ 9/01 Casper, WY Casper Events Center^ 9/03 Fargo, ND Fargodome+ 9/04 Rochester, MN Mayo Civic Center+ 9/05 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom^ + on sale June 26 ^ on sale June 27 Slipknot is currently playing to sold out festivals in Europe, including their first time headlining the legendary Download Festival in the UK, where they rocked an 80,000+ sold out crowd to tears. SWEAR THE OATH TO SUFFOCATION (from metalsucks.net) There’s already enough long winded discussion going on about this list we’re still in the process of revealing, so let this review be one from the Corey Mitchell school of telling it like it is. No hustle. Blood Oath is the best death metal record released this year and barring something out-left-field and totally unexpected, it’s going to rank up there among the years best. Maybe I should have expected this. Souls to Deny and their self-titled album were both good death metal records, but as it turns out, those records were just the sound of Suffocation building up momentum. Blood Oath is the sound of them throwing their weight to crush every expectation I had of them. I am pleasantly surprised and engrossed by this record. Yeah, I one of those “metal” words: “crushing,” “brutal,” “violent.” Sure it sounds like that, but I think a more appropriate phrase might be “dramatic.” What puts Suffocation above any of the hundreds of bands that ape them is their mastery of being able to build up tension. You’ll get sucked into the blasting only to have everything break for a second to introduce a new riff or a half-time dirge. Moshing to these new songs is going to be exhausting, because there’s hardly a moment in there you’re likely to stop at. Every song is relentlessly exciting. What the band is putting on display is not growth or development, but utter mastery. Endless bands lose the plot and forget how to sound like themselves. Suffocation never skipped a beat. Every deathcore band wishes they could emulate their rhythmic diversity and their seemingly-loose-but-technically-tight song structures. But while 18-year-old drummers are tapping lightly with their triggers, Mike Smith is pounding holes through his toms. I contest that there isn’t a man that can put more personality in death grunts than Frank Mullen. I wouldn’t even know where to start talking about individual songs because every one makes me want to throw myself into a crowd of people. Don’t take my word for it. When you see Suffocation play the new material on the Summer Slaughter tour, they are going to make every other band look like whiny, little girls. JUST BECAUSE HE DOESN’T HAVE THE SKULLET ANYMORE DOESN’T MEAN HE CAN’T BE HEAVIER THAN A REALLY HEAVY THING (from metalsucks.net) As you’ll find out in the interview I did with Devin Townsend that I’ll publish eventually, the follow-up to Devin Towsend’s excellent Ki – which we’ll also publish a review of eventually — is going to be a heavier affair called Addicted. While the second record in the four-part suite won’t be the heaviest — that distinction belongs to the third, according to Devin — judging by the rehearsal footage posted by Metal Hammer it’s definitely a heavier affair than Ki (not that there’s anything wrong with not being heavy — this writer loooooves Ki). Take a look at the rehearsal footage below. Telecaster = \m/ DEVILDRIVER Guitarist Interviewed At U.K.'s DOWNLOAD Festival (from blabbermouth.net) hrashHits.com conducted an interview with guitarist Mike Spreitzer of Santa Barbara, California metallers DEVILDRIVER at this year's Download festival, which was held June 12-14 at Donington Park, United Kingdom. Watch the four-minute chat below. "Pray For Villains", the new video from DEVILDRIVER, can be viewed at MetalSucks. The clip was shot on April 9 with director Nathan Cox (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, MARILYN MANSON, LINKIN PARK). "Pray For Villains" is the title track of DEVILDRIVER's fourth full-length album, due on July 14 via Roadrunner Records. The effort — which will also be made available as a special-edition CD/DVD package featuring three bonus tracks, a behind-the-scenes DVD and expanded artwork — was recorded at Edge of the Earth studios in Los Angeles with producer Logan Mader (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, GOJIRA, DIVINE HERESY). "Pray For Villains" track listing: 01. Pray For Villains 02. Pure Sincerity 03. Fate Stepped In 04. Back With A Vengeance 05. I've Been Sober 06. Resurrection Blvd. 07. Forgiveness Is A Six Gun 08. Waiting For November 09. It's In The Cards 10. Another Night In London 11. Bitter Pill 12. Teach Me To Whisper 13. I See Belief Bonus Tracks (special edition): 14. Self-Affliction 15. Dust Be The Destiny 16. Damning The Heavens 17. Wasted Years Disc Two - DVD (special edition): 01. "Making-Of" Documentary 02. Interviews DEVILDRIVER will headline this summer's "Thrash And Burn Tour", which will kick off on July 24 and run through August 28. A European tour with BEHEMOTH and GOJIRA will follow in October. DEVILDRIVER recently re-signed with Ro adrunner Records after previously issuing three full-length albums through the label. In addition, the band has secured a new management company in the shape of Davis Entertainment Group.

•6/17/09: Heavy Hitter News Wrapup
(from metalsucks.net) EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREMIERE: DEVILDRIVER’S “PRAY FOR VILLAINS” Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 11:00am by MetalSucks Cain. Iago. Lecter. Vader. Joker. The dude in the black hat is always the most interesting character in any given story. Who gives a shit about the pansy ass hero who wants to save the day because it’s the right thing to do and yadda yadda yadda? The villian is the guy who’s gonna buck the system. The bad ass. The man with the motherfucking plan. DevilDriver understand this better than most. They’ve got an awesome new album, Pray for Villians, coming out July 14 on Roadrunner Records, and it’s all about the celebration of the rebel. The anti-hero. The guy you need to fear. MetalSucks is proud to debut DevilDriver’s brand new video for the title track. It was directed by Nathan Cox, who, in addition to the last two DevilDriver videos, has also worked with Trivium, Lacuna Coil, Queens of the Stone Age, and loads others, so ya know it’s a gonna be a masterpiece of modern cinemetal. Check it out below! You can pre-order DevilDriver’s Pray for Villains here as either a Special Edition digi CD/DVD with bonus tracks or the regular edition CD. Either way, if you order now, you get an autographed booklet to sweeten the deal. You can also get all your up-to-the-millisecond DevilDriver news at the band’s Roadrunner home page. And don’t forget to check out DevilDriver headlining the MetalSucks co-sponsored Thrash & Burn tour all summer long. Get official tour dates here. -Axl, Vince, and Everyone at MetalSucks (from blabbermouth.net) STRATOVARIUS Keyboardist Interviewed On 'The Classic Metal Show'; Audio Available - June 16, 2009 "The Classic Metal Show" conducted an interview with STRATOVARIUS keyboardist Jens Johansson on May 20, 2009. Listen to the chat in two parts below. "The Classic Metal Show" can be heard every Saturday night between 9:00 p.m. EST and 3:00 a.m. EST at www.cmsradio.net. "Polaris", the new album from STRATOVARIUS, sold around 800 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. (Note: Internet/digital sales **ARE** included in the SoundScan totals.) The CD landed at position No. 57 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200. "Polaris" entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 2. The album also debuted on the German Media Control chart at No. 55. "Polaris" was released in the U.S. on May 26 via Armoury Records (a division of Eagle Rock Entertainment). The group's first CD since the departure of guitar player and main composer Timo Tolkki features the following track listing: 01. Deep Unknown (Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto) 02. Falling Star (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra) 03. King of Nothing (Jens Johansson/Jens Johansson) 04. Blind (Jens Johansson/Jens Johansson) 05. Winter Skies (Jens Johansson/Jens Johansson) 06. Forever is Today (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra) 07. Higher We Go (Timo Kotipelto, Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto) 07. Somehow Precious (Timo Kotipelto, Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto) 09. Emancipation Suite Part I: Dusk (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra) 10. Emancipation Suite Part II: Dawn (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra) 11. When Mountains Fall (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra) 12. Second Sight (Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto) The cover artwork for "Polaris" was created by Gyula Havancsák. "Polaris" was recorded in the fall 2008 at Hästholmen and 5by5 studios in Helsinki, Finland. It was mixed by the longtime confidant of the band, Mikko Karmila. STRATOVARIUS 2009 is: Timo Kotipelto - Vocals Matias Kupiainen - Guitars Lauri Porra - Bass Jörg Michael - Drums Jens Johansson - Keyboards

•06/08/09: IWABO ON FULL METAL JACKIE!
Greetings, metalheads! A bit of news about our own IWrestledABearOnce: Krysta and Steven were guests on Full Metal Jackie last week! They were in the studio with Jackie to help promote their new record, It’s All Happening (available now!!!), as well as their single off that album, You Ain’t No Family. Considering that Full Metal Jackie’s show is one of the biggest syndicated metal shows in the nation, this is big news for IWABO. Click the picture below to go to IWABO’s myspace!

And if you’re interested in Jackie’s web page, click the link below!

Best, HH

•06/02/09: IT'S ALL HAPPENING WITH IWRESTLEDABEARON
Metalheads, the hour is nigh...IT'S ALL HAPPENING IS AVAILABLE TODAY!!! Go out and pick up a copy! The whole album is now streaming on AOL. You can check it out here: http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/10 Also, BEBO has a contest going on with a lot of sweet prizes, including a limited LP of It's All Happening, signed posters, and CD's! All you gotta do is send in a picture of you or someone wearing an IWABO shirt! Check it out at the link below:

Last but not least, here are some news stories about IWABO from Noisecreep: http://www.noisecreep.com/2009/05/27/iwrestledabearonce-discuss-album-art-and-handbags/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2009/05/30/iwrestledabearonce-you-aint-no-family-video/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2009/06/02/new-releases-iwrestledabearonce-eyes-set-to-kill-dirtfedd-dr/ http://www.noisecreep.com/2009/06/02/iwrestledabearonces-krysta-cameron-doesnt-mind-the-bjork-compa/

•06/01/09: Heavy Hitter News Wrapup
BAPTIZED IN BEER TOUR! (from metalsucks.net) Canadian metalers Bison B.C. and Wisconsin thrashers Lazarus A.D. have teamed up for the MetalSucks and MetalInjection-sponsored 2009 “Baptized in Beer Tour,” which kicks off July 8th in Vancouver, British Columbia. Support on select dates will come from Barnburner and Woe of Tyrants. The coming together of B.C. and A.D. means one of two things will happen when this tour hits the pavement: 1) the birth of Jesus Christ, 2) a giant fucking party. We’re hoping for the latter! Bison B.C. were one of our favoritest actually-did-live-up-to-the-hype-when-we-finally-saw-them-live acts to break in late 2008. Comments the band, whose bludgeoningly fuzzed out stoner jackhammer of an album Quiet Earth dropped last year: “We can’t wait to crawl back into the blue bitch and drive from town to town melting faces and damaging livers - so lock up yer liquor cabinets, we will see you in the future.” Says Jeff Paulick of Lazarus A.D. — whose ripping blend of modern and retro thrash The Onslaught we streamed in its entirety back in February — adds: “We are really looking forward to going back to Canada; we had a blast last time and the crowds were sick as fuck. We also look forward to getting a chance to play some cities we missed on the last couple of tours in the US and can’t wait to party with the guys from Bison B.C. and Woe of Tyrants…a tour like this is going to be one big party!” MetalSucks.net & MetalInjection.net present The Baptized in Beer Tour 2009 July 8 2009 - Vancouver BC @ Biltmore w/Lazarus AD & Bogus Tokus w/ Bison b.c., Lazarus AD & Barnburner July 9 2009 - Kelowna BC @ Habitat July 10 2009 - Edmonton AB @ Starlite Room July 11 2009 - Calgary AB @ Dickens July 13 2009 - Banff AB @ Wild Bills July 14 2009 - Saskatoon SK @ Amigos July 15 2009 - Regina SK @ Exchange July 16 2009 - Winnipeg MB @ Royal Albert w/ Bison b.c. & Lazarus AD July 17 2009 - Minneapolis MN @ Triple Rock July 18 2009 - Mokena IL @ Pearl Room July 19 2009 - Sandusky OH @ Underground w/ Bison b.c., Lazarus AD & Woe of Tyrants July 21 2009 - Raleigh NC @ Volume 11 July 22 2009 - Nashville TN @ Muse July 23 2009 - Jackson MS @ Club Fire July 24 2009 - Fayetteville AR @ The Gypsy July 25 2009 - Amarillo TX @ The War Legion Underground July 26 2009 - Dallas TX @ Ridglea Theatre July 28 2009 - Phoenix AZ @ Club 910 July 29 2009 - Las Vegas NV @ Cheyenne Saloon July 31 2009 - San Jose CA @ Voodoo Lounge Aug 1 2009 - Portland OR @ Ash St Saloon Aug 2 2009 - Seattle WA @ El Corazon EYES SET TO KILL: Entire New Album Available For Streaming (from blabbermouth.net) "The World Outside", the sophomore album from Arizona's EYES SET TO KILL, is available for streaming in its entirety on the band's MySpace page. The CD is slated to hit stores on June 2 through BreakSilence Recordings. Written and recorded by the band in Los Angeles with producer Dave Aguilera (ex-OTEP, BLEED THE DREAM) and mixed by Thom Flowers (THE ATARIS), "The World Outside" showcases the band's evolution from their screamo beginnings into powerful songwriters that resonate raw emotion. "There were things that I put into this record that I've never told anyone before, not even my sister or some of my best friends," says EYES SET TO KILL's Alexia Rodriguez. "Writing was like therapy to me, because there are times when I feel so alone that I don't know how to express myself other than through music. This is who I am and what I do." Lyrically, EYES SET TO KILL's "The World Outside" is like an unguarded look into the heart and mind of front woman Alexia Rodriguez. It's here that the singer-songwriter shines brightest, offering listeners a front row seat to watch her battle the singer-songwriter's darkest demons. Confronting difficult subjects such as her own insecurities, the pain of lost love and dealing with the expectations from fans, Alexia channels it all into the album. The album's title track confronts her own insecurity of being thrust into the spotlight, while the chilling album closer, "Coming Home", is an open letter to her father who abandoned her at an early age. "Heights", the new video from EYES SET TO KILL, can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Black Fawn Films' Chad Archibald (ARISE AND RUIN, FAREWELL TO FREEWAY) in Los Angeles and is the lead track on "The World Outside". "The song 'Heights' is basically about making the best out of a bad situation. It's about drawing something positive from negative experiences and growing as a person," explained EYES SET TO KILL's Brandon Anderson. "We decided to do an energetic performance video for this song, with lots of wide, sweeping shots. It was a blast to shoot because it felt like we were performing the song live." "Although we had just gotten back from an exhausting 13-hour flight from Brazil, shooting the 'Heights' video was still an exciting and energetic experience," added Alexia Rodriguez. "I know that once it is released everyone watching it will be able to feel that energy that we put into the performance." EYES SET TO KILL's debut album "Reach", debuted at No. 29 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart and No. 77 on Billboard's Independent Music chart. SUFFOCATION To Film 'Cataclysmic Purification' Video This Sunday (from blabbermouth.net) New York based extreme metal legends SUFFOCATION will film a video clip for the track "Cataclysmic Purification" this Sunday, May 31 with director David Brodsky (ARSIS, GOD FORBID, KATAKLYSM, SWASHBUCKLE). The song, which is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page, comes off the band's new album, "Blood Oath", which is scheduled for release in Europe on July 3 and in North America on July 14 via Nuclear Blast Records. Commented SUFFOCATION bassist Derek Boyer: "'Cataclysmic Purification' audibly portrays a calamitous future approaching. With this song and the rest of the album, I think we've maintained the musical integrity of the band while still having comprehendible brutality. 'Blood Oath' combines straightforward crushing movements with unsuspecting twists that will certainly entertain everyone — from the avid SUFFOCATION listener to the first-time innocent bystanders." "Blood Oath" will be available in three formats exclusive to the North American territory. In addition to the standard retail version, there will be a mail-order edition available exclusively through the Nuclear Blast U.S. webstore, and a digital version through iTunes. The details and track listings for each release are below. SUFFOCATION entered the studio on January 31 with Joe Cincotta (who worked on the band's last two releases) to begin recording "Blood Oath". The follow-up to 2006's self-titled record was mixed by Zack Ohren (ALL SHALL PERISH, DECREPIT BIRTH) and cover artwork (see below) was once again brought to life by Jon Zig (DEEDS OF FLESH, DISGORGE, GORGASM). "Blood Oath" regular North American track listing: 01. Blood Oath 02. Dismal Dream 03. Pray For Forgiveness 04. Images Of Purgatory 05. Cataclysmic Purification 06. Mental Hemorrhage 07. Come Hell Or High Priest 08. Undeserving 09. Provoking The Disturbed 10. Marital Decimation 11. Pray For Forgiveness (instrumental version) 12. Dismal Dream (rough mix unmastered) Limited-edition blood-red mail-order version: 01. Blood Oath 02. Dismal Dream 03. Pray For Forgiveness 04. Images Of Purgatory 05. Cataclysmic Purification 06. Mental Hemorrhage 07. Come Hell Or High Priest 08. Undeserving 09. Provoking The Disturbed 10. Marital Decimation 11. Blood Oath (instrumental version) 12. Cataclysmic Purification (rough mix unmastered) Also includes: red jewel case, limited-edition shirt, trading cards (featuring all five members), poster autographed by the band, exclusive red SUFFOCATION bag to house all of these items listed above. iTunes track listing: 01. Blood Oath 02. Dismal Dream 03. Pray For Forgiveness 04. Images Of Purgatory 05. Cataclysmic Purification 06. Mental Hemorrhage 07. Come Hell Or High Priest 08. Undeserving 09. Provoking The Disturbed 10. Marital Decimation 11. Undeserving (rough mix unmastered) 12. Marital Decimation (instrumental version) The final "Blood Oath" artwork can be found below. Video footage of SUFFOCATION performing a new song, "Mental Hemorrhage", on March 29, 2009 at The Boardwalk in Orangevale, California can be viewed below (clip shot and uploaded by Jess Schoppert).

•06/01/09: IWABO INTERVIEWS!!!
Hey metalheads, iwrestledabearonce did an interview with Ryan's Rock Show. You can check out the video on the link below. http://www.ryansrockshow.com/php2/interviews/450-iwrestledabearonce-interview-on-ryans-rock-show.html Krysta & Steven of IWABO will be guests on Full Metal Jackie's Syndicated Metal Radio show this weekend (6/5-6/7!) To find a station near you where you can hear the show go to FullMetalJackieRadio.com.

•5/26/09: Stratovarious listening parties are ever
STRATOVARIOUS LISTENING PARTIES!!! The Stratovarius listening party is live on Music.MSN.com and they are included in the “New this Week” feature. Check it out below! http://music.msn.com http://music.msn.com/music/newthisweek/ http://music.msn.com/music/listeningbooth/ STRATOVARIOUS ON FACEBOOK! The Stratovarius iLike album premiere is now live and featured across the site and Facebook application. Props to Lindsay Gabler for her help in getting this all set! http://ilike.com http://www.ilike.com/artist/Stratovarius THEY'RE ON AOL TOO!!! The Stratovarius listening party is now live on Music.AOL.com. Check it out below! http://music.aol.com/ http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/7

•05/18/09: Stratovarius E-Card!
Below is a link to an e-card promoting Stratovarius' new album Polaris. Check it out! http://www.eaglerockent.com/e-cards/StratovariusPolaris/index.htm

•05/18/09: Gallows' Grey Britain Film Trailer!!!
Spread the word! Check out this great film trailer http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid17823878001?bctid=23014529001 for the Gallows Grey Britain film which is available on their UK CD/DVD now. The US film release date will be this summer. Tracklisting 1. The Rivebank 2. London Is The Reason 3. I Dread The Night 4. The Vulture (Acts I & II) 5. Misery Total Runtime = 24:48

•5/12/09: WHIPLASH To Share Stage With Testament,
The reunited New Jersey Thrashers WHIPLASH have been scheduled to appear in this year's Mezcal Metal Fest 2009 at Vive Cuervo Salon, Mexico. Playing alongside the same festival are the mighty Testament and Sacred Reich among others.



The list of bands also scheduled to appear are as follows: Testament Grave Digger Sacred Reich Whiplash Alcatrazz The Agonist Misery Index Maligno Mortuary

•05/08/09: Metal Spring Break Gone Crazy!!!
Just when you think you've seen it all, Metal Injection teams up with iwrestledabearonce to bring you the wildest DVD commercial yet. Fuck Cancun! The real party is at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival

•05/08/09: Fans Go Crazy at H&H In-Store
...and you thought that you were a big fan of Heaven & Hell

•05/08/09: Heaven & Hell Storm The Charts
HEAVEN & HELL STORM THE CHARTS WITH THE DEVIL YOU KNOW Long Awaited Album From Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice Debuts At #8 On Billboard Top 200 Album Chart Matches Highest Chart Position Ever For Any Black Sabbath Lineup North American Tour Dates On Sale This Weekend LOS ANGELES — Heaven & Hell’s highly anticipated new album THE DEVIL YOU KNOW debuted at #8 on this week’s Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. The metal masses waited 17 years for a new album from the Dio-era of Black Sabbath and THE DEVIL YOU KNOW did not disappoint. This equals the highest chart position ever reached by any Black Sabbath lineup (1971’s Master Of Reality also reached #8). Revolver Magazine calls DEVIL “an album of ageless metal anthems” and The Associated Press praises its “bone-crunching riffs and power chords that can loosen the phlegm in your chest.” The band will take THE DEVIL YOU KNOW on the road in North America this August for a month-long trek with support from Coheed And Cambria. Tickets for most shows go on sale the weekend of May 8. HEAVEN & HELL NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES All Dates Also Feature Coheed And Cambria Unless Noted AUGUST 7 Vancouver, BC Thunderbird Arena On Sale 5/9 8 Seattle, WA WaMu Theater* On Sale 5/8 10 San Jose, CA Event Center Arena On Sale 5/10 11 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theater On Sale 5/9 12 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre On Sale 5/11 14 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion On Sale 5/9 15 Denver, CO Red Rocks On Sale 5/9 18 Cincinnati, OH PNC Pavilion On Sale 5/8 19 Chicago, IL Charter One Pavilion On Sale 5/15 21 Detroit, MI Meadow Brook Pavilion On Sale 5/8 22 Cleveland, OH Nautica Pavilion On Sale 5/8 23 Baltimore, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion On Sale 6/5 25 New York, NY WaMu Theater @ MSG On Sale 5/8 27 Wallingford, CT Chevrolet Theatre On Sale 5/9 28 Boston, MA Bank Of America Pavilion On Sale 5/8 *With Neurosis (Coheed And Cambria will not appear on this date)

•05/05/09: In Mourning Signs to Pulverised
Touted as one of the best newcomers in the Swedish Metal scene, we are very ecstatic to announce that melancholic metallers IN MOURNING will sign a 2-album deal with Pulverised Records . The band has commenced work on their still-untitled second album and will once again enter Black Lounge Studio ( Scar Symmetry , Carnal Forge , Steel Attack , etc) with producer / engineer Jonas Kjellgren taking care of all production duties. IN MOURNING ’s 2008 debut album “Shrouded Divine” naturally gained a massive amount of attention and also very positive responses worldwide with their brand of heart-wrenching melodic passages entwined with progressive elements but yet still retaining all the brutality of Death Metal aggression. Comments label manager Roy : “When I came across their debut album, I really loved what I heard and knew that we had to have IN MOURNING under our roster as not many bands of this particular genre could fascinate me like how IN MOURNING did. It was the perfect timing when I found out that the band was just about to enter the studio to record their follow-up to “Shrouded Divine”. I quickly struck a deal with them and the rest is history. We are very excited to have them on our roster and cannot wait to hear how the new album will sound like.” Comments the band: “Signing to Pulverised Records feels like a good ‘next step’ for the band, hopefully bringing our music out further to a broader audience. We are very pleased thatPulverised Records has given us this opportunity, and we think this will be a good collaboration. We are currently focusing hard on rehearsing and finishing up the material for our new album.Once again we will enter Black Lounge Studios with producer Jonas Kjellgren (Scar Symmetry, Carnal Forge). There wasn’t really any doubt when we were discussing studios, as we aremore than pleased with the work he did on our previous album ‘Shrouded Divine’. On August 22nd we will begin the recording of our new, so far untitled, album. For updates during the writing process, check our MySpace at: www.myspace.com/in_mourning ” IN MOURNING is: Tobias Netzell - Vocals / Guitars Pierre Stam - Bass Björn Pettersson - Guitars Tim Nedergård - Guitars Christian Netzell - Drums IN MOURNING Official Website IN MOURNING Official Myspace

•05/05/09: New Chimaira Music Video Posted
"Destroy And Dominate", the new video from Cleveland, Ohio metallers Chimaira, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed in February in the band's hometown, with the group's longtime videographer Todd Bell at the helm. Commented guitarist Rob Arnold: "Todd is responsible for both of our documentaries, 'The Dehumanizing Process' and 'The Resurrection', as well as our brand new, in-the-works DVD, due out early next year. He's also shot a handful of our music videos, photos, and more. So expect nothing less than superior quality and creativity on 'Destroy And Dominate'!" Chimaira has announced summer dates supporting Hatebreed on the "Decimation Of The Nation" tour that will also feature heavy hitters Winds of Plague, Dying Fetus and Toxic Holocaust. The trek kicks off on July 31 in Rochester, New York. Commented Chimaira vocalist Mark Hunter: "I think it's safe to say we're pretty amped up to do a full tour with Hatebreed. We've been doing shows with them since 2000, but we've never done a full tour. We've talked about it for a long time, but haven't ever been able to get it together until now. They're a big influence, and at the same time, they're some of our best friends in the industry. I hope there are plenty of EMTs on site, 'cuz when the two of us roll into town, nobody's safe!" Chimaira’s new album, "The Infection", sold 15,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 30 on The Billboard 200 chart. Chimaira’s previous album, "Resurrection", opened with 16,000 copies back in March 2007 to land at No. 42. "The Infection" was released in North America on April 21 via Ferret Music and will be issued in Europe on April 24 through Nuclear Blast. The CD was mastered at Sterling Sound in New York City with Ted Jensen and Chris "Zeuss" Harris (Hatebreed, Shadows Fall, Agnostic Front, Terror, The Acacia Strain). Chimaira - Destroy And Dominate

•05/05/09: Mastodon Eying 'Crack The Skye' Film
Gary Graff of Billboard.com reports: A film adaptation of Mastodon’s latest album, "Crack the Skye", is well within the realm of possibility — albeit not in production yet. Drummer and lyricist Brann Dailor tells Billboard.com that the heavy rocking Atlanta quartet sat down with a film director, who he declines to name, and "wrote out a screenplay that reads from song to song. We didn't storyboard it, but we wrote a screenplay." Three different directors, he adds, have expressed interest in taking on the project. "That'd be killer if it actually happens," Dailor says. "That's something that's cool about making concept records, that opportunity for more to be done, artistically. If you just had an album with a bunch of songs that didn't have anything to do with each other and there was no common thread, that aspect of the art wouldn't be there. But with ('Crack the Skye'), we have that possibility." Read the entire article from Billboard.com

•05/05/09: Great White Singer Interview in Boston
Great White singer Jack Russell has told Dave Wedge of BostonHerald.com that he is still haunted by the Feb. 20, 2003, inferno at The Station in Warwick, R.I. He's also reeling from a failed relationship and a raging substance-abuse problem. "I'm a drug addict and an alcoholic, and I've been fighting those demons every day," Russell said. "I have this self-destruct button and I don't know where it comes from. I've talked to many, many therapists. It's a battle." Russell and his band mates have tried to move beyond the horrific fire, but it's a burden they cannot escape. The singer has been criticized since the blaze for continuing to make music, getting a face-lift and not donating enough money to survivors. "There's always someone out there that blames me because I'm the face of Great White," Russell said. "And I'm OK with that. We've tried to handle it as sympathetically as possible. But we've received literally thousands of e-mails from around the world telling us to keep going. I didn't realize how much positive influence I had on people's lives." Read the entire article from BostonHerald.com

•05/05/09: TDWP Live Footage Posted
Capital Chaos has uploaded video footage (see below) of the Dayton, Ohio Christian metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada performing on April 19, 209 at Club Retro in Orangevale, California. Also on the bill were A Day To Remember, Emarosa and Sky Eats Airplane The Devil Wears Prada’s new album, "With Roots Above and Branches Below", is being released today (Tuesday, May 5) via Ferret Music. The track listing for the CD is as follows: 01. Sassafrass 02. I Hate Buffering 03. Assistant To The Regional Manager 04. Dez Moines 05. Big Wiggly Style 06. Danger: Wildman 07. Ben Has A Kid 08. Wapakalypse 09. Gimme Half 10. Louder Than Thunder 11. Lord Xenu The Devil Wears Prada has announced an in-store appearance on May 5 at Hot Topic at the Fairfield Commons Mall in Beaver Creek, Ohio at 5:00 p.m. The Devil Wears Prada has been riding high over the last couple of years with the band's most recent album, "Plagues" (Rise Records, 2007), which was reissued in late 2008 in a "deluxe" version featuring a DVD with two hours of footage shot during the band's 2008 spring tour and the Warped Tour.

•05/04/09: My Dying Bride Confirm METALTOWN
My Dying Bride have been confirmed for this year's edition of the Metaltown festival, set to take place June 27-28, 2009 at Frihamnen in Gothenburg, Sweden. The festival billing is shaping up as follows: SLIPKNOT (US) MARILYN MANSON (US) DISTURBED (US) VOLBEAT (DK) DIR EN GREY (JAP) CHILDREN OF BODOM (FIN) OPETH (S) MY DYING BRIDE (UK) THE HAUNTED (S) GIRUGÄMESH (JAP) MESHUGGAH (S) NAPALM DEATH (UK) TRIVIUM (US) MUSTASCH (S) DRAGONFORCE (UK) DEAD BY APRIL (S) PAIN (S) ALL THAT REMAINS (US) MUNICIPAL WASTE (US) MUCC (JAP) CULT OF LUNA (S) EVERGREY (S) AUGUST BURNS RED (US) BRING ME THE HORIZON (UK) BULLET (S) HATESPHERE (DK) PILGRIMZ (DK) ALL HELL (S) ILLFIGURE (S) STERBHAUS (S) HELLZAPOPPIN (US) For more information, visit www.metaltown.se

•05/04/09: Great White To Perform on "Rockline"
Great White members Jack Russell (vocals), Mark Kendall (lead guitar), Audie Desbrow (drums) and Michael Lardie (guitar, keyboards) will perform live and take part in an interview on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, May 6 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with Great White by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). Great White released its new album, "Rising", in North America on April 21 via Shrapnel Records. The CD was issued in Europe on March 13 through Frontiers Records.

•05/04/09: Hatebreed's "For The Lions" Streaming
The much-anticipated covers album by Connecticut hardcore/metal masters Hatebreed, entitled "For The Lions", is available for streaming in its entirety on the band's MySpace page Century Media Records has announced that the European release of the limited-edition CD digipack and LP of "For The Lions" has been postponed due to "manufacturing issues." The limited-edition CD digipack and LP versions of "For The Lions" will now be released on May 25 in Europe. The standard jewel case CD will be made available on May 11. An e-card for "For The Lions" can be accessed at this location Due in the U.S. on May 5 via E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records), "For The Lions" is the follow-up to the band's #1 Billboard charting DVD, "Live Dominance" (released September of 2008). The songs on "For The Lions" were carefully selected by Hatebreed to represent a panoramic view of some of their favorite artists and greatest musical inspirations. Having completed the album in 2008, the band felt their work wasn't done yet and just returned to the studio with original guitar player Wayne Lozinak to record additional tracks for the album. The four new covers are among the most bludgeoning the band has yet to record. They are "Ghosts Of War" (Slayer), "Supertouch/Shitfit" (Bad Brains), "Thirsty" (Black Flag) and "Suicidal Maniac" (Suicidal Tendencies). "For The Lions" was produced, engineered and mixed by long-time band associate Chris "Zeuss" Harris. "For The Lions" track listing: 01. SLAYER - Ghosts of War 02. CRO-MAGS - It's The Limit 03. SUICIDAL TENDENCIES - Suicidal Maniac 04. SEPULTURA - Refuse/Resist 05. METALLICA - Escape 06. BAD BRAINS - Supertouch/Shitfit 07. MISFITS - Hatebreeders 08. D.R.I. - Evil Minds 09. MADBALL - Set It Off 10. SICK OF IT ALL - Shut Me Out 11. BLACK FLAG - Thirsty 12. NEGATIVE APPROACH - Sick Of Talk 13. CROWBAR - All I Had I Gave 14. MERAUDER - Life Is Pain 15. AGNOSTIC FRONT - Your Mistake 16. JUDGE - Hear Me 17. OBITUARY - I'm In Pain 18. SUBZERO - Boxed In The video for Hatebreed’s cover of the Slayer classic "Ghosts of War" can be viewed below. Helmed by "Live Dominance" director Kevin Custer, the clip is the first to feature returning Hatebreed guitarist Wayne Lozinak.

•05/04/09: Heaven & Hell Announces US Dates
Heaven & Hell — the band featuring Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi (guitar), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) — will bring its wicked world tour to North America for a select number of shows this August. The band will start its summer headlining music festivals across Europe before bringing its macabre stage show of metal classics to North America starting on August 7 in Vancouver. Tickets for most shows go on sale the weekend of May 8. There will also be a pre-sale for all shows, except Baltimore, beginning May 6 at 10 a.m. local time. Coheed and Cambria will provide support on all shows except the Seattle date on August 8, which will feature Neurosis in the supporting slot. HEAVEN & HELL tour dates with COHEED AND CAMBIRA: Aug. 07 - Vancouver, BC - Thunderbird Arena Aug. 08 - Seattle, WA - WaMu Theater * Aug. 10 - San Jose, CA - Event Center Arena Aug. 11 - Los Angeles, CA - Greek Theater Aug. 12 - Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theater Aug. 14 - Albuquerque, NM - Journal Pavilion Aug. 15 - Denver, CO - Red Rocks Aug. 18 - Cincinnati, OH - PNC Pavilion Aug. 19 - Chicago, IL - Charter One Pavilion Aug. 21 - Detroit, MI - Meadow Brook Pavilion Aug. 22 - Cleveland, OH - Nautica Pavilion Aug. 23 - Baltimore, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion Aug. 25 - New York, NY - WaMu Theater @ MSG Aug. 27 - Wallingford, CT - Chevrolet Theatre Aug. 28 - Boston, MA - Bank Of America Pavilion * With Neurosis (Coheed and Cambria will not appear on this date) Heaven & Hell made a rare in-store appearance Saturday (May 2) at Best Buy in San Bernardino, California. All four members of the group were on hand to celebrate the release of the band's new album, "The Devil You Know". According to Hits Daily Double, the companion web site of music industry tip sheet HITS, "The Devil You Know" is on track to move between 30,000 and 35,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land in the Top 10 of The Billboard 200 chart.

•05/01/09: IWABO Post Studio Footage
Iwrestledabearonce, the band from Shreveport, Louisiana which mashes up elements of electro, grind and jazz, has released video footage from the recording sessions for its upcoming opus, "It's All Happening". Another video the band has been working on is one for the new track "You Ain't No Family", and it promises to be even more outrageous. "This video is going to destroy the last one for 'Tastes Like Kevin Bacon'," says guitarist Steven Bradley. "It has a she-male, a dance contest, a fog machine, and a bartender who spits in my face... All the key ingredients for an award-winning masterpiece! We can't wait until it's done and released!" "It's All Happening" is scheduled for release on June 2 via Century Media Records.

•05/01/09: "The Devil You Know" Sells 25-30k
According to Hits Daily Double, the companion web site of music industry tip sheet HITS, "The Devil You Know", the new album from Heaven & Hell — the band featuring Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi (guitar), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) — is on track to move between 25,000 and 30,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The video for "Bible Black", the first single from Heaven & Hell’s highly anticipated new album, "The Devil You Know", can be viewed below. (Note: The video stream may not be available to some non-U.S. residents.) The animated clip, produced by 23d Films, aired for the first time on VH1 Classic this past Saturday following the premiere of the newest episode of "That Metal Show", which featured Heaven & Hell’s Ronnie James Dio and Geezer Butler. The "Bible Black" video was produced by Joseph A. Russo II and James A. Fino from 23d Films, Inc. and was directed byBen Ceccarelli. The epic song was one of the first songs written for the new album and finds the quartet of Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice in top form. "When you start off with a blockbuster like that, it makes the rest of the album so much easier because it gives you a benchmark to measure the other songs against," says Dio. Heaven & Hell will make a rare in-store appearance at Best Buy in San Bernadino, California on Saturday, May 2. All four members of the group will be on hand to celebrate the release of "The Devil You Know". Best Buy stores will offer an exclusive version of the album featuring a bonus DVD with unreleased video of the band recording the album including studio performances, interviews, and other behind-the-scenes content. Fans who buy "The Devil You Know" at the San Bernadino Best Buy beginning on April 28 will get a wristband which will grant them access to get their copy signed by the band. Fans can also get wristbands for the event by purchasing the album at Best Buy stores in Burbank, Rancho Cucamonga and Riverside. The details are as follows: Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m. Best Buy 888 Harriman Place San Bernadino, CA 92480 (909) 885-4049 Blabbermouth.net Reviews Heaven & Hell’s “The Devil You Know” Critic Rating: 8.5/10 User Rating: 8.7/10 Crawling out of the gate with a doom dirge blast from the subterranean hollows of 1970, Tony Iommi leads his aging troops into one more battle with a riff and a tone that could level Mordor. It's Black Sabbath, the Ronnie James Dio-fronted version of the band, although the new moniker provides both a balm to Ozzy's wounded feelings and a steely statement of intent. This isn't a county-fair knockoff milking the customers with ever-more-cringeworthy renditions of "Paranoid" and "Iron Man"... it's a band, a partnership firing on all cylinders creatively, with plenty of dark magic left to dispense and no intentions of resting on laurels. Dio still sounds amazing, writing in a lower register these days but possessed of a grandeur and gravity that's just awe-inspiring. He's always been a consummate professional, able to give the dodgiest material a patina of class and grace, and when he's working with Iommi and Geezer Butler, he's clearly inspired to kick things up a notch. And speaking of Butler, the band's oft-underrated secret weapon is all over "The Devil You Know", his bass high up in the mix, with a larger-than-life tone and plenty of sly accents and fills burbling under the obsidian sheen of Iommi's riffing. The songs are generally big, staid tanks of lead, built on Vinny Appice's plodding 4/4 pound and loaded with a stately majesty that recalls this lineup's classics — the atmosphere of "Heaven and Hell" (the song) and "Children of the Sea", brought into the modern day and made just a little darker and more weighty. Some are decrying the sheer metric tonnage of doom on "The Devil You Know", but I submit that Heaven & Hell are at their brooding best on this more ponderous, epic material. The more uptempo "Double the Pain", for instance, is one of the few less-than-stellar cuts on the record, seeming like a castoff from Iommi's late-Eighties riff tapes (though even here, the band's effortless conviction comes pretty damn close to selling it). And besides, it's not all pristine 16rpm sludge — after an archetypal Iommi doom opener, "Turn of the Screw" delivers a verse that flirts with AOR, while "Eating the Cannibals" is the "TV Crimes" of this record, a hard-charging raveup with a monster main riff, a scorching solo and a little welcome Appice thundering in the bridge. It could be said that one more song of this tempo and attitude, maybe a little earlier in the proceedings, would have given "The Devil You Know" the final kick in the ass it needed to reach perfection — a little more raucousness on what is, admittedly, a pretty stern and dour record overall. But it's hard to get picky or ask for more when the riff for "Follow the Tears" or the soaring open chords of "Breaking Into Heaven" thunder down the mountain — giant notes of polished granite, barely accented with atmospheric keyboards, bass throbbing through your sternum, Dio by turns pleading, testifying, cold and sardonic. It encapsulates the vibe of this whole black, bleak, cathartic ride, a stalking monster of timeless riffing from the very wellspring of heavy metal itself, howls from the hills of Valhalla delivered not as a feel-good nostalgia trip, but as an eloquent, elegant piece of hard rock for the faithful. "The Devil You Know" isn't a perfect album, but when it's on, it's nothing less than the sound of age, wisdom, and a lifetime of craft alchemized into a joyous, communal heavy metal milestone. If it doesn't give you goosebumps at least a few times, you might as well just leave the damn hall. DAATH First Week Sales for Daath’s “The Concealers” Revealed "The Concealers", the sophomore album from the Atlanta-based quintet Daath, sold around 1,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD debuted at No. 35 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200. "The Concealers" was released on April 20 in Europe and April 21 in the U.S. through Century Media Records (via a partnership with Roadrunner Records). The album was produced and mixed by Jason Suecof and Mark Lewis (Trivium, All That Remains, DevilDriver). "The Concealers" track listing: 01. Sharpen The Blades 02. Self Corruption Manifesto 03. The Worthless 04. The Unbinding Truth 05. Silenced 06. Wilting On The Vine 07. Translucent Potency 08. Day Of Endless Light 09. Duststorm 10. ...Of Poisoned Sorrows 11. Incestuous Amplification Daath filmed a video for "Day Of Endless Light" last month in the band's hometown with director Robin Fuller (Ghost of a Thousand, Shaped By Fate). Commented Daath guitarist Eyal Levi: "I hate music videos. Always have. There's been a few exceptions over the years like the old Tool videos or the White Stripes videos but for the most part they suck. Especially metal videos. How many times can we watch a group of burly dudes throwing down in a warehouse or abandoned building? With this video that was the LAST thing I wanted for us. I set out to find a team that would give us an actual work of art which could be watched and enjoyed regardless of the music. We ended up with Robin Fuller directing. We chose him because of his amazing animation skills and overall enthusiasm for the vision. The vision was to have a video shot in the style of a Frank Miller film ('Sin City') and have those shots interwoven with the art and design that Jorden Haley has created for us with [the new Daath album] 'The Concealers'. This will not be your typical metal video." Video footage of Eyal Levi talking about "The Concealers" can be viewed below. Also available is a widget for the CD. Daath recently kicked off the worldwide touring cycle for this effort with a month-long North American trek alongside Dragonforce and Cynic. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/daath

•05/01/09: Hatebreed Announces US Tour
Connecticut hardcore/metal act Hatebreed will embark on a U.S. headlining tour, entitled "Decimation of the Nation", presented by Hot Topic. The trek will hit 30 cities, beginning in Rochester, New York on July 31 and wrapping up on September 2 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Main support on all dates will come from Chimaira. Commented Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta, "It's been over a year since we've done a complete United States tour and we haven't played some of these places in ages so we're really amped to hit the road in support of 'For The Lions' [Hatebreed's upcoming covers album] and play for all of our die-hards!" The dates are as follows: Jul. 31 - Rochester, NY - Water Street Aug. 02 - Traverse City, MI - The Terminal Aug. 06 - Ft. Wayne, IN - Piere’s Aug. 08 - Springfield, MO - Remmington’s Aug. 10 - Ft. Collins, CO - Aggie Theater Aug. 11 - Grand Junction, CO - Mesa Theater & Club Aug. 13 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory Aug. 14 - Sparks, NV - New Oasis Aug. 15 - Chico, CA - Senator Theater Aug. 16 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst Aug. 17 - Ventura, CA - Majestic Ventura Theater Aug. 18 - Pomona, CA - Glasshouse Aug. 19 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theater Aug. 21 - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom Aug. 22 - Austin, TX - Emo’s Aug. 23 - Corpus Christ, TX - Concrete St. Amphitheater Aug. 24 - Lafayette, LA - Grant Street Dancehall Aug. 25 - Little Rock, AR - The Village Aug. 26 - Jackson, MS - Fire Aug. 27 - Knoxville, TN - Valarium Aug. 28 - N. Myrtle, SC - House of Blues SC Aug. 29 - Norfolk, VA - The Norva Aug. 30 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom Sep. 01 - Millvale, PA - Mr. Small’s Theater Sep. 02 - Scranton, PA - Tink’s In other news, Hatebreed will co-host MTV2's "Headbangers Ball" with Jose from Sirius Satellite Radio tonight (April 29) at 11:00 p.m. The entire show is dedicated to the band. Century Media Records recently announced that the European release of the limited-edition CD digipack and LP of "For The Lions" has been postponed due to "manufacturing issues." The limited-edition CD digipack and LP versions of "For The Lions" will now be released on May 25 in Europe. The standard jewel case CD will be made available on May 11. An e-card for "For The Lions" can be accessed at this location. Due in the U.S. on May 5 via E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records), "For The Lions" is the follow-up to the band's #1 Billboard charting DVD, "Live Dominance" (released September of 2008). The songs on "For The Lions" were carefully selected by Hatebreed to represent a panoramic view of some of their favorite artists and greatest musical inspirations. Having completed the album in 2008, the band felt their work wasn't done yet and just returned to the studio with original guitar player Wayne Lozinak to record additional tracks for the album. The four new covers are among the most bludgeoning the band has yet to record. They are "Ghosts Of War" (Slayer), "Supertouch/Shitfit" (Bad Brains), "Thirsty" (Black Flag) and "Suicidal Maniac" (Suicidal Tendencies). "For The Lions" was produced, engineered and mixed by long-time band associate Chris "Zeuss" Harris. "For The Lions" track listing: 01. SLAYER - Ghosts of War 02. CRO-MAGS - It's The Limit 03. SUICIDAL TENDENCIES - Suicidal Maniac 04. SEPULTURA - Refuse/Resist 05. METALLICA - Escape 06. BAD BRAINS - Supertouch/Shitfit 07. MISFITS - Hatebreeders 08. D.R.I. - Evil Minds 09. MADBALL - Set It Off 10. SICK OF IT ALL - Shut Me Out 11. BLACK FLAG - Thirsty 12. NEGATIVE APPROACH - Sick Of Talk 13. CROWBAR - All I Had I Gave 14. MERAUDER - Life Is Pain 15. AGNOSTIC FRONT - Your Mistake 16. JUDGE - Hear Me 17. OBITUARY - I'm In Pain 18. SUBZERO - Boxed In The video for Hatebreed’s cover of the SLAYER classic "Ghosts of War" can be viewed below. Helmed by "Live Dominance" director Kevin Custer, the clip is the first to feature returning Hatebreed guitarist Wayne Lozinak.

