"The Reign Of Darkness", the new album from the U.K.-based death metal act ANNOTATIONS OF AN AUTOPSY, is scheduled for release in January 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records worldwide (excluding the U.K. where it will be made available through Siege Of Amida Records).

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. And So It Begins...
02. In Snakes I Bathe
03. Born Dead
04. Bone Crown (feat. Erik Rutan)
05. Emptiness
06. Catastrophic Hybridization
07. VII: The Horror, The Destruction...
08. Impale The Sun
09. Portrait Of Souls
10. Cryogenica
11. Into The Black Slumber

The cover artwork by Pär Olofsson (THE FACELESS, PSYCROPTIC, SPAWN OF POSSESSION) can be viewed below.

"The Reign Of Darkness" was recorded at Foel Studio in Wales and was engineered by Chris Fielding. The CD was mixed by Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL, MORBID ANGEL, CANNIBAL CORPSE) at Mana Recording Studio in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Commented the band: "Well, it's been a long time in the making but 'The Reign of Darkness' is finally finished. We can't wait for you guys to hear this album and we know you'll love it. We're also very honoured that our good friend and total all-round nice guy and legend Erik Rutan worked on this with us and contributed vocals to the track 'Bone Crown'."

The U.K. version of "The Reign Of Darkness" will include a special bonus DVD, limited to 1,000 copies only.

Drummer Lyn Jeffs recently quit ANNOTATIONS OF AN AUTOPSY in order to focus on his other band, INGESTED. A replacement skinsman has not yet been announced

ANNOTATIONS OF AN AUTOPSY's debut album, "Before The Throne Of Infection", will be released in North America via Earache Records. The LP will first be made available digitally on iTunes on November 3 before getting a physical release in the New Year with a bonus DVD. The album has been licensed from U.K. metal label Siege Of Amida Records and was first released in the USA by Ferret/Siege Of Amida Records in 2008.

Legendary BLACK SABBATH singer Ozzy Osbourne will join METALLICA for their October 30, 2009 performance at Madison Square Garden as part of the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Video footage of METALLICA rehearsing the SABBATH classic "War Pigs" in the "tuning room" before their October 15, 2009 performance in Cleveland, Ohio can be viewed below.

U2, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND, SIMON & GARFUNKEL and CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & FRIENDS are among the other stars who will come together on October 29 and October 30 for two unique concerts in honor of the Rock Hall. The shows, presented by American Express, will be packed with guest stars and unique collaborations designed to tell the story of rock and roll.

Each night will feature entirely different lineups, with artists performing their own songs and the music that inspired them — tracing the history of genres ranging from soul to hard rock. All proceeds raised will go towards creating a permanent endowment for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation and Museum.

"Twenty-five years ago a group led by legendary Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun created this foundation to recognize and celebrate the music and careers of artists whose music helped shape and define our generation," said Jann Wenner, Founder and Chairman of Rolling Stone and Chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. "These once-in-a-lifetime concerts are designed to celebrate the artists and their music."

A creative team of Tom Hanks and his producing partner Gary Goetzman, Wenner, singer-songwriter Robbie Robertson, Academy Award-winning screenwriter, director Cameron Crowe and several others will work with the artists to curate the show through the live performances and filmed segments. Joel Gallen, the producer/director behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies and the MTV Movie Awards (1995-2006), will direct the show and oversee the 25th anniversary celebration along with the creative consultants.

Performing on October 29 will be:

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & THE E STREET BAND
SIMON & GARFUNKEL
CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & FRIENDS
PAUL SIMON
STEVIE WONDER

Performing on October 30 will be:

ERIC CLAPTON
ARETHA FRANKLIN
METALLICA
U2

METALLICA played "Master Of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman" at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 4, 2009, with the band's former bassist Jason Newsted and his replacement, Robert Trujillo, both taking part in the performance (the group played as a five-piece). They also led a "surprise jam" at the end of the night consisting of "Train Kept A Rollin'", with RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' Flea, LED ZEPPELIN's Jimmy Page, AEROSMITH's Joe Perry and Jeff Beck.

METALLICA was inducted by RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS bassist Flea. With his hair dyed blue and wearing a vintage METALLICA T-shirt under a green blazer, Flea recalled the first time he heard METALLICA, in 1984 while on tour with the PEPPERS. It was 3 in the morning, they were tired, crammed into a van and sick of being on the road, and "this music comes on the radio, and I couldn't believe that it fucking existed," Flea said, according to MTV.com, as guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield jokingly covered his daughter's ears. "It was like I had been living in this normal world, where I knew what everything was that came on the radio, and all of a sudden my mind was being blown by this beautiful, violent thing that was unlike anything I had ever heard before in my life."

Flea profanely described staring at the radio in awe at this music that was explosive, precise, aggressive and intense, with wild and bizarre rhythm changes that he couldn't describe. "I didn't know what it was; the only thing I knew for sure was that it was a mighty thing," he said of "Fight Fire with Fire", likening METALLICA's unique sound to a rarified "cosmic chemistry" and paying moving homage to the special gift of late bassist Cliff Burton, who died in 1986 in a bus accident while on tour with the group.

"When a person gets rocking to their music, everything else disappears, and that person is just one with the rock," Flea said. "It is an inexplicable, awesome thing, and I bow down to it."

Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich hugged onstage after giving speeches, and both thanked fans who have followed the band through its ups-and-downs that included the death of Cliff Burton.

"I think rock and roll is about possibilities and about dreams," Ulrich said. "The fact that the six of us can be up on the stage tonight, snot-nosed kids, outcasts, loners who grew up in very different parts of the world, in very different situations and make it here tonight, to this wonderful night in front of all these people down here ... Rock and roll truly is about possibilities. Look at us. METALLICA's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Can you fucking believe that?"

Hetfield started his thanks with a list of bands he'd like to see enter next, which included KISS, RUSH, THIN LIZZY, TED NUGENT, IRON MAIDEN and MOTÖRHEAD. He also dedicated the award to the young musicians trying to make it. "Dream big and dare to fail," he said. "I dare you to do that. Because this is living proof that it is possible to make a dream come true."

30-second, reduced-quality audio samples of all the tracks that appear on SLAYER's upcoming album, "World Painted Blood", can be streamed on Amazon.fr. They are also available in the YouTube clip below.

The official CD-release and listening party for "World Painted Blood" will be held on Friday, October 30 at Duff's Brooklyn in Williamsburg, New York beginning at 9:00 p.m. Free "World Painted Blood" merchandise and autographed copies of the best-selling Decibel magazine to date — the SLAYER issue — will be given away at the 21-and-over event, for which there is no cover.

The address is:

Duff's Brooklyn
168 Marcy Avenue (between S 5th & Broadway)
Williamsburg, New York

For more information, visit www.duffsbrooklyn.com.

"World Painted Blood" is scheduled for release on November 3 via American Recordings. The CD will initially ship with four special collector's edition covers. Each of the four covers will display one-fourth of a provocative continental map illustrated with human skulls and bones; when placed together, the four images form a complete and grisly map of the world.

All four of the initial CD packages will include a special blood-red, see-through top panel with the map displayed beneath it.

"World Painted Blood" track listing:

01. World Painted Blood
02. Unit 731
03. Snuff
04. Beauty Through Order
05. Hate Worldwide
06. Public Display Of Dismemberment
07. Human Strain
08. Americon
09. Psychopathy Red
10. Playing With Dolls
11. Not Of This God

"World Painted Blood" was recorded in Los Angeles over two time periods, during October 2008 and then between late January and March 2009. The CD was produced by Greg Fidelman, who's spent time in the studio with METALLICA, THE GOSSIP, THE (INTERNATIONAL) NOISE CONSPIRACY, SLIPKNOT and others, and executive-produced by longtime SLAYER colleague Rick Rubin, who suggested Fidelman for the project.

