Austin, Texas radio station KUT 90.5 conducted separate interviews with THEM CROOKED VULTURES members Dave Grohl (also of FOO FIGHTERS) and John Paul Jones (also of LED ZEPPELIN) prior to the band's performance for the "Austin City Limits" TV program. Watch the interview clips below.

THEM CROOKED VULTURES's first North American tour launched last night (Thursday, October 1) at the kick-off party for the Austin City Limits festival in Austin, Texas.

THEM CROOKED VULTURES has played only one other show in the U.S. so far, on August 9 at a Lollapalooza afterparty in Chicago.

The band recently finished a short run of European festival dates.

Although a debut album has been completed, reports of an October 27 release are said by the group's publicist to be just rumors, according to The Pulse of Radio.

Several short clips of both live and studio performances by the trio have already surfaced on YouTube.

THEM CROOKED VULTURES's North American tour is scheduled to close October 15 at Roseland Ballroom in New York.

In addition to Grohl and Jones, THEM CROOKED VULTURES features QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE singer/guitarist Josh Homme.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada metallers 3 INCHES OF BLOOD have issued a statement regarding the passing of their former bassist Brian Redman.

Redman died last Saturday night (September 26) in a motor vehicle accident near his home in Tacoma, Washington.

Commented the band: "We are shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of our friend and former bandmate, Brian 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).

CrankItUp.se recently conducted an interview with guitarist Robin Sjunnesson and vocalist Nathan James Biggs of Swedish modern metallers SONIC SYNDICATE. Watch the chat in two parts below.

"Burn This City", the new video from SONIC SYNDICATE, was shot with director Patric Ullaeus (DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL) of Revolver Film Company.

"Burn This City" marks the recording debut of Biggs, a 23-year-old Brit who was previously a member of THE HOLLOW EARTH THEORY. The song is one of two tracks that were recently recorded at Abyss studios in Pärlby, outside Ludvika, Sweden. "Burn This City" is said to be the more commercial track of the two that is suitable for the radio, while "Rebellion In Nightmare Land" has been described by guitarist Roger Sjunnesson as a more uptempo song that the group's longtime fans can instantly identify with. Both tracks will appear on a new EP, "The Rebellion Pack", which will be released on November 9 as part of an all-in-one-package with the group's latest album, "Love And Other Disasters".

"The Rebellion Pack" track listing:

CD:

01. Encaged
02. Hellgate: Worcester
03. Jack Of Diamonds
04. My Escape
05. Fallout
06. Power Shift
07. Contradiction
08. Damage: Control
09. Red Eyed Friend
10. Affliction

Bonus tracks:

11. Ruin
12. Dead Planet

CD-Single:

01. Burn This City (radio edit)
02. Burn This City
03. Rebellion In Nightmareland

DVD:

* Studio report (making of "Love And Other Disasters")
* "Jack Of Diamonds" (video clip)
* "My Escape" (video clip)
* "Denied" (video clip)
* "Enclave" (video clip)
* "Psychic Suicide" (live in Cologne, October 2007, recorded by Bunch.TV)
* "Blue Eyed Fiend" (live in Cologne, October 2007, recorded by Bunch.TV)
* Tour De Paris
* Shopping in Paris

Part 1:



Part 2:

Rick Massimo of The Providence Journal recently conducted an in-depth interview with AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry.

Regarding AEROSMITH's future, Perry said the band is committed to do four shows in late October and early November in Abu Dhabi and Hawaii. "It remains to be seen whether Steven [Tyler, vocals] will be well enough to do those dates; I think he will be … I know he wants to be."

After that, he said, "I think we're going to have to take at least six months off, maybe even longer, to get everybody kind of settled down, let a lot of this [expletive] die down, a lot of the bad press wash away, as it does, and then start up again. And make a really great studio record. We know the fans want it; I know it's what I want, and it's what the other guys want. And then do a tour.

"That's what I hope happens. But in the meantime, I want to be touring with my band."

He seemed to go back and forth between confidence and wariness: "I'd like to see us play for another 10 years. But we're all getting older, and everybody has different lives. But I know that everyone loves playing together. This tour, we were probably playing better together than we've ever played.

"But either way, I'm up for anything, and that's why I can't sit still, and I have a solo album ready to go. And I don't know what the other guys are gonna do while we're waiting, but I wasn't going to waste any time."

Read the entire interview from The Providence Journal.

"All Shall Fall", the new album from reunited Norwegian black metallers IMMORTAL, will be released in North America on October 6 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD, which was issued in Europe on September 25, was recorded at Grieghallen and Abyss studios in Norway and Sweden, respectively.

The "Blashyrkh Limited Edition Bag" version of "All Shall Fall" includes:

* Digipak version of "All Shall Fall"
* Logo t-shirt (size of your choice)
* Abbath's replica battle axe in the form of a stainless steel pendant
* Four buttons
* Double-sided poster
* Special black IMMORTAL plastic bag

Order it at this location.

Audio samples of all the tracks that appear on "All Shall Fall" are available for streaming at JPC.de.

"All Shall Fall" was also made available in the following formats:

* Standard jewelcase CD
* Limited-edition digipack
* Limited-edition 180g vinyl
* Limited-edition picture disc
* Limited-edition box, only available through Nuclear Blast webshop.

Pictured below is the limited-edition, box-set version of "All Shall Fall". This box set is only available through Nuclear Blast's mailorder. The box is made of iron, and it's HEAVY! It is limited to 1,000 copies, and contains the digipack, four picture-disc 7" vinyls, a poster flag, a patch and a button.