•05/01/09: Watch Dio on the Golden God Awards
**TUNE IN NOTICE** RONNIE JAMES DIO FROM HEAVEN & HELL MAKING A SPECIAL APPEARANCE IN THE OPENING MONTAGE FOR THE REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS SATURDAY, MAY 2 @ 11PM ET on MTV2 Tune In To The Revolver Golden Gods Awards on MTV2 This Saturday Night At 11PM ET

•05/01/09: Lamb of God's Guitarist in NYC!
From our friends at Blabbermouth

LAMB OF GOD guitarist Mark Morton will take part in a signing session on Friday, May 8 at 4:30 p.m. at J&R Music World (33 Park Row) in New York City.

LAMB OF GOD is offering its fans a chance to be in a video for "In Your Words". The band will assemble the "Homebrew Edition" clip from fan-submitted video of themselves preparing for a LAMB OF GOD show or tailgating once there.

MetalUniverse.net has uploaded a six-minute video clip containing footage from LAMB OF GOD's April 17, 2009 signing session at the HMV Megastore in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Watch it below.

LAMB OF GOD's new album, "Wrath", has sold 139,000 copies in the United States since its February 24 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan .

"Wrath" was produced by Josh Wilbur and was recorded in studios in New York, Virginia, and New Hampshire.

The "Wrath" album was released in four configurations: an LP, a CD, a deluxe-edition CD with bonus disc — which contains isolated recording parts — as well as a super-deluxe version featuring a limited-edition box containing an LP, deluxe-edition CD and USB drive containing two exclusive bonus tracks.

•05/01/09: DAATH Guitarist To Guest On ASYLUM Debut
From our friends at Blabbermouth

DAATH guitarist Emil Werstler will lay down a guest guitar solo on the upcoming debut album from ASYLUM, the Chicago-based band featuring Markus Johansson (lead vocals, lead guitar) and Johnny Rox (bass guitar ).

Johansson and Rox are joined on the CD album by drummer Kevin Talley (DAATH, CHIMAIRA, DEVILDRIVER) and second lead guitarist Larry Tarnowski (ex-ICED EARTH).

ZIMMERS HOLE vocalist The Heathen will record guest vocals on the album's bonus track, a cover of VAN HALEN 's "Get Up". Also contributing to the CD are Gene Hoglan (DETHKLOK, ZIMMERS HOLE, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD), David Shankle (MANOWAR, DSG), Andy La Rocque (KING DIAMOND), Michael Angelo Batio (NITRO), Roland Grapow (HELLOWEEN, MASTERPLAN), Bill Hudson (POWER QUEST, CELLADOR), and Brendon Small ("Metalacolypse"/DETHKLOK creator).

ASYLUM is currently unsigned and seeking a suitable label to release the CD.

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

•04/29/09: CHIMAIRA SCORES HIGHEST CHART POSITION E
CHIMAIRA SCORES HIGHEST CHART POSITION EVER WITH ‘THE INFECTION’

‘ON BROKEN GLASS’ AVAILABLE MAY 7 FOR GUITAR HERO WORLD TOUR

CHIMAIRA has exploded onto the Billboard Top 200 charts with the debut of their crushing new album, The Infection. The album landed at #30, with over 15,000 units sold. The Infection is the band’s fifth studio album and the follow up to their acclaimed 2007 release, Resurrection¸ which debuted at #42 on Billboard.

Vocalist Mark Hunter commented on The Infection’s success: “We can’t thank our fans enough for supporting this album and spreading the word. In this day and age, when sales are down, and the economy is shit, the fact that we sold what we did is a miracle. We owe it to our fans for keeping us a relevant, top-tier band in the metal genre. Our fans really helped promote this album and it’s just as much of a celebration for them as it is for us.”

CHIMAIRA is also pleased to announce that one of the tracks from The Infection, ‘On Broken Glass,’ will be available as a downloadable track for Guitar Hero World Tour. The song will be available starting May 7, as part of the Ferret Music/Metal Blade Track Pack, which also contains The Devil Wears Prada’s ‘Dez Moines’, and Unearth’s ‘Grave of Opportunity’.

“We’re very excited to be a part of Guitar Hero, because we’re all huge fans of the game,” added Hunter. “We’ve been playing since it came out, and we finally have the opportunity to have one of our songs in the game. It’s a dream come true. Fans are gonna have a really hard time with this track on expert, that’s for sure!”

CHIMAIRA is currently touring as part of the Music as a Weapon tour, along with Disturbed, Killswitch Engage, and Lacuna Coil. The full list of remaining tour dates can be found below.

Chimaira on the Music as a Weapon Tour:

(w/ Disturbed, Killswitch Engage, and Lacuna Coil)

4/30 - Battle Creek, MI - Kellogg Arena
5/02 - Detroit, MI - Cobo Arena
5/03 - Cleveland, OH - Time Warner Cable Amphitheatre at Tower City
5/04 - Columbus, OH – LC Pavilion
5/06 - Peoria, IL - Peoria Civic Center
5/08 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
5/09 - Des Moines, IA – Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium
5/10 - Madison, WI - Alliant Energy Center
5/12 - Lacrosse, WI - Lacrosse Center
5/13 - Evansville, IN - Roberts Stadium
5/15 - Council Bluffs, IA - Mid America Center
5/16 - Chicago, IL - Charter One Pavilion
5/17- Green Bay, WI - Resch Center

Chimaira OFF Dates:
5/01 - Ft. Wayne, IN - Piere’s w/ Killswitch Engage and Lacuna Coil
5/11 - Sioux Falls, SD - Ramkota Exhibit Hall w/ Killswitch Engage and Lacuna Coil

•04/29/09: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA I-Tunes Pre-order
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA I-TUNES PRE-ORDER UP :

HERE.

FERRET MUSIC PRE-ORDER:

HERE.

“WITH ROOTS ABOVE AND BRANCHES BELOW” OUT MAY 5TH ON FERRET MUSIC

The Devil Wears Prada I-Tunes pre-order is up for their new album With Roots Above and Branches Below to be released May 5th. Physical copies can be ordered HERE. The album comes bundled with an exclusive “pre-order only” t-shirt in a bundle pack with either the regular cd or cd/dvd combo.

The band has also finalized an exclusive download pack for Guitar Hero World Tour! On May 7th, virtual rockstars will take the stage with three free tracks in the Ferret Music/Metal Blade Track Pack, a multi-platform downloadable expansion that contains The Devil Wear’s Prada’s “Dez Moines”, Chimaira’s “On Broken Glass” and Unearth’s “Grave of Opportunity”. For more information about the band’s record, upcoming dates on Warped Tour, or to get more news, check HERE.

•04/29/09: Mastodon Footage
Some good quality live footage of Mastodon soundchecking has been posted online HERE and HERE.

•04/29/09: New Isis Footage
From our friends at The PRP

New footage of Isis in the studio tracking their upcoming album "Wavering Radiant" has been made available online HERE. . "Wavering Radiant" will see a May 05th release through Ipecac.

•4/28/09: Paul Epic/Guiatr Hero Contest
Alternative Press is currently holding a contest on their website for a chance to win a copy of Paul Epic's new CD South of Heaven, North of Hell along with a copy of the new Guitar Hero: Metallica. You can enter the contest by clicking the link below: http://altpress.com/contests/327.htm

•04/27/09: Chimaira Sell 15-20k in 1st Week
According to Hits Daily Double, the companion web site of music industry tip sheet HITS, CHIMAIRA's new album, "The Infection", is on track to move between 15,000 and 20,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. CHIMAIRA's previous album, "Resurrection", opened with 16,000 copies back in March 2007 to land at No. 42 on The Billboard 200 chart. "The Infection" was released in North America on April 21 via Ferret Music and will be issued in Europe on April 24 through Nuclear Blast. The CD was mastered at Sterling Sound in New York City with Ted Jensen and Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL, AGNOSTIC FRONT, TERROR, THE ACACIA STRAIN). CHIMAIRA filmed a video for the track "Destroy And Dominate" in February in the band's hometown of Cleveland. The group's longtime videographer Todd Bell directed the clip, which is expected to debut online later this month. Commented guitarist Rob Arnold: "Todd is responsible for both of our documentaries, 'The Dehumanizing Process' and 'The Resurrection', as well as our brand new, in-the-works DVD, due out early next year. He's also shot a handful of our music videos, photos, and more. So expect nothing less than superior quality and creativity on 'Destroy And Dominate'! I wish I could tell you all more about what to expect content wise, but I myself am still waiting to see the first rough cut! But I certainly have no doubts that it will crush! Keep your eyes peeled!"

•04/27/09: New Volbeat Music Video Online
We", the new video from Danish metal rock 'n' rollers Volbeat, can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's third studio album, "Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood", which received a U.S. release on March 17 via Mascot Records. An e-card for "Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood" can be found at this location. The follow-up to "Rock The Rebel / Metal The Devil" features 14 new tracks, including a Social Distortion cover as a bonus cut on all editions. Seven of the songs share a common lyrical theme, which will be continued on future records, and the artwork is also based on this storyline. The CD was recorded at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen, who also worked with the group on its previous two records. "Guitar Gangsters & Cadillac Blood" was certifield gold in Denmark for sales in excess of 20,000 copies less than a month after its release,. The CD entered the Danish chart at No. 1, and was beaten only by Metallica’s "Death Magnetic" in its second week of release. Volbeat has been confirmed as the support act for Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers Nightwish on their two-week May 2009 U.S. tour.

•04/27/09: Queensrÿche Stop by 101 KUFO
Queensrÿche took part in an interview and acoustic performance on Saturday, April 18 for the listeners of the 101 KUFO radio station in Portland, Oregon. Watch video footage of the appearance in two parts below.

•04/27/09: Queensrÿche In Talks To Play Iraq
Queensrÿche frontman Geoff Tate has told Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review-Journal that his band is "in negotiations" to fly over to Iraq this July to play for the troops. Queensrÿche’s new album, "American Soldier", is a boots-on-the-ground look at the soldier's life, told in part by running audio clips from soldiers themselves. The concept album started with singer-songwriter Geoff Tate interviewing his own father — a career military man — and grew from there. "Only the people who have been there and done that really know what it's like. The rest of us are just speculating," Tate says. "The best way to understand something is to talk to people who have actually done it." Casual conversations evolved into formal interviews with cameras and microphones, some eventually finding their way onto the album and music videos for the songs. "As I started writing for the project, I realized sometimes their actual voices were so much more effective, and quite a bit more moving than any sort of words I could put down. It kind of hits you in the gut," Tate says. Read more from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

•04/27/09: The Devil Wears Prada Post New Song
Dayton, Ohio Christian metalcore band The Devil Wears Prada will release its new album, "With Roots Above and Branches Below", on May 5 via Ferret Music. The track listing for the CD is as follows: 01. Sassafrass 02. I Hate Buffering 03. Assistant To The Regional Manager 04. Dez Moines 05. Big Wiggly Style 06. Danger: Wildman 07. Ben Has A Kid 08. Wapakalypse 09. Gimme Half 10. Louder Than Thunder 11. Lord Xenu The track "Sassafrass" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The Devil Wears Prada has announced an in-store appearance on May 5 at Hot Topic at the Fairfield Commons Mall in Beaver Creek, Ohio at 5:00 p.m. The Devil Wears Prada has been riding high over the last couple of years with the band's most recent album, "Plagues" (Rise Records, 2007), which was reissued in late 2008 in a "deluxe" version featuring a DVD with two hours of footage shot during the band's 2008 spring tour and the Warped Tour.

•04/27/09: Pestilence Perform in Pumerend,NL
A number of high-quality photos of Pestilence’s April 25, 2009 concert at P3 in Purmerend, The Netherlands, can be found at Metal-Experience.com. Fan-filmed video footage of the show is available below. The group's setlist was as follows: 01. Devouring Frenzy 02. Horror Detox 03. Chemo Therapy 04. The Process Of Suffocation 05. Fiend 06. Hate Suicide 07. Chronic Infection 08. The Secrecies Of Horror 09. Mind Reflections 10. Hangman 11. Synthetic Grotesque 12. Lost Souls -------------------- 13. Out Of The Body

•04/27/09: New Mastodon Interview Available
HeadbangersBlog.com has uploaded the second installment of new interview clips with members of Mastodon about their new album, "Crack The Skye". Check them out below. Mastodon will be the featured musical guests on CBS' "The Late Show with David Letterman" airing on Friday, May 15 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT. Check local listings for details. On May 5, Mastodon will release two versions of the band's new album, "Crack The Skye", on vinyl. The first is a standard high-quality vinyl issue with beautiful full-size album artwork. There will also be a special deluxe edition mastered and pressed on two discs at 45 rpm for maximum audiophile fidelity housed in a gatefold sleeve available in a very limited edition, one-time-only pressing. This edition will also include the complete album on CD. "Crack The Skye" sold 41,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 11 on The Billboard 200 chart. Mastodon 's 2006 CD, "Blood Mountain", came in with just over 24,000 units — significantly more than the 8,000 first-week tally registered by its predecessor, 2004's "Leviathan" — which put it at No. 32.

•04/24/09: Heaven & Hell Set Video Premiere
Animated Clip To Air This Saturday Directly Following Ronnie James Dio and Geezer Butler's Appearance On That Metal Show Yahoo Music Online Premiere Set For Monday, April 27 New Album The Devil You Know Available April 28 From Rhino LOS ANGELES -- The video for "Bible Black," the first single from Heaven & Hell's highly anticipated new album THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, will make its worldwide premiere this Saturday night, April 25, at 11:30PM ET on VH1 Classic. The animated clip, produced by 23d Films, will air following the premiere of the newest episode of That Metal Show, which features Heaven & Hell's Ronnie James Dio and Geezer Butler. Yahoo Music will have the exclusive online premiere of the video starting Monday, April 27. The "Bible Black" video was produced by Joseph A. Russo II and James A. Fino from 23d Films, Inc. and was directed by Ben Ceccarelli. The epic song was one of the first songs written for the new album and finds the quartet of Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice in top form. "When you start off with a blockbuster like that, it makes the rest of the album so much easier because it gives you a benchmark to measure the other songs against," says Dio. Fans can stream "Bible Black," along with the entire THE DEVIL YOU KNOW album, this week exclusively at vh1classic.com/theleak. Heaven & Hell began writing for THE DEVIL YOU KNOW last year, first in England at Iommi's home studio and later in Los Angeles at Dio's studio. "The band had gotten too good to just walk away," Dio says. "We wanted to show people that we were still capable of giving them new music that measured up to what we'd done in the past." With that goal in mind, the band hit the Rockfield Studios in Wales last winter and the result is the 10-song epic THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, which Revolver Magazine declares as "an album of ageless metal anthems." For additional information regarding Heaven & Hell, please contact Jason Elzy in Rhino's Media Relations Department at (818) 238-6220 or jason.elzy@rhino.com.

•04/24/09: Heaven & Hell On That Metal Show
**TUNE IN NOTICE** **VIDEO PREMIERE** HEAVEN & HELL THAT METAL SHOW SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 11PM ET on VH1 Classic Immediately Followed By "BIBLE BLACK" VIDEO PREMIERE SATURDAY, APRIL 25 @ 11:30PM ET on VH1 Classic Tune In To That Metal Show This Saturday Night To See An Interview With Ronnie James Dio and Geezer Butler Discussing Their New Album The Devil You Know Immediately Following That Metal Show At 11:30 PM Will Be The World Premiere Of Heaven & Hell's New Video For "Bible Black"

•04/24/09: Orange Sky To Tour With King's X
Port of Spain, Trinidad may not be the first city music fans think of when the discussion of ‘hot rockspots’ comes up. But if the sophomore effort from Orange Sky, ‘Dat Iz Voodoo,’ is a representation of the local talent, it may soon join the likes of New York, Seattle, and London, as the group (which is comprised of singer/lead guitarist Nigel Rojas, rhythm guitarist Joel Beazer, bassist Nicholas Rojas, keyboardist Richard Hall, and drummer Obasi Springer) will be opening up a string of Texas dates with metal legends King’s X. "We have always loved King's X, some of us since the early '90s,” says Rojas. “We did one opening slot for them last year, in Kentucky, and got to meet Doug and the guys personally. They put on an incredible live show and we are honored to be able to share the stage with them." The style that Orange Sky specialize in is quite varied…yet rocking. Perhaps a fan once gave the group the highest compliment, by gushing, “You guys sound and perform like if the Wailers and Black Sabbath had a baby.” “I call our sound ‘rock and roll’,” says Nigel. “We emulate everything - hard rock, soft rock, punk, reggae, and metal, so I think the term rock and roll covers all these styles, and does not create an expectation from the potential listener of us being too metal, too reggae, too hard, or too soft. Our overall style offers all these soundscapes, colors, and emotions.” ‘Dat Iz Voodoo,’ released via StarCity Records, represents a rebirth of sorts for Orange Sky, and proves that the group’s critically acclaimed debut, 2006’s ‘Upstairs,’ was no fluke. Case in point, the album-opening riff monger “Yesterdays and Tomorrows,” the thrashy “Psycho World,” the industrial-strength reggae-rock of “Is There Anybody There?” (which is a barely recognizable cover of a Scorpions song), and the crunching funk-metal riffs of “Dark Room.” But there is one song specifically that stands out for Nigel. “I would say ‘Alone,’ because it is a blast from the past - we all like to think of it as a song we could share on the radio.” A dozen songs in all, guaranteed to get fists pumping and moshpits swirling - with a couple of lighters-in-the-air/arm-around-your-girl moments in between. And while ‘Dat Iz Voodoo’ is a fine stylistic showcase for the group, the quintet promises fans that they will take it to the next level on the album’s ensuing tour. “Orange Sky live is one hell of a bad ass, fist pumping, heart melting, hilarious, thought provoking assault on the nervous system! Within an hour, our show will turn everyone exposed to us into our new friends and future Orange Sky seed sowers. Sounds arrogant? Not intended, just what we know what we are capable of - ask anyone who has been there. We seriously rock!” ORANGE SKY HEADLINING ENGAGEMENTS: 4/25/09: The Pit in Jacksonville, Florida 4/29/09: The Garage in St. Petersburg, Florida 5/1/09: Pegasus Lounge in Tampa, Florida 5/2/09: Backstage Lounge in Gainesville, Florida 5/7/09: The Dungeon in Orlando, Florida 5/8/09: Doc’s Place in Lakeland, Florida 5/16/09: Bourbon Street in New Port Richey, Florida 5/21/09: Flamingo Cantina in Austin, Texas 5/23/09: Bonds 007 in San Antonio, Texas TOUR DATES W/ KING’S X: 5/28/09: Jack's Patio Bar & Grill in San Antonio, TX 5/29/09: Josabi's in Helotes, TX 5/30/09: Meridian in Houston, TX 6/1/09: Red Eyed Fly in Austin, TX 6/2/09: Club 101 in El Paso, TX 6/4/09: Brick By Brick in San Diego, CA 6/5/09: Key Club in West Hollywood, CA 6/6/09: Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, CA 6/8/09: Berbati's Pan in Portant, OR 6/9/09: El Corazon in Seattle, WA 6/10/09: The Grail in Ceour d'Alene, ID 6/12/09: Club Vegas in Salt Lake City, UT 6/13/09: Owsley's Golden Road in Denver, CO 6/15/09: The Waiting Room in Omaha, NE 6/16/09: The Riot Room in Kansas City, MO 6/17/09: Knickerbockers in Lincoln, NE 6/19/09: Nutty's North in Sioux Falls, SD 6/20/09: The Venue @ The Hub in Fargo,ND 6/24/09: House of Bricks in Des Moines, IA 6/26/09: Shank Hall in Milwaukee, WI 6/27/09: Double Door in Chicago, IL 7/1/09: Juanita's Cantina Ballroom in Little Rock, AR FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.theorangesky.com www.starcityrecording.com

•04/24/09: New Paul Epic Contest
Paul Epic and The Celebrity Café have teamed up to offer a contest and they are giving away copies of Paul Epic’s album, South of Heaven, North of Hell to 10 lucky fans. The contest is open to all residents of the US and Canada, and you can enter the contest once a day until the June 30th deadline. Check out the new Paul contest on TheCelebrityCafe: http://thecelebritycafe.com/contests/paul_epic.html

•04/24/09: Paul Epic Gives Online Guitar Lesson
Hey guys, Full Effect Records own Paul Epic recently sat down with Ultimate Guitar TV and recorded an online guitar lesson for your viewing pleasure. Be sure to check out the lesson with Paul on the front page of Ultimate Guitar TV’s website at: http://www.ultimate-guitar.tv or the direct link at: http://www.ultimate-guitar.tv/guitar_lessons/paul_epic_last_stop_on_a_long_fall_guitar_lesson_part_1.html

•04/22/09: ***Press release*** Stratovarius video p
STRATOVARIUS

Stratovarius is diving into the Deep Unknown

Helsinki, 21st April 2009 - Stratovarius and earMUSIC are proud to announce the world premiere of the video clip for "Deep Unknown" on Finnish TV4 Nelonen on Friday, April 24th at 00.15am (23.15 CET).

After the world premiere everyone can take a dive into the Deep Unknown with Stratovarius April, 24th on:

Check out a youtube video HERE

Check out another youtube video HERE

STRATOVARIUS Website

"Deep Unknown" was directed by Owe Lingvall for Village Road Film.

The new studio album "Polaris" is out mid May 2009.

See Stratovarius live during their world tour 2009/2010:

15.05.2009 Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton [UK]
16.05.2009 Rock City, Nottingham [UK]
17.05.2009 Cathouse, Glasgow [UK]
18.05.2009 Islington O2 Academy (aka Carling Academy), London [UK]
19.05.2009 Jilly's Rockworld, Manchester [UK]
20.05.2009 Button Factory, Dublin [IE]
22.05.2009 Wacken Rocks Aurich [DE]
23.05.2009 Wacken Rocks Kreuth [DE]
24.05.2009 Progresja, Warsaw [PL]
29.05.2009 CDK MAI Moscow [RU]
30.05.2009 Glavclub, St Petersburg [RU]
06.06.2009 Tulivuorirock, Lappajärvi [FI]
07.06.2009 Sauna Open Air, Tampere [FI]
13.06.2009 Myötätuulirock, Vantaa [FI]
18.06.2009 Himosfestival, Jämsä [FI]
19.06.2009 RMJ Partycamp, Pori [FI] 21.06.2009 Hellfest, Clisson [FR]
11.07.2009 Masters of Rock, Destillery Rudolf Jelinek Vizovice [CZ]
19.07.2009 Pro Rock Festival, Aerodrome "Chajka", Kiev [UA]
25.07.2009 Zwarte Cross Festival, Lichtenvoorde [NL]
16.09.2009 Nokia Theater, New York [US]

18.09.2009 Opera House, Toronta [CA]
19.09.2009 Imperial de Québec, Québec City [CA]
20.09.2009 Medley, Montreal [CA]
21.09.2009 Middle East, Boston [CA]
23.09.2009 Sonar, Baltimore [US]
24.09.2009 Peabody's, Cleveland [US]



25.09.2009 Pearl Room, Mokena [US]
27.09.2009 Garrick Centre, Winnipeg [CA]
28.09.2009 The Riddell at University, Regina [CA]
29.09.2009 Warehouse, Calgary [CA]
30.09.2009 Starlite Room, Edmonton [CA]
02.10.2009 Plaza Club, Vancouver [CA]
03.10.2009 Sugar, Victoria [CA]
04.10.2009 El Corazon, Seattle [US]
06.10.2009 The Grand Ballroom at the Regency, San Francisco [US]
07.10.2009 Key Club, Los Angeles [US]



to be continued ...

Stratovarius line-up:
Timo Kotipelto – vocals
Matias Kupiainen – guitars
Lauri Porra – bass
Joerg Michael – drums
Jens Johansson - keyboards

•04/22/09: DAATH'S New Album now available!!
DAATH’S New Album, “Concealers” hit stores just yesterday via Century Media Records.

To buy the album you can hit up Century Media’s website, or just follow the direct link below! Check it out HERE!

•04/20/09: ISIS News!!
ISIS, the Los Angeles by way of Boston quintet, will release their fifth full-length album, Wavering Radiant, on May 5 via Ipecac Recordings.

The album, recorded over the late Summer and Fall of 2008 in Los Angeles, is produced by Joe Barresi (Queens Of The Stone Age, Melvins) and will also see a vinyl release on Apr. 21.

Aaron Turner recently discussed the new album with Billboard, saying "This is a better sonic representation of what the band actually sounds like. In the past I think some of the recordings were a little too clean in their final form. There was something about the energy that seemed to be lacking. It seems to feel more like us than anything else has."

"I feel a sense of completion with this record that I've never felt before.” Aaron Harris adds. “We spent more time creating this record than we have with any other, and I feel in my heart that this record is in many ways our best."

The track listing for Wavering Radiant is:

Hall Of The Dead
Ghost Key
Hand Of The Host
Wavering Radiant
Stone To Wake A Serpent
20 Minutes / 40 Years
Threshold of Transformation

ISIS is currently planning extensive worldwide touring behind Wavering Radiant with more details to be announced shortly.

•04/20/09: NEW ENGLAND METAL AND HARDCORE FESTIVAL:
From our friends at Blabbermouth

ReturnToThePit.com has posted photos from the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, which took place April 17-18 at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Friday, April 17 (photos):.

AFTER THE BURIAL (111 pics)
AGGRESSIVE DOGS (147 pics)
ALL THAT REMAINS (181 pics)
ARCHITECT (119 pics)
AUGUST BURNS RED (165 pics)
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME (156 pics)
BISON B.C. (57 pics)
BURNING HUMAN (75 pics)
CATTLE DECAPITATION (147 pics)
COLISEUM (75 pics)
CONQUEROR (54 pics)
DECREPIT BIRTH (84 pics)
HALFHEARTED COMEBACK (45 pics)
KATAKLYSM (86 pics)
LEFT TO VANISH (76 pics)
MERAUDER (70 pics)
MORDISK (1 pics)
NAPALM DEATH (205 pics)
PICTURES OF WINTER (43 pics)
PSYCROPTIC (64 pics)
PSYOPUS (151 pics)
ROSE FUNERAL (71 pics)
SHROUD OF BEREAVEMENT (59 pics)
SUFFOCATION (168 pics)
SYLOSIS (91 pics)
THE ACACIA STRAIN (107 pics)
THE DESTRO (92 pics)
THE HAUNTED (102 pics)
THE MILES BETWEEN (106 pics)
TOXIC HOLOCAUST (80 pics)
TRAP THEM (89 pics)
UNDER LYING TRUTH (6 pics)
VEIL OF MAYA (85 pics)
WE WERE GENTLEMEN (55 pics)
WHEN THE DEAD BLOT BREAKS (37 pics)
WHITECHAPEL (108 pics)
WITHERED (92 pics)
WITHIN THE RUINS (66 pics)
WOE OF TYRANTS (81 pics)
XTHE WARX (56 pics)

Saturday, April 18 (photos):.

ABACABB (79 pics)
ACARO (76 pics)
ALL SHALL PERISH (115 pics)
AS I LAY DYING (203 pics)
AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE (207 pics)
AUTUMN BLACK (66 pics)
BLACK TEETH (2 pics)
BOOK OF BLACK EARTH (81 pics)
BROADCAST THE NIGHTMARE (58 pics)
CATALEPSY (105 pics)
CENTURY (76 pics)
CHILDREN OF BODOM (82 pics)
COLD WORLD (111 pics)
CONDUCTING THE GRAVE (61 pics)
CRUEL HAND (161 pics)
DEAD SWANS (93 pics)
DEFEATER (156 pics)
EMMURE (99 pics)
ENERGY (87 pics)
FOR TODAY (45 pics)
GOD FORBID (110 pics)
HALFHEARTED COMEBACK (36 pics)
HAVE HEART (200 pics)
IWRESTLEDABEARONCE (202 pics)
LAMB OF GOD (261 pics)
LANDMINE MARATHON (89 pics)
MUNICIPAL WASTE (259 pics)
OCEANO (88 pics)
SHIPWRECK (94 pics)
SOLDIERS (90 pics)
STRAY FROM THE PATH (85 pics)
SUICIDE SILENCE (99 pics)
TERROR (97 pics)
THE CARRIER (177 pics)
THE CRIMSON ARMADA (97 pics)
THE GHOST INSIDE (93 pics)
THIS IS HELL (135 pics)
THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE (88 pics)
THY WILL BE DONE (133 pics)
TRAPPED UNDER ICE (106 pics)
UNHOLY (50 pics)
WINDS OF PLAGUE (136 pics)

•04/15/09: HATEBREED News
From our friends at THE PRP

Hatebreed have released their cover of Sick Of It All's "Shut Me Out" on iTunes. In addition, the band posted a new ecard for their upcoming covers album "For The Lions" onlineHERE.. "For The Lions" will see a May 05th release date through E1 Music.

•04/15/09: CHIMAIRA bonus DVD teaser
From our friends at THE PRP

Chimaira have posted a teaser for the bonus DVD featured in the limited edition CD/DVD configuration of their upcoming new album "The Infection" online HERE. . The album will arrive in stores in a variety of formats on April 21st via Ferret Music.

•04/14/09: Guillotine Confirm Eldfesten Festival
Swedish Thrash Metallers GUILLOTINE has been confirmed to appear in this year's edition of Eldfesten Festival 2009 , set to take place on 15th and 16th of May 2009 at Ögir in Köping , Sweden .




The bands that are set to appear are as follows:

BLODSRIT
DEMONICAL
FACEBREAKER
GODPHOBIA
GUILLOTINE
MEMORY GARDEN
REMASCULATE
THE LAW
TORTURE KILLER




Please visit the official Eldfesten Festival Myspace for more information and details.

•04/13/09: Whiplash To Hold Album Listening Party I
Right after the mixing and mastering of the new album "Unborn Again" with producer / engineer extraordinaire Harris Johns ( Sodom, Sepultura, Helloween, etc ), legendary New Jersey Thrashers WHIPLASH will unleashed their brand new album for the very first time at a listening party in Berlin , Germany . The event will be held at the infamous Brutz & Brakel Pub located at Friedrichshain , Berlin on 17th and 18th April 2009. For more information, please visit the Brutz & Brakel Official Myspace page. WHIPLASH Official MyspaceWHIPLASH Official Myspace

•04/08/09: HEAVEN & HELL: Interview Clips From 'The
From our friends at Blabbermouth

The Best Buy-exclusive version of "The Devil You Know", the debut album from HEAVEN & HELL — the band featuring BLACK SABBATH members Tony Iommi (guitar), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) — will be available as a CD+DVD featuring a bonus disc containing 22 minutes of studio performances, interviews about making the new album, and other behind-the-scenes content.

A couple of clips from the interview portion of the DVD can be viewed by following these links:

Amazon.com
RollingStone.com

One of the clips can also be viewed below.

For more information, visit www.bestbuy.com

"The Devil You Know", featuring 10 soon-to-be-classic tracks from the Dio-fronted version of BLACK SABBATH, arrives in North America on April 28 from Rhino for a suggested list price of $18.98 (physical) and $9.99 (digital).

Roadrunner Records this week announced the signing of HEAVEN & HELL for the territories of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South America.

HEAVEN & HELL's new single, "Bible Black", begins with Tony Iommi on acoustic guitar behind Dio's plaintive wail before the rhythm shifts to a menacing stomp for the rest of this dark tale about a book of sinister scriptures. One of the first songs written for the album, Dio says it established a tone for the rest of the LP. "When you start off with a blockbuster like that, it makes the rest of the album so much easier because it gives you a benchmark to measure the other songs against."

"The Devil You Know" track listing:

01. Atom And Evil
02. Fear
03. Bible Black
04. Double The Pain
05. Rock And Roll Angel
06. The Turn Of The Screw
07. Eating The Cannibals
08. Follow The Tears
09. Neverwhere
10. Breaking Into Heaven

HEAVEN & HELL will be IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson's guest on Friday, May 1 during Bruce's weekly BBC 6 Music radio program, dubbed "The Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show". Listen to the broadcast live via the Internet between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (midnight) U.K. time at BBC.co.uk.

•04/08/09: CHIAMIRA's album available for preview
From our friends at The PRP

Chimaira's upcoming new album "The Infection" can be previewed online HERE. The effort will see an April 21st release date via Ferret Music.

•04/06/09: Psychostick Announces Tour
PSYCHOSTICK ANNOUNCES THE SANDWICH CD RELEASE PARTY TOUR NEW ALBUM OUT MAY 5 Heavy metal jesters PSYCHOSTICK have announced their first string of upcoming tour dates to support the release of their latest album, Sandwich, which streets May 5 on Rock Ridge Music. The tour kicks off with support dates on the Jagermeister Music Tour (also featuring Pennywise, Pepper, and Authority Zero), with headlining dates starting on Tuesday, May 5. Guitarist Jake McReynolds commented on the upcoming tour: “The Sandwich CD Release Party Tour is going to be an EPIC journey across this great country, leaving in its wake a new breed of metal fan. I am looking forward to this tour, because I am really proud of the new songs. We will definitely play the favorites from the first record, but this tour is about the new songs. It's about the new PSYCHOSTICK.” “My band is stupid and they're making me tour,” adds vocalist Rob ‘Rawrb’ Kersey. “What is it with these jerks? All I know is that this time around we're going to surgically rock faces directly off of all cranial cavities that are within a 50 mile radius of any and all shows put on by PSYCHOSTICK. Then we can sell the slightly used faces on the black market to buy video games. That's why we're here, right? Video games? No, it was for food. But why just food? We can eat food and play video games at the same time! Genius!” Sandwich is the full-length follow-up to 2006’s We Couldn’t Think Of A Title. The album, a 24-track opus to food, email spam, bad directions, revenge, and more food, was recorded by guitarist Josh Key at Toxic Recording in Gilbert, Arizona, and features new members Jake McReynolds on second guitar and former Indorphine vocalist Jimmy Grant on bass. Rounding out the band roster are Alex Preiss (drums), and Rob Kersey (vocals). In addition to the tour, PSYCHOSTICK also recently announced the “Beat Our Meat” contest (http://www.psychostick.com/beatourmeat), where fans are encouraged to create their own one-of-a-kind “epic metal sandwich,” and videotape themselves eating it. Five sandwich creations will be selected to win a Psychostick Sandwich gift package, including a signed album, a $25 Subway gift card, and more. Entries are being accepted until Sunday, April 19th at 11:59 p.m. eastern time. See below for all upcoming PSYCHOSTICK tour dates. More to be added! PSYCHOSTICK on The Sandwich CD Release Party Tour: 4/18 – Kansas City, MO – Beaumont Club (Jagermeister date) 4/19 – Sauget, IL – Pop’s (Jagermeister date) 4/20 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note (Jagermeister date) 5/5 - Sioux Falls, SD - Nutty's North 5/8 - Wichita, KS – Lizard’s Lounge 5/9 – Omaha, NE – Club Roxbury 5/10 – Lincoln, NE – Box Awesome 5/14 – Aurora, CO – Iliff Park Saloon 5/15 - Cheyenne, WY - Old Community House 5/16 - Salt Lake City, UT - Club Vegas 5/19 – Idaho Falls, ID – Peppertree Lounge 5/20 - Billings, MT - F.O.E. 5/21 - Missoula, MT - The Other Side 5/22 - Spokane, WA - The Blvd 5/23 - Seattle, WA - Central Saloon 5/25 - Bend, OR - Players Bar and Grill 5/26 – Salem, OR – The Space 5/28 - Redding, CA - The Sports Bar (sponsored by KRRX) 5/30 – Hayward, CA – Dreamland Community Center 6/6 – Los Angeles, CA - The Panic Room 6/19 – Maplewood, MN – The Rock Nightclub 6/20 – Starbuck, MN – The Doom Room (UDDERFEST) 6/21 - Burnsville, MN - The Garage 6/23 – Brainerd, MN – The Medium 6/27 – East Moline, IL – Racer’s Edge 6/28 – Madison, WI – The Annex 6/29 – Bloomington, IL – Coconut Louie’s 7/6 – Lyons, IN – Amped-Up 7/8 - Indianapolis, IN - Krazy St. Grille 7/10 – Louisville, KY – Phoenix Hill Tavern 7/11 - Sandusky, OH - The Underground 8/3 - Dover, NH - Brick House 8/29 – Winter Park, FL – The Haven 9/18 – El Paso, TX – Chic’s www.psychostick.com www.myspace.com/psychostick www.youtube.com/robofpsychostick

•04/06/09: WHIPLASH in the Recording Studio
>>> WHIPLASH Tracking "Unborn Again" At Mozart Studio, Photos Available <<<

Legendary New Jersey Thrashers WHIPLASH have completed tracking the much anticipated new album "Unborn Again" at Mozart Studio and here are some of the pictures taken during the recording process:













WHIPLASH will proceed to Berlin, Germany at Harris John's Spiderhouse Studio for the finalised mixing and mastering, which will take place on 13th April 2009.

WHIPLASH MYSPACE

PULVERISED RECORDS Official Website

PULVERISED RECORDS Official Myspace

PULVERISED RECORDS Official Ultimate Metal Forum

•04/06/09: OCEANO's new video!
From our friends at The PRP

Oceano's new video for their track "District Of Misery" has been posted online HERE.. The groups new album "Depths" will see an April 07th release date through Earache.

•04/06/09: MASTODON performing on Letterman!!
From our friends at The PRP

Mastodon have confirmed a May 15th live performance on "The Late Show With David Letterman". In other news, the group will be releasing both standard and limited edition vinyl versions of their latest album "Crack The Skye" on May 05th

•04/03/09: OCEANO - "DISTRICT OF MISERY" VIDEO WORL
OCEANO - "DISTRICT OF MISERY" VIDEO WORLD PREMIERES ON HEADBANGERS BLOG AND HEADBANGERS BALL

MTV2's Headbangers Blog and Headbangers Ball present the world premiere exclusive online and television debuts of OCEANO's "District of Misery" video. The Chicago deathcore band's brooding first video will make its television premiere tomorrow night exclusively on MTV2's Headbangers Ball (check your local listings) where it will be the first one played at the beginning of the hour. However you can watch the video NOW, exclusively at Headbangers Blog. Watch the video at http://headbangersblog.mtv.com/2009/04/03/video-premiere-oceano-enter-district-of-misery/, then spread it to your friends by using the site's embedded player.

Shot last month in Los Angeles, CA, "District of Misery" was directed by Patrick Guera (DIFFICULT HENRY, HARD ECHO) and produced by Brian Thompson at The Vault LA (MUNICIPAL WASTE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, AS I LAY DYING), the video was shot in a converted LA warehouse and will see OCEANO playing the song alongside a twisted photographic interpretation of each lyrical line as it is growled.

In the April 4th edition of Billboard magazine, OCEANO was featured in the "Happening Now" section devoted to artists on the rise. In the sizable piece, Billboard writer Christa Titus explored the circumstances surrounding OCEANO becoming one of the most hotly buzzed young metal bands today. The feature also includes quotes from OCEANO guitarist, Andrew Mikhail and EARACHE U.S. Label Manager, Al Dawson who go beyond the hype and prove that beneath the angry exterior lies a hard working and extremely talented band who've earned every bit of buzz that has followed them. You can also read the feature in full here: http://earache.com/archive/oceano/Billboard_Apr409_HappeningNow.jpg

OCEANO's official MySpace page was recently relaunched with a brand new design, brand new videos, links, photos and more. See it for yourself at http://www.myspace.com/xoceano

Due to be released on April 7th, the limited edition version of OCEANO's debut album, DEPTHS features 13 of the heaviest, chunkiest cuts of no holds barred metal you'll ever hear, plus 2 exclusive bonus tracks and the "Into The Depths" DVD which includes a look into the lives of OCEANO both in and out of the studio.

View the trailer for the "Into the Depths" bonus DVD here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZw4jgxvApA

Pre-order the album, along with exclusive t-shirts, hoodies and more from the EARACHE U.S. WEBSTORE: http://earache.com/uswebstore/index.php/cPath/667_672_698 . You can also pre-order DEPTHS from Best Buy (http://tinyurl.com/ c9brcf), Amazon.com (http://tinyurl.com/d9zkxq) and other good music outlets.

