Guitarist Eric Peterson of the veteran San Francisco Bay Area thrashers TESTAMENT recently spoke to Decibel magazine about the group's forthcoming album, "The Formation of Damnation", due in North America on April 29 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The band recently spent time recording the effort with producer Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE) at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California.

"The album is very traditional-sounding," Peterson told Decibel. "The ideology of what we're doing is like 'The Legacy' [1987]. But the musicianship's a lot better, so it's like 'The Gathering' [1999]. As most bands record their first, second and third albums, they're developing, developing, developing… until they've got their sound. Then they get worse. As a rule, you get good when you're starving and start slipping as soon as you're eating well. We never really made it to the big time. But, then again, we didn't fail. Because we've always been on that borderline, we've never had to make the kinds of compromises that end up killing so many bands. As we see it, we're better off doing what we do best, especially since things seem to have turned full circle. Kids even have long hair again."

TESTAMENT recently recruited Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, EXODUS, FORBIDDEN, SYSTEMATIC) to play the drums on new CD. The group was previously rehearsing and writing new material with British drummer Nick Barker (CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR), but Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and international work visa issues have prevented Barker from continuing to be involved in the project.

Bostaph, who was a member of TESTAMENT for a brief period starting around February 2004, had previously played several live dates with the group in 1992 and appeared on the band's 1993 live EP, "Return to the Apocalyptic City". He also toured with TESTAMENT in 2006.

TESTAMENT's current lineup is rounded out by Chuck Billy on vocals, Alex Skolnick on lead guitar and Greg Christian on bass.

A new photo of the current TESTAMENT formation can be found at this location.

Fan-filmed video footage of TESTAMENT performing at last year's edition of the Waldrock festival, which was held on July 7, 2007 in Burgum (Bergum), in the northern region of The Netherlands, can be viewed below.

Scott Wong of The Arizona Republic reports that MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee and ex-JANE'S ADDICTION/RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS guitarist Dave Navarro have been added to the growing lineup of big-name performers who will be rocking downtown Scottsdale, Arizona during Super Bowl week.

Both Lee and Navarro will join DJs Skribble and Aero on stage Feb. 2 at a block party outside e4 nightclub in the city's entertainment district, general manager Ryan Hibbert said Saturday.

Navarro and Lee's appearance in the Valley could make for an interesting week. Their celebrity ex-wives are expected to be in town for parties as well.

Carmen Electra, Navarro's ex, is co-hosting the Leather & Laces party Feb. 1 at the Galleria Corporate Center in Scottsdale, with a performance by the band SUGAR RAY.

Meanwhile, former "Baywatch" beauty Pamela Anderson, Lee's former wife, is expected to swing by the "Best Damn Sports Show Period", which will be broadcasting all week from the FBR Open in Scottsdale.

Read more at The Arizona Republic.

A trailer for "The Most Ferocious Drummers Ever" — a featured television special currently in production which chronicles the lives and careers of over 50 legendary drummers in jazz, funk, rock, metal, and alternative music — can be viewed at this location [link removed]. Among the musicians that appear in the special are Hall of Fame drummer Marky Ramone (RAMONES), Tommy Lee (MÖTLEY CRÜE), Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) and Steven Adler (GUNS N' ROSES).

The TV special is hosted and produced by former Atlantic Records rock drummer Billy McCarthy (a.k.a. ex-D'MOLLS member Billy Dior) and feature film producer Braxton Pope of Ithaka Entertainment and features a kinetic mix of personal interviews, commentary, and performance clips entirely shot in high-definition. The special is projected for a 2008 release.

"I'd say it's about time a program came along and paid due respect to the drummer — after all, without a great drummer, something terrible happens to a band. Nothing," said McCarthy.

Notes Pope, "Every drummer featured is featured for one reason and one reason only — they are the foundation to the heaviest bands, the hit songs, and even the hit solo artists they helped define."

"The Most Ferocious Drummers Ever" delves into the drummer's childhood, the first arrival in the audition room with their chart-busting band mates, the sewing of that first hit song — their high (and lows) with those band-mates and then there's "every drummers hero," according to McCarthy, "agreed upon from Max Weinberg to Chad Smith of the CHILI PEPPERS to Charlie Benante of ANTHRAX. The king of the back-beat is Ringo Starr."

Billy McCarthy is a former Atlantic Records recording artist and Los Angeles radio talk show host. He is the author of the debut novel "The Devil of Shakespeare", the first novel ever to include a title song to a novel written by the author. Aside from producing film and music, Billy continues to write. His next book is "Beat Me Til' I'm Famous". Billy McCarthy currently resides in Chicago and is a member of the Society of Midland Authors.

LIFE OF AGONY vocalist Keith Caputo will release his new solo album, "Fondness for Hometown Scars", in Europe this spring via Suburban Records.

