Paul Sexton of Reuters recently conducted an interview with IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow.

Q: It seems as though MAIDEN developed a common cause because the band members were, and still are, outsiders.

Dickinson: We are still outsiders. We always will be, because that's our essential nature. I can't imagine what it would be like to go to vacuous showbiz parties. It'd be a nightmare. It's just not what we're about. The show's the thing. Everything you need to know about IRON MAIDEN is onstage.

Q: How did you develop your personal stagecraft?

Dickinson: It's one thing to project a confident air to the back of a club. It's another to do the same thing in a theatre, then an arena, and it's quite another thing to do it in a festival. Before the days of camera and side screens, you were just a little speck. It was a rapid learning curve.

My aim as a frontman is always to try and shrink the venue, if you can, to turn that football stadium into the world's smallest club. At least you have to try. The essence of the MAIDEN experience is that we want to include everybody in it.

Q: You personally have always taken on challenges, whether it's fencing, broadcasting, being an author or being a pilot.

Dickinson: That's because I just have an insatiable curiosity about the nature of things, and I think the best way to find out about something is to try and do it. Flying wasn't on a list. It would be awfully good from the point of view of people writing about us if there was a plan, but there isn't.

The movie we're just doing ("Chemical Wedding") stems from conversations in the pub with Julian Doyle (Dickinson's co-writer on the film and its director) 15 years ago. As it happens, we're now having the most successful tour in the band's history, the band is a global phenomenon, and in the same year, we get to release a feature film, followed shortly afterwards by another feature film with a documentary, DVD, all the rest of it. ... It looks like a plan. It's not. It's totally random.

Q: So how would you compare MAIDEN now with the group of, say, 25 years ago?

Dickinson: The way we play the songs now is in many ways more powerful, it's more under control. It's not like somebody running so fast that their legs are running away underneath them, which is kind of what it was like in the '80s. This is a mature runner now who knows the pace and has always got something in the tank for the sprint when it's appropriate. We've reached that sweet spot.

Read the entire interview at www.reuters.com.

Belgian thrashers AFTER ALL have issued the following update:

"Early June, AFTER ALL start recording their seventh full-album at the Hype Studio in Mechelen, Belgium with longtime live engineer Dee J. Mixing and mastering duties will be handled by Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, HAIL OF BULLETS, NOVEMBERS DOOM) at the legendary Unisound Studio in Örebro, Sweden.

"AFTER ALL extended their recording deal with Hamburg-based Dockyard 1 Records. The new album will be licensed to Locomotive Records for the U.S. market. The release is set for late 2008.

"Just a couple of weeks after the confirmation of their appearance at Graspop, AFTER ALL are now also confirmed for Leperfest, another major festival in Belgium. Other bands on the bill include WARBRINGER, SWORN ENEMY and a lot more. Check out the whole list of recently confirmed shows.

"The limited vinyl release of AFTER ALL's 'This Violent Decline' (Killer Metal Records) is now available through our webshop. Pick up your limited copy in black vinyl and your extra limited copy in yellow vinyl."

AFTER ALL released its latest CD, "This Violent Decline", in the U.S. on August 28, 2007 via Locomotive/Dockyard 1/Ryko Distribution. The album was released in Europe in the fall of 2006 via Dockyard 1. The follow-up to 2005's "The Vermin Breed" was recorded by Dee J. at Hype Studio in Mechelen, Belgium and was mixed by Fredrik Nordström (IN FLAMES, ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK) at Studio Fredman in Göteborg, Sweden. Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, HATESPHERE) took care of the mastering at Antfarm Studio in Aabyhoj, Denmark.

"This Violent Decline" contains 11 tracks, including a re-recorded version of "Blind Euphoria" (from the 1992 EP "Dusk"). As a bonus track, the album features a video clip for the track "Frozen Skin". Samples are available on AFTER ALL's MySpace page.

AFTER ALL's "Frozen Skin" video:

ICED EARTH drummer Brent Smedley has posted the following "Road Rage" report on the band's official web site:

"As most of you are aware, some big changes have been made since the last report in 2007. We have welcomed back singer Matt Barlow into the band. It's great having Matt back and hearing his voice again. We have also added Freddie Vidales on bass guitar. He is an incredible bass player and a great guy. I think he will fit into the band splendidly.

"The new single is due for release starting June 13. It consists of a new song 'I Walk Alone', a crushing heavy grooving jam as well as re-done versions of 'A Charge To Keep', 'The Clouding', and 'Setian Massacre' — all with Matt on vocals.

"The rehearsals for the upcoming festivals have gone well and we are all very excited to be playing for the fans once again. (Note: The single can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com).

"The first gig of the 2008 season was just outside of Chicago at a place called The Pearl Room. The promoters here were very helpful and considerate. The dressing room furnishings were like something out of an 'Austin Powers' movie, complete with pink chairs and pink and purple ruffled curtains adorning the walls.

"After soundcheck, there was a meet-and-greet session with a group of fans and sponsors. Some fans traveled from as far as Seattle, New York, Michigan, and other distant places.

"There is a great deal of excitement and anticipation for the 2008 tour. This is the first time ICED EARTH has played in the U.S. in over three years.

"Many fans were grateful for the chance to meet the band, have their CDs signed, and have photos taken with us. One fan in particular (Rafael) brought us all gifts. Rafael is a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. He gave Jon a certified USCG watch, Matt a replica of a Coast Guard cutter, a shirt and cap set as well as a bottle of vodka for me, Troy a bottle of vodka and a mug, and a coffee mug for Freddie. It was a very nice gesture and greatly appreciated.