View the tv ad for DEPTHS at http://pop.youtube.com/watch?v=mavxGQLH1fY

OCEANO will be 'bringin' the beef' at these upcoming dates:

w/ENDWELL & THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE

Apr 3 2009
Jacksonville USO
jacksonville, North Carolina

Apr 4 2009
Plan B
danville, Virginia

Apr 5 2009
Mojo 13
wilmington, Delaware

Apr 6 2009
The Refuge
fredericksburg, Virginia

Apr 7 2009
Mt. Airy Fire Club
mt. airy, Maryland

Apr 8 2009
Club Octane
charleroi, Pennsylvania

Apr 10
Static Age
romeo, Michigan

w/ EMMURE, TERROR, WINDS OF PLAGUE, AND MORE

Apr 11 2009
The Pearl Room
ATTICUS FEST
mokena, Illinois

w/ BURNING THE MASSES, CONDUCTING FROM THE GRAVE, & DISKREET

Apr 17 2009
The Haunt
yonkers, New York

Apr 18 2009
Worcester Palladium
New England Metal & Hardcore Festival
worcester, Massachusetts

Apr 20 2009
The Waterfront
holyoke, Massachusetts

Apr 22 2009
Baricheart Center
Pulaski, Virginia

Apr 23 2009
Yesterday’s
wheeling, West Virginia

Apr 24 2009
Bulldog Cafe
louisville, Kentucky

Apr 25 2009
Billiards Blue Room
springfield, Missouri

Apr 26 2009
The Max
plano, Texas

Apr 28
The 169
wichita falls, Texas

Apr 29 2009
The White Rabbit
san antonio, Texas

May 1 2009
The Compound
albuquerque, New Mexico

May 2 2009
The Harvest
glendale, Arizona

May 3 2009
Cobalt Caf
canoga park, California

May 4 2009
The Green Turtle
whittier, California

May 7 2009
The Rosedale Grange
roseburg, Oregon

May 9 2009
Ball Brothers Venue
pocatello, Idaho

May 10 2009
The Rock Hall
fort washakie, Wyoming

May 12 2009
Eagle’s Lodge
witchita, Kansas

May 17 2009
Mojoe’s Rockhouse
Tinley Park, Illinois

May 23 2009
Hartland Performing Center
BLED FEST 2009
howell, Michigan

w/ XLIFERUINERX, SALT THE WOUND, AND MORE

May 24 2009
Blacksheep Cafe
springfield, Illinois

•04/03/09: Absu advanced ticket promo!
Absu is touring the US for the first time in nearly 8 years and to celebrate Enterthevault.com and Candlelight Records are teaming up to offer all those that purchase tickets in advance an exclusive fully-autographed 18x24 Absu poster plus a $2 credit at Candlelight’s official webstore to be redeemed towards the purchase of Absu’s self-titled new album or albums from Glorior Belli and Sothis who will also be performing on the upcoming tour. Terrorizer Magazine calls Absu, “a sound incarnate of a band making the underground amazing again… an undeniable masterpiece.” KNAC.com adds, “a captivating album that weaves together black metal, death metal, prog and Sumerian legend into one awe-inspiring package.” MetalSucks.net also notes, “the crux of Absu is a ridiculously tight band playing perhaps their best songs ever.”

All you need to do is visit www.enterthevault.com and order your tickets as normal. Once you complete your transaction forward your confirmation email to orders@candlelightrecordsusa.com. You will receive a follow up email confirming your poster and $2 credit.

The tour kicking off June 6 will visit 22 cities before its end in Dallas on June 29. Candlelight is proud to have on board to promote the tour Decibel Magazine (www.decibelmagazine.com), Metalsucks.net, Coffin Case (www.coffincase.com) and SilverFox Sticks (www.silverfoxpercussion.com).

Deadline to participate in this promotion is June 1.

•04/03/09: QUEENSRYCHE IS XBOX ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Xbox Live Marketplace Is Exclusive Retailer For "If I Were King" Video

New Album American Soldier Now Available From Atco/Rhino; U.S. Tour To Begin April 16 In Seattle

LOS ANGELES -- Queensrÿche has been selected as "Xbox Artist Of The Month" for April to coincide with the release of their new album American Soldier. Starting today, the Xbox LIVE Marketplace will be the exclusive retailer for the band's new video "If I Were King." Xbox LIVE users can now purchase the video for a cost of 160 Microsoft points. Xbox LIVE users can also watch an exclusive free video clip of the recording session of "Sliver" featuring lead singer Geoff Tate and guest vocalist and soldier A.J. Fratto.

On April 13, just days before the kickoff of the American Soldier Tour, Tate and guitarist Michael Wilton will take part in a Xbox "Game With Fame," where Xbox LIVE users can play against the band members. Tate will be taking on competitors in "NASCAR 09" and Wilton will be squaring off against users on "Halo 3." The Queensrÿche "Game With Fame" will take place on April 13 between 1:00-3:00 PM PT. Visit www.xbox.com/gwfqueensryche for more details.

American Soldier features a dozen songs inspired by numerous interviews with veterans conducted by Tate, who was intent on telling their story using their words. After speaking with soldiers who served in various conflicts
Queensrÿche will launch an extensive tour of the U.S. on April 16 at the Snoqualmie Casino outside of the band's hometown of Seattle. The shows will be presented in three suites, with the band performing sets from American Soldier, Rage For Order, and Empire.

•04/03/09: Psychostick Reaches 100k Sales Mark
PSYCHOSTICK REACHES 100K SALES MARK Sandwich-Making Contest Launched For Fans To Win Signed Album And More This week, the humor core band Psychostick has officially scanned over 100,000 digital tracks for selections from their debut album, “We Couldn’t Think Of A Title.” 76,000 of those downloads were for their hit song, “Beer.” The band is releasing their new album, “Sandwich,” on May 5, 2009, and as part of the lead up to the street date, the band has launched their “Beat Our Meat” contest (http://www.psychostick.com/beatourmeat). Fans are encourage to create their own one-of-a-kind “epic metal sandwich,” videotape themselves eating it, and five sandwich creations will be selected to win a Psychostick Sandwich gift package, including a signed album, a $25 Subway gift card, and more. Entries are being accepted until Sunday, April 19th at 11:59 p.m. eastern time. The band continues to climb the radio charts, moving up to #15 on the FMQB Metal Detector Chart, #14 on the CMJ Loud Rock Chart, #21 on the CMJ Loud Rock Select Albums Chart, #40 on the CMJ Loud Rock Select Singles Chart (for “Passive Vengeance”), and #25 on the Mediaguide Metal Specialty Chart. “Sandwich” is the full-length follow-up to 2006’s “We Couldn’t Think Of A Title.” The album, a 24-track opus to food, email spam, bad directions, revenge, and more food, was recorded by guitarist Josh Key at Toxic Recording in Gilbert, Arizona, and features new members Jake McReynolds on second guitar and former Indorphine vocalist Jimmy Grant on bass. Rounding out the band roster are Alex Preiss (drums), and Rob Kersey (vocals). Some fast facts in the Psychostick artist development story: - The band signed with Rock Ridge Music in May 2006 and re-released “We Couldn’t Think Of A Title” in September 2006. It reached #4 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Their single, “Beer” became a #1 single on XM Radio's Liquid Metal show for seven weeks. Radio chart-wise, Psychostick climbed the Mediabase "Mainstream Rock" chart to #37 and the "Active" chart to #44. They were the only new, independent band on the charts at the time. - With the help of RRM’s radio department, the song “Beer” was added to many radio stations in 2006 – KCAL (Riverside) sparked the terrestrial radio onslaught, with WIIL (Chicago), WYSP (Philly), WRIF (Detroit), WIYY (Baltimore), KQRC (Kansas City), and KXXR in Minneapolis showing it a lot of love and spins. Radio street level promotions followed: in 2007, WAAF in Boston had the band play on a parade float for the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, with the band playing “Beer” repeatedly while the float cruised the streets of Boston. - In Fall 2007, the band released a holiday EP, “Flesheating Rollerskate Holiday Joyride.” The 26-minute EP was received to great press reviews. Touring in support of the holiday EP, Psychostick hit the road in December 2007 on the first annual Holiday Hate Tour (the second annual tour was completed in December 2008). - Psychostick was on the road through much of 2008, playing over 300 shows, with some actual “named” tours accounting for a chunk of those dates: their Holy Crap We’re Touring Tour lasted through February and March, and their six-week Terrible Shirt Tour (which kicked off in May of 2008), encouraged fans to wear their worst shirts to shows. (This tour also marked the debut of Psychostick as an official Jagermeister band). - In September of 2008, financed with the donations by fans, the band went into the studio to begin work on “Sandwich.” (All of the fans who donated – 373 total – were thanked in a song on the album, “373 Thank Yous” – which has a run time of 14:19.) - In December 2008, Psychostick celebrated their 4,000,000th song play on MySpace. The band ranks #3 on the site’s independent comedy charts. - In March 2009, fans had “The Birthening” to nosh on – their first-ever DVD is filled with live and off-stage footage from 2006 through 2008. www.psychostick.com www.myspace.com/psychostick www.youtube.com/robofpsychostick

•04/01/09: KATAKLYSM tour dates!
KATAKLYSM embark on a Campaign for Musical Destruction !



KATAKLYSM
w/ NAPALM DEATH, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, COLISEUM, TRAP THEM

04/10/09 Crocodile Rock Café - Allentown, PA

04/11/09 Gramercy Theatre - New York, NY

04/12/09 Jaxx - Springfield, VA

04/13/09 The Madhatter - Cincinnati, OH

04/14/09 Majestic Theatre – Detroit, MI

04/15/09 Serbian Center - Sudbury, ON - CANADA

04/17/09 The Palladium - Worcester, MA ç NEW ENGLAND METALFEST

04/18/09 Lost Horizon - Syracuse, NY

04/19/09 Starland Ballroom - Sayreville, NJ

04/20/09 Peppermint Beach Club - Virginia Beach, VA

04/21/09 The Soapbox - Wilmington, NC

04/22/09 Ground Zero - Spartanburg, SC

04/23/09 The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA

04/24/09 Volume 11 - Raleigh, NC

04/26/09 Emo's - Austin, TX

04/27/09 Meridian - Houston, TX

04/28/09 White Rabbit - San Antonio, TX

04/29/09 Ridglea Theatre - Ft. Worth, TX

04/30/09 Sunshine Theatre - Albuquerque, NM

05/01/09 The Clubhouse - Tempe, AZ

05/02/09 SOMA - San Diego, CA

05/03/09 The Key Club - Hollywood, CA

05/04/09 The Grand Ballroom - San Francisco, CA

05/05/09 Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR

05/06/09 Studio Seven - Seattle, WA

05/08/09 The Black Sheep - Colorado Springs, CO

05/09/09 Marquis Theatre - Denver, CO

05/10/09 Tequila Jungle - Lubbock, TX

05/11/09 Marquee - Tulsa, OK

05/12/09 Fubar - St. Louis, MO

05/13/09 House of Blues - Chicago, IL

05/14/09 Peabody's - Cleveland, OH

05/15/09 The Opera House - Toronto, ON - CANADA

05/16/09 Babylon - Ottawa, ON – CANADA

•04/01/09: MASTODON #11 on Billboard Charts!
From our friends at Blabbermouth

MASTODON's new album, "Crack The Skye", sold 41,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 11 on The Billboard 200 chart.

MASTODON's 2006 CD, "Blood Mountain", came in with just over 24,000 units — significantly more than the 8,000 first-week tally registered by its predecessor, 2004's "Leviathan" — which put it at No. 32.

MASTODON will embark on a spring U.S. headlining tour in support of "Crack The Skye". The band will perform the album in its entirety along with career-spanning surprises and plenty of visual stimulus in store. This first tour behind the groundbreaking new album will sweep across the U.S. and Canada, playing to smaller theaters and clubs to insure a maximum and up-close intimate environment in which to be exposed to brand new songs and old favorites for MASTODON fans. Support on the trek will come from KYLESA and INTRONAUT.

MASTODON bassist Bill Kelliher told Billboard.com about the band's decision to play the new CD in its entirety, "there's something about ["Crack The Skye"] where it would be weird to leave a song out. We'll incorporate a whole stage show, which will hopefully make it even more exciting for kids to come see and more visually stimulating." The band is also hoping to make a short movie from all the songs, which Kelliher hopes will be MASTODON's version of "The Wall".

•04/01/09: QUEENSRYCHE military jump the line info!
This is being set up in as many general admission venues as possible. In celebration of Queensrÿche’s AMERICAN SOLDIER, all of those in possession of a ticket and a current military photo I.D. plus a guest will be able to go to the front of the line at participating shows on the upcoming Queensryche tour.

This list will be updated.

Portland OR Doors will open at 7:00pm and guests with Military ID will need to be present at the Roseland Theater at 6:45pm in order to get to the front of the line.

Sayerville NJ Doors will open at 7:00pm and guests with Military ID will need to be present at the Starland Ballroom at 6:30pm in order to get to the front of the line.

Las Vegas Doors will open at 7:30pm and the guests with Military ID will need to be present at the House of Blues at 7:00 in order to get to the front of the line.

Mt. Clemens, Michigan Doors will open at 7:00pm and guests with Military ID will need to line up at the theater entrance at the Emerald Theatre at 6:45 in order to get to the front of the line.

Atlantic City, NJ Doors will be at 8:00pm and guests with Military ID can line up at the VIP line which is almost always formed to the right when facing the Music Hall entrance. Watch the signs and be there by 7:45pm time to enter first

Fayetteville AR Doors will be at 6:00pm and guests with Military ID will need to be present at the Arkansas Music Pavilion at 5:30pm in order to get to the front of the line.

Cleveland OH Doors will be at 7:00pm and guests with military ID will have a separate line. They should approach the host stand in the restaurant for instructions upon arrival by or before 6:30pm. They will get in around 6:45pm.

•04/01/09: QUEENSRYCHE military jump the line info!
This is being set up in as many general admission venues as possible.

In celebration of Queensrÿche’s AMERICAN SOLDIER, all of those in possession of a ticket and a current military photo I.D. plus a guest will be able to go to the front of the line at participating shows on the upcoming Queensryche tour.

This list will be updated.

Portland OR Doors will open at 7:00pm and guests with Military ID will need to be present at the Roseland Theater at 6:45pm in order to get to the front of the line.

Sayerville NJ Doors will open at 7:00pm and guests with Military ID will need to be present at the Starland Ballroom at 6:30pm in order to get to the front of the line.

Las Vegas Doors will open at 7:30pm and the guests with Military ID will need to be present at the House of Blues at 7:00 in order to get to the front of the line.

Mt. Clemens, Michigan Doors will open at 7:00pm and guests with Military ID will need to line up at the theater entrance at the Emerald Theatre at 6:45 in order to get to the front of the line.

Atlantic City, NJ Doors will be at 8:00pm and guests with Military ID can line up at the VIP line which is almost always formed to the right when facing the Music Hall entrance. Watch the signs and be there by 7:45pm time to enter first

Fayetteville AR Doors will be at 6:00pm and guests with Military ID will need to be present at the Arkansas Music Pavilion at 5:30pm in order to get to the front of the line.

Cleveland OH Doors will be at 7:00pm and guests with military ID will have a separate line. They should approach the host stand in the restaurant for instructions upon arrival by or before 6:30pm. They will get in around 6:45pm.

•04/01/09: Hatebreed Set To Release 5 Singles
HATEBREED SET TO RELEASE 5 CONSECUTIVE DIGITAL SINGLES FROM FORTHCOMING NEW COVERS ALBUM FOR THE LIONS 1ST SINGLE “THIRSTY & MISERABLE” AVAILABLE NOW ON iTUNES BAND TO PERFORM AT FIRST ANNUAL EPIPHONE REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS IN LOS ANGELES ON APRIL 7TH (New York, NY) — Beginning today, hardcore-metal leaders HATEBREED will roll-out 5 consecutive digital singles on iTunes from their forthcoming new covers album, FOR THE LIONS leading up to the album’s May 5th release date. The first single, the band’s bludgeoning take on “Thirsty & Miserable” (from Black Flag) is now available for purchase. Click here for more: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=309184941&s=143441 Each digital track purchased will count toward iTunes' "complete my album" initiative. The more you buy, the less you pay for the full album on 5/5/09. The other forthcoming digital singles from FOR THE LIONS will be available on iTunes as follows: 4/7 - "Suicidal Maniac” (Suicidal Tendencies) 4/14 - "Shut Me Out” (Sick Of It All) 4/21 - "Ghosts of War” (Slayer) 4/28 - "Escape" (Metallica) The band weighs in on the FOR THE LIONS “complete my album” plan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4BIQYeYwNc HATEBREED also recently completed a video for Slayer’s South of Heaven classic, "Ghosts of War.” Directed by LIVE DOMINANCE director, Kevin Custer, the video is the first to feature return of guitar player Wayne Lozinak. For a taste of the new video, please click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPMPcDpBXxc FOR THE LIONS, to be released on E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records), is the follow-up to the band’s #1 Billboard charting DVD, LIVE DOMINANCE (released September of 2008) which left fans “Picking their teeth up off the floor” and “sounding immense” according to Outburn. Additionally, Hatebreed will perform at the first annual EPIPHONE REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS, alongside acts Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, All That Remains and Suicide Silence. The Awards show will take place on Tuesday, April 7 at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles and be broadcast on MTV2 as a one-hour special debuting Saturday, May 2. Jasta will also present the highly anticipated Monster Energy Riff of the Year Award at the event, an honor to be given to the most crushing riff in metal! For more on HATEBREED, please visit www.myspace.com/hatebreed or www.hatebreed.com.

•03/25/09: WHIPLASH Completes Tracking For 'Unborn
>>> WHIPLASH Completes Tracking For 'Unborn Again' <<<

Reunited New Jersey Thrashers WHIPLASH have completed tracking the much anticipated "Unborn Again" full-length album at Mozart Studio with world-renowned engineer / producer Harris Johns (Sodom, Kreator, Helloween, Sepultura, etc) and are set to fly to Berlin on 13th April 2009 where the mixing and mastering process will take place at Spiderhouse Studio.

The album artwork and final tracklisting will be announced in a short while.



WHIPLASH is:

Tony Portaro - Guitar / Vocals
Joe Cangelosi (ex-KREATOR) - Drums
Rich Day Bass (ex-PRIMAL SCREAM) - Bass

Official Whiplash Myspace

>>> WHIPLASH Confirms For Jalometalli Metal Music Festival 2009! <<<

In other news, WHIPLASH has been confirmed for this year's Jalometalli Metal music festival, set to take place August 14-15, 2009 at Club Teatria in Oulu, Finland.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

AGENT STEEL
ALGHAZANTH
ARTILLERY
ASPHYX
ATHEIST
BURNING POINT
DEATHCHAIN
ELECTRIC WIZARD
HAIL OF BULLETS
NIFELHEIM
PARADOX
RAGE
SÓLSTAFIR
SPIRITUS MORTIS
STORMWARRIOR
VOIVOD
WHIPLASH



Please visit Jalometalli Metal Music Festival Official website for more information and further details.

PULVERISED RECORDS Official Website:

HERE

PULVERISED RECORDS Official Myspace:

HERE

PULVERISED RECORDS Official Ultimate Metal Forum:

HERE

•03/25/09: QUEENSRŸCHE: Entire New Album Available
From our friends at Blabbermouth

QUEENSRŸCHE's twelfth studio release, the epic concept album "American Soldier", is available for streaming in its entirety at VH1.com.

"American Soldier" track listing

01. Sliver
02. Unafraid
03. Hundred Mile Stare
04. At 30,000 Ft.
05. A Dead Man's Words
06. The Killer
07. Middle Of Hell
08. If I Were King
09. Man Down!
10. Remember Me
11. Home Again
12. The Voice

"American Soldier" will be available from Atco/Rhino on March 31 for a suggested list price of $18.98 (CD) and $9.99 (digital). The ambitious album encompasses a dozen songs inspired by numerous interviews with veterans conducted by Geoff Tate, the group's singer and chief songwriter, who was intent on telling their story using their words. After speaking with soldiers who served in various conflicts — from World War II to Iraq — Tate turned their firsthand experiences from the frontlines into an unflinching musical examination of the life of a solider and the consequences of war.

Parker Lundgren, a member of QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate's solo band, has officially joined QUEENSRŸCHE as the group's new touring guitarist.

Lundgren, who is apparently engaged to Tate's daughter Miranda, played several shows with the QUEENSRŸCHE frontman last September and joined Tate and QUEENSRŸCHE guitarist Michael Wilton for a rare all-acoustic set at KISW's annual Holiday Hangover Ball on December 12, 2008 at Showbox SoDo in Seattle, Washington.

According to The Breakdown Room, AnybodyListening.net's QUEENSRŸCHE discussion forum, the band has lined up an acoustic performance for its hometown Seattle fans on Saturday, April 4.

The details are as follows:

Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. Silver Platters (Queen Anne) 701 5th Avenue North Seattle, Washington

•03/25/09: MASTODON Jamming With THIN LIZZY Guitari
From our friends at Blabbermouth

Atlanta-based hard rock behemoths MASTODON recently confirmed that they hope to be joined onstage at U.K.'s Sonisphere festival by THIN LIZZY guitarist Scott Gorham to play a live version of classic track "Emerald".

Rock Sound magazine has posted world-exclusive footage (see below) of MASTODON meeting Scott Gorham and playing "Emerald" live at the Gibson Studios in London.

The full report can be found in this month's issue of Rock Sound magazine as journalist Andrew Kelham documents history in the making.

In a recent interview with Thrash Hits, MASTODON guitarist Bill Kelliher stated about Scott Gorham, "He was one of the coolest fucking guys I've ever met — we just joked around and talked shit. Brent and I picked up acoustic guitars with Scott and we played 'The Emerald' together and it was great. He even gave me his email! We were talking about having him onstage to play with us at Knebworth and we'll play 'The Emerald'. We'll have three guitar solos from three different guitar players up there and we'll extend it. He seemed joyous about it."

The METALLICA-headlined inaugural Sonisphere festival is set to take place on August 1-2 at the legendary Knebworth Park, United Kingdom.

MASTODON's long-awaited new studio album, "Crack The Skye", was released yesterday (Tuesday, March 24).

The band will embark on a spring U.S. headlining tour in support of "Crack The Skye". The group will perform the album in its entirety along with career-spanning surprises and plenty of visual stimulus in store. This first tour behind the groundbreaking new album will sweep across the U.S. and Canada, playing to smaller theaters and clubs to insure a maximum and up-close intimate environment in which to be exposed to brand new songs and old favorites for MASTODON fans. Support on the trek will come from KYLESA and INTRONAUT.

•03/23/09: Management Updates!!
The Human Abstract

The Human Abstract will soon be finishing up their tour over in Europe and will be heading back to the US for a headline tour starting April 30th with Oh Sleeper, and IWRESTLEDABEARONCE. Check out their myspace for additional tour dates: myspace.com/thehumanabstract



IWRESTLEDABEARONCE

Don’t forget IWABO is now on tour in the US! Be sure to check out a tour date near you via their myspace: myspace.com/iwrestledabearonce



Woe of Tyrants

WOT will be on the ‘Young Guns Tour’ in the US starting May 3rd. To check out a tour date near you, hit up there myspace: myspace.com/wot



Thennnn they will be heading on tour with Salt the Wound for the 2009 ‘SUN FUN & CUNTour!’



DAATH

DAATH now has a promotional deal going on! This package includes a t-shirt and CD exclusive, and the first 250 get an autographed booklet! For more information you can hit up their myspace: myspace.com/daath or CMDISTRO



They are also going on tour starting in April with Cynic and Dragon Force! Check out their myspace for a tour date near you!

Telescreen

Did you hear??? Telescreen is doing a short run with Between the Buried and Me starting April 2nd!

For more information and to find out tour dates near you hit up their myspace: myspace.com/telescreen

Also, don’t forget to check out the social networking site created by some of guys from Telescreen: revivl.com

•03/23/09: SEPULTURA video posted
From our friends at The PRP

SEPULTURA have posted the final cut of their video for their track "We've Lost You" online HERE.

•03/20/09: New QUEENSRYCHE Video!
NEW QUEENSYRCHE VIDEO FOR IF I WERE KING TO MAKE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE AT MILITARY.COM ON MARCH 23

Site Will Also Premiere Exclusive Podcast Interview With Geoff Tate As Well As An Op-Ed Column Written By Tate

American Soldier Available March 31 From Atco/Rhino

LOS ANGELES -- The video for "If I Were King," the first single from Queensrÿche's highly anticipated new album AMERICAN SOLDIER, will receive is worldwide debut on Monday, March 23 at Noon ET on Military.com, home of the largest military and veteran membership organization. The military community site, 10 million members strong, will also feature a podcast interview with lead singer Geoff Tate as well as an op-ed column that he wrote exclusively for the site.

The video for "If I Were King" was directed by J. Andrew Colletti and Jonathan Williams and addresses the same themes of loss and healing that are the focus of the track. The song was written based on an interview Tate conducted with Sean Lenahan, a veteran of U.S. conflicts in Somalia and Kosovo.

"Military.com is the perfect place to premiere the 'If I Were King' video and we are proud to be involved with the site," says Tate. "I hope their members can find a connection to the song and video. The whole album is a tribute to the soldiers, told in their own words, sometimes using their own voices, and I hope it will spark discussion within this community."

AMERICAN SOLDIER features a dozen songs inspired by numerous interviews with veterans conducted by Tate, who was intent on telling their story using their words. After speaking with soldiers who served in various conflicts‹from World War II to Iraq‹Tate turned their firsthand experiences from the frontlines into an unflinching musical examination of war from the soldier's perspective.

•03/20/09: SEPULTURA adds new track
From our friends at The PRP

SEPULTURA have made their track "Ludwig Van" available online HERE. It comes from their latest outing, "A-Lex", which is available in stores now.

•03/18/09: Metal Blade announces “Young Guns” tour
This spring, fans will have the chance to witness several of Metal Blade’s youngest and brightest bands share the stage at venues across the US. The tour will include headliners, Psyopus, who are joined by DIY touring vets, Rose Funeral, critically acclaimed shred heavy newcomers, Woe of Tyrants, and Las Vegas’ latest and brutal offering to the world of extreme metal, Molotov Solution.

Metal Blade founder and CEO, Brian Slagel comments, “We are very excited to get our cool new bands all on the road together for a great price. We hope that everyone comes out to support the bands and check out the latest in metal.”

Psyopus’ latest masterpiece, Odd Senses, hit streets on February 17th and has blown away fans and critics alike - from the a.d.d. explosive tracks like The Burning Halo to the epic nearly classical track, A Murder to a Child. This band’s live performance literally has to been seen to be believed. Main man Chris Arp is excited to join up with these bands on the road, “We’re psyched to own stages across this country with these rocking kats. Metal in your face, zinch, zinch, zinch!” - Chris Arp, Psyopus

“…ODD SENSES, is a mind blowing journey into the psychotic realm of extreme metal music.” Fangoria.com

Rose Funeral’s sophomore release and Metal Blade debut, The Resting Sonata, offers an impressive slab of death metal that, when delivered live, causes audiences to erupt into violent mosh pits. Expect gang vocals and death metal delivered with precision. The band adds, “We are all stoked to be on tour with some of our Metal Blade family members. This will definitely be a tour full of surprises for everyone. Don't miss a show coming to your area or you will miss out on one of the best highlights of the year.”

“Rose Funeral has potential to actually change the scene, rather than add to its generic-ness.” Hails & Horns

Woe of Tyrants have wowed critics and guitar aficionados with, Kingdom of Might. Their ability to meld high flying near Dragonforce-esque guitars with the groove and aggression of death metal is coupled with a positive and thought-provoking lyrical message. Vocalist Chris Catanzaro comments, “Woe of Tyrants are extremely proud and grateful to represent our label, Metal Blade, on the Young Guns Tour this spring, alongside some fantastic bands. Getting to share the stage with our boys in Psyopus once again is an honor, and we’re looking forward to going out for the first time with Rose Funeral and Molotov Solution. Come and check out some great new talents, see you on the road!”

“Kingdom of Might IS habit forming and shouldn't be taken with alcohol. For dry spells (when the album doesn't have your complete attention) of 5 minutes or more, please consult a doctor (you'd have to be dead).” AbsolutePunk.net

Molotov Solution, one of Metal Blade’s newest additions, just finished recording their Metal Blade debut at Lambesis Studios in San Diego with the duo of Tim Lambesis and Daniel Castlman mixing. Their social commentary and intelligent lyrical attacks are sure to continue on this next installment. Guitarist Robbie Pina adds, “We are extremely excited and honored to be included in Metal Blades "Young Guns" tour. This will be our first tour as part of the Metal Blade family and our anticipation precedes us.”

Metal Blade Young Guns Tour Psyopus, Rose Funeral, Woe Of Tyrants, Molotov Solution

05/01 Detroit, MI
Hayloft

05/02 Buffalo, NY
Xtreme Wheels w/ Cattle Decapitation

05/03 New London, CT
El N Gee

05/04 Melrose, MA
Melrose VFW

05/05 Manchester, NH
Rockos

05/06 Yonkers, NY
The Haunt

05/07 Fredricksburg, VA
The Refuge

05/08 Danville, VA
Plan B

05/09 Raleigh, NC
The Brewery

05/11 Charleston, SC
The Oasis

05/12 Atlanta, GA
Masquerade

05/13 Metairie, LA
The High Ground

05/14 Waco, TX
Art Ambush

05/15 San Antonio, TX
Rock Bottom

05/16 Albuquerque, NM
The Compound

05/17 Tempe, AZ
The Sets

05/18 Victorville, CA
Karma

05/19 Anaheim, CA
Chain Reaction

05/20 Fresno, CA
The Exit

05/21 Modesto, CA
Modesto Virtual

05/22 Portland, OR
Satyricon

05/23 Seattle, WA
Studio Seven

05/25 Salt Lake City, UT
Studio 600

05/26 Denver, CO
Marquis Theatre

05/27 Omaha, NE
Sokol underground

05/28 Kansas City, KS
Riot Room

05/29 Edelstein, IL
The Hub

05/30 Sidney, OH
4th Avenue Hall

05/31 Louisville, KY
Bulldog Café

06/01 Cleveland, OH
Peabodys

06/02 Orland Park, IL
Mojoes Coffehouse

http://www.myspace.com/psyopus
http://www.myspace.com/rosefuneral
http://www.myspace.com/wot
http://www.myspace.com/molotovsolution

•03/17/09: NE Metal & HXC Fest Commerical
Friends and family of the NEMHF, the New England Metal and Hardcore Fest has unveiled their new commerical for this fest. Please download the commercial and upload it to your various sites and outlets. New England Metal and Hardcore Festival Commercial - http://www.mediafire.com/?nbkyzyazi30 Thank you so much!

•03/17/09: All Shall Perish Annouces Tour
ALL SHALL PERISH will be headlining a short West Coast tour starting this February with ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, SUFFOKATE, UNDERNEATH THE GUN and CONDUCTING FROM THE GRAVE. Drummer Matt Kuykendall commented: "This tour is going to fucking kill you! Heavy ass beat down from SUFFOKATE, UNDERNEATH THE GUN along with insane metal from CONDUCTING FROM THE GRAVE and ABIGAIL WILLIAMS will leave you crying for your mama unless you rock socks, in which case you will be killing kids right along with us! Expect to hear all your favorite songs and some gems we can't normally play on uptight package tours! See you at the shows." 02/20/09 The Boardwalk – Orangevale, CA 02/21/09 The Venue – Sanger, CA 02/22/09 Modesto Virtual – Modesto, CA 02/23/09 Riversdale Grange – Roseburg, OR 02/24/09 The Venue – Boise, ID 02/26/09 The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO 02/27/09 Gators – Farmingdale, NM 02/28/09 The Compound – Albuquerque, NM 03/01/09 The Rock – Tucson, AZ 03/03/09 Jerry’s Pizza – Bakersfield, CA 03/04/09 The Wheelhouse – Hemet, CA 03/05/09 The Whisky A Go Go – Hollywood, CA 03/06/09 Chain Reaction – Anaheim, CA This will be followed by the “Atticus Metal” tour Featuring EMMURE and WINDS OF PLAGUE co-headlining, TERROR, THE GHOST INSIDE and special guests on select dates SHAI HULUD, UNDERNEATH THE GUN and ABACABB. The this colossal tour package is brought to you by ATTICUS CLOTHING in association with HOT TOPIC, HAILS & HORNS MAGAZINE, RANDALL, WASHBURN and DISTRICT LINES. Confirmed dates so far are as follows: 03/12/09 DNA Lounge - San Francisco, CA 03/13/09 Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR 03/14/09 Studio Seven - Seattle, WA 03/15/09 The Venue - Boise, ID 03/17/09 Maquis Theatre - Denver, CO 03/18/09 Sokol Underground – Omaha, NE (Winds of Plague + Emmure Only) 03/19/09 Fubar - St. Louis, MO 03/20/09 Emerson Theater – Indianapolis, IN 03/21/09 Majestic Theatre - Detroit, MI 03/22/09 The Madhatter – Covington, KY 03/23/09 Club Oasis – Winston-Salem, NC 03/24/09 The Masquerade -Atlanta, GA 03/25/09 State Theatre - St. Petersburg, FL 03/26/09 Rain (Plush Complex) - Jacksonville, FL 03/27/09 High Ground - New Orleans, LA 03/28/09 White Rabbit - San Antonio, TX 03/29/09 Java Jazz - Houston, TX 03/30/09 House of Rock - Corpus Christi, TX 03/31/09 Ridglea Theater - Dallas/Ft Worth, TX 04/01/09 Club 101 – El Paso, TX 04/03/09 The Dome – Bakersfield, CA 04/04/09 SOMA (Main Stage) - San Diego, CA 04/05/09 Bamboozle - Irvine, CA (Winds of Plague + Emmure Only) 04/06/09 The Farm – Las Vegas, NV 04/07/09 Sunshine Theatre - Albuquerque, NM 04/08/09 Diamond Ballroom - Oklahoma City, OK 04/09/09 Peoples Court - Des Moines, IA 04/11/09 The Pearl Room - Mokena, IL 04/12/09 Peabody’s - Cleveland, OH 04/13/09 Lost Horizon – Syracuse, NY 04/14/09 Le National – Montreal, QC - CANADA 04/15/09 Northern Lights - Clifton Park, NY 04/16/09 L’Anti – Quebec City, QC - CANADA (Please announce on Jan. 29th) 04/17/09 The Opera House - Toronto, ON – CANADA 04/18/09 The Palladium – Worcester, MA (New England Metal & Hardcore Festival) 04/19/09 Irving Plaza - New York, NY UNDERNEATH THE GUN: 3/12 - 23, 3/28 - 4/7 ABACABB: 3/24-27, 4/8-13 SHAI HULUD: 4/14-19 SHAI HULUD – April 14th – 19th UNDERNEATH THE GUN – March 12th – 23rd, 28th and April 7th ABACABB – March 24th – 27th and April 8th – 13th

•03/16/09: CHIMAIRA: Spread-The-Infection.com
From our friends at Blabbermouth

Cleveland, Ohio metallers CHIMAIRA have set in motion the next stage of their Spread-The-Infection.com web site. So far, fan response has been huge, and the band's forthcoming album, "The Infection", has been getting more underground exposure than the group could have ever hoped for. By visiting Spread-The-Infection.com today, CHIMAIRA fans will have access to exclusive new content and will be able to continue to spread "The Infection"!

With the launch of Phase 2, CHIMAIRA will be posting radio contacts for fans to call and request the band, not only in the U.S. but worldwide. Additionally, the band will be offering tickets to the upcoming Music As A Weapon tour and upcoming European performances. There will be opportunities to obtain backstage passes and get some face time with the band at meet-and-greets.

"With the web site, we really wanted to give the power to the fans," singer Mark Hunter commented. "The response to Spread-the-Infection.com has been incredible worldwide. We're relying on our fans to make 'The Infection' a huge release, and so far, we haven't been disappointed."

Spread-The-Infection.com is the base for CHIMAIRA's global street team. Therefans can download stencils, flyers, and graphics which they can use any way they want to help promote the band's upcoming album. Fans are encouraged to photograph their creations and upload them to the Spread-The-Infection.com web site. The site has also provided clips and video of the band’s upcoming album, all of which will now be archived on the site for the public.

"People have done everything from making computer wallpapers to spray-painting stop signs and walls (not that we condone that sort of thing)," said Hunter. "Everyone who visits the site can see the photos on the world map. We've been really overwhelmed by the thousands of submissions we've received so far. It's really amazing that fans can go on the web site and see what the other fans around the globe have been doing."

CHIMAIRA filmed a video for the track "Destroy And Dominate" last month in the band's hometown. The group's longtime videographer Todd Bell directed the clip, which is expected to debut online later this month.

CHIMAIRA will release its new album, "The Infection", in North America on April 21 via Ferret Music and in Europe on April 24 through Nuclear Blast. The CD was mastered at Sterling Sound in New York City with Ted Jensen and Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL, AGNOSTIC FRONT, TERROR, THE ACACIA STRAIN). "Sonically, this album sounds amazing," vocalist Mark Hunter wrote on the group's web site. "Ben [Schigel, producer], Zeuss [who mixed the CD] and Ted did an amazing job making our vision come to reality. The album has exceeded everyone in this band's expectations."

"The Infection" track listing:

01. The Venom Inside
02. Frozen In Time
03. Coming Alive
04. Secrets Of The Dead
05. The Disappearing Sun
06. Impending Doom
07. On Broken Glass
08. Destroy And Dominate
09. Try To Survive
10. The Heart Of It All

•03/16/09: MASTODON live footage!
From our friends at THE PRP

Live footage of Mastodon performing their track "Crystal Skull" in Atlanta, GA with Neurosis' Scott Kelly can be seen online HERE. Mastodon will release their new album "Crack The Skye" on March 24th through Reprise/Warner. http://www.vimeo.com/3538058

•3/12/09: OCEANO on Sirius / XM's Liquid Metal!!!
Be sure to take a listen today as Earache Records ' Oceano will be on the air and interviewed by Sirius XM's Liquid Metal Channel TODAY at 5:00 PM EST!!!

To listen, be sure to check out Sirius' Liquid Metal on channel 27 if you are already a Sirius / XM subscriber. If not, you can request a free onlne trial to here online HERE to listen in!

Wanna make a request for the exclusive premiere track from Oceano's "Depths"? Call in at 877-33-SIRIUS !!!

•3/11/2009: Wars and Rumors of THE CHARIOT Revealed
One of punk and hardcore's most brutal acts, Atlanta GA's THE CHARIOT, have just announced plans for their brand new full length, entitled "Wars, and Rumors of Wars," out May 5th on Solid State Records. Serving as the followup to 2007's The Fiancée, the band's new album is their hardest, dirtiest, and most prolific to date.

To celebrate, the band has announced a series of US tourdates taking them through the South and Midwest, but stay tuned as THE CHARIOT has huge tour news coming in the next week!

* More details including tracklist, cover art, new songs, and massive US tourdates coming soon!

The Chariot Live!

US Tourdates with The Showdown and Belle Epoque
Apr 5 2009 New Brookland Tavern Columbia, South Carolina
Apr 6 2009 Sector 7G Augusta, Georgia
Apr 7 2009 New Daisy Theater Memphis, Tennessee
Apr 9 2009 Art Ambush Waco, Texas
Apr 10 2009 The Bridge Longview, Texas
Apr 11 2009 Theater Seven Plano, Texas
Apr 12 2009 JS Stall Barn Wichita Falls, Texas
Apr 14 2009 Bricktown Live Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Apr 15 2009 Outland Ballroom Springfield, Missouri
Apr 16 2009 The Village Little Rock, Arkansas

•03/09/09: Lamb Of God Answers Fan Questions
The Australian branch of Roadrunner Records has posted video footage of singer Randy Blythe and bassist John Campbell of Richmond, Virginia metallers Lamb Of God answering a few fan-submitted questions. Lamb Of God's new album, "Wrath", has entered the official Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) chart at position No. 8. According to Hits Daily Double, the companion web site of music industry tip sheet HITS, "Wrath" is on track to move between 60,000 and 65,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land in the Top 10 on next week's The Billboard 200 chart. Video is available at: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com.au/page/News?&news_page=&news_id=73938..http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnJvYWRydW5uZXJyZWNvcmRzLmNvbS5hdS9wYWdlL05ld3M/Jm5ld3NfcGFnZT0mbmV3c19pZD03MzkzOA==">http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com.au/page/News?&news_page=&news_id=73938 />

•03/09/09: New Queensrÿche Available
"If I Were King" the first single from Queensrÿche's highly anticipated new album "American Soldier", is now available for download from all digital retailers. "If I Were King" was written based on an interview lead singer Geoff Tate conducted with Sean Lenahan, a veteran of U.S. conflicts in Somalia and Kosovo. Some chilling sound bites from Tate's interview with Lenahan can be heard at various points in the song. The song is available at: http://www.lala.com/song/360569449467837274..http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmxhbGEuY29tL3NvbmcvMzYwNTY5NDQ5NDY3ODM3Mjc0">http://www.lala.com/song/360569449467837274 /> "This is a song about loss and healing," says Tate. "A soldier who lost his friend in a firefight and spent a lot of time afterwards struggling with his feelings, wishing he could have done more to save his friend. The song is saying if I were king, if I could do anything, I'd have you back in my life again, back by my side. I thought that was a very interesting and inspiring viewpoint." Queensrÿche has also set up the phone number (206) 260-1215 for fans to call and get updates on the new album and tour directly from Tate himself. The number also has an option where fans and soldiers can leave a message for the band. Every day starting on March 20, a new 30-second preview clip of one of the songs from "American Soldier" can be heard by calling the number, leading up to the March 31 release of the album. "American Soldier" features a dozen songs inspired by numerous interviews with veterans conducted by Tate, who was intent on telling their story using their words. After speaking with soldiers who served in various conflicts — from World War II to ....Iraq.... — Tate turned their firsthand experiences from the frontlines into an unflinching musical examination of war from the soldier's perspective. Queensrÿche will launch an extensive tour of the ..U.S... on April 16 at the Snoqualmie Casino outside of the band's hometown of Seattle The shows will be presented in three suites, with the band performing sets from "American Soldier", "Rage For Order" and "Empire".

•03/09/09: Sepultura Performs w/ Drumatical Theatre
Several musicians from ..Austria..'s Drumatical Theatre — which consists of 4-8 percussionists who use oildrums, wooden sticks, chains and many other objects wired for sound to produce fascinating grooves and beats — joined Brazilian/American thrashers Sepultura for a "Kaiowas" jam session on February 22, 2009 at Gasometer in Vienna. Watch video footage of the performance below.
SEPULTURA feat DRUMATICAL from ERIC FRENCHIE on Vimeo.

