ARTISTdirect.com editor Rick Florino recently conducted an interview with KORN frontman Jonathan Davis. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

ARTISTdirect.com: How's the new record coming along? Has the concept been fully fleshed out?

Davis: It's going to be what it's going to be. The album's starting to take on a life of its own. I wanted it to start out as a concept album but now there are other things coming up that I want to talk about. I don't know necessarily if the concept's going to stick or not. We've been working with [producer] Ross Robinson. It's weird. I've been humming my lyrics along with the band as they play. I haven't done that in forever. We'd usually do our parts separately, and then I'd do my thing over the music after the song was done. We've been writing altogether as a band this time. I've been freestyling all of these lyrics that aren't necessarily about the five things I initially came up with for the album's concept. It's total freestyling — complete stream-of-consciousness. I'm really digging it. I might just go with what's coming out of my body at that moment…

ARTISTdirect.com: So it's like that same catharsis you had on "Korn" and "Life Is Peachy"?

Davis: It's going to be exactly like that! I've got Ross with me, and he breaks it down to the point where sometimes I'm tears. He makes sure everybody in that room understands what that song's about and the power and the energy. He does these pep talks and we sit there and listen to him. Then he just says, "Let's do it," and the energy is ridiculous. We're playing in a little room that's like nine feet by nine feet. We're all smashed in their together and in each other's faces. I've been listening to the songs we're doing, and they really are incredible. We're still on drums with just scratch guitar and bass. Hearing the music, it's so old-school KORN. I'm really excited. I know there are a lot of old school fans that love the first two records, and I think they're going to be really excited with this.

ARTISTdirect.com: You've grown so much as a writer since you began. Untitled was a very visual record and you told so many stories lyrically. Will this next album combine the raw catharsis of early KORN records with this more recent storytelling?

Davis: Yeah, I think that's what it's going to do. You're definitely going to feel exactly what I'm feeling. The band is playing old school-style on tape machines. We don't have any click tracks. The music's got a soul. It's got a life of its own. It moves, and the tempos change. I think it's going to be really interesting for fans to hear this. Everybody uses PRO Tools now, and everything is put through a grid, perfected and Auto-Tuned. This is just going to be raw. We've got a 16-track tape machine and a 16-track board, and that's what we're using. We're doing it like LED ZEPPELIN did it back in the day.

ARTISTdirect.com: It sounds like it's going to be incredible live.

Davis: It's sick, and we're just doing it as a four piece. The creativity is just flowing. Every day we come up with new songs. We've got so many songs, and it's going to be fun to pick the ones that will make it through to the album.

ARTISTdirect.com: So many fans grew up with KORN. You're a truly meaningful band to a whole generation. What's it like to have fans so intertwined with your legacy?

Davis: It's amazing, bro. When I look out at the crowd now, I see so many different generations. I see people like you that have grown up with us and came to our shows at 12 or 13. Those same fans have kids today, and they're bringing their kids to the shows. I'm seeing younger kids that are just discovering us. I'm simply blown away that we're still doing it, and it's still relevant. People still come to see it and they need it. I feel like what we do in this band is give. We give 100 percent of this power and emotion into our music. The fans take that, and it's like a release…it's like, "Thank you." They want to come live that when we play live or when they buy the records. I mean, my own music helps me get through shit. There are countless people that I talk to who say, "Man, if I didn't have your music I don't know what I'd do." I think that's the magic of this band and why we're still doing it. I'm so happy that I have the opportunity to do it.

Read the entire interview from ARTISTdirect.com.

Roadrunner Records has posted a question-and-answer session with SLIPKNOT frontman Corey Taylor in which he reflects on 9.9.2009 — the 10th anniversary of the release of SLIPKNOT's debut self-titled album. It follows here in its entirety.

Q: Does it feel like 10 years?

Corey: Well, it certainly feels like ten years in my knees; let's put it that way! And the fatty tissue in my back. [laughs] Honestly, it doesn't. To be honest, it doesn't feel like we've been here for ten years; it feels like it's been ten minutes. But you know, it's all good!

Q: What has been the main motivation/inspiration driving the band for so long?

Corey: I think the main inspiration that drives this band is just more, more, more, you know?! Whether it's…. more doesn't have to be a bad thing! We just keep pushing the boundaries of everything: musically, visually, artistically, emotionally. It's always been our goal to overdo it, 'cause not enough other bands do it to begin with, you know! So the main inspiration for this band is just to do it all.

Q: Some of the nine have been involved in side projects over the years. How important has this been to the longevity and creativity of the band, if at all?

Corey: I believe that the other projects are actually very important to the creativity of the band. I believe that, you know, the other bands allow us to bring things in, and they give us the courage to try different things, which is what this band is all about. And plus, just from, you know, a long longevity standpoint, it gives our careers a chance to breathe, and it makes people excited for us to come back. So, to me, I think that the other projects really enhance what we do, because it just shows you the potential that can be had when we all come back together as SLIPKNOT.

Q: Some critics (particularly back in the early years of the band) accused SLIPKNOT of using the masks, costumes, and numbers as nothing more than a marketing ploy. Do you have anything to say to those people now?

Corey: Well, to all the critics who have kind of complained or been a little too harsh with their judgment of the band in their early years — yeah, yeah, sure, the masks get attention, but you know what?! The music keeps them here, you know?! If the music sucked, we wouldn't have as many fans as we do, so in your face, critics! And those pants look like crap on you! [laughs]

Q: At Download 2009, you told the crowd that headlining at Donington Park was a dream come true and a career pinnacle for the band. Can SLIPKNOT top that?

