Music: January 2011

According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, tonight's (Sunday, January 30) Ozzy Osbourne concert at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nevada has been postponed until Saturday, April 23. No explanation was given for the postponement.

Tickets for tonight's show will be honored on the new date.

Those who cannot attend on April 23 and would like a refund can do so where they bought the tickets.

Ozzy last month postponed the St. Louis and Minneapolis dates on his fall 2010 U.S. tour after he contracted an ear infection, complications from which prevented him from performing.

Ozzy Osbourne will publish a new book called "Ask Dr. Ozzy" later this year. The book will be co-written with Chris Ayres, who collaborated with Ozzy on his memoir "I Am Ozzy", and is a spin-off of the singer's ongoing column in England's Sunday Times in which he offers medical advice.

According to the publisher, the book will "tell incredible survival stories not found in his memoir, offer advice that no human should follow, and shed light on his seemingly superhuman ability to keep breathing." An October 2011 release is expected.

According to CNN.com, Ozzy Osbourne's concert in Reno, Nevada, Sunday night (January 30) was canceled due to a "sudden illness," the concert promoter said.

"Based on advice from doctors, it is with great regret that Ozzy Osbourne is postponing his show ... at the Reno Event Center," Chris Martinez with Live Nation said in a statement. "The multi-platinum Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer cannot perform ... due to a sudden illness."

The show has been postponed until Saturday, April 23.

Tickets for tonight's concert will be honored on the new date.

The promoter did not elaborate on what ailed Osbourne.

According to a new message on Ozzy Osbourne's official Twitter profile, the legendary heavy metal singer is "feeling much better today" after being forced to cancel last night's (Sunday, January 30) concert in Reno, Nevada due to a "sudden illness." The message goes on to add that tomorrow night's (Tuesday, February 1) show at the Gibson Ampitheatere in Unviersal City, California is "happening."

The Reno show was postponed until Saturday, April 23.

Tickets for last night's concert will be honored on the new date.

Ozzy last month postponed the St. Louis and Minneapolis dates on his fall 2010 U.S. tour after he contracted an ear infection, complications from which prevented him from performing.

Ozzy Osbourne will publish a new book called "Ask Dr. Ozzy" later this year. The book will be co-written with Chris Ayres, who collaborated with Ozzy on his memoir "I Am Ozzy", and is a spin-off of the singer's ongoing column in England's Sunday Times in which he offers medical advice.

According to the publisher, the book will "tell incredible survival stories not found in his memoir, offer advice that no human should follow, and shed light on his seemingly superhuman ability to keep breathing." An October 2011 release is expected.

Astraeus Airlines was the principal supplier of cargo and passenger carriage on IRON MAIDEN's 2008 "Somewhere Back in Time" tour. The tour covered 20 cities in 13 countries over a period of three months. Astraeus Airlines converted a Boeing 757-200 into a combi aircraft with 20 business class seats with a seat pitch of 59 inches and 54 premium economy seats with 39 inches. The rear passenger cabin was converted to carry additional band equipment weighing up to 6.5 tonnes.

Following extensive planning and preparation, a dedicated crew accompanied the tour to deliver a bespoke service to meet the individual needs of the passengers whilst onboard.

"As a professional pilot and a professional singer with IRON MAIDEN, there was no doubt that Astraeus Airlines were the people for the job," stated Bruce Dickinson. "The reliability was superb, and the outcome exceeded the band's wildest expectations. A unique airline, for a unique experience. Astraeus Airlines made it happen!"

Following on from the success of the 2008 tour, IRON MAIDEN chartered the combi aircraft again for the final leg of their "Somewhere Back in Time" 2009 world tour. This tour saw the aircraft take in 30 countries over a period of 54 days.

Astraeus Airlines will be operating the IRON MAIDEN 2011 world tour. This will see the airline taking in some new stops such as Singapore, Jakarta in Indonesia, Seoul-Incheon International Airport in South Korea, Belem in Brazil and Tampa in Florida.

Dickinson, who is a longstanding pilot with Astraeus, told CNN.com in a 2007 interview, "Aviation's been kicking around my family for as long as I can remember; my uncle was in the RAF. But I always thought I was too stupid. I was useless at maths and majored in history at university, so I thought history majors don't become pilots, let alone rock stars. And then our drummer learned to fly so I said if a drummer can learn to fly then anyone can."

He added, "I never dreamed I would end up flying an airliner. I ended up flying IRON MAIDEN around on tour in a little eight-seat, pressurized, twin-engine plane. Basically we were flying round all the world's major airports, flew across the Atlantic and back, which was quite an adventure. At the end I thought I really want to fly something bigger, but I can't afford it — I can't buy my own 707. If I'm going to do that I have to get a job."

On how the thrill of piloting a 757 compares to taking to the stage with MAIDEN:

"It's a different kind of buzz. Obviously you aren't leaping around the flight deck yelling and screaming, but you have to manage situations... Flying at 35,000 feet is an internal thing, really. Whereas 35,000 people, that's just showing off."

On whether he will be hanging up his leopard-skin spandex forever:

"I could never contemplate giving up music. I have to say I've always been interested in planes, the only difference is I started to fly the darn things 15 years ago. I don't see why I should give up either of them. People say 'Why do you need a second job?' I say 'Why do you need to breathe?'"

Frontiers Records has announce the signing of legendary British hard rockers URIAH HEEP for the release of their 23rd studio album, tentatively due in April.

Following the completion of URIAH HEEP's 40th anniversary tour, the band started the recordings for its new CD in January at Liscombe Park Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. Entitled "Into The Wild", it will contain 11 brand new songs, including some epic additions to the band's huge catalogue of rock classics.

Commented guitarist and founding member Mick Box: "We are delighted and excited to be joining the Frontiers roster. We see it as a really fantastic move and we are now fully immersed in recording process and hope to deliver the album they want, we want and the fans want."

The band has recorded a video recording diary and the first chapter can be seen below.

URIAH HEEP debuted in 1970 with the release of one of hard rock music's milestones "Very 'Eavy... Very 'Umble", and has since sold in excess of 30 millions albums worldwide. They constantly tour in the world, playing in over 53 countries and the band's live setlist features hits from the '70s and '80s, such as "The Wizard", "Free 'n Easy", "Sunrise" and their monster hits "Easy Livin'", "July Morning" and "Lady in Black", as well as new material.

URIAH HEEP is:

Mick Box - Guitar, Vocals
Trevor Bolder - Bass, Vocals
Bernie Shaw - Lead Vocals
Phil Lanzon - Keyboards, Vocals
Russell Gilbrook - Drums, Vocals

Powerhouse American vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) has issued the following update:

"[Listed below are] some of the songs I will play on the tours and shows in the next few months... with plenty of surprises thrown in! So Eastern Europe; Lima, Peru; Venezuela, Tunisia... ARE YOU READY? Which tunes will you get and which extras will you get?"

Tracks up for consideration:

* Scream Machine (BEYOND FEAR)
* The Human Race (BEYOND FEAR)
* And... You Will Die (BEYOND FEAR)
* Believe (TIM "RIPPER" OWENS solo)
* Starting Over (TIM "RIPPER" OWENS solo)
* It Is Me (TIM "RIPPER" OWENS solo)
* Lost And Found (JUDAS PRIEST)
* Hell Is Home (JUDAS PRIEST)
* One On One (JUDAS PRIEST)
* Burn In Hell (JUDAS PRIEST)
* Blood Stained (JUDAS PRIEST)
* When The Eagle Cries (ICED EARTH)
* Heart Of A Killer (WINTERS BANE)
* A Touch Of Evil (JUDAS PRIEST)
* The Ripper (JUDAS PRIEST)
* Victim Of Changes (JUDAS PRIEST)

As previously reported, Owens will celebrate the 10th anniversary of JUDAS PRIEST's "Live In London" album with a special performance at Gillmanfest - Barquisimetal 2011 on March 26 in Venezuela. In addition to playing PRIEST classics, Ripper will perform solo material and will be joined at the gig by the following musicians:

* Simon Wright (DIO, AC/DC) - Drums
* Craig Goldy (DIO, ROUGH CUT, GIUFFRIA) - Guitar
* James Lomenzo (WHITE LION, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, MEGADETH) - Bass
* John Comprix (BEYOND FEAR, RINGWORM) - Guitar

"Live In London" was recorded at the Brixton Academy on December 19 2001, and was released in September 2002 via SPV.

DIAMOND HEAD, AIRBOURNE, ARCHITECTS and WEEZER have been confirmed for the U.K. edition of the Sonisphere festival, set to take place July 8-10 at Knebworth.

Commented DIAMOND HEAD guitarist Brian Tatler: "DIAMOND HEAD have been given the fantastic opportunity of opening for the 'Big Four' [METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER and ANTHRAX] at this year's Sonisphere festival, Knebworth on Friday 8th July. This will be DIAMOND HEAD's biggest-ever show and myself and the other band members are very excited and looking forward to what will be an historic event.

"Knebworth is one of those venues you only dream of playing. I saw LED ZEPPELIN there in 1979 and never imagined that one day I would be on that stage, it proves the saying 'anything is possible'! It also means I get to see my friends in METALLICA and MEGADETH once again which is always fun; I owe both Lars Ulrich and Dave Mustaine a beer."

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

METALLICA
SLAYER
MEGADETH
ANTHRAX
BIFFY CLYRO
SLIPKNOT
AIRBOURNE
ARCHITECTS
DIAMOND HEAD
IN FLAMES
MASTODON
MOTÖRHEAD
PARKWAY DRIVE
WEEZER

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION — the Anglo/American rock supergroup featuring vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH, TRAPEZE), drummer Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN), Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER) and blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa — has announced a series of four U.K. headline summer concerts in the North of England, following its appearance at London's High Voltage festival at Victoria Park on Sunday, July 24.