Italian rockers LACUNA COIL took part in an interview and acoustic performance prior to the band's October 18, 2009 concert at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, California. The 30-minute clip can now be viewed below (courtesy of ACtv and Bay Area Backstage).

Three unique artists were approached to remix LACUNA COIL's "I Like It" track for a single, which was made available digitally only on September 21 in Europe and Australia.

Interface: One of New York's longest-running electronic music acts, Interface combines the sonic edge of industrial, the club energy of trance, and a melodic sensibility for a unique experience.

Das Basslaster: Das Basslaster, synthies/samples/computer and vocals as well as producer for electro/pop/emo/trash darlings FRITTENBUDE, went for a more pop mix of the song.

Dan Peace: 20-year-old underground electro/big bass producer and DJ from the Northeast England, Dan Peace emerged from the bedroom mid-September 2008. He has since been knocking out his own brand of dance music and DJing regularly.

LACUNA COIL's latest album, "Shallow Life", was recorded in September/October 2008 at NRG Studios in North Hollywood, California with producer Don Gilmore, who has previously worked with LINKIN PARK, TRAPT, AVRIL LAVIGNE, GOOD CHARLOTTE, THE VERONICAS, PEARL JAM, TRUST COMPANY and DURAN DURAN.

LACUNA COIL is currently on the road in North America as part of the "HardDrive Live Tour", which also features ALL THAT REMAINS, MAYLENE AND THE SONS OF DISASTER, FROM SWORD TO SUNRISE (first leg) and TAKING DAWN (second leg).

Thrash metal pioneers MEGADETH are set to be the latest act to "go A.P.E." on the virtual airwaves. Listeners everywhere should prepare for the debut of the band's "predictably unpredictable" Artist Personal Experience radio station "Megadeth Radio". Band founder and frontman Dave Mustaine has complete creative control in the programming of his 24-hour channel, which features interviews, news, personal commentary, and playlists of his favorite music.

The multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated rockers follow hot on the heels of A.P.E. stations "Radio Weezer", "Christina Aguilera Radio" and "Eagles Radio Hosted by Joe Walsh" as "Megadeth Radio" debuts on October 22 at 11:00 a.m. EST.

"Megadeth Radio" is set to become the destination of choice for both the band's fans as well as anyone who appreciates hard-rocking radio, and will be distributed across Clear Channel Radio's "iheartradio" network (www.iheartradio.com), which includes hundreds of local radio web sites; the popular iheartradio mobile app, which has been downloaded by 3.5 million people; widgets; and www.megadeth.com. Just like the other A.P.E. stations, fans can participate in "Megadeth Radio" by emailing their comments to megadeth@aperadio.com or calling 1-866-686-1010.

Says Mustaine, "MEGADETH has been on the forefront of music for over 25 years. Now we're breaking ground in radio. We're giving metalheads everywhere a look inside and an opportunity to see what influences our world and music."

When the public tunes into "Megadeth Radio", they'll hear selected playlists of some of the band's favorite songs, including artists such as AC/DC, ARCH ENEMY, BLACK SABBATH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and many more. Interviews and eclectic stories told by the band members will punctuate the programming, including Mustaine talking about his younger days (and trading pot to a record store clerk for albums), METALLICA, his writing process and more. The station is a hard-rocking outlet unlike any other, and attractive to all fans of innovative audio entertainment.

Founded by Dave Mustaine in Los Angeles in 1983, MEGADETH has released twelve studio albums, six live albums, two EPs, 26 singles, 32 music videos, and three compilations. The band has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, with six consecutive albums being certified platinum in the USA, and has earned seven consecutive Grammy nominations for "Best Metal Performance". With new lead guitarist Chris Broderick, MEGADETH released its latest studio album, "Endgame", on September 15, 2009.

MEGADETH and SLAYER will head up north to co-headline the Canadian Carnage Tour from November 8-13, featuring MACHINE HEAD and SUICIDE SILENCE. MEGADETH will then return to the U.S. to headline their "Endgame Tour" through the end of the year.

Legendary rock bassist Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, WHITESNAKE, QUIET RIOT, DIO, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT) was a guest on this past Sunday's (October 18) edition of the "Heavy Metal Mayhem" radio show with Mike "The Big Cheese".

The program is now available for streaming using the audio player below.

Sarzo will participate in this year's Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, which will take place November 17-22 in Hollywood.

A collector's edition of Rudy's book, "Off the Rails: Aboard the Crazy Train in the Blizzard of Ozz", was released in August 2008 via TooSmart! Publishing. According to Sarzo, "The new edition is beautiful and includes many more pictures throughout the book as well as a 16-page glossy spread of Ross Halfin photos from the beginning of our tour."

"Off the Rails" includes a first-person account from Rudy's personal day-by-day diary of events while touring with Ozzy Osbourne and Randy Rhoads in the early Eighties. The book was originally due in 2005 but was delayed after Sharon Osbourne allegedly applied pressure to have it pulled.

Jim Breuer, comedian, Sirius XM host and diehard METALLICA fan, sat down for a rare and hilarious interview with all the members of the legendary metal band for his weekly show on Sirius XM's Raw Dog comedy channel. The hour-long interview, taped before the band's performance at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on February 1, 2009, delved into rare subject matter and humorous hypotheticals, including which band member each would call to help hide a body and whether they would be OK playing a gay man in a movie role.

The eighth webisode featuring highlights from the interview sees Breuer attempting to find out how well the bandmembers know their own music. The clip features a Chinese guy, an opera singer and more!

***Note: Even though the above-mentioned interview was conducted back in February, and the audio version originally aired the same month, the video footage of this particular portion of the chat was not uploaded until this week.***

"Fridays with Breuer" is an intimate show hosted by Jim Breuer, one of the county's most outrageous and beloved comedians. Breuer invites millions of Sirius XM listeners each week into his life and brain, sharing hilarious anecdotes about his adventures as a family man, doing impressions of his favorite performers, riffing on his colorful experiences from performing around the country, and discussing his beloved New York Mets, his favorite rock legends and more.

UFO drummer Andy Parker was recently interviewed in Poughkeepsie, New York by the weekly two-hour classic hard rock and metal show "Noize In The Attic". He discusses the health of Pete Way, as well as the band's current CD and U.S. tour.

The chat will be broadcast this Wednesday, October 21 between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. EST on Stickman Radio and the following day (Thursday, October 22) between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. EST on WNHU 88.7 FM in New Haven, Connecticut (and streamed live on WNHU.net).

UFO's new album, "The Visitor", was released in North America on June 16 via SPV Records.

UFO composed more than 35 new tracks in the run-up to the recordings, 13 of which were short-listed and produced at the studio.

The current lineup continues to consist of the three original members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Paul Raymond (guitar, keyboards), and Andy Parker (drums), as well as American world-class guitarist Vinnie Moore. Bass legend and original member Pete Way is currently suffering from a liver disease and was unfortunately not available for the studio production.

Italian death metallers NATRON have just released their sixth studio album, "Rot Among Us", via Slovakia's Metal Age Productions. The CD was recorded between March and April 2008 at the Golem Dungeon Studios in Bari-Capurso with Ottavio Marzo (GOLEM guitarist) as engineer and co-producer and was mixed in August 2008.