"So, onto the show! The crowd was absolutely amazing! We were told it was the biggest attendance ever for a concert here. The band played extremely well and the audience seemed to eat up every note. It was a great return gig for Matt and an awesome first gig for Freddie. Several times the crowd broke into chants of 'Welcome Matt.' Everyone seems to be very pleased with the return of Matt on vocals.

"After the initial set, we returned to the stage for an encore and ended the show with our trademark closer, the song 'Iced Earth'. When the show was over we hung out in the club until closing time, seeing many old friends. One in particular we were all happy to see was Scott Davidson, the owner of Rebel Radio, a good friend who has helped us out very much in the past. I was also pleased to meet a representative for Trick Percussion who showed me their amazing bass drum pedals.

"After the club shut down, a couple of us attended a huge after-party thrown in a nearby hotel in our honor.

"It is great to be playing back in the states and Chicago was an excellent choice for our return!

"So stay tuned for more updates as we check in with you from Canada and Germany next weekend.

"WE ARE BACK WITH A VENGEANCE!!!"

The first installment of an eight-part video interview with OPETH mainman Mikael Åkerfeldt has been posted on the web site of the Australian branch of Roadrunner Records. Watch the clip at this location.

OPETH will be IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson's guests on Friday, May 30 during Bruce's weekly BBC 6 Music radio show, aptly named "The Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show". Listen to the program live via the Internet between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. U.K. time at BBC.co.uk.

An e-card/widget for "Watershed", the new album from OPETH, can be found below.

"Watershed" is scheduled for release on June 3 via Roadrunner Records (one day earlier internationally). The CD, recorded in the band's native Sweden and produced by frontman/guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt and Jens Bogren, is a masterwork that follows the time-honored OPETH tradition; its modern yet timeless, progressive yet paying homage to the sounds of classic rock.

All the songs were written by Åkerfeldt apart from "Porcelain Heart", which was co-written with new guitarist Fredrik Åkesson. One additonal track, "Derelict Herds", was also recorded and this was written by Mikael Åkerfeldt and Per Wiberg. On top of this, three cover songs were recorded. "Bridge of Sighs" from ROBIN TROWER's 1974 LP of the same title, "Den Ständiga Resan" (sung in Swedish) by MARIE FREDRIKSSON as well as the classic ALICE IN CHAINS song "Would?"

The album was recorded at Fascination Street studios between November 1 and December 13, 2007. Some additional recording was done between January 3 and January 7.

OPETH recently filmed a promotional video for an edit of the song "Porcelain Heart". The clip was directed by Lasse Hoile (PORCUPINE TREE) and shot in Vaxholm, Sweden at the marvellous Bogesund castle, built in the 1640s. The edit was done by Jens Bogren and OPETH mainman Mikael Åkerfeldt.

Fan-filmed video footage of legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) performing on May 10, 2008 at Smuget in Oslo Norway can be viewed below (courtesy of "MacWhale").

Glenn Hughes' new solo album, "First Underground Nuclear Kitchen (F.U.N.K.)", has just been released via Frontiers Records.

Produced by Glenn in Los Angeles, after countless hours spent writing in his home studio, "F.U.N.K." is another magnificent statement from the "Voice of Rock." "It is a roots album, it is a true account of my musical heritage but also fearless and multi-dimensional," said Hughes.

Once again all drums on the record were played by none other than the great Chad Smith of the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, while Luis Maldonado took care of the majority of the guitars (JJ Marsh and George Nastos only appear on two songs each) and Anders Olinder is on keyboards (with Ed Roth guesting on three songs).

DORO, RAVEN and BONFIRE are among the confirmed bands for the Hammer Of The Gods 2008 festival, set to take place July 26 at Pabellones Multiusos La Peraleda in Toledo, Spain.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

DORO
DREAM EVIL
BONFIRE
RAVEN
CENTINELA
DULCAMARA
NOCTURNIA

Check out a poster for the event at this location.

WARRANT's official MySpace page has been updated with a new interview with drummer Steven Sweet. Several excerpts follow.

Q: WARRANT had played a lot of shows in the past two years. Now that you've taken some down time, are yourestless to get back on the stage?

Sweet: Absolutely! After having just done our first "public" performance on "Rockline", I can say we are all really anxious to keep going. The band feels new again and, in my opinion, stronger than even.

Q: Having been away from the band for a long period of time, what was the selling point for returning to the lineup in 04?

Sweet: I've made it known that a friend of my wife's and mine who sang at our wedding was killed in an auto accident not too long after we were married. The tragedy of her passing so unexpectedly left me with the affirmation that you never know when your time might be up and to embrace each opportunity to live your life to the fullest. My having spent so much time away from the WARRANT guys gave me the space to grow as a person and realize that everyone has to travel their own path to discovery. I had been presented with the idea of rejoining the group over the years, and decided that the time finally felt right to let go of past grievances and embrace the future. Knowing that you only go around once, I really feel like I've been given a second chance to reconnect with old friends and do what I am meant to do, which among other things, is to be a part of WARRANT.

Q: It's known that Erik and Joey have "day jobs". What keeps you busy while you're not on the road with WARRANT?

Sweet: Now and then I do session work as both a drummer and a singer. Much of that work is with my brother Dave who owns and operates a swank digital studio (check out dbwproductions.com). I also freelance as an A&R screener for a company called Taxi Music (taximusic.com). I get to listen to loads of new music by songwriters who are looking for a leg up in the business. The job involves a lot of creative writing in the form of songwriting critiques. The company then forwards to the labels, management companies, or music placement houses the material that meets the given criteria.

Q: It's been said that you'll occasionally do an impersonation of Sharon Osbourne. Do you have any other impersonations and have you done any voice acting?