James Minton of U.K.'s Terrorizer magazine recently posted an exclusive track-by-track breakdown of "All Shall Fall".

"All Shall Fall" track listing:

01. All Shall Fall
02. The Rise Of Darkness
03. Hordes To War
04. Norden On Fire
05. Arctic Swarm
06. Mount North
07. Unearthly Kingdom

Italian rock/metal act LACUNA COIL recently stopped by the Sirius XM office in New York City for a special acoustic, in-studio performance of its Active Rock hit singles "I Won't Tell You" and "Spellbound". This performance will debut on Sirius XM's Octane channel next week, alongside a slew of interview segments, which spans the course of the entire week. See below for the entire on-air schedule and don't forget to catch the band on the road this entire fall throughout North America on the "HardDrive Live Tour" that also features genre titans ALL THAT REMAINS, with MAYLENE AND THE SONS OF DISASTER, FROM SWORD TO SUNRISE (first leg) and TAKING DAWN (second leg).

LACUNA COIL interview breaks with Kayla
Octane - Sirius 20 / XM 48

Monday, Oct. 5 @ 1 p.m. EST (Part 1)
Tuesday, Oct. 6 @ 2 p.m. EST (Part 2)
Wednesday, Oct. 7 @ 3 p.m. EST (Part 3)
Thursday, Oct. 8 @ 4 p.m. EST (Part 4)
Friday, Oct. 9 @ 5 p.m. EST (Part 5)

LACUNA COIL also hosted a Liquid Metal Takeover (an hour-long Sirius XM exclusive featuring station's core artists picking out their favorite songs from the world of metal and beyond). You'll hear LACUNA COIL-approved tracks from MEGADETH, TYPE O NEGATIVE, PANTERA, CARCASS, RAMMSTEIN, LAMB OF GOD, GOJIRA, WHITE ZOMBIE, SLIPKNOT and more! See below for all air times.

LACUNA COIL Liquid Metal Takeover

Liquid Metal - Sirius 27 / XM 42

Thursday, Oct. 8th @ 6 p.m. ET
Friday, Oct. 9th @ 12 p.m. ET
Saturday, Oct. 10th @ 3 p.m. ET
Sunday, Oct. 11th @ 10 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Oct. 13th @ 5 p.m. ET

"Don't Stop Believin'" is the theme of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on October 5 when legendary rockers JOURNEY appear on the program to tell Oprah how singer Arnel Pineda became part of the band as well as to perform their hit anthem.

A photo of JOURNEY's appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" can be viewed below.

JOURNEY's "Live In Manila" two-DVD set was released today (October 2). Filmed with RED technology, which utilizes special 4K high-definition cameras with a resolution exceeding 35mm film that gives the footage an extra dynamic quality, the DVD captures JOURNEY's historic concert in Manila, Philippines. Performing more than two hours' worth of classic favorites, as well as new hits from the band's latest album, "Revelation", "Live In Manila" documents the triumphant homecoming of the band's singer Arnel Pineda.

On March 14, 2009, JOURNEY returned to Pineda's homeland and introduced him as their new lead singer to a crowd of nearly 30,000. Group members Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, and Deen Castronovo swelled with pride as they witnessed the Filipino people embrace Arnel and the music of JOURNEY.

By the time of the Manila concert, more than 800,000 copies of "Revelation" — the band's first album with Arnel — had been sold, and was supported with sold-out shows all over the world.

The "Live In Manila" DVD, like "Revelation", is being sold exclusively at Wal-Mart in North America.

"Live In Manila" track listing:

Disc One:

01. Never Walk Away
02. Only The Young
03. Ask The Lonely
04. Stone In Love
05. Keep On Running
06. After All These Years
07. Change For The Better
08. Wheel In The Sky
09. Lights / Still They Ride
10. Open Arms
11. Mother Father
12. Wildest Dreams
13. When You Love A Woman
14. Separate Ways
15. What I Needed

Disc Two:

16. Edge Of The Blade
17. Where Did I Lose Your Love
18. Escape
19. Faithfully
20. Don't Stop Believin'
21. Anyway You Want It
22. Lovin' Touchin'
23. Turn Down The World
24. Be Good To Yourself

"Revelation" debuted on The Billboard 200 chart at No. 5 and entered the national charts in six European countries in its first week of release. Within a few months, "Revelation" was certified platinum, journey's 11th album to achieve that status. In the fall of 2008, JOURNEY's classic "Don't Stop Believin'" set a new high-water mark for digital downloads, topping 2 million in sales, making it the most downloaded catalogue track ever.

JOURNEY plays with a passion and commitment that wows both longtime fans and new generations of listeners alike. More than 700,000 fans attended their 2008 tour alone to hear the new hit singles "Never Walk Away" and "After All These Years" as well as the staggering catalogue of hits such as "Don't Stop Believin'", "Any Way You Want It", "Open Arms", "Faithfully", "Stone In Love", and "Separate Ways".

Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley will guest on MTV2's "Headbangers Ball" this Saturday night (technically early Sunday morning), October 3 between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. EST/PST. The episode will include both interview and jam segments conducted by "Talking Metal"'s John Ostronomy, as well as numerous music videos spanning Frehley's legendary career.

Frehley will perform the U.S. national anthem on October 4 when the Kansas City Chiefs play the New York Giants at Arrowhead stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Ace's appearance will take place prior to the game.