Corey: As far as toping, you know, headlining Download — oh, man, that was... that was such a dream come true, that we'd have to play on Mars man! Honestly, I mean, we'd have to headline Mars, with DEVO or something; that would be the only think that would make sense. [laughs] Or, just start over completely — with the next album, all we do is play clubs, you know, 200-seater clubs, and work our way back up. Headline some tent at Download — like the disco tent, the silent disco tent by the way! Which is very weird to me. I will never understand that; it's like watching zombies dance around in headphones, it's creepy! [laughs] But that's the only thing that would make sense to me — is to start over. Where do you go, though? I mean, besides Hyde Park, or, you know, um, Glastonbury, I mean, it's really kind of.. Download is, is, it's the top of the mountain.

Q: You recently hosted the Kerrang! Awards. How was that?

Corey: Hosting the Kerrang! Awards was such a blast! First of all, my suit was amazing! I don't know if you've seen, but my suit was really stunning, and I mean that in the literal sense! Um, just getting to work with Scott [Ian of ANTHRAX] was just an absolute pleasure, you know! Me and Scott have know each other a long time, and we've gotten to be really close friends, and when we had the opportunity to do this together, we both jumped at it! We just loved watching the audience get more and more bombed and it was almost like we were the little ring leaders, man! Plus we had a lot of fun with filming the acceptance films when SLIPKNOT won, and it was just such a great time, man! I will remember that night for a very long time, or at least until the hangover wears off! [laughs]

"Skandinavisk Misantropi", the long-awaited debut album from SKITLIV — the brainchild of former MAYHEM singer Maniac — will be released on October 19 in Europe and November 17 in the U.S. via the Season of Mist label. The eight-track CD features guest vocal appearances by David Tibet (CURRENT 93), Attila Csihar (MAYHEM, SUNN0)))) and Gaahl (GOD SEED, GORGOROTH, TRELLDOM, GAAHLSKAGG, WARDRUNA).

"Skandinavisk Misantropi" track listing:

01. Luciferon (intro)
02. Slow Pain Coming
03. Hollow Devotion
04. Skandinavisk Misantropi
05. Towards the Shores of Loss
06. A Valley Below
07. Densetsu
08. ScumDrug

Commented Maniac: "'Skandinavisk Misantropi' has been a long time in coming, but that's the way I work. I had no intention of letting it appear until the result satisfied me personally." Regarding his signing with Season of Mist, he said, "I had never lost touch with the guys at Season of Mist after I left MAYHEM, and when they said they were interested in releasing my new album, it seemed very natural to continue working with them."

"Skandinavisk Misantropi" is the first studio album from SKITLIV following the release of the "Amfetamin" live CD, which was a one-off collaboration with the Cold Spring label.

Rounding SKITLIV's lineup of Maniac on guitars and vocals, SHINING's Niklas "Kvarforth" Olsson on guitar and backing vocals, and Ingvar on guitar, for the recording of "Skandinavisk Misantrpi" are Tore Moren (JORN, CARNIVORA, ex-ARCTURUS) on bass, and Dag Otto (HAUST) on drums. Moren also produced the album along with Maniac.

Dean Guitars has posted a 10-minute video (see below) of legendary guitarist Michael Schenker answering questions that were submitted by Dean forum and MySpace users.

MSG's (MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP) lineup for the band's European tour will consist of the following musicians:

Michael Schenker (Guitar)
Gary Barden (Vocals)
Wayne Findlay (Guitar/Keyboards)
Pete Holmes (Drums)
Chris Glen (Bass)

The dates are as follows:

Sep. 08 - Z7 - Prattein, Switzerland
Sep. 09 - Spectrum - Augsburg, Germany
Sep. 10 - Boerderij - Zoetermeer, Holland
Sep. 11 - Hedon - Zwolle, Holland
Sep. 12 - Raismes Festival - Raismes, France
Sep. 13 - Spirit 66 - Verviers, Belgium
Sep. 14 - The Rock Temple - Kerkrade, Holland
Sep. 16 - The Underworld - London, UK
Sep. 17 - Muni Arts Centre - Pontypridd, UK

Japan's "Metal Moment" podcast conducted an interview with Michael Schenker on June 11, 2009 at the Avalon in Santa Clara, California. The chat is now available for streaming at this location.

MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP's lineup for the U.S. tour was as follows:

Michael Schenker (Guitar)
Gary Barden (Vocals)
Wayne Findlay (Guitar, Keyboards)
Pete Holmes (Drums)
Rev Jones (Bass)

MSG's North American trek was originally scheduled to take place in March/April but was postponed due to a delay in receiving the necessary paperwork required for Schenker to enter the U.S.

Audio samples of all 12 tracks that appear on SCHENKER BARDEN ACOUSTIC PROJECT's first album, "Gipsy Lady", are available for streaming on Play.com.

"Gipsy Lady" was released on May 19 via Inakustik.

"Construct of Destruction", the new video from the Texas metal powerhouse IGNITOR, can be viewed below. The clip was shot at a recent show in Austin by Dave Prewitt of CapZeyeZ Productions.

"Construct of Destruction" comes off IGNITOR's new album, "The Spider Queen", which will be released by Heavy Artillery in the United States and Canada on October 13 (Cruz Del Sur Music will make the CD available in Europe and all other regions on September 14).

IGNITOR features in its ranks veteran musicians of the U.S. metal scene, including founding guitarist Stuart Laurence (Batlord) from AGONY COLUMN and legendary frontman Jason McMaster of DANGEROUS TOYS and WATCHTOWER.

"The Spider Queen" is said to be an original rock opera written by Laurence and featuring nine scenes plus an intro and an epilogue, where each scene is represented by a song. The album narrates the adventure of a young man facing the quest of his life, avenging his parents' death. The story revolves around a mysterious talisman and the magic it possesses, with many turns of events that lead to an unexpected end. Each and every one of the numerous characters is impersonated by the versatile, dramatic and impressive vocals of Jason McMaster.

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

"Forever More", the new video from the southern Wisconsin quintet LUNA MORTIS, can be viewed below. The clip was directed by David Brodsky, who has previously worked with ALL THAT REMAINS, BLEEDING THROUGH, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER and KITTIE, among many others.