Sweet: Oh great, now everyone is going to be coming up to me with a... "Hey, do Scoobie Doo," or, "Let me hear your Homer Simpson." Nothing like being put on the spot. I'm joking, actually. I had a period where I was pursuing voice acting a number of years ago — loads of competition, requires total commitment, I just wasn't able to put forth the time or effort needed to climb that ladder. Reconnecting with an old acquaintance, E.G. Daily, who does great voice acting work led to an agent and an IKEA radio spot where I did the voice of a dream-interpreting robot.

Q: Last July, WARRANT played the first annual Rocklahoma in OK. What are your thoughts on the event as a whole?

Sweet: The whole multi-day, giant lineup festival idea is great. I can see this kind of thing happening more often as people embrace the bands they grew up with and share the love with younger generations. Rocklahoma, in particular, was so amazing because it took a sampling of all facets of the '80s melodic rock/soft metal genre and presented it it for three days straight. People came from all around the globe to participate. It looks like this year's event will be a continuation of the same only bigger.

Q: Please share with some some highlights of your experience touring with the following bands: FIREHOUSE, L.A. GUNS, MÖTLEY CRÜE, POISON.

Sweet: FIREHOUSE: The best summer ever! L.A. GUNS: They're not really vampires, it's just red wine. MÖTLEY CRÜE: Kick-start my arena tour, great experience. The funniest thing was when my mom and dad came out to a NY show and watched Tommy's solo from the side of the stage. I had forgotten to give my mom the heads-up that Tommy likes to drop his G-string as the grand finale, she caught an eyeful, to say the least. POISON: Started out good, evolved into a lesson on how not to treat an opening act, which we still abide by today.

Q: What bands or musicians would you consider as your biggest influences?

Sweet: Starting with Neil Peart and moving on to Steve Perry with the likes of Terry Bozzio, Rod Morgenstein, Steve Smith, Marvin Gaye, Prince and Seal rounding things out only begins to cover the array of artists that have and continue to influence my evolution as an artist/musician.

Q: Are there any newer bands that you're currently listening to?

Sweet: I really dig GNARLS BARKLEY, and, of course, SEAL is always on my playlist. It's funny but I don't generally listen to a whole lot of rock (alternative/modern etc.). COLLECTIVE SOUL and PETE YORN are also really inspired and inspiring to me.

Q: How do you personally feel about the new digital age of music downloads?

Sweet: From a technological standpoint, the ease of sharing and manipulating the media is astounding. From a control angle, it's frustrating to the artist because it is so easy to share and download and transfer music that there is a lot of unchecked, unregulated funds that never go to the people who created the music. That's why the big labels aren't able to support artists the way they did in the past, which leaves the lion share of responsibility to the artists themselves. That in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing because to be self-sufficient is the best way to guarantee control over your career. The downside is it's harder and harder to make a living as a musician or artist because so much of what used to be our income is being skimmed off by folks who sell our goods illegally.

Q: Since WARRANT's heyday, the Internet has drastically changed the way bands are able to reach their fans. In what way do you feel that Internet has been the greatest asset, and in what way has it become a nuisance?

Sweet: I, for one, had put off the whole MySpace thing because I do like my privacy and why would I want a whole bunch of relative strangers invading MY space? But as time goes on, you realize it's just another tool which enables you to reach people you otherwise would have no contact with, so it is a good thing all in all. The Internet is an awesome thing. How else could you discover a strange spot on your toe and within seconds have a diagnosis? SPAM, although a tasty processed meat product to some, is a bitch to others, myself included — BIG downside. I've had to change email addresses more times than a new parent changes diapers.

Q: Have you had an opportunity to play "Cherry Pie" on Guitar Hero, and if so, what is your opinion on thegame?

Sweet: You know, I haven't ever played Guitar Hero, I'm more of a Dance Revolution kinda guy (I'm kidding, I'm not THAT coordiated, everyone thinks because you play drums for a living that you're actually coordinated on your feet, not always the case, though I'm not bad, I'm no John Travolta.... THAT sounds dated, doesn't it? How about, I'm no Justin Timberlake). Sorry, even though I haven't played the game, I think it's created a whole new fan base for WARRANT. I have a drum student who pre-learned how to play IRON MAIDEN's "Run to the Hills" with Rock Band.

Q: Are you still doing your paintings?

Sweet: If someone is interested and we can strike a deal, I'll be a painting fool. Otherwise, it's another business that requires time and effort to really make it happen. Actually, I am in need of a fresh website design and some advertising then my answer would be, "Yes, I can hardly keep up with the requests." Check out fuzzychildren.com.

Finnish folk/metal overlords TURISAS have issued the following update:

"We know that this comes a bit late, but tonight's [May 11] show [at The Cell Block in Phoenix, Arizona] has been cancelled, as well as the one on May 13 [at The Launchpad in Albuquerque, New Mexico]. Sorry for the late information, we only got confirmation yesterday ourselves.

"On the other note, the tour has been really great and the audience reception awesome. Thanks for everybody who have showed up, and you who still haven't, make sure to do something about it quick.

"Oh yeah, no thanks at all to the asshole who stole Olli's [Vänskä, violin] vest from near the backstage door at the Avalon, Santa Clara. Hope you're having fun with the sweat-and-paint-soaken glam costume!"

Capital Chaos has posted video footage of TURISAS performing at The Boardwalk in Orangevale, California on May 7, 2008. Watch the clip below.

TURISAS is currently touring North America as part of Paganfest 2008, which also features fellow Finns ENSIFERUM, TYR and ELUVEITIE. This Metal Maniacs-sponsored trek, which kicked off on April 25, is in support of the group's critically acclaimed new album, "The Varangian Way". The disc was re-released on April 29 and this special tour edition package features a bonus DVD jam-packed with live performance footage.