Frehley's new solo album, "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. The CD also landed at No. 20 in Sweden and No. 52 in Germany.

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).

Metal Injection conducted an interview with Virginia grindcore titans PIG DESTROYER when they performed at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple on July 31, 2009. The chat can be viewed below. Also available is performance footage from the concert.

PIG DESTROYER's latest album, "Phantom Limb", came out in 2007 via Relapse Records. The CD was recorded at Omega Studios (BAD BRAINS) in Rockville, Maryland under the helm of guitarist/producer Scott Hull.

PIG DESTROYER's first video from "Phantom Limb", for "Loathsome", was shot in Baltimore at the Ottobar with director Dave Brodsky for MyGoodEye (THE RED CHORD, KYLESA, GOATWHORE, GOD FORBID).

The "Saw VI" re-edited version of HATEBREED's video for the song "In Ashes They Shall Reap" can be viewed below.

HATEBREED, LACUNA COIL, MUSHROOMHEAD, CHIMAIRA, SUICIDE SILENCE, SHADOWS FALL and TYPE O NEGATIVE are among the featured bands on the "Saw VI" soundtrack, which is scheduled for release on October 20 through Trustkill Records.

In "Saw VI", special agent Strahm is dead, and detective Hoffman has emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw's legacy. However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he is forced to set a game into motion, and Jigsaw's grand scheme is finally understood.

What started out as a "little" indie horror movie back in 2004 has turned into a juggernaut go-for-the-throat franchise so gruesome you want to turn away, yet so compelling you just can't. And fittingly enough, the movie soundtracks have always been amicable counterparts assaulting the senses in a fashion that would make Jigsaw proud.

Trustkill Records' Josh Grabelle said, "We are stoked about this soundtrack as we've managed to place songs from some of the most exciting hard rock and metal bands in the scene on this one. We are all huge fans of the 'Saw' movies and are ready to knock this one out of the park!"

Artists' Addiction Soundtracks' Jonathan Platt says of the "Saw VI" soundtrack: "We feel that we have put together a collection of songs that really mirrors the chaos onscreen. All of our acts are big fans of the 'Saw' series and were excited to be a part of the soundtrack and I think that energy really comes across."

Split into three different movements, the CD's track listing is as follows:

6 Chances:

01. HATEBREED - "In Ashes They Shall Reap"
02. LACUNA COIL - "The Last Goodbye" *
03. IT DIES TODAY - "Reckless Abandon"
04. MUSHROOMHEAD - "The Very Many Few" *
05. CHIMAIRA - "Warpath" *
06. DANKO JONES - "Code Of The Road"

6 Lessons:

07. SUICIDE SILENCE - "Genocide" (Saw VI Remix) *
08. MEMPHIS MAY FIRE - "Ghost In The Mirror"
09. OUTBREAK - "The Countdown Begins" *
10. SHADOWS FALL - "Still I Rise" (Saw VI Remix) *
11. TYPE O NEGATIVE - "Dead Again"
12. CONVERGE - "Dark Horse"

6 Choices:

13. KITTIE - "Cut Throat"
14. NITZER EBB - "Never Known" *
15. EVERY TIME I DIE - "Roman Holiday"
16. MY MY MISFIRE - "The Sinatra"
17. THE FLOOD - "Lethal Injection"
18. JAMES BROTHERS - "More Than A Sin"

Bonus Digital Tracks:

19. THE 69 EYES - "We Own The Night"
20. VENTANA - "Watch Us Burn"
21. MISS MAY I - "Forgive & Forget"

* Previously unreleased

RadarOnline.com reports that former ALICE IN CHAINS bassist Mike Starr was arrested Monday (September 28) in Los Angeles on a drug charge.

Starr is currently being held at the Bauchet Street Jail in downtown L.A..

His bail is set at $100,000 and he is due for arraignment at the Pasadena Superior court on October 14.

Earlier this year, Starr was selected as a cast member for the third season of the VH1 reality series "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew". Hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky, the season will consist of eight episodes that follow the real-life experiences of celebrity patients undergoing detoxification and treatment at the Pasadena Recovery Center. Joining Starr are country singer Mindy McCready, actress Mackenzie Phillips ("One Day at a Time"), former Hollywood Madame Heidi Fleiss, NBA great Dennis Rodman, Lisa D'Amato ("America's Next Top Model"), former Miss United States Teen Kari Ann Peniche and Joey Kovar ("Real World Hollywood").

The new season of "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew" is scheduled to premiere in January.

Starr joined the New York City-based ALICE IN CHAINS tribute band FACELIFT on stage on May 9, 2009 at Sullivan Hall in New York City to perform three songs — "Man In The Box", "Would?" and "Them Bones". According to the members of FACELIFT, Starr "was in great shape and form. [His] performance was flawless and this just about squashes all rumors of his prior poor health condition. The crowd response was amazing as crowd-surfing and high-decibel applause was present."

Back in April 2005, Seattle's KIROTV.com reported that Mike Starr was arrested in Seattle for vandalizing a car.

A man named Phillip told KIROTV.com that he spotted a man pulling the hood ornament off his vehicle.

He said he recognized the man as Michael Christopher Starr and called police. Starr was arrested for "investigation of property destruction and theft."

Starr, 43, a founding member of ALICE IN CHAINS, had been in legal trouble before in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City. His past charges include DUI, reckless driving, and various drug charges.