•03/09/09: Lamb Of God Debuts on Top Charts Worldwi
Lamb Of God's new album, "Wrath", has registered the following first-week chart positions: Canada: #1 USA: #2 Australia: #8 Japan: #14 Norway: #20 U.K: #25 Netherlands: #52 Germany: #61 Lamb Of God's last album, "Sacrament", sold around 63,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release back in August 2006 to debut at No. 8 on The Billboard 200. This represented almost double the amount of records sold by its predecessor, "Ashes of the Wake", which registered a first-week tally of 35,000 in September 2004

•03/09/09: Lamb Of God Thanks Fans
With its debut selling over 68,000 units, LAMB OF GOD’s explosive new album, Wrath, rocketed to #2 on the Billboard Top 200, their highest chart position ever (February 24 release / Epic Records). The remarkable achievement is not only a huge step for the band, but for the heavy metal genre as a whole. While poppy trends and fads have come and gone, heavy metal music has only continued to gain in strength. With their #2 debut (between Taylor Swift and The Jonas Brothers), LAMB OF GOD has made a statement – the music industry is heading in a new direction and they are leading the charge. Drummer Chris Adler commented on the success of Wrath from a tour stop in Indonesia: “Tonight we are in Jakarta, Indonesia. Tomorrow is the last show of the first leg of the 'Wrath' tour. I can't express in words how things have changed for us in the past 6 weeks. Wrath has debuted at #2. We are literally astonished. With the economy brittle and an abundance of copycat artists, we were able to shock the music world and pull off what no one else has done. To get a better understanding, the record industry has declined 30% since our last album, Sacrament, debuted in August 2006, yet we prevailed and outsold that record....with a new record that is brutal slap to the face of all popular music. I could not be more proud of the band for making the record we wanted, but more importantly you, the friends and family of this band, are the ones that made it a reality. The credit is yours. The revolution is ours. “This is a triumph not only for us, but for metal. I look at it as objectively as possible - this is not about us in Lamb of God, this is the tide turning against the sing-song, look-alike pretty-boy industry. It's unreal to be a part of, and at the moment leading, the charge in this important direction. I rejoice in the dent we have created in the establishment, but it never could have happened without you. I mean that. This is the time for us all to raise a glass to each other and understand that together we are dictating the future of real music. I can't tell you how amazing that is to me. I now look forward to the future of music and the evolution of metal. Nu Metal is officially dead, and we can all hopefully begin look forward to cute teenage girls no longer being exploited with jingles written in back rooms by old men with music formulas. Together we've shocked the world, and we are proud and honored to have your support. This is your victory as much as it is ours. We are lucky you have our back! “We did not do this in a void. Many bands before us, that came before their time, have influenced us and helped us create who we are. There are too many to list, but I can tell you that we are children of the '80s metal/punk scene. We are the kids that skipped first period to smoke cigarettes and listen to our cassette Walkmans, just like you. We are the outcasts, the ones with "limited potential" and "no future." Follow your dreams and do what is in your heart. There is no better advice I can give. To all that tried to stop us as individuals and as a band, I say unto thee, thank you. You have made it all so much sweeter. “If you are reading this, you get it. We've never schemed to do anything other than have fun and be the best we can be. Love us or hate us, you have to admit that we are shattering doors that should have been opened long ago. All hail metal.” The Lamb of God North American WRATH TOUR kicks off April 2nd in Phoenix, AZ with As I Lay Dying, Children of Bodom, God Forbid, and Municipal Waste supporting. www.lamb-of-god.com The following dates are confirmed: With As I Lay Dying, Children Of Bodom, God Forbid, Municipal Waste April 2 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre April 3 Los Angeles, CA Palladium April 4 San Jose, CA Events Center April 5 Fresno, CA Crest Theatre April 7 Seattle, WA Paramount April 8 Vancouver, BC UBC Thunderbird Arena April 10 Edmonton, AB Shaw Conference Center April 11 Calgary, AB The Coral April 12 Saskatoon, SK Prairieland April 13 Winnipeg, MB Convention Center April 14 Thunder Bay, ON City Auditorium April 16 Toronto, ON Ricoh Coliseum April 17 Montreal, QC Cepsum April 18 Worcester, MA Palladium April 19 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory April 21 Columbus, OH LC Pavilion April 22 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle April 23 Lafayette, LA Blackham Coliseum April 24 Houston, TX Verizon Theatre April 25 Corpus Christi, TX Concrete St. Amphitheatre April 26 Dallas, TX Palladium Ballroom April 28 Denver, CO Fillmore April 29 Kansas City, KS Uptown Theatre April 30 St. Paul, MN Myth May 1 Chicago, Il Congress Theatre May 2 St. Louis, MO The Pageant May 3 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian May 5 Louisville, KY Expo Five May 6 Detroit, MI Fillmore Theatre May 8 New York, NY Roseland Ballroom May 9 Asbury Park, NJ Convention Center May 11 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live May 12 Boston, MD House Of Blues May 13 Albany, NY Washington St. Armory May 15 Myrtle Beach, SC House Of Blues

•03/06/09: WINO: Heavy Hitters Artist in the Spotli

Its if our prayers have been answered! Finally, fans of underground cult guitar hero Scott "Wino" Weinrich can rejoice because Winos' first solo album is upon us!

Over the last 25 years Wino has defined heavy music and is truly the Godfather of the movement. Starting with the Obsessed, and Saint Vitus and onto his mind-blowing power trios: Spirit Caravan and The Hidden Hand his virtuosity on six strings is matched perfectly with his soulful vocals and powerful lyrics. But as us Wino freaks know he has always graciously shared the spotlight with his band members. Even though it was Wino we came to see and hear he seemed to understand the power of the chemistry of the bands he was leading. His selflessness seems unnecessary considering his talents but it was his decision to equally share the glory.

After the demise of his last group: The Hidden Hand, Wino did not rest. With new found energy he completed the writing of many new songs and decided to enlist the help of some friends to help realize his new musical vision. The idea was not to start a new power trio with a new name as before. This time it was about finding players who would help realize his songs the way he wanted them. This more "Wino"- focused direction was fleshed out with the help of 2 amazing musicians: Jean Paul Gaster (Clutch, The Bakerton Group) on drums and Jon Blank (Rezin) on bass. "Punctuated Equilibrium" was recorded by J. Robbins who has worked extensively with both the Hidden Hand and Clutch in the past.

The album comes with amazing original artwork by David D' Andrea and contains extensive liner notes from Wino himself that explicitly describe the origin and concept of each track. Here is an excerpt that I feel perfectly explains this album.

"This is the culmination of a very old dream, one that has come true in many different ways. One of the main things I have learned is how I understand "success". To me, its not all riches and glory so much as the impact on others lives. My main philosophy that guides me is that I was given a gift, a Musical gift which I use to bring happiness to others. It is also important not to overlook your own needs, but putting yourself in the other person's shoes is to me most important! Punctuated Equilibrium is how my personality has been described, as told in the lyrics."

Label: Southern Lord
Label Website: HERE
Wino’s Myspace: HERE

•03/06/09: OCEANO DEBUTS TRAILER FOR
MySpace's #1 "unsigned" death metal band, OCEANO have released the trailer to the bonus DVD that will come with their highly anticipated April 7th debut, DEPTHS. From what is seen in the trailer, the DVD promises a look the full OCEANO experience, raw and uncut. From the DEPTHS recording sessions to the band goofing around in their off time, the DVD will give access to a side of OCEANO that exists beyond the violence and audience fights have have long been a staple of the band's live set. Speaking of which, there will be a great amount of live footage to be found, including lots of mosh action and a never before seen angle on the infamous Ohio skate park fight.

View the trailer for the DEPTHS bonus DVD here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZw4jgxvApA

OCEANO spent last weekend in Los Angeles, CA where they shot a music video for the lead single off of their April 7th debut album DEPTHS,entitled "District of Misery." Directed by Patrick Guera (DIFFICULT HENRY, HARD ECHO) and produced by Brian Thompson at The Vault LA(MUNICIPAL WASTE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, AS I LAY DYING), the video was shot in a converted LA warehouse and will see OCEANO playing the song alongside a twisted photographic interpretation of each lyrical line as it is growled.

View some photos of the "District of Misery" video shoot here: http://earache.com/public/jj00015.jpg http://earache.com/public/jj00113.jpg http://earache.com/public/jj00221.jpg http://earache.com/public/jj00176.jpg http://earache.com/public/jj00195.jpg http://earache.com/public/jj00150.jpg http://earache.com/public/jj00039.jpg

OCEANO is the number 1 "unsigned" death metal band on all of MySpace.They have also hit number 5 on the hardcore charts and number 12 on the metal charts.

View pictures of the MySpace charts here: http://earache.com/archive/oceano/MySpace_Feb2509_DeathMetalChart.jpg http://earache.com/archive/oceano/MySpace_Feb2509_HardcoreChart.jpg http://earache.com/archive/oceano/MySpace_Feb2509_MetalChart.jpg

OCEANO will be 'bringin' the beef' at these dates:

Mar 5 2009 Doug's Rockhouse w/ VITAL REMAINS aurora, Illinois

Mar 7 2009 Center Stage w/ VITAL REMAINS toledo, Ohio

Mar 8 2009 The Loft w/ VITAL REMAINS poughkeepsie, New York

Mar 9 2009 The Penny Arcade rochester, New York

Apr 3 2009 Jacksonville USO w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN jacksonville, North Carolina

Apr 4 2009 Plan B w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN danville, Virginia

Apr 6 2009 6:00P The Refuge w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN fredericksburg, Virginia

Apr 7 2009 Mt. Airy Fire Club w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN mt. airy, Maryland

Apr 8 2009 6:00P Club Octane w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN charleroi, Pennsylvania

Apr 10 2009 Static Age w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN romeo, Michigan

Apr 11 2009 The Pearl Room ATTICUS FEST w/ EMMURE, TERROR, WINDS OF PLAGUE, AND MORE! mokena, Illinois

DEPTHS, the hotly anticipated debut album by Chicago deathcore heavyweights OCEANO is NOW available for pre-order on the EARACHE U.S. WEBSTORE.

Due to be released on April 7th, the limited edition version of DEPTHS features 13 of the heaviest, chunkiest cuts of no holds barred metal you'll ever hear, plus 2 exclusive bonus tracks and a DVD that includes a look into what makes OCEANO "the most pissed off, heaviest band on the planet" both in and out of the studio.

If you pre-order it from the EARACHE U.S. WEBSTORE, you can also get your hands on several special deals that include the deluxe version of DEPTHS along with either the popular OCEANO "WTF" t-shirt, the brand new DEPTHS t-shirt or the "666" hoodie. All items are battle tested and suitable for crushing your neighbors in the pit with at an OCEANO show.

Each package is priced just for this special pre-order offer and includes free shipping. At these prices, you'd better bring the beef and make sure you have DEPTHS before the beef gets brought to you!

View all of the OCEANO - DEPTHS pre-order packages at http://earache.com/uswebstore/index.php/cPath/667_672_698

•03/06/09: HASTE THE DAY possible DVD release
From our friends at The PRP

Haste The Day have tentative plans to film their upcoming South African tour for inclusion in a potential DVD release. For now the band are looking for an HD Camera, those that want to help out can find more info HERE.

•03/06/09: MASTODON on cover album
From our friends at The PRP

Warner Bros. Records upcoming covers compilation, "Covered, A Revolution In Sound: Warner Bros. Records", can now be streamed online in its entirety HERE. The effort will now see a March 10th release and includes the following covers:
Mastodon - "Just Got Paid" (ZZ Top cover) (feat. Billy Gibbons)
Disturbed - "Midlife Crisis" (Faith No More cover)
Avenged Sevenfold - "Paranoid" (Black Sabbath cover)
The Used - "Burning Down The House" (Talking Heads cover)

•3/5/09: QUEENSRYCHE Single Available NOW!
New Album American Soldier Available March 31 From Atco/Rhino; U.S. Tour To Begin April 16 In Seattle

"If I Were King," the first single from Queensrÿche's highly anticipated new album AMERICAN SOLDIER, is now available for download from all digital retailers. "If I Were King" was written based on an interview lead singer Geoff Tate conducted with Sean Lenahan, a veteran of U.S. conflicts in Somalia and Kosovo. Some chilling sound bites from Tate's interview with Lenahan can be heard at various points in the song. The song is also streaming at myspace.com/queensryche.

"This is a song about loss and healing," says Tate. "A soldier who lost his friend in a firefight and spent a lot of time afterwards struggling with his feelings, wishing he could have done more to save his friend. The song is saying if I were king, if I could do anything, I'd have you back in my life again, back by my side. I thought that was a very interesting and inspiring viewpoint."

Queensrÿche has also set up the phone number (206) 260-1215 for fans to call and get updates on the new album and tour directly from Tate himself. The number also has an option where fans and soldiers can leave a message for the band. Every day starting on March 20, a new 30-second preview clip of one of the songs from AMERICAN SOLDIER can be heard by calling the number, leading up to the March 31 release of the album.

AMERICAN SOLDIER features a dozen songs inspired by numerous interviews with veterans conducted by Tate, who was intent on telling their story using their words. After speaking with soldiers who served in various conflicts--from World War II to Iraq--Tate turned their firsthand experiences from the frontlines into an unflinching musical examination of war from the soldier's perspective.

Queensrÿche will launch an extensive tour of the U.S. on April 16 at the Snoqualmie Casino outside of the band's hometown of Seattle. The shows will be presented in three suites, with the band performing sets from AMERICAN SOLDIER, Rage For Order, and Empire.

Queensrÿche U.S. Tour Dates

APRIL
16 Snoqualmie, WA Snoqualmie Casino
17 Snoqualmie, WA Snoqualmie Casino
18 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre
19 Chico, CA Senator Theatre
22 Anaheim, CA House Of Blues
23 San Diego, CA House Of Blues
24 Los Angeles, CA House Of Blues
25 Las Vegas, NV House Of Blues
26 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot
28 Denver, CO Paramount Theater
29 Kansas City, MO Voodoo Lounge @ Harrah's
30 Milwaukee, WI Northern Lights Theater

MAY
1 Milwaukee, WI Northern Lights Theater
2 Maplewood, MN Myth
3 Walker, MN Northern Lights Casino
5 Grand Rapids, MI Intersection
6 Cleveland, OH House Of Blues
7 Chicago, IL House Of Blues
8 Chicago, IL House Of Blues
9 Mt. Clemens, MI Emerald Theatre
10 Greensburg, PA Palace Theatre
12 Verona, NY Turning Stone Casino
13 Stamford, CT The Palace Theater
14 Sayerville, NJ Starland Ballroom
15 New York, NY Nokia Theatre
16 Atlantic City, NJ House Of Blues
17 N. Myrtle Beach, SC House Of Blues
19 Tampa, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
20 Lake Buena Vista, FL House Of Blues
21 New Orleans, LA House Of Blues
22 Houston, TX House Of Blues
23 San Antonio, TX Hemisfair Park
24 Dallas, TX House Of Blues
27 Fayetteville, AR Arkansas Music Pavilion
28 Oklahoma City, OK Bricktown Events Center
29 Albuquerque, NM Kiva Auditorium
30 Phoenix, AZ Dodge

JUNE
4 San Francisco, CA Fillmore
5 Kelseyville, CA Konocti Harbor

•03/04/09: CHIMAIRA's new album
From our friends at The PRP

Chimaira will be releasing their upcoming new album "The Infection in a variety of formats on April 21st via Ferret Music. In addition to the standard edition, a limited edition CD/DVD version will be made available featuring the bonus track "Revenge" plus a DVD documenting the making of the album itself. Furthermore, a picture disc LP version is being prepped, as is a limited deluxe fan edition of which only 600 will be made, complete with the first 100 signed by the band. The latter will be packaged in a metal briefcase and feature the CD/DVD edition of the album, along with a syringe USB featuring the bonus tracks "Warpath" and a cover of State Of Conviction's "Convictions", plus demos, wallpapers and more. A booklet, laminate, Infection logo flag and guitar pick pack will also be featured in the set. More details on all of that can be found HERE. Meanwhile, the bands new track "Secrets Of The Dead", which was made available online HERE yesterday, can now be purchased on iTunes.

And finally, the group have also announced the following three new off-dates from the "Music As A Weapon 4 Tour":

March 27th Farmington, NM - Gators (feat. Spineshank) April 09th Knoxville, TN - The Valarium (feat. Suffocation, Whitechapel, Veil Of Maya) April 19th Burlington, VT - Higher Ground (feat. Suicide Silence)

•03/04/09: LAMB OF GOD #2 on Billboard Charts!!
From our friends at Blabbermouth

LAMB OF GOD’s new album, "Wrath", sold around 68,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 2 (behind TAYLOR SWIFT’s "Fearless") on The Billboard 200 chart.

LAMB OF GOD's last album, "Sacrament", sold around 63,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release back in August 2006 to land at No. 8. This represented almost double the amount of records sold by its predecessor, "Ashes of the Wake", which registered a first-week tally of 35,000 in September 2004.

"Wrath" was released in North America on February 24 via Epic. The CD was issued in other territories through Roadrunner Records.

"Wrath" was produced by Josh Wilbur and was recorded in studios in New York, Virginia, and New Hampshire.

The "Wrath" album was released in four configurations: an LP, a CD, a deluxe-edition CD with bonus disc — which contains isolated recording parts — as well as a super-deluxe version featuring a limited-edition box containing an LP, deluxe-edition CD and USB drive containing two exclusive bonus tracks.

The LAMB OF GOD North American "Wrath" tour kicks off April 2 in Phoenix, Arizona with AS I LAY DYING, CHILDREN OF BODOM, GOD FORBID, and MUNICIPAL WASTE supporting.

•3/2/2009: MASTODON Goes Mobile!!!
To fulfill your apetite of all things MASTODON, here's your chance to listen to exclusive clips of "Crack The Skye" directly from your mobile phone!

Fans can call 404-425-9375 to hear clips of every track on Crack The Skye, each introduced by a band member. These clips will roll out starting Monday, March 2 with Divinations and Oblivion rolling out on day one, with one clip per day over the next consecutive 5 days (clips will be changed at 10a PST daily), and shut down Sunday at 10a PST. There will also be viral “secret menu options” that will be new daily, consisting of band messages and 24 hour merchandise discount codes.

•3/2/2009: SOUTHERN LORD Invades SXSW 2009!
Southern Lord will be swarming the masses with showcases, in-store performances and tons more at this year's South By Southwest conference in Austin, Texas:

Friday, March 20th

First, a Southern Lord showcase at Snake Eyes Vinyl (outside); 1101 Navasota St. 3, Austin TX

featuring:

12:30 - It's Casual
1:30 - Eagle Twin
2:30 - Black Cobra
3:30 - Thou

Then later that night, the SXSW Southern Lord showcase at Emo's! This is one of the label's most important and potent showcases ever, featuring some of the label's most prominent contemporary acts (including Wolves In The Throne Room, Wino), some of the label's newest signings (Black Cobra, Eagle Twin, Pelican) and plenty of other hearty acts including Thou and It's Casual... A night of massive riffery and debauchery for all!

Emo's Annex; 603 Red River, Austin TX

featuring:

7:30 - It's Casual
8:25 - Thou
9:20 - Eagle Twin
10:15 - Black Cobra
11:10 - Wino (solo)
12:05 - Wolves In The Throne Room
1:00 - Pelican

Saturday, March 21st

Scott "Wino" Weinrich will be performing a solo acoustic set at High Times Magazine's 2009 Doobie Awards party.

The party is from "high" Noon through 6 PM at Red 7; 611 E. 7th Street

Sunday, March 22nd

Southern Lord artists Wolves In The Throne Room and newest label signings Pelican will be playing at Red 7; 611 E. 7th Street

Earsplit will be present representing Southern Lord through the festival, so please get in touch now to set up any advance coverage on these live aktions, or to schedule anything during the fest.

http://www.southernlord.com
http://blog.southernlord.com
http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings

•02/27/09: Oceano To Shoot New Music Video
OCEANO, officially a number 1 band on MySpace is celebrating their achievement tomorrow in Los Angeles, California where they will shoot a video for the song "District of Misery." Directed by Patrick Guera (DIFFICULT HENRY, HARD ECHO) and produced by Brian Thompson at The Vault LA (MUNICIPAL WASTE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, AS I LAY DYING), the video will be shot in a converted LA warehouse and promises to be as heavy and formidable as the band themselves. The video will see OCEANO playing the song alongside a twisted photographic interpretation of each lyrical line as it is growled. The director's vision for the photographic concept is a compelling choice for a band who's image already relies on dark intensity. "Me (Patrick Guera) and my director of photography shot some more surrealistic stuff to accentuate the brutality." As for exactly what imagery will be used;", says Guera as the directorslyly hints at some of the specific imagery. "i use a lot of gnarled branches, some human props, i don't want to give too much away. The visuals will speak for themselves" "The video is mostly based around Oceano's performance," says Guera, "they are really brutal so we are going to accentuate that in the way we shoot them, covering them from all angles, matching our movement to the change ups in the song." The video is shaping up to be a vital step in the ascendancy of OCEANO. You can be sure to get behind the scenes access to the making of it and more info on their official MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/xoceano "District of Misery," the blasting lead single from OCEANO's April 7th debut, DEPTHS, can be heard on Sirius XM satellite radio (where it is currently charting at number 15 on the Liquid Metal playlist). Go to http://www.sirius.com/liquidmetal and DEMAND that they play it! OCEANO is the number 1 "unsigned" death metal band on all of MySpace. They have also hit number 5 on the hardcore charts and number 12 on the metal charts. View pictures of the MySpace charts here: http://earache.com/archive/oceano/MySpace_Feb2509_DeathMetalChart.jpg http://earache.com/archive/oceano/MySpace_Feb2509_HardcoreChart.jpg http://earache.com/archive/oceano/MySpace_Feb2509_MetalChart.jpg OCEANO has added more dates to their relentless, non-stop touring schedule. In addition to their dates with the legendary VITAL REMAINS, "the heaviest, most pissed off deathcore band on the planet" will be playing alongside such bands as ENDWELL and THE MILES BETWEEN to celebrate the April 7th release of their debut cd, DEPTHS. They will also be playing a special one-off date at the Atticus Fest with EMMURE, TERROR, WINDS OF PLAGUE and many more. OCEANO will be 'bringin' the beef' at these dates: Mar 5 2009 Doug's Rockhouse w/ VITAL REMAINS aurora, Illinois Mar 6 2009 TBA w/ VITAL REMAINS TBA, Indiana Mar 7 2009 Center Stage w/ VITAL REMAINS toledo, Ohio Mar 8 2009 The Loft w/ VITAL REMAINS poughkeepsie, New York Mar 9 2009 The Penny Arcade rochester, New York Apr 3 2009 Jacksonville USO w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN jacksonville, North Carolina Apr 4 2009 Plan B w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN danville, Virginia Apr 6 2009 6:00P The Refuge w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN fredericksburg, Virginia Apr 7 2009 Mt. Airy Fire Club w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN mt. airy, Maryland Apr 8 2009 6:00P Club Octane w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN charleroi, Pennsylvania Apr 10 2009 Static Age w/ ENDWELL & THE MILES BETWEEN romeo, Michigan Apr 11 2009 The Pearl Room ATTICUS FEST w/ EMMURE, TERROR, WINDS OF PLAGUE, AND MORE! mokena, Illinois DEPTHS, the hotly anticipated debut album by Chicago deathcore heavyweights OCEANO is NOW available for pre-order on the EARACHE U.S. WEBSTORE. Due to be released on April 7th, the limited edition version of DEPTHS features 13 of the heaviest, chunkiest cuts of no holds barred metal you'll ever hear, plus 2 exclusive bonus tracks and a DVD that includes a look into what makes OCEANO "the most pissed off, heaviest band on earth" both in and out of the studio. If you pre-order it from the EARACHE U.S. WEBSTORE, you can also get your hands on several special deals that include the deluxe version of DEPTHS along with either the popular OCEANO "WTF" t-shirt, the brand new DEPTHS t-shirt or the "666" hoodie. All items are battle tested and suitable for crushing your neighbors in the pit with at an OCEANO show. Each package is priced just for this special pre-order offer and includes free shipping. At these prices, you'd better bring the beef and make sure you have DEPTHS before the beef gets brought to you! View all of the OCEANO - DEPTHS pre-order packages at http://earache.com/uswebstore/index.php/cPath/667_672_698

•2/26/09: CRUD On Reverb Nation!
Full Effect Records' CRUD has a brand new Reverb Nation page, check it out here.

•02/25/09: SEPULTURA's guitarist interviewed
From our friends at Blabbermouth

Austrian heavy 'zine Stormbringer.at conducted an interview with guitarist Andreas Kisser of Brazilian/American thrashers SEPULTURA prior to the band's February 22, 2009 concert in Vienna, Austria. Watch the 17-minute chat below.

"A-Lex" — SEPULTURA's first LP to be recorded without either of the founding Cavalera brothers (Max and Igor; on guitar/vocals and drums, respectively) — sold around 1,600 copies during its first week of release in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan .

SEPULTURA's previous CD, "Dante XXI", has sold 19,000 copies in the United States since its March 2006 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"A-Lex" (which stands for "no law" or "without law") is available in three versions: in a deluxe digipak with an embossed cover, in a regular jewel case and on a vinyl gatefold LP.

On "A-Lex", SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser and his three colleagues, Derrick Green (vocals), Paulo Jr. (bass) and new addition Jean Dollabella (drums), have dedicated themselves to Anthony Burgess's book "A Clockwork Orange", creating an awesome thrash metal opus around this timeless and exciting subject.

The material was produced by SEPULTURA and Stanley Soares at the Trama Studios in Sao Paulo and mastered by George Marino at New York's Sterling Sound studios. "A-Lex" is the first SEPULTURA album to feature new drummer Jean Dolabella, who joined the fold during the "Dante XXI" tour.

•02/25/09: MASTODON's instrumental album
From our friends at The PRP

Mastodon will be releasing an instrumental version of their upcoming new album "Crack The Skye" through iTunes as part of a special deluxe edition pre-order package. More details on that can be found Here

•02/24/09: Lamb Of God Interviewed By Metal Forge
Lamb Of God's drummer Chris Adler recently conducted an interview with Simon Milburn of Australia's The Metal Forge. In the interview, Adler answers questions regarding the band's commmerical success, recent Grammy nommination, and what it's like to be one of metal's best acts running. The entire interview can be found online on The Metal Forge's website at: http://www.themetalforge.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1560.

•02/24/09: Kreator Debuts on Several Top Charts Wor
"Hordes Of Chaos", the new album from German thrash metal veterans Kreator, has registered the following first-week chart positions: Germany: #16 Finland: #16 Austria: #33 Czech Republic: #35 Hungary: #39 Sweden: #47 Switzerland: #57 Holland: #66 Norway: #73 France: #85 USA: #165 "Hordes Of Chaos" sold around 2,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at No. 7 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

•02/24/09: My Dying Bride Set To Release New Album,
MY DYING BRIDE are ready to conquer 2009 with their most powerful opus to date, For Lies I Sire, set for release April 21, 2009 on Peaceville Records. The follow-up to 2006’s A Line Of Deathless Kings, this is the first studio album with new members Dan Mullins on drums, Lena Abe on bass, and violin/keyboard player Katie Stone. Featuring some seriously heavy-as-hell somber doom, For Lies I Sire wades effortlessly and poetically through tales of darkness and gloom, this time textured with the much-anticipated return of the often-missed violin, last featured well over ten years ago. The band has also launched a new mini-site featuring many bonuses including wallpapers for your phone and computer, audio previews of the new tracks, and you can even check out the birth of Andrew Craighan’s custom Mayones guitar and much, much more at www.peaceville.com/mydyingbride/forliesisire “May we now share with you the fruit of our labors; our most impassioned exploration of the darkest musical tapestries to echo the lamentations borne of this cursed earth. Mocking the hollow promises of hope from empty words of faith and control; For Lies I Sire”.

•02/23/09: SEPULTURA's new video
From our friends at The PRP

SEPULTURA’s video for their track "We've Lost You" has surfaced on Youtube, you can check it out Here

•02/23/09: MASTODON has new website!
From our friends at The PRP

MASTODON have launched a new site for their upcoming album "Crack The Skye" over at www.cracktheskye.com . www.cracktheskye.com. The new site features art, making of videos and more. "Crack The Skye" will see a March 24th release date through Reprise/Warner

•2/20/09: THE CHARIOT Prep New Album... LITERALLY
One of punk and hardcore's most brutal acts, Atlanta GA's THE CHARIOT, have just announced plans for their brand new full length, entitled "Wars, and Rumors of Wars," out May 5th on Solid State Records. Serving as the followup to 2007's The Fiancée, the band's new album is their hardest, dirtiest, and most prolific to date.

In addition to the new album, the band has decided to hit the road next week, touring Europe with friends Protest The Hero and The Human Abstract, but before they leave, have decided to sit down and hand package 25,000 copies of their new album to be sold in retail outlets nationwide, serving as something completely unique and origijnal for their fans nationwide (you can watch the band assemble their new record here).

* More information including tracklist, cover art, new songs, and US tourdates coming soon!

The Chariot Live!

Europe w/ Protest The Hero and The Human Abstract!

Feb 27 2009 Stadtmitte Karlsruhe, Germany
Feb 28 2009 Underground Köln, Germany
Mar 1 2009 Hafenklang Hamburg, Germany
Mar 2 2009 Muziekodroom Hasselt, Belgium
Mar 3 2009 White Rabbit Plymouth, UK
Mar 4 2009 Rios Leeds, UK
Mar 5 2009 Ivory Blacks Glasgow, UK
Mar 6 2009 Corporation Sheffield, UK
Mar 7 2009 Rock City Nottingham, UK
Mar 8 2009 The Pitz Club Milton Keynes, UK
Mar 9 2009 Underworld London, UK
Mar 10 2009 Doornroosje Nijmegen, Holland
Mar 11 2009 Batofar Paris, France
Mar 12 2009 Duoble Six Lyon, France
Mar 13 2009 Rocksound Barcelona, Spain
Mar 14 2009 Ritmo Y Compas Madrid, Spain
Mar 15 2009 Music Box Lisboa, Portugal
Mar 16 2009 TBA Basque, Spain
Mar 17 2009 Le Grillen Colmar, France
Mar 18 2009 KiFF Aarau, Switzerland
Mar 19 2009 Init Rome, Italy
Mar 20 2009 Estragon Bologna, Italy
Mar 21 2009 Wallerseehalle, Spring Metal Fest Henndorf bei Salzburg, Austria
Mar 22 2009 Futurm Prague, Czech Republic
Mar 23 2009 Feierwerk München, Germany
Mar 24 2009 Magnet Berlin, Germany
Mar 26 2009 Melna Piektdiena Riga, Latvia
Mar 27 2009 Tapper Tallinn, Estonia
Mar 29 2009 Semifinal Helsinki, Finland
Mar 30 2009 Orlandina St. Petersburg
Apr 1 2009 Tabula Rasa Moscow

For more information, visit:
www.myspace.com/thechariot
www.solidstaterecords.com

•2/19/09: CHIMAIRA To Film New Video
Chimaira will be filming a video for their track "Destroy And Dominate" in their hometown of Cleveland, OH next week. The bands longtime videographer Todd Bell will direct the clip, which should begin airing in the coming weeks. Chimaira's new album "The Infection" is set for an April 21st release date via Ferret Music.

•02/18/09: QUEENSRŸCHE: Audio Samples Of Entire 'Am
QUEENSRŸCHE's twelfth studio release, the epic concept album "American Soldier", will be available from Atco/Rhino on March 31 for a suggested list price of $18.98 (CD) and $9.99 (digital). The ambitious album encompasses a dozen songs inspired by numerous interviews with veterans conducted by Geoff Tate, the group's singer and chief songwriter, who was intent on telling their story using their words. After speaking with soldiers who served in various conflicts — from World War II to Iraq — Tate turned their firsthand experiences from the frontlines into an unflinching musical examination of the life of a solider and the consequences of war.

"We began the project that would become 'American Soldier' right after 'Mindcrime II' was released," says Tate. "The process started with a conversation with my dad. He was a career military man, with the Marines in Korea and an Air Force tour of duty in Vietnam in '68. He was with the Air Force my entire life — I was born on a base in Germany — and when he retired he ended up taking a job with the Navy. He had never talked about his experiences in war, and all my life I've been asking questions and waiting for the stories that I never heard. These past couple of years he started talking, and I taped one of the conversations. That was the beginning."

"American Soldier" is more than a concept album; it is a statement of mission, a revelation of purpose, and a march for understanding. One thing that it is not is political. "People have a tendency to misconstrue the difference between political and social issues. This record is not political at all," affirms Tate. "It's very much a statement of the soldiers; it's where they are at and what they have experienced. I hope the album, as a whole, is a statement that can get them talking to each other and begin that process of connecting that needs to happen between people."

To make that statement, Tate interviewed dozens of enlistees and veterans, the oldest having served in World War II and the youngest still in active duty in Iraq, with every American war in between represented. For an artist accustomed to writing from personal experiences, the lyrical process for "American Soldier" proved an invigorating challenge. "This was one of the more challenging records for me to write, lyrically, because I am not involved in the songs. It is not about me, and it's not about how I feel," he says. "It is me interpreting stories from the perspectives of the soldiers and putting their words into lyric form, retelling the story in the most honest way that I could.

"As an artistic statement, I'm very happy with this album. I think we've said what we want to say and we've done it in a way that is respectful to the people that are involved," he continues. "I hope that people talk about it and debate about it, and I hope it rubs some people the wrong way, because that rub is what inspires conversation. That's what art should do."

"American Soldier" was written by Tate and producer Jason Slater, along with drummer Scott Rockenfield, and contributors Kelly Gray and Damon Johnson. Slater returns to the QUEENSRŸCHE creative process in the same capacity that worked for the band with the writing and recording of "Operation: Mindcrime II", which was released in 2006 and debuted at #14 on The Billboard 200, selling more than 40,000 records in its first week. The album was QUEENSRŸCHE's highest chart debut since "Promised Land", in 1994. Both "Promised Land" and "Operation: Mindcrime" (1988) have been certified platinum, selling more than one million albums each in America alone, and "Empire" (1990) has reached triple-platinum status. The band's first three albums–their self-titled EP (1983), "The Warning" (1984), and "Rage For Order" (1986) — have all been certified gold, selling more than 500,000 copies each.

In a first for QUEENSRŸCHE, all of the guitar tracks on "American Soldier" were recorded by Michael Wilton.

With "American Soldier", QUEENSRŸCHE's epic career continues, proving yet again that the only thing that can rival the band's music is their vision. As Geoff Tate's father says in the chilling introduction to "The Voice", the album's closing track, "You reap what you sow…"

"American Soldier" track listing

01. Sliver 02. Unafraid 03. Hundred Mile Stare 04. At 30,000 Ft. 05. A Dead Man's Words 06. The Killer 07. Middle Of Hell 08. If I Were King 09. Man Down! 10. Remember Me 11. Home Again 12. The Voice

•02/18/09: WOE OF TYRANTS: 'Break The Fangs Of The
From our friends at Blabbermouth

"Break the Fangs of the Wicked", the new video from Ohio's WOE OF TYRANTS, can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Jake Beemer with Siege Media and filmed at the Majestic Theatre in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Vocalist Chris Catanzaro explains the video and its concept: "We were very honored to have the opportunity to work with Jake and the crew of Siege Media on our first video for the new record, 'Kingdom of Might'. The song is entitled 'Break the Fangs of the Wicked', and despite being one of our most popular live songs, 'Fangs' was chosen due to the fact that it successfully culminates the diversity and overall theme of the entire record. The video was shot in our hometown of Chillicothe at the legendary Majestic Theater. We were fortunate enough to have some close, and very talented, friends come out to serve as the performers in the video. The storyline follows the song in that the song is about rising above negativity and evil and going back to square one in our love for our fellow person. We felt this was an important message to convey amidst a genre that speaks death almost constantly, and thanks to the professionalism of the crew we are very confident that it is going to turn out even better than we initially expected!"

WOE OF TYRANTS will spend the next few months on the road with PSYOPUS, BURNING THE MASSES, CATTLE DECAPITATION and others, with dates that include an appearance at this year's New England Hardcore and Metal Festival on Friday, April 17.

According to a press release, WOE OF TYRANTS is "comprised of five guys dead-set on playing metal the way they want to, never listening or caring what scene they belong to or what sells the most records; who mix the best of death, thrash, and power metal in a concoction that defies pigeon-holing. Mix the vintage sounds of TESTAMENT and METALLICA , brutal death metal, epic power metal, and even some southern fried flair thrown on top, and you have what has become known as WOE OF TYRANTS."

•2/12/09: CONSPIRACY and SANCTIFICATION News!
The second full-length album from CONSPIRACY's head-honcho Alex 'Carpathian Wolf' (previously known as Al' Hazred of Melechesh fame) entitled "Concordat", has unleashed the album cover artwork and tracklisting:



Tracklisting:
1) Mentally Ill God
2) Die In Style
3) Concordat (Conquerdate)
4) Terrorized Into Submission
5) Faith
6) Limited to 666
7) Courage
8) The Last Veteran

Once again utilising the amazing talents of world-renowned artist Dan Seagrave (Morbid Angel, Malevolent Creation, Dismember, Entombed, etc) for the album artwork and mastered by the legendary fretboard wizard-cum-engineer Andy Laroque (King Diamond) at Sonic Train Studio in Sweden, "Concordat" will be packaged in Super Jewel Box CD format and also strictly limited to 1000 copies worldwide.

Announcement for the release date coming soon.

PLUS

The much awaited full-length album from Swedish Death Metallers SANCTIFICATION has announced the album artwork for "Black Reign":



Tracklisting:
1. Thirst For Blood
2. Black Reign (Featuring guest vocals by Peter Tägtgren and Emperor Magus Caligula)
3. Raw
4. Eternal (Featuring guest vocals by Peter Tägtgren)
5. Hear This
6. Dead Forever
7. Flesh, Bone And Skin
8. Trucido Christianese
9. Storm (Featuring guest vocals by Emperor Magus Caligula)

"Black Reign" was produced, mixed and mastered at Sweden's Abyss Studio by Tommy and Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy, Pain, ex-Bloodbath, etc) together with SANCTIFICATION. Also to be released in Super Jewel Box CD format, SANCTIFICATION features members from God Among Insects, In Battle, Soul Drainer and recently Emperor Magus Caligula from Dark Funeral took over the singing duties and replaced Kristoffer Hell.

Announcement for the release date coming soon.

•2/12/09: MASTODON Studio Footage Online!
From the fine folks at The PRP

New video footage of Mastodon in the studio working on their upcoming album "Crack The Skye" has been made available online here. The band had initially revealed a tentative March 24th release date for the effort, though a delay is now expected.

•2/10/09: CODESEVEN Unveils Unreleased Cover!!!
Originally planned to go onto a Pink Floyd tribute album that never ended up getting released, this cover was the last song recorded by North Carolina’s CODESEVEN that featured the original line up including Big Dave on the keys. This cover of Pink Floyd's "Us and Them" was recorded ten years ago by Kurt Ballou (of Converge fame) at God City studio's in Boston, Mass. and this recent gem of a discovery is now being shared with the rest of the world.

The release of this song is also exclusive only to the new social music news site "Revivl". It's a new forum that lets you create a profile and then submit your own music related news stories and then have them voted on by the community. Click on "Buzzfix" to see what’s happening on other news sites and/or search through the "Popular" and "Upcoming" tabs to see what’s generating the most buzz from news submitted BY you.

It's100% free so please sign up, submit your own news, bookmark, vote up stories you like and have some fun with it.

www.revivl.com

•2/10/09: LAMB OF GOD Teasers Online
Trailers for Lamb Of God's upcoming new album "Wrath" and their video for their track "Set To Fail" can be seen online here and here respectively. The video will debut on Myspace on February 13th, while the album will see a release through Epic on February 24th.

Credit: The PRP

•2/10/09: BONE GNAWER Artwork & Tracks Unveiled!
The Swedish-American collaboration BONE GNAWER, featuring the legendary Massacre / ex-Denial Fiend growler Kam Lee, Rogga Johansson from Paganizer / Ribspreader, Morgan Lie from Naglfar / Ammo Hate and Ronnie Bjornstrom of also Ribspreader / Ammo Hate fame, have revealed the album artwork and the final tracklisting for the upcoming debut album entitled "Feast Of Flesh":



The tracklisting is as follows:

1) Feast Of Flesh
2) Sliced & Diced
3) Cannibal Cook-Out
4) Make You Die Slow
5) Hammer To The Skull
6) The Saw Is Family
7) Hatchet Face
8) Defleshed And Skinned
9) Anthropophagus Beast
10) The Lucky Ones Die First

With the layout and booklet done by veteran Metal artist Mark Riddick (Arsis, Dying Fetus, Hypocrisy, Kataklysm, etc), this debut album will be released exclusively in digipak CD format and the street release date will be announced in a short while.

•QUEENSRYCHE adds tour dates!: 02/09/09
Sending you all the latest updates on Queensryche and their upcoming release The American Soldier , we've recently been informed of new additions being made to their upcoming 2009 tour!

Soon after the release of AMERICAN SOLDIER, Queensrÿche will launch an extensive spring tour of the U.S., with international dates to follow later in 2009. The shows will be presented in three suites, with the band performing sets from AMERICAN SOLDIER, Rage For Order, and Empire. The first date of the tour will be April 16 at Snoqualmie Casino in the band’s hometown of Seattle. Be sure to check out the complete list of tourdates below for a show in a city near you!!!!

QUEENSRYCHE

2009 TOUR SCHEDULE

4/16 Snoqualmie, WA Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom 4/17 Snoqualmie, WA Snoqualmie Casino Ballroom 4/18 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre 4/19 Chico, CA Senator Theatre 4/22 Anaheim, CA House Of Blues 4/23 San Diego, CA House Of Blues 4/24 Los Angeles, CA House Of Blues 4/25 Las Vegas, NV House Of Blues 4/26 Salt Lake City, UT The Depot 4/28 Denver, CO Paramount Theater 4/29 Kansas City, MO Voodoo Lounge @ Harrah’s Casino 4/30 Milwaukee, WI Northern Lights Theater 5/1 Milwaukee, WI Northern Lights Theater 5/3 Walker, MN Northern Lights Casino 5/5 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection 5/6 Cleveland, OH House Of Blues 5/7 Chicago, IL House Of Blues 5/8 Chicago, IL House Of Blues 5/9 Mount Clemens, MI Emerald Theatre 5/10 Greensburg, PA Palace Theatre 5/12 Verona, NY Turning Stone Resort Casino 5/13 Stamford, CT The Palace Theater Of The Arts 5/14 Sayerville, NJ Starland Ballroom 5/15 New York, NY Nokia Theatre 5/16 Atlantic City, NJ House Of Blues 5/17 Myrtle Beach, SC House Of Blues 5/19 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall 5/20 Lake Buena Vista, FL House Of Blues 5/21 New Orleans, LA House Of Blues 5/22 Houston, TX House Of Blues 5/23 San Antonio, TX Hemisfair Park 5/24 Dallas, TX House Of Blues 5/29 Albuquerque, NM Kiva Auditorium 5/30 Phoenix, AZ Dodge 6/3 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Theater 6/4 San Francisco, CA Fillmore 6/5 Kelseyville, CA Konocti Harbor

•WHIPLASH To Headline Italy's The Hellbri: 02/09/09
Reactivated New Jersey based Thrash act WHIPLASH are scheduled to headline a first time ever show in Italy at this year's installment of THE HELLBRIGADE FESTIVAL, set to take place on June 13th 2009 at Thunder-Road-Codevilla, Milano Italy:

The festival's billing are as follows:

WHIPLASH (USA) ARTILLERY (Den) UL MIK LONGOBARDEATH (Ita) METHEDRAS (Ita) BRAIN DEAD (Ita) ADIMIRON (Ita) NATIONAL SUICIDE (Ita) ANCIENT DOME (Ita)

WHIPLASH Official Myspace

PULVERISED RECORDS official website:

PULVERISED RECORDS official Myspace:

PULVERISED RECORDS official Ultimate Metal forum:

•THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA album title: 02/09/09
From our friends at The PRP

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA have set "With Roots Above And Branches Below" as the title to their new album which they are currently recording for an April/May release date through Ferret Music. The band are co-producing the sessions alongside Joey Sturgis (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, GWEN STACY)

•02/06/09: SEPULTURA: Artist in the Spotlight
"Hey all, we´ve just arrived in Europe to start the tour for our new album "A-LEX". The first show will be in Sofia, Bulgaria and we will stay in Europe for a month. The album has been receiving great reviews from all over and our fans are very excited with this new phase of the band. This is the first album we worked with the new drummer Jean Dollabela, who brought into the group many different influences and a new way of playing drums for Sepultura.

As many people already know, the new album is totally inspired by the novel "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess. This is an amazing story that talks about drugs, violence, politics, religion, family relationship, friendship and it was a great way for us to express our ideas and point of view. Very soon we will be confirming dates for an American tour, hope to see you all on the road.

Thanks for all and see you all soon!"

Andreas Kisser

You can listen to them HERE.

•02/06/09: THE NUMBER TWELVE LOOKS LIKE YOU adds mo
From our friends at The PRP

THE NUMBER TWELVE LOOKS LIKE YOU have added/altered some dates for their upcoming headlining run with We Came As Romans, I See Stars and Our Last Night, the latest include: February 26th Dayton, OH - The Attic March 02nd Omaha, NE - Sokol Underground March 03rd Belton, MO - Cactus Jacks March 04th Wichita, KS - Eagles Lodge March 06th Amarillo, TX - The War Legion Underground March 08th Las Vegas, NV - The Box Office March 10th Victorville, CA - Karma March 15th Tempe, AZ - The Sets March 19th Dallas, TX - The Max March 21st Pensacola, FL - American Legion 33 March 22nd Augusta, GA - Sector 7G March 24th Virginia Beach, VA - Peppermint Beach Club THE NUMBER TWELVE LOOKS LIKE YOU’s new album "Worse Than Alone" will see a March 10th release date through Eyeball.