Commented frontwoman Mary Zimmer: "[The video] was filmed in Monroe, Wisconsin at a place that used to be a church, but is now a concert hall. The stained glass in the building was great and working with David was incredible and we are so excited to share the video with you all."

"Forever More" comes off LUNA MORTIS' debut album, "The Absence", which was released in North America on February 10 via Century Media Records. The CD was tracked at Audiohammer Studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof (ALL THAT REMAINS, TRIVIUM).

LUNA MORTIS is about to hit the road in North America with EDGUY and EPICUREAN. Zimmer states, "We've got a couple of lineup changes to announce for the tour. First of all, our bass player, Jake Bare, wasn't able to hit the road with us this time, so we are very happy to have producer Don DeBiase filling in on bass guitar for the entire tour. He's an incredible musician and performer and has produced music for us as well as bands like BENEATH THE SKY and FOREVER IN TERROR (Metal Blade). He's a good friend of ours and we hope you will all enjoy watching him on stage with us this September. Also, due to circumstances beyond their control, EPICUREAN had both of their guitarists become unavailable for the tour last minute. So, both of our guitarists, Cory and Brian, are stepping up and doing double duty this tour and will be playing with EPICUREAN as well."

"Nothin' But A Nosebleed", the new video from U.K.'s THE ROTTED (formerly GOREROTTED), can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Ash Pears and Richy Lloyd for ASH TV and is described by the group as "a high-octane, three-minute blast through the best parts of old-school death metal, U.K. punk and raging hardcore and recalls the band's bad old days spent sitting up all night, talking shit about all the things we'll never actually do and all the things we'll never actually change; just the insincere mumblings of drugged-up morons. We'd rather hang out with the idiot giving us free drugs than our real friends. Wasted nights, wasted days."

"Nothin' But A Nosebleed" comes off THE ROTTED's latest album, "Get Dead Or Die Trying", which was produced by Russ Russell (THE WILDHEARTS, DIMMU BORGIR, THE EXPLOITED, SPACE RITUAL, NAPALM DEATH), with assistance from James Dunkley (BLAZE BAILEY, CRASS, FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM). The CD was released in Europe in June 2008 via Metal Blade Records.

Cleveland, Ohio metallers CHIMAIRA have issued the following update:

"[We] know there are some rumors going around that we've cancelled our Russian, Ukraine and Belarus dates. Part of that is true. There is a family-related health issue that needs to be handled and requires an extra few days home in Cleveland. If this could have been avoided, it would have, but when it comes to health, there is no way to predict this.

"Please respect the fact that our private lives, especially concerning health, are nobody's business. This is not some vague excuse to not show up to work.

"[We] know a lot of you will be upset that the shows will not happen next week. However, we have already rescheduled them for early next year!

"There is no way in hell we want to miss the opportunity to play for our fans in that part of the world. We have wanted to come over there for a long time and are extremely upset we can't make it next week. A lot of bands will promise that they will make it up and never do; we are not one of those bands.

"Here are the new dates:

March 26 - St. Petersburg, Russia – Gavclub
March 27 - Moscow, Russia – XO
March 28 - Minsk, Belarus – Rclub
March 29 - Kiev, Ukraine – tba

"Please accept our deepest apology and HOLD ON TO YOUR TICKETS because they will be valid. For now, the rest of our European dates WILL NOT be affected.

"Once again, please accept our apology and we will see you early next year."

TheCrushGirls.com conducted an interview with CHIMAIRA vocalist Mark Hunter on August 23 in Corpus Christ, Texas. Watch the chat below.

CHIMAIRA will embark on a tour of Australia and New Zealand in January 2010. Support on the trek will come from DOUBLE DRAGON.

This will be CHIMAIRA's first headlining Australian tour, having previously played the country as a support act for IN FLAMES, BIOHAZARD and KORN.

CHIMAIRA's new album, "The Infection", entered the official Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) chart at position No. 76. The CD also landed on the chart of the Australian electronics and music retailer JB Hi-Fi at No. 33.

"The Infection" sold 15,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 30 on The Billboard 200 chart.

CHIMAIRA's previous album, "Resurrection", opened with 16,000 copies back in March 2007 to land at No. 42.

NZ Herald News reports that a fan at last night's Aotea Centre performance by American shock rocker ALICE COOPER fell from a balcony onto the audience below. The man jumped or fell from the circle at the one-night-only, sold-out show in the main ASB Theatre. Ambulance officers attended but St John staff said no one was injured.

Pollstar.com reports: Promoter Donnie Frizzell and venue officials have filed lawsuits against each other regarding Rock Gone Wild, the Iowa-based festival originally scheduled for Aug. 20-23.

Frizzell attorney Ted Sporer told Pollstar his client is suing Diamond Jo Casino of Northwood and its affiliates on various claims.

"The petition is based on breach of contract, estoppel by detrimental reliance, fraudulent misrepresentation and fraudulent concealment," Sporer said. "We're confident that Rock Gone Wild LLC will be vindicated in the Worth County lawsuit."

Read more from Pollstar.com.

Viva Hate Records has set an October 9 release date for a massive wooden box from Norwegian progressive metallers ENSLAVED. The 3kg-package contains six long-out-of-print and sold-out albums with alternate layout:

* "Frost" LP
* "Eld" 2xLP
* "Blodhemn" LP
* "Mardraum" LP
* "Monumension" LP
* "Below The Lights" LP
* A total amount of eight records which have been sold out for AGES!!!
* All albums on thick 180g vinyl!!!

Plus:

* A reissued version of the original demo, "Yggdrassill"
* An exclusive one-sided record with rough instrumental recording of "Hal Valr" (recorded in 1992!), never before released
* An exclusive ENSLAVED belt buckle
* An exclusive ENSLAVED military cap with embroidered the logo on it

For more information, visit www.vivahaterecords.com.

According to M.A.D. Tourbooking, reactivated British extreme metal legends CARCASS are the first confirmed band for next year's Neurotic Deathfest, set to take place April 30 - May 1, 2010 in Tilburg, Holland.