Back in April 1994, Starr was sentenced to 30 days in the Houston jail for
misdemeanor drug possession. Starr was arrested at Houston's Intercontinental Airport while trying to check in for a flight to Los Angeles with a suitcase he had stolen from the baggage claim area. Authorities searched him and found he was carrying marijuana.

Legendary heavy metal guitarist Tony Iommi (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH) will be IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson's guest on Friday, October 23 during Bruce's weekly BBC 6 Music radio program, dubbed "The Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show". Listen to the broadcast live via the Internet between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (midnight) U.K. time at BBC.co.uk.

The management for HEAVEN & HELL vocalist Ronnie James Dio released a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET on August 27 in an attempt to "quash any rumors that [the group] have broken up." The statement read in part, "Tony Iommi has to have surgery on his hand and [needs] some down time for recovery. Therefore DIO [the band] will be performing some dates in the U.K. and Europe in November/December during this time off. HEAVEN & HELL are already making plans for dates next year."

In a recent interview with The Aquarian Weekly, Iommi stated about his upcoming surgery, "I've got to have an operation on my hand, and that's sort of a major thing I need to get done and I've been putting it off now. So we're going to have some time off while I get that done. That'll be a bit of a break, I think. Not for everybody, but it'll be some time off from touring for me for sure."

When asked what happened to his hand, Iommi replied, "The cartilage is gone from the thumb in my fingering hand. It's been like that now, to be honest, for a year and I've been taking anti-inflammatories and all sorts of stuff to try and calm it down, but it's inevitable I've got to have the operation because the bone is rubbing on the bone. Funny enough, I talked to Eddie Van Halen this morning, because he's had the same sort of problem, so I'm seeing him to have a chat about what happened to him. He thinks it's very successful, so we'll see."

DRYLL (formerly DRILL), the U.K.-based band featuring former VENOM guitarist and founding member Jeff "Mantas" Dunn, performed at Jeff Fest on Thursday, September 17 at Trillians Rock Bar, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England. The charity-based event was held in memory of well-known and loved Newcastle rock DJ Little Jeff who made a big impact on the rock scene at the likes of the world famous Newcastle Mayfair club which used to play host to the likes of IRON MAIDEN, MOTÖRHEAD and METALLICA, to name but a few.

For this gig, DRYLL was joined by bassist Craig Elliott (formerly of DEF-CON-ONE) and none other than Antony "Antton" Lant of DEF-CON-ONE and recently also of VENOM. This was the first time Mantas and Antton played live together for almost 10 years since touring VENOM's "Resurrection" album.

Video footage of DRYLL — featuring Antony "Antton" Lant on drums — performing the VENOM classic "Black Metal" at the Trillians gig can be viewed below.

Antton — who is the brother of VENOM frontman Conrad "Cronos" Lant — left VENOM in April in order to concentrate on his own band, DEF-CON-ONE.

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



(Thanks: John / SiteOfTheHydra.com)

Long-running Venice Beach, California thrash/punk band SUICIDAL TENDENCIES has scheduled the following dates:

Nov. 13 - San Diego, CA - House of Blues
Nov. 14 - Santa Cruz, CA - Catalyst
Nov. 21 - Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Center Studios (We the People Festival)

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES in January released a video for the band's new single, "Come Alive". Vocalist Mike Muir told the Great Falls Tribune about the song's lyrical content, "There's a lot of people ... their heart's beating and they've got brain waves, but they're not livin.' It's about taking control and standing up and realizing that you're always gonna have an excuse to sit back and wait and see what happens. You've gotta take control. I've gotta take control. I don't want someone else to have that control, and I'll do my best to fight to keep them from having it."

"Come Alive" is included on "Year Of The Cycos", the first album from the SUICIDAL crew featuring all-new tracks from the "cycos." The CD is available from ST's "Suicyco Street Team" web site.

Drummer Dave Hildago Jr. played his last show with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES in September 2008 at the We The People festival in Los Angeles. His full-time replacement is Eric Moore, who previously played with the long-running SUICIDAL side project INFECTIOUS GROOVES. According to the group, "Eric has an unbelievable mixture of power and finesse and the band is extra excited about the upcoming tours."

A brand new SUICIDAL TENDENCIES studio album is expected in late 2009 or early 2010.

(Thanks: Zombierichard)

Three songs from "In Your Room", the new album from AGUA DE ANNIQUE — the Dutch band led by ex-THE GATHERING vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen — are available for streaming at the group's official web site.

"In Your Room" will be released on October 30. The 12-song effort was written entirely by Anneke except for two tracks: "Just Fine" was co-written with Devin Townsend and "Adore" was composed by AGUA DE ANNIQUE bassist Jacques de Haard and Cyril Crutz.

The "Hey Okay!" single will be made available on October 6.

An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for "In Your Room" can be viewed below.

Upcoming AGUA DE ANNIQUE shows:

Nov. 12 - Oosterpoort - Groningen, NL
Nov. 13 - Doornroosje - Nijmegen, NL
Nov. 14 - Melkweg - Amsterdam, NL
Nov. 15 - Effenaar - Eindhoven, NL

Finnish goth metallers THE 69 EYES will film a video for the song "Dead N' Gone" this weekend in San Francisco, California. The clip will once again be directed by MTV superstar and close friend Bam Margera. According to singer Jyrki69, "it'll be VERY dark."

THE 69 EYES will kick off a North American headlining tour on Monday, October 5 in San Francisco, California. Support on the five-week trek will come from DOMMIN and THE BECOMING.