•02/06/09: ALL SHALL PERISH gets new guitarist
From our friends at The PRP

ALL SHALL PERISH have parted ways with guitarist Chris Storey as a result of "long standing internal issues." The band have tapped Jason Richardson as his replacement. Their official statement on the matter reads as follows:
"We WILL be doing all upcoming tours and fests! We have an unbelievable replacement named Jason Richardson. Can't wait to see everyone on the road! We will be doing a small headliner, the Atticus Clothing tour and then a ton of major fests in Europe. We have some surprises in store as well!"

•2/05/09: MESHUGGAH Update
Read the entire interview conducted on the first day of their current North American tour sponsored by MySpace Music and read up on MESHUGGAH’s upcoming live DVD here. MESHUGGAH are on a US headline run with CYNIC and THE FACELESS.

•2/5/09: LIGHT THIS CITY take on The Boss
Reported first on The PRP, the now defunct Light This City have posted a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" ONLINE.

•2/4/09: QUEENSRYCHE available for preorder!
With the album dropping on the horizon, don't wait to get your copy now from the almighty Queensryche! Click the album artwork below to be redirected for pre-orders!



Queensryche envisions war through the eyes of a soldier with the band's 12th studio release, the epic concept album, American Soldier. The ambitious album encompasses a dozen songs inspired by numerous interviews with veterans conducted by Geoff Tate, the group's singer and chief songwriter, who was intent on telling their story using their words. After speaking with soldiers who served in various conflicts-from World War II to Iraq-Tate turned their firsthand experiences from the frontlines into an unflinching musical examination of the life of a soldier and the consequences of war.

•02/04/09: LIFE OF AGONY creates comic series!
From our friends at Blabbermouth

LIFE OF AGONY bassist Alan Robert has written and created a new horror/conspiracy comic series, Wire Hangers. The series, which features pencils by Mike Lilly (Vampirella, Batman: Detective Comics), inks and covers by comic fan favorite Nelson (Marvel Masterpieces, Adventures of Superman), and colors by Juan Fernandez (Ant Unleashed), will hit shelves this year through a publisher to be announced in the coming months.



The teaser was animated by Alan Robert using his artwork, with sound FX created by Josh Silver (TYPE O NEGATIVE) and voice-over by Neil Jason.

Commented Robert: "I came up with the concept for Wire Hangers about 15 years ago and have been refining the story ever since. Writing bits and pieces of it on tour, over the years. Sketching character designs for it on the back of lyric sheets and things like that. I'm so excited to be working with such great comic book artists on this and finally bringing it to life! It's a long time coming and I have such a great feeling about it, seems like the timing is really right. Especially, with graphic novel stories taking over the box office and themes getting darker and darker, Wire Hangers fits right in."

Alan Robert, Mike Lilly and Nelson will be on hand this weekend (Feb. 6-8) at the New York ComicCon.

LIFE OF AGONY will tour Europe this summer. Meanwhile, Alan's SPOILER NYC project will enter the studio in April to begin recording the follow-up to the band's "Grease Fire in Hell's Kitchen" debut (SOS Records/I Scream Records).

•02/04/09: LAMB OF GOD news!!
From our friends at Blabbermouth

Fuse On Demand has announced LAMB OF GOD as its "HD Artist of the Month" for the month of February. Fuse On Demand HD has loaded its channel with career-spanning footage of the band, including "Uranium: Lamb of God BBQ" (celebrating the release of "Ashes of The Wake"), "Uranium: Lamb of God 2007" (interview with the band on their 2007 headlining tour in support of their album "Sacrament") and "Uranium: Lamb of God On Tour 2009" (Interview with the band as they are on tour opening up for METALLICA ). You can also access LAMB OF GOD's music videos for "Redneck" and "Laid to Rest". It's all free and it's all in HD.

Fuse On Demand HD is available through Comcast and Cox cable companies and is located in the HD category in the On Demand service.

Chris Steffen has penned a piece for RollingStone.com previewing LAMB OF GOD's new album, "Wrath", which will be released in North America on February 24 via Epic Records. The CD will be issued in other territories through Roadrunner Records.

"Wrath" was produced by Josh Wilbur and was recorded in studios in New York, Virginia, and New Hampshire.

LAMB OF GOD will be IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson's guests on February 6 during Bruce's weekly BBC 6 Music radio program, dubbed "The Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show". Listen to the broadcast live via the Internet between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (midnight) U.K. time at BBC.co.uk.

•02/04/09: SHADOWS FALL is recording!
From our friends at The PRP

SHADOWS FALL have announced that they have begun the recording sessions for their next album with producer Zeuss (HATEBREED, THROWDOWN) behind the boards. Drum tracking is currently underway while tentative track titles include "F*** It All" and "My Demise". Speaking on the material, band drummer Jason Bittner had the following to offer:
"I can't tell you how psyched I am over this record. The Shad camp has been through a lot over the last year, and I think it shows in this record... the songs are a little more on the darker, angry side... lots of heaviness, lots of crazy guitar, and LOTS of room for me to have some fun. There is no doubt in my mind that this will be the best performance of my career, so far, and I owe that to my guys for bringing me incredible riffs to write killer drum parts to."
The as-yet untitled effort is expected out later this year. In the meantime, rumors once again continue to dog the band that they have parted ways with their North American label Atlantic Records, with the latest suggesting they were let go sometime over the holidays. A similar previous rumors proved to be false, so a grain of salt might be advised.

•2/3/09: Want QUEENSRYCHE in your Inbox?
If you want to show your support for Queensryche via email now, well here's your chance!

First be sure to download this image to save onto your desktop:


To create a new signature:

1. In Outlook, go to Tools>>Options in the main menu bar.
2. Select the Mail Format tab and click Signatures.


3. In the Create Signature box, click New.


4. Enter the name of the signature (for example, "Business" or "Personal") in the Enter a name for your new signature field and click Next.


5. In the Edit Signature field, type the information for your signature as you want it to appear in the body of your e-mails. Click Finish when your signature is complete.


NOTE: You can do simple formatting within Outlook, such as changing font size and color or text alignment. If you want to do more complex formatting or add pictures to your signature, you must edit your signature with Microsoft Office Word 2003. To do this:

5a. In the Edit Signature box, click Advanced Edit.


5b. Click Yes in the advisory box.


5c. Create your signature, using Word features for graphics and formatting. When you are done, Save your signature and exit Word.

- in the editor (which looks like a blank word document) click Insert -> picture -> from file -> go to your desktop and select the queensryche .jpg
- resize the .jpg till it fits to your liking

Save your signature and exit Word.

6. Click OK if your signature appears as you want it to look. If you are not satisfied with your signature's appearance, click Edit and make changes.

•02/02/09: Deslutory Reforms And Is Back With A New
It is with our immense pleasure to announce that we had dug up an old Swedish Death Metal gem from the late 80's and bring you the legendary DESULTORY! With 3 ridiculously under-rated albums ( Into Eternity , Bitterness and Swallow The Snake respectively) under Metal Blade Records , the band was put to sleep indefinitely and was conjured back to life only recently. We are very eager to see what form of Death Metal disaster awaits us with this classic resurrection!! The band comments: "We are very pleased to sign with Pulverised Records as they have a very good reputation here in Sweden. Professional guys and fans of the Death Metal scene, just as it should be. After our 3rd album in 1996, we put Desultory to sleep and went on to explore other musical directions. But now, 13 years later, we are back again, we felt the need to create some new Death Metal and that it was time for Desultory to be reborn. The new material for the forthcoming record will be a touch of the old Desultory but mixed up with new influences. It will be hard, brutal and melodic. Two lineup changes. Håkan Morberg is now playing lead guitar (before he was playing bass) and Jojje Bohlin is handling the bass. Still Klas Morberg on vox and guitar and Thomas Johnson smashing the drums. We´re really looking forward to see you on tour or on a festival somewhere!"

•2/2/09: MASTODON Track Now Online
Mastodon's entire new track "Divinations" can now be streamed over at their official Myspace page which you can find here. It comes from their new album "Crack The Skye", which is expected out on March 24th via Reprise/Warner.

•1/29/09: KARL SANDERS signs with The End Records
The End Records announced today the signing of Karl Sanders, the driving force behind South Carolina's Egyptian-themed death metal titans Nile. The End will release Sanders' second full-length solo album, entitled Saurian Exorcisms, on April 14th. The album, which was recorded at Serpent Headed Studios, mixed by Bob Moore at the Soundlab in Columbia SC, and mastered by Juan Punchy Gonzalez at DOW Studios in Tampa FL, contains nine carefully constructed dark cinematic songs that work in harmony to create a uniquely moving emotional experience.

Here is the track listing:

01. Preliminary Purification Before the Calling of Inanna
02. Rapture of the Empty Spaces
03. Contemplate this On the Tree of Woe
04. A Most Effective Excorcism against Azagthoth and his Emissaries
05. Slavery to Nitokris
06. Shira Gula Pazu
07. Kali Ma
08. Curse the Sun
09. Dying Embers of the Aga Mass SSSratu

•1/29/09: DAATH releasing on Century Media
There are many instances where the media and fans create misconceptions as to what a certain band sounds like or simply get lumped into a genre after numerous tours with artists from the same scene. Well, the Atlanta based quintet Daath certainly set out with a mission to truly separate themselves from the rest when recording their much anticipated new album, The Concealers, which is nothing but a straight shot of pure, unfiltered American metal at its very best. The dueling guitar virtuosity of Emil Werstler and Eyal Levi harkens many comparisons to Mustaine and Friedman, all the while the acclaimed Kevin Talley (ex-Chimaira) pounds away with fury and precision further proving he is one of the genre's most accomplished players.

Now, with a dynamic new singer in tow, Century Media Records is proud to announce a worldwide partnership with Roadrunner Records to release Daath's new opus, The Concealers, on April 21st. The Concealers was produced and mixed by Jason Suecof and Mark Lewis (Trivium, All That Remains) and features unparalleled musicianship along with the extraordinary vocals of Sean Z. A new track, titled "Sharpen the Blades," has been posted online at the official Daath MySpace page.

Werstler comments: "We mutually agreed that CM would be much more appropriate for the band at this stage, but that nobody felt like it was time to end the relationship with Roadrunner, so we worked out a deal where Roadrunner still makes our records, but CM works them."

Daath shot to the forefront of the metal world with the 2007 release of The Hinderers. The band built a worldwide following by touring with the likes of Job For A Cowboy, Devildriver, Unearth, Despised Icon and others while also taking part in the 2007 edition of Ozzfest. After this wrapped and the band underwent some healthy lineup changes, Daath entered the studio more focused than ever before to begin work on their sophomore album.

Daath is the brain child of Levi and features amongst its ranks some of the best all around musicians in today's heavy music scene. Werstler is also one of the most heralded up-and-coming guitarists today. The band also enlisted the full-time duties of drummer Kevin Talley (ex- Chimaira, Dying Fetus, Misery Index,), who is renowned for his technical proficiency, speed and strong attack.

Talley comments: "It's amazing that Roadrunner and Century Media are collaborating for the release of our upcoming album because I have been friends with both labels for so many years. I filled in for Suffocation in 1998, played in Chimaira, Devildriver, and now Daath who were all, at some point on Roadrunner and, over the years, I have gone to many of their international offices. My experience with Century Media dates back to my Dying Fetus and Misery Index days when I would stop by their office and raid the CD warehouse for killer music. I was even wearing a Century Media shirt during my Slayer audition. Overall, I am stoked because these labels are not only my friends, but they are great labels and I am honored to have their names on the upcoming release."

Levi further states: "I'm not going to waste your time or insult your intelligence with a plethora of metal words and brutal adjectives about our new album. I'll just say this: In my opinion this is the first true Daath record. I think it's amazing. Any preconceived notions you may have about our band will be destroyed. We came together on this like one five headed, pissed off beast that's out for blood. Everyone's strengths shine like never before. It's the best I've ever written and played and it's the best I've ever heard my bandmates write and play. Call me cocky if you will, but check out the record and if you disagree feel free to write me on our MySpace and call me a prick. Otherwise I hope you enjoy the hell out of it and look forward to seeing you on the road!"

•1/28/09: EXMORTUS announces tour dates!!!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (WEDNESDAY JANUARY 28TH 2009)

EXMORTUS ANNOUNCES “MASTERS OF DISASTER” TOUR DATES

Los Angeles neo-classical death unit EXMORTUS, are hitting the road in support of their debut album In Hatred’s Flame, teaming up with fellow marquee metal artists BONDED BY BLOOD (EARACHE RECORDS) and WITCHAVEN for the “Masters of Disaster” tour. Listed below are the dates.

Additionally EXMORTUS has uploaded their video for the song “Triumph by Fire” to their myspace page be sure to check it out here:

March 6th Las Vegas, NV @ 4 Aces
March 7th Tempe, AZ @ The Sets
March 9th Tucson, AZ @ Vaudeville
March 10th Las Cruces, NM @ El Patio
March 11th Lubbock, TX @ Jake’s Backroom
March 12th Oklahoma, OK @ The Conservatory
March 13th Dallas, TX @ Reno’s Chop Shop
March 14th San Antonio, TX @ The Warhol
March 15th Jackson, MS @ The Bomb Shelter
March 17th St Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre
March 18th Fort Myers, FL @ Rockstarz
March 20th Winter Park, FL @ The Haven
March 22nd Sheffield, AL @ Muscle Shoals Music Hall
March 24th Raleigh, NC @ Volume 11
March 26th Danville, VA @ Plan B
March 27th Allentown, PA @ Rock House Sterling Hotel
March 28th Bayonne, NJ @ Liquid Lounge
March 30th Syracuse, NY @ Lost Horizon
March 31st Cleveland, OH @ Now That’s Class
April 2nd Detroit, MI @ Blondies
April 3rd Fort Wayne, IN @ Miss Q’s Music Complex
April 4th Aurora, IL @ Doug’s Rock House
April 7th Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
April 8th Kansas City, MO @ Riot Room
April 9th Lincoln, NE @ Knickerbocker
April 10th Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
April 11th Billings, MT @ FOE
April 15th Boise, ID @ Gusto’s
April 16th Seattle, WA @ King Cobra
April 17th Portland, OR @ Satyricon
April 18th Medford, OR @ Musichead
April 21st Modesto, CA @ Modesto Virtual
April 24th San Jose, CA @ West Valley College
April 25th Oakland, CA 924 Gilman Street

Listen to EXMORTUS HERE
Listen to BONDED BY BLOOD HERE
Listen to WITCHAVEN HERE

For more information contact Mike Andriani at Heavy Artillery
press@heavyartillery.us (631) 821-5284 www.heavyartillery.us

•1/28/09: A MASTODON snippet
From our friends at The PRP

MASTODON have posted a longer snippet of their new track "Divinations" online Here. The full song, plus a non-album instrumental version of it, can be found on the limited edition "Divinations" single, which can be purchased at the bands aforementioned official website, or digitally through the usual digital retailers. MASTODON’s new album "Crack The Skye" is expected to see a March 24th release date through Reprise.

•1/28/09: DIRTFEDD's new album release!
From our friends at The PRP

DIRTFEDD will release their new album "The American Nightmare" through Sopra Evil/Koch on April 07th. The outing was produced by Slipknot's M. Shawn Crahan and material from it can be found Here.

•1/27/09: FACELESS tour dates surface!
Dates have surfaced for Cannibal Corpse's upcoming North American tour with The Faceless, Neuraxis, and Obscura. Here's the latest:

4/2 Asheville, TN @ Orange Peel
4/3 Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
4/4 Tulsa, OK @ The Marquee
4/6 Salt Lake City, UT @ Avalon
4/7 Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
4/08 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
4/10 Vancouver, BC @ Croatian Cultural Center
4/11 Kelowna, BC @ Habitat
4/12 Edmonton, AB @ The Starlite
4/13 Calgary, AB @ McEwan Ballroom
4/14 Regina, SK @ Riddell
4/15 Winnipeg, MB @ The Garrick
4/17 Minneapolis, MN @ Station 4
4/18 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
4/19 Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection
4/21 Montreal, QC @ The Medley
4/22 Ottawa, ON @ Babylon
4/23 Quebec City, QC @ Le Capitole
4/24 Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
4/25 Richmond, VA @ Alley Katz
4/26 Jacksonville, NC @ Hooligan's Music Hall
4/27 Jacksonville, FL @ Freebird Live

•1/27/09: MAYHEM Lineup Announced!
"Revolver Magazine" have revealed the line-up for this years "Rockstar Mayhem Festival", which is tentatively set to kick off on July 10th and run through till August 16th. This years edition of the outing will feature three stages, the running order for which is as follows:

Main Stage:
Marilyn Manson
Slayer
Bullet For My Valentine

Jagermeister Stage:
Trivium
All That Remains
God Forbid

Hot Topic Stage:
Cannibal Corpse
Behemoth
Job For A Cowboy
The Black Dahlia Murder
Whitechapel

Tentative routing for the tour runs as follows:
July 10th Sacramento, CA
July 11th San Francisco, CA
July 12th San Bernardino, CA
July 14th Seattle, WA
July 17th Phoenix, AZ
July 18th Albuquerque, NM
July 19th Denver, CO
July 21st Kansas City, MO
July 22nd St. Louis, MO
July 24th Atlanta, GA
July 25th Indianapolis, IN
July 26th Chicago, IL
July 28th Toronto, ON
July 29th Scranton, PA
July 31st Cleveland, OH
August 01st Pittsburgh, PA
August 02nd Detroit, MI
August 04th Boston, MA
August 06th Virginia Beach, VA
August 07th Camden, NJ
August 08th Hartford, CT
August 09th Washington, DC
August 11th Tampa, FL
August 12th West Palm Beach, FL
August 14th Dallas, TX
August 15th Houston, TX
August 16th San Antonio, TX

•1/26/09: CHIMAIRA news!!!
From our friends at Blabbermouth

Cleveland, Ohio's CHIMAIRA has begun revealing the cover artwork for its new album, "The Infection", piece by piece via the band's official web site. Several songtitles have also been released:

* "The Venom Inside" * "Secrets Of The Dead" * "Impending Doom" * "Destroy and Dominate" * "The Heart of It All"

CHIMAIRA recently signed a new worldwide deal (except North America) with Nuclear Blast Records.

"The Infection" is scheduled for release in North America on April 21 via Ferret Music and in Europe on April 24 through Nuclear Blast.

"The Infection" was mastered at Sterling Sound in New York City with Ted Jensen and Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL, AGNOSTIC FRONT, TERROR, THE ACACIA STRAIN). "Sonically, this album sounds amazing," vocalist Mark Hunter wrote on the group's web site. "Ben [Schigel, producer], Zeuss [who mixed the CD] and Ted did an amazing job making our vision come to reality. The album has exceeded everyone in this band's expectations."

Check out photos from the studio at Chimaira.com.

D.X. Ferris of the Cleveland Scene recently conducted an interview with CHIMAIRA frontman Mark Hunter and rhythm guitarist Matt DeVries about "The Infection". The new record will arrive in five different versions: a songs-only download, a CD with a making-of bonus DVD, a box set, a vinyl version and a special edition with b-sides (one of which may be a cover of STATE OF CONVICTION's "Convictions", which CHIMAIRA recorded with STATE OF CONVICTION singer Jason "J Mann" Popson).

Regarding the new CD's musical direction, Hunter said, "The album is a little slower than people might be expecting. It's at this groove tempo where the whole time you can't stop bobbing your head. Some of the songs are 'Venom Inside', 'Secrets of the Dead', 'Destroy and Dominate'. There's one song in particular I think Cleveland fans will enjoy: It's called 'The Heart of It All'. We're no stranger to doing instrumental songs. And as we were writing it, I kept thinking, 'Wow, it sounds like Cleveland to me.' It's long, epic." DeVries added, "I've been super-stoked on everything, and we're proud of everything. But for this record, it's a different kind of taste, and it's a different kind of stoked. Every single song is catchy to us and has a lot of groove and has a lot of CHIMAIRA in it."

•1/26/09: NORMA JEAN is hitting the road
From our friends at The PRP

NORMA JEAN will be hitting the road with SILVERSTEIN and BLESSTHEFALL in March/April, dates and venues for the trek will be announced shortly. In the meantime, live footage of NORMA JEAN performing their track "Vipers, Snakes And Actors" in Syracuse, NY can be found here. Here.

•1/23/09: LES CLAYPOOL News!!!
Les Claypool has lined up drummer Paulo Baldi (Cake), percussionist Mike Dillon (Ani Difranco) and celloist Sam Bass (Deadweight) to serve as his backing band on his recently announced tour, "The Oddity Faire - A Mutated Mini Fest", which kicks off March 04th. As previously reported, Les Claypool will release his new solo album "Of Fungi And Foe" on March 17th through Prawn Song.

Thanks THE PRP

•1/22/09: ROB HALFORD trademarks METAL GOD?
... for a video game? Yessum. Here's the scoop from the gaming website Joystiq.

Rob Halford – lead singer for Judas Priest and the bearer of the immeasurably cooler-than-ours nickname "Metal God" – has filed a trademark application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office under the "class" of "Computer games; video games; and game controllers for computer games." The name he's seeking to trademark? You got it: "Metal God."

Maybe it's just Halford watching out for numero uno (hey, if our nickname was "Metal God" we'd trademark everything from video games to hair curlers) or maybe, after getting a taste of that Rock Band DLC money, Halford has more palpable ambitions.

•1/22/09: NEW ENGLAND METALFEST ANNOUNCED!
The New England Metal and Hardcore Festival will enter its second decade this April with an eclectic mixture of bands from the metal and hardcore genres. Returning to the Palladium in Worcester, Mass., the event will take place on Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, with a an extra special pre-party on Thursday, April 16.

Headlining Friday will be All That Remains, one of the many bands that got its start at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. Saturday will be headlined by metal giants Lamb of God as part of their No Fear Energy Music Tour along with As I Lay Dying, Children Of Bodom, God Forbid and Municipal Waste. Metal Blade Records will present the main stage.

Other bands schedule to perform on Friday are: August Burns Red, Suffocation, The Acacia Strain, The Haunted, Napalm Death, White Chapel, Kataclysm, Cattle Decapitation, Veil of Maya, Abigail Williams, Decrepit Birth, Pscroptic, Intronaut, Withered, Left to Vanish, Lazarus A.D., Kylesa, XAFBX, Trap Them, Aggressive Dogs, Toxic Holocaust, XWarX, Psyopus, Woe of Tyrants, Rose Funeral and more to be announced. Doors open at 12 noon.

Saturday's lineup will also feature: Have Heart, Shipwreck, Winds of Plague, Emmure, All Shall Perish, Austrian Death Machine, Terror, iwrestledabearonce, Unholy, Shai Hulud, Cold World, Trapped Under Ice, This is Hell, Cruel Hand, The Carrier, Energy, Defeater, Dead Swans, Century, Book of Black Earth, Acaro, Animals as Leaders, Withered, Landmine Marathon and more to be announced. Doors open at 12 noon.

The Thursday night pre-party will be a unique event combining film and music. The party will kick off with a screening of official film sponsor Anchor Bay's film "Crowley," co-written by none other than Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson. The provocative supernatural thriller is the tale of a virtual reality experiment gone wrong, sending the soul of the British occultist Aleister Crowley into the body of a shy university professor. But even as Crowley creates all-new orgies of depraved pleasures and black magic, he is now preparing to unleash the ultimate occult event upon the world. Also showing is "Anvil! The Story of Anvil," a sometimes revealing, sometimes hilarious documentary about the legendary Canadian metal band. The movie follows best friends Robb Reiner and Lips ad they make a pact to rock together forever. Their band, Anvil, hailed as the "demi-gods of Canadian metal, " influenced a musical generation that includes Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, despite never hitting the big time. Following a calamitous European tour, Lips and Robb, now in their fifties, set off to record their 13th album in one last attempt to fulfill their boyhood dreams. The film will be followed by a performance by the band itself. The pre-party will also be held at the Palladium. Admission is free with a weekend pass or $15 for non-ticket holders. Atticus is the official sponsor of the pre-party.

Prices this year are $40 for Friday, $45 for Saturday or $79 for a 2-day ticket that also includes free admission to the kick off party on Thursday. Tickets will be available at all Strawberries, FYE Stores, online at tickets.com or by calling (800) 477-6849. Tickets are available now online and will go on sale through the other outlets this Saturday.

Monster Energy is official energy drink of the festival. All In Merch and 518 Prints are the official merchandise company of the festival. Other sponsors include Mazur Public Relations, The Syndicate, Heavy Hitter, Rock And Shock, and Roadrunner Records.

•1/22/09: WOE OF TYRANTS with new track available!
On the road starting today with Adversary, Destroy Destroy Destroy, and Brother Von Doom, Metl Blade's WOE OF TYRANTS posted a new track ONLINE in celebration of their start on this tour and latest release in the New Year. Stay tuned to the site as more updates will be available and their newest video for "Breaking The Fangs Of The Wicked" will premiere.

•01/21/09: KREATOR on Billboard Charts!
From our friends at Blabbermouth

"Hordes Of Chaos", the latest album from German thrashers KREATOR, sold around 2,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 165 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at No. 7 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Hordes Of Chaos" had a commanding first week at radio, roaring out of the box to grab the #1 "Most Added" slot on both the CMJ Loud Rock chart and FMQB's Metal Detector chart. The album made a rare first-week jump into CMJ Loud Rock's Top 10 with a #10 debut along with an impressive #16 debut on FMQB.

The CD was released in three different versions. The jewel case edition includes the ten regular album songs, and the deluxe version features an additional bonus DVD with an atmospheric making-of in super-8 quality courtesy of a Berlin filmmaker. As a third option, the ultra-deluxe version comes with a t-shirt, a worthwhile photo book and an extended version of the bonus DVD, as well as the CD.

The "Hordes Of Chaos" artwork was created once again by Joachim Luetke. Luetke designed the artwork for KREATOR's last album, "Enemy Of God", as well as past releases from bands like DIMMU BORGIR , ARCH ENEMY and RAGE.

KREATOR is putting the finishing touches on its new video for the title track of "Hordes Of Chaos". The clip was shot on November 2 in Berlin, Germany with director Jörn Heitmann (RAMMSTEIN), who has also worked on the band's video for the song "Enemy Of God".

•01/21/09: FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH has new guitaris
From our friends at The PRP

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH have parted ways with guitarist Darrell Roberts and have replaced him with Jason Hook (Alice Cooper). Speaking on the spli, band frontman Zoltan Bathory had the following to say: "It was a mutual agreement between the band and Darrell, and both parties wanted to handle this with class and as friends in our own time and on our own terms, however the rumor mill seems to work faster than anyone thought... It was a swift and smooth transition and we all remain good friends. All cliches aside we really wish him the best on his musical endeavors."

•1/20/09: EXODUS European Tour Update
From the fine folks at SMN News

EXODUS guitarist/songwriter Gary Holt has sent in the following band update:

“First, here’s hoping everybody has an excellent holiday weekend and a safe New Year. Whatever makes you happy, enjoy it! We’re getting excited for next year, as it should prove to be most awesome all the way around.

Have no fear, Tom will be back - a bit more tanned I’m sure - and then we will be off and running with Kreator for two months in the U.S. and Canada. See you all soon.”

“Then on February 18th, we’re off to Europe for a co-headlining tour with our good old friends in Overkill, capped off with our return to Greece (finally!). For this Overkill tour, we will be without the services of [drummer] Mr. Tom Hunting, as he had a well-planned in advance, paid for, and non-refundable vacation to México that has been in the works since last April-May. He will take many pictures of paradise for all to see! So while he will be sipping a drink on a sunny beach, we will be in a stinky, beer-and-piss-soaked club. Exactly where I want to be! So on this European tour, I would like to welcome our good friend Mr. Nick Barker (ex-Cradle of Filth, ex-Testament, ex-Dimmu Borgir), who will be holding down the drum throne! Nick is one of the baddest dudes to ever hit things with sticks, so we’re happy as hell he agreed to join this lunatic parade for a short while! There will be many bottles of Old Number [Seagram's] 7 vanishing down our guts for sure!”

•1/20/09: DDG release new song online!
Drop Dead, Gorgeous have made their new track "The Internet Killed The Video Star" available online here. It comes from their new album "The Hot N' Heavy", which will see a release this spring.

Credit: The PRP

•1/16/09: New CATTLE DECAPITATION available online
Cattle Decapitation’s new album, The Harvest Floor, will be streaming in its entirety exclusively on buzzgrinder.com starting this Friday and ending on Monday. Besides just being able to hear each song in their full, grinding glory, you can read a song by song breakdown by vocalist Travis Ryan. The lyrics on The Harvest Floor are some of his most twisted yet and the explanations should provide some insight on the inspiration for the lyrics.

The Harvest Floor will be available everywhere on January 20th

•1/16/09: HOUSECORE RADIO Widget Available
A widget for "Housecore Radio", the "music, boxing and freedom of speech" radio show hosted by DOWN/ex-PANTERA frontman Philip H. Anselmo, can be found at this location.

•1/15/09: TO SPEAK OF WOLVES releases new EP!
The newest addition to the Heavy Hitter Management roster, Tragic Hero Records' To Speak Of Wolves released their latest EP digitally through Apple iTunes entitled "Following Voices". The EP again is available online for only $3.99.

•1/14/09: EVERY TIME I DIE is recording
From our friends at The PRP

EVERY TIME I DIE have officially begun writing new material for their next album which they plan to begin recording in California on April 01st. The effort is expected to see a release through Epitaph later this year. More on that and band frontman Keith Buckley's quest to prestige mode in "Call Of Duty: World At War" can be found Here.

•1/14/09: KREATOR's 'Hordes Of Chaos' Dominates
From our friends at Blabbermouth

"Hordes Of Chaos", the new release from German thrash metal legends KREATOR, had a commanding first week at radio, roaring out of the box to grab the #1 "Most Added" slot on both the CMJ Loud Rock chart and FMQB's Metal Detector chart. The album makes a rare first-week jump into CMJ Loud Rock's Top 10 with a #10 debut along with an impressive #16 debut on FMQB.

"Hordes Of Chaos" is available for streaming in its entirety at the web site of MTV Germany.

KREATOR will release "Hordes Of Chaos" in Europe on January 19, 2009 via SPV Records (except in Germany, where it will be issued on January 16). The CD was released in the U.S. today (Tuesday, January 13).

The new album is available in three different versions. The jewel case edition includes the ten regular album songs, and the deluxe version features an additional bonus DVD with an atmospheric making-of in super-8 quality courtesy of a Berlin filmmaker. As a third option, the ultra-deluxe version comes with a t-shirt, a worthwhile photo book and an extended version of the bonus DVD, as well as the CD.

The "Hordes Of Chaos"artwork was created once again by Joachim Luetke. Luetke designed the artwork for KREATOR's last album, "Enemy Of God", as well as past releases from bands like DIMMU BORGIR , ARCH ENEMY and RAGE.

KREATOR is putting the finishing touches on its new video for the title track of "Hordes Of Chaos". The clip was shot on November 2 in Berlin, Germany with director Jörn Heitmann (RAMMSTEIN), who has also worked on the band's video for the song "Enemy Of God".

•1/13/09: VA DEATHFEST Details!!!!
Slated for March 15th at the Norfolk Masonic Temple in Norfolk, Virginia the lineup is as follows:

Suffocation
Whitechapel
Beneath The Massacre
Vital Remains
Decrepit Birth
Veil Of Maya
ABACABB
Carbomb
Mensrea
Dead By Wednesday
Applaud The Impaler
Art Of Destruction
In Alcatraz 1962
Cyachea
Nomtron
Otis
Embrace The Tragedy
Eyes Wide With Terror
Malthus
Seraph
Construkt
Replay Of A Murder
Waiting Mortuary
Wings Of The Apocalypse
In The Throes Of Agony
Hot And Sweaty Low And Heavy

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

•02/12/09: UNEARTH'S Buzz McGrath taking break for
From our friends at The PRP

UNEARTH guitarist Buz McGrath will be sitting out the bands upcoming run with Emmure, Impending Doom and Born Of Osiris due to him and his wife being busy adopting a child. In his place will be Emil Werstler of Daath, who will temporarily fill in for the trek. More on that can be found Here.

•1/12/09: SEPULTURA confirms US tourdates
From our friends at The PRP:

SEPULTURA have confirmed plans to tour North America in March with more details to be announced shortly. In the meantime, the band have posted some rehearsal footage online here. The bands forthcoming new album "A-lex", which will see a January 27th North American release date through SPV.

•1/9/09: MASTODON Releases Teaser Snippet
After a countdown to the reconstruction of the band's website, the almighty MASTODON released a teaser snippet yesterday to their new track "Oblivion" on their upcoming album "Crack The Skye". Due for a Spring release from Reprise Records, we'll keep you updated with the latest news and information on both the album and the band.

•1/8/09: VIKING SKULL Wrap Up East Coast Tour
British rockers and sometime troublemakers Viking Skull returned to England earlier this week after a successful post-Christmas showcase tour alongside Clutch. The sold out performances put the band on US soil for their first major shows with seasonably happy audiences taking to the band’s gritty, hard rocking, drinking tunes. Their 30-minute set included material from their recently released third album Doom Gloom Heartache & Whiskey.

“What a fantastic opportunity it was to play with Clutch on their home turf,” says bassist Waldie. “The crowds were very cool and welcoming. We made a lot of new friends. Our new material went down great and there were even people singing along to the old stuff which was nice! There were a lot of parties but don’t worry - no hairy babies!”

Viking Skull concluded the US trek with two headline shows just after New Year’s celebrations. The Note in West Chester, Pennyslvania served as the final stop and the location for the band’s video shoot for album track “Hair of the Dog.” The footage is currently being edited by Jackass creator/mastermind Bam Margera and is expected to be completed early February.

Released November 25, Doom Gloom Heartache & Whiskey is the band’s first album with proper US distribution and promotion. The album is set to impact college and commercial specialty radio on January 19. Over 300 stations across the country are planned to receive the the disc that Kerrang! recently called “a genuinely fantastic rock ‘n roll album.” Getting an early jump on the impact, weekly radio tip sheet FMQB interviewed the band in late December. During the interview drummer Jess Margera said, “this record is the epitome of every good rock band smashed into one.”

As the lone American in the band, Margera remembers his initial introduction to the ‘Skull. "I think five years ago was the first time I heard Viking Skull get played on the jukebox at the Crobar in London. The whole place went insane. It was kind of like when I was a kid hearing Back in Black for the first time. I bought everyone there a shot of Makers mark and a beer."

With limited support and resources, Viking Skull have single-handedly created their own early opportunities. Independently recording their first release for a whopping $500, their 2003 mini-album titled Chapter One remains the only album to score 11 out of 10 in England’s Metal Hammer. The band’s full length debut, Born in Hell, was released in 2005. While finding limited stateside exposure in Europe the band continued to build on a growing fanbase and profile. Tours with Clutch and cKy would see them through the year setting up the recording of their second album. Chapter Two would be released in early 2007 and featured guest appearances from members of Fireball Ministry. It would also feature the first contributions from Margera (also a member of cKy and stoner super-group The Company Band).

Already looking forward to their return to the states in the near future, vocalist Roddy Stone shares, “Ice cold beer actually exists when you tour the US unlike the luke warm beer you get off promotors in the UK. So bring it on...”

Viking Skull is vocalist/founder Roddy Stone, bassist Waldie, guitarist Dom and drummer Jess Margera. Doom Gloom Heartache & Whiskey is available in stores now via Powerage/Candlelight Records.

•1/8/09: DROP DEAD GORGEOUS Tour Announced
Drop Dead Gorgeous have announced the line-up for the upcoming Original Gangstour featuring BrokeNCYDE with Eyes Set To Kill along with And Then There Were None. The tour will kick off in Reno, NV on January 23rd, 2009 and will run through February.

"We're extremely excited to announce our upcoming tour. These are some amazing new and fresh acts and we're proud to share the stage with them," says Drop Dead, Gorgeous guitarist Kyle Browning. "This tour will be our first back from recording our 13 song LP entitled 'The Hot 'N Heavy' with Matt Goldman. Our album is slated for release between March and April '09, so we hope to see each and every one of you on ‘The Original Gangstour’!"

Post-hardcore outfit Drop Dead, Gorgeous have put the scene in a stranglehold since the group's inception in the mid-2000s. Using the Internet as a portal to reach fans, the group were soon discovered by Rise Records through songs posted on their MySpace and Purevolume Web pages. From there the group recorded an EP and their debut full-length, "In Vogue" and took to the road for three years of non-stop touring with everyone from Scars of Tomorrow, Folly, and Calico System. The group's relentless work ethic paid off with the release of their 2007 concept album "Worse Than a Fairy Tale", a fictional account of a serial killer on the loose in a small town, as Drop Dead, Gorgeous exploded into one of the genre's premier acts. The group's new album is produced by legendary producer Matt Goldman (Underoath, Cartel) and is expected to land in stores in early 2009 through Suretone.

Hailing straight outta of Albuquerque, NM, BrokeNCYDE have created a highly addictive music style that blends screamo with Top 40 hip-hop that is defined as CrunkCore. Since the group's formation they have an sesation in the online world developing an enormous fan base that craves their brand of crunk music registering 100,000+ plays a day, through the group's MySpace page. Even before the release of their debut BrokeNCYDE fans, known as "Crunk Kids", flooded MTV's TRL with requests that landed them a performance on the show where they played for millions of viewers. From there the group took to the road supporting The Millionaires, Breathe Carolina and Jeffree Star, all of which instantly sold out venues across the United States.

Eyes Set To Kill have been trampling everything in their path since the release of their self-titled debut album. The band debuted at #29 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Charts and #77 on Billboard’s Independent Music charts and turned the buzz to deafening levels with tours supporting Otep, Human Abstract , I Am Ghost and as a main attraction on the One Moment tour alongside Before Their Eyes and LoveHateHero. The band’s dual vocalists deliver sparkling melodies and neck-breaking aggression that has stolen fans from Paramore, In This Moment and Escape The Fate.

Boston area natives, And Then There Were None (aka ATTWN), were once known for boasting metal riffs and killer breakdowns. After making a name for themselves within the metal world, the band took some time off from touring to write new material and came back in 2008 with a new lineup, new members, and a new sound. Introducing the world to a concept only they can claim, ATTWN mix euro-dance beats with a punk-rock backbone, fusing together an eclectic group of musical influences.

Following the posting of new songs on MySpace, the guys of ATTWN quickly found themselves at the top of the MySpace charts nearly every week. With a solid fan base under their belts, ATTWN signed with powerhouse independent Tooth & Nail and will release their debut album "Who Speaks For Planet Earth?" is due to hit stores everywhere Feb. 24th, 2009.

THE ORIGINAL GANGSTOUR:

Jan 28 Santa Cruz, CA @ Vets Hall
Jan 29 Modesto, CA @ Modesto Virtual
Jan 30 Victorville, CA @ Karma
Jan 31 Phoenix, AZ @ Modified
Feb 02 Mission, TX @ Somkin Aces
Feb 03 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
Feb 04 Dallas, TX @ The Max
Feb 05 Cordova, TN @ New Daisy Theater
Feb 06 Evansville,IN @ Boney Junes
Feb 07 Covington, KY @ Mad Hatter
Feb 08 Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theater
Feb 09 Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon
Feb 10 Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
Feb 11 Scranton, PA @ TBA
Feb 12 Hartford, CT @ Webster theater
Feb 13 Derry, NH @ Opera House
Feb 14 Poughkeepsie, NY @ Eat Ur 3 Festivals
Feb 15 Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk
Feb 16 Erie, PA @ Forward Hall
Feb 17 Lansing, MI @ Mac's
Feb 18 DeKalb, IL @ House Café
Feb 19 Des Moines, IA @ People's Court
Feb 20 Sioux Falls, ND @ Nutty's
Feb 21 Omaha, NE @ Sokol
Feb 22 St. Louis, MO @ Mojo / Fubies
Feb 23 Columbia, MO @ Mojo / Fubies
Feb 24 Oklahoma City, OK @ King Of Clubs

•1/8/09: NIN show footage available for download
Mysteriously making it's way online from the NIN Forums, fans now have the opportunity to download 3 shows from the "Lights In The Sky" tour in high definition.

•1/7/09: LEMMY gets inked on L.A. Ink!
What a way for Lemmy Kilmister, Motörhead's legendary frontman, to start the new year: making an an indelible impression on national TV, with the band's new song from /Motörizer/, "Rock Out" as the soundtrack.

The national cable TV show, LA INK, one of The Learning Channel's most talked about programs, will be featuring Lemmy getting his three current tattoos touched up by ink vixen, Kat Von D.

As noted on the TLC website: LA INK- this Thursday, January 8, 2009 - 10:00 PM

This TV feature is a companion piece to the recent Lemmy/Motörhead article in the January, 2009 issue of INKED Magazine, their best-selling issue ever. In it, Lemmy discusses:

- the three tattoos: The Ace of Spades (left forearm), a Capricorn sign (left shoulder) and an Indian shield (right forearm).

- his first tattoo: In 1973 in Dayton, Ohio when he was in Hawkwind. It was a marijuana leaf, which he's since had covered up because it looked like "a pizza with wings." It's now an Indian shield.

- the biggest tattoo disaster he's seen: A friend of theirs was getting "Born to Lose" tattooed on her arm, and the guy was about to spell it with two o's - "Born to Loose." Lemmy saved her just in time.

- some wild Motörhead tattoos he's seen: Says Lemmy, "A friend of ours in Germany has his entire back covered with the logo and he's got us tattooed on the sides of his head and chest. He's got our faces on the calves of his legs." Now that's a fan!

**side bar - many of the band's fans have sent in pix of their very own beloved Motörhead tats. Check 'em out and send in yours: http://imotorhead.com/mh_for_life.cfm

The hard-livin' Englishman goes on to talk about politics, strippers, UFOs, sex, gambling, ghosts, porn stars and being a roadie for Jimi Hendrix. Just the normal interview stuff. Oh, and a bit about the Lemmy movie that's in the works.

TV, film and print. Lemmy...he's just your typical all-around guy.

•1/7/09: DOWN postpones upcoming tour
With the report originally posted on Blabbermouth:

The previously announced North American tour dates for DOWN, EVIL ARMY and WEEDEATER — which were originally posted on EVIL ARMY's MySpace page — have now been removed from the site. According to EVIL ARMY, "The tour dates have changed so we won't be hittin the road until mid-March."

Hellbilly rocker Hank Williams III (ASSJACK, SUPERJOINT RITUAL, ARSON ANTHEM), who was originally supposed to be on the bill, is no longer part of this package. Hank's booking agent told BLABBERMOUTH.NET, "We were doing the tour originally but then the time frame shifted and [Hank] decided to headline. We may try to hook up with [DOWN] down the road."

DOWN will embark on a U.S. tour in February/March. Also scheduled to appear on the bill are EVIL ARMY and WEEDEATER.

DOWN bassist Rex Brown recently told Billboard.com that there's "a lot of material left over" from 2007's "Over the Under" album, which was released this past October in a deluxe edition through Best Buy. The outtakes will be considered for the fourth DOWN album, but Brown added that the quintet is also "writing constantly on the road. We still have all these ideas, and we play a lot of new stuff at sound check, just to feel it out. Hopefully we can get back in the studio in the fall and work on something." Also in the works is a documentary of DOWN's 2006 reunion after a nearly four-year hiatus, including both live and behind-the-scenes footage. "It's kind of about us learning how to walk together again," Brown said. "It just chronicles the life on the road of us starting to play again. We're right in the middle of it now."