CARCASS performed at this year's Gods Of Metal festival, which was held June 27-28, 2009 in Monza, Italy. Watch fan-filmed video footage of the concert below (courtesy of "ginmetal").

CARCASS' reunion lineup:

Bill Steer (FIREBIRD) - Vocals, Guitar
Jeff Walker (BRUJERIA) - Vocals, Bass
Michael Amott (ARCH ENEMY) - Guitar
Daniel Erlandsson (ARCH ENEMY) - Drums

CARCASS guitarist Bill Steer recently hinted in the press that a new studio album from the band was a possibility. Revolver magazine contacted vocalist/bassist Jeff Walker for the scoop. I'm waiting for Bill to confirm it, just like you!" he said. "It's gone from 'No' to 'Maybe' to 'Never say never' — just spit it out, God damn it! We never wanted to be one of those bands that reformed, played again, and then [went on to be] totally lackluster and uninspired."

(Thanks: Metal-Experience.com)

New England metallers SHADOWS FALL performed the song "Still I Rise" on last night's (Thursday, September 3) edition of NBC-TV's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon". Watch video footage of their appearance below.

"Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" airs weeknights at 12:35 a.m. EST.

SHADOWS FALL made a special guest appearance on the brand new Fuse TV show "Let It Rock" on Monday, August 31. The band talked about its forthcoming album, "Retribution", and also showed the music video for the CD's first single, "Still I Rise".

The show will re-air on the following days and times:

Sunday, September 6 @ 5:00 p.m.
Friday, September 11 @ 2:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 12 @ 6:00 p.m.

Hosted by Juliya, Fuse's brand new weekly series "Let It Rock" premiered on Monday, August 3. The show airs the latest videos and updates viewers on the wide world of rock with news, interviews and special guests.

Juliya, Fuse's resident rock and metal expert, previously hosted Fuse programs "Uranium", "Slave to the Metal" and "No. 1 Countdown", and has also been featured in Maxim and Stuff magazines.

Bassist Peter Iwers and drummer Daniel Svensson of the Swedish metal band IN FLAMES will make a few in-store autograph appearances on their upcoming headlining tour of the U.S.

Dates, locations and times are as follows:

September 26 at 4 p.m. - Sam Ash Music
25 NE 410 @ McCullough
San Antonio, TX.
210-530-9777

October 2 at 4 p.m. - Guitar Center
666 Rte 18
E. Brunswick, NJ.
732-257-8500

October 3 at 4 p.m. - Daddy's Junky Music
159-165 Mass. Ave.
Boston, MA.
617-247-0909

Check local listings or call the store(s) for potential changes.

IN FLAMES is continuing to tour without guitarist Jesper Strömblad, who recently checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic in order to receive treatment for his alcohol addiction. For the time being, Niclas Engelin from the Swedish band ENGEL is filling in on guitar. Niclas has helped IN FLAMES on a couple of occasions in the past and is no stranger to the band's songs or the touring life.

The group previously said in a statement: "Jesper has struggled for some time with alcoholic abuse, and decided to sit this [tour] out in order to seek help and focus on rehabilitation and all that comes with it. We all talked about it and together with Jesper, we chose to ask our longtime friend Niclas Engelin, who helped us before, to complete the tour. We are all sad that it needed to come to this, but health comes first. This is something Jesper needed to do for himself and we wish Jesper all the best with his recovery and hope to have him back on the road with us again very, very soon!"

KARMA TO BURN, the acclaimed West Virginia instrumental heavy rockers, have inked a deal with Napalm Records.

"William, Robert and I are proud to announce our new partnership with Napalm Records," stated bassist Richard Mullins. "We're thrilled at the opportunity for a renewed vitality for our rock band, KARMA TO BURN. We eagerly anticipate an unstoppable connection between the songs we work so hard on and the fans of classic, directly in the eye of the storm riffage that we make our music for.

"While trends have come and gone, Napalm has stayed the course and supported a loyal fanbase all over the world. William, Robert and I have taken great pride in doing the same. It's this shared passion for great music... spearheaded by great songs... presented in a timeless fashion... that's assured William, Robert and I that Napalm Records will be where our future hits find the perfect home."

He continued, "Who would have thought William, Robert and I would be working on a follow-up to 'Almost Heathen' eight years later? Not only are we thrilled with this new partnership with Napalm, we are also excited to work on this new KARMA TO BURN album for the creative opportunity artistically.

"We had unfinished business when our gorilla-sized heroin habits took over, overturning our cars and our lives, there came an accounting in which we fell before the Grim Reaper as wheat in winter, as lambs under the knife, so it allows us to continue the musical journey we started early in our careers. As songwriters we cherish this experience. We're having a blast in the studio recording some incredible rock music. Our beloved Appalachain Mountains taught us musically that lightning really can strike twice... so we're ready to continue the KARMA TO BURN rock odyssey with Napalm Records, and soon all necks will feel the steely bite of our soul- thirsting axes, wielded by the unforgiving iron hand of the new KARMA TO BURN full-length."

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.

"In Ashes They Shall Reap", the new video from Connecticut hardcore/metal masters HATEBREED, can be viewed below. (Note: Video stream may not be available to some non-U.S. residents.). The clip will make its network debut this Saturday night (September 5) on MTV2's "Headbanger's Ball".

Commented HATEBREED frontman Jamey Jasta: "'In Ashes They Shall Reap' is the first song we decided to focus on from our new album. I feel like this song will go on to become a big part of our live show as fans become more and more familiar with it. 'Live For This', 'I Will Be Heard' and 'Destroy Everything' followed a similar type musical structure where the call and response part of the song become mini-anthems onto themselves and the audience responds accordingly and we feed off that energy.

"We shot this video a few weeks back in Hartford, Connecticut with our longtime friend/director Dale 'Rage' Resteghini, who also shot 'Defeatist' and some of our earlier clips as well.