The details are as follows:

July 26 - Leeds, UK - O2 Academy
July 27 - Newcastle, UK - O2 Academy
July 29 - Glasgow, UK - O2 Academy
July 30 - Manchester, UK - Academy

A special ticket pre-sale will be available to O2 Academy Priority subscribers from Wednesday, February 2 at 9 a.m. Tickets will then go on sale to the general public from 9 a.m. GMT on Friday, February 4.

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION is currently mixing its sophomore album for a June release.

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION performed two long-awaited U.K. concerts in December. Fittingly, the first concert took place right in the heart of the Black Country at the legendary Wolverhampton Civic Hall on December 29, followed by a concert at London's O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on December 30.

Fan-filmed video footage of the London show can be viewed below.

The self-titled debut album from BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION sold 7,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 54 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD, which was made available in Europe on September 20, 2010 via Mascot Records and North America on September 21 through J&R Adventures, was produced and mixed by Kevin Shirley (BLACK CROWES, AEROSMITH, LED ZEPPELIN), and mastered by the legendary Bob Ludwig. It was recorded at Shangri-La Studios in early 2010.

BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION initially came to fruition when Shirley saw Hughes and Bonamassa join forces on stage in Los Angeles in November 2009 for an explosive performance at Guitar Center's King of the Blues event. Shirley then recruited Bonham and Sherinian for the project, which is named after the industrial area in the British Midlands where both Hughes and Bonham were born and raised.

Fastball Music has set a March 18 release date for "Thousand Men Strong", the brand new studio album from the newly revamped lineup of the NWOBHM band TOKYO BLADE — featuring Andy Boulton (guitar), John Wiggins (guitar), Andy Wrighton (bass) and Steve Pierce (drums), alongside new singer Nicolaj "Nick" Ruhnow (IRONY, VOIVITTU, DOMAIN, NICK HELLFORT). The CD was helmed by veteran British producer Chris Tsangarides, who has previously worked with THIN LIZZY, Y&T, FREE, BLACK SABBATH, IAN GILLAN, JUDAS PRIEST, OZZY OSBOURNE and ANVIL, among others.

Exactly thirty years ago Boulton founded TOKYO BLADE together with Alan Marsh (vocals), Ray Dismore (guitar), Andy Robbins (bass) and Steve Pierce (drums) in Salisbury. At first, they called themselves KILLER, then GENGHIS KHAN before they took on the band name TOKYO BLADE for good in 1983.

At the end of 1983, TOKYO BLADE released its self-titled debut album, albeit without guitarist Ray Dismore but with the new addition John Wiggins. The following EP, "Midnight Rendezvous" featured the song "If Heaven Is Hell", representing the band's first musical climax.

"Night Of The Blade" — released in 1984 — is a milestone of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal which should not be missing in any record collection. "Lighting Strikes" and "Rock Me To The Limit" are another two hits from the album which brought TOKYO BLADE the international big break.

Due to internal differences, the band broke up and the band members turned to various other projects. However, Andy Boulton did not give up. In 1990 he returned to the front line together with the original singer Alan Marsh. Together with John Wiggins and the new additions Colin Riggs (bass) and Mark Angel (drums) they released the comeback album "Burning Down Paradise" in 1995.

Boulton reactivated his former companions in 2009 due to the ongoing interest in the band. The race for the position of the vocalist was won by the German prodigy Nicolaj Ruhnow who also takes an active part in the melodic metal band DOMAIN and his own project NICK HELLFORT.

"Thousand Men Strong" track listing:

01. Black Abyss
02. Thousand Men Strong
03. Lunch-Case
04. Forged In Hell's Fire
05. No Conclusion
06. The Ambush
07. Killing Rays
08. Heading Down The Road
09. Condemned To Fire
10. Night Of The Blade

Commented the band: "We are treating ['Thousand Men Strong'] as [our] third album, or the third album that should have been, so to speak. We view it as the natural follow-up to [1984's] 'Night Of The Blade' as the songs hark back to the glory days of NWOBHM.

The group added, "We have deliberately recorded the whole thing in a very live manner in just over a week (real time) as albums were recorded [back in the early '80s]. No keyboards, no bullshit — just 100% heavy metal helped considerably by the talent of our new vocalist, Nicolaj, and classic heavy metal producer Chris Tsangarides."

TOKYO BLADE in July 2010 parted ways with vocalist Chris Gillen — only eight months after announcing Gillen's addition to the group.

TOKYO BLADE's current lineup is:

Andy Boulton (guitar)
John Wiggins (guitar)
Andy Wrighton (bass)
Steve Pierce (drums)
Nicolaj "Nick" Ruhnow (vocals)

Chicago-based doom metal legends TROUBLE are in the studio working on their ninth album for a tentative summer release. The as-yet-untitled CD is being helmed by Bill Metoyer, who has produced albums from SLAYER, D.R.I., SACRED REICH and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, among others, and has worked with TROUBLE in the past. Also involved in the recording process is TROUBLE's longtime engineer Larry Burns, who is entrusted with capturing the band's signature sound not only behind the studio console helm but at the group's live shows.

TROUBLE's forthcoming effort will consist of a minimum of 10 songs that not only showcase the band's legendary heavy guitar riffs that have gained the group a legion of loyal fans but a new creative edge.

"The band is really excited about this record," states TROUBLE guitarist/co-founder Rick Wartell. "We wanted to make the consummate TROUBLE studio album that also incorporates all of the innovative elements that having new talent offers us."

One of those new key elements is the addition of the new singer Kory Clarke (of WARRIOR SOUL) as this will be his first studio album with TROUBLE. Wartell continues, "Kory is an incredibly talented and dynamic singer. He's a great addition to the band as he brings a high level of professionalism, which has positively affected the creative process. Working in a no-limitation environment is great."

TROUBLE is utilizing the limitless technical advantages that exist today, conducting most of its songwriting collaboration virtually as Clarke currently resides in Berlin, Germany (where he recently opened a bar). "Bruce [Franklin] and I record our guitars separately and then would send those tracks to Kory who would in return, send us his vocals," says Wartell. "As we share a collective vision for the album, this hasn't hampered our progress in any way." Also adding their talents to the band's vision for the album are bassist Shane Pasqualla and drummer Mark Lira, both of whom are making their recording debut with TROUBLE.

The recording of the new TROUBLE album is taking place at the band's own studio, Warburn.

"One of the luxuries of recording in your studio is that you're not under any time constraints," says Wartell. "We can work on our own schedule which allows us to focus on the creative process."

In a 2009 interview with Hellbound, TROUBLE guitarist Bruce Franklin stated about the band's forthcoming album, singer Kory Clarke's (WARRIOR SOUL) debut with the group, "There's some stuff like some of the first album — 'Psalm 9' album stuff — and then there's some of the heavy groove stuff, like in the more recent years we've done, and there might be a couple songs that sound even maybe a little bit different than stuff we've done. I don't mean radically different — it's still gonna sound like TROUBLE. It isn't like we've written a couple of songs that don't sound anything like TROUBLE. Maybe it's because with Kory singing it sounds a little different. I think it's going to be a good mix. It's definitely going to have some pretty heavy stuff. It's not the more commercial side of TROUBLE."

He added, "In the early days I'd probably write a lot of the music and there'd be a few songs we'd write together as a band in some cases. Then, in '90s-era TROUBLE we would have that same aspect and then Eric [Wagner, former singer] might have an acoustic song and then that we would take and kind of embellish it and make it more of a song as a band, and that was some stuff we started doing later on. As for this record, this may be the most songs that Rick's [Wartell, guitar] ever had of his on an album — basically Rick's written about half and I've written about half of what's gonna be the new record. So it will be different in that respect."

According to The Pulse Of Radio, producer Butch Vig spoke with MTV News late last week about the making of the new FOO FIGHTERS album, on which he reunited with Dave Grohl and NIRVANA bass player Krist Novoselic 20 years after working with them on NIRVANA's landmark album, "Nevermind". Vig revealed, "When Krist came up to Dave's house, we sort of sat down and it was like, 'Holy shit, man, we hadn't been in a room together — the three of us — in almost 20 years' . . . we just sat around and shot the shit for three or four hours. Dave and I were sipping on some wine, and Krist started drinking some bootleg whiskey, and it was great . . . One story would lead to another story, and it was an amazing experience, just to be there, to open up all these things you may have forgotten about. It was really a pretty special part of the album."

Novoselic laid down bass tracks for a song called "I Should Have Known". Vig said about the track, "I'm not exactly sure what the song's about, but to me, it seems there's definitely some references about Kurt Cobain, and it's one of the most primal, raw things the FOO FIGHTERS have ever done . . . it's quite an emotional roller-coaster ride when you hear it."

Vig, who has produced numerous records and also plays with GARBAGE, told The Pulse Of Radio a while back that his association with "Nevermind" remains a high point of his career. "'Nevermind' has been an album that, for me, is one of those things that, well, it changed my life. And it's, I'll always have it as something that I worked with and was associated with. And I'm really proud of it, because to me that record still sounds as vital as it did when it came out."

The new FOO FIGHTERS disc, due out this spring, was recorded on tape machines in Grohl's garage to give it a raw, primal feel. Vig explained, "You can fix anything with computers, Auto-Tune everything until it becomes perfect, and (Grohl) said, 'I want the record to sound rawer and somewhat imperfect. As good as we play, that's how good the record will sound.' And, you know what? It sounds great. They're fucking badass players. It's an honest record. It sounds real."

Oscar Dronjak, guitarist for the Swedish heavy metal band HAMMERFALL, is a maniac for music, but ask him what he dedicates most of his time to outside of recording new albums and touring, and the response is both quick and passionate: mixed martial arts, and the UFC, in particular.

When it comes to having knowledge about the latest news or controversies in the world's fastest-growing sport, Dronjak is the MMA go-to guy in the metal world.