•1/6/09: STOOGES' guitarist passes on
Ron Asheton, the guitarist for the Stooges whose raw sound helped inspire the first generation of punk musicians, has died. He was 60.

Asheton was found at his Ann Arbor home early Tuesday morning by police officers after they were called by an associate who had not heard from him in several days, said city police Sgt. Brad Hill.

There were no signs of foul play, and the death appeared to be of natural causes, Hill said.

Asheton was a founding member of the Stooges, the influential protopunk band formed in Ann Arbor in 1967, along with his brother, Scott.

Lead singer Iggy Pop called Asheton "my best friend" in a statement Tuesday, and the band expressed shock at his death.

"For all that knew him behind the facade of Mr. Cool & Quirky, he was a kind-hearted, genuine, warm person who always believed that people meant well even if they did not," the band said in a written statement. "As a musician Ron was The Guitar God, idol to follow and inspire others. That is how he will be remembered by people who had a great pleasure to work with him, learn from him and share good and bad times with him."

Asheton's powerful, distorted guitar on songs like "I Wanna Be Your Dog" and "T.V. Eye" was a hallmark of the group's sound. His "technically adept but also beautifully raw" style was heavily influenced by free jazz and created "beauty out of noise," said Brian Cogan, a punk-music historian at Molloy College on New York's Long Island.

"He invents the template for punk-rock guitar," Cogan said. "He's the one who allows Johnny Ramone and the guys in the Dictators to play the way they do."

When he was named the 29th greatest guitarist of all time in 2003 by Rolling Stone, the magazine described Asheton as "the Detroit punk who made the Stooges' music reek like a puddle of week-old biker sweat."

After recording three albums in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Stooges split and Iggy Pop went on to a successful solo career. Asheton played guitar for bands including the New Order, New Race, Destroy All Monsters and Dark Carnival.

In 2003, Asheston reunited with the rest of the Stooges and a new album, "The Weirdness," was released in 2007.

Russ Gibb, who owned Detroit's legendary Grande Ballroom and gave the Stooges their first major show there in 1968, said Asheton was a gentleman in all of their dealings.

"Wherever he is today, it's a better place because he's there," Gibb said Tuesday. "He was a gentleman musician. The musicland that you and I live in has lost something today and wherever musicians go, they're better today because he's there."

•1/06/09: REVOLTING COCKS release date announced
With Ministry set as a notch under his belt, former front man Al Jourgensen stays on board with REVOLTING COCKS. Announcing the the release date of their upcoming album Sex-O Olympic-O, the album is set to be released March 3rd, 2009 under 13th Planet Records.

•1/05/09: WOE OF TYRANTS hits stores tomorrow!
After much anticipation, there's less than 24 hours until Metal Blade debuts the new album Kingdom Of Might by Chilicothe, OH's very own WOE OF TYRANTS.

In addition to the album being released in stores on January 6th, the band is also featured on Myspace's "A Place For Metal". On the site you can catch an exclusive video of Woe Of Tyrants in preparation for the release and their upcoming tour schedule. All can be found HERE

Finally with the album hitting stores soon and the band embarking on tour they'll begin to start shooting their music video for "Break the Fangs of the Wicked" starting January 6th.

For more information, be sure to check out Woe Of Tyrants ONLINE

•1/05/09: ETID starts the New Year with new label!
From the crew at The PRP:

Every Time I Die announced at their recent annual Christmas show that they have in fact signed a deal with Epitaph. Official word on the signing is expected to surface in the coming weeks.

•12/17/08: ABR "hits it one more time"
AUGUST BURNS RED have tracked a cover of Britney Spears' "Hit Me Baby One More Time" for Fearless Records' upcoming "Punk Goes Pop 2" compilation. The effort, which is due out on March 10th through Fearless Records, is also expected to feature pop covers from the likes of Thrice, Rise Against and more.

•12/17/08: KREATOR video stills available online
Courtesy of: Blabbermouth

German thrash metal veterans KREATOR are putting the finishing touches on their new video for the title track of their forthcoming album, "Hordes Of Chaos". The clip was shot on November 2 in Berlin, Germany with director Jörn Heitmann (RAMMSTEIN), who has also worked on the band's video for the song "Enemy Of God".

Commented KREATOR guitarist/vocalist Mille Petrozza: "There will be two versions of the clip, one screening version and another one that will hopefully set new standarts in violent video art!! Be prepared!"

KREATOR will release "Hordes Of Chaos" in Europe on January 19, 2009 via SPV Records (except in Germany, where it will be issued on January 16). The CD will arrive in the U.S. on January 13.

The new album will be available in three different versions. The jewel case edition includes the ten regular album songs, and the deluxe version features an additional bonus DVD with an atmospheric making-of in super-8 quality courtesy of a Berlin filmmaker. As a third option, the ultra-deluxe version comes with a t-shirt, a worthwhile photo book and an extended version of the bonus DVD, as well as the CD.

The "Hordes Of Chaos" artwork was created once again by Joachim Luetke. Luetke designed the artwork for KREATOR's last album, "Enemy Of God", as well as past releases from bands like DIMMU BORGIR, ARCH ENEMY and RAGE.

•12/16/08: IHSAHN to support OPETH in Norway
Former EMPEROR vocalist/guitarist Ihsahn will support Swedish progressive metallers OPETH on the following Norwegian dates:

March 10 - Oslo, NOR @ Rockefeller
March 11 - Trondheim, NOR @ Samfundet
March 12 - Volda, NOR @ Rokken
March 13 - Sogndal, NOR @ Meieriet
March 14 - Bergen, NOR @ USF Verftet
March 15 - Stavanger, NOR @ Folken
March 18 - Drammen NOR @ Union Scene

Commented Ihsahn: "I've been getting quite a few live offers for my solo stuff, but haven't found time to prioritize this until now. I feel this is an opportunity to try out the material live on my home ground and to travel with a great band like OPETH while doing it."

Ihsahn's second solo album, "angL", was released in May 2008 via Mnemosyne Productions/Candlelight Records. The CD features a guest appearance by OPETH frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt on the track "Unhealer" while Asgeir Mickelson and Lars Norberg (both of SPIRAL ARCHITECT) were responsible for laying down the drum and bass tracks on the album, respectively.

Ihsahn previously described the musical direction of the new CD as "a natural progression from 'The Adversary' [2006], but with a somewhat heavier touch."

"The Adversary" entered the Norwegian album chart at position No. 33 upon its release in 2006.

•12/16/08: THA & THE CHARIOT tour in Europe!
Joining amongst the ranks with PROTEST THE HERO, here are the confirmed dates of the European tour with THE HUMAN ABSTRACT and THE CHARIOT:

February 27th Karlsruhe, GER - Stadtmitte
February 28th Koln, GER - Underground
March 01st Hamburg, GER - Hafenklang
March 02nd Hasselt, BEL - Muziekodroom
March 03rd Plymouth, UK - White Rabbit
March 04th Leeds, UK - Rios
March 05th Glasgow, UK - IvoryBlacks
March 06th Sheffield, UK - Corporation
March 07th Nottingham, UK - Rock City
March 08th Milton Keynes, UK - The Pitz Club
March 09th London, UK - Underworld
March 10th Nijmegen, NET - Doornroosje
March 11th Paris, FRA - Batofar
March 12th Lyon, FRA - Double Six
March 13th Barcelona, SPA - Rocksound
March 14th Madrid, SPA - Ritmo Y Compas
March 15th Lisboa, POR - Music Box
March 16th Basque, SPA - TBA
March 17th Colmar, FRA - Le Grillen
March 18th Aarau, SWI - KiFF
March 19th Rome, ITA - Init
March 20th Bologna, ITA - Estragon
March 21st Salzburg, AUT - Wallerseehalle ("Spring Metal Fest")
March 22nd Prague, CZE - Futurum
March 23rd Munchen, GER - Feierwerk
March 24th Berlin, GER - Magnet
March 26th Riga, LAT - Melna Piektdiena
March 27th Tallinn, EST - Tapper
March 29th Helsinki, FIN - Nosturi

•12/15/08: MASTODON Reveal Album Concept
Patrizia Mazzuoccolo of the "Tinitus" radio show, which airs every Wednesday on Norway's NRK P3, spoke to MASTODON drummer Brann Dailor in late November prior the band's concert in Oslo as part of the "Unholy Alliance: Chapter III" tour with SLAYER, TRIVIUM and AMON AMARTH.

Although MASTODON's new album, "Crack The Skye", is a conceptual piece in the same vein as the band's previous releases, it is not about air but "ether." "The whole story has little to do with what the album emotionally is really about," clarifies Dailor. "But everything in the lyrics and the story is metaphors. We wanted to stick with elements and we wanted to do the 'ether' record. Ether is what the soul is made out of and it took a few months to connect all the dots."

Dailor goes on to explain the "Crack The Skye" concept: "There is a paraplegic and the only way that he can go anywhere is if he astral travels. He goes out of his body, into outer space and a bit like Icarus, he goes too close to the sun, burning off the golden umbilical cord that is attached to his solar plexus. So he is in outer space and he is lost, he gets sucked into a wormhole, he ends up in the spirit realm and he talks to spirits telling them that he is not really dead. So they send him to the Russian cult, they use him in a divination and they find out his problem. They decide they are going to help him. They put his soul inside Rasputin's body. Rasputin goes to usurp the czar and he is murdered. The two souls fly out of Rasputin's body through the crack in the sky(e) and Rasputin is the wise man that is trying to lead the child home to his body because his parents have discovered him by now and think that he is dead. Rasputin needs to get him back into his body before it's too late. But they end up running into the Devil along the way and the Devil tries to steal their souls and bring them down…there are some obstacles along the way."

The title track, "Crack The Skye", features vocals by Scott Kelly of NEUROSIS. "We heard Scott's voice all over that track," Dailor says. "It's really NEUROSIS-sounding and then when it became the title track, in particular vocally and lyrically it had a lot to do with Skye so it made it even more perfect that Scott would be doing the verses on it just because he is very familiar with that tremendous loss, suicide, stuff like that…"

The album, due out for release in March 2009, is a dark conglomeration of musical as well as conceptual layers. "'Crack The Skye' means a number of different things," Dailor offers. "You'd probably get a different answer from the other members of the band as to what the meaning of it is and I can also come up with three different ones. The main one for me would be (that) Skye was my sister’s name and she died when I was 15. She was 14, she killed herself and it changed my life. When we started working on the material, I knew that Brent [MASTODON singer/guitarist Brent Hinds] was coming from a deeper place musically. He was shaken up from his accident in Las Vegas, was traumatized by that and I think that has a lot to do with the sound of the record. He is pretty emotive with the guitar and from that depression he was in came a lot of that material — kind of slow and spaced out, real psychedelic. I could see that there was something a lot deeper going on so it was the perfect opportunity lyrically to dig a little deeper myself into some demons in the past and I'd never really gone there before; you know, it's a touchy subject. But I felt that with the songs being the way they were that it was the perfect opportunity to get rid of some stuff myself… the 'Crack in the Skye' is the moment you realize that that person is gone."

Exclusive excerpts from the interview were originally aired on the November 26, 2008 edition of "Tinitus". The show is now available on podcast at this location.

"Crack the Skye" was recorded at Southern Tracks Studios in Atlanta and was produced and mixed by Brendan O'Brien, who has previously worked with VELVET REVOLVER, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, PEARL JAM, AC/DC and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, among others.

"Crack the Skye" track listing:

01. Oblivion
02. Divinations
03. Quintessence
04. The Czar
I. Usurper
II. Escape
III. Martyr
IV. Spiral
05. Ghost of Karelia
06. Crack The Skye
07. The Last Baron

Credit: Blabbermouth

•12/15/08: WOE OF TYRANTS post new track
In support of their first full length release on Metal Blade Records titled Kingdom Of Might, Chilicothe, OH's Woe Of Tyrants has posted a new track ONLINE along with new tourdates from their upcoming tour with Adversary, Brother Von Doom, and Destroy Destroy Destroy.

•12/12/08: ROB HALFORD coming soon to BLU-RAY
Metal God Entertainment has announced the pre-sale of HALFORD "Resurrection World Tour – Live At Rock In Rio III" 5.1 special-edition Blu-ray.

Hosted by Rob Halford and members of his new solo band, "Resurrection World Tour" documents each new HALFORD musician as they find themselves in a fast-paced world of heavy metal greatness after being selected to write, record and tour the world with one of metal's most revered songwriters/vocalists.

Exclusive to HALFORD's first Blu-ray release is a rare 5.1 high-definition surround mix of HALFORD "Live Insurrection" — a 28-song full-length concert from HALFORD's 2000-2001 "Resurrection World Tour", including a slide show of rare and previously unseen HALFORD images. HALFORD "Rock In Rio" special-edition Blu-ray will begin shipping February 10, 2009.

Also debuting on CD in jewel case February 10, 2009 are:

* HALFORD - "Resurrection" (remastered)
* HALFORD - "Live Insurrection" (remastered)

"Resurrection", HALFORD's 2000 release, signaled The Metal God's glorious return to the metal scene, and featured a duet with IRON MAIDEN's Bruce Dickinson, "The One You Love To Hate". The ensuing tour was faithfully documented on "Live Insurrection", which combined new HALFORD and FIGHT tracks with such PRIEST classics as "Stained Class", "Genocide", and "Breaking the Law".

Rob Halford's original 1999 demonstration recording of "Silent Screams" is bundled with three additional HALFORD versions of Rob's epic power-ballad. For a limited time, all pre-orders will include a bonus CD promo: HALFORD "Silent Screams - The Singles".

Visit www.metalgodshop.com for additional details.

•12/12/08: THROWDOWN signs with KOCH Records.
Throwdown and KOCH Records have joined forces. The band will begin recording Deathless, their first album under this new deal, in early 2009.

"Signing with KOCH Records is a breath of fresh air for us," said Throwdown frontman Dave Peters. "KOCH looks at their artists in a progressive way and can see that what we've given a decade of our lives to build is still far from completion. It's no mystery that the music industry is caught in upheaval right now. We're confident in the mutual autonomy of KOCH and Throwdown to come together and not only weather the storm, but thrive in it."

"I am thrilled to add Throwdown to the growing KOCH Metal roster and am looking forward to putting out what is surely one of the most anticipated releases of 2009," says KOCH Records VP of Metal Scott Givens. "The band is poised to claim a major stake in the American metal scene and we are thrilled that they have chosen KOCH to be their partners."

The largest independent record label in the United States, KOCH is home to recent releases from Throwdown's friends and touring mates In Flames and Hatebreed, and has recently signed both Satyricon and High On Fire.

"We look forward to the continued development of our relationship with KOCH and the opportunity to be included with the wealth of talent on their roster," added Throwdown bass player Mark Mitchell.

Throwdown recently completed touring behind their last album, Venom & Tears, which was produced by the band with Mudrock (Avenged Sevenfold, Chimaira). The past two years saw them on the road with Korn (Australia), Killswitch Engage (Canada), Cavalera Conspiracy (U.S.), Machine Head/Arch Enemy (U.S.), headlining the Ernie Ball stage on the Vans Warped Tour, hitting major European festivals like Download UK, and headlining a U.S. tour of their own.

Revolver called Throwdown's last album the band's "most metallic," combining "the hateful groove of Sepultura and Pantera." Outburn elaborated further: "This is a much more expansive, daring record, featuring longer songs and a greater diversity of influences while retaining that core pummeling heaviness the band has built its rep upon."

The band is in the writing stages now for Deathless, which promises to be even more dynamic and pulverizing than the last one. Deathless will be the band's fourth album with Peters as frontman and primary songwriter, its second with Choiniere (who joined the band in 2005) and first with Mitchell. Drummer Jarrod Alexander (ex-Death By Stereo), who performed on the band's breakthrough Haymaker album in 2003, will return to work on Deathless.

"Mark Choiniere and I have been writing material on our own time for months now," Peters explained. "We have a great head start on the writing process. It's always hard to say how the songs will ultimately evolve. You think it's going one way and the slightest idea or change turns it into a whole other animal. The mix of riffs and loose song skeletons we have right now is a lot more eclectic at this phase than it was for any of our other records."

Throwdown has spent the last several years touring relentlessly. Ozzfest (2004), Sounds Of The Underground (2005), Vans Warped Tour (2006 & 2007), Black Dahlia Murder (co-headline), and several other headlining and support tours across the globe including packages with Lamb Of God, Fear Factory, As I Lay Dying and more.

In the coming weeks, the band will announce who will be producing and mixing Deathless.

•12/12.08: SEPULTURA Clips Online
SEPTULTURA are sporting some clips from A-Lex online. Have a listen here. The complete release will be out on January 27, 2009.

•12/11/08: SWORN ENEMY Recording with Lambesis!
Sworn Enemy are one of those few bands that can never be derailed, no matter how many obstacles and hardships are thrown at them. The band spent the majority of 2008 touring the world with such acclaimed acts as Hatebreed, Earth Crisis, Divine Heresy, Terror, among countless others in support of their latest effort, Maniacal, which was widely renowned as the group's best and heaviest offering yet.

Now less than a year since that album's release, the band are preparing to enter the studio once again with longtime producer Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying vocalist). Their relentless schedule begins by heading to San Diego to start recording on January 3rd, which will be immediately followed up by a 44 show European tour with Freya (Karl from Earth Crisis), Waking The Cadaver and Cool Dudes Chillin, followed by treks of Israel, Australia, Japan and Korea. This will be followed by the Trendkilla II tour in late April/May throughout North America (Bands TBA). Look for their much anticipated new effort in stores spring 2009.

Lorenzo Antonucci (guitars, vocals) further comments: "I'm very excited about this album because our writing process has been better then ever. I've been a part of all the writing for every record and I feel this is our best foundation yet. We took it back to As Real As It Gets with a little of BOTE and Maniacal in it. The sound is way faster and more pissed off then ever, harder then ever and a lot more ignorant. It's going to be fun working with Tim again. This will be the third album he's been apart of. This also marks our first recording with Sid (bass) and JRad (drums), so we are all very excited about that. This record will be a great one!"

Many thanks to Lambgoat

•12/11/08: THE HUMAN ABSTRACT Road Warrior News
Los Angeles progressive metal act THE HUMAN ABSTRACT, fresh off their tour with Japanese rockers DIR EN GREY, will tour the US in January and February with AS I LAY DYING, PROTEST THE HERO, and MY CHILDREN MY BRIDE. The tour will be followed by a European trek alongside THE CHARIOT and PROTEST THE HERO. The band’s latest release Midheaven is in stores now on Hopeless Records.

•12/10/08: Chi Cheng's Current Condition
Deftones bassist Chi Cheng remains in a coma following a car accident early last month. The latest update on his condition from the Deftones camp can be found below:

"Chi remains in a coma, and as of this morning there's been no significant change in his condition. Last week he was moved out of the Intensive Care Unit and transferred to a brain rehabilitation hospital in Northern California. The hospital specializes in the care and management of traumatic and non-trauma related brain injuries with a team of highly skilled therapists, nurses and consultants. He's in great hands.

Please continue to pray for our brother, and thank you all for your love and support."

Credit: The PRP

•12/10/08: WOE OF TYRANTS Pre-Order w/Signed Bookle
Hop on over to SmartPunk.com and pre-order Woe of Tyrants' "Kingdom Of Might" (Metal Blade Records, January 6th 2009). While supplies last, you'll get a free autographed booklet!

•12/09/08: MINISTRY Nabs 5th Grammy Nominaiton
"I'm becoming the Susan Lucci or Martin Scorsese of metal," laughs Ministry's founder Al Jourgensen of his five Grammy nominations, but no wins - yet.

Jourgensen and Ministry just snagged a nomination in the Best Metal Performance category for the track "Under My Thumb" from their album "Cover Up," released April 1, 2008.

Indeed, the multi-platinum-selling Jourgensen, who put Ministry to bed this past fall with the band's "C U La TouR" global jaunt, was somewhat surprised by this Grammy nod. "I'm starting to feel like Michael Corleone in 'The Godfather,'" he mused. "'Every time I try and get out...they keep pulling me back in.'"

"Of all the mind-bending albums I have been a part of," said Fear Factory's Burton C. Bell, who contributed vocals to the track, "it took a version of a Rolling Stones song to get noticed. Who would have thought?"

"Under my Thumb" was produced by Jourgensen (as was the entire "Cover Up" album) who also provided pedal steel guitar, harmonica, programming, and background vocals on the track. "'Under My Thumb' was about my not understanding the dichotomies involved," says Jourgensen. "If you listen to the lyrics, it's the most misogynistic song ever made. I never understood that dichotomy so I always wanted to tackle it."

"Under My Thumb" also features Static X bassist Tony Campos and RevCo guitarist Sin Quirin, who quipped, “Being from The Revolting Cocks, I know stiff competition when I see it. I am still speechless nonetheless.”

This is Ministry's fourth nomination in the Best Metal Performance category: 2000 for "Bad Blood" which was featured on the soundtrack for "The Matrix," 2005 for "The Great Satan" from "Rantology," and 2006 for "Lieslieslies" from "Rio Grande Blood." In addition, Ministry was nominated in 1993 for the track "N.W.O." from the band's Platinum-selling "Psalm 69."

•12/09/08: DEAN GUITARS Dime Tribute
To commemorate the fourth anniversary of "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott's (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN) passing, Dean Guitars has launched a tribute page featuring video footage of the Dimebag tribute from this year's Ozzfest and other Dimebag-related video material.

•12/09/08: MESHUGGAH/CYNIC/THE FACELESS Tour
Meshuggah and Cynic are planning a North American run together in February, dates announced for the trek thus far include: February 01st Anaheim, CA - House of Blues February 02nd San Diego, CA - House of Blues February 06th Seattle, WA - El Corazon February 07th Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre February 08th Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom February 15th Chicago, IL - House Of Blues February 17th Toronto, ON - The Phoenix February 20th Towson, MD - Recher Theatre

•12/08/08: Nuclear Blasts signs EX DEO
In an official press release from Nuclear Blast:

Nuclear Blast Records is very proud to announce the signing of one of the hottest new bands in metal: Ex Deo. This is the new band of Kataklysm mastermind Maurizio Iacono. The whole band concept is based on the history of the Roman Empire and will surely please all devoted Kataklysm followers worldwide, but also fans of Pagan/Viking metal will surely dig this!

Ex Deo will also appeal to all metal fans who are into monumental movies and series like "Gladiator" or "Rome." Needless to say, that both Nuclear Blast and Maurizio Iacono are very excited to start working on this unique concept. Ex Deo is the new epic soundtrack to glory! Comments Kataklysm fronter Maurizio: "It is in my blood, I`ve been contemplating this new band for years and the time has come. Ex Deo - a full band inspired by the Roman Empire - has finally arrived and it’s gonna be monumental! I am proud today to announce the signing with Nuclear Blast. Prepare for the Rise of Rome in 2009!"

•12/08/08: KINGDOM OF SORROW is Windstein-less
Reported this weekend by The PRP:

Kingdom Of Sorrow will be completing their remaining dates without the services of band guitarist/vocalist Kirk Windstein of Down/Crowbar fame. In turn, band bassist Matthew Brunson has moved over to handle the guitar duties and Phil Zeller of Toxic Holocaust will be filling in on bass. Speaking on his decision to take some time off, Windstein had the following to say:
""Hey Y'all, Kirk here. Just wanted to inform everyone one that unfortunately I won't be finishing the remaining dates with KOS on the current GWAR tour. I have been busting ass for nearly 2 years straight now, recording and touring with DOWN as well as KOS and CROWBAR. I'm in need of some serious rest. I'm also tackling some serious issues and personal demons that need to be taken of now rather than later. By no means does this suggest that i'm not totally dedicated to the future of KOS.That's why i'm addressing these personal issues now. I will be there stronger and healthier than ever for whatever KOS has planned for the new year.Thanks so much for supporting Jasta and the boys on this tour. See you soon, Kirk"

Meanwhile, band frontman Jamey Jasta had the following to say about the situation:
"...We are happy he has made the choice to get his life together finally. He owes it to himself, his family and his fans and we fully support his decision to stay home and get healthy. We ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season. Thanks for your support on this Gwar tour it has been absolutely amazing. Matt has moved over to the guitar and Phil from Toxic Holocaust is killing it on the bass and will finish out the tour. Very special thanks to Kenny from Type O who did 2 full months of this tour on guitar as well. He rocked it hard!"

•12/05/08: HH Artist Spotlight: Inhale Exhale
Prepping the masses with their second full length release I Swear this past June and an onslaught of touring throughout the spring and summer, Heavy Hitter got the opportunity to touch base with Canton, Ohio's INHALE EXHALE on Solid State Records. Catching up with guitarist John LaRussa in his downtime, he gave us the lowdown on what's going on with the band.

Basically Inhale Exhale has been home for almost two months. After non-stop touring all spring and summer...an August run supporting our friends The Showdown (Solid State)... followed by headlining Electric Zombies' "The Chainsaw the East Tour" in September with Oceana (Rise), Dead & Divine (Rise) and My Hero Is Me (Tragic Hero)... we took a needed breather from the band and the road. We've been hanging out with family and friends and are enjoying being home. We are rehearsing for a few headlining dates coming up... we just played a killer show in South Bend, Indiana on the 29th of November...then we'll be doing a couple of dates in Ohio (Mansfield on the 6th , and Akron on the 7th). After that we will be heading out on the 12 Days Of Christmas Tour in December with our friends Haste The Day, along with Sky Eats Airplane and Emarosa. it's gonna be fun. We are going to introduce some new songs from our latest album, mixed in with some of the oldies. We are pretty pumped to hit it with these bands and hit some places we haven't been in a while. It Starts December 9th Joplin,MO and ends December 20th in Indianapolis. please check our myspace for all the details.

The new year is still a blur for us as of now. We have some supporting tours in the works that we're pretty excited about, and we hope to try to get over seas. We will be starting to prepare for our third record at some point, but that is to be determined. We have a headlining date on Jan 23rd in Cleveland, Ohio we are excited for and we haven't played there in a long time. Other than that you can head over to MTV's Headbangers Ball and vote for our video for video of the year so please do so!

And please keep requesting our songs at radio. It's pretty cool that all these stations are playing our songs. We dont take it for granted, and we hope these songs help you get thru the day.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and we'll see you on the road!

-John LaRussa / IE

---------------

For a gift that keeps on giving, be sure to head on out to any of the select cities on The 12 Days of Christmas Tour, check out Inhale Exhale live, and end your year on the right foot!

Dec 9 2008 6:00P
The Foundry Music Theatre
Joplin, Missouri

Dec 10 2008 6:30P
Vino's
Little Rock, Arkansas

Dec 11 2008 6:00P
The High Ground Theatre
Metairie, Louisiana

Dec 12 2008 6:00P
The Red Door
Pensacola, Florida

Dec 13 2008 6:00P
Orpheum
Tampa, Florida

Dec 14 2008 6:00P
The Social
Orlando, Florida

Dec 15 2008 7:00P
Jack Rabbits
Jacksonville, Florida

Dec 16 2008 6:00P
Club Hollywood
Augusta, Georgia

Dec 17 2008 6:30P
The Brewery
Raleigh, North Carolina

Dec 18 2008 6:30P
Canal Club Downstairs Lounge
Richmond, Virginia

Dec 19 2008 6:00P
The Attic Club
Dayton, Ohio

Dec 20 2008 6:00P
The Music Mill
Indianapolis, Indiana

•12/5/08: SEPULTURA announces European dates!
Making a run through the month of February 09', the following dates of SEPULTURA's European tour have been announced. Thanks to The PRP :

February 06th BG-Sofia, BUL - Blue Box
February 07th Bucharest, ROM - Polivalent Hall
February 09th Beograd, SER - SKC
February 10th Graz, AUT - Orpheum
February 11th Zlin, CZE - Masters Of Rock Cafe
February 12th Katovice, POL - Mega Club
February 13th Plzen, CZE - KD Serikova
February 14th Leipzig, GER - Hellraiser
February 15th Munich, GER - Backstage
February 17th Lubljana, SLO - Inbox
February 18th Sarajevo, BOS - CDA
February 19th Zagreb, CRO - Boogaloo Club
February 20th Innsbruck, AUT - Hafen
February 21st Salzburg, AUT - Rockhouse
February 22nd Vienna, AUT - Gasometer
February 24th Pratteln, SWI - Z7
February 25th Essen, GER - Turock
February 26th Eindhoven, NET - Effenaar
February 27th Deventer, NET - Burgerweeshuis
February 28th Leeuwarden, NET - Romain

•12/04/08: ABIGAIL WILLIAMS Video Online
Abigail Williams' video for their track "Dive Into The Ashes" has been posted online here.

•12/04/08: Nominees for the 51st Grammys Announced!
Reported this morning by Lambgoat, nominees for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards have been announced. Here are the nominees for the Best Metal Performance category:

"Heroes Of Our Time"
DragonForce
[Roadrunner Records]

"Nostradamus"
Judas Priest
Track from: Nostradamus
[Epic]

"My Apocalypse"
Metallica
Track from: Death Magnetic
[Warner Bros.]

"Under My Thumb"
Ministry
Track from: Cover Up
[Megaforce Records]

"Psychosocial"
Slipknot
[Roadrunner Records]

A complete list of nominees can be viewed here.

•12/04/08: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE announce fourth album!
KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, the most prolific of the burgeoning Massachusetts metal scene's exports, are proud to announce the recording of their as-yet untitled fourth album for Roadrunner Records. The album will follow 2006's As Daylight Dies, which is approaching Gold-status. 2004's The End of Heartache has achieved Gold certification. The fourth album is quite an anticipated event in the hard rock and metal scene and beyond, as evidenced by the fact that the band will appear on cover of Revolver Magazine's 2009 Music Preview issue, on stands December 23. Additionally, the forthcoming album was selected as one of Alternative Press' Most Anticipated releases of 2009.

For the first time in their career, the band will work with an outside producer and have chosen Brendan O'Brien (AC/DC, Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots, to name a few) to man the boards. KsE guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, a noted producer in his own right who has recorded all of the band's previous albums, will be taking a co-producer role on this record alongside O'Brien.

The band will record in both Georgia and their native Western Massachusetts. Roadrunner expects to release the record in Spring 2009.

Killswitch Engage will spend the winter recording the album and will hit the road in the Spring for a major pre-release tour. Look for more details on that in the near future.

•12/03/08: ABIGAIL WILLIAMS Premieres on MTV!
This week be sure to tune into MTV2's Headbanger's Ball as Candlelight Records' very own ABIGAIL WILLIAMS will have an exclusive premiere of their music video for "Into The Ashes" off of their latest album In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns. MTV2's Headbangers Ball airs Saturdays at 2:00 AM ET/PT.

•12/03/2008: BLOODBATH makes waves with new design!
In a recent blog post on the band's Myspace, BLOODBATH has shed light on the response of one of their t-shirt designs:

We have just learned that our latest shirt design has run into some controversy. Actually, It's been a bit of a rocky road from the start with this one. Back at the sketch board, some of our art direction ideas were met by hesitation and according to the designer would feel "uncomfortable to do". However, the design went through and obviously with such a fantastic piece of artwork and beautiful symbolism the t-shirt has hit home with Bloodbath's audience all over the world, but apparently a demon vomiting on Jesus on a cross, surrounded by snakes, vultures and skulls was over the line for some confused " death metal" fans. Perhaps they should ask themselves if it was really death metal they were searching for in the first place. Here are examples of some Dr Phil approved quotes we recieved:

"Recently saw your t-shirt "Mock The Cross." It seems rather childish and immature not to mention very dangerous, to ridicule Christ. Why such disdainment for the incarnate God who died to save all mankind, even your sorry asses! If you have a problem with organized religion that's one thing. It has little to do with Christ and His life and teachings. Of course if you curse Him in apparent ignorance, then you wouldn't know the difference. Hell won't be a cool place to be. The power of the cross is foolishness to those perishing."

"I Don't care about all the satan woreshippers that are gonna flame me. But, BloodBath YOU JUST LOST A FAN. On that degrading shirt. I believe what i believe. I rather not have bands mock it. This band is done. Never again. See you on judgment day."

To top it off, we also just recieved the following message from Raw Talent, the printer of the merchandise:

"I have just been informed by the owner of the company that unfortunately we will not be able to print the "mock the cross" design again for you guys. It is against the owner's moral and ethical standard for himself and also for the company. He wanted me to let you know and to send his apologies."

With that said, let's get the weak aside and the Bloodbath choir ready to mock the fucking cross again as we moved on to a new printer for our latest over the top 'Iesous' shirt design. Original artwork by Alex Norman features a detailed drawing of a dead Jesus with a crown of thorns and blind eyes, bleeding crosses in the background on both sides, and his hair engulfing skulls and the Bloodbath logo. The back features a cross dripping in blood with the lyrics: "Eeso Yeshua Iesous Die by Our Rage". The design was also printed using a technique which results in the ink becoming one with the fabric, creating a soft vintage look and feel. Not a shirt to miss, grab one now!

•12/02/08: BLS Back On The Road
Black Label Society will be hitting the road early next year with Sevendust, dates thus far are as follows: Mar. 27 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave Apr. 04 - Toronto, ONT - The Sound Academy Apr. 06 - Hartford, CT - Webster Theater Apr. 15 - Baltimore, MD - Rams Head Live! May 01 - Las Vegas, NV - House of Blues Meantime,quality photos of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's December 1, 2008 concert in Milan, Italy can be found at these web sites: Musica Metal Metalitalia.com

•12/02/2008: New SEPULTURA Tracks Available!
With the new year starting heavy in the metal realm, SPV's SEPULTURA have released two new tracks from their upcoming album ONLINE. The album's release date is set for January 27th, 2009.

•12/01/08: BFMV Update
A trailer for the upcoming deluxe edition of Bullet For My Valentine's "Scream Aim Fire" can be found online here. The overhauled CD/DVD set will see a December 09th release date and feature four new songs, as well as live footage and more.

•12/01/08: WOE OF TYRANTS Pre-Order
Pre-order Woe of Tyrant’s Kingdom of Might (in-stores 1.6.09) for $11.99. Two different exclusive t-shirt designs are also available in cd/tee pre-order bundles. Each bundle is $19.99. Get your pre-order on here.

•12/01/2008: ALL THAT REMAINS drops off tour
With cancellation of a few shows this past week, ALL THAT REMAINS has dropped off the remainder of their current tour with Gojira and In Flames due to lead vocalist, Phil Labonte, suffering from throat issues. The band has this to say:

"Sorry, but we aren't gonna be at any more of the shows on the In Flames tour. We'll have a press release probably on Monday. The holiday weekend has prevented an official release cause everyone at the label had gone home when the decision was made to drop. Sorry and we'll figure some way out to make it up to you guys. Thanks and we hope you have a happy holidays and a happy new year."

•11/26/2008: BFMV Biting The Bullet?
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE have already begun writing new material for their next album which they hope to have out before 2010. You can see what they had to say about their progress so far here.

•11/26/2008: This Week: Dead By Wednesday
Coming to you with the new breed of metal degenerates, this week's Heavy Hitter artist profile points the spotlight on a new band hailing from New Haven, CT called DEAD BY WEDNESDAY . With a myriad of genres such as metal, punk, and hardcore meshed together the band fuses these sounds with lyrics paralleled to important issues concerning today's ideas on religion, current world affairs, race, and equality. Insightful to the ears; this band is out to shed blood in the pit. This week Heavy Hitter was lucky enough to touch base with DBW's very own Opus (drummer) who had some words to say to the metal congregation:

"Hey y'all...
Opus, the drummer of DEAD BY WEDNESDAY here, just checking in with you & giving a little update from on the road while on tour. First of all we (DBW), would like to thank our awesome team of people who are working hard on promoting our new CD "The Killing Project" (which just came out on Oct. 28th of 2008 on Eclipse). So a HUGE thank you to all at Heavy Hitter, Eclipse Records, Streetteam.com, Kerosene Media, Mindsnap Music/Stillborn, & MVD Distro. Second, we want to thank all of the KILLER radio stations & DJ's, (you know who you are), who have been supporting & spinning our music on a regular basis on your airwaves & in your area. It's good to know that some stations & DJ's still have balls enough to give new bands a shot & I am glad you are all digging our new release! Third, and last but DEFINITELY NOT least, we would like to all of our die hard DBW fans & friends across the count ry who went out & bought our new CD, came out to some of the shows on this tour, & sometimes even let us crash on your floor or fed us, lol. It's not easy at this level of the touring game.You barley eat & if you do it's not healthy stuff. Hardly sleep or shower & drive constantly. At least the freaking gas prices went down a little! Anyway, thanks for your continuous love! You guys are the best & with out you we are seriously NOTHING!!! Keep spreading the word about the band & we will promise to keep delivering you guys some bad ass tunes & live shows!
Dead By Wednesday just got back from 3 weeks of touring & performing every night in some of our strong markets like in the mid-west, hitting PA., OH., IL., IN., WI., MI., to name a few. It was what we called "The Killing Project Mid-West Madness" Tour which was sponsored by our favorite product & Co. "Royal Blunts." We will be home for the holidays but still doing some live weekend show dates until the new year (2009), where we are already currently in negotiation's & routing another cross-country tour, once again supportting our new disc, for late Feb. with our friends in Mensrea (a VERY heavy metal band featuring 2 members of GWAR), & possibly a couple more bands as well to help fill out the tour package. We will post the dates & give you all updates as they come in! Until then, be safe, work hard & party harder! Open your mind & heart for the holiday's, help spread some cheer, keep your family close & have a very METAL new year!
While on tour Dead By Wednesday has been currently listening to: Pantera "Far Beyond Driven", Megadeth "Rest in Piece", old Offspring, Lamb of God, new Mudvayne, Pink Floyd "Animals", & Menace II Sobriety."

I wish you could all see me as I was typing because I'm pointing my finger at you. Why? Because you should do what the hand says... that's why! I kid, but all joking aside take some time this Thanksgiving holiday to slip away from your Great Aunt Miranda and Uncle Joe, find the nearest computer and scope out Dead By Wednesday online. If you like what you hear be sure to touch base with your local college or commercial radio station and request "The Killing Project". Request lines can be found on their site so scope out a station nearest you.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving, have a good one metal lads and lasses! Up the horns with a side of cranberry sauce!

-HH, Inc.

•1/25/08: METAL XMAS Commercial Online
On October 14, Armoury Records, distributed by Eagle Rock Entertainment, released one mighty molten metal blast of good CD cheer: "We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year". A 30-second TV commercial for the collection can be viewed below. Check out an e-card at this location.

•11/25/2008: THE HUMAN ABSTRACT on the road in 2009!
Hopeless Records' THE HUMAN ABSTRACT are on the road right now with Japan's very own Dir en Grey, but the touring does not stop there. Coming up in mid January of 2009, the band has tourdates set with MY CHILDREN, MY BRIDE, PROTEST THE HERO, and Metal Blade's very own AS I LAY DYING. Here is the list of confirmed dates for 2009:

1/17 Chico, CA @ Senator Theater
1/18 Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall
1/19 Boise, ID @ The Venue
1/20 Missoula, MT @ Wilma Theater
1/21 Billings, MT @ Shrine Auditorium Dungeon
1/22 Pocatello, ID @ Icon
1/23 Casper, WY @ Casper Event Center Arena
1/24 Junction, CO @ Mesa Theatre & Club Grand
1/26 Sioux Falls, SD @ Ramkota Exhibit Hall
1/27 Poplar Grove, IL @ Chubby Rain - House Of Tunes
1/28 Pittsburgh, PA @ Mr. Small's
1/29 Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom
1/30 Harrisonburg, VA @ Rockingham County Fair
2/2 Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
2/4 Jacksonville Beach, FL @ Freebird Live
2/6 Jackson, MS @ Club Fire
2/7 Little Rock, AR @ The Village
2/8 Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom
2/9 Amarillo, TX @ Midnight Rodeo - Armadillo

•11/24/08: HIGH ON FIRE News
High On Fire will release a new live offering entitled "Live From The Relapse Contamination Festival" on January 06th via Relapse. The 8 song set featured on the disc was captured during the 2003 edition of the festival and comes complete with a cover of Venom's "Witching Hour".

•11/24/08: THE CHARIOT News
The Chariot have set "Wars And Rumors Of Wars" as the title to their new album which they hope to have in stores on May 05th, 2009. For now, the group have made a collection of live footage from their past few tours available online here.

•11/24/08: DOWN Live
Quality photos of DOWN's November 20, 2008 concert at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas (where the group was supporting METALLICA) have been posted at the band's official message board, DownBoard.com.

•11/24/2008: THE CHARIOT's New Album Title Released
With a new Myspace layout displayed this past weekend, Heavy Hitter's very own The Chariot have set "Wars And Rumors Of Wars" as the new album title which is planned to be released in stores 05/05/2009.

•11/21/2008: Rock the vote for The Human Abstract!
November 4th came and passed, but this is the opportunity for eveyone young and old to vote!

Click on the widget below to vote for The Human Abstract and their video "Procession Of The Fates" as the Best Metal Video of 2008 on MTV 2's Headbangers Ball End Of Year Special on December 20th at 2:00 AM EST! Voting ends 12/15 so let's make it happen by voting now!

•11/21/2008: Not one but TWO HH Profiles this week!

For the first time this week, Heavy Hitter has two artists we would like to feature: Deathcote Records' Brother Von Doom, and Don The Reader!

Getting ready to soon prep up for the road with Metal Blade's Woe Of Tyrants and Lifeforce's This Or The Apocalypse, Matt Thomas of Brother Von Doom had a quick message to send out to everyone:

Hey everyone! BVD here wanting to say thank you to everyone for playing our tunes and countless people for their support! The feedback has been great! Sincerely, thank you from all of us! Currently we are jamming in the dungeon (our basement) getting ready to hit the road this month. Started writing new songs, trying to stay on top of things. We posted some of our upcoming dates, there will be much more added soon! So come hang out, get your face melted and have a good time! HAHA! As of lately we have been pretty much listening to Bloodbath "Fathomless Mastery" a great disc from begining to end. 

And just as Matt said, be sure to check out these select tourdates with Woe Of Tyrants and This Or The Apocalypse:

11/27 East Ridge, TN @ Warehouse Venue
11/29 Claremore, OK @ King of Clubs
11/30 Dallas, TX @ Molly's
12/1 Abilene, TX @ Rose Park Activity Building
12/2 San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit
12/3 Corpus Christi, TX @ The Compound
12/4 Houston, TX @ Java Jazz w/ August Burns Red
12/6 Pensacola, FL @ The Red Door
12/7 Jacksonville, FL @ Fuel
12/8 Augusta, GA @ Sector 7G
12/10 Virginia Beach, VA @ Peppermint Beach Club
12/11 Annapolis, MD @ Knights Of Columbus
12/12 Rockville, NY @ The Vibe Lounge
12/13 Lemoyne, PA @ Championship

----

Not to forget our other Deathcote artist, we got the good word from Don The Reader's Michael McCullough to find out the skinny on the band:

•11/20/08: METAL XMAS E-Card
On October 14, Armoury Records, distributed by Eagle Rock Entertainment, released one mighty molten metal blast of good CD cheer: "We Wish You A Metal Xmas And A Headbanging New Year". A new e-card for the collection is available at this location. It's an all-star assemblage as members of such great hard rock bands as FOO FIGHTERS, QUEENSRŸCHE, DIO, ALICE COOPER, ZZ TOP, DOKKEN, KISS, L.A. GUNS, MARILYN MANSON, MOTÖRHEAD, BLACK SABBATH, KING'S X, JUDAS PRIEST, ANTHRAX, RATT, STYX, TOTO and more all jam out together on some of the most beloved holiday songs of all time (including "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer"). The kick is in the chemistry between the musicians as members of different bands perform together on the material to create a one-of-a-kind listening experience! MOTÖRHEAD's Lemmy, ZZ TOP's Billy Gibbons and FOO FIGHTERS' Dave Grohl, for instance, team up on "Run Rudolph Run", a song popularized by Chuck Berry. This is just one of 12 such irresistible pairings. "This is a metal CD you will want to listen to all year round," says Wendy Dio, who put the project together with Bob Kulick and Brett Chassen. "It has been a very exciting and exhausting project, but we have managed to get an all-star cast together." Ironically, the hardest person to get was Dio himself as he doesn't sing Christmas songs. Wendy hounded him for days, finally getting him to listen to Kulick's arrangement of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". Dio liked it, added a few bits, recorded it at Kulick's studio, and got Tony Iommi to add his signature guitar sound. The result is a very SABBATH Christmas song. Rounding out the circle of familiar characters on this track are DIO bassist Rudy Sarzo and drummer Simon Wright. "The 'Metal Xmas' album was a great opportunity to pay homage to my least favorite holiday," says Dio, "and what a lineup of musicians to do it with! The arrangements of the classic noel songs are fresh and heavy with rock'n'roll, and the performances are equally classic. It's a magical way to change your holiday listening."