"The video captures the essence of the song and all the die-hard fans that came out to be a part of the live video shoot brought it to another level. We owe a lot to our fans for being the most amazing die-hards ever. We can't wait to start playing this song live and re-creating the energy you're about to see…"

The cover artwork for the forthcoming self-titled album from HATEBREED can be viewed below. The LP is scheduled for release in North America on September 29 via E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records). The effort will be available on CD, digital download, vinyl and special edition with a bonus 65-minute DVD. The follow-up to 2006's "Supremacy" will be issued on Roadrunner in all other territories.

"Hatebreed" track listing:

01. Become The Fuse
02. Not My Master
03. Between Hell And A Heartbeat
04. In Ashes They Shall Reap
05. Hands Of A Dying Man
06. Everyone Bleeds Now
07. No Halos For The Heartless
08. Through The Thorns
09. Every Lasting Scar
10. As Damaged As Me
11. Words Became Untruth
12. Undiminished
13. Merciless Tide
14. Pollution Of The Soul
15. Escape (New Diehard Edit)

Commented Jasta: "This is our fifth studio album and it's a monster! We've survived some pretty rough times and the music shows it. There was no reason to change the recipe that our fans know and love but we added a few brutal new ingredients and we're more than amped on the results. Violence is a given!"

Jasta continued: "I feel this new album is a true crossover record in the sense that our metal and hardcore roots are evenly represented throughout it. There's still the fast East Coast tuned-down hardcore that people know and love, yet there are metal influences that shine through on almost every song. The speed is there, which we even kicked up a few notches on some of the songs, but the groove and slower tempos are represented. On 'Hatebreed', there is a violent mix of straight forward anthem headbangers, fast thrashers and brutal breakdown after breakdown. There's something for everyone."

The new album was once again produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris at Planet Z studios in Hadley, Massachusetts and features the return of original guitar player Wayne Lozinak (who recently replaced Sean Martin) alongside core members Chris Beattie (bass), Matt Byrne (drums), Frank Novinec (guitar) and Jasta.

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons was interviewed yesterday morning (Thursday, September 3) on WAXQ-FM / Q104.3's "Jim Kerr Rock 'n Roll Morning Show". The chat is now available for streaming using the audio player below.



KISS' new album, "Sonic Boom", will be released in Europe on October 5 via Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records. The CD will be made available on October 6 in the U.S. and Canada exclusively via Wal-Mart, Walmart.com and Sam's Club retail locations.

"Sonic Boom", produced by guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley in Los Angeles, is the centerpiece of a three-disc set that also features a completely re-recorded greatest hits CD (previously available in Japan) as well as a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band's recent, record-breaking KISS Alive 35 South American tour. The CD set will retail for $12, with pre-orders starting in September on Walmart.com.

Wal-Mart, one of America's largest music retailers, is finalizing its exciting plans now for its in-store and online destinations for KISS fans surrounding the launch of the new album and tour, and will host various KISS products in addition to their music in its stores this fall. More details on Wal-Mart KISS activity, announcements regarding album pre-sales, sweepstakes and KISS appearances will be shared shortly.

The "Sonic Boom" cover art was created by Michael Doret, who also designed the band's classic "Rock And Roll Over" album cover.

German heavy metal queen Doro Pesch will guest on WJCU's "Metal On Metal" radio program tonight (Friday, September 4) at 8:00 p.m. EST. In addition to discussing her recent touring and recording activities, Doro will give away tickets to listeners for her Cleveland, Ohio show at Peabody's on Thursday, September 10. Cleveland's thrash metal legends DESTRUCTOR, CELLBOUND and LOWER 13 open.

"Metal On Metal", hosted by Bill Peters (pictured below with Doro), can be heard every Friday night from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. EST at 88.7 FM in the Cleveland area or streamed live worldwide at www.wjcu.org. The long-running, award-winning, internationally acclaimed program has been providing heavy metal on the airwaves to the metal fans of Cleveland since 1982.

Pesch is touring in support of her latest album, "Fear No Evil", which was released in North America on June 2 via AFM/Dismanic/Ryko Distribution.

Cleveland has always been a very memorable city for Doro and a place where she holds her fans close to her heart. On June 4, 2004 at The Odeon Concert Club, Doro was surprised on stage by fans at the end of her set when she was presented with a special extended 40th birthday celebration that included a cake, confetti, balloons, gifts, speakers honoring her music career and an audience-participation "Happy Birthday" sing-a-long that brought the singer to tears in front of the packed venue. It is something she still remembers and talks about to this day.

Fan-filmed video footage of HAIL!'s September 1, 2009 concert at Blæst in Trondheim, Norway can be viewed below.

HAIL!'s current touring lineup includes guitarist Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA), vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, BEYOND FEAR, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ICED EARTH), bassist David Ellefson (F5, MEGADETH) and drummer Roy Mayorga (STONE SOUR, SOULFLY).

Kisser stated about the band's Scandinavian tour, which kicked off in Trondheim, "We intentionally booked some shows in smaller cities because we realize that SEPULTURA and JUDAS PRIEST and MEGADETH could never play in some of these places, so we wanted to make the effort to give everybody a chance to come hang out with us and enjoy the show."

Due to previous touring commitments with ALICE COOPER, regular HAIL! drummer Jimmy DeGrasso was unable to make the Scandinavian trek.

Mayorga's ties to HAIL! run deep, having played with guitarist Andreas Kisser while filling in for the entire SEPULTURA 2006 European tour and also taking part in the Roadrunner Records 25th birthday bash in December 2005 with both Kisser and HAIL! frontman Tim "Ripper" Owens.

Commented Kisser: "I've known Roy for a long time and he's great, so when this situation came up to find a sub for Jimmy, we knew Roy would fit in perfectly."

Mayorga enthusiastically concurred: "When the guys asked me about playing these shows with them, I was thrilled! It is so cool what they are doing and to be able to help them out and fill in for Jimmy is truly an honor for me."