Audio samples of all 12 tracks that are set to appear on "Fondness for Hometown Scars" are available at this location.

"Fondness for Hometown Scars" was produced by Martyn Lenoble (JANE'S ADDICTION, DAVE GAHAN, PORNO FOR PYROS, THE CULT) and features the following band lineup:

Keith Caputo - Vocals
Jochem Van Rooijen - Drums
Marcel Signor - Guitars
Michiel Rietveld - Bass/Acoustic Guitar

Guest musicians include:

Zac Rae (PEDESTRIAN) - Keyboards
Gerry Leonard (DAVID BOWIE) - Guitars
Craig Ross (LENNY KRAVITZ, SHERYL CROW) - Electric Guitars/Acoustic
Flea (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS) - Trumpet

"Fondness for Hometown Scars" was mixed by Vincent Jones (SARAH MCLACHLAN, DAVID GAHAN, MORRISSEY) and Martyn Lenoble and was mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound in New York City.

"Fondness for Hometown Scars" track listing:

01. Crawling
02. In December
03. Troubles Down
04. In This Life
05. Nothing To Lose (Songbird)
06. Sad Eyed Lady
07. Silver Candy
08. Got Monsters
09. Son Of A Gun
10. Devil's Pride
11. Bleed For Something Beautiful
12. Son Of A Gun (Reprise)

A video interview with LIFE OF AGONY frontman Keith Caputo conducted by Jacob V. Nissen on September 19, 2007 at Voxhall in Århus, Denmark can be viewed at Voxhall.dk.

Watch fan-filmed video footage of Keith Caputo performing in Zwolle, Holland on September 13, 2007:

Drummer Tomas Haake of the Swedish experimental extreme metallers MESHUGGAH recently spoke to Decibel magazine about the group's forthcoming CD, "obZen", due in Germany on March 7, 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records (with the U.S. release likely on March 11). The follow-up to 2005's "Catch Thirty Three" will contain nine songs and will have a running time of around 55 minutes.

Commented Haake: "The album is much more dense, while still being very clear and audible as far as drumparts and guitar riffs. Lyrically it's quite different from 'Catch Thirty Three', more diverse. There is, however, somewhat of a 'red line' or concept running through all of them."

"obZen" (cover artwork) track listing:

01. Combustion
02. Electric Red
03. Bleed
04. Lethargica
05. ObZen
06. This Spiteful Snake
07. Pineal Gland Optics
08. Pravus
09. Dancers To A Discordant System

MESHUGGAH will support MINISTRY on the North American leg of "C U LaTouR" beginning on March 26 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Also appearing on the bill is HEMLOCK.

Watch fan-filmed video footage of MESHUGGAH performing at the Exit festival in Novi Sad, Serbia in July 2007:

Long-running German metallers ATROCITY have posted an audio sample of their cover version of VISAGE's "Fade to Grey" at this location. The track comes off ATROCITY's long-awaited new album, "Werk 80 II", which is scheduled for release in Europe on February 29, 2008 (March 4 in the U.S.). Like the first "Werk 80" release, which came out in 1997, "Werk 80 II" features ATROCITY's interpretations of hit songs from the '80s.

Asked why he chose to include "Fade to Grey" on "Werk 80 II", ATROCITY frontman Alex Krull stated, "I had a good friend who belonged to the new wave scene for a while. She often visited me at home with her friends. That's why I knew some songs from the scene, too. This song from VISAGE advanced to become an absolute cult song with an extremely high recall value due to its minimalistic approach, the distinctive synthiebass and the French-speaking female voice. That's why we engaged the French artist Jensara Swann for 'Fade to Grey'. I like how the song became an atmospheric grooving juggernaut. 'Fade to Grey' is the legitimate successor of 'Being Boiled' from the first 'Werk 80' for me."

Asked if he likes any other bands from the new wave scene, Krull said, "I used to be a big metalhead in these days! But there were some dark and atmospheric songs especially the wave and electro stuff with heavy synthiebasses which I found quite interesting. After all, PINK FLOYD are my great heroes and they more or less influenced many of these synthiebands. I just always missed the heavy guitars, that's why you get them now! DAF is a great example for this, even if we didn't interpret them this time, but they really did some extreme songs. That's why we played 'Der Mussolini' and some other songs on the first 'Werk 80'. One thing which I recognized by doing this new album is for sure: many songs of the Eighties were done in great detail and done in an opulent way if you consider the technical possibilities of these days. One should give respect to that either you like them or not. Not for nothing is it claimed that even the mainstream music of the Eighties was done with ambitious arrangements."