"The Varangian Way" bonus DVD content:

01. Rasputin (video clip)
02. Battle Metal (live) (recorded at Rock Hard Festival 2007)
03. To Holmgard And Beyond (live)
04. In The Court Of Jarisleif (live)
05. Battle Metal (live) (filmed live at Download Festival
06. Battle Metal (live) (recorded at With Full Force 2007)

Central to "The Varangian Way" is the group's concept of a journey through the East European river route through the lands of modern day East Europe. The Northmen who traveled this path in the 9th-11th centuries were called Varangians. Key to the album's concept is a search for self and identity, both of which are explored by the protagonist in "The Varangian Way"'s eight songs. Truly a display of the band's dedication to the conceptual elements of the album, TURISAS made sure to include cultural influences from the lands the Varangians would have traveled through.

Founding member/guitarist Jarrett Pritchard of Tampa's reactivated death metal outfit EULOGY has issued the following update:

"Rob [Barrett, EULOGY/CANNIBAL CORPSE guitarist] and I sat down yesterday and did all of his trax for the demo... Mike [Pogionne, EULOGY/MONSTROSITY bassist] came down last week and did bass. It all went incredibly well. So soon we will be doing vox. Jason [Avery, vocals] has recovered relatively well from the accident. The doctors have said he is OK to scream....when I was learning of the rest he needed It became semi-funny remembering Nick Holmes from PARADISE LOST talking in an interview about popping his eye out from screaming... In our case, this was a real possibility. But he has been cleared for strenuous activity. Any of you who have ever seen him live knows that he is relativly strenuous.

"Saw DIMMU and BEHEMOTH and lots of friends at Jannus Landing last week...Good show. One of the better I have seen in a long while.

"In about a month (I forget the exact date) CANNIBAL CORPSE is releasing a documentary DVD. It spans their entire career and should be pretty great. A whole bunch of us were included in it. Both Jason and I were interviewed and as far as I know included in it. So needless to say we are excited about seeing our grills on camera in a retrospective of some important death metal history.

"As this demo thing draws to a close, my main concern next is festivals. If you're doing one...get in touch."

EULOGY's current lineup:

Jarrett Pritchard - Guitar
Jason Avery - Vocals
Rob Barrett - Guitar
Tony Laureano - Drums
Mike Pogionne - Bass

For more information, visit the EULOGY MySpace page.

Reactivated Swedish metallers AT THE GATES played their first show since announcing their reunion on May 8, 2008 at the Namba Hatch in Osaka, Japan. Check out pictures from Alan Ralph at this location.

The group's setlist was as follows:

01. Slaughter of the Soul
02. Cold
03. Under a Serpent Sun
04. The Swarm
05. Terminal Spirit Disease
06. Suicide Nation
07. Raped By the Light of Christ
08. Windows
09. World of Lies
10. The Burning Darkness
11. The Beautiful Wound
12. All Life Ends
13. Need
-------------
14. Blinded By Fear
15. Kingdom Gone

The concert was the first date of the Extreme The Dojo 20 Japanese tour featuring AT THE GATES, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, MAYHEM, PIG DESTROYER and INTO ETERNITY.

AT THE GATES summer 2008 reunion lineup:

Adrian Erlandsson - Drums
Martin Larsson - Guitar
Anders Björler - Guitar
Tomas Lindberg - Vocals
Jonas Björler – Bass

In an October 2007 interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, AT THE GATES guitarist Anders Björler stated about the band's reunion plans, "We have been talking about a reunion for years, but there've never been any concrete plans until now. Me and Jonas [Björler, bass] have THE HAUNTED as our main priority musically. Adrian [Erlandsson] was very busy in the past with CRADLE OF FILTH. Tomas [Lindberg, vocals] does DISFEAR and THE GREAT DECEIVER, etc.

"I guess I realized this spring (2007), that if we were to pull this off at all it had to be planned way ahead — at least a year prior to the reunion becoming a reality. Since we have alot of other obligations with our other main bands, families, work/studies it was really important to plan this early to avoid any discomfort or stress on our end (as well as the people we work with in our other bands). The summer of 2008 is ideal. Especially for me and Jonas, since we are currently in the writing stage of the new THE HAUNTED album, which probably means we will record it before next summer. Adrian is no longer with CRADLE OF FILTH which means he is not tied up with extensive touring as he was in the past. This leaves summer 2008 pretty much open for a couple of AT THE GATES shows."

A recently unearthed live show from AT THE GATES forms part of a limited-edition version of their classic 1995 album "Slaughter of the Soul", which was released on March 10 in Europe and March 25 in North America.

Issued as a two-disc set containing the original album, six bonus songs and the 35-minute "The Making of Slaughter of the Soul" documentary, the release now boasts a full live set filmed live in Krakow, Poland on December 30, 1995 when the band toured with UNLEASHED.

Professionally shot with high quality sound, the footage only recently came to light and shows the band in their prime, on the first of their many tours for the album. Check out a clip of the track "Cold" below.



(Thanks: Alan Ralph / www.PhotographN.com)

Portuguese avantgard maniacs THANATOSCHIZO will have their debut album, "Schizo Level", re-released once again on the American continent this week through the Mexican label Sun Empire Productions. The LP will be made available in a digipack package, featuring a different front cover and a golden highlighted logo.

"Schizo Level" was originally released in 2001 through Portugal's Misdeed Records and it garnered attention due to its combination of "schizoid black metal, saxs, trumpets and ethereal doom passages," according to a press release.