Remaining tour dates:

Sep. 04 - Luftslottet, Grimstad, Norway
Sep. 05 - Glassheim, Jevnaker, Norway
Sep. 06 - Feelgood, Halden, Norway
Sep. 07 - The Rock, Copenhagen, Denmark
Sep. 08 - Voxhall, Aarhus, Denmark
Sep. 10 - Dante's Highlight, Helsinki, Finland
Sep. 11 - Wasteland, Gavle, Sweden
Sep. 12 - Klubben, Stockholm, Sweden

After ten months of intensive touring, former IRON MAIDEN/WOLFSBANE frontman Blaze Bayley and his band are back in the studio writing their new album. Recording is due to begin at the end of September after the group's headlining appearance at Metalfest at JB's in Dudley, U.K.

BLAZE BAYLEY's double live album and live DVD, "The Night That Will Not Die" — recorded on December 13, 2008 at Z7 in Pratteln, Switzerland — have been released on Blaze Bayley Recordings; the concert was filmed by director Kris McManus and all audio mixed and mastered by producer Jase Edwards.

On September 25, the book "At The End Of The Day" will be released. This follows the story of "Blaze" Bayley Cooke from WOLFSBANE to IRON MAIDEN to BLAZE and, ultimately, to the current self-titled BLAZE BAYLEY band. However, this book is not solely about Blaze; rather it tells the story of the entire BLAZE BAYLEY band that is about to begin work on the follow-up to their debut album, "The Man Who Would Not Die". The book traces the history of all the band members, back to their roots in New Zealand, Colombia and…Bristol.

Written by drummer Lawrence "Larry" Paterson, who has previously authored ten books on a completely unrelated subject — Second World War U-boats — this book offers a unique insight into the history of Blaze Bayley, the man and the band, as well as the inner workings and adventures of a band on the road and in the studio. The author takes us from the early beginnings of WOLFSBANE in the mid-1980s, through the dizzying heights of touring with IRON MAIDEN to the triumphs and tragedies that lead right up to 2009, before offering the reader a glimpse into what lies ahead.

Alongside the full and frank contributions from the members of the BLAZE BAYLEY band, the book features new interviews with BLAZE and WOLFSBANE members plus exclusive interviews with Janick Gers and Steve Harris of IRON MAIDEN. Blaze himself explains in detail how he first attained the job with IRON MAIDEN, the truth about working inside such a renowned and hard-working band, and the events of the meeting at which his tenure fronting IRON MAIDEN ended. "At The End Of The Day" also contains tour dates, discographies, and extensive black and white and full-color photographs.

This book is available as a pre-order now from the Blaze Bayley webstore.

Fan-filmed video footage of BLAZE BAYLEY's performance at this year's Paranoid Open Air festival — which was held August 13-15, 2009 at Autopoligon Ljubecna, near Celje, Slovenia — can be viewed below (courtesy of "gokizoki").

FUTURES END has replaced VOUGAN on the billing of the first-ever progressive/power metal cruise dubbed Triton Power Cruise. The cruise will set sail on the Carnival Imagination on Friday, April 30, 2010 and return to Miami the following Monday (May 3).

Triton Power Cruise billing is as follows:

CRIMSON GLORY
EVERGREY
JON OLIVA'S PAIN
SEVEN WITCHES
CIRCLE II CIRCLE
FUTURES END
EUMERIA
THE ELEMENT

As an added bonus, Casey Grillo of KAMELOT will be doing a drum clinic with Beatnik Rhythm Analyzers.

Cabin prices range from $650 to $725 per person with a mandatory minimum double occupancy. Price includes: cabin; all food on the cruise; a pre-party on Thursday, April 29, 2010; party in the Bahamas; all concerts, including an all-star jam; meet-and-greet; and more. Optional badge upgrade will be available for a private open-bar party with the bands for $50. An immediate $75 discount is being offered for cabins wishing to pay in full by September 15, 2009. Additional promotion codes are being offered via Internet heavy metal station www.infernalrockradio.com.

For more information, visit www.tritonpowercruise.com.

Patrick Mameli (guitar, vocals) of the resurrected late '80s/early '90s death metal outfit PESTILENCE has issued the following update:

"Well, the touring, the festivals and the travelling, it all has come to an end for us. I think we covered pretty much all the countries in Europe we really wanted to go to!

"I want to give props and a big thank you, to the guys in the band — [Tony] Choy [bass; ATHEIST, CYNIC], [Peter] Wildoer [drums; DARKANE] and [Patrick] Uterwijk [guitar] for their input and strength to finish this tour. Also, a warm shout goes out to all the fans that have attended our show(s). We really appreciate this!!

"Now we will have a nice and long break to regroup and I have already started working on new material for the upcoming new PESTILENCE album. It’s so exciting to compose new songs using the RG2228GK (8-string) provided by Hoshino/Ibanez.

"Again, I will try to push the limit to new musical heights. The new material will be nothing like you’ve ever heard before from PESTILENCE, yet I will be trying hard to maintain the PESTILENCE style to a maximum. By now everybody should be used to the fact that no PESTILENCE album sounds alike. This new material will be out of this world!"

Fan-filmed video footage of PESTILENCE's July 25, 2009 performance on the Aardschok stage (powered by Jägermeister) at this year's Zwarte Cross (Black Cross) festival in Lichtenvoorde, Holland can be viewed below (clip uploaded by Erhan Düzey).

PESTILENCE's latest album, "Resurrection Macabre", was released on March 13 in Europe (April 14 in the U.S.) via Holland's Mascot Records. The band recorded a total of 14 songs during the session at Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark — 11 new tracks and three classic PESTILENCE cuts (as chosen by the fans) to be included on the limited-edition first pressing: "Out Of The Body", "Chemo Therapy" and "Lost Souls". Patrick has previously described the material as a modern fusion of "Testimony of the Ancients" (1991) and "Spheres" (1993), but even more technical and brutal.