"Werk 80 II" track listing:

01. People Are People (DEPECHE MODE)
02. Smalltown Boy (BRONSKI BEAT)
03. Relax (FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD)
04. Don't You (Forget About Me) (SIMPLE MINDS)
05. The Sun Always Shines on TV (A-HA)
06. Hey Little Girl (ICEHOUSE)
07. Fade To Grey (VISAGE)
08. Such A Shame (TALK TALK)
09. Keine Heimat (IDEAL)
10. Here Comes The Rain Again (EURYTHMICS)
11. Forever Young (ALPHAVILLE)
12. Feels Like Heaven (FICTION FACTORY) (bonus track for special edition)

Fans will get a chance to preview the songs on "Werk 80 II" one track at a time every single day on ATROCITY's homepage beginning on January 1, 2008 and ending on the "Smalltown Boy" single's release date (January 11).

World-famous burlesque dancer and Marilyn Manson's estranged wife Dita Von Teese is the cover model on "Werk 80 II". Check out the cover at this location.

Commented Alex Krull: "We took a lot of time for the production to get the best result. All fans of the first 'Werk 80' will like the second one too. This time we have worked together with an orchestra and a choir. So the whole album has gained a bit more of a classical touch, which I personally like a lot. Everything sounds very harmonic and organic. The work on this album has been intense and thrilling. On the first 'Werk 80' album we also used classical elements but we enforced this on the new one. Thus the electronic parts got moved a little bit into the background. We didn't want to do the same on this successive album but including new elements and developing our style. I promise you 'Werk 80 II' is gonna be a class of its own worth waiting for it."

Watch ATROCITY's video for the song "Cold Black Days" (taken from the 2004 album "Atlantis"):

THE PROJECT HATE — the Swedish band featuring vocalist Jörgen Sandström (ex-ENTOMBED, GRAVE), guitarist Lord K. Philipson (GOD AMONG INSECTS, ex-LEUKEMIA), bassist Michael Håkansson (ENGEL, ex-EVERGREY), guitarist Petter S. Freed (2 TON PREDATOR), singer Jo Enckell (IGNORANCE BLISS) and drummer Daniel "Mojjo" Moilanen (RELEVANT FEW, DRACENA, RUNEMAGICK, LORD BELIAL, ENGEL) — has issued the following update:

"[The new THE PROJECT HATE album] 'In Hora Mortis Nostræ' has been out now for a few months and as always the reactions are mixed, just as expected. We know we have made a fantastic album and obviously the Haters understand that as well. Thanks for the awesome mails and everything that we have received from you guys and girls over the months, stating your admiration for what we do. We appreciate it more than we can express with words. Again, thank you so much.

"So, let us tell you what's up now in the HATE camp. We have five and a half song completed for the next piece of domination and yes, you guessed it, it's sounding fuckin' fantastic. We will definitely raise eyebrows with some of the stuff. A few of the things we have in store for you is pretty much something you didn't see coming from us. And we like it like that. We have no boundaries. These tracks are definitely the best material we have ever written. We are supposed to state that, you know. Every band do, but the difference is that in our case it's actually true, haha... We are aiming for seven tracks this time around as well, and with close to 50 minutes already written — things are going so good it's quite insane. Maybe we will get around to actually do some videos and shit during the process, we'll see. Make sure to keep an eye on the forums of ours since that's the place where we announce the latest stuff in-depth all the time.

"Again, thanx for the support guys, each and everyone of you. Needless to say that you are phenomenal. Feel free to buy the new album directly from us, we sure could need that. Now let us continue to work with the coming slab of Christ-hating music."

"In Hora Mortis Nostræ" was released on September 15, 2007 via StormVox Records, the label owned by Swedish actor Peter Stormare.

Bassist Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, WAR & PEACE, ex-DOKKEN) has issued the following:

"2007 turned out to be an exhausting touring year for FOREIGNER. Our original intention of starting a new record was sidelined when it became apparent the touring schedule simply wouldn't allow the time needed to do the job right. So this year we hope to approach it anew. We did have a few productive writing/jamming sessions where some valid ideas were tossed about, but just didn't have the time needed to bring anything to fruition. So the plan this year is to make the show schedule extremely sparse in January, February, April and parts of May. There will still be one run of shows per month (with exceptions), but the hope is to develop the needed momentum to get new material worked up. Mick [Jones] is dedicating as much time as he can to getting his new ideas down, which certainly will be the road map for all of us. Kelly [Hansen, vocals], Tom [Gimbel; guitars, saxophone, flute], Jason [Bonham, drums] and I plan on doing the same, but with FOREIGNER it really is Mick Jones who drives the engine. Then we plan on getting together to hash it all out. The plan has flexibility built in, as you never know what may come out of all this, but even if three new (but GREAT) songs come to light we'll be quite happy. The thing you can be quite sure of is, with Mick Jones establishing the precedent you KNOW the material will be amazingly strong. Hopefully we'll have a new product out by fall. There may even be a few surprises in store. It all really depends on how the pre-production and production processes go. Oh, and I should mention a personnel change in FOREIGNER. Longtime keyboardist Jeff Jacobs left the band. It was just that time as Jeff has a wonderful family and lots of opportunities in the Chicago area. Jeff will be deeply missed. But we were very fortunate in finding Paul Mirkovich as his current replacement. Other than a long list of duties as keyboardist and musical director for the likes of WHITESNAKE, CHER and many others, Paul is recently best known as the musical director for the show 'Rock Star' (both seasons with INXS and SUPERNOVA). Paul has been a fabulous addition and has made what could have been a difficult transition quite seamless.