THANATOSCHIZO's fourth album, "Zoom Code", was released in March via My Kingdom Music (Recital Records in Portugal). The CD was produced by Luis Barros (TARANTULA) and was mastered by Tommy Newton (CONCEPTION, HELLOWEEN). It features guest appearances by Svein Egil Hatlevik (ZWEIZZ, FLEURETY, ex-DØDHEIMSGARD) and Timb Harris of ESTRADASPHERE/SECRET CHIEFS 3.

Four studio-report videos can be viewed at the band's YouTube channel.

DEAD MENS DREAMS, the Orlando/West Palm Beach Florida-based hard rock band featuring 5 BILLION DEAD singer Strain, RESPONSE NEGATIVE drummer Jim McCourt and STILLKEPT guitarist Claudzilla, will release its debut album, "The Dead Are Dreaming", on June 21 via Solstis Records. A preview of a new song off the CD called "Black Hearts Beat" can be heard via the ReverbNation TuneWidget below.

"The Dead Are Dreaming" was recorded at Erik Rutan's Mana Recording Studio in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was produced by Brian Elliot (CELLADOR, ABSENCE, SOILENT GREEN), and mastered by Michael Fuller at Fuller Sound (DEATH, ANKLA, NONPOINT).

For more information, visit www.deadmensdreams.com.

Stavanger, Norway-based black metallers ABOMINO AETAS will release their debut album, "Sower of Death", in July via Godreah Records. According to a press release, "ABOMINO AETAS are kindred spirits of the icy olden founders MAYHEM, BURZUM and THORNS. The epic atmospheres simmering on the album bleed from a bleak primitivism born from the jaws of hell. This is Norwegian black metal in its purest form without becoming a mere reflection of the past. Instead, the music breathes new life into a scene currently awakening from a long slumber. ABOMINO AETAS are part of the new third wave of Norwegian black metal alongside TAAKE, BEASTCRAFT, KOLDBRANN and KAOSRITUAL."

"Sower of Death" (cover artwork) track listing:

01. Sodomizing Satan
02. Penetrating the Darkness
03. Black Angel
04. Katt
05. Enslaved by God
06. Towards Cosmos
07. Sower of Death
08. Light of Venus
09. Nocturnal Legion
10. Black Hole
11. Stille Begravelse

OTEP frontwoman Otep Shamaya has issued the following update:

"This tour has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. To be able to connect with so many people (strangers who know nothing, but understand everything) through ART is an event so profound that there are no words to truly articulate and express the experience.

"Most people know that the band and I give 2,000 percent of ourselves on stage and though the medical professionals have warned me to 'take it easy up there' or I risk serious damage to my throat, it is not something I am aware of while lost in the experience of spiritual intercourse.

"Truth be told, I know only two speeds — ALL or NOTHING.

"Well, there's good news and tragic news. The tragic news is: due to the inflammation and reappearance of the throat polyps, we are forced to reschedule the remaining dates on this tour. The band and I are devastated by the news, but it's either reschedule now or risk losing the ability to sing altogether. I am so sorry but there is no other way.

"The good news is, the doctors think we have caught it early enough and with a bit of rest, I should be good as new again. Indeed, it worked after the last tour with HELLYEAH, I took some time off, the polyp all but disappeared and we were able to go back out on the road again. I am told the same thing should happen but I am also following up with a specialist to see what else, with regards to prevention, can be done.

"Our management and agents are working hard to reschedule these shows this summer, so though a bit of a delay, won't be too much longer.

"On behalf of the band and myself (and the dreaded polyp), I offer my apologies and my appreciation for your understanding, belief, and support.

"I am because you are."

OTEP's new album, "The_Ascension", sold 10,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release back in November to debut at position No. 81 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Produced by Dave Fortman (MUDVAYNE, EVANESCENCE), "The_Ascension" sees the band challenging itself to avoid clichés and classifications and finding a new landscape of sound and vision. "We said 'genre limits and music fads be damned, let's write music that is important to us and that motivates us," explained OTEP frontwoman Otep Shamaya. "I wanted to write songs we believe in and let nothing stop us from building the album we want to make."

(Thanks: hot_turkey_ed / www.metalsetlists.com)

Italian heavy/power metal band ARTHEMIS will release its new album, "Black Society", in July via Scarlet Records (June 28 in Japan via Soundholic). According to a press release, the group "combines the darker side of hard rock with prog/power influences and a modern touch of top-quality heavy/thrash metal."

"Black Society" track listing:

01. Fright Train
02. Angels In Black
03. Electri-Fire
04. Medal Of Honour
05. Escape
06. Black Society
07. Mechanical Plague
08. Let It Roll
09. Zombie Eater
10. Mr. Evil

The track "Fright Train" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

A video clip for the song "Angels in Black" will be made available to coincide with the album release.

Check out the cover artwork at StayMetal.net.

Since the group's inception in 1994, ARTHEMIS has released four well-received albums and has played shows with such celebrated names such as SLAYER, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, HAMMERFALL, WITHIN TEMPTATION and CRADLE OF FILTH, among others.

For more information, visit www.arthemisweb.com.

Östersund, Sweden-based death metallers SOULDRAINER have issued the following update:

"It was a while ago now… We have been busting our asses with new material and today we recorded seven new butt-kicking songs. We have left Mascot Records and now we are searching for a new label that will satisfy our needs. These songs are made as demo versions and will be used in the search for a label. Listening to the results from today's efforts we can only say it's really awesome how the recording turned out. It's been worth waiting for! Wow! It sounds like we are moving towards a heavier sound (like we weren't heavy enough before, huh?), more aggressive but yet in a SOULDRAINER-stylish way. Of course we still have the majestic foundation. Add a touch of evil on that and you are getting close to the new sound. Man, it's impossible to describe the new material with words, you gotta hear it — and you will!"