"The first UFC event I watched was 'Ultimate Ultimate 1996'. That was all it took; I was instantly hooked to the beautiful combination of violence and technique," he confesses.

In the first installment of his weekly blog, Dronjak discusses his jump from being a pro-wresting fan to his introduction to the MMA world, censorship in Sweden, and how the metal underground wasn't the only scene with a tape-trading community.

HAMMERFALL members are now in Nashville, Tennessee recording the follow-up album to 2009's "No Sacrifice, No Victory" (which debuted at No. 38 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart) with producer James Michael (MÖTLEY CRÜE, SCORPIONS, SIXX: A.M., MEAT LOAF). The as-yet-untitled new CD will be available in Europe on May 20. A summer release date in North America is expected.

Regarding the sound of the new HAMMERFALL songs, Dronjak states, "The new material contains a lot of fresh ways to look at the musical ideas. We're trying to preserve the essence of what HAMMERFALL is while at the same time updating the execution and approach. Definitely heavier and less straight-forward than the previous albums, yet remaining true to what we believe heavy metal is all about."

The reunited "Thundersteel" lineup of U.S. metal veterans RIOT is contuing work its next studio album, tentatively due later in the year.

Commented guitarist Mark Reale: "Things are moving forward and the band sounds great. We have four songs just about done. I just have to finish a few leads and maybe a few backing vocal tracks but for the most part there done and sound great! Now we just have to get together again and record the rest of the tunes here in New York.

"We've been getting a lot of interest for the new record and plan on touring when it comes out.

"Due to all the snow here on the East Coast, things have been set back some, but the album will come out this year, hopefully by the summer time."

RIOT last year reunited with Tony Moore — only nine months after announcing that they were parting ways with the vocalist over "differences about how to proceed with the future of the band."

RIOT performed one of the new songs, "Wings Are For Angels", for the first time at the Sweden Rock Festival on June 6, 2009.

Sony Music reissued RIOT's classic albums "Thundersteel" (1988) and "The Privilege Of Power" (1990) albums in October 2009 via HMV Japan. Each CD was digitally remastered and contains bonus tracks.

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, the heralded hard rock and metal event of the summer, is swiftly becoming the heavy music fans' summertime rite of passage. Today, the fourth annual summertime juggernaut announces the 2011 lineup with DISTURBED, GODSMACK and MEGADETH, joined by MACHINE HEAD, IN FLAMES, TRIVIUM, and many more of today's most electrifying artists. The tour will make a 26-date trek across the country beginning on July 9 at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California.

This summer's mainstage artists, DISTURBED, GODSMACK, and MEGADETH, will be joined by a ferocious mix of the best hard rock and metal artists of today. For the first time in festival history, through their success, IN FLAMES, MACHINE HEAD and TRIVIUM have grown through the ranks to now perform on the main stage in rotating slots throughout the tour.

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival is thrilled to see the return of festival veterans DISTURBED, MACHINE HEAD, TRIVIUM, and SUICIDE SILENCE.

The Jägermeister stage will feature UNEARTH, KINGDOM OF SORROW, RED FANG, and the winners of Jägermeister Battle of the Bands. The Extreme Stage will spotlight SUICIDE SILENCE, ALL SHALL PERISH and STRAIGHT LINE STITCH.

The fourth annual Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival will also feature Rockstar Metal Mulisha Jump Team, the World's Greatest Freestyle Motocross team.

"Strap yourself in and hold on tight, cuz this ride goes reeeeeal fassst this summer," exclaims GODSMACK vocalist Sully Erna. "GODSMACK/DISTURBED, Mayhem festival!! Can't fu@?kin' wait!!!"

Mainstage guitarist Dan Donegan of DISTURBED emotes, "DISTURBED is looking forward to being part of the biggest summer tour in the U.S. this year. It's been years since we shared the stage with GODSMACK and we've been wanting to team up with them and join forces for a longtime. MEGADETH has been a big inspiration to us and we are looking forward to the other bands rounding out what seems to be a solid bill."

Also, mainstage performer MEGADETH's lead guitarist and frontman Dave Mustaine adds, "This is going to be a helluva hot summer, and you can get ready for true Mayhem this year."

"MACHINE HEAD are thrilled to once again be a part of what has become the undisputed king of metal and rock festivals in the U.S., Mayhem," states MACHINE HEAD frontman and guitarist Robb Flynn. "Our run headlining the Jägermeister stage in 2008 was one of the wildest and most inspiring tours we have ever been a part of. We became friends with so many great bands and Mulisha dudes. We all partied, and rode what would become an incredible wave of momentum for MACHINE HEAD. The vibe on the tour was filled with an impressive amount of goodwill due to the attention to detail and hard work of John Reese and Kevin Lyman. MACHINE HEAD will do everything in our power to make this f*&#ing huge!! Bring on the summer!"

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival attendees can enjoy a plethora of festival activities, including perusing vendors, attending autograph signing sessions and a slew of other interactive activities that enhance the concert experience. It's a 10-hour trip to heavy nirvana.

Complete information on the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival lineup is available at www.rockstarmayhemfest.com. There fans can also check out exclusive video clips of official Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival correspondent, radio personality, author and scene icon, Full Metal Jackie, introducing this year's tour, plus a special appearance by one of this year's mainstage performers!

Be sure to tune in to Sirius XM Liquid Metal on Monday morning at 12 p.m. PST to catch live, exclusive updates and information straight from the source! Famously extreme Sirius XM radio personality Jose Mangin will be sitting down with Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour co-producer John Reese, who will unveil the official 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival lineup. Sirius XM will be the first radio destination that fans can learn about the certified lineup and special insider information from one of the tour's established organizers. Stay tuned to Liquid Metal after the interview for exclusive conversations with some of this year's performers.

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival is produced by Rockstar Taste of Chaos organizer John Reese, Vans Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman and Creative Artists Agency. The trio has made the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival a standout on the summer concert circuit by following the proven model of utilizing sponsorship to deliver a lower ticket price and an enhanced concert experience. This year sees them joining forces once again with Rockstar Energy Drink as the title sponsor.

"Metal is ALIVE and WELL in 2011," states tour producer John Reese. "Each year the tour gets bigger and better and 2011 is no exception. This group of artists this year are going to apply a big, bad, metal shellacking for the fans across the USA and Canada."

"Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2011 is a true mix of molten veterans and smoldering up-and-comers, who are bringing their A games and giving the fans nothing less of an amazing day," adds tour producer Kevin Lyman.

Live Nation is co-producer of the tour and will promote the festival nationally. Perry Lavoisne, SVP North American Touring for Live Nation, states, "The Mayhem team has delivered the best live metal line-up possible for four years in row, while creating a highly visible brand and value for fans of metal and hard rock. We anticipate another stellar run with DISTURBED, GODSMACK, MEGADETH and all the other bands uniting metal fans at every tour stop."

See below for all current tour dates. When viewing, fans should take notice of the lineup changes on the San Bernardino, Mountain View and Montreal dates. On July 9 in San Bernardino, California, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim's metal cartoon phenomenon DETHKLOK will perform in the place of MEGADETH, and colossal Bay Area thrash kings TESTAMENT will perform in the place of IN FLAMES. TESTAMENT will also perform in the place of IN FLAMES on the July 10 Mountain View, California date. MEGADETH will not be appearing on the Montreal, Quebec, Canada Heavy MTL date.

"DETHKLOK has decided to play one show this year," boasts "Metalocalypse" co-creator and DETHKLOK lead musician Brendon Small. "And that show is the Mayhem fest on July 9. There is nothing more brutal than horrible hot putrid disgusting summer why not make it just a little more brutal, right? We are super-honored to be a part of this amazing lineup! I can't wait!"

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2011 bands:

Main Stage:

DISTURBED
GODSMACK
MEGADETH

[Rotating Opening Slot On Main Stage:]

MACHINE HEAD
IN FLAMES
TRIVIUM

Jägermeister Stage:

UNEARTH
KINGDOM OF SORROW
RED FANG
[Jägermeister opener]

Extreme Stage:

SUICIDE SILENCE
ALL SHALL PERISH
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2011 tour dates:

Jul. 09 - San Manuel Amphitheater - San Bernardino, CA
Jul. 10 - Shoreline Amphitheatre - Mountain View, CA
Jul. 12 - White River Amphitheatre - Auburn, WA
Jul. 13 - Idaho Center Amphitheater - Nampa, ID
Jul. 15 - Desert Sky Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ
Jul. 16 - Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque Presents The Pavilion - Albuquerque, NM
Jul. 17 - Comfort Dental Amphitheater - Englewood, CO
Jul. 19 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Maryland Heights, MO
Jul. 20 - Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, OH
Jul. 22 - Comcast Center - Mansfield, MA
Jul. 23 - Parc Jean-Drapeau - (Heavy MTL) - Montreal, QC
Jul. 24 - Comcast Theater - Hartford, CT
Jul. 27 - PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ
Jul. 29 - First Niagara Pavilion - Burgettstown, PA
Jul. 30 - Jiffy Lube Live - Bristow, VA
Jul. 31 - Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ
Aug. 02 - Virginia Beach Amphitheater - Virginia Beach, VA
Aug. 03 - Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek - Raleigh, NC
Aug. 05 - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Tinley Park, IL
Aug. 06 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI
Aug. 07 - Verizon Wireless Music Center - Noblesville, IN
Aug. 09 - Zoo Amphitheatre - Oklahoma City, OK
Aug. 10 – Gexa Energy Pavilion - Dallas, TX
Aug. 12 - Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood - Atlanta, GA
Aug. 13 - 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre - Tampa, FL
Aug. 14 - Cruzan Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, FL

Last year's installment of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival featured KORN, ROB ZOMBIE, LAMB OF GOD, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, ATREYU, HATEBREED, CHIMAIRA and more.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada's Parc Jean-Drapeau might be covered in snow, but the first sounds of summer are already here. Brace yourselves, because Heavy MTL is back for a third edition and this year's festival will take the event to never-before-seen heights! evenko is thrilled to announce Heavy MTL 2011, uniting top metal and hard rock bands from around the world with their biggest fans.