"And let me tell you how excited I am about the new BENEDICTUM record. This is one of the best metal records I've ever been involved with. It really is that good. I'm SOOOO pleased with the results. The record hits stores in Europe on January 25, America sometime later (either February or March). Once the details are worked out, I'm hoping to have a link through my website for people to buy the record. I really can't imagine a metal fan being unhappy with this one. The band is operating on more cylinders than a fleet of NASCARs!!! Veronica sings her butt off, in that powerful but oh-so-melodic and emotional way. Pete blazes on the guitar (and his writing chops are so advanced on this). New drummer Paul kicks some serious ass — chops but tons of feel — and new bassist Jesse lays it down in a way befitting a world-class bassist in a world-class band! The lyrics are a universe unto themselves, handling some deep but relevant issues, but there's still a fist banging sing-along quality to the record that makes it irresistible! George Lynch even makes a cameo with some truly amazing solos on two songs. If you haven't yet noticed — I'm stoked!!! In fact on one of the songs George plays on (an amazing cover of ACCEPT's 'Balls To The Wall'), I guest on bass. So you might say there's a bit of a Lynch/Pilson feel to it as well. Craig Goldy also came in at the last minute to lay down a phenomenal solo on the European bonus track, 'Catch The Rainbow'. And yes I do mean the old RAINBOW tune. The whole track literally came together — start to mix — in 24 hours. Craig blew us all away — what a powerful vibe these sessions had. His playing was surreal — so much feeling. Also, Manni Schmidt from GRAVE DIGGER does a guitar duel with Pete on the track 'Burn It Out'. All in all, there's something for everybody on this disc, and again, I couldn't be more proud to be involved. My hope is that 2008 will see BENEDICTUM as becoming a common household name in many heavy metal households!!!

"I am frequently asked what George Lynch is up to, and besides the previously mentioned work on the new BENEDICTUM CD, I did have the pleasure of playing on seven tracks from George's latest project the SOULS OF WE. The music is George's most inspired in years, and the record is really strong. Singer London LeGrand is a real character with appeal to both modern and old-school fans. The lyrics are great. George is really excited and feels he hasn't had this strong a connection with a singer since Oni Logan in the early LYNCH MOB days. And when George is inspired and on fire — watch out world! I don't yet know who will be in the final version of the band, but George and London are in sync with some great music. I can't imagine George's fans not loving this. Hopefully the record will be done soon.

"Those of you who may not have had the chance to see the 'new' FOREIGNER live, should have plenty of opportunity in 2008. There are already several dates in March. Then, after more album work, the plan is to start up hard and heavy in late spring. The bookings aren't yet finalized (much depends on album progress, etc.) but I'm hearing word of hitting Japan, Europe and much of the States this year. No doubt we should be heading somewhere near you somewhere along the way! The band is really something worth seeing. It's much higher energy than most people expect, and the songs are just so damn strong. Kelly Hansen has proven to be a phenomenal front man, and just watching Mick Jones play guitar is worth the price of admission. Plus with the talent of Thom Gimbel and the magic of Jason Bonham, I'd put us up against anything that's out there. In fact one of my bigger disappointments is that more people on my message board haven't chimed in about their experiences with the band (some exceptions aside). Maybe that can change this year. Hopefully I'll (we'll) be seeing you soon.

"And then there was December 10, 2007. Wow, what a magical night. Take anything you heard about how good ZEPPELIN were, and multiply it by ten! To be right there for such a night of musical magic, all I can say is that it was truly an honor. And it really was all about the music. Yes the excitement in the air as ZEP opened up with 'Good Times Bad Times' was powerful. But then it only got better. It was so organic. A band of masters coming together listening and working off one another. Not only was it humbling, but it really gave me the excitement I had when I was a kid listening or watching ZEPPELIN for the first time. And I wasn't the only one — obviously! At one point my wonderful wife firmly grabbed my arm to call attention to Sir Paul (McCartney) who was next to us rocking out to 'Rock And Roll' like a 12 year-old-kid! Wow, that was cool. The funny thing is that where he was standing I don't believe he thought anyone could see him, so I think his excitement was genuine. Headbanging and arms flailing — no one's too cool to rock out to ZEPPELIN. Anyways