The track listing is as follows:

01. Rot Among us
02. Dead Beat
03. Bullet of God
04. Prime Cuts
05. Heads Are Rolling
06. Enthroned in Repulsion
07. Only Living Witness
08. Planet Corpse
09. Roadkill
10. The Infection Theme
11. Backyard Graveyard

According to a press release, "Rot Among Us" "stands proud on his own amazing fury, always faithful to the original band formula. The psycothic rifferama of the riffmaster Domenico Mele finds here a fertile ground.

"The new tracks are even more song-like structured, an armed assault still built on Max Marzocca's blastbeats and earthshaking double bass and young talent Alyosha Danisi's crushing bass-notes, somewhere complex somewhere straight in the face, but the whole album mood is fuckin rotten, nihilist and dark.

"Production is massively clean and yet with a modern flavour supplying a new powerful definition and even when the band speeds up the whole instruments sound remains surgically tight and clear while eerie and disturbing Tardy/OBITUARY-esque vocals spit forth the lyrics all focused on 'the end of this world' topics."

"'Rot Among Us', armed with its power load of 11 tracks of death/grind fury, calls into question man's fragile hopes: religion, politics, future of mankind, creating a nightmare of death/grind armageddon. Vocals are raw and painful, the new vocalist Nicola Bavaro put all his efforts into growling and shouting off the world outside the NATRON own apocalypitic manifesto.

"Always influenced by certain '80s thrash metal ala CORONER, VOIVOD and SLAYER and by the uncompromising brutality of death/grind '90s masters like NAPALM DEATH, TERRORIZER, SUFFOCATION and ENTOMBED, NATRON are legendary purveyors of a unique blend in the world's extreme scene. This is their most accomplished and focused album to date: uncompromised death metal brutality with a even more thrashin' and grindin' edge, rotting vocals and venomous lyrics."

Video footage of NATRON performing the new song "Bullet Of God" on December 28, 2008 at ZsaZsa Mon Amour in Palermo, Italy can be viewed below.

NATRON's current lineup:

Nicola Bavaro (CRUENTUS, SCHIZO, GLACIAL FEAR) - Vocals
Domenico Mele - Guitar
Alyosha Danisi (EXHUMER) - Bass
Max Marzocca - Drums

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

MÖTLEY CRÜE will release another "greatest-hits" collection, suitably titled "Greatest Hits", on November 17 via Eleven Seven Music/Mötley Records.

Best Buy will feature an exclusive CD/DVD package of the new collection with a 20-minute behind-the-scenes documentary filmed at "Crüe Fest 2", the sophomore outing of the band's summer festival tour.

The track listing for the package is as follows:

01. Too Fast for Love
02. Shout at the Devil
03. Looks that Kill
04. Too Young to Fall in Love
05. Smokin' in the Boys Room
06. Home Sweet Home
07. Wild Side
08. Girls, Girls, Girls
09. Dr. Feelgood
10. Kickstart My Heart
11. Same 'Ol Situation
12. Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
13. Without You
14. Primal Scream
15. Sick Love Song
16. Afraid
17. If I Die Tomorrow
18. Saints of Los Angeles
19. The Animal In Me (Remix)

The "The Animal In Me" remix is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

CRÜE performed its classic 1989 album, "Dr. Feelgood", in its entirety on Crüe Fest 2 to celebrate the record's 20th anniversary.

Eleven Seven Music/Mötley Records re-released "Dr. Feelgood" on September 21.

Originally issued on September 1, 1989, "Dr. Feelgood" reached #1 on the Billboard chart and went on to sell more than seven million copies worldwide. The title track reached No. 7 on the Hot 100 and earned the band their first two Grammy nominations (Best Hard Rock Performance: "Dr Feelgood" in 1989 and "Kickstart My Heart" in 1990). Twenty years later, the band was nominated for another Grammy Award and is celebrating its hit album "Saints of Los Angeles" on an arena tour of the U.S.

"Dr. Feelgood" was released as a deluxe version incorporating two CDs. The original version of "Dr. Feelgood" on one CD, and on the other a smorgasbord of delights! — four original demos from the "Dr. Feelgood" sessions, four tracks recorded live when the band played in Russia, plus a remix of "Get It For Free".

NWOBHM legends CLOVEN HOOF have issued the following update:

"Russ North [vocals] has left CLOVEN HOOF to pursue a solo singing career away from heavy metal. The band wish him luck in his new venture. The Barbaars festival in Holland and the Newcastle Cluny shows will have to be cancelled as result of Russ's departure, but a vocalist will be in place for the Hard Rock Hell festival in December. A new singer will be announced shortly.

"Lee [Payne; bass], Jon [Brown; drums] and Ben [Read; guitar] are currently in pre production working with producer Tom Galley (PHENOMENA) on the next album. It is scheduled for release in the spring of 2010 and will be CLOVEN HOOF's darkest and most epic-like opus yet."

CLOVEN HOOF recently announced the addition of guitarist Mick Powell to the group's ranks. He made his live debut with the band at the Rock of Ages festival in Belgium on October 17.

CLOVEN HOOF re-recorded 24 of its classic songs for a two-part "best-of" compilation, "The Definitive Part One" and "The Definitive Part Two".

Norwegian journalist Kristin Winsents, who was threatened with bodily harm by Dave Mustaine after she aired a video report focusing primarily on the MEGADETH mainman's brief tenure as the guitarist in METALLICA, has released the uncut version of the entire 25-minute interview, which was conducted on August 7, 2009 at the Langham Hotel in London, England.

"I am still stunned by the aftermath of the interview I did with Dave Mustaine in August," Kristin writes on the blog of "Lydverket", the Norwegian broadcaster NRK's weekly pop music show which aired the original four-and-a-half-minute report. "He didn't much appreciate the feature we aired on our show 'Lydverket' last week. In fact, he hated it. He also hinted at the possibility that I more or less forced him to talk about METALLICA.

"Both Mustaine and eager metal fans have asked to watch the entire interview. Here it is.

"I really looked forward to interviewing Dave Mustaine in London on the 7th of August. I'd listened to [MEGADETH's] new album 'Endgame', a great and extremely vital album. And I was excited to talk to a musician who actually masters the art of being relevant after 30 years in the business. And he certainly did not disappoint me, quite the opposite.

"Dave Mustaine is incredibly funny and engaging, and a master at the fine art of storytelling. And that's exactly why we have been looking forward to airing the interview. And in contrast to a lot of other rock stars, Mustaine actually shares real and interesting stories about himself in a highly entertaining manner. And I find that an endearing quality. And I think that's why we've had a lot of positive feedback from viewers after we aired the interview.

"I was taken completely by surprise by Dave Mustaine's anger. He's been in the spotlight since the early '80s, and should know that as a journalist I would find it highly relevant to use his statements about METALLICA. If he doesn't want that part of his life, and his turbulent relationship to James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, to be an issue, my advice would be for him to stop talking about METALLICA, Hetfield and Ulrich.

"Dave Mustaine doesn't want to be my friend, he states. I can live with that. But it won't stop me from listening to 'Endgame' on full volume."

Pictured below are Kristin Winsents and Dave Mustaine on the day the interview was conducted.

Uncut 25-minute interview: (Note: Mustaine brings up METALLICA around the 15:30 mark.)

"Lydverket" four-and-a-half-minute report (based on the above interview):

DEAD BY SUNRISE — the new band fronted by LINKIN PARK's Chester Bennington — performed the song "Crawl Back In" on the October 13 edition of CBS-TV's "Late Show With David Letterman".

Watch video of the appearance below.

"Out of Ashes", the debut album from DEAD BY SUNRISE, was released on October 13 via Warner Bros. Records.