SOULDRAINER released its debut album, "Reborn", on May 18 via Holland's Mascot Records. The CD was recorded by SOULDRAINER and Marcus Edvardsson at Manic Motion Studio and was mixed and mastered by Marcus Edvardsson. The layout and artwork was handled by Daniel Dlimi. Three songs from the album are available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

SOULDRAINER performing live – December 2007 (opening for THE HAUNTED):

Jeb Wright of Classic Rock Revisited conducted an interview with JUDAS PRIEST frontman Rob Halford this past Tuesday, May 6. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow.

Classic Rock Revisited: Vocally you are all over the place. When you think of Halford, you think of "Judas Rising" or the song "Resurrection" and that Halford boom. I noticed you sing in many different styles. "Lost Love" is a different type of song for you. You were really challenged on this album.

Rob: I love going into character. I love to become these painkillers and sentinels. I like to go into that world and it is a great opportunity for any singer to embrace that. Glenn [Tipton] and KK [Downing] would also change their guitar tones to fit a certain sound or feel. Ian [Hill] and Scott [Travis] would play the bass and drums differently to convey what needed. This was a terrific experience for me because I could show off everything I have learned over the last thirty odd years. I sing in every range and I sing in Italian and I sing in French; I do a lot of crazy stuff. To keep your attention for an hour and forty minutes — we hope that is how people will listen to this. We want people to listen to this the same way people listen to "Tommy", "Operation: Mindcrime" or "Tubular Bells". We don't want it to be tedious. We want people to be excited about what is going to happen next. If you have a favorite movie then you look forward to seeing certain parts over and over again. It is all a big picture experience you try to get across. I had a blast using all of the vocal things that I do.

Classic Rock Revisited: Detractors of metal and of PRIEST would have loved for this to come out one-dimensional and make "Spinal Tap" references. Is there some satisfaction to make such a valid piece of music that goes beyond metal?

Rob: I would agree. We are anticipating the crossover moment. This can reach people who may have never thought of listening to PRIEST. This can go anywhere. We have already talked with management about when this goes through its release cycle that we can pass this over to special events. We can have other interpretations. I would personally love to see this done in a classical opera format or instrumentally by a symphonic orchestra. You can only do that when you have a conceptualized musical event. I know what you are saying. We have never really been directed by stepping outside of ourselves or worrying about what people might think of our music or what their reaction might be. We are JUDAS PRIEST and we make JUDAS PRIEST music. All of our fans are rabid and passionate. It is natural to get some push back. Some people think that "Turbo" sucks and some think it is amazing. Some people think "Painkiller" was the best thing that this band has ever done. It is like being a sports fan. You have your favorite team and all the players and sometimes they play great and sometimes they don't play as well. But they are still the same team and they are still aiming towards the same destination. It is natural to get opinions, attitudes and speculations. You have to let that go or you won't have any inspirations. You have to do it for yourself. It is not really a selfish endeavor but you are looking after your own needs and wants as a band. We are lucky enough to have millions of fans that generally agree with what we do and they love the metal that we make for them.

Classic Rock Revisited: Do you feel his life has parallels to metal music?

Rob: That was the joy, wasn't it? We have this man who was an alchemist and who lived in a magical time with all the swords and the shields. Depending on where your heart is at you can say it is cliché but it is just perception. We feel metal fans embrace this time period of five hundred years ago, medieval Europe. There were a lot of magical things that were happening at that time. It was a very metal time and he is a metal man. You couldn't really do that with many people who have lived through history. There is a very small amount of individuals who have maintained that kind of connection to the modern world. It is a brilliant opportunity to cover his life.

Read the entire interview at Classic Rock Revisited.

Norwegian thrash/death metal band PICA FIERCE won the "Norwegian Wacken Metal Battle" final this past Friday night (May 9). The competition was held in Trondheim and featured five of the most promising bands in the Norwegian metal scene today. The winner's prize is a slot at this year's Wacken Open Air festival which is being held July 31 - August 2 in Wacken, Germany.

PICA FIERCE's self-titled debut album was mixed at Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, KATATONIA, PAIN OF SALVATION etc.) in Sweden. The LP was released in Norway last November

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

The "beta" version of METALLICA's new web site, MissionMetallica.com, has officially launched, showcasing the kind of "making-of-the-album" features usually found these days on a DVD accompanying a CD release. METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich told a Los Angeles radio station on Monday (May 5), "We thought, instead of doing the usual DVDs and all that, why don't we just do it on the Internet and people can kind of tune in every day, watch clips, contests, get updates for what's going on with the record and kind of watch the last couple of months of song titles, album titles, final mixes...So it's kind of a little bit of a countdown type of thing. It should be fun."

[UPDATE: The "beta" site has since been shut down, but the trailer and the teaser clip that were posted on the site have been released via YouTube and can be viewed below.]

MissionMetallica.com was originally scheduled to launch tomorrow (May 12). Ulrich also told the station, "Knock on wood, this week should be our last week in the studio," adding that the group expects to get its ninth album out in September.

METALLICA will top the bill for the annual "Weenie Roast" festival sponsored by Los Angeles radio station KROQ-FM. The show, scheduled for May 17 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, California, will also feature sets from THE OFFSPRING, THE RACONTEURS, RISE AGAINST, PENNYWISE, THE BRAVERY, SEETHER, SCARS ON BROADWAY and more.

Ulrich said that fans can expect to hear new material "about five minutes after we finish playing it — thanks to the Internet," although he did not say how soon the band will begin playing some new songs live.

Rare footage of KISS performing a cover of the RICK ASTLEY hit song "Never Gonna Give You Up" can be viewed below.

(Yes, we know it's a joke.)