With only two editions of shredding under its belts, Heavy MTL has quickly become one of the most significant and talked-about event of its kind on the continent. Building on a hugely successful sophomore year that saw over 42,500 fans crash through the gates of Parc Jean-Drapeau, 2011 will surely raise the bar, and the decibels, once more.

This year's premier metal and hard rock event will again join forces with the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival to deliver an impressive lineup of acts to fans at Parc Jean-Drapeau. See below for a list of bands that will be performing on the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival's stop at Heavy MTL on Saturday, July 23. With a wider range of talent than ever, it's guaranteed to blow your mind as well as your eardrums, a must-see show for all fans of earth-shattering music.

The remarkable success of Heavy MTL has prompted the launch of a new event, Heavy T.O., set to take place July 23-24 at Downsview Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

"Thanks to the incredible support of fans and the sheer momentum Heavy has gained in two short years, we felt this experience needed to be shared elsewhere in Canada," said evenko's director of concerts and events, Nick Farkas.

Set to take place on the same weekend (July 23-24) as Heavy MTL, metal and hard rock fans in the GTA will be able to get up close and personal with the amazing Heavy experience. What's more, evenko will work in collaboration with the world's largest concert promoter, Live Nation, to ensure that Heavy T.O. is a tremendous success as of its inaugural year. The event will feature two full days of programming and, along with Heavy MTL, will undoubtedly make Canada the envy of the international metal and hard rock communities.

Here is a look at part of this year's Saturday, July 23 Heavy MTL lineup:

DISTURBED
GODSMACK
IN FLAMES
MACHINE HEAD
TRIVIUM
KINGDOM OF SORROW
RED FANG
SUICIDE SILENCE
ALL SHALL PERISH
STRAIGHT LINE STITCH

Canadian rockers SAGA have been rejoined by the band's original singer, Michael Sadler. The group is in the process of recording a new CD, to be released later this year through Edel AG.

Commented Sadler: "Let me begin by saying how touched I am by your overwhelmingly positive reaction to the news of my return to SAGA. It's always good to feel support from one's friends and family (fans fall under both categories!), especially at a time when you're making any kind of life change or decision, and believe me, this was a big one!

"Although the facts about 'how it all went down' will surely be elaborated upon through the course of the inevitable interviews that will follow, this came about simply because Jim and I stayed in contact after my departure in 2007. After all, after 30 years of musical and emotional investment, it's next to impossible not to be at least a little curious about the ripple effect, positive or negative, you may or may not have caused as a direct result of a decision you've made.

"During the course of a conversation we had some months ago about a few things, musical and otherwise, the topic of SAGA came up, and we briefly touched on the notion of what it would be like, hypothetically speaking, if I were to rejoin the band. Nothing serious, just two friends sharing some memories and speculating just for fun. One thing that we agreed on was that, if and when I ever were to return, it would have to feel like it was exactly the right thing to do and exactly the right time to do it!

"While I can't say for certain that my return, in whatever capacity, was inevitable, what I can say is, that on more than one occasion, I have thought of what it would feel like, to once again record and perform with SAGA. Consequently, during a more recent conversation, Jim said he felt that perhaps the time was right, and after quite a bit of thought… I agreed.

"One thing I would like to make clear, considering the implications and impact that my decision would have on my family, I naturally discussed this extensively with my wife, Gwen. Ultimately we agreed…this is who I am...and this is what I do! But make no mistake, without her support and belief, I know that this decision would not have been made. So, although I am very optimistic about SAGA's future and very happy about my decision to come back, my family is, and will remain, my number one priority.

"So there you have it. The 'if' has become 'yes' and the 'when' has become 'now.'

"I would like to thank you all again for making me feel so welcome. It's nice to be back!"

SAGA's most recent vocalist, Rob Moratti, replaced Sadler during the years 2008 through 2010 and appeared on the band's 2009 release, "The Human Condition".

Originally known as THE POCKETS, SAGA formed in 1977 from the nucleus of popular Canadian rock band FLUDD. In June 1978, they released their self-titled debut album. A modest success in Canada, it would eventually sell over 50,000 copies in Germany as an import.

SAGA has released a total of 19 studio albums, five live albums, five compilations and one interactive CD and four live video/DVDs. They have 8 million in sales to date.

SAGA is:

Michael Sadler - Lead Vocals
Ian Crichton - Guitar
Jim Crichton - Bass , Keyboards
Jim Gilmour - Keyboards, Vocals
Brian Doerner – Drums

AVENGED SEVENFOLD and OPETH have been confirmed for this year's edition of the Graspop Metal Meeting, set to take place June 24-26, 2011 in Dessel, Belgium.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

Friday, June 24:

SCORPIONS
VOLBEAT
KORN
JOURNEY
FOREIGNER
ICED EARTH
EPICA
PARKWAY DRIVE
THE DAMNED THINGS
MASTERS OF REALITY
HEAVEN SHALL BURN
SEPULTURA
ANGEL WITCH
THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
ARKONA
FM
REVOKER

Saturday, June 25:

OZZY OSBOURNE
JUDAS PRIEST
WHITESNAKE
DISTURBED
CRADLE OF FILTH
ARCH ENEMY
MOONSPELL
TRIPTYKON
ELECTRIC WIZARD
ADEPT
SPIRITUAL BEGGARS
PAIN
SUICIDE SILENCE
TIMES OF GRACE
FIREWIND
KVELERTAK
GHOST

Sunday, June 26:

SLIPKNOT
ROB ZOMBIE
CAVALERA CONSPIRACY
AVENGED SEVENFOLD
OPETH
BRING ME THE HORIZON
AMORPHIS
SOILWORK
TERROR
ALL THAT REMAINS
ARCHITECTS
ESCAPE THE FATE
WHILE SHE SLEEPS

The first edition of Graspop Metal Meeting took place way back in 1986 as a local pop festival with mainly local acts. Two decades later, Graspop has evolved from a small-scale family affair to a major and internationally acclaimed metal event.

CAVALERA CONSPIRACY — the project featuring former SEPULTURA members Max (guitar, vocals) and Igor Cavalera (drums) — will release its sophomore album, "Blunt Force Trauma", on March 28 not only as a standard CD but also as an "awesome" CD/DVD package.

"Blunt Force Trauma" was once again tracked with Logan Mader (ex-MACHINE HEAD/SOULFLY guitarist), who co-produced the LP with Max. Logan also mixed the follow-up to the band's debut album, "Inflikted", which has sold less than 45,000 copies in the United States since its March 2008 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The brothers Cavalera co-founded SEPULTURA, the Brazilian metal band that redefined and established the genre outside of the U.S. and Europe. After Max exited the band, there was a rift between himself and his brother, one that was eventually repaired through the redemptive power of music. Some time had passed and Max and Igor were unable to resist the musical pull in their magnetic fields and their musical collaboration was renewed. The duo are back for round two with CAVALERA CONSPIRACY.

CAVALERA CONSPIRACY's lineup is filled out by guitarist Marc Rizzo, who plays with Max in SOULFLY, and bassist Johnny Chow.

"Blunt Force Trauma" CD/DVD track listing:

CD:

01. Warlord
02. Torture
03. Lynch Mob
04. Killing Inside
05. Thrasher
06. I Speak Hate
07. Target
08. Genghis Khan
09. Burn Waco
10. Rasputin
11. Blunt Force Trauma
12. Psychosomatic *
13. Jihad Joe *
14. Electric Funeral *

* Bonus tracks

DVD - Live at Les Eurockéennes Festival, Belfort, France - July 5, 2008 (except *):

01. Sanctuary
02. Territory
03. Terrorize
04. The Doom Of All Fires
05. Inner Self/Nevertrust
06. Arise/Dead Embryonic Cells
07. Desperate Cry/Propaganda
08. Wasting Away
09. Black Ark
10. Holiday In Cambodia/Biotech Is Godzilla
11. Hearts Of Darkness
12. Refuse/Resist
13. Troops Of Doom
14. Must Kill
15. Roots Bloody Roots
16. Sanctuary (music video) *

In an interview with Triple J's "The Racket", Max Cavalera stated about the sophomore album from CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, "We recorded 15 songs, 13 being originals for the album, and then we did a BLACK SABBATH cover, 'Electric Funeral', that's gonna come out on a Metal Hammer compilation in Europe. And we did a BLACK FLAG cover, a song called 'Six Pack'. We also had a collaboration with Roger [Miret] from AGNOSTIC FRONT — he sings on a song called 'Lynch Mob' that we did together in the studio in L.A.; he flew to L.A. to do this collaboration. I was really proud because, to me, Roger is like the godfather of New York hardcore; AGNOSTIC FRONT is one of the pioneer bands of the whole New York hardcore scene, so it was like recording with a legend of hardcore. The CAVALERA album is really intense; that's all I can say about it. It makes the first album sound like pop music."

Regarding the songwriting and recording process for the new CAVALERA CONSPIRACY album, Max said, "I wrote a lot of the stuff and I sent it to Brazil to [Igor] in the form of a CD — like four tracks of the riffs — so that he would be familiarized with the songs by the time I got to the studio. And then I brought another CD with me, which was, like, newer songs I had just got done [writing] for the album. And everything else we did in the studio together — me and him there on the spot. I told him the idea of making a very intense album with some songs being only a minute and a half, so it's a cross [between] MINOR THREAT and SLAYER and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY. So the idea was really cool — Igor really liked that — and from that point on, the album just grew and song after song, every day a new song came in. And I'm really happy with it. I think people are gonna be blown away when they hear it. I think it's a pretty cool album."