In a recent interview with Ultimate-Guitar.com, Bennington stated about DEAD BY SUNRISE's highly personal lyrics (covering such topics as his divorce and alcohol addiction), "I think going through it was difficult, but I'm pretty good at writing about stuff. Once I came out with being abused as a child, a lot of those doors opened for me. Now I can write about anything I want. Nobody knew about it until that day. My parents were going, 'What?' It was like, 'Okay, if I can write about that, I can pretty much write about anything.' I would say that I wasn't writing songs about my particular problems while I was going through them during this record. I was writing songs about falling in love, and I was kind of skating around the subject a little bit. After I went through all of that, that's when I started writing very clear and very forward songs about what I went through. 'Crawl Back In' talks about relapsing and how hard that is. 'Condemned' is about that love affair with feeling like shit. It was very strange for me because these ideas just started coming. I don't know if I could have done it if I had was in the middle of it. I try not to change things that much in my songs. If it comes to me, then it comes to me. If it doesn't, then I'll wait a couple of days. After that, I'll just let it go. It's not worth it."

As previously announced, DEAD BY SUNRISE will perform also at MTV's first annual "Ulalume" Halloween festival on October 23, 2009, at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, alongside PARAMORE, AFI, and KID CUDI. Their performance will air during a Halloween-themed week on MTV, MTV.com, mtvU, and mtvU.com.

Century Media has been a brand name that has been synonymous with heavy metal for the past 20 years. The company is announcing new appointments that will position itself for aggressive growth in the next decade by bringing on Don Robertson as president; Mike Gitter as VP of A&R; and Marc Schapiro as marketing/product manager for the company's InsideOut Music and Superball imprints.

Commented Century Media CEO Oliver Withöft: "The world as we know it will change dramatically within the next two years. We at Century Media are looking forward to change. It will set a couple of things right that went way out of line in our industry over the past decade. Embracing these changes with an outstanding team will be even more fun and rewarding. These new appointments also kick off a business development initiative intended to extend the Century Media brand."

Don Robertson will oversee all aspects of the company's USA operation as president, bringing twenty years of industry expertise spanning management, label and publishing. He states, "I'm proud and excited to join the extremely talented staff at Century Media in this role. For 20 years they have been at the forefront of the metal community and continue to break new barriers. The record business is in exciting times where you must be innovative, smart and hungry to survive. Century Media is all that and more. This is the company to watch!"

Mike Gitter brings a track record of vision and accomplishment as part of Atlantic and Roadrunner Records, having garnered gold level successes with projects including BAD RELIGION, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and "MTV Headbangers Ball" compilation. He also signed such genre titans as MEGADETH, DRAGONFORCE, OPETH, GLASSJAW and NIGHTWISH.

States Gitter, "Not only am I becoming part of Century Media's legacy, but I'm also becoming part of what is guaranteed to be its most exciting chapter yet. It's a rare moment in a label's history where vision and know-how come together — that's the Century Media of now. This is the company that's going to surprise not merely the metal industry but the music industry at large in the next couple years."

Marc Schapiro has joined on as marketing/product manager for InsideOut Music and Superball imprints while also working with Century Media as a whole for new business development and marketing. Marc brings the resources of his company, Branch Marketing Collective, which focuses on sponsorship and event marketing.

States Schapiro: "I couldn't be more excited to be part of the InsideOut Music, Superball Music and the whole Century Media family. They are some of the most forward-thinking labels in this new era of the music business, and have an amazing team in place that I'm psyched to be a part of. Most importantly, I am looking forward to bringing bigger and more innovative opportunities to some of my favorite artists of all time like DEVIN TOWNSEND, KING'S X and OCEANSIZE."

Throughout the past 20 years, Century Media has been working with some of the scene's greatest musicians turning many into household names. CM has stood resolutely through the ups and downs of continually changing economic and political markets and shifting tides in consumer tastes. It is proud of its leadership in the hard music scene; a banner for the valuable art form and means of expression. Despite all of the years and breakthroughs the company maintains their organic, family feel and business is still being conducted by fans of the music for fans of the music.

Candlelight Records has announced the upcoming release of a special deluxe version of ABSU's popular self-titled album. Set for American release January 26, the limited-edition format will include a bonus live DVD that was filmed in Montreal amidst the band's first Stateside tour in nearly eight years.

The band recently kicked off a European tour, with support coming from Norwegian label mates PANTHEON I, Australia/England's RAZOR OF OCCAM (featuring members of DESTROYER 666), and American-based ZOROASTER, bringing their highly regarded and self-described "mythological occult metal" to stages for their long-time European fans.

Released in February of this year, the J.T. Longoria-produced (KING DIAMOND, SOLITUDE AETERNUS) produced "Absu" features the trio with an all-star array of guest musicians and showcases the unique graphics of Belgian artist Kris Verwimp. It is the first album from the band released via England's Candlelight Records, all previous records released by French independent Osmose Productions. In its first month of release, the record was pressed three times as fans rushed out to buy the record which held the number two spot on CMJ's (College Music Journal) Loud Rock chart for three consecutive weeks.

Prior to the start of rehearsals for the ongoing European tour, ABSU announced the addition of session lead guitarist Vis Crom (pronounced "Vish Krahm") to the group's ranks. He replaces Zawicizuz, who was recently dismissed due to irreconcilable differences. Drummer/vocalist Proscriptor said of the replacement, "We are extremely thrilled to welcome Vis Crom as the newest touring musician of ABSU. He has proven to be a conquering performer and we're delighted to convey our next live chapters with him."

Quality video footage of the ABSU's July 25, 2009 performance at the Stonehenge "underground metal festival" at De Buze in Steenwijk, The Netherlands can be viewed below (courtesy of "letthedeathmetalflow"). More clips are available at this location.

In anticipation of their forthcoming "Live 2009 - Reunion Tour" DVD on Napalm, resurrected instrumental metal pioneers KARMA TO BURN are embarking upon a handful of exclusive U.S. dates across the Midwest and East Coast.

A cult band with an extensive, highly cherished back catalog, KARMA TO BURN reunited earlier this year after laying dormant for most of the decade and soon embarked upon a reunion tour, including a coveted spot at this year's Download festival. All this action is captured on the "Live 2009 - Reunion Tour" DVD, to be released domestically on December 15 by Napalm Records, the band's new label home.

KARMA TO BURN's confirmed dates:

Oct. 22 - Mechaniscsburg, PA - West Shore Hardware Bar
Oct. 23 - Columbus, OH - Ravari Room
Oct. 24 - Richmond, VA - Canal Club
Oct. 25 - Jacksonville, NC - Hooligans
Oct. 27 - Fayetteville, NC - Jester`s Pub
Oct. 28 - Greensboro, NC - Greene Street Club
Oct. 29 - Asheville, NC - Stella Blue
Oct. 30 - Huntington, WV - V Club
Oct. 31 - Morgantown, WV - 123 Pleasant St.

More touring is expected before the year's out, and next year a new studio album is expected.

Quality video footage (three-camera mix) of KARMA TO BURN's April 18, 2009 concert at the Ravari in Columbus, Ohio can be viewed below (clip shot and uploaded by Digitallive).

KARMA TO BURN split in 2002 after Rich Mullins left to join Texas aggro-rockers SPEEDEALER.

KARMA TO BURN consists of guitarist Will Mecum (TREASURE CAT), bassist Rich "Dickie" Mullins (YEAR LONG DISASTER) and drummer Rob Oswald (NEBULA).

For more information www.myspace.com/karmatoburn.