"Dead N' Gone" is the second single off THE 69 EYES's new album, "Back In Blood", which has sold 2,300 copies in the United States in its first two weeks of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD was issued in Europe (excluding Finland) on August 28 via Nuclear Blast Records (September 15 in the U.S. through The End Records). It was tracked with the Grammy-winning producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, MONSTER MAGNET, FU MANCHU) and features a guest appearance by MONSTER MAGNET's Ed Mundell. The recording process took place both in Helsinki and Los Angeles.

The first single from the album, "Dead Girls Are Easy", was described in a press release as "a nasty power anthem for sleazy pin-ups complete with a sing-a-long chorus aimed at those online chicks with the looks that kill!" The video for the song, which can also be viewed below, was directed by Margera and the artwork was designed by Estevan Oriol, whose work has graced countless covers from such artists as CYPRESS HILL, THE TRANSPLANTS and SNOOP DOGG.

WSCA 106.1 FM's "Black Night Meditations" metal radio show conducted an interview with MEGADETH's Dave Mustaine on Tuesday, September 29. Topics discussed include Dave's thoughts on metal music and culture, record label support, the marketing of the band's new album, "Endgame", and the possibility of another MEGADETH CD.

The entire 28-minute interview can be downloaded at this location. It is available for streaming using the audio player below.

"Black Night Meditations" is a four-hour metal radio show focusing on black, death, thrash, folk, power and traditional metal. It broadcasts every Tuesday night at 10:00 p.m. EST on WSCA 106.1 FM in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

MEGADETH's new album, "Endgame", sold 45,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 9 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD shifted 8,200 units in Canada to land at No. 4 on the country's official chart.

MEGADETH's previous CD, "United Abominations", opened with around 54,000 copies in the U.S. to debut at No. 8. This was more than the 46,000 first-week tally registered by its predecessor, "The System Has Failed" (which landed at No. 18 on The Billboard 200 chart), and was a bit less than the 61,000 opening number of 2001's "The World Needs A Hero" (No. 16).

"Endgame" was recorded at MEGADETH's brand new, self-built studio in San Marcos, California — Vic's Garage — which was named after the legendary and iconic Vic Rattlehead character. The CD was helmed by Mustaine and British producer Andy Sneap (EXODUS, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY, MACHINE HEAD).

Dave Mustaine interviewed by WSCA 106.1 FM's "Black Night Meditations" (click on player below to launch audio):



Photo below courtesy of Megadeth.com

Behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the "Check My Brain" video, the first official single from ALICE IN CHAINS' much-anticipated new album, "Black Gives Way To Blue", can be viewed below. The clip, which was helmed by U2 and WHITE STRIPES video director Alex Courtes, premiered on September 14.

According to Hits Daily Double, the companion web site of music industry tip sheet HITS, "Black Gives Way To Blue" is on track to sell between 130,000 and 140,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD will likely land in the Top 5 of next week's The Billboard 200 chart, behind latest albums from PARAMORE, MARIAH CAREY, BARBRA STREISAND and BREAKING BENJAMIN.

Following its last, self-titled record in 1995, the once-mighty Seattle-based act went into a long period of inactivity, partially due to the drug problems of singer Layne Staley. Staley died in 2002, but it was another four years until the three remaining members of the band, guitarist Jerry Cantrell, bassist Mike Inez and drummer Sean Kinney, first regrouped for a benefit show and then officially returned with new frontman William DuVall.

Cantrell told The Pulse of Radio that with the completion of a new album — something he wasn't sure would ever happen — he thinks ALICE IN CHAINS is back to stay. "You know, the possibilities are limitless," he said. "The cool thing is, this band is alive, and we're alive. And we've had an amazing life. And we've lost some people along the way, and we've had to change, and we've had to dig within ourselves to answer some very serious questions about life. It's been a real meaningful journey, and we're really dedicated to going through the process, you know, and seeing what life has to offer."

ALICE IN CHAINS recruited pop legend Elton John to contribute piano to the CD's title track, which is written in tribute to Staley.

William DuVall had played with his own group, COMES WITH THE FALL, as well as in Jerry Cantrell's solo band, before joining up with ALICE IN CHAINS in 2006.

"Black Gives Way to Blue" was recorded with producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, RUSH) at the Northridge, California studio of FOO FIGHTERS frontman Dave Grohl.

Making of "Check My Brain" video:



"Check My Brain" video:

Quality fan-filmed video footage of NAPALM DEATH's September 26, 2009 concert in Munich, Germany can be viewed below (courtesy of "eblinternational").

"Time Waits For No Slave", the new album from NAPALM DEATH, entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 95. The CD, which was released in the U.S. on February 10 via Century Media Records, was recorded with producer Russ Russell. Drums were tracked at Parlour Studios in Kettering and guitars, bass and vocals were done at Foel Studios in Wales. The band then returned to Parlour for the mixing sessions.

NAPALM DEATH vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway told Rock Sound magazine about "Time Waits For No Slave", "Each album appears to have got progressively better and better. There was no great master plan, really. We're just a very organic band, very spontaneous, and we just try to write the best songs possible. If there is anything in the back of our minds, then I think it's that we always try to make each album differ without losing the thread of what should be there and I think we've done that with this album."