Swedish melodic metallers BLOODBOUND will release their fourth album, "Unholy Cross", on March 18 via Germany's AFM Records. The cover artwork for the CD can be seen below.

Commented the band: "The album cover made by Mark Wilkinson (IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST) is very symbolic for the band as it symbolizes the resurrection of BLOODBOUND. It shows our monster mascot, 'Nossen', rising from the dead. We as a band feel we're resurrected as well, as we now have a stable lineup and we all like working together as a band unit.

"'Unholy Cross' was a fun album to write and record and musically we wanted to go back and create the magic from the 'Nosferatu' album but with an updated 2011 production."

"Unholy Cross" track listing:

01. Moria
02. Drop The Bomb
03. The Ones We Left Behind
04. Reflections Of Evil
05. In For The Kill
06. Together We Fight
07. The Dark Side Of Life
08. Brothers Of War
09. Message From Hell
10. In The Dead Of Night
11. Unholy Cross

Bassist Johan Sohlberg recently left BLOODBOUND in order to "focus on his career and family" and was replaced by Anders Broman.

Commented the band: "We are sad to see Johan leave the band; he has been a great member of our family and a strong character always keeping the spirit high. We wish him the best of luck in the future with his career and family.

"We're very excited to have Anders in the band and we are looking forward to working with him. He is adding his own flavor to the band as well as being a very powerful player and live performer."

BLOODBOUND last year parted ways with lead vocalist Urban Breed due to "musical and personal differences" and replaced him with Patrik "Pata" Johansson (DAWN OF SILENCE) from Finspång, Sweden.

BLOODBOUND's third full-length album, "Tabula Rasa", was released in April 2009 via Blistering Records.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/reviewpics/bloodboundunholy.jpg

German thrashers HÄMATOM have been confirmed for this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 4-6, 2011 in the small town of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany.

The festival billing is now shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):

ACCU§ER
ALBERLOUR'S
APOCALYPTICA
AS I LAY DYING
AVANTASIA
BATTLE BEAST
BLAAS OF GLORY
BLIND GUARDIAN
BLOWSIGHT
CHILDREN OF BODOM
CRADLE OF FILTH
DEVILDRIVER
EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS
EXODUS
HAIL OF BULLETS
HÄMATOM
HAYSEED DIXIE
HEAVEN SHALL BURN
HELLSAW
HORCH
ICED EARTH
IN SOLITUDE
JUDAS PRIEST
KHOLD
KNORKATOR
KREATOR
MAYHEM
MORBID ANGEL
MORGOTH
MOTÖRHEAD
ONSLAUGHT
OZZY OSBOURNE
PRIMAL FEAR
RHAPSODY OF FIRE
RUSSKAJA
SEPULTURA
SHRAPHEAD
SIRENIA
SKÁLMÖLD
SKI KING
SMACK BALLZ
SODOM
STIER
STORMZONE
SUBWAY TO SALLY
SUICIDAL TENDENCIES
SUIDAKRA
TAUTHR
THE HAUNTED
THE PROPHECY²³
TOKYO BLADE
TORTURE SQUAD
TRIOSPHERE
TRIVIUM
TSJUDER
VENOMIN JAMES
VICTIMS OF MADNESS
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS
VOLCANO
VREID
WARRANT

Wacken Open Air was first held in 1990 as a small event for local German bands. By 1998 the event had become the major festival on the European metal calendar and has included over 70 bands from all over Europe, North America and Australia.

Wacken Open Air is usually held at the beginning of August and lasts three days, during which the festival-goers camp on several large camping grounds surrounding the actual festival area. The 70 or more bands perform across four separate stages over the course of the event.

The 2009 edition of Wacken Open Air set a sales record; it sold out on December 30, 2008. All 70,000 tickets were sold over 200 days before the start of the festival.

Wacken Open Air, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, was honored with a Live Entertainment Award in 2008 in the "Festival Of The Year" category. This award recognizes distinguished achievements in live entertainment and is given out by Live Entertainment Award (LEA) committee.

Bassist Jan Bünning of German power metallers PARAGON has issued the following update:

"At present we are gathering ideas for our next album. So far we recorded about 18 rough instrumental versions of songs. Until the end of this month it should be about 25.

"We never had so many songs to choose from for an album.

"At the end of January we will have band meeting to choose our faves of the recorded songs. Buschi [vocalist Andreas Babuschkin] and I will then enter our rehearsal room and start recording vocals for these faves to see if the lyrics and vocal lines fit.

"If our timing is OK, we will then start to rehearse the finished songs in March and the enter [producer] Piet Sielck's studio in April for a release in late summer on Massacre Records."

Bünning previously stated about PARAGON's decision to once again work with Sielck on the new CD, "We already worked with him on four of our previous albums ('Steelbound', 'Law Of The Blade', 'The Dark Legacy' and 'Revenge') and it will for sure be like a coming home for us. Piet worked with bands like SAXON and BLIND GUARDIAN and knows best what we have to sound like."

The artwork for the new PARAGON album will once again be handled by Dirk Illing, who previously worked with the band on "Law The Blade", "The Dark Legacy" and "Forgotten Prophecies".

PARAGON last year acquired two new guitarists, David Wieczorek (ex-STORMWARRIOR) and Wolfgang Tewes (BLACK HAWK, WHEELS OF STEEL).

PARAGON 2011 is:

Andreas "Buschi" Babuschkin (MINOTAUR, VICE VERSA) - Lead Vocals
David Wieczorek (STORMWARRIOR) - Guitar
Wolfgang Tewes (BLACK HAWK, CRYSTAL SHARK) - Guitar
Jan Bünning (ASMODIS, EROSION, BLACK LAWS) - Bass
Christian Gripp (TORMENT, MEAT SHOP) - Drums

PARAGON's latest album, "Screenslaves", was released in November 2008 via Massacre Records. The CD was produced by Uwe Lullis (ex-GRAVE DIGGER, REBELLION) at Black Solaris Studio in Frankfurt.

Bünning quit PARAGON after the recording of 2007's "Forgotten Prophecies" because of "musical differences" but rejoined the band in 2009.

Sweden's THE QUILL has tapped songwriter/producer/artist Chris Laney (real name: Ulf Larsson) to mix the band's new album, due later in the year. The group states, "[Chris] has already presented us with some samples and it sounds really promising. Needless to say, we are psyched!"

Behind-the-scenes footage from the recording sessions for THE QUILL's new album can be viewed below.

Four years after the release of the group's most recent studio album, THE QUILL is ready to once again spread its musical gospel. We are talking heavy rock firmly rooted in the Seventies but vibrant and updated rather than retro.

Two new songs from THE QUILL — "Bring It On" and "Medicine" — are available for streaming using the ReverbNation TuneWidget below (click on "Songs" tab).

With the touring cycle for THE QUILL's fifth album, "In Triumph", completed, the band and singer Magnus Ekwall parted ways and THE QUILL was put on the backburner. Drummer Jolle Atlagic joined now-defunct Finnish glam legends HANOI ROCKS — touring Europe and Japan in the process — and also did a stint in THE REAL MCCOY band alongside FOO FIGHTERS guitarist Chris Shiflett. Christian Carlsson (guitar) and Robert Triches (bass) also kept busy with other projects. In early 2010, it was THE QUILL time again. Songs were written and Magz Arnar filled the vacant vocalist spot. It was a perfect match. The versatile singer has heaps of energy and a powerful voice that fits THE QUILL like a glove. Magz has the required range to sing the old stuff but also a rawness that the band was looking for.

THE QUILL 2011 is:

Magz Arnar (vocals)
Christian Carlsson (guitar)
Jolle Atlagic (drums)
Hot Señor Rob (bass)

"In Triumph" was released in April 2006 via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD was recorded at Area 51 studios in Celle, Germany with producer Tommy Newton (VICTORY, UFO, HELLOWEEN).

Finnish melodic metallers MASTERSTROKE have entered the studio to begin recording their fourth album for a 2011 release. The band states, "Drums are done and right now we are in the middle of recording solo guitars."

"Walls Of My Temple" comes off MASTERSTROKE's third album, "As Days Grow Darker", which was released in early 2009 via Dynamic Arts Records.

MASTERSTROKE was formed in 2002. After a few lineup changes and several gigs, the band received a well-earned recording deal. The group's debut album, "Apocalypse", was supposed to receive a worldwide release through their previous record label JMT Music. Unfortunately it didn't happen. In the end "Apocalypse" was issued only in Japan, Russia and CIS countries due to the label going out of business.

For more information, visit the band's MySpace page.

Pomona, California thrashers BONDED BY BLOOD are all doing fine after a van accident that had occurred this past weekend.

Commented bassist Jerry Garcia via a statement on his Tumblr page: "We were on our way to Trenton, New Jersey and our trailer took us for a spin on the highway.

"We had a great gig last night and we were happy to finally get into the groove of things. Unfortunately, everything has come to a cold and dreadful stop.

"I was driving the van on our way to New Jersey when we suddenly skid across the road and nearly hit a wall. Unfortunately, our fucking trailer flipped over and broke off the hinge!

"As I was driving down the road, the weather kept getting worse and worse. It was very difficult to see outside of our windows and the road was becoming one big sheet of ice. I could see the light from my headlights reflect off the pavement. I slowed down because I was afraid we would hydroplane. I was going about 40-45 mph about two hours from the venue, listening to the song 'Chase The Wind' by our friends' band HOLY GRAIL on my headphones when suddenly I realized that our trailer was on a massive hydroplane completely adjacent to us. I kind of freaked out because I was afraid it would smash into the back of the van where Juan [Juarez, guitar] was sleeping. I laid off the gas, and as soon as I did, the trailer pulled the van and caused me to lose complete control. All I could say was, 'OH, FUUUUCK!' I managed to narrowly miss the center divider and a few cars before we skid completely across the highway and almost hit the wall on the other side. We
came to a stop about three feet from the wall!