Guitarist Rille Lundell of WARRIOR SOUL has issued the following update:

"WARRIOR SOUL is cancelling all activities this year due to some major changes of plans that involve the European release of [the band's new CD] 'Destroy The War Machine' — an updated and better version of the album with added tracks — and a major European tour to follow early 2010.

"Our apologies to those hoping to come and see WARRIOR SOUL in November, but we promise to come back stronger, louder and better than ever at the start of 2010. We're all extremely excited about what the future holds for all things WARRIOR SOUL."

"Destroy The War Machine" was released on July 14 via Acetate Records through MVD Audio. The eight-song album, which was originally released last year under the title "Chinese Democracy", includes a cover of IGGY POP's "Knocking 'Em Down (In The City)". This time around, you won't hear any hidden meanings or agendas in the lyrics, controversial frontman Kory Clarke tells it like it is and calls a spade a fucking shovel. His ever-present vocals make the band unique and immediately identifiable.

WARRIOR SOUL bassist Janne Jarvis previously stated about "Destroy The War Machine": "[This album] has everything a WARRIOR SOUL fan should expect from a WARRIOR SOUL record. It has an ear for an argument, puke on its shoes and remains untouched by trends or the long-arm of the corporations."

"Destroy The War Machine" track listing:

01. Fuck The Pigs
02. The Fourth Reich
03. Motor City
04. Don't Believe
05. Burning Bridges
06. Bad News (Rock 'n' Roll Boyfriend)
07. She's Glaswegian
08. Knocking 'Em Down (In The City)

WARRIOR SOUL's current lineup is as follows:

Kory Clarke - Vocals
Rille Lundell - Guitar
Johnny H - Guitar
Janne Jarvis - Bass
Billy Williams - Drums

Vicky Bradley (a.k.a. Vix the Angel Of Metal) conducted an interview with WARRIOR SOUL on July 8, 2009 at the Box in Crewe, United Kingdom. Watch the 11-minute chat below.

As GWAR's 25th anniversary "Lust In Space" tour enters its second colossal month, GWAR — in an act of unassailable magnificence — proclaims a series of special "meat and beat" sessions to be held at a select number of venues on the remainder of the tour.

Certain specially selected (selected by them paying) GWAR fans will be presented with a commemorative tour program that shall be autographed in their worthless human presence by all five band members. Fans will then have an opportunity to "meat" the band, and be "beaten" by them.

Regarding the "meat and beat" sessions, frontman Oderus Urungus said, "This is actually an opportunity for GWAR to take the time to personally express all of our appreciation to our loyal fans who have kept us rocking for 25 years. And then beat off all over them."

Here are the selected venues where the "meat and beat" sessions will take place:

Oct. 31 Worcester , MA @ The Palladium
Nov. 02 Toronto, ON @ Club Soda
Nov. 14 Tempe, AZ @ Marquee City
Nov. 16 Los Angeles, CA @ The House of Blues
Nov. 24 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Center
Nov. 28 Spokane, WA @ The Knitting Factory
Nov. 29 Seattle , WA @ The King Cat Theater
Nov. 30 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
Dec. 02 Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Centre
Dec. 03 Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall Ballroom
Dec. 07 Chicago, IL @ The House of Blues
Dec. 10 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Dec. 12 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

Head over to the GWAR merch booth to claim your spot.

Oderus will return to Fox News' "Red Eye" with the ever-affable Greg Gutfeld for the show on Friday night, October 23.

Quoth the warty one, "After my rude remarks about the 'Golden Girls', I was unsure of my future with the program, but apparently the people at Fox hate old ladies as much as I do, so I am back on the show."

"Red Eye" is a late-night/early-morning talk show on the Fox News channel. Airing at 3:00 a.m. EST on weekdays with repeats on weekends at 12:00 a.m. EST, the show covers a variety of topics, including news, entertainment, sports, and gossip. It is hosted by former Maxim U.K. editor Greg Gutfeld.

Rolling Stone's Mark Binelli put in some quality time at the Rainbow (and MOTÖRHEAD leader Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister's nearby apartment, stocked with a mind-blowing array of WWII and Nazi memorabilia) for a profile of Lemmy in the magazine's new issue.
Unsurprisingly, Lemmy has taken a path that's very unlike other rockers. Acknowledging his unusual journey, Kilmister tells Rolling Stone, "I mean, I missed out on human relationships. But looking at relationships that I've seen along the way, I don't think I've missed much." Kilmister has let rock n' roll be his guide since he was a kid learning BUDDY HOLLY records in Wales, and in Rolling Stone's profile, Kilmister recounts joining (and leaving) legendary psych-rock band HAWKWIND, attempting to teach Sid Vicious (SEX PISTOLS) how to play the bass and the beginnings of MOTÖRHEAD, which he conceived as a blend of HAWKWIND, the MC5 and LITTLE RICHARD.

For Binelli's full story, pick up the new issue (with MADONNA on the cover), on stands now.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada metallers 3 INCHES OF BLOOD have scheduled a special headlining show in memory of their fallen friend and ex-bass player Brian Redman. This event is set for Saturday, November 7 at Hell's Kitchen in Tacoma, Washington.

Commented the band: "We are happy to be paying tribute to our lost friend and former bandmate, Brian Redman. This show is about honoring Brian's memory and celebrating his life. We want everyone to enjoy this show, have fun and remember the good we all had with Brian because he always knew how to have a good time and we're confident that he would have wanted it that way."

Show details:

Saturday, November 7
Hell's Kitchen
3829 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA

Openers: THE JET CITY FIX, GLIMPSE

Redman died on September 26 in a motor vehicle accident near his home in Tacoma, Washington.

3 INCHES OF BLOOD previously stated about Redman, "Brian was an outgoing and charismatic person who was great friends with most people he met. We couldn't help but smile or laugh when he was around. He had such a likable personality but also had a knack for putting serious things into perspective.

"While in the band, Brian played a big part. He joined the band shortly after signing a big record deal, and endured the turmoil that followed after recording our 'Advance and Vanquish' album. For a time, the band's future was uncertain, but Brian was unwavering in his desire to play this music with us. He was loved by many and enjoyed life to the fullest.

"Goodbye, Brian, our fallen brother. You will be greatly missed."

According to Weekly Volcano's "Spew" blog, Redman recently returned to Tacoma after living in Southern California for a short stint.

Before he left for California, he tended bar at Doyle's Public House in Tacoma and fronted the rock band the DIRTY KNOCKERS.

"We have lost a friend, family member, lover, musician and all-around good person," posted Doyle's Public House co-owner Russ Heaton on his bar's web site.

Brian Redman was in 3 INCHES OF BLOOD between 2004 and 2006 and appeared on the band's 2004 album, "Advance and Vanquish" (Roadrunner).

On October 13, Metal Blade Records re-released KING DIAMOND's "The Spider's Lullabye" and "The Graveyard" albums. Both LPs were remastered by KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque and each title includes bonus material that purchasers are able to obtain digitally. Both "The Spider's Lullabye" and "The Graveyard" include live "bootleg" versions (with video footage) of the following songs: "The Spider's Lullabye" from the album of the same name, and "Trick Or Treat" and "Up From The Grave" from "The Graveyard".

Commented KING DIAMOND singer and namesake: "I've seen a lot of valid questions on our CovenWorldwide.org forum regarding the remasters and I think they deserve to be answered by myself.

"First of all, it's great to see that you like Andy's [La Rocque, guitar] improvements on the sound of these remasters. Just wait till you hear 'House of God'.

"The process has been another little nightmare for us to get done the right way.

"We wanted to have the remastered albums with an included CD-ROM video of a song from the respective album as a bonus. Fortunately, I always thoroughly check our products myself before they go into pressing.