According to Wikipedia, "Never Gonna Give You Up" is a dance-pop song originally performed by Rick Astley. It was released as a single from Astley's multi-million selling debut album "Whenever You Need Somebody", which was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman. The song was a worldwide number one hit, initially in the singer's native United Kingdom in 1987, where it stayed at number one for five weeks and was the best selling single that year.

French neo-classical metallers ADAGIO are continuing work on their new album, "Archangels in Black" — the first CD to feature the band's latest addition, Finnish singer Christian Palin.

Commented the band: "Bass, guitars, drums and vocals lines are recorded. Stéphan [Forté; guitar] is executing a gorgeous work on the orchestrations and guitar solos should be done next week. At the same time, Kevin [Codfert] is recording his keyboards solos and pianos parts in his studio. Both of them will begin the mix very soon (next week).

"The name of the European label will be announced in the upcoming weeks and a French headline tour is already in talks for November 2008.

"And last but not least, on June 10th, the band will start shooting the first ADAGIO clip for the song 'Fear Circus', one of the major songs of the upcoming 'Archangels in Black' album."

Palin is a member of the Swedish/Finnish combo ESSENCE OF SORROW and RANDOM EYES. The latter group recently landed the Finnish album chart at position No. 18 with its latest effort, "Invisible".

Songs from the new TIAMAT album "Amanethes" will receive their U.S. radio premiere on Indie 103.1 FM's specialty metal program "Chaos with Full Metal Jackie" tonight (Sunday, May 11) at 10:00 p.m. PST (1:00 a.m. EST Monday morning).

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.).

Due in the U.S. on May 27, "Amanethes" recently entered the Swedish chart at No. 13 — TIAMAT's highest-ever chart entry in its home country.

"Amanethes" has received rave reviews in Sweden, with the major newspaper Expressen calling it "a perfect album" and giving it a rare top rating. On Kritiker.se, a web site that compiles album reviews in the biggest Swedish magazines, "Amanathes" is the highest-rated release among all national and international LPs.

"Amanethes" was produced by TIAMAT mainman Johan Edlund, and was recorded mainly at The Mansion in Greece, with additional recordings taking place at Studio Mega in Sweden and Cue in Greece. The album was mixed and mastered by Siggi Bemm in Woodhouse Studios, Germany in January 2008.

The digipack version of "Amanethes" contains the exclusive bonus track "Thirst Snake".

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

In other news, TIAMAT bassist Anders Iwers will sit out some of the group's upcoming festival dates due to the birth of his second child. Replacing Anders for the first two shows will be Jesper Sklarin from FINGERSPITZENGEFÜHL.

TIAMAT has been confirmed for Artmania Festival 2008, set to take place July 18-19 in Sibiu, Romania.

A photo report from the first two days of the Rock Hard Festival — which is being held May 9-11, 2008 at the Gelsenkirchen Amphitheatre in Gelsenkirchen, Germany — can be found at the following links:

Kaamos Photography
Rock 'n' Roll Reporter

Included are pictures of the following artists:

AMORPHIS
ENSLAVED
EXCITER
EXODUS
HELSTAR
IMMORTAL
MOONSORROW
TESTAMENT

GOD DETHRONED and OFFICIUM TRISTE are among the confirmed bands for the Eggfest, set to take place June 7 in Eibergen, The Netherlands. According to a Rusty Cage Records press release, "up to 1200 visitors are welcome to see various metal acts inside an open air theater with a big dome where everybody is able to rest, drink and eat. We will keep this market small, so you can expect many shoppers with a minimum of competition."

Eggfest 2008 billing is as follows:

GOD DETHRONED
OFFICIUM TRISTE
HEIDEVOLK
KLUDDE
GILO
DR DOOM
PROJECT 13-5

For more information, go to www.myspace.com/eggfest.

"Lava", the new album from Swiss doom metallers SLUDGE, which was released in some parts of Europe at the beginning of the month, will see its release in the U.S. and Germany this coming week, to be followed by Italy later in the month. Dates for its release in Greece, Hungary and Australia are still to be announced.

SLUDGE will perform live at the official launch party for "Lava" on May 16 at Le Romandie in the band's hometown of Lausanne, Switzerland.

The album is released on the Mighty Music label and features two new members — Ulik on bass and Odin (HOUSTON SWING ENGINE, UNFOLD) on vocals.

Formed by SAMAEL guitarist Makro, SLUDGE had been streaming various tracks from the new album on their MySpace page for a limited period, but due to the response they have been receiving from fans, the bandmembers have decided to extend the streaming for a few more weeks, and have now uploaded the three most popular tracks including the title cut "Lava".

The video below is the official video for the track "60 mm" from "Lava".

Reunited California-based metallers DÉTENTE — featuring vocalist Ann Boleyn (HELLION) and guitarist Michael Carlino (FEAR OF GOD) alongside original DÉTENTE members Dennis Butler (drums), Caleb Quinn (guitar) and Steve Hochheiser (bass) — have announced a new show in Oberhausen, Germany on July 26 at Helvete Club.

DÉTENTE's schedule is now shaping up as follows:

Jul. 05 - Tidalwave Metal Fest 2008 - San Francisco, California
Jul. 19 - The Black Castle - Los Angeles, California
Jul. 25 - Headbanger's Open Air - Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
Jul. 26 - Helvete Club - Oberhausen, Germany
Jul. 27 - Ballroom Hamburg - Hamburg, Germany
Oct. 04 - MartoHell Metal Festival - Barcelona, Spain

Classic footage of the original "Recognize No Authority"-era lineup of DÉTENTE — Dawn Crosby, Steve Hochheiser, Dennis Butler, Ross Robinson and Caleb Quinn — performing the song "Holy War" in 1986 can be viewed below.