"It was a surreal experience, to say the least. Something about listening to our buddy Luna (from HOLY GRAIL) singing while we almost lost our lives just didn't seem right. At least that is not how I would've expected to go. Everything happened so fast and my actions seemed automatic as if my instincts just kicked in and I did whatever it is I did behind the wheel without thinking about it.

"I'm not superstitious but its kind of ironic that Mauro [Gonzales, vocals] was listening to 'Dying Season' by HEATHEN and the exit off the highway we took after all was said and done was named Moosic. It's like we exited music and in a way we did, for the night at least.

"We will probably have to miss a few gigs until we can get back on our feet again and get some form of transportation for our gear.

"Our trailer is fucked beyond immediate repair. We will have to leave it behind and find something else to haul our stuff in. I just hope that our gear is fine and nothing was destroyed.

"I apologize to anyone that came to see us tonight or will come to see us tomorrow but our safety comes first. We have to get everything fixed and safe before we can go anywhere in this weather.

"We are extremely bummed that we will have to miss some gigs. This is DEFINITELY NOT OUR STYLE (to miss shows and disappoint our fans) but sometimes things get out of hand.

"Don't worry, guys — if we happen to miss your state due to this, remember that our tour schedule is massive and we will be back in a few months! You guys should still go to the gigs and support LAZARUS A.D. and the local acts that open up for them!

"I would've been completely devastated if any of the guys got hurt tonight but thankfully we are all OK; hell, we're doing just fine! Alex [Lee, guitar] is playing some video game on his PSP, Carlos [Regalado, drums] is on the phone with some girl (I hope. Haha), Mauro is fucking around in the van and Juan is on his laptop, like always! Everyone is in high spirits and in hopes that we can get on the road A.S.A.P! My team just won 2-nil and one of my favorite songs, 'Peace Sells, But Who's Buying?!' [by MEGADETH], is playing on the radio! Hahaha...

"Believe it or not, [TWISTED SISTER singer] Dee Snider has his own radio station out here and here we are listening to it.

"Ahh, it's good to live to hear that song one more time!!!

"Thanks for the well wishes, guys. BONDED BY BLOOD will be back on the road in a little bit.

"Fuck you, snow, you can't stop us!"

Swiss precision metallars DREAMSHADE will release their new album, "What Silence Hides", in the U.K. on March 21 through Spinefarm Records. According to a press release, the CD "sits loosely under the 'melodic death metal' banner, a genre that continues to be developed by [DREAMSHADE's] high-profile labelmates CHILDREN OF BODOM. [But] DREAMSHADE succeed in bringing modern elements to the traditions of the music — the result being a fresh blend of melodic death and progressive metal."

Mixed at Studio Fredman in Sweden and mastered by the legendary George Marino at Sterling Sound in New York, the 10 tracks featured on "What Silence Hides" are tightly arranged and expertly played, ranging from the genuinely melodic through to no-holds-barred, full-tilt fare. Strong haunting melodies, powerful high-tech rhythms, atmospheric, emotional keyboards, soaring guitar hooks and aggressive screams and howls, it's all here to be savored and enjoyed, the whole thing wrapped up in the powerful artwork of Colin Marks from Rain Song Design.

"What Silence Hides" track listing:

01. What Silence Hides
02. As Serenity Falls
03. Revive In Me
04. Wide Awake
05. Eternal
06. Miles Away
07. Only Memories Remain
08. Degeneration
09. Erased By Time
10. Open Wounds

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

Taiwanese metallers CHTHONIC have been confirmed for this year's edition of Hammerfest, set to take place March 17-19, 2011 in Prestatyn, North Wales.

Commented CHTHONIC bassist Doris Yeh: "After touring with ARCH ENEMY last November, we are thrilled to be coming back to the U.K. again, and we're especially excited to be appearing at Hammerfest, where we'll also be undertaking a signing session. We can't wait to meet the fans — it's such a cool thing for us!"

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

ACCEPT
BATTLEAXE
BIOHAZARD
BREED 77
CHTHONIC
DIRTY ROSE
ELIXIR
EVILE
GAMA BOMB
GRAVEYARD
HEADCHARGER
HOLY GRAIL
ILL NIÑO
JAGUAR
MUNICIPAL WASTE
MY RUIN
ONSLAUGHT
POWER QUEST
REVOKER
SATYRICON
SVART CROWN
TRIAXIS
TURISAS
WOLF

For more information, visit www.hammerfest.co.uk.

ALTER BRIDGE will hit the road again this spring with dates in support of its recently released album, "ABIII". The band's cross-country trek will kick off in Portland, Oregon on April 21 and will make stops in Las Vegas, Anaheim, Chicago and New York. This tour will also see the band playing in some markets for the first time in their career. These first time markets include Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Knoxville and Nashville. In addition, the band is set to play several yet to be announced major festival shows. There will be more information to come as more dates are announced. BLACK STONE CHERRY has been tapped to open for ALTER BRIDGE on the headline leg of the tour.

The dates are as follows:

Apr. 21 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
Apr. 23 - Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
Apr. 24 - San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
Apr. 27 - Anaheim, CA @ The Grove of Anaheim
Apr. 29 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Great Salt Air
Apr. 30 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
May 02 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
May 03 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
May 08 - Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
May 10 - Knoxville, TN @ Valarium
May 11 - Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom
May 12 - Ft. Wayne, IN @ Piere's
May 17 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
May 19 - New York, NY @ Best Buy Theater

ALTER BRIDGE is enjoying continued success on the Active and Mainstream Rock charts with "Isolation" as the single claims the #1 spot for the third week in a row. "Isolation" is the first #1 single in the band's history. Each of the group's two previous albums had singles land at #2 — "Open Your Eyes" from thre debut album, "One Day Remains"; and "Rise Today" from the critically acclaimed sophomore effort "Blackbird". "ABIII" was released on Alter Bridge Recordings via EMI Label Services and debuted at #17 on The Billboard 200 chart.

MÖTLEY CRÜE singer Vince Neil told People.com that he has "already learned [his] lesson" after he took a plea deal stemming from his arrest last June for drunk driving on the Las Vegas strip.

Neil pleaded guilty last Wednesday (January 26) and will spend two weeks in a Las Vegas jail, starting February 15, followed by another 15 days of house arrest.

Neil failed three field sobriety tests and had a blood-alcohol level almost three times the legal limit during his June 27, 2010 Las Vegas arrest.

"I made a mistake, and I have to finally learn my lesson and go do a little bit of time," Neil told People.com. "I've already learned my lesson."

Of his arrest, Neil said, "I just have to move on and get past it and get it behind me."

As previously reported, Neil owes more than $1 million in unpaid federal taxes, according to the Detroit News. The I.R.S. filed a $740,000 lien against Neil and his wife Lia last April, with a further request for $371,000 in back income taxes filed against the couple this past December. That brought Neil's total tax bill to more than $1.1. million.

The address on the lien is Neil's 6,800-square-foot mansion in Las Vegas, which was featured on the MTV series "Cribs".

Neil was convicted of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence in 1984 after he caused a car crash that killed his passenger, HANOI ROCKS drummer Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley, and seriously injured two people in a second vehicle. He served 30 days in jail and was on probation for five years.

Reunited hard rockers SPREAD EAGLE have announced the addition of guitarist Dennis Kimak (who has been collaborating with the band since 2008) and drummer Rik De Luca to the group's ranks.

SPREAD EAGLE's next live appearance will take place on February 12 at Dingbatz in Clifton, New Jersey.

SPREAD EAGLE in 2006 completed the "Back On The Bitch Tour" with a lineup that included founding members Rob De Luca (bass) and Ray West (vocals). Joining them was John Macaluso on drums (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TNT), who played on the group's "Open to the Public" album. On guitar was Chris Caffery, who is best known for his work with SAVATAGE and TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA.

Lovember Records, in association with Universal Music, reissued SPREAD EAGLE's debut album in the summer of 2006. Considered to be a "classic," this record was newly remastered and contains all 11 songs, including the hits "Switchblade Serenade", "Scratch Like A Cat", "Broken City" and "Thru These Eyes".

WARRANT, CONEY HATCH and SILENT RAGE are among the confirmed bands for Britain's Firefest festival, set to take place October 21-23 at Trent University and Nottingham Rock City.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

Friday, Ocatober 21

JIMI JAMISON
TERRY BROCK
HOUSTON

Saturday, October 22

WARRANT
STEVE AUGERI
STRANGEWAYS
JEFF PARIS
SILENT RAGE
VEGA
TALON

Sunday, October 23

UNRULY CHILD
CONEY HATCH
MITCH MALLOY
KANE ROBERTS
ALIEN
WHITE WIDDOW
FARCRY

Canada's FINNR'S CANE has inked a deal with Prophecy Productions. The band will enter the studio later in the year to begin recording its second album.

With its atmospherically gripping debut album, "Wanderlust", FINNR'S CANE has fascinated and enthused lovers of wintery soundscapes somewhere between mighty offshoots of traditionally grim black metal and sublime post rock.

This unusual trio, which replaces the bass guitar with a cello, is going to take its unconventional musical jaunts supported by Prophecy Productions in the future, as the musicians have signed a contract for five albums.

In their intuitive, epic tracks, the musicians of FINNR'S CANE intertwine bitter-cold riffs with gorgeous melodies, black metal frenzy with ambient-like atmospheric rock, only following their infallible instinct for exciting soundscapes far from well-worn paths. All these features will be apparent in April, when a new edition of the rarely available "Wanderlust" with enhanced artwork will be released.