"When I got the first two remasters from a U.S. mastering lab, I was sure that they must have done something wrong. The music, which I have stated from the beginning is the absolute most important part of these remasters (not the bonus material), sounded way inferior to what I know Andy did. Also, when checking the CD-ROM footage, it looked horribly grainy and shitty and it had become badly out of synch compared to what I have put together here at home.

"After getting in touch with Metal Blade, who got in touch with the mastering lab, the message I got back was, 'We have not changed anything, this is exactly what we got.' BUT IT HAD DEFINITELY CHANGED.

"We now decided to let Andy himself have a go at adding the CD-ROM bonus footage to the remastered album.

"I couldn't believe it when I realized Andy's version was identical to the one from the U.S. mastering lab. Metal Blade now checked around with several other mastering labs, asking if this was normal or whether something was done totally wrong on our end. The same answer came back from everybody, that, yes, you should expect a quality loss in the music when adding a CD-ROM to the same disk.

"At this point, we were about to scrap the whole idea of adding the CD-ROM since there's no way in hell I would sacrifice the great sound Andy had achieved just to have that in there. Tracy at Metal Blade was the one who came up with what I thought was a great idea, to leave the music alone on the disk and then make the bonus footage available as a free download. This would maintain Andy's sound quality and also maintain the quality of the bonus footage since it would not have to be compressed from approximately 1.3 Gigabytes down into a 130 Megabyte file size. So, this way we would be able to provide the best possible quality to all of you for both the album itself and the bonus footage.

"This, of course, meant more work for the label to set up the website where you can find the bonus footage, and was not a budget issue. They did, however, tell me that the footage would be available for everybody, not just those who bought the album since implementing codes, etc. would be too much too late to get done in time for the release.

"My personal view on that is that I have never thought that you should buy the remasters just to get the bonus footage anyway.

"As you might have noticed, there have never been KING DIAMOND releases with specific bonus tracks added for just certain areas. For example, Japanese labels have several times asked us for exclusive bonus for their releases, which we have always rejected for various reasons, including that I don't see why certain territories should be treated better than others.

"I hope that answered some of the questions you had regarding the actual material sound and bonus of the remasters.

"The following is regarding the artwork.

"The intention here was to revamp the inside of the booklets, not the actual covers themselves. A phone call from Metal Blade's artworker assured me it wouldn't be that easy. The entire artwork for 'Spider's Lullabye' and 'The Graveyard' had been lost in a computer meltdown where a lot of old Metal Blade stuff was stored, so we had to start from scratch. As you can imagine, this was a major pain the ass and very time-consuming.

"Regarding 'Voodoo' and 'House of God', I was initially told the same and a major search was put in gear to see if Massacre possibly had some of these lost files. Eventually most of the files showed up intact at a Metal Blade search and you will find very little change on the front covers. The back covers have been changed a bit and the insides have been totally revamped which is all what was originally intended.

"So there you have it.

"The bonus footage that will be available for 'Voodoo' and 'House of God' will be the two title tracks. So all in all, you will eventually have access to four live editions with footage of songs that was not included on our double live CD.

"The 'Spider's Lullabye' and 'The Graveyard' remasters are out in the U.S. but will not be released in Europe by Massacre until October 23rd. Massacre's versions will have an inlay card that directs the European fans to Metal Blade's website, which will be the only website where you can find the bonus footage. It made no sense to have a separate site set up with Massacre.

"At last, I want to say that work on the KING DIAMOND DVD set is still underway and we're really beginning to make some great progress. This has taken so much longer than expected because of so many technical issues that I won't bore you to death with here, but we recently acquired a brand new noise-reduction program that we're using to enhance all the footage, and it's amazing how much better everything is beginning to look compared to the original tapes. I really think you're going to love this stuff once it's done.

"Gotta get back to this and transcode four different tests for the 1997 Copenhagen VEGA KING DIAMOND show which, if I remember right, is taken from the first show of the KING DIAMOND/MERCYFUL FATE European double header tour."

It has been confirmed that two KING DIAMOND songs — "Welcome Home" and "Cremation" — appear on the Brütal Legend videogame, scheduled for release in October.

Both KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE have worked out a deal with C1rca Shoes to have featured artwork on several of their sneakers, the first pair set to arrive in this month, with more to follow in 2010.

Expect the first-ever DVD from KING DIAMOND as early as the winter 2009 or as late as early 2010.

(Thanks: NJthrasher)

German thrash titans DESTRUCTION will dedicate their set at Damnation festival in Leeds, U.K. to EVILE bassist Mike Alexander, who tragically passed away on October 5, 2009 while on tour in Sweden.

The festival will take place at Leeds University Union this Saturday, October 24.

EVILE lead guitarist Ol Drake will make a guest appearance on guitar with DESTRUCTION, to play some of Mike's favorite DESTRUCTION tracks with the band.

Ol Drake recently filled in on guitar for DESTRUCTION at Portugal's Caos Emergente festival.

Ol Drake comments: "Mike was a huge DESTRUCTION fan. It'll be a great way to pay tribute to him by jamming some of his favorite DESTRUCTION songs with Schmier, Marc and Mike.

"Throughout playing with EVILE, Mike was always cautiously calm about exciting things. 'Mike, we're touring with MEGADETH!' 'Oh, cool'. 'Mike, we're touring with EXODUS!' 'Oh, cool'. I just knew he jumped around like a child when he got home, but when I called him to say I'm playing a show with DESTRUCTION in Portugal he went 'OH MY GOD!!!!!!! WHOAAAA, you bastard! Wow!'"

"I got to pass on one of Schmier's picks from him to Mike before the last tour and it made his day.

"Thank you to DESTRUCTION for wanting to dedicate their next set to Mike and for letting me jam some songs in his honor."

DESTRUCTION bassist and vocalist Schmier comments: "Ol Drake became a very close friend to the band since he helped us out after the broken finger affair.

"When I heard that Mike Alexander died, I was speechless and shocked. I had to sit down.

"The world never was a fair place. This again was a situation that shows how fast everything can be over and out.

"Mike Alexander was such a positive and funny guy, his band on the way to the top, a fucking shame and a tragedy.

"EVILE and DESTRUCTION thought it would be a cool thing to dedicate the DESTRUCTION gig in Leeds this weekend at the Damnation festival to Mike Alexander. We will jam his fave DESTRUCTION tunes with Ol on the second guitar. We are sure Mike would have loved this — a memorable way for us to remember a lost friend!

"Rock in peace, brother!"

DESTRUCTION will play on the Jagermeister stage at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, at Damnation festival, Leeds.

EVILE will be unveiling a tribute site to Mike Alexander shortly and will welcome comments, memories and photos. Donations are welcome for Mike's children and family via www.ukthrash.co.uk courtesy of UKthrash.co.uk and Wiseblood Management.

"What We All Come To Need", the fourth full-length album from Chicago's PELICAN, is being streamed in its entirety on the band's MySpace page.

"What We All Come To Need" is scheduled for release on October 27 via Southern Lord Recordings. Described by guitarist Laurent Lebec as "the most perfect synthesis of everything we've done to date, sonically," the CD is "a giant step forward within the complex, intricate, beautiful and crushing sound PELICAN is famous for," according to a press release. The album features more guests than have ever appeared on a PELICAN album before: Greg Anderson of SUNN O))), Aaron Turner of ISIS, Ben Verellen of HARKONEN and Helms Alee and Allen Epley from THE LIFE AND TIMES and SHINER. Content-wise, Lebec says "there is a current of inspiration that feels particular to each album's music and titles. Though we lack a singer, the song names are often conceptual. This new album speaks to a rapidly decaying world, the fulfillment we find in each other, as well as the resolve to move beyond disillusionment."