•11/20/08: ALL SHALL PERISH Update
Still photos from All Shall Perish's newly filmed video for their track "Never... Again" can be seen online here. The clip was recently filmed in Los Angeles, CA with director Gary Smithson (Exodus, Prong).

•11/20/08: IWRESTLEDABEARONCE In The Studio!
IWRESTLEDABEARONCE, the electro/metal/jazz/grind hybrid from Shreveport, LA, has entered the studio to record their debut full length for Century Media Records. The band has locked themselves inside the home of producer extraordinaire Ross Robinson and are working with Ryan Boesch (Norma Jean). The album is expected to be ready for a spring 2009 release. IWRESTLEDABEARONCE comments: "Ryan Boesch is a son of a bitch and a dirty, godless savage... but on the bright side, we are writing and recording on the beach at Ross Robinson's house and drinking all of Norma Jean's leftover energy drinks. Anyway, Ryan is as insane as us and since his discography includes 2Pac, Andrew WK, Tomahawk, and Sheryl Crow, we know we are in good hands. We will be updating our MySpace with all kinds of stupid news, so keep in touch on there for all of the latest! Our drummer has horrific gas." Best known for their spastic take on grindcore, metal and even showtunes, IWRESTLEDABEARONCE is as hard to categorize as that particular melding would suggest. One look at the new video for "Tastes Like Kevin Bacon," which encapsulates that twist particularly well, and you'll know what the band is all about. For additional information or to view the much talked about "Tastes Like Kevin Bacon" video head over to http://www.myspace.com/iwrestledabearonce. Stay tuned over the coming weeks for video updates from the studio.

•11/14/2008: ABIGAIL WILLIAMS attracts Disney fans???
Well... sort of.
Click HERE to read about how Disney star Demi Lovato has a mutual admiration for the likes of Candlelight Records' ABIGAIL WILLIAMS and their musicianship.

•11/10/2008: Debut album from TAT released!
Just this past week, England's TAT finally released their debut album "Soho Lights" off of their label, Red Wagon Records.
For those who are not yet familiar with the band, be sure to check out samples of their debut release on www.tatness.com and click the widget with bits from each new song on the album.

•10/31/08: New BROTHER VON DOOM Video Online!!!
If you loved what you've heard so far from Brother Von Doom and their Deathcote Records debut release "Relentless" you can now see the video HERE!
Directed by My Good Eye's Dave Brodsky (Through The Eyes Of The Dead and Shai Hulud to just name a few of his other pieces) collaborated with the band to create a modern day "medieval" masterpiece!

•10/01/08: Behind-the-scenes with ALL THAT REMAINS
Behind the scenes footage of All That Remains' recent video shoot for their track "Two Weeks" can be seen online here.

•10/01/08: NORMA JEAN Video Online
Norma Jean's new video for their track "Robots 3 Humans 0" has been posted online here.

•9/26/2008: New AMON AMARTH Video Available
Coming in from the Viking Longships, the guys in AMON AMARTH have recently posted their new video for "Twilight Of The Thunder God" online. Be sure to check it out HERE!!!

•9/25/2008: THE BECOMING E-Card Now Available!
With the anticipated debut of their upcoming album on Tooth & Nail Records, click HERE to check out the live e-card for "Vol. 1" now!

•9/19/2008: HH Artist Spotlight: Better Left Unsaid
Traveling to Modesto, California this week, Heavy Hitter caught up with Stillborn Records' very own Better Left Unsaid. With the release of their debut album The Fight Within making its mark this past summer, I touched base with Brent Terry from the band to get an update on the band, and upcoming news...

Greetings from camp Better Left Unsaid!
We could not be any more excited that our album, The Fight Within, is currently being played at Radio Stations across North America. We would like to personally thank every DJ, Program Director, and Radio Station that has taken the time to play one of our songs. It is definitely an honor and greatly appreciated by each one of us. Better Left Unsaid is currently gearing up and rehearsing for an upcoming Canadian Tour!

The tour will begin on November 15th, with Better Left Unsaid in direct support of Sworn Enemy (Century Media). On November 20th, For Today (Facedown Records) and Wrench in the Works (Facedown Records) will join the tour until November 30th. It looks like the Canadian tour will be ending in Quebec, so we are putting together a US tour to bring us back home. The dates are being finalized as I am writing this update, but you can definitely plan on us playing from one end of the US/Canada to another.

The band is definitely diverse in the music that we listen to. From iPods to CD's you would find the new As I Lay Dying, 36 Crazyfists, All That Remains, Protest The Hero, The Human Abstract, and Slipknot. We are all avid collectors of music and seem to have every genre of music covered, so it would not be a surprise to catch us all singing along to Lynyrd Skynyrd's Simple Man while on the road…

Giving you all the news first here's the exclusive on Better Left Unsaid and stay tuned for the announcement of Better Left Unsaid's upcoming Canadian and U.S. tour! In the meantime though, soothe your soul and scope out Better Left Unsaid's site and sit tight for the launch of Stillborn Records website soon!

•9/4/2008: Dia De Los MOTORHEAD!
For Motorhead, the "Time Is Right" to play one final, friendly prank during Testament's set at the final Metal Masters show in Mountain View, CA. Be sure to check out the photos HERE.

Photos are credited to Randy Maranz ©2008.

•8/21/08: Exclusive FIGHT contest at Metal Sucks
Heavy Hitter, Inc.and Metal God Entertainment have teamed up with our favorite boys at Metal Sucks to give you the opportunity of a lifetime! Can you recall that one show where you got the crap kicked out of you, and you've got the scars to prove it? Then shoot on over to MetalSucks. net, submit your mosh pit tale, and enter for your chance to win some amazing and exclusive prizes from the Metal God himself, Rob Halford, and Fight! First 150 entries get a Fight "Into The Pit" sampler free so don't wait! Make your way over there now! Who said a mosh pit injury wasn't going to get you anywhere...

•8/20/08: ALL THAT REMAINS Track Listing
ALL THAT REMAINS has unveiled the track listing for "Overcome", which marks the first time the band has covered a song, NEVERMORE's "Believe In Nothing". "We decided to do a cover on this disc and we didn't want to do what every other band is doing these days and take a pop or rock song from the '80s," frontman Phil Labonte says. "We figured a song by a band with real metal cred would do best for us. This song never got the attention it deserved. It's an amazingly well written song and even though it's not the most complex song NEVERMORE has done it is, in my opinion, one of their best. We ran the idea by NEVERMORE and they gave us their blessing so we were very happy to have the original artists behind it. I couldn't be happier with the way it came out!" "Overcome" track listing: 01. Before The Damned 02. Two Weeks 03. Undone 04. Forever In Your Hands 05. Chiron 06. Days Without 07. A Song For The Hopeless 08. Do Not Obey 09. Relinquish 10. Overcome 11. Believe In Nothing (NEVERMORE cover) "Overcome" will be released on September 16 through Prosthetic Records. ALL THAT REMAINS finished its run on Vans Warped Tour last weekend in Los Angeles. The band is now at home and gearing up for a co-headlining tour with TRIVIUM, which will also feature 36 CRAZYFISTS and THE HUMAN ABSTRACT, after which ALL THAT REMAINS will be direct support in major markets to IN FLAMES, which will also see the band playing with GOJIRA and 36 CRAZYFISTS.

•08/01/2008: The Blood, Sweat, & Tears of NORMA JEAN!
For all the blood, sweat, and tears Solid State's NORMA JEAN has put towards their forthcoming release "THE ANTI MOTHER", they also know that donating blood can also save a life.
In conjunction with the Red Cross' MUSIC SAVES LIVES, Norma Jean will be holding an autograph signing on site of tomorrow's Warped Tour location in Tinley Park, Illinois (8/2/08) at the Red Cross Booth, which will be under the Take Action Non - Profit tent.
Supplying nearly half of the nation's blood supply, The American Red Cross teams up with today's music artists to not only change the face of music, but to save lives. Be sure to stop by the tent to meet the band, and get more information on how you can donate blood.
To give blood just call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE or go online to givebloodgivelife.org.

•7/31/08: New ALL SHALL PERISH Tracks!
All Shall Perish have made their new tracks "Stabbing To Purge Dissimulation" and "When Life Meant More..." available online here. Both tracks from their upcoming album "Awaken The Dreamers", which is set for a September 23rd release date through Nuclear Blast.

•7/30/08: New NORMA JEAN Track Online
Norma Jean's new track "And There Will Be A Swarm of Hornets" has been posted online here. The song comes from the groups new album "The Anti Mother", which will arrive in stores on August 05th via Solid State.

•7/30/08: AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE First Week
"Total Brutal", the debut album from AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE — the side project of AS I LAY DYING singer Tim Lambesis — has sold 3,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 179 on The Billboard 200 chart.

•7/28/08: ANEW REVOLUTION Video Online
Anew Revolution's video for their track "Done" has been posted online and can be found here. The video was helmed by director David Brodsky (Despised Icon, The Black Dahlia Murder).

•7/28/08: AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE Video Teaser
A teaser for Austrian Death Machine's (AKA Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying and friends) video for their track "Get To The Choppa" has been posted online here.

•7/21/08: New ALL THAT REMAINS!
Massachusetts' ALL THAT REMAINS have posted two new tracks of music online at the band's official MySpace page from the band's eagerly-anticipated forthcoming album, Overcome, which will see a Sept 16 release through Prosthetic Records. The two tracks, "Before The Damned" and "Relinquish," appear on the 11-track album which was produced and engineered by Jason Suecof (Trivium, Chimaira, The Black Dahlia Murder), mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound (Lamb of God, Annihilator), and features artwork by Carson Slovak (Century, Too Pure To Die, killwhitneydead.). "This represents the heavier side of ATR," frontman Phil Labonte says. "Last time we did this we put up "The Weak Willed" [from The Fall of Ideals] and we feel like it's a bit of a tradition to really kick you in the nuts when we first show off new stuff! So here is the heaviest stuff we came up with for Overcome. Hope you like 'em. " Pre-orders for Overcome in exclusive design packages will be available shortly, with the first 200 orders receiving autographed 11x17 posters. Meanwhile, ALL THAT REMAINS begins their nearly month-long stint on Vans Warped Tour July 23 in Mansfield, Mass., wrapping up next month in Los Angeles. This marks the first time ALL THAT REMAINS has been a part of the annual summer festival, having already left their live mark on Ozzfest in 2006, Sounds of the Underground in 2005 and the European leg the next year. Since the release of the band's last album, 2006's The Fall of Ideals, ALL THAT REMAINS has also made appearances at the Wacken: Open-Air Festival, Japan's Loud Park Festival and several European and Stateside tours alongside Killswitch Engage, DragonForce, among others, all culminating in a highly-successful headlining tour across North America last winter. More touring is being confirmed for ALL THAT REMAINS in support of Overcome, with more information will be available shortly. The Fall of Ideals, has now sold over 175,000 copies in North America and was followed up by an October 2007 re-release of ALL THAT REMAINS' debut album, Behind Silence And Solitude, as well as the band's first-ever DVD, All That Remains Live, featuring all the band's music videos, footage from two live performances, behind the scenes footage, band and fan interviews and more. ALL THAT REMAINS on tour (Vans Warped Tour 2008) 7/23 Mansfield, MA – Tweeter Center 7/24 Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Performing Arts Center 7/25 Camden, NJ – Susquehanna Bank Center 7/26 Uniondale, NY – Nassau Coliseum Parking Lots 7/27 Scranton, PA – Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain 7/28 Englishtown, NJ – Raceway Park 7/29 Pittsburgh, PA – Post Gazette Pavilion at Star Lake 7/30 Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Amphitheatre 7/31 Noblesville, IN – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 8/01 Milwaukee, WI – Marcus Amphitheatre 8/02 Tinley Park, IL – First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre 8/03 Shakopee, MN – Canterbury Park 8/05 Saskatoon, SK – Credit Union Centre 8/06 Calgary, AB – Race City Speedway 8/08 Nampa, ID – Idaho Center Amphitheatre 8/09 George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre 8/10 St. Helens, OR - Columbia Meadows 8/13 Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center 8/14 Chula Vista, CA – Coors Amphitheater 8/15 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre 8/16 Marysville, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheatre 8/17 Carson, CA – Home Depot Center

•7/21/08: THE HUMAN ABSTRACT Teaser 2
The second of three teasers for "Midheaven", the sophomore full-length CD from the Los Angeles-based technical progressive metal band THE HUMAN ABSTRACT, can be viewed at this location (Quicktime required). THE HUMAN ABSTRACT has just released a four-song EP exclusively via Hot Topic stores. The CD features the following tracks: 01. Counting Down The Days 02. Echoes Of The Spirit 03. Vela, Together We Await the Storm (Remix by Tim Lambesis) 04. Vela, Together We Await the Storm (Video Remix) Due on August 19 via Hopeless Records, "Midheaven" "follows a full cycle of man while he makes his ascent and discoveries and is eventually brought down by his lust of conquest and greed," says the band's vocalist, Nathan Ells. "Basically we wanted to have this album be cohesive all the way through. We came up with themes for each song and then wrote the songs like we were doing a film score and try to capture the mood musically for what each theme represents."

•7/16/08: New NORMA JEAN Track Online
"Self-Employed Chemist" — one of the highlights on NORMA JEAN's fourth album "The Anti Mother", due out August 5 on Solid State Records — is streaming now on the front page of Alternative Press magazine's web site. Featuring separate collaborations with Page Hamilton of HELMET and Chino Moreno of DEFTONES, "The Anti Mother" marks NORMA JEAN's most melodic, heaviest and furious material to date. "We've never been this excited about anything we've done," says vocalist/guitarist Cory Brandan. The Atlanta-based group re-teamed with producer Ross Robinson (SLIPKNOT, THE CURE, DEFTONES) and engineer Ryan Boesch to record "The Anti Mother". The resulting crushing and sonically adventurous 10-song offering easily achieves the artistic and creative high point of NORMA JEAN's career. NORMA JEAN is currently debuting songs from "The Anti Mother" live to fans all summer long as main-stage headliners on the Vans Warped Tour. Expect the group to announce a fall U.S. tour soon.

•7/09/08: THE HUMAN ABSTRACT Teaser
The Human Abstract will begin selling a 4 song teaser EP for their new album "Midheaven" exclusively at "Hot Topic" beginning July 15th. The effort will feature the following tracks: 01 - "Counting Down The Days" 02 - "Echoes Of The Spirit" 03 - "Vela, Together We Await the Storm" (Remixed by Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying) 04 - "Vela, Together We Await the Storm" (Video Remix) The groups new full-length effort "Midheaven" will arrive in stores on August 19th through Hopeless.

•7/09/08: SLIPKNOT Album Info
Slipknot have announced the track listing for their upcoming new album "All Hope Is Gone", here's how it runs: 01 - "Execute" 02 - "Gematria (The Killing Name)" 03 - "Sulfur" 04 - "Psychosocial" 05 - "Dead Memories" 06 - "Vendetta" 07 - "Butcher's Hook" 08 - "Gehenna" 09 - "This Cold Black" 10 - "Wherein Lies Continue" 11 - "Snuff" 12 - "All Hope Is Gone" The following tracks will be included on the special edition of the effort: 13 - "Child of Burning Time" 14 - "Til We Die" 15 - "Vermillion Pt. 2" (Bloodstone Mix) The album will see an August 26th release date through Roadrunner. In other news, band turntablist Sid Wilson will be hosting after-parties during the bands dates at the "Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival" under his moniker of DJ Starscream. Wilson has enlisted a bus with a hydraulic sound system for the purpose.

•7/09/08: New Music From THE SHOWDOWN
The Showdown have made their new track "Achilles-The Backbreaker" available online here. It comes from the bands new album "Back Breaker", which will see an August 19th release date through Solid State.

•7/08/08: DEAR LIFE Video Online
Dear Life have posted a live video for their track "Speaking Volumes" online here.

•7/02/08: New THE HUMAN ABSTRACT Track!
The Human Abstract have made their new track "A Violent Strike" available online here. The song comes from the bands new album "Midheaven", which will see an August 19th release date through Hopeless.

•06/09/08: ICED EARTH strikes on Billboard!
American heavy metal icons ICED EARTH have placed in the upper reaches of the Billboard singles charts following the release of their latest single, "I Walk Among You." The single debuted at #2 on the Billboard Maxi Singles Chart and #3 on the Billboard Top Singles Chart.

"I Walk Among You" marks the long-awaited return of vocalist Matthew Barlow and is the precursor to the forthcoming full-length album "The Crucible Of Man (Something Wicked Part 2)," which is scheduled for release on September 9, 2008. The release features the single "I Walk Alone," along with two re-recorded tracks from "Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part 1)" which feature Barlow on vocals.

Following a series of European festival dates throughout the summer, ICED EARTH will embark on a North American tour in September.

ICED EARTH NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES

September 21 - Detroit, MI @ Harpo's
September 22 - Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
September 23 - Montreal, QC @ Le Medley
September 24 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
September 25 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
September 26 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southbend
September 27 - Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage (PROG POWER USA IX)
September 28 - Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House Of Blues Orlando
September 29 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
September 30 - Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues
October 14 - Norfolk, VA @ The Norva
October 15 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
October 16 - New York, NY @ Nokia Theater
October 22 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
October 23 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Center at The Grand Ballroom
October 24 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Avalon

Watch www.icedearth.com for news updates.

•6/19/08: CENTURY MEDIA Signs IWRESTLEDABEARONCE
Eliciting a wide array of responses from adoring fans and haters alike, a leak permeated the online community last week suggesting that the Louisiana grind/electronic band IWRESTLEDABEARONCE had just signed under the dotted line with Century Media Records. Many expressed unbridled excitement at the prospect of a unique union between one of the world’s most intriguing bands and one of the bigger independent metal labels. Now that California’s newly-enacted marriage laws are in effect, it can be confirmed that the gayest of gay marriages did in fact occur and the two are officially recognized as partners at last. Guitarist Steven Bradley had the following to say about the special union: “We couldn’t possibly be more excited about signing to Century Media! Everyone at the label is supportive of our desire to make weird music that branches out into every genre possible, and they made us sign in blood and semen so we know we’re in a good place. In all seriousness this is a lifelong dream come true, and we can’t wait to make a new full-length for everyone to hear. Come hang out with us on tour!” Best known for their spastic take on grindcore, metal and even showtunes, IWRESTLEDABEARONCE is as hard to categorize as that particular melding would suggest. One look at the new video for “Tastes Like Kevin Bacon,” which encapsulates that twist particularly well, and you’ll know what the band is all about. “Our goal is to keep people from being able to guess what we’re doing next,” says Bradley. “Our basic principle is fuck genres.” Because its members tend to keep an open mind to all forms of inspiration and influence, the band’s sound could be compared to everything from BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, CONVERGE, or BJÖRK, the latter alluding to frontwoman Krysta Cameron’s diverse range. While “Tastes Like Kevin Bacon” is a demo track, the band released a self-titled, six-song EP last December. Missing on the recording, however, are drummer Ryan Pearson and keyboardist Daniel Andrews. Then a full band, IWRESTLEDABEARONCE were able to tour the country, generating the kind of buzz that attracted Century Media. For additional information, tour dates, or to view the much talked about “Tastes Like Kevin Bacon” video head over to the band’s official MySpace page.

•61/16/08: ANATHEMA now on KSCOPE
Kscope Music, in association with Peaceville Records, is pleased to announce the forthcoming semi-acoustic album from UK band Anathema. Hindsight features old and new favourites from the band’s career, with new arrangements utilising acoustic, electrical and orchestral instruments to construct the deep, emotional landscapes Anathema have become renowned for, including a brand new track, ‘Unchained (Tales Of The Unexpected)’.

This album will also feature the beautiful cello playing of Dave Wesling from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. A close friend of the band, Dave previously toured with the band in 2004 and is featured on the DVD ‘A Moment in Time’.

The record has been arranged, recorded, performed and produced solely by the band.

Anathema have been at the forefront of the UK rock/metal movement for many years. They began their journey as pioneers of melodic heavy music, influencing a myriad of bands to follow them, before outgrowing all genres and limitations as they fearlessly explored new territory and new ways to express feeling through sound.

Anathema have gained a sizable worldwide following and much critical acclaim. Having played hundreds of shows in over 30 countries on their ‘Natural Disaster’ tour, they are currently working on the follow up to Hindsight, an album of brand new material entitled ‘Horizons’. This is set to be an album beyond all expectations.

Hindsight will be released on CD by Kscope on August 25th 2008 and will be available to download from August 11th.

Anathema will be reuniting with the other two major pioneers of northern heavy music, Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride for two special shows later this year.

3rd September 2008 - De Boerderij, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
4th September 2008 - Savoy Theatre, Düsseldorf, Germany
18th September 2008- Bataclan, Paris, FRANCE
19th September 2008 - The Forum, London, UK

•6/04/08: 36 CRAZYFISTS Crack Billboard Charts!
Alaskan metal heavyweights 36 CRAZYFISTS have sold 4,150 copies of their new album, "The Tide and its Takers", in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 155 on The Billboard 200 chart. "The Tide and Its Takers" was released on May 27 via Ferret Music. The CD artwork was designed by Sons of Nero, who has previously worked with such bands as IN FLAMES, EVERY TIME I DIE, FULL BLOWN CHAOS and THE HUMAN ABSTRACT. 36 CRAZYFISTS will make its first appearance on a major U.S. festival tour when it plays this summer's inaugural Rockstar Energy Mayhem tour. The festival features SLIPKNOT, DISTURBED, and DRAGONFORCE headlining, with 36 CRAZYFISTS landing a spot on the Jagermeister Second Stage.

•5/30/08: KEEP OF KALESSIN Premier
Kolossus, the new album from Norwegian metallers KEEP OF KALESSIN, is available for streaming in its entirety at the band's MySpace page. Due in Europe on June 6 and in North America on June 10, the CD will feature the following track listing: 01. Origin 02. A New Empire's Birth 03. Against The Gods 04. The Rising Sign 05. Warmonger 06. Escape The Union 07. The Mark Of Power 08. Kolossus 09. Ascendant In addition, Kolossus will include a BONUS DVD that will include live sets, album and band documentary, behind the scenes, and other killer material that only you'll be able to watch by purchasing the album! KEEP OF KALESSIN recently shot a video for the song "Ascendant" in Gothenburg, Sweden with director Patrick Ullaeus, who has previously worked with such bands as DIMMU BORGIR, WITHIN TEMPTATION and IN FLAMES. According to the group, "It will be a performance video shot on white screen / green screen and judging from the raw material it will be one of the 'baddest' metal videos of 2008!" KEEP OF KALESSIN is definitely the next big thing from Norway and will have a huge impact on the whole metal scene. The base of the music is for sure black metal, but KEEP OF KALESSIN are also including other influences like death metal, thrash metal and some non-metal components, making their style fresh and truly unique. You have to be deaf to not hear the incredible potential of the band. Passion and aggression combined into one, KEEP OF KALESSIN will soon be one of the main driving forces in extreme metal and one of THE bands of 2008. Be prepared for their matchless crusade!

•5/30/08: LAMB OF GOD DVD Premier
LAMB OF GOD will world-premier the full-length feature from its brand-new two-DVD set "Walk With Me In Hell" at Chelsea Cinemas in New York City on June 30 at 7:00 p.m., with the full band in attendance. Fans can get their ticket to the premiere by pre-ordering the special double DVD bundle while supplies last. Seats are limited, so visit www.lamb-of-god.com NOW! Not in NYC? Well, you can order the double DVD set and have your own premiere OR vote at www.lamb-of-god.com to have a LAMB OF GOD premiere in your town. Use the Eventful widget on the sites to "Demand" a premiere be held in your city. The city with the most "Demands" by June 16 gets a premiere that will be held around the release of the "Walk With Me In Hell" double-disc set! New York City premiere details: Chelsea Cinemas 260 W. 23rd St New York, NY 10011 7:00 p.m. A one-minute trailer for "Walk With Me In Hell" can be viewed below. Due in Europe through Roadrunner on June 30 and in North America via Epic on July 1, "Walk With Me In Hell" features over five hours of incredible, all-access footage. Disc 1 contains the highly anticipated feature documentary "Walk With Me In Hell" and multiple live performance extras from across the globe on the "Sacrament" world tour. The documentary chronicles every detail in the lives of LAMB OF GOD as they completed recording and toured around the world nearly three times over in support of the highly praised 2006 album "Sacrament". Disc 2 includes an additional full-length "Making of Sacrament" feature plus LAMB OF GOD's entire, uncut, brutal performance at the Download festival 2007, where they performed in front of over 72,000 fans. Extras include deleted scenes, live performance videos for various tour stops, the official music video for "Redneck", and a "Making of Redneck" documentary. "We're on stage for 90 minutes a day," says drummer Chris Adler. "People want to know what's going on for the other 22 ½ hours. It's not always limousines and champagne! 'Killadelphia' [LOG's previous platinum-certified DVD] surprised a lot of people and proved that we refuse to censor or hold anything back. True to the high standard that we hold ourselves to, 'Walk With Me In Hell' is unlike any music DVD I've ever seen. This is an entire new level of documentary taking you on an intense, worldwide journey with us." "Walk With Me In Hell" features all-access footage from the bus to the stage and everything in between, and like the band’s unrelenting music, never lets up. "'Walk With Me In Hell' is a very proud moment for us as a band. It's hard to comprehend the pain and glory when you're in the middle of it, but looking back over the past two years we can begin to understand how huge this record and touring cycle was," says Adler. "It shows the blood shed and what it takes to not only hold our own, but succeed in the face of every obstacle in front of us. We have never offered less than our best, our fans expect and deserve it, and this DVD will serve as a landmark for all that follow." "Walk With Me In Hell" was directed by Doug Spangenberg, who has also directed the platinum-awarded "Killadelphia" DVD, plus LAMB OF GOD's first DVD, "Terror and Hubris".

•5/29/08: KING'S X - XV
"XV", the new album from KING'S X, sold 4,450 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 145 on the Billboard 200 chart. This marks the first time in over a decade that the band has cracked the Top 200 in the first week of release. "XV" was recorded and mixed at Wireworld Studios in Nashville, Tennessee with producer Michael Wagener (SKID ROW, ALICE COOPER). This is the second KING'S X album in a row with Wagener manning the boards. Pleased with the results of 2005's "Ogre Tones", the band headed into the studio more prepared and creative than ever before. "We really enjoyed working with him on the last album," guitarist Ty Tabor said shortly before entering the studio to record the new CD. "There was no pre-production on anything and we were pleased with how it turned out. This time, we're doing some pre-production, some writing together and we're going to try to outdo ourselves. We're going in this time with a complete and prepared attack."

•5/22/08: EKOTREN releases debut music video!
Blind Prophecy recording artists EKOTREN unleash a visual assault for their latest single “Tranquilized”, off their latest album Light The Fire. The video was shot in February this year in New Jersey by David Brodsky (God Forbid, Strapping Young Lad).

The band is currently burning the road with SCUM OF THE EARTH (featuring Rob Zombie guitarist Riggs), and metal-industrialists RIKETS on the Jagermeister sponsored “Sleaze Across Amerika” tour.

Cape Coral, Florida’s EKOTREN formed in 2000 and have toured the U.S. extensively off their two EPs, The Tables Have Turned (2006) and Destroying the American Dream (2007) and has shared stages with Saliva, Flyleaf, Nonpoint, and most recently with Ill Nino.

Check out the video for “Tranquilized” here and tracks from Light The Fire at www.myspace.com/ekotren

“Sleaze Across Amerika” tour with SCUM OF THE EARTH and RIKETS
May 22 2008 JESTERS PUB - Fayetteville, North Carolina
May 23 2008 ZAKK’S - Murfreesboro, North Carolina
May 25 2008 HOOLIGANS - Jacksonville, North Carolina
May 26 2008 MASQUERADE - Atlanta, Georgia
May 27 2008 NIGHT MOVES - Rome, Georgia
May 28 2008 THE PIT - Jacksonville, Florida
May 30 2008 BOURBON STREET - New Port Richie, Florida
May 31 2008 THE DUNGEON - Orlando, Florida
Jun 1 2008 OFF THE WALL - Mobile, Alabama
Jun 4 2008 ROOM 710 - Austin, Texas
Jun 6 2008 FIREWATER - Dallas, Texas
Jun 8 2008 DOC HOLIDAYS - Amarillo, Texas
Jun 9 2008 CAIN’S BALLROOM - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jun 10 2008 THE CONSERVATORY - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Jun 11 2008 LIZARD LOUNGE - Wichita, Kansas
Jun 12 2008 FOXTOWN CITY LIMITS - Mulberry, Kansas

•5/09/08: KING'S X & Rock 'N Roll Fantasy Camp
In support of their forthcoming SPV debut, XV, American rock icons Kings X will team up with Extreme and the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp this summer for one of the most unique touring experiences imaginable. Campers who take part in the event will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the same stage as two legendary rock acts. Prior to Kings X's performance each night, participants will perform along side of camp counselors Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Dave Ellefson (Megadeth), Earl Slick (David Bowie, John Lennon), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter), Chris Slade (AC/DC), Grammy Award-winning composer/producer Mark Hudson, and special guests. For Kings X, the tour also gives them the opportunity to share some new material with one of the most loyal fanbases in the business. Their fifteenth album, XV shows off the superior craftsmanship and rock-solid chemistry that bassist/vocalist dUg Pinnick, guitarist Ty Tabor and drummer Jerry Gaskill have displayed since their inception. Additional Kings X headline dates surrounding the tour will be announced! "A true 'band’s band,' King’s X are a modern rock institution." - Blistering.com "One of the most esteemed hard rock bands of our time." - Hails-N-Horns Magazine EXTREME - KINGS X - ROCK 'N' ROLL FANTASY CAMP TOUR July 29 – Poughkeepsie @ The Chance July 31 - Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavilion Aug 01- Long Island NY @ Brookhaven Aug. 02 - Baltimore, MD @ Ram's Head Aug. 04 - New York City, NY @ Fillmore at Irving Plaza Aug 05 – Lancaster PA @ Chameleon Club Aug. 06 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Aug. 09 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues Aug. 13 - Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage Aug 18 – New Orleans LO @ HOB Aug 19 – Houston TX @ Meridian Aug. 20 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Aug. 22 - Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theatre Aug. 23 - Las Vegas, NV @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Aug. 25 - San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore Aug. 26 - Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues

•5/08/08: MESHUGGAH Video Teaser
The time has come for the long awaited sneak peak of the upcoming MESHUGGAH “Bleed” music video. The track is from the bands latest release, obZen, which is out now. Directed and produced by Mike Pecci and Ian McFarland of Killswitch Productions, a short video trailer and pictures can be accessed at this location.

•5/07/08: KATAKLYSM Video Premier
KATAKLYSM's video for the track "Taking The World By Storm" has premiered exclusively on MySpace Metal The clip was shot and directed by David Brodsky and comes off the group's upcoming album, Prevail, which is set to be released on May 23 (Europe) and May 27 (North America). KATAKLYSM vocalist Maurizio Iacono states: “It was a true pleasure to work with David on this video, his level of professionalism is outstanding and his vision is great. We had fun filming this video although we froze our fucking balls off for 12 hours! David really captured the energy and apocalyptic feel of the track and the song is definitely one of my favorites on the album. Enjoy!" Director David Brodsky had this to say: “Working with KATAKLYSM was an awesome experience… really, what am I going to say besides that? I mean… they’re fucking KATAKLYSM! But truly, in the middle of the biggest blizzard of 2008 in NY/NJ, KATAKLYSM showed up eager to the location in the ass-end of seedy Newark, NJ and truly nailed it. Twelve grueling hours in a cold, nasty, wreck of a building and not one complaint, only true professionalism. Some of the shit they did had me cheering. KATAKLYSM is an awesome force to behold – they are the performer’s band. They perform with an indefinable swagger and verve. They are all natural showmen… and to be able to spend some time capturing them was a great honor and a great pleasure...besides all that, I can’t get that fucking chorus out of my head!”

•5/06/08: ANEW REVOLUTION To Film "Done" Video
ANEW REVOLUTION, the Austin, Texas-based band featuring former members of SLAVES ON DOPE and UNLOCO, will film a video for the track "Done" in Jersey City, New Jersey with director David Brodsky (ALL THAT REMAINS, GOD FORBID, THE RED CHORD). The song comes off the group's Mudrock-produced (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, GODSMACK) debut album, "Rise", which was released on April 15 via Koch Records. ANEW REVOLUTION released a self-titled EP soon after forming, selling out all five thousand copies they printed at shows and off of the Internet. The five-track release served as a strong introduction to fans and paved the way to their relationship with Koch Records.

•4/17/08: ARSIS Video Online
Arsis' video for their track "We Are The Nightmare" has been made available online here. The song is the title track from the groups new album which saw a release earlier this week through Nuclear Blast.

•3/13/08: BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE Video Online
Bullet For My Valentine's video for their track "Hearts Burst Into Fire" can be seen online here.

•2/29/08: SWORN ENEMY On The Road
Queens, New York-based hardcore/metal act SWORN ENEMY kicks off the North American touring cycle for "Maniacal", co-produced by Tim Lambesis (AS I LAY DYING) and Joey Z (LIFE OF AGONY), tonight as part of the much-anticipated EARTH CRISIS reunion tour, a month-long trek which also features TERROR, SHAI HULUD, DOWN TO NOTHING and RECON. Lorenzo Antonucci (guitars) states: "We are proud and happy to be hitting the States again. It's been over a year and we couldn't ask to be a part of a better tour. This amazing package is just about the best thing to hit North America in along time. For all our friends and fans, you will see the tightest SWORN ENEMY show ever. We've been rehearing like crazy and making sure we will please all. Our new record is by far our best and thrashiest work yet. These songs are meant to be played live. We're focused on changing the way people perceived us in the past, and convincing them that SWORN ENEMY is a real band with the right attitude. 'Maniacal' is the proof of that.” Get your dancing shoes on because its time to mosh your face off.”

•2/29/08: DAYLIGHT DIES Update
The members of the North Carolina-based DAYLIGHT DIES are readying themselves for a busy spring with their upcoming tour alongside CANDLEMASS and release of their third album, “Lost to the Living.” The tour, set to kick off May 19th, finds the band in direct support to the Swedish metal legends and represents their second national tour since signing with Candlelight Records in late 2005. The cross-country tour wraps up two weeks prior to the anticipated June 24th album release date. In the final mixing process at Fascination Street Studios, Sweden by Jens Bogren (OPETH, AMON AMARTH, KATATONIA), “Lost to the Living” features nine new songs from the cherished doom metal band. Working with Travis Smith (OPETH, SOILWORK, KATATONIA) for the album’s packaging, it promises to be another fan and critic favorite. Track listing as of press time (not actual running order) is: 01. Cathedral 02. Descending 03. A Subtle Violence 04. And a Slow Surrender 05. Last Alone 06. Woke Up Lost 07. The Morning Light 08. At a Loss 09. A Portrait in White “Everyone is taking a little time to catch their breath after working hard on bringing ‘Lost to the Living’ to life,” says DAYLIGHT DIES drummer Jesse Haff. “We’ve continued to refine the music up until the last minute it was recorded and we all feel confident this is the strongest album we’ve made. As stated previously, the material is a mix of beautiful melancholic leads and harsh dissonant rhythms; despair driven hooks and the overall dark atmosphere you’ve come to expect from us. After an exhausting recording process, the one thing on all of our minds is the upcoming tour. We can’t wait.”

•2/29/08: THE HUMAN ABSTRACT Video Update
The Human Abstract recently began work on a video for their new album with director Michael Grodner (Chiodos, Planes Mistaken For Stars). Pictures and sketches from the shoot can be seen online here. The band recently recorded a new album with producer Toby Wright (Metallica, Alice In Chains) for release later this year.

•2/29/08: DAYLIGHT DIES Gears Up For Tour & Album
North Carolina-based DAYLIGHT DIES are readying themselves for a busy spring with their upcoming tour alongside Candlemass and release of their third album, Lost to the Living. The tour, set to kick off May 19, finds the band in direct support to the Swedish metal legends and represents their second national tour since signing with Candlelight Records in late 2005. The cross-country tour wraps up two weeks prior to the anticipated June 24 album release date.

In the final mixing process at Fascination Street Studios/Sweden by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Amon Amarth, Katatonia), Lost to the Living features nine new songs from the cherished doom metal band. Working with Travis Smith (Opeth, Soilwork, Katatonia) for the album’s packaging, it promises to be another fan and critic favorite. Track listing as of press time (not confirmed running order) is Cathedral, Descending, A Subtle Violence, And a Slow Surrender, Last Alone, Woke Up Lost, The Morning Light, At a Loss, A Portrait in White. Video footage from the album’s recording process is exclusively available at the band’s official website (www.daylightdies.com).

Formed in 1996, Daylight Dies drummer Jesse Haff and guitarist Barre Gambling slowly crafted songs that would make their appearance on the band’s 2002 debut No Reply (Relapse). Terrorizer Magazine called the album "memorable and engaging." Outburn Magazine proclaimed it "pristine doom metal," while Digital Metal found it to be "a combination of dark melody and deathly aggression." The quintet would tour Europe with Katatonia and perform with Lacuna Coil throughout the US and Canada before writing processes would begin on new material. Their second album, the impressive Dismantling Devotion, was released March 2006 via Candlelight Records. Revolver Magazine called it “an epic slab of gloom metal that's equal parts apocalyptic rage and suicidal sorrow.” Terrorizer Magazine again applauded the band noting the album as “an epic journey as thoughtful and compellingly musical as it is bleak and vengeful... essential.” Another US tour, this time with Moonspell and friends Katatonia, the band including vocalist Nathan Ellis, bassist Egan O’Rourke, guitarist Charley Shackelford, together with Gambling and Haff completed 2006 on an all-time high. Outside of a few local performances the five-piece spent much of 2007 crafting the material that finds itself on Lost for the Living.

"Everyone is taking a little time to catch their breath after working hard on bringing Lost to the Living to life,” says Haff. “We've continued to refine the music up until the last minute it was recorded and we all feel confident this is the strongest album we've made. As stated previously, the material is a mix of beautiful melancholic leads and harsh dissonant rhythms; despair driven hooks and the overall dark atmosphere you've come to expect from us. After an exhausting recording process, the one thing on all of our minds is the upcoming tour. We can't wait."

Daylight Die plans to perform selections from each of their records on the upcoming tour; dates are noted below.

May 19 - Jaxx Nite Club (W. Springfield VA)
May 20 – BB King Blues Club (New York NY)
May 22 – Starland Ballroom (Sayreville NJ)
May 23 – Peabody’s Down Under (Cleveland OH)
May 24 – The Pearl Room (Mokena IL)
May 25 – Station 4 (St. Paul MN)
May 28 – Studio Seven (Seattle WA)
May 29 – Hawthorne Theatre (Portland OR)
May 30 – Slim’s (San Francisco CA)
May 31 – Jumping Turtle (San Marcos CA)
June 01 – Whiskey A Go Go (W. Hollywood CA)
June 03 – Brickhouse (Phoenix AZ)
June 04 – Launch Pad (Albuquerque NM)
June 05 – Scout Bar (San Antonio TX)
June 06 – Scout Bar (San Antonio TX)
June 07 – Ridglea Theater (Ft. Worth TX)
June 08 – The Muse (Nashville TN)

•2/28/08: KINGDOM OF SORROW Video Update
Kingdom Of Sorrow (Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta/Kirk Windstein of CrowbarDown) recently filmed a video for their track "Lead Into Demise" with director Kevin Custer (The Confession, The Destro). You can except to see it in the coming weeks.

•2/26/08: HEMLOCK Track Online
A new HEMLOCK track, entitled "Red Sky Revolution", has been posted on the group's MySpace page. The song comes off the Las Vegas, Nevada-based metallers' upcoming album, "No Time For Sorrow", which is scheduled for release on March 18 on Blind Prophecy Records. The CD was recorded with engineer Eddy Garcia (PISSING RAZORS). HEMLOCK is currently doing warm-up shows in the Midwest before joining MINISTRY and MESHUGGAH on the C-U-La-Tour from March to May.

•2/22/08: WARPED News
ALL THAT REMAINS, AS I LAY DYING, AUGUST BURNS RED, BRING ME THE HORIZON, THE BRONX, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, EVERGREEN TERRACE, EVERY TIME I DIE, THE HUMAN ABSTRACT, MAYLENE AND THE SONS OF DISASTER, NORMA JEAN and STICK TO YOUR GUNS are e among the confirmed artists for the 2008 Warped Tour. The traveling festival will once again run from June to August 2008 all over the U.S. and Canada. The tour, in its 14th year, was founded by Kevin Lyman, who recently co-founded the Taste Of Chaos tour, entering its fourth year.

•2/22/08: EKOTREN Video News
EKOTREN is slated to shoot a video for “Tranquilized” with David Brodsky (My Good Eye), who has directed clips for STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, SUICIDE SILENCE, and THE RED CHORD. The video will be filmed on February 25, on a day off during the band’s national tour with ILL NINO, in New Jersey and is tentatively set for a March premiere. EKOTREN will be on tour with ILL NINO and DROID until March 2 and will celebrate its homecoming with a CD-release party on March 8 at Club Ricochet in Fort Myers, Florida.

•2/15/08: KINGDOM OF SORROW Online!
Kingdom Of Sorrow (Hatebreed/Crowbar/Down) entire self-titled debut can now be streamed online here. The effort will see a February 19th release date through Relapse.

•2/14/08: BULLET On TV
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, currently at #4 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums charts with their sophomore release, Scream Aim Fire (Jive/Zomba) will make their US network TV debut on Wednesday, February 27 when they take to the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. The Welsh metal-core band will play the title track from their brand new album, currently Top 30 at Rock radio, as well as ‘Tears Don’t Fall’.

•2/13/08: ARSIS Cover Art Online
Fresh off the stage in Louisville, Kentucky, ARSIS guitarist and vocalist Jim Malone has this to share about the cover artwork for the band's Nuclear Blast Records debut, "We Are The Nightmare", slated for release in North America on April 15: "I didn't have a working relationship with the Riddick brothers before 2004. I was introduced to them by our first label, Willowtip. When Mark and Mike presented us with our new band logo, we were like, 'Sweeeeet!' I wanted to keep working with them because of their detail and their pen-and-ink approach, not because they're obsessed with corpses and maggots. As far as the new album's artwork, they matched what 'We Are The Nightmare' is about in the sense that my lyrics and music are always very dark, much like their art is. There's something very striking and unique about their drawings, which explains why I own Mark's Killustrations art book and why we chose to use their artwork on our merch.

•2/13/08: New MESHUGGAH Track Onlin
Meshuggah have made the title track to their new album "obZen" available online here. "obZen" will see a March 11th release date through Nuclear Blast.