Festival visionary Perry Farrell, in conjunction with Chile's Lotus Producciones, WME and C3 Presents — the promotional partners behind the North American Lollapalooza — have announced the lineup for the inaugural Lollapalooza Chile in South America. Headliners THE KILLERS, JANE´S ADDICTION and KANYE WEST plus the YEAH YEAH YEAHS are among the 50-plus acts performing on five stages at the two-day festival on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3 in O'Higgins Park, Santiago.

For close to 20 years as the premier alternative music festival, Lollapalooza is expanding with this unique and unforgettable event. With an eclectic lineup of top talent from around the world including an array of artists from Chile, Lollapalooza Chile will feature two outdoor main stages, an electronic arena stage and a small alternative stage, plus — like Lollapalooza in North America — an all-ages Kidzapalooza stage for family fun. Similar to its Chicago home Grant Park, O'Higgins Park is a gorgeous scenic locale in the middle of a bustling urban hub. Farrell also emphasizes that Lollapalooza will partake in a "cultural exchange," by featuring Chilean artists at this summer's North American Lollapalooza in Chicago.

Assembling this distinguished line-up of acts for the debut of Lollapalooza Chile was no easy feat. Says Farrell, who will perform with both JANE'S ADDICTION and his electronic hybrid PERRYETTY, "The job we did to gather these artists for 2011 was remarkable. Imagine gathering 60 artists while the contract ink is still wet. We put it together at a record pace as we had four months. We did not want to come to Chile with a lineup that was anything other than world-class, and my partners Marc Geiger of WME and Charles Attal of C3 have been absolutely integral to Lollapalooza Chile launching in 2011. Our selections are very animated, with much diversity. There is Chilean talent in the mix. Now that the lineup is announced here, we are going back to Chile to work on the other aspects of the festival." Adds Farrell: "Our ambition is to plant a very strong seed in Chile. One that will grow over the years, and provide Santiago with an event for the ages."

Available now for the festival are general two-day passes for $110 presale, $136 then $152; Lolla Lounge two-day VIP passes for $320 presale then $380; And beginning February 11, general admission single day tickets for $72 presale then $84 and VIP passes for $240.

The complete line-up for Lollapalooza Chile is:

THE KILLERS
JANE'S ADDICTION
KANYE WEST
30 SECONDS TO MARS
YEAH YEAH YEAHS
DEFTONES
FATBOY SLIM
THE FLAMING LIPS
ARMIN VAN BUUREN
CYPRESS HILL
BEN HARPER
SUBLIME WITH ROME
311
THE NATIONAL
EMPIRE OF THE SUN
COLD WAR KIDS
CSS
LOS BUNKERS
CAT POWER
CHICO TRUJILLO
DEVENDRA BANHART
THE DRUMS
BOYS NOIZE
STEEL PULSE
FISCHERSPOONER
PERRYETTY VS CHRIS COX
MALA RODRIGUEZ
EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS
DATAROCK
TODOS TUS MUERTOS
BOMBA ESTEREO
GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY
JOACHIM GARRAUD
FRANCISCA VALENZUELA
ZETA BOSIO
ANITA TIJOUX
QUIQUE NEIRA
LATIN BITMAN
DJ RAFF
TOY SELEKTAH
FRACTAL + JOE VASCONCELLOS
FOTHER MUCKERS
ASTRO
DEVIL PRESLEY
DENVER
COMO ASESINAR A FELIPES
THE GANJAS
MATANZA
ITAL
NEW KIDS ON THE NOISE
MAGICTWINS
LOS PULENTOS
ACHU
CUCHARA
MUNDANO
LOS PLUMABITS

According to the Hartford Courant, ADEMA bassist David DeRoo was arrested this past Saturday (January 29) in Hartford, Connecticut and charged with being a fugitive from justice.

DeRoo, 36, who faces charges in California of driving under the influence causing bodily injury, was held on a $1 million bond.

According to The Californian, a bench warrant was issued for DeRoo in June 2010 for violating the terms of his probation. The 36-year-old bassist was charged with driving under the influence after a traffic collision on January 11, 2008. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail and three years probation in November 2008 after pleading no contest to DUI causing injury.

Vocalist Marky Chavez recently quit ADEMA for the second time in order to pursue his "solo project." The group was most recently touring as a three-piece, with guitarist Tim Fluckey and DeRoo handling lead vocals.

Original ADEMA guitarist Mike Ransom left the band last year in order to focus on BLACK HEART VACANCY.

ADEMA's latest album, "Kill the Headlights", was released in August 2007 via Immortal Records.

ADEMA in 2006 announced the addition of vocalist Bobby Reeves of the Los Angeles-based band LEVEL to the group's ranks. Reeves joined ADEMA as the replacement for Luke Caraccioli, who left the band in October 2005 — only six months after the release of their first album ("Planets") without the contributions of Chavez.

German melodic folk/death metallers SUIDAKRA will release their tenth album, "Book Of Dowth", on March 25 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Gernhart Studio in Siegburg, Germany with producer Martin Buchwalter. Famous Belgian graphic artist Kris Verwimp once again created the cover artwork and lyrical concept.

Inspired by the darker side of Celtic lore, the concept of "Book Of Dowth" chronicles the mythology of a mysterious race of demonic beings known as the "Fomor." Starting with the discovery of an ancient book at the excavation of Dowth (a Neolithic passage tomb in the Boyne Valley, Ireland), it unveils the yet untold story of the rise and fall of the Fomorian horde throughout history and far, far beyond…

Commented the band: "The recordings for 'Book Of Dowth' went even better than expected. We shit you not! Never before have recordings gone as smooth as this time, because all people involved were well prepared and very focused."

A four-minute video clip featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the studio can be viewed below.

"Book Of Dowth" track listing:

01. Over Nine Waves
02. Dowth 2059
03. Battle-Cairns
04. Biróg's Oath
05. Mag Mell
06. The Dark Mound
07. Balor
08. Stone Of The Seven Suns
09. Fury Fomoraigh
10. Otherworlds Collide

Digipak bonus tracks:

11. Rise Of Taliesin (classically re-arranged version)
12. When Eternity Echoes (classically re-arranged version)
13. Dowth 2059 (video)

In addition to preparing for the upcoming recordings, SUIDAKRA spent the last few weeks filming a video for the song "Dowth 2059". The band said, "It's our first collaboration with director/producer David Thelen and even though the post-production has just started, one thing is for sure: it will kick some serious ass!"

SUIDAKRA will embark on a "major European tour" in March/April 2011 with ONSLAUGHT and DEBAUCHERY. In addition, SUIDAKRA will return to Spain in early March for a "small tour" with EQUILIBRIUM and support act NORTHLAND.

As previously reported, guitarist Sebastian Hintz has left SUIDAKRA due to "work-related circumstances." A new touring guitarist has already been recruited for SUIDAKRA's shows in 2011: Marius "Jussi" Pesch from KINGDOM OF SALVATION.

SUIDAKRA's ninth album, "Crógacht", was released in the U.S. in March 2009 through Wacken Records/SPV.

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/reviewpics/suidakrabook.jpg

Brendan Crabb of Australia's Loud magazine recently conducted an interview with vocalist Roger Miret of New York hardcore legends AGNOSTIC FRONT. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Loud: [The new AGNOSTIC FRONT album] "My Life My Way" was recorded with Erik Rutan — who is obviously best known for operating within the extreme metal world — while you also enlisted Freddy (Cricien, MADBALL vocalist and Miret's half-brother) to produce it. How was the experience of working with Erik?

Roger: As you know, Erik you could say is considered more of a "metal guy," but he definitely delivered a fantastic hardcore record. I mean, Erik's diverse; Erik heard the band and wanted to keep the band to its true style. He heard all the demos and he wanted to keep it, if I can use the word organic, and natural hardcore, 'cause that's what the band is best at. So it doesn't make any sense to try to tweak stuff too much. I think Erik did a great production job considering we gave him some pretty true, classic, anthem type of hardcore songs.

Loud: Was it the band's crossover sensibilities that encouraged you to work with someone like that, without fear of backlash from purists?

Roger: Well, we went to Erik… Freddy from MADBALL was the producer and he had just finished doing (MADBALL's) "Empire" and he got really good vibes from Erik. He thought Erik was just the right man for a change-up for our band and to deliver the sound that was necessary. We're not afraid to work with anybody. But if you're not that familiar with what we do, it takes a lot to make a band sound completely over-produced or wrong. There's no such word as "over-produced" — it's just production done wrong. We're not afraid to work with anybody, but we'll be clear to let them know how we feel and the direction of how it should be.

Loud: Aside from the production values, in what other respects do you feel the new album is a step up from recent releases?

Roger: As a step up, I think the songs are definitely catchier than our past few offerings. They're more sing-a-long, more anthem-y. From all the reviews I've got and all the people I've been talking to, they don't really feel like there's a bad song on the record. People after they hear it just sing along, it's got that feeling, that really true hardcore type of edge to it. It's nothing that's new. I mean, nothing that's new, but what I'm trying to say is it's a little refreshing, it's really cool to sing along to.

Loud: Do you feel that the "true hardcore edge" you referred to is missing in a lot of music that gets dubbed 'hardcore' these days?

Roger: Well, hardcore to me is more of the lyrical aspect of the band. The music, of course, has the angst to it, or whatever element it needs to have to bring the song across. But lyrics, to me, is what hardcore has really always been about. I mean, even in the old days everybody had their own distinctive sounds. A lot of the stuff that happens today… It's easier to start a band, say you're hardcore and have an instant audience, you know? Then, eventually, most of these guys that aren't really hardcore, they're something else, then they change their sound to what they really want to be. But that's the easiest way to get an instant audience. But if there's a lyrical message, something really important to say then it'll be true and real forever.

Floridian death metal veterans MORBID ANGEL will make an exclusive Southeast Asian appearance in Singapore on May 25. More details will be made available soon.