"What We All Come To Need" track listing:

01. Glimmer
02. The Creeper
03. Ephemeral
04. Specks Of Light
05. Strung Up From The Sky
06. An Inch Above Sand
07. What We All Come To Need
08. Final Breath

PELICAN has announced several more in-store appearances along the way when they hit the road this month. This is a great opportunity to see the band for free in a intimate setting!

PELICAN in-store performances:

Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m.
The Record Exchange
1105 West Idaho St.
Boise, ID
www.therecordexchange.com

Oct. 24 at 3:00 p.m.
Easy Street Records (Queen Anne)
20 Mercer St.
Seattle WA
www.easystreetonline.com

Oct. 25 at 3:00 p.m.
Jackpot Records (Hawthorne)
3574 SE Hawthorne St.
Portland, OR
www.jackpotrecords.com

**this is a DJ SET; PELICAN will be playing their favorite records!

Nov. 1 at 3:30 p.m.
End of an Ear
2209 South First St.
Austin TX
www.endofanear.com

PELICAN's U.S. tour with BLACK COBRA kicked off on October 18.

For a list of dates, go to this location.

Vocalist Guy Kozowyk of Boston, Massachusetts metallers THE RED CHORD will be interviewed on Metal Messiah Radio tonight (Tuesday, October 20) between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. EST.

You can listen to the program live via the Internet at this location.

THE RED CHORD will release its fourth full-length album, "Fed Through the Teeth Machine", on October 27 in the U.S. via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded at Jonny Fay Backyard Studios, which is owned by the band's former guitarist Jonny Fay, and it was mixed and mastered by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, who has previously worked with HATEBREED and SHADOWS ALL, among others.

The track listing for the album is as follows:

01. Demoralizer
02. Hour Of Rats
03. Hymns And Crippled Anthems
04. Embarrassment Legacy
05. Tales Of Martyrs And Disappearing Acts
06. Floating Through The Vein
07. Ingest The Ash
08. One Robot To Another
09. Mouthful Of Precious Stones
10. The Ugliest Truth
11. Face Area Solution
12. Sleepless Nights In The Compound

The song "One Robot To Another" is now available for streaming at MetalInjection.net.

Regarding the new album title, Kozowyk told Revolver magazine, "It's from the Discovery Channel show 'How It's Made'. They were talking about this machine they feed zippers through, but we just though the name was creepy."

The disc will be the band's first since the mid-2007 departure of Faye, whom the group chose not to replace. "With the economy being so bad, we figured it was time to downsize," Kozowyk said, only half-joking. "Writing as a four-piece is actually more efficient because there's one less opinion you have to deal with."

According to Kozowyk, the new songs are more intense and mature than those on 2007's "Prey for Eyes". "It's faster and heavier, but it's definitely groove-oriented and melodic where it needs to be," he said.

THE RED CHORD is:

Guy Kozowyk - Vocals
Mike "Gunface" McKenzie - Guitar
Greg Weeks - Bass
Brad Fickeisen - Drums

Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will guest on "Uncensored Net Noise" on Friday, October 23 beginning at around 9:30 p.m. EST.

You can listen to the program live via the Internet at this location.

Last week, Frehley postponed his Australian tour — which was scheduled to take place later this month — until 2010. Due to overwhelming demand, Frehley has decided to reward the response with additional dates and an expanded setlist, including some rarities, for his fan base. The Spaceman promises the shows will be worth the wait. "I made [my new solo album] 'Anomaly' for my fans, and the response has been incredible," Frehley says. "I've never toured Australia as a solo artist, and I want to pull out all the stops."

Frehley is currently considering adding his biggest Australian KISS hit "Talk To Me", as well as the never-performed "Dark Light" (from KISS' "Music From The Elder") to his set. Ace also plans to reschedule his Japan dates after "Anomaly" has been released there (December 9 via Universal Music).

"Anomaly" sold around 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart.

In addition to the standard CD release, unique "Anomaly" packages were made available at Wal-Mart and Best Buy locations. The Wal-Mart version includes an Ace autographed tattoo while the Best Buy edition is printed on silver stock, like the KISS "Double Platinum" album.

Released on September 15 via Ace's own Bronx Born Records, with Rocket Science providing a full label service platform in the U.S., "Anomaly" was produced and recorded in Westchester County, New York between 2007 and 2009 and was mixed in Los Angeles.

Frehley last year spent time on the road fronting a band that featured second guitarist Derrek Hawkins, drummer Scot Coogan (ex-BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION) and bassist Anthony Esposito (ex-LYNCH MOB).

Photo below courtesy of AceFrehley.com

Mary Forsberg Weiland — mother, model, bipolar disorder survivor and recovering drug addict — has confirmed two signing engagements for her new book, "Fall To Pieces: A Memoir Of Drugs, Rock 'N' Roll, And Mental Illness", due out November 10 via William Morrow/HarperCollins Publishers:

Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00 p..m
Borders
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY

Monday, November 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Book Soup
8813 W. Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA

During these appearances, Mary will also read passages from her book and take questions.

Mary beautifully tells the story of her life and her longtime relationship with STONE TEMPLE PILOTS/former VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland in "Fall To Pieces" — written with Larkin Warren.

In her memoir, Mary reveals the extreme highs and lows of her life with refreshing candor and unflinching detail. She offers a window into the world of modeling and rock 'n' roll, while at the same time providing deep insights into the drug and alcohol addictions that could have killed her, and her serious, recently diagnosed and misunderstood mental illness.

Mary explains her reason for writing this book and why she felt bipolar disorder was an important subject to address: "I reject the stigma that the words 'mental illness' carry and I'd love to be a part of the movement to eliminate it." She continues: "After my bipolar diagnosis, I read countless books on the subject. I had a difficult time connecting to them because my story often lacked the intense mania that so many people struggle with. I'm hoping that someone who may be wrestling with similar demons to mine can find even an ounce of hope in 'Fall To Pieces'."

Inspired by books from public figures documenting their own struggles — including Brooke Shields' "Down Came The Rain", about a journey through postpartum depression, and Carrie Fisher's "Wishful Drinking" — Mary felt it was important to share her story, despite fears of how revealing her personal battles might affect her family. "Overall, I'm an honest and open person, so spilling my beans came quite easy, but memoirs and motherhood is a difficult marriage to broker," she says. "Keeping authenticity while trying to protect my children felt a lot like walking a tightrope. In the end, though, I was able to write about that challenge too, so the whole process felt like an honest entry in the so-called diary that became this book."

In "Fall To Pieces", Mary discusses:

* A childhood filled with depression, instability, early addictive tendencies, an overdose and a stint in juvenile hall.
* Meeting Scott Weiland, then an aspiring musician, for the first time at age 16 when he showed up to drive her to and from modeling gigs for $8 an hour.
* The Fourth of July party at Leonardo DiCaprio's house in Malibu, where the Weilands arrived in long-sleeved turtlenecks to hide needle tracks and scabs.
* Her frequent calls to JANE'S ADDICTION guitarist Dave Navarro, who somehow always seemed to know where Scott was.
* Scott's marriage proposal, which followed Mary's seventh rehab stay — and the positive pregnancy test that came soon after.
* The "domestic battery charges" that weren't true but that got Scott back into rehab — and the supportive phone call from Robert Downey, Jr. reassuring Mary that she'd done the right thing.
* The "Weiland Wardrobe Bonfire" three-day headline-making breakdown in Burbank, CA in 2007 that led to Mary's ultimate diagnosis of bipolar disorder, successful treatment, and a new life of health and hope for the future. Of the incident, she now says: "I unraveled. I don't know all the answers to what happened that day I just remember my true self watched helplessly as I fell into deep mania. Writing about it certainly helped me answer a few questions… but not all."