SODOM, WATAIN, CAPTAIN CLEANOFF, CAPITALIST CASUALTIES, MAGRUDERGRIND, OBLITERATION, SULACO, PUTRESCENCE, FANG and VERBAL ABUSE have been confirmed for next year's Maryland Deathfest, set to take place May 28-30 at an as-yet-undisclosed venue in Baltimore.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

16
ASPHYX
AUTOPSY
BIRDS OF PREY
CAPITALIST CASUALTIES
CAPTAIN CLEANOFF
COFFINS
CONVERGE
DECEASED
ENTOMBED
EYEHATEGOD
FANG
FUCK THE FACTS
GORGUTS
GOROD
GRIDE
GRIDLINK
HAEMORRHAGE
HOWL
IMPALED
INCANTATION
INGROWING
JESUS CRÖST
MAGRUDERGRIND
MALEVOLENT CREATION
MASSGRAVE
MELECHESH
NAGLFAR
NAZXUL
NECROPHOBIC
OBITUARY
OBLITERATION
PENTAGRAM
PESTILENCE
PORTAL
POSSESSED
PUTRESCENCE
ROMPEPROP
SADISTIC INTENT
SINISTER
SODOM
STORMCROW
SULACO
THE CHASM
TOMBS
VERBAL ABUSE
WATAIN
WOLFBRIGADE

The concept of Maryland Deathfest is simple: to bring to the United States the best and most extreme bands the underground has to offer. Never conforming to trends, or being limited by genre restrictions, Maryland Deathfest is a showcase of what extreme music, both new and old, is capable of. With an emphasis on diversity, the festival brings together the very best death metal, grindcore, black metal, thrash, experimental and hardcore bands from all around the world. With bands from all over the U.S. and Canada, and exclusive fly ins and rare appearances from some of the most in demand bands from Europe, Australia, and Japan, the diversity of the lineup is only surpassed by the diversity of Maryland Deathfest's rabid fan base, who annually travel from all over the world for a weekend of fun and music.

Since Maryland Deathfest's inception in 2003, festival organizers Ryan and Evan have continued to strive to bring together some of the most legendary bands in the scene and some of the most talked about up-and-coming bands in the underground for an unparalleled experience. Combining the DIY attitude of two young metal fans who are actually part of the scene instead of trying to exploit it, with a refreshing professional touch, Maryland Deathfest is year after year given high marks for being one of the best-run and most organized festivals around.

HYPOCRISY, the Swedish extreme metal band led by guitarist/vocalist Peter Tägtgren (also of PAIN), will release its new album, "A Taste Of Extreme Divinity", in Europe on October 23 and in the U.S. on November 3 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The North American mail-order version of "A Taste of Extreme Divinity" will feature three exclusive bonus tracks. A pre-order for the album is now available at this location in various formats and bundle packages.

"A Taste Of Extreme Divinity" track listing:

01. Valley Of The Damned
02. Hang Him High
03. Solar Empire
04. Weed Out The Weak
05. No Tomorrow
06. Global Domination
07. Taste The Extreme Divinity
08. Alive
09. The Quest
10. Tamed "Filled With Fear"
11. Sky Is Falling Down

Bonus tracks:

12. The Sinner
13. Taste the Extreme Divinity (2008 Demo)
14. Valley of the Damned (2008 Demo)

A second trailer for "A Taste Of Extreme Divinity" can be viewed below.

HYPOCRISY will kick off a U.S. tour in support of "A Taste Of Extreme Divinity" on November 5, with ENSIFERUM as the headliner.

HYPOCRISY reissued its 2002 album "Catch 22" under the title "Catch 22 V2.0.08" in May 2008. Peter Tägtgren re-recorded the guitar parts, his vocals and remixed and remastered the LP for the new version of the album, which featured bonus material.

The band previously stated about its decision to re-release the CD, "We still think it is a great fucking album but it got slammed and misunderstood because of the vocal style and the drum sound and so on."

HYPOCRISY's latest album, "Virus", came out in September 2005 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Legendary rocker Ted Nugent will guest on Dennis Miller's nationally syndicated show on Wednesday, October 7 at 9:00 a.m. PDT / noon EST. Nugent and Miller will take on the topics of the day.

You can listen to the program online at DennisMillerRadio.com.

On September 29, Legacy Recordings released "The Music Of Ted Nugent" box set as part of "The Music Of" series, a specially priced line of three-CD releases packed with huge hits and top tracks by the biggest names in music history. For the first time, the classic recordings by these household names appear in a box set that virtually any household can afford.

For more information, visit Amazon.com.

BARREN EARTH, the new Helsinki, Finland-based project featuring members of KREATOR, MOONSORROW, SWALLOW THE SUN and MANNHAI, will release a four-song EP, "Our Twilight", on November 9 in Europe and November 17 in North America via Peaceville Records. According to a press release, the EP "opens with the title track, a fine exploration of brooding doom metal and prog sensibilities. Following this is 'Jewel', an exclusive bonus track taken from the album recording session from summer 2009. The second half of the EP comprises of two tracks, the epic 'The Flame of Serenity' and 'Floodred' — recorded in the summer of 2008 and specially remixed for this release by Dan Swanö (KATATONIA, OPETH, NOVEMBRE) at Unisound, who also provides additional keyboard parts on 'The Flame of Serenity'."

Check out the "Our Twilight" mini-site at this location.

The artwork was created by Niklas Sundin of Cabin Fever Media (ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK, DARK TRANQUILITY).

Due in early 2010, BARREN EARTH's full-length debut will contain an extended version of "Our Twilight".