Check out audio samples on the band's MySpace page.

SOULGRIND, the Finnish band featuring former LULLACRY frontwoman Tanja "Whisper Lilith" Kemppainen (a.k.a. Tanya), will enter the studio on September 14 to begin recording the group's ninth album, "The Tuoni Pathway", for an early 2010 release via U.K.'s Femme Metal Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Call Of Dancing Waters
02. The Song Of Tomorrow
03. My Sweet Thought Of Death
04. Vuoret Ja Metsänmaa
05. Tulikannel
06. Among The Graves
07. March Butterfly
08. Pilgrim Of The Shadows
09. Farewell To Misery
10. The Tuoni Pathway

A demo version of the song "Farewell To Misery" is available for streaming on the group's MySpace page. The track — which appeared on the "Demonic and Divine" compilation (Femme Metal Records) — is "a tale of an old couple still in love after 50, heading to death, so enjoy the dark ride," according to the band.

SOULGRIND's latest CD, "Pakana", was released in February 2007 via Holy Records.

"Pakana", was recorded at D studio and was released in February 2007. It was the follow-up to "The Origins of the Paganblood", which was issued in January 2005 via France's Holy Records.

SOULGRIND's current lineup:

Azhemin (THY SERPENT) - Vocals
Ms W Lilith (ex-LULLACRY) - Vocals
Lord Heikkinen (TWILIGHT OPHERA, GLOOMY GRIM, FIERCE) – Guitar
Tapio Wilska (ex-FINNTROLL) - Bass
Agathon The Beast (GLOOMY GRIM) - Drums
TByte (TWILIGHT OPHERA) – Guitar

Swedish extreme metallers NECROPHOBIC have been confirmed for the Sweden Rock Cruise, departing from Stockholm on October 8 and returning the next day.

The event billing is shaping up as follows:

CRASHDIET
EXCITER
FREAK KITCHEN
FREEDOM CALL
NECROPHOBIC
U.D.O.

With hard rock DJs, tax-free shops, bars, restaurants, a gaming room, swimming pool and saunas, the 12-deck, 200-meter long M/S Silja Galaxy is "pure heaven for everyone into hard music and partying!" according to a post on the event's web site.

Tickets are on sale at this location. You can also order by telephone: +46 (0)8 666 3333.

* Price: Cabins from 395 SEK per person.
* Check-in: at the Silja terminal in Värtahamnen, Stockholm on October 8 at 18.15. The ship departs at 19.15.
* Age: 18 years or older
* Booking and more info: Tallink Silja, phone +46 (0)8 666 3333. Product code to use when booking: metal.

"Like It Is", the new single from Chicago heavy rockers SOIL, can be streamed in its entirety on the band's MySpace page. The song is the first single from SOIL's new album, "Picture Perfect", which will be released in the U.S. on October 20 via Bieler Bros. Records and three days later in Europe through AFM Records/Soulfood.

"Picture Perfect" was created by the production team of Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (DISTURBED, STAIND), Ulrich Wild (DEFTONES, INCUBUS) and SOIL, with Dave Fortman (MUDVAYNE, EVANESCENCE) handling mixing duties. Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Temptation", "Surrounded", and "Picture Perfect".

SOIL's new album was originally supposed to be released in the U.S. via Driven Music Group, the Phoenix, Arizona-based music label and entertainment company created by former KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. However, that relationship appears to have been dissolved without producing any releases from the band.

SOIL has been added to KITTIE's forthcoming U.S. headlining tour, which is scheduled to kick off on September 27 in New York City. Also scheduled to appear are ARKAEA and STRAIGHT LINE STITCH.

SOIL's last album, "True Self", was released in May 2006 via DRT Entertainment. The follow-up to 2004's "Redefine" was recorded and mixed at Bomb Shelter studios in Los Angeles, California with producer Ulrich Wild (STATIC-X, TAPROOT).

SOIL in 2007 amicably parted ways with guitarist Shaun Glass due to "personal differences." The band decided against seeking a replacement guitarist and has opted to remain a four-piece, with Cavalier filling in on some of the guitar duties.

A trailer for "Goi, Rode, Goi!", the new album from the Moscow, Russia-based "Slavic pagan metal" band ARKONA, can be viewed below. The CD will be released via Napalm Records on the following dates:

Oct. 28 - Finland, Spain
Oct. 30 - GAS, Benelux, France, Italy, Sweden
Nov. 02 - Rest of Europe
Nov. 03 - USA, Canada

"Goi, Rode, Goi!" was recorded at CDM Records studio between October 2008 and May 2009 except the drums, which were recorded at Gigant studio, and the guitars, which were recorded at Astia studio.

"Goi, Rode, Goi!" contains a 15-minute song called "Na Moey Zemle" ("In My Land"), which is being described as "a kind of pagan metal opera about the travelling of Slav around countries of Europe." The CD artwork was created by Kris Verwimp (THYRFING, MÅNEGARM).

"Goi, Rode, Goi!" track listing:

01. Goi, Rode, Goi!
02. Tropoiu Nevedannoi (On the Unknown Trail )
03. Nevidal (The Wonder)
04. Na Moey Zemle (In My Land)
05. Pritcha (The Parable)
06. V Tsepiakh Drevney Tainy (In Chains of Ancient Mystery)
07. Yarilo
08. Liki Bessmertnykh Bogov (Faces of Immortal Gods)
09. Kolo Navi (Kolo of Nav)
10. Korochun
11. Pamiat (The Memory)
12. Kupalets
13. Arkona
14. Nebo Hmuroe, Tuchi Mrachniye (Sullen Sky Lurid Clouds)

ARKONA's last album, "Ot Serdca K Nebu" ("From the Heart to the Sky"), was released on July 4, 2008 via Napalm.