Advance praise for "Fall To Pieces":

"Mary Weiland's beautifully crafted memoir takes the reader through the journey that is so very common today, the slow drift into addiction and mental illness. 'Fall To Pieces' is perhaps the most vivid rendition of this experience I have ever come across. Honest, clear, and accurate, Mary takes us into the reality of a world that is idealized in the tabloids. I have always loved Mary and Scott Weiland, but never more than now." — Dr. Drew Pinsky, host of "Loveline" and "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew", author of "The Mirror Effect" and "Cracked"

"Want to take a trip to the dark side and back? 'Fall to Pieces' is a brutally honest and compelling account of Mary Weiland's struggles with addiction and mental illness that will have you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page. This is a cautionary story that offers hope and solution to these often seemingly hopeless conditions. Brave, bold and unfiltered, Mary's writing injects humor and levity in a way that is both entertaining and necessary, while keeping the focus on the extremely serious and life threatening behaviors that she confronts. Many people don't have the opportunity to come back and share their experiences, and I have no doubt that this important book will help save many lives." — Dave Navarro

"Mary Weiland describes the depths of madness and addiction with surprising clarity. 'Fall To Pieces' is a wild, gripping story, told with intense emotional honesty." — Terri Cheney, New York Times bestselling author of "Manic"

A two-minute video clip of Mary Forsberg Weiland talking about her new book can be viewed below.

MAN RAZE, the rock outfit featuring Phil Collen of DEF LEPPARD, Simon Laffy from GIRL and Paul Cook of THE SEX PISTOLS, will support ALICE COOPER on the following U.K. dates:

Nov. 24 - Manchester Apollo - Manchester, UK
Nov. 25 - Clyde Auditorium - Glasgow, UK
Nov. 27 - Newcastle City Hall - Newcastle, UK
Nov. 28 - Sheffield City Hall - Sheffield, UK
Nov. 29 - Oasis Leisure Center Swindon - Swindon, UK
Dec. 01 - Civic Hall - Wolverhampton, UK
Dec. 02 - Pavillions - Plymouth, UK
Dec. 04 - Royal Center - Nottingham, UK
Dec. 05 - Brighton Center - Brighton, UK
Dec. 06 - Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK

MAN RAZE's debut album, "Surreal", was re-released on June 9 via VH1 Classic Records as a deluxe edition with five previously bonus tracks:

01. You're So Wrong
02. Low (live in Burbank '08)
03. Turn It Up (Deep Dub)
04. Runnin' Me Up (instrumental)
05. Can't Find My Own Way (live acoustic version from Gary Crowley Show)

"Surreal" came out in the U.K. on November 17, 2008 through Surrealist Records. The U.K. version of the CD came with a special European-edition bonus disc.

Mixing the raw energy of the PISTOLS mixed with the immaculate pop rock of DEF LEPPARD, MAN RAZE is a unique clash of '70s simplicity with '80s excess, punk clubs with stadium rock.

"The fun part about MAN RAZE is that musically we can go off in any direction from rock to alternative the next," Phil Collen previously said.

With regards to the band's sound, Collen — who also handles lead vocals — told Rolling Stone magazine, "It's a mix. We go from really hard rock, with obviously big guitars, to dub. I was always into the alternative stuff, a very big fan of THE POLICE. And this is edgy — a lot more aggressive than DEF LEPPARD."

Before joining DEF LEPPARD, London born Phil Collen played in GIRL, who were one of the great unsung U.K. rock acts of the early 80’s (singer Phil Lewis would later front L.A. GUNS — who were at the vanguard of the L.A. sleaze rock scene that eventually produced GUNS N' ROSES). While Phil went on to join DEF LEPPARD he maintained a strong friendship with Simon Laffy, GIRL's bassist. Reconnecting in 2004, and joined by SEX PISTOLS drummer Paul Cook, MAN RAZE was born. Eschewing their illustrious past, the band have spent the past two year getting back to basics, writing and recording — they also played a sold-out show at London's Spitz Club and released a limited-edition EP "Skin Crawl" in October 2005 on their own label, Surrealist Records, in the U.K.

"Falling World", a brand new song from Finnish doom metallers SWALLOW THE SUN, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's fifth album, "New Moon", which is scheduled for release on November 10 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was recorded at Fascination Street studios in Örebro, Sweden with Jens Bogren, who has previously worked with such acts as KATATONIA, OPETH, PARADISE LOST and AMON AMARTH. Kai Hahto (WINTERSUN, ex-ROTTEN SOUND) has been recruited to play drums on the album following the recent departure of longtime skinsman Pasi Pasanen.

"New Moon" track listing:

01. These Woods Breathe Evil
02. Falling World
03. Sleepless Swans
04. And Heavens Cried Blood
05. Lights on the Lake (Horror Pt. III)
06. New Moon
07. Servant of Sorrow
08. Weight of the Dead

A mini-site for the CD can be accessed at this location.

REFLEXION, the Finnish band featuring vocalist Juha Kylmänen (FOR MY PAIN…, ex-TO/DIE/FOR), has parted ways with drummer Ari-Matti "Reiska" Pohjola. The group says in a statement, "This was the biggest and hardest decision in our band's history, but it was made in good spirit and without bad blood.

"The root cause of all of this dates back to a year and a half ago. Since then, our long-term drummer and dear friend Ari-Matti 'Reiska' Pohjola has been suffering from a still undiagnosed injury in his back and right hand.

"About one year ago, we decided that we would start to record our third album on summer 2009. At that point everything seemed to be fine. During the year, we played a couple of gigs and we already got signs that Reiska's hand was not working properly, although it still didn't prevent him from playing. In the spring, when we started to rehearse new songs and record demos, Reiska's hand still wasn't right.

"We moved the studio session ahead for three weeks but during that time Reiska's hand only got worse and we had to find another solution. We discussed possible solutions and came to a decision to use a session drummer for the studio and try to put Reiska back on the line one way or another. Juha suggested that maybe we should contact his friend and old colleague Tonmi Lillman. We had very good luck in that we managed to get Tonmi to play the drums for the album.

"After the album recordings, Reiska's hand and back were still in a bad shape. We had already had some gigs confirmed for next year and we should start to rehearse soon. It was quite a confusing situation and we thought about every possible solution. As an outcome, we came to a decision that we cannot continue in such an uncertain state and all agreed that the best thing for the future of the band is to find a new drummer for REFLEXION.

"This didn't come easily but we are very happy that we still remain friends.

"We're all looking forward to see Reiska's hand in a shape that he could continue to play the drums and as well do the other things that are important to him."

REFLEXION's second album, "Dead To The Past, Blind For Tomorrow", was released in March 2008. The CD was recorded at Soundtrack, Tonebox, Grooveland, Wavesound and Perfect Sounds Studios. It was mixed at Grooveland and was mastered at Chartmakers by Svante Forsbäck.

German metal queen Doro Pesch has been confirmed for the 10th-anniversary edition of Bloodstock festival, set to take place August 13-15, 2010 at Catton Hall, Derbyshire, United Kingdom.

The festival billing is now shaping up as follows:

ANDROMEDA
BEHEMOTH
DEVIN TOWNSEND
DORO
OBITUARY
RAGE
ROSS THE BOSS

For more information, go to this location.