Formed in the fall of 2007, BARREN EARTH's music "combines elements of modern and traditional (death) metal with '70s prog rock and folk," according to the group's official bio. "Among the band's influences are artists like PARADISE LOST, OPETH, PINK FLOYD, JETHRO TULL and also some pioneers of Finnish prog. The members' individual backgrounds in many internationally known and acclaimed outfits is a testament to the quality of the band's music. These same backgrounds are obviously also echoed in BARREN EARTH's music."

BARREN EARTH is:

Mikko Kotamäki (SWALLOW THE SUN, EMPYREAN BANE) - Vocals
Janne Perttilä (RYTMIHÄIRIÖ, MOONSORROW session) - Guitar
Sami Yli-Sirniö (KREATOR, WALTARI) - Guitar
Olli-Pekka Laine (MANNHAI, CHAOSBREED, ex-AMORPHIS) - Bass
Kasper Mårtenson (VENHO) - Keyboards
Marko Tarvonen (MOONSORROW) – Drums

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

Phoenix death/grind quintet LANDMINE MARATHON has set "Sovereign Descent" as the title of its new album, due in early 2010 via Prosthetic Records. The CD was recorded at guitarist Ryan Butler's Arcane Digital Recording Studios, where he's recorded past efforts from the band, as well as MISERY INDEX, PHOBIA, THE FUNERAL PYRE and many more. The album will be mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (CONVERGE, HATEBREED, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN) in New Windsor, New York. The cover art is being handled by acclaimed artist Dan Seagrave, who's previously worked with ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER, MORBID ANGEL, SUFFOCATION and many, many more.

The band documented the recording sessions via video blogs which can be seen at this location.

Commented LANDMINE MARATHON: "We have put a lot of hard work into writing and recording this album. We all agree that it is some of LANDMINE's strongest material so far, both musically and lyrically. Ryan really went above and beyond with the recording and mixing process. Having the opportunity to work with two people who we feel are legends — Dan Seagrave and Alan Douches — is a huge honor. We look forward to sharing some of the final results soon and even more so playing these songs live on the road!"

LANDMINE MARATHON, whose sound has been compared to early Earache acts such as BOLT THROWER, CARCASS, and NAPALM DEATH, released two full-lengths on Level Plane — "Wounded" and "Rusted Eyes Awake". The band has shared the stage with the likes of TRAGEDY, KYLESA, SAVIOURS, BOOK OF BLACK EARTH, COLISEUM and many more.

LANDMINE MARATHON was founded in 2004 by bassist Matt Martinez, drummer Mike Pohlmeier and vocalist Grace Perry, the latter of whom periodically blogs for Revolver's web site. Guitarist Ryan Butler joined in 2006; two years later, guitarist Dylan Thomas joined the fold.

Drummer Brann Dailor of Atlanta progressive metallers MASTODON has scheduled the following signing sessions during the band's tour with DETHKLOK:

Oct. 10 - Rupps Drums - Denver, CO
Oct. 12 - Explorers Percussion - Kansas City, MO
Oct. 20 - Columbus Percussion - Columbus, OH
Oct. 21 - Huber & Breese - Fraser, MI
Oct. 30 - Sam Ash - New York City, NY
Nov. 01 - Sam Ash - King Of Prussia, PA
Nov. 07 - Drums 2 Go - Orlando, FL
Nov. 13 - Strait Music Center - Austin, TX
Nov. 16 - Hubbard's Music and More - Las Cruces, NM
Nov. 19 - Sam Ash - Hollywood, CA

MASTODON recently confirmed that they are working with composer John Powell and director Jimmy Hayward on the score to "Jonah Hex", the comic-book Western/horror film starring Josh Brolin in the lead role, with support from John Malkovich, Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Michael Fassbender and Michael Shannon. The movie is based on the DC comic series about a horribly scarred antihero who is "a rough-and-tumble gunslinger and part-time bounty hunter whose adventures always ended in blood."

MASTODON guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds makes a cameo appearance in the film, which is being directed by former Pixar animator Jimmy Hayward for a June 18, 2010 release.

In a May 2009 interview with Billboard.com, MASTODON drummer Brann Dailor revealed that a film adaptation of the band's latest album, "Crack the Skye", is well within the realm of possibility — albeit not in production yet.

"Crack the Skye"'s seven songs, produced by Brendan O'Brien, weave together a conceptual story involving a quadriplegic, astral travel, Stephen Hawking's theories on wormholes and the philosophies of Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin. "I think it's definitely the closest we've come to a fully cohesive story from start to finish," Dailor said.

Swedish death metallers INSISION have been confirmed for next year's edition of the Neurotic Deathfest, set to take place April 30 - May 1, 2010 at 013 in Tilburg, Holland.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

CARCASS
DEFEATED SANITY
DYING FETUS
DR DOOM
INSIDIOUS DECREPANCY
INSISION
HUMAN MINCER
NAPALM DEATH
NOX
KICKBACK
VIRAL LOAD

A total of around 40 acts will perform at the two-day event.

For more information, visit www.neuroticdeathfest.com.

A trailer for RUDRA's video for the track "Hymns from the Blazing Chariot" can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Jacen Tan and was "filmed over a period of two months, using some cool 'green-screen' effects," according to the band. "The concept is based on the ancient battle of Kurukshetra, focusing on the dialogue between two warriors, Arjuna and Krishna."