DÉTENTE's classic album "Recognize No Authority" was reissued in July 2007 via MVD Audio.

"Recognize No Authority" was a critically acclaimed recording that maintains a cult following to this day. It was also the launching ground for nu-metal metal producer Ross Robinson (KORN, SLIPKNOT, FEAR FACTORY, SOULFLY) who plays guitar on the album. The CD also marked the first full-length release by FEAR OF GOD's Dawn Crosby, who sadly passed away on December 15, 1996.

Spanish medieval melodic death metal band MISTWEAVER has entered Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden with producer Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND) to begin recording its fourth album, "Tales from the Grave". The group is currently looking for a suitable label to release the CD, which is tentatively expected before the end of the year.

MISTWEAVER's third album, "Age of Darkness", was released in 2005 via Golden Lake Productions.

MISTWEAVER is:

Raúl Puente Tobalina - Guitar, Vocals
Eduardo Alonso Santos - Guitar
David de Pedro Mediavilla - Bass
Eduardo Navazo - Keyboards
Simón Cordero - Drums

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

Fan-filmed video footage of DIVINE HERESY's first concert with vocalist Jake Veredika — former lead singer of the Maryland-based metal band PERIPHERY — which took place this past Friday (May 9) at the The Fillmore in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania can be viewed below (courtesy of "DeaDlyCorpsE528").

As BLABBERMOUTH.NET reported yesterday, Jake Veredika has been recruited as the temporary replacement for former DIVINE HERESY vocalist Tommy Cummings, who was dismissed from the group last month.

Veredika came into Assembly Line Studios (RAVEN, DECEASED, PROJECT: FAILING FLESH) in Vienna, Virginia this past Wednesday (May 7) to record a demo version of DIVINE HERESY's "Savior Self" to submit to the group for its consideration. He completed the recording around 3:00 p.m., the demo was e-mailed off, and by 6:00 p.m. he had the gig! Kevin 131 of Assembly Line Studios tells BLABBERMOUTH.NET, "We have known Jake for awhile... he records here from time to time. He shows up with a DIVINE HERESY demo and gets in a session with Ben [McCall; engineer] in the afternoon. Three hours later, he gets a thumbs-up for the tour! It feels like a 'Ripper' Owens/'Rock Star' moment around here. Ha! We wish Jake the best of luck on the rest of the DIVINE HERESY tour. Glad to be a part of the process for ya."

While a possibility exists that Veredika will join DIVINE HERESY as the permanent replacement for Cummings, guitarist Dino Cazares (ex-FEAR FACTORY) told BLABBERMOUTH.NET that the band won't make that decision until after its current "Tyranny And Bloodshred 2008" North American tour with ARCH ENEMY, DARK TRANQUILLITY and FIREWIND wraps at the end of May.

Tommy Cummings' videotaped statement regarding his departure from DIVINE HERESY and the response from the remaining members of the group can be found at this location.

DIVINE HERESY's debut album, "Bleed the Fifth", has sold more than 20,000 copies in the United States since its August 2007 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD was released in Japan with an exclusive bonus track, "Purity Defiled".

U.D.O. — the German band fronted by former ACCEPT singer Udo Dirkschneider — celebrated its 20th anniversary by playing two special shows in Germany on April 30 in Solingen at Cobra and May 3 in Tuttlingen at Stadthalle. The three-hour Tuttlingen concert was filmed for a DVD and live CD, to be released before the end of the year.

Check out pictures of the Tuttlingen show on the band's official web site: Part 1, Part 2.

U.D.O.'s setlist for the DVD/live CD recording was as follows:

01. Intro
02. Mastercutor
03. 24/7
04. They Want War
05. The Bullet And The Bomb
06. Midnight Mover
07. Vendetta
08. Mission No. X
09. Midnight Highway
10. The Wrong Side Of Midnight
11. Breaker
12. [Guitar Solo]
13. Princess Of The Dawn
14. One Lone Voice
15. Winterdreams
16. Living For Tonite
17. Thunderball
18. [Drum Solo]
19. Man And Machine
20. Animal House
21. Metal Heart
-------------------------
22. Holy
23. Balls To The Wall
24. Fast As A Shark
25. Burning
26. I'm A Rebel

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

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

Fan-filmed video footage of U.D.O. performing the classic ACCEPT song "Midnight Mover" on December 20, 2007 at the Metropolis Club in Munich, Germany can be viewed below (courtesy of "MartyParty03").

Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA — whose lead singer, Simone Simons, was recently infected with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), also known as the hospital bacteria — have issued the following update:

"Good news: Simone will perform with EPICA again! First show will be this upcoming Thursday [May 15] at Bibelot in Dordrecht (only 30 tickets left). The show at Tivoli in Utrecht (capacity 1,000) on the next day [May 16] is a very special one. As 'The Phantom Agony' [EPICA's debut album] [was] released five years ago, this gig will contain all 'The Phantom Agony' songs. 800 tickets have been sold for this one already. See you all next weekend!!!"

EPICA utilized the services of singer-songwriter and vocal coach Amanda Somerville as the stand-in vocalist for the band's just-completed North American tour with SYMPHONY X while Simons continued her recovery in Holland.

EPICA will take part in a special concert dubbed "Classical Conspiracy" on June 14 at the Miskolc International Opera Festival in Hungary. The band will perform classical pieces from Mozart, Dvorak, Verdi, Orff, Prokofiev, Grieg, Vivaldi as well as symphonic versions of its own songs.

Fan-filmed video footage of EPICA performing the song "Sensorium" on January 11, 2008 at the Patronaat in Haarlem, the Netherlands can be viewed below (courtesy of "letthemetalflow").