MORBID ANGEL entered Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida in June 2010 with engineer Erik Rutan (former MORBID ANGEL guitarist and producer for such bands as CANNIBAL CORPSE and GOATWHORE) to begin recording the band's ninth full-length album. Due in early 2011 via Season Of Mist, the new CD will be the band's first to be recorded without longtime drummer Pedro "Pete" Sandoval, who last year underwent back surgery for a deteriorating disc problem. Filling in for him on a temporary basis is Tim Yeung, who has previously played with DIVINE HERESY, ALL THAT REMAINS, NILE, HATE ETERNAL and VITAL REMAINS).

Bassist Terry Butler (SIX FEET UNDER, OBITUARY, DEATH, MASSACRE) has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"I would just like to put it out there that Greg Gall [drums] and I have parted ways with SIX FEET UNDER.

"As many of you know, I have been helping OBITUARY out on bass over the past year and now will be officially joining them as a permanent band member.

"Being in SIX FEET UNDER for 16 years, I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of our dedicated fans and have made many friends along the way. I hope to see you out there!

"I wish nothing but the best for Chris Barnes [vocals] and Steve Swanson [guitar] in their future with SIX FEET UNDER."

SIX FEET UNDER's "Wake The Night! Live In Germany" DVD will be released on January 31 in Europe (three days earlier in Germany) and February 1 in North America via Metal Blade Records. The set consists footage of the band's August 8, 2009 performance at the Party.San Open Air festival in Bad Berka, Germany. The gig was filmed by Roax Films with nine cameras and recorded in 5.1 Surround Sound, picture size 16:9 — best entertainment guaranteed!

To make the purchase even more attractive, the initial European pressing includes the digipak version of the latest SIX FEET UNDER covers album, "Graveyard Classics III". The DVD is being released on mid-price and the bonus CD does not cost a penny extra! This release and the attached price strategy is a big thank you from Barnes and his gang to all their loyal fans.

Old-school Swedish death dealers MIASMAL have revealed the artwork for their self-titled full-length debut, tentatively due in April. The effort will be made available on CD by Dark Descent Records and given the vinyl treatment through Detest Records and Me Saco Un Ojo. The CD version will contain eight brand new tracks as well as six bonus tunes taken from the band's sold-out demo recording and seven-inch EP.

In other news, MIASMAL is currently gearing up for its first U.S. tour, set to kick off this May. Appearances at Maryland Deathfest and Chaos In Tejas (which runs June 2-5 in Austin, Texas) are already confirmed.

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

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/reviewpics/miasmalcd.jpg

KYLESA, RED FANG, HOWL and ATLAS MOTH have been confirmed as the support acts for the inaugural Metalliance Tour — featuring HELMET, SAINT VITUS and CROWBAR. The trek will cover the U.S. from March 17 through April 5.

Legendary alternative metal band HELMET will perform their 1992 platinum-selling release of "Meantime" in its entirety. The Interscope Records release gave the band mainstream attention with songs like "Unsung" and "In The Meantime". With the band's renewed success after getting back together in 2004, this tour will be one of the most anticipated of 2011.

One of the most highly influential doom metal bands in America, SAINT VITUS are regarded as one of the first bands of the genre starting out as early as the 1970s. The band featuring Scott "Wino" Weinrich, bassist Mark Adams, guitarist Dave Chandler and new drummer Henry Vasquez have influenced so many bands in doom and metal .

"SAINT VITUS is more than ready to infect the Metalliance Tour! We've been wanting to do something like this for some time now...so prepare for destruction!!" says lead guitarist Dave Chandler. The band has done a handful of shows and some European festivals but this will be their first full U.S. tour in over a decade.

CROWBAR frontman Kirk Windstein concludes, "Wow! This tour is gonna rule! I've loved HELMET since the beginning and loved ST. VITUS even longer. With the new CROWBAR record having hit the streets by then, look out! This bill will bring just what we need to crush each city with an avalanche of stylistic thunder!"

Metalliance Tour dates:

Mar. 17 - Dallas, TX - Southside Music Hall
Mar. 18 - Austin, TX - Dirty Dog / SXSW
Mar. 19 - New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks
Mar. 20 - St Petersburg, FL - State Theater
Mar. 21 - Orlando, FL - Firestone Live
Mar. 22 - Greensboro, NC - Greene Street
Mar. 23 - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
Mar. 24 - Worcester, MA - Palladium
Mar. 25 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
Mar. 26 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Mar. 27 - Joliet, IL - Mojoe's
Mar. 29 - Denver, CO - The Summit
Mar. 31 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
Apr. 01 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
Apr. 03 - San Francisco, CA - Mezzanine
Apr. 05 - Hollywood, CA - House Of Blues

$50 VIP tickets will be available courtesy of Artist Arena. This package will include:

* A general admission ticket.
* Access to a meet-and-greet with the Metalliance lineup.
* A Metalliance hot sauce bottle.
* A commemorative VIP show laminate.
* An autographed poster.

One grand prize winner will be randomly selected for a dinner with the bands, an autographed "Mosh Potatoes Cookbook" and one t-shirt from each of the bands.

One second-place winner will randomly be selected for a one-on-one guitar lesson with CROWBAR guitarist Kirk Windstein and an autographed "Mosh Potatoes Cookbook".

Polish death metal veterans VADER have issued the following update:

"Just at the beginning of June, VADER will start their summer concert season! The band will be shortly after recording their new album (May) and they promised they will present one [or] two new tracks on stage. Summer Campaign 2011 will cover summer festivals and club gigs. We're [currently] discussing the details with promoters and the full schedule will be known soon. Few great festivals in Europe and Poland are already confirmed. The band will also visit a couple of smaller towns in Poland, some of them for the first time! We plan on going to Israel as well. Many surprises are waiting for you! The June part of VADER tour will be joined by KRISIUN as a special guest!"

VADER will spend four weeks at Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland starting on March 15 recording its new album, "Welcome To The Morbid Reich". The band will lay down a total of 12 or 13 songs for the CD, which will be mixed and mastered in May for a tentative late 2011 release. Working songtitles set to appear on the effort include "Lords of Thorns", "I Am Who Feast Upon Your Souls", "Only Hell Knows", "Return to the Morbid Reich" and "I Had A Dream".

Commented guitarist/vocalist Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek: "For a long time I've been thinking about new tracks and the album concept, more and more things start to be clear. For the most part I'd like Spider [Marek Pajak; guitar] to take part in the process of album creation. I also have in mind relating to the good old times with a new layout for the album. I met with Zbyszek Bielak, a very talented artist who will design the new layout, merchandise and scenic elements. Zbyszek has already worked with such bands as WATAIN, ABSU, BEHEMOTH...

"The new album will mainly focus on the 'Morbid Reich' feeling combined with brutal riffs and tempo of the previous albums. We also have a surprise for our devoted fans, we're going to come back to our old logo."

VADER will debut one or two tracks from "Welcome To The Morbid Reich" during the band's summer festival appearances.

VADER recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of its classic second album, "De Profundis", by performing the LP in its entirety. Piotr stated, "[The fans'] response for this idea was more than great so we decided to repeat this in the future with other VADER titles, too."

VADER's latest album, "Necropolis", sold around 1,130 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD landed at position No. 19 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.

Bulgarian black metallers CLAYMORE have inked a deal with the U.S. label Unseen Music Group, LLC for future compilation project. The songs "Gift Of Hate" and "Near Death Experience", the personal favorites of Unseen owner Bernie L. Simpson (a.k.a. D.Monic Method), will be featured. In the meantime, the band is putting the finishing touches on the songwriting process for its new album, "From Ignorance To Remembrance", and is planning to enter the studio soon.

Video footage of CLAYMORE in the rehearsal studio can be viewed below.

CLAYMORE last year released a new instrumental demo song entitled "Spiritual Fraud". The track is said to be the slowest song CLAYMORE has written to date, and will be included on "From Ignorance to Remembrance".

CLAYMORE recorded and self-released its first full-length album, "Prolonged Active Antagonism", in 2008.

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

As a teaser for the upcoming enormous multimedia release "V01D", Sydney, Australia's extreme metal unit THE AMENTA has released a short trailer of one aspect of this audio/visual behemoth. A small snapshot of a professionally recorded, multi-camera live gig, to be released on "V01D" in its entirety, the trailer shows the aggression and precision of the current lineup of THE AMENTA.

To support this immense audio/visual/live/studio release, THE AMENTA will return to the live arena with a series of headlining shows around Australia. Previous live shows have been violent, chaotic affairs and THE AMENTA intends to up the ante.

Expect aggression. Expect violence. Expect volume. Expect hate.

This will be the first full-scale tour in Australia with THE AMENTA's current lineup.

Support for the majority of the dates will come from friends and frequent collaborators RUINS.

THE AMENTA with RUINS performing at:

March 26 - Valve Bar, Tempe, Sydney *
April 01 - The Arthouse, Melbourne
April 02 - The Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (AA)
April 02 -The Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (18+)
April 03 - The Pelly Bar, Frankston *
April 08 - The Bass Bar, Wagga Wagga
April 09 - The Maram, Canberra
April 15 - Rosies, Brisbane
April 29 – Club LED, Newcastle, NSW
April 30 - The Gaelic Theatre, Sydney
June 10 - 12th - Perth, WA – TBA *

* THE AMENTA only

THE AMENTA is:

Cain Cressall (Vocals)
Timothy Pope (Samples/Programming)
Erik Miehs (Guitar)
Dan Quinlan (Bass)
Robin Stone (Drums)

"n0n", the latest album from THE AMENTA, received a U.S. release on February 10, 2009 via Listenable Records. The CD, which came out in Europe in October 2008, was mixed at The Vault Studios in Sydney, Australia with longtime engineer Lachlan Mitchell (NAZXUL). Mastering for the album took place at Studios 301 with Australia's premier mastering engineer Steve Smart.

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