•2/08/08: #4 With A BULLET
BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE’s Scream Aim Fire sophomore album released January 29 debuted on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at #4, sharing top spots with THE MARS VOLTA, ALICIA KEYS and others.

•1/29/08: ARSIS Update
ARSIS will release their forthcoming new album, “We Are The Nightmare,” on April 15th via Nuclear Blast Records. Produced by Zeuss (AGNOSTIC FRONT, MUNICIPAL WASTE) at Planet Z Studios in Massachussetts and mastered by Alan Douches (KATAKLYSM, SHADOWS FALL), the CD will feature the following track listing: 01. We Are The Nightmare 02. Shattering The Spell 03. Sightless Wisdom 04. Servants To The Night 05. Failing Winds Of Hopeless Greed 06. Overthrown 07. Progressive Entrapment 08. A Feast For The Liar’s Tongue 09. My Oath To Madness 10. Failure’s Conquest

•1/24/08: KATAKLYSM Update
KATAKLYSM have just finished the recording process for their highly anticipated new album, “Prevail.” Comments producer/guitarist Jean-François Dagenais: “Finally… I’m the one who never takes a break in the band, and I can finally breathe!! After two months, the album is fucking done! Just laid down a few leads yesterday and double-checked everything. The album came out great. The sources are fantastic and don’t expect ‘In the Arms of Devastation 2.’ This album stands in a league of its own. Everyone gave it 150%. It’s the most brutal since ‘Temple of Knowledge’ and ‘Serenity in Fire’ and the most catchy since ‘Shadows & Dust’ and ‘In The Arms of Devastation.’ Expect the best, because that’s the effort we gave it. Next week we fly to Jason Suecof’s studio in Orlando, Florida where we will be putting the final touches to this masterpiece!”

•1/18/08: The Bamboozle Roadshow Lineup
The Bamboozle Roadshow 2008 has just been announced! This year’s lineup will feature Saves The Day, Armor For Sleep, Set Your Goals, Metro Station and on select dates: A Cursive Memory and Lydia. The Bamboozle Roadshow 2008 will begin March 28th in Seattle, WA with stops in over 30 cities, the Bamboozle LEFT Festival in Irvine, CA, as well as the Hoodwink Festival and The Bamboozle Festival in E. Rutherford, NJ. A limited number of tickets for each show have been held for the bands’ fans and will be available through a special presale that begins this Friday, January 18th at 1 PM Local Time. By buying tickets through the fan presale, you'll be able to get your tickets before anyone else AND save some money on service charges.

•1/17/08: KOCH RECORDS GOES UP IN FLAMES!
KOCH Records announces the signing of IN FLAMES, the innovative and influential Swedish metal band. The band’s new album, A Sense Of Purpose, was mixed by Toby Wright (Metallica, Ozzy, Slayer) and will be released on April 1st, 2008.

In Flames— Björn Gelotte (Guitar), Daniel Svensson (Drums), Peter Iwers (Bass Guitar), Jesper Strömblad (Guitar) and Anders Fridén—was formed in 1990 and has won three Grammis Awards (equivalent to Swedish Grammy Awards). The band’s most recent album, Come Clarity, peaked at #58 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, and has sold 400,000 copies worldwide.

In Flames is one of the pioneers of what has become known as “melodic death metal” and has influenced countless rock bands, including As I Lay Dying, Darkest Hour and countless others.

KOCH Records VP of Metal Scott Givens says, “Adding a band at the level of In Flames to the KOCH roster shows our commitment to the metal genre. They are poised to be one of the biggest metal bands in the world and we are thrilled to be chosen to help them make it happen.”

In Flames will be touring this spring as part of Gigantour, the annual tour headlined by Megadeth, in the U.S. The bands on Gigantour are hand-picked by Dave Mustaine, and the strong line-ups have made this one the leading metal tours since its inception. Other acts on the tour are Children of Bodom, Job For a Cowboy, and High on Fire.

The tour dates are as follows:

April 12 Denver, CO The Fillmore
April 13 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
April 15 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre
April 16 Corpus Christi, TX Concrete Street Pavilion
April 17 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless Theatre
April 19 Louisville, KY Louisville Gardens
April 20 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle
April 22 New York, NY Hammerstein Ballroom
April 24 Worcester, MA Palladium
April 26 Baltimore, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
April 28 Quebec City, QC Pavilion De La Jeunesse
April 29 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
April 30 Toronto, ON Arrow Hall
May 1 London, ON John Labatt Centre
May 3 Detroit, MI DTE Music Center
May 4 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Cable Amphitheater
May 6 Chicago, IL Aragon
May 7 Milwaukee, WI Eagles Ballroom
May 9 Minneapolis, MN Myth
May 10 Winnipeg, MB Convention Center
May 11 Saskatoon, SK Prairieland Exhibition Hall
May 12 Edmonton, AB Shaw Conference Center
May 14 Calgary, AB The Corral
May16 Vancouver, BC Pacific Coliseum
May 17 Salem, OR Salem Armory
May 19 San Jose, CA Event Center @ San Jose State
May 20 San Diego, CA Cox Arena
May 21 Los Angeles, CA Long Beach Arena
May 22 Phoenix, AZ Mesa Amphitheatre

For more information, go to:www.myspace.com/inflames, www.inflames.com, or www.jesterhead.com.

•1/17/08: AS I LAY DYING Video Online
Headbanger's Blog has posted AS I LAY DYING's brand new video for "The Sound Of Truth", the newest single off the group's latest album, "An Ocean Between Us".

•1/16/08: KINGDOM OF SORROW Update
Kingdom of Sorrow, the group initially spearheaded by Hatebreed's Jamey Jasta (vocals) and Kirk Windstein of Down/Crowbar (vocals & guitars), have firmed up their live line-up with Steve Gibb of Crowbar/ex-Black Label Society on guitars, Derek Kerswill of Seemless on drums and Matthew Brunson on bass. The band have announced a February 27th show at The Palladium in Worcester, MA with Thy Will Be Done also on the bill. The groups self-titled full-length debut will see a February 19th release date through Relapse.

•1/16/08: Debut Album from Salt the Wound
Cleveland’s Salt the Wound is preparing for their debut release, Carnal Repercussions, through Rotten Records. The album is set for release on February 5, 2008 and MANY tour dates are to follow. Fabricating their own style of metal and hardcore, Salt the Wound’s debut album is a true testament that yet again, Rotten Records has delivered. Salt the Wound was founded on September 11, 2001 in Cleveland, OH with one goal in mind; to dominate the Cleveland music scene and leave an undeniable mark in the heavy music industry. Over the course of the past six years, Salt the Wound has seen numerous line-up changes but has finally come to rest upon the current line up of Rob Walters (Vocals), Vince Stropki (Guitar), Jake Scott (Guitar), and Brian 'Brooklyn' Martinez (Bass). The band draws influences from groups such as All Shall Perish, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Dillinger Escape Plan; Carnal Repercussions presents a culmination of intensity and skill with every ear-splitting track. With three Midwest and East coast large scale tours under their belt, Salt the Wound also just completed two back-to-back, successful full US tours fall of 2007 in preparation for their Early 2008 Major Label debut on Rotten Records. To keep posted on the latest Salt the Wound news keep checking up at www.myspace.com/saltthewound and www.rottenrecords.com. Many more tour dates to be announced shortly.

•1/11/08: MESHUGGAH Premier
Swedish experimental extreme metallers MESHUGGAH will be the featured guests on Indie 103.1 FM's specialty metal program "Chaos with Full Metal Jackie" this Sunday (January 13) at 10:00 p.m. PST (1:00 a.m. EST Monday morning). This will also mark the radio debut of the track "Bleed" from the band's upcoming record "ObZen". To listen to the show live via the Internet, go to this location. The program also airs on KNAC.COM Monday nights between 7 and 9 p.m. PST (and again on Sunday mornings between 7 and 9 a.m.). "obZen" is scheduled for release in North American on March 11, 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2005's "Catch Thirty Three" will contain nine songs and will have a running time of around 55 minutes.

•1/10/08: BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE News
The Pulse of Radio reports that BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's new single, "Scream Aim Fire", has made an instant impact at rock radio as the band prepares to issue the album of the same name on January 29. Singer Matt Tuck told The Pulse of Radio that the group knew it had a killer track on its hands as soon as it was written. "We just knew it was, you know, a really trademark song for us, and everything that we wrote before that song was scrapped and we wrote from there," he said. "It was a benchmark song for the album, really, so in tribute to that song, that's, you know, the title track of the album now. It was just too strong and too fresh not to set the precedent for the new album, really." The CD/DVD edition of "Scream Aim Fire" will feature a music video for the title track, a "making-of" documentary, segments from "Bullet TV," tours of the recording studio and the band's quarters there, a photo gallery and more. The Welsh quartet recently issued a 15-minute digital single containing the songs "Scream Aim Fire" and "Eye of the Storm", plus track-by-track commentary by Tuck and drummer Michael "Moose" Thomas. The new disc follows up BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's 2006 debut, "The Poison", which has sold more than 340,000 copies in the U.S. BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE will join AVENGED SEVENFOLD and ATREYU on this winter's Taste of Chaos tour, beginning on February 29 in Denver.

•1/09/08: AS I LAY DYING Video Premier
AS I LAY DYING's brand new video for "The Sound Of Truth", the newest single off the group's latest album, "An Ocean Between Us", will debut on MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball" over the next few weeks. Directed by Brian Thompson, who helmed the band's futuristic clip for "Nothing Left", the video for "The Sound Of Truth" was made at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, CA and is a continuation of the story the first video initiated. Like its predecessor, the story for this video was conceived by the band, fine-tuned by Thompson, and displays the irony and hypocrisy that takes place in a decaying futuristic society.

•1/09/08: MESHUGGAH Update
Meshuggah have confirmed a March 11th North American release date via Nuclear Blast for their new album "obZen".

•1/08/08: JAMEY JASTA In-Store Appearance
Jamey Jasta of HATEBREED and KINGDOM OF SORROW will take part in a signing session at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey on Wednesday, February 20 at 7 p.m. KINGDOM OF SORROW, the band featuring Jamey Jasta and Kirk Windstein, will release its debut album on February 19 via Relapse Records (February 25 internationally). Jasta (HATEBREED, ICEPICK) and Windstein (DOWN, CROWBAR) came together some three years ago to create KINGDOM OF SORROW, and in that time put together an album's worth of crushing American metal. Relapse will give the band's long-awaited debut album its proper worldwide release this coming February.

•1/03/08: EKOTREN Online
Video footage of EKOTREN performing the track ‘Chupacabra’ from their upcoming CD Light the Fire from their recent US tour with DIECAST has been made available online. Footage was shot at Club Martinis in Cape Coral.

•1/03/08: ARSON ANTHEM Update
ARSON ANTHEM — the new project featuring Philip Anselmo (DOWN, ex-PANTERA) on guitar, Mike Williams (EYEHATEGOD) on vocals, Hank Williams III (SUPERJOINT RITUAL, ASSJACK) on drums and Collin Yeo on bass — will release its self-titled debut EP on February 19 via Housecore Records; a label created by Anselmo focusing on Phil's side projects and other artists he believes in. The track listing for the effort is as follows: 01. Year Of The Fork 02. Doomed Morale 03. Bunker Life 04. Hammer Them Out 05. Wrecked Like Clockwork 06. Cops Shoot Coke 07. The Avoider 08. Sri Lankan Medication

•12/13/07: BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE Video Online
Check out the new Bullet For My Valentine video "Scream Aim fire" at this location!

•12/11/07: DIMEBAG Tribute
Members of Killswitch Engage, Lamb Of God, DevilDriver amd Soilwork recently took the stage together for a live performance of Pantera's "5 Minutes Alone" in honor of the three year anniversary of the passing of Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell. Video footage of the performance can be found here.

•12/07/07: PORCUPINE TREE News On The New Release!
Following the release of the critically-acclaimed Fear of a Blank Planet album and the success of their 2007 North American tour comes PORCUPINE TREE's latest offering 'Nil Recurring'. The mini-album (29 minutes of music) was written during the 'Fear Of A Blank Planet' sessions, completed over the Summer of 2007, and is now presented as a cohesive, self-contained Porcupine Tree work in its own right, set for general release on February 18th, 2008.

The title track features Robert Fripp on lead guitar, and the album moves through the full Porcupine Tree spectrum of atmospheric ambience, melodic hooks, and crushing riffs. Packaged in deluxe Super Jewel case in textured slipcase.

Porcupine Tree is regarded as one of the most impressive experimental/progressive/psychedelic rock bands to emerge from the UK since their inception in 1991, having enjoyed a successful recording career spanning over 15 years.

Frontman Steven Wilson is also known for his recent work with Aviv Geffen as Blackfield and for his production and musical contributions on the Opeth albums 'Blackwater Park', 'Deliverance' and 'Damnation'.

•12/06/07: Grammy Nominees
SLAYER, MACHINE HEAD, SHADOWS FALL and AS I LAY DYING are among the nominees for the 50th annual Grammy Awards, which will be held at Los Angeles' Staples Center on Sunday, February 10, 2007. The nominees in the "Hard Rock" and "Metal" categories are as follows: Best Metal Performance: AS I LAY DYING - "Nothing Left" KING DIAMOND - "Never Ending Hill" MACHINE HEAD - "Aesthetics Of Hate" SHADOWS FALL - "Redemption" SLAYER - "Final Six" Best Hard Rock Performance: EVANESCENCE - "Sweet Sacrifice" FOO FIGHTERS - "The Pretender" OZZY OSBOURNE - "I Don't Wanna Stop" QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE - "Sick, Sick, Sick" TOOL - "The Pot" Only albums released between October 1, 2006, and September 30, 2007, could be considered for this year's awards. The Grammys are determined by 12,000 music industry professionals who belong to the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

•12/05/07: Arson Anthem Debut EP
With the current roster of supposed "extreme" or "underground" bands repetitively dishing out modern metal regurgitation, something had to give; enter Arson Anthem. Basking in the telepathic glow of filthy, vicious 80's-era punk and hardcore, and yearning for a spark, this improper outfit has finally ignited said spark. Fueled by stale vodka and non-filters, they've finally wrecked into a bare-bones, distorted, bastard vacuum. After losing everything in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mike Williams moved into Philip’s spare apartment. The two spent countless hours listening to Philip’s collection of early hardcore bands; the timing was perfect to remedy this cabin fever. They began jamming with III and Collin Yeo, and this proved to be the crowning accession to complete this exploit. United by the perpetual drive to create "the sound" of a time in the past, these longtime friends strike the chords that have echoed forever in their rattled minds. The fury of Arson Anthem will serve as a real threat to a genre flailing in the hollow of an underground scene in need of resuscitation. Their mission is to re-introduce the roots of painful amplification, raw production, and a TRUE "fuck all" attitude to a movement within a new generation that's lost the meaning of less complicated ventures. The byway is to be similar to the original brutality of bands like Negative Approach, Poison Idea, Hellhammer, Discharge and Void, amongst others. Arson Anthem will never give way to what the societal masses want them to conform to, as by example their previous musical incarnations. The line up is nothing short of legendary, bringing together Philip H. Anselmo, III, Mike IX Williams and Collin Yeo from noted acts including Pantera, Down, Superjoint Ritual, Assjack and EyeHateGod. There is no question that these diehard music veterans have yet again reinvented the angst and harshness of music from our past. Arson Anthem will be the first release via Housecore Records; a label created by Philip H. Anselmo and is the definitive collection of side projects, and projects he believes in. Coming in 2008 on Housecore: The Manson Family Sountrack, Christ Inversion, EyeHateGod – live at CBGB’s, and much more.

•11/29/07: BFMV Single Online
A new BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE track entitled "Scream Aim Fire" has been posted on the group's MySpace page. The song is the title cut of the Welsh metallers' forthcoming sophomore album, due in the U.S. on January 29, 2008 (Jive/SonyBMG).

•11/29/07: LoG/KsE Kickoff
ReturnToThePit.com has uploaded photos from the first show of the U.S. tour featuring KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, LAMB OF GOD, DEVILDRIVER and SOILWORK. Pictures from the concert — which took place last night (November 28) at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell, Massaschusetts — can be viewed at this location.

•11/29/07: MESHUGGAH Album Update
Sweden’s MESHUGGAH will release their forthcoming new album, obZen, in early 2008 through Nuclear Blast Records. The album’s track listing is as follows: 01. Combustion 02. Electric Red 03. Bleed 04. Lethargica 05. ObZen 06. This Spiteful Snake 07. Pineal Gland Optics 08. Pravus 09. Dancers To A Discordant System

•11/15/07: MINISTRY ANNOUNCES FINAL TOUR
Industrial pioneers MINISTRY have announced they'll hit the road for what will be their last world tour in support their final studio release, The Last Sucker.

The band will launch the North American leg of its C U LaTouR March 28 at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver and, so far, is scheduled to hit theatres and clubs across the U.S. and Canada through early May, before wrapping up at House of Blues in frontman Al Jourgensen's home town of Chicago May 8.

Stops include Roseland Theatre in Portland, Ore. (March 30), House of Blues in West Hollywood, Calif. (April 5-6), The Great Saltair in Magna, Utah (April 11), La Zona Rosa in Austin (April 15), Jannus Landing in Saint Petersburgh, Fla. (April 22), Rams Head Live! in Baltimore (April 26), the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza in New York City (May 1-2), Kool Haus in Toronto (May 4) and the Emerald Theatre in Mount Clemens, Mich. (May 7).

Additional dates are expected.

Main support for the trek is Swedish experimental metal band MESHUGGAH, while opening duties will be handled by Las Vegas rockers HEMLOCK.

Presale tickets go on sale November 15 at www.ministry.tickets.musictoday.com. VIP packages, which feature early entry, premium seating, a meet and greet and a souvenir gift bag, will also be available during presale.

The C U LaTour lineup features Ministry founder Al Jourgensen, guitarists Tommy Victor (Prong) and Sin Quirin (Revolting Cocks), keyboardist John Bechdel (Prong, AoTW, False Icons) and drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies, Alice Cooper). Static-X's Tony Campos will step to take the place of late Ministry/Killing Joke bassist Paul Raven and special featured artist for the tour is Fear Factory/Ascension of The Watchers vocalist Burton C. Bell.

Jourgensen promises a two-and-a-half hour set filled with songs from The Last Sucker, Ministry hits and some surprises.

"A Ministry tour is a traveling circus," Jourgensen said. "When we roll into town, everyone hides their daughters, but the freaks roll out the red carpet and a friend or two pops up on stage to add some spice and mayhem to the show."

•11/14/07: THE HUMAN ABSTRACT Update
The Human Abstract is currently at home in Los Angeles, CA writing material for their second full-length album. The band will be in the studio in January/February recording the effort, which is expected to hit stores in May/June 2008 via Hopeless Records. The group notes that "everyone will be pleased with our new tunes."

•11/14/07: DOWN Video Premier
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.

•11/08/07: THE DESTRO Vid Online
You can check out THE DESTRO’s new video for the song “Beast Burden” online here. The track comes off the band’s latest album, As The Coil Unwinds.

•11/06/07: A Verse Unsung Debut Album In Stores Now
A Verse Unsung’s full length debut album was recorded and produced by Grammy winning producer, Steve Hodge and was released November 6th, 2007. The songs are honest, expressive, and dynamic. This album is a true testament of inordinate songwriting skills. The band’s debut EP sold over 1200 copies in less than a year sparking interest in rock fan’s across the country. Before the release of their debut LP, A Verse Unsung has already shared the stage with The Flaming Lips (Monolith Festival @ Red Rocks), Spoon, and Brian Jonestown Massacre. Along with major shows, the band has had already gotten music licensing deals with MTV and are SESAC affiliates. With the release of their debut album, A Verse Unsung will be hitting the road with rockers Secret Lives! & Karate High School. Check out the new album, Sleeping Tigers, and don’t miss their rousing live shows.

•11/05/07: AGNOSTIC FRONT Video Online
Agnostic Front's video for their track "Addiction" has been made available online here. The group will release their new album "Warriors" through Nuclear Blast this coming Tuesday, November 06th.

•11/2/07: RIP Vitek
RIP Witold "Vitek" Kieltyka, drummer of Decapitated. You will be missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Vitek's family, friends and bandmates. Our best wishes go out to Covan (Vocals) and his family as he moves toward a speedy recovery. We will do our best to keep you posted on Covan's progress.

•10/31/07: SUICIDE SILENCE Video Update
Suicide Silence recently wrapped up filming a video for their track "Bludgeoned To Death" in Brooklyn, NY with director David Brodsky (Strapping Young Lad, Helmet). It will begin making the rounds shortly.

•10/25/07: Opeth News on the New Release!
On November 5th (Europe) November 20th (USA) Peaceville Records release The Roundhouse Tapes a 2 disc set containing a captivating OPETH performance from the Camden Roundhouse, London, UK, on November 9th, 2006 with the band in scintillating form churning out a selection of classics from their illustrious career.

A special mini-site is now live at www.peaceville.com/opeth .

The site features info, downloads, the chance to listen to tracks from the album and also offers you the chance to download a free mp3 of the track "Bleak", taken from the album.

"The Roundhouse concert …caught the band at the peak of the "Ghost reveries" tour. We've decided to collaborate with one of our past labels for this release, the legendary Peaceville records to preserve this pleasurable memory for todays music lovers as well as for generations to come." Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth)

Since their formation in 1990 in Sweden, OPETH has risen to the forefront of the metal world; bringing many aspects of progressive rock/metal to a whole new audience by combining soft acoustic ambience with complex, melodic & heavy guitar often familiar to forms of death/black metal, perfectly concocted into a completely peerless sound. A constant factor of their success is that the band have never been afraid to experiment with their song-writing ever since their debut album, ‘Orchid’, in 1994, all the while taking us through some truly magical & hypnotic soundscapes over the years.

Please note: US street date is November 20th.

•10/24/07: Oh, Sleeper E-Card
Oh, Sleeper have posted an ecard for their new album "When I Am God", which is in stores now. You can check the card out here.

•10/24/07: CMJ 2007 Wrap Up Blog!
CMJ 2007 has come and gone, but go here to check out the wrap up blog and see some photo highlights!

•10/24/07: Spyder Baby Signs To Blind Prophecy
Every once in a while a great rock band comes along to pave new ground and even less common that a band defies conventional formats and refuses to be put in “category”. This band is Spyder Baby. Their visually stunning and visceral stage shows have turned once curiosity seekers into loyal and devoted fans. 2008 brings an exciting year for Detroit’s Spyder Baby, inking a deal with Blind Prophecy Records and releasing the full-length album, Let Us Prey. Spyder Baby creator and front man, Stevie Banch Born in Detroit, Michigan began studying Guitar at the age of 15. Musically Banch's background is rooted with the punk and metal "f*** the mainstream" scene of the 80's. Banch drew inspiration from bands such as Black Flag, The Misfits, Motorhead and Industrial Metal. Spyder Baby’s first effort, The E.P. “Bugs Crawl In”, ignited a buzz that earned Banch a chance meeting with Ministry’s main man, Al Jorgensen, the legendary “Industrial Godfather”. Al asked Stevie to lend a helping hand in the song-writing of Ministry’s alter ego, The Revolting Cocks. Stevie wrote, programmed, and played guitar among other instruments which rendered up two blistering songs of digital chaos for the release, as well as playing the crucial role of lead vocalist on more then 4 songs. Which led it's way to Al's Jorgensen's co-production with Stevie on a song called "Bitter" which rears its ugly head early 2008 on the new Spyder Baby CD Let Us Prey thru Blind Prophecy Records. “Finally we’ve found a great label to work with. A label that resides under a no bulls*** policy to bring it strong and bring it right,” explains Stevie Banch of Spyder Baby. “On behalf of Spyder Baby and myself we are thrilled to announce to all our fans, friends, and miscellaneous crazy f***ers everywhere, we are now a part of the Blind Prophecy roster.”

•10/22/07: Ministry Bassist Paul Raven Passed Away
Ministry’s bassist Paul Raven was found dead in Saturday in a private home in a small French village on the Swiss border. Initial reports indicate Raven’s passing was due to a heart attack. Raven (known also for his work with Killing Joke, Prong) was in Geneva working with French recording artists Treponem Pal on their new release, with Marco Neves, Ted Parsons (Prong) and members of The Young Gods.
Born in Wolverhampton UK on January 16, 1961, Paul Vincent Raven established himself with his work in the seminal post-punk/industrial group Killing Joke when, in 1982 he replaced the original bassist for the band, recording and touring with the group throughout its most commercially successful period, performing on Fire Dances, Night Time and Brighter than a Thousand Suns. Throughout his extensive career, Raven participated in other collaborations including Prong, Murder, Inc., Pigface, Godflesh.
Most recently, Raven was nominated for a 2006 Grammy for Best Metal Performance for his work with Ministry’s Al Jourgensen, with whom he had begun working with in late 2005 on the 13th Planet release Rio Grande Blood. After a 2006 World Tour with Ministry, Raven helped Jourgensen and Prong’s Tommy Victor pen the September 18, 2006 Ministry release The Last Sucker, Ministry’s final studio release.
States Jourgensen: “I am in total shock. The world of music is a sadder, emptier place. Not only was Raven an extraordinary talent, but one of my closest dearest friends. Our condolences and prayers go to his immediate family. He will be truly missed by artists, musicians and his fans the world over. The one consolation is knowing Raven’s already hooked up with the right people and started a new project in the After Life. God’s speed, Raven. Rest In Peace, you fucking pirate.”
Raven’s newest project, Mob Research, featuring members of Warrior Soul and The Mission UK, and schedule for release on 13th Planet Records in 2008, was in the final mixing and mastering phases at the time of Raven’s sudden and unexpected passing.
A memorial dedicated to the Life and Art of Paul Raven can be found at www.thirteenthplanet.com

•10/12/07: Belay My Last/As Blood Runs Black Tour
AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK announces first ever headlining tour After over a year of non-stop touring, underground metal phenomenon AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK will head out on their first headlining tour in support of their album Allegiance. Dubbed The Farewell To Allegiance Tour,AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK will be accompanied by Walls Of Jericho, The Warriors, Born Of Osiris, and Mediaskare label mates BELAY MY LAST. Following the tour AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK will begin work on a new album, set to be released sometime in 2008.

•10/11/07: Rammstein on Headbanger's Blog!
Be on the lookout for a premiere of RAMMSTEIN's new video "Ich Will" live from the album Volkerball Monday,October 15th on MTV's Headbanger's Blog !

•10/11/07: Saints & Sinners Update
The Saints and Sinners Festival and just announced more bands on this year's lineup:

Saturday November 3rd
Burnt By The Sun
Lower Definition

Sunday November 4th
From Autumn To Ashes
Schoolyard Heroes

For the full lineup of this year's acts and well as additional information on the festival be sure to check out the website at www.SAINTSANDSINNERSFEST.com

•10/05/07: AS I LAY DYING Media Player
Check out the AS I LAY DYING media player here to stream music from all the artists on their upcoming tour, and check out links, the dates, and more!

•10/03/07: PHIL ANSELMO Headbanger's Blog
Check out an MTV Headbanger's Blog Q & A session with DOWN frontman Phil Anselmo at this location.

•10/04/07: From Blood and Burning
Blind Prophecy Records is proud to announce their newest addition to the roster, From Blood and Burning. Formed from Metal Blade artists of Paths of Possession, they striving to take conceptual horror to the next level, interweaving the music as well as the lyrics into an album that will have a feel all its own. “I am really excited to work with an artist such as Randy. His creativity is so welcome in an industry full of bands that all sound the same. As a huge Paths of Possession fan, I look forward to what he will create next in this new project”, Blind Prophecy owner, James McComas. From Blood and Burning was unleashed in mid 2007, but it has been a long time in the making. Enlisting the help of Nick Goodyear (Paths of Possession/Dark Faith), Jack Goodwin (Paths of Possession), and Josh Cannon (Sorcerer/After Death), From Blood and Burning entered Death N Decay Studios in Tampa, Florida to record “DEMO 07". The band starts recording the new full length late this year at Mana Recording Studios with master engineer Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal, Cannibal Corpse, Goatwhore). The album release is scheduled for early 2008. “I am excited to be working with a label such as Blind Prophecy, who gives true artist support and takes the time to put into the artist”, explains Randy Butman of From Blood and Burning. 2008 will no doubt be a tremendous year for these metal pioneers; new label, new album, and tour to follow. No Vampires or Zombies here, just the very real, deep, black, rotten parts in the back of the soul. www.myspace.com/frombloodandburning www.blindprophecyrecords.com

•9/28/07: HIMSA Video Online
You can check out HIMSA’s new video for the song “Big Timber” online here. The track comes off the band’s latest album, Summon In Thunder.

•9/28/07: SCHOOLYARD HEROES on SPIN.com!
Posted yesterday on SPIN.com, bassist Jonah Bergman of SCHOOLYARD HEROES speaks on the band's response towards recent comments and actions made towards them for their "gruesome lyrics and onstage antics". Click HERE for all the details!

•9/27/07: New Terror EP
NEW EP FROM TERROR, RHYTHM AMONGST THE CHAOS, IN STORES OCTOBER 30th - TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED WITH CHIMAIRA! Rhythm Amongst The Chaos, the new Terror EP, is set for release October 30th through Reaper Records. This EP will include four new songs and one definitive cover song with a guest vocal appearance from Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks. Reaper Records will also be exclusively releasing an impressive gatefold layout for the 7” vinyl. The album was recorded at drummer Nick Jett’s studio, Blood Tracks, in between two major tours. Rhythm Amongst The Chaos brings all the same intensity with every ear-splitting track that you would only expect from Terror. Following the release of their new EP, Terror will be hitting the road with metal heavyweights, Chimaira. Terror has always been a band known for holding true to their grassroots hardcore ethics. So when indie-hardcore label owner, Patrick Kitzel, approached the band about releasing a one-off EP through Reaper Records, Terror jumped at the idea. “Scott and I have been friends for fifteen years and worked together with all of his prior bands. When the idea presented itself to do an EP for the love of the cause, it was a quick decision on who would be putting it out!", explains label owner Patrick Kitzel. Having a chance to work with their close friend, Patrick Kitzel, was an opportunity that Terror was unwilling to pass up; the end result being another unparalleled collection of songs for Terror to add to their collection. Terror has long established themselves as an authentic hardcore band since their debut. Touring virtually non-stop and releasing some of the most distinguished hardcore albums to date have firmly established Terror’s place in this genre’s supremacy. This is sure to be yet another Terror collection not to dissatisfy. Don’t miss Terror on tour in with Chimaira, Kataklysm & Divine Heresy!

•9/21/07: TTEOTD on MTV's Headbanger's Blog!
THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD's very own Nate Johnson has just posted a new blog HERE at MTV giving you guys the inside scoop about how he came to be the newest edition to the band and some more background info on the new vocalist!

•9/20/07: The Wonder Years Debut Album
Pop punk/hardcore group, The Wonder Years, is getting ready to release their debut album, Get Stoked On It!, on October 30th through No Sleep Records. Picture HelloGoodbye, Set Your Goals, Motion City Soundtrack, Saves the Day and New Found Glory getting Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer pregnant. The result would be The Wonder Years. With that being said, Philadelphia’s The Wonder Years, are definitely delivering an album that is greatly entertaining and boisterous. “We recorded Get Stoked on It! in just two and a half weeks. The collection of random subject matter on this record ranges from dinosaurs going extinct, pirates going to the prom, and constant anxiety felt by the wife of a ninja, to astronauts, the Kool-Aid man coming to terms with his adulterous wife, and moshing to lose weight,” explains guitarist Casey Cavaliere. “These topics encompass the light-hearted attitude our band carries with it on a daily basis. We are just a bunch of friends that love to make music. In turn, we share our unique sense of humor with the world in the form of pop punk and hardcore.” Get Stoked On It! offers twelve tracks, each delivers a high-energy, fun, and humorous performance. This album is bound to be not only one of the most entertaining albums of ’07, but unprecedented as well. They are The Wonder Years, and you need to get stoked on it. Check them out on tour! "One of the best young bands coming out of Philadelphia today. One of the more energetic live shows I've been able to catch, plus they are some all around good dudes playing honest and fun music. Stoked for the new record and to hear what they do next!" - Jordan/Set Your Goals “The Wonder Years new record is the first since New Found Glory’s s/t - that has made me want to jump up & down with joy!” - Nathan Lint/AbsolutePunk.net

•9/14/07: DOWN Track Online
Down's (Pantera, Corrosion Of Conformity, etc.) new track "I Scream" has been made available online in Windows Media form here. The song is taken from the bands new album "Down III: Over The Under", which will see a September 25th release date through ILG/Warner.

•9/14/07: ARCH ENEMY Album Update
ARCH ENEMY's new album, "Rise of the Tyrant" has been receiving huge acclaim from the media throughout the world and upon release date on September 24 in Europe, the album will be available in the following formats with alternate cover artwork coloring: CD; limited edition CD including O-card packaging, uncoated booklet paper and a bonus 3" mini-DVD; and LP format with the bare CD as special bonus. The mini-DVD of the limited edition release includes the following impressive live footage filmed in South America on ARCH ENEMY's headlining tour early 2007: * I Am Legend/Out For Blood (Live) * Diva Satanica (Live) * On The Road Movie

•9/12/07: Face The Panic Album in Stores Now!
Buffalo, New York’s Face the Panic are certainly no amateurs to the hardcore scene.The release of their debut album, The Reclamation, only affirms this point that much more. Comprised of ex-members from Every Time I Die, Herod, Slugfest, Lockjaw, and Union this is definitely the right equation for an intense, in-your-face hardcore album. Face the Panic assembled with every member’s drive being in the same place, keeping true hardcore persevering. The hype surrounding the band began after the release of the demo tracks on Myspace as well as through their intense live performances opening for the likes of Hatebreed and Sick of it All. "Some of us have been down about the current state of hardcore. I just can't relate to guy liner and angular haircuts", explains drummer Mike Jeffers. "We are taking back what is ours. We were here before these bands, and we will still be here when they're gone. Hardcore bands used to stand for different things. What does this next wave of hardcore support? Aqua Net? Girls jeans? Hardcore is the new glam metal! We are not reinventing the wheel. We're just fixing a flat." For scene veterans, like Face the Panic, songwriting is of the utmost importance. Their process of creating memorable hooks while maintaining a sense of urgency has given the bands its' own definitive "sound." The bands' keen sense of know how through years of experience will in no doubt lead to the band coming into prominence within the realm of modern hardcore. With a debut album sure to satisfy and a tour in the works, this is bound to be a monumental year for Face the Panic. This is exactly what hardcore music was anxious for. Stay tuned for tour dates.

•9/11/07: Heavy Hitter Inc. CMJ Showcase
Independent Music Management/Publicity/Radio/Video Promotions company, Heavy Hitter, Inc., is back at it again this year with an undisputed heavyweight showcase at CMJ 2007! Friday, October 19th at the Bowery Poetry Club, several of Heavy Hitter’s clients will come together to celebrate CMJ and heavy music. The festivities are scheduled to commence at 8pm and will feature the best bands in heavy music today: The Chariot (Solid State, Heavy Hitter Management), Despised Icon (Century Media, Heavy Hitter Radio Promo), Death Before Dishonor (Bridge Nine, Heavy Hitter PR), Sons Of Azrael (Ironclad/Metal Blade, Heavy Hitter PR and Radio Promo), and The Network (Blackmarket Activities/Metal Blade). One of Heavy Hitter Inc.’s owners, Jason Rudolph, said: “It’s an honor to have such a strong lineup of diverse, crushing bands at our 4th CMJ Showcase. 2006 was our most successful CMJ showcase yet and we’re only looking to build on it this year.” What: Heavy Hitter, Inc. 2007 CMJ Showcase Who: The Chariot, Despised Icon, Death Before Dishonor, Sons Of Azrael, The Network Where: Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery New York, NY 10012 When: Friday, October 19th , Doors - 7:30pm

•9/10/07: THE FIRE THE FLOOD Tour Update
THE FIRE THE FLOOD will soon be joining up with Eulogy Records' FJORD and Black Market Activities' THE NETWORK this October/November on the Too Loud For Crowds Tour. Stay tuned for a full list of tourdates and when they'll be stopping in a city by you!

•9/5/07: THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD NEWS
2007 is turning out to be quite a noteworthy year for South Carolina’s Through The Eyes Of The Dead. After securing new frontman Nate Johnson, the band immediately jumped into the studio with exemplar metal producer Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal, Cannibal Corpse) to record their follow-up to 2005’s Bloodlust album, Malice. With Malice selling nearly 5,000 copies in the first two weeks it is certainly no subtlety that Through The Eyes Of The Dead’s momentum is only just beginning. “The Malice US tour has been awesome! We've revisited a lot of venues we haven't played in over a year and the reaction has been insane”, explains guitarist Justin Longshore. “Our new record, Malice, is doing great and we are getting a huge response to the new songs we have been playing. The 2007-2008 cycle for us is going to be HUGE. We have a lot of exciting things happening and we are beyond stoked.” With a new album, new vocalist, and an upcoming tour with metal powerhouses As I Laying Dying and All That Remains, it has become clear that Through The Eyes Of The Dead are a band that you won’t want to miss!

•8/30/07: HIMSA E-Card
As the hype surrounding the release of HIMSA's career-defining opus, "Summon In Thunder", continues to build leading up to its September 18 release, the group unveils a new e-card chocked full of captivating material. The e-card includes an exclusive video clip of the band unleashing carnage on the tennis courts, a photo gallery, an MP3 of the track "Big Timber" and an exclusive pre-order package through merchnow.com. Click here to check it out. HIMSA kicks off its worldwide touring campaign overseas this September on a month-long European tour alongside AS I LAY DYING, DARKEST HOUR and MAROON. Look for them to make their triumphant return to the U.S. in Oct. as part of a major package alongside AMON AMARTH, DECAPITATED and SONIC SYNDICATE.

•8/28/07: THE RETURN OF PRONG THIS OCTOBER
PRONG returns this October 2, 2007 with a new album and a renewed attitude, aptly reflected in the record’s title, “Power of the Damager.”
The hard-hitting record – the band’s first studio release since 2003’s “Scorpio Rising” – is easily Prong’s finest. “Power of the Damager” maintains the razor-sharp signature riffs band founder Tommy Victor has perfected over the last 20 years while harkening back to the rawness of Prong’s pioneering years as Industrial Metal’s native son. Most notable is the record's in-your-face production, which came courtesy of Victor himself. "It's no frills," said Victor. "There's two loud crunchy stereo guitars, rumbling growling bass, and real slamming natural drums. I kept any vocal effects to a minimum. We felt that if the vocal couldn't hold its own dry and decipherable, it probably wasn't any good."

The mammoth record weighs in with a dozen tracks, highlighted by the title track, which Victor began writing during a crazed, manic night alone in Prong's rehearsal space. "I was trying to review and write riffs, but I was too preoccupied," said Victor. "I was all bottled up, experiencing a good amount of pain, anxiety, fear, and general disgust about everything." He quickly scrawled a lyric on a nearby used envelope and shoved it in his pocket, carrying it around for days. "Even though it had a self destructive, violent, and nihilistic theme, I felt philosophical, accepting, and maybe even spiritual about the state of mind I was in," he said. "I knew it was good. I threw the riffs I was reviewing on that dark night up on my computer put it to a 203bpm click track, did some programming for the demo, screamed the lyric over it, and it all fit perfectly. From all that negative crap in me came something really cool that I enjoyed doing and helped me get through. It had to be the title track."

“Power of the Damager” is Prong’s first release for MINISTRY mainman Al Jourgensen’s 13th Planet Records, a relationship that was kindled while Victor played with Jourgensen in Ministry.

Prong will begin touring in support of "Power of the Damager" in October, kick-starting the tour in 13th Planet’s hometown of El Paso, Texas.

Dates are as follow:
10/10/07 Wed. House of Sin, El Paso, TX
10/12/07 Fri. Fish Lips, Bakersfield, CA
10/13/07 Sat. Jumping Turtle, San Marcos, CA
10/14/07 Sun. Whiskey a Go Go, West Hollywood, CA
10/15/07 Mon. Cheyenne Saloon Las Vegas, NV
10/16/07 Tue. Orpheum Theater, Flagstaff, AZ
10/17/07 Wed. The Rock, Tucson, AZ
10/18/07 Thu. Launch Pad, Albuquerque, NM
10/19/07 Fri. The Conservatory, Oklahoma City, OK
10/20/07 Sat. Emo's Alternative Lounging, Austin, TX
10/21/07 Sun. Meridian, Houston, TX
10/22/07 Mon. Juanita's Cantina Ballroom, Little Rock, AR
10/23/07 Tue. The Muse, Nashville, TN
10/24/07 Wed. The Mad Hatter, Covington, KY
10/25/07 Thu. Jaxx, West Springfield, VA
10/26/07 Fri. The Loft, Poughkeepsie, NY
10/27/07 Sat. Mark's Place, Bedford, NH
10/28/07 Sun. Highline Ballroom, New York, NY
10/29/07 Mon. Crocodile Rock Cafe, Allentown, PA
10/30/07 Tue. The Funhaus, Toronto, ONT
10/31/07 Wed. Peabody's, Cleveland, OH
11/01/07 Thu. I-Rock, Detroit, MI
11/02/07 Fri. The Pearl Room, Mokena, IL
11/03/07 Sat. Vnuk's Lounge, Milwaukee, WI
11/04/07 Sun. The Rock, Maplewood, MN
11/05/07 Mon. Reverb, Cedar Falls, IA
11/06/07 Tue. Static Bar, Kansas City, MO
11/07/07 Wed. Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO
11/09/07 Fri. Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
11/10/07 Sat. Hawthorne Theater, Portland, OR
11/11/07 Sun. Domino Room, Bend, OR
11/12/07 Mon. Fat Cat Music House and Lounge, Modesto, CA
11/13/07 Tue. Showcase Theater, Corona, CA
11/14/07 Wed. Crossroads Lounge, Fresno, CA
11/16/07 Fri. Bourbon Street, Boise, ID
11/17/07 Sat. The Grail, Coeur D' Alene, ID

•8/27/07: TTEOTD Tour Update
THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD are hitting the road this October/November with As I Lay Dying, All That Remains, and Haste The Day! Head over to our toudates page to see when they are coming to destroy your city!

•8/24/07: 2007 Saints and Sinners Announcement
After the debut of the first Saints and Sinners Festival in 2006, the festival is returning to the Convention Hall Complex in Asbury Park, NJ on November 3rd and 4th, 2007. Confirmed acts for this year's event include:

NOVEMBER 3RD
AGAINST ME!
SAVES THE DAY
AGNOSTIC FRONT
AUGUST BURNS RED
BELA KISS
ELYSIA
FOUR LETTER LIE
HIP HOP KARAOKE
KADDISFLY
NEWLYWED DISASTER
STRIKE ANYWHERE
THE CASUALTIES
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM
WHITECHAPEL
& MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

NOVEMBER 4TH
GLASSJAW
A SKYLIT DRIVE
ALEXISONFIRE
ANIMOSITY
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME
BLESS THE FALL
DANCE GAVIN DANCE
DECEMBER AETERNALIS
ENVY ON THE COAST
MISERY SIGNALS
MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE
NORMA JEAN
SILVERSTEIN
SUICIDE SILENCE
WALLS OF JERICHO
& MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

For tickets and more information, please visit the festival's website at www.SAINTSANDSINNERSFEST.com

•8/24/07: SLAYER Live on Yebo TV
Courtesy of Yebotv.com, SLAYER will be streaming a live show from the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, California this Saturday August 25th. To view the stream, users will have to click on this link for full coverage. Streaming will begin at 10:00