According to a press release, ARKONA's "leader is the charismatic frontlady Masha Scream, who also writes all the music and lyrics, as well as delivering her fierce vocals. The band plays Slavic pagan metal and embellishes their versatile compositions with the use of folk instrumentation."

ARKONA is:

Masha "Scream" - Vocals
Sergei "Lazar" - Guitar
Ruslan "Kniaz" - Bass
Vlad "Artist" – Drums

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

"From Afar", the new video from Finnish folk metallers ENSIFERUM, can be viewed below. The song is the title cut of the band's fourth album, which will be released on September 9 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was produced by Tero Kinnunen (NIGHTWISH, AMORPHIS) and Janne Joutsenniemi ('Victory Songs' producer) and was mixed by Hiili Hiilesmaa (HIM, SENTENCED, AMORPHIS).

The track listing for the album is as follows:

01. By The Dividing Stream
02. From Afar
03. Twilight Tavern
04. Heathen Throne
05. Elusive Reaches
06. Stone Cold Metal
07. Smoking Ruins
08. Tumman Virran Taa
09. The Longest Journey (Heathen Throne Part II)
10. Vandraren (limited-edition bonus track; NORDMAN cover)

Fresh off a successful stint on this year's Summer Slaughter Tour, ENSIFERUM will kick off an American headlining tour with support from Nuclear Blast recording artists HYPOCRISY and EX DEO as well as Sumerian recording artists BLACKGUARD.

Said ENSIFERUM guitarist Markus Toivonen: "We had a great time on this year's Summer Slaughter tour. Thanks to all the bands involved, and to all the fans that came to see us. We're very excited to come back to [America] in November to support our new album, 'From Afar'. HYPOCRISY, EX DEO and BLACKGUARD are great bands. It should be great fun for everyone!"

A brand new SONATA ARCTICA track, "The Last Amazing Grays", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The song comes off the Finnish melodic metallers' new album, "The Days Of Grays", which will be released on September 18 in Europe and September 22 in North America through Nuclear Blast Records.

"The Days Of Grays" track listing:

Limited 2CD Digipack:

01. Everything Fades To Gray (instrumental)
02. Deathaura
03. The Last Amazing Grays
04. Flag In The Ground
05. Breathing
06. Zeroes
07. The Dead Skin
08. Juliet
09. No Dream Can Heal A Broken Heart
10. As If The World Wasn't Ending
11. The Truth Is Out There
12. Everything Fades To Gray (full version)

Bonus Track:

13. In The Dark

Bonus CD: track listing to be announced

CD Jewelcase:

01. Everything Fades To Gray (instrumental)
02. Deathaura
03. The Last Amazing Grays
04. Flag In The Ground
05. Breathing
06. Zeroes
07. The Dead Skin
08. Juliet
09. No Dream Can Heal A Broken Heart
10. As If The World Wasn't Ending
11. The Truth Is Out There
12. Everything Fades To Gray (full version)

A track-by-track review/description of "The Days Of Grays" can be found on Terrorizer.com.

SONATA ARCTICA keyboardist Henrik "Lance" Klingenberg previously described the band's new material as "a bit darker and maybe not so complex as [2007's] 'Unia'. Nevertheless, it's definitely not a back-to-the-roots album with fast power metal. All the trademark SONATA stuff is on there, solos, lots of singing some slower songs."

SONATA ARCTICA will play a handful of headlining dates prior to and at the end of their North American tour with DRAGONFORCE. These shows will be the only SONATA ARCTICA headlining gigs until next spring.

SONATA ARCTICA's October 13, 2009 concert has been switched from the Rex Theater in Pittsburgh to the Ches-A-Rena in Cheswick, Pennsylvania — approximately 11 miles from the original venue. All tickets will be honored for the new location.

The new SONATA ARCTICA video, "Flag In The Ground", can be viewed below.

PITpov.com has posted quality video footage (see below) of the all-star jam that took place on August 16, 2009 at the fifth annual Ride For Dime, an annual charity remembrance ride and concert event held in memory of the victims of the December 2004 Alrosa Villa shooting ("Dimebag" Darrell Abbott, Jeff Thompson, Nathan Bray and Erin Halk). Musicians that participated in the event included Ace Frehley (KISS), Corey Taylor (STONE SOUR, SLIPKNOT), Aaron Lewis (STAIND), Mike Mushok (STAIND), Vinnie Paul Abbott (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN, HELLYEAH), Phil Demmel (MACHINE HEAD) and Nick Bowcott (GRIM REAPER).

Ride For Dime was first organized in 2005 by local Dallas members/moderators of DAMAGEPLAN's official forum as an event which would not only honor Dimebag Darrell, but also raise money to help with the massive expenses incurred by all of the victims that tragic night. The organizers have since shifted their donations to benefit a charity organization of the Abbott family's choice.

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

Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley was a guest last month on the weekly syndicated radio program "Hard Rock Nights". Ace joined host JT to talk about the songs on his upcoming solo album, "Anomaly", guitars and fame. "I always knew I was going to be famous," Ace admitted. "I just wasn't sure to what extent. I probably would have practiced a little more if I knew how many people I was going to influence."

Listen to the chat in two parts below.

"Hard Rock Nights" can be heard on a number of radio stations dedicated to rock and metal. Go to this location for a complete list of stations and airtimes.

30-second audio samples of all the tracks that will appear on "Anomaly" are available for streaming on Amazon.de.

In addition to the standard CD release, unique "Anomaly" packages will be 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.

Due 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.

"Anomaly" official track listing:

01. Foxy & Free
02. Outer Space
03. Pain In The Neck
04. Fox On The Run
05. Genghis Khan
06. Too Many Faces
07. Change The World
08. Space Bear
09. A Little Below The Angels
10. Sister
11. It's A Great Life
12. Fractured Quantum
13. The Return of Space Bear (Dedicated to Tom Snyder) (iTunes exclusive)

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).

Frehley will perform at the Viper Room in West Hollywood, California on Saturday, September 12 during the Sunset Strip Music Festival.