"Hymns from the Blazing Chariot' comes off the Singaporean metallers' new album, "Brahmavidya: Transcendental I", which was released earlier in the year via Vic Records. The CD was produced by Joshua G. Nair and Sean Loo and features fourteen tracks with a total running time of about 70 minutes.

"Brahmavidya: Transcendental I" track listing:

01. Bhagavatpada Namaskara
02. Ravens of Paradise
03. Amrtasyaputra
04. Hymns from the Blazing Chariot
05. Meditations at Dawn
06. Advaitamrta
07. Natural Born Ignorance
08. Immortality Roars
09. Reversing the Currents
10. Venerable Opposites
11. Avidya Nivrtti
12. Not the Seen but the Seer
13. Adiguru Namastubhyam
14. Majestic Ashtavakra

RUDRA recently announced the addition of guitarist Vinod to the group's ranks. RUDRA bassist/vocalist Kathir stated, "[Vinod] isn't someone new to RUDRA or the Singaporean metal scene. Vinod has played in many bands before and has been known to us for almost eight years. We are looking forward to writing the new album and touring with him."

Added Vinod, "It is truly an honor to be chosen and be part of RUDRA, a pioneer metal band. The first extreme metal band I listened to that inspired me and made me believe it is possible for local Singaporeans to start a band and be successful. I've known the members for a while. And now being in the band, I'm excited to work with them. Thus looking forward to contribute my part in the upcoming albums."

A photo of the new RUDRA lineup can be viewed below.

Original QUIET RIOT bass player Kelli Garni and Kelle Rhoads, brother of late OZZY OSBOURNE/QUIET RIOT guitarist Randy Rhoads, are among the musicians who will perform at the Rhoadsfest, set to take place December 6, 2009 at the Whisky A Go Go. Billed as "the best Randy Rhoads tribute show ever," Rhoadsfest will be attended by other members of Randy's family and will feature a performance by Kelle with RHOADS TO OZZ (said to be "the one true authorized Rhoads tribute band"). Six acts will play at the event, which will include special Randy Rhoads features and Rhoads original artifacts on display.

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

Garni recently launched a new social networking site, dubbed the RR Network, for fans of Randy Rhoads.

In 1982, Rhoads, the then-lead guitarist for OZZY OSBOURNE, and two others were killed at Flying Baron Estates, just outside Leesburg, Florida, when their small plane struck Osbourne's tour bus, then crashed into a mansion.

(Thanks: Fullshred)

Norwegian black metallers 1349 have cancelled their appearance at the Devil's Revenge Festival, set to take place October 3, 2009 at Alfred Fischer Halle in Hamm, Germany. The band says in a statement that it was forced to pull out of the event "due to severe organizational problems at the forefront of the event on the part of the responsible organizers." The group adds, "Everybody involved and the band tried its best and everything possible to solve the concerned issues, but unfortunately no agreement could be achieved. 1349 and Twisted Talent regret the latest proceedings and want to make sure that there will be no iteration of this situation."

An e-card for "Revelations Of The Black Flame", the new album from 1349, is available at this location. Released on June 2 via Candlelight Records, the CD — like "Hellfire" (2005) and "Beyond the Apocalypse" (2004) — was recorded at StudioStudio Nyhagen in Bøverbru, Norway, and was co-mixed by none other than Tom Gabriel Fischer of CELTIC FROST.

1349 released its third studio album, "Hellfire", in the U.S. in October 2005 via Candlelight Records.

Official Metallica.com footage from METALLICA's September 29, 2009 concert at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas — including clips of pre-show meet-and-greet and the actual performance — can be viewed below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. That Was Just Your Life
02. The End Of The Line
03. The Four Horsemen
04. Holier Than Thou
05. One
06. Broken, Beat And Scarred
07. Cyanide
08. Sad But True
09. The Unforgiven
10. All Nightmare Long
11. The Day That Never Comes
12. Master Of Puppets
13. Dyers Eve
14. Nothing Else Matters
15. Enter Sandman
- - - - - - - -
16. Breadfan
17. Whiplash
18. Seek and Destroy

As previously reported, METALLICA set a record for largest paid attendance for all events ever at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with their two sold-out shows on September 19-20. The San Francisco Bay Area metal giants beat out the likes of KISS, UFC, CELINE DION and U2.

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich told Nudge from Dayton, Ohio radio station 103.9 The X last month that fans should not expect a follow-up to last year's "Death Magnetic" album any time soon. Ulrich said that the group will most likely be touring through the end of 2010 before taking a break, and that work on a new record probably wouldn't begin until at least the second half of 2011. Ulrich told The Pulse of Radio something along the same lines when he was asked a similar question. "I wouldn't hold my breath," he said. "Do the math yourself, as I like to hear myself say, you know. You got another year on the road, and then you gotta, you know, breathe for a little while, then you gotta do it all over again. I'd love to put records out more often, but right now, I don't know what's gonna give, in between touring and having some chill time with the family and how long it takes to, you know, make these records."

The drummer did hint to Nudge that, while a full METALLICA album could be three or more years away, the band could join the ranks of artists who are releasing music in new formats. He explained, "The record itself is starting to be sort of an outdated format, so who knows . . . We're out of our record contract, so we could go back to HQ (METALLICA's headquarters in San Rafael, California) and record something and then we could put it up on our web site and whoever wanted to download it could download it."

METALLICA took six years between 1997's "Reload" and 2003's "St. Anger", although they did also issue a covers collection and live album during that time. But it was another five years before "Death Magnetic" came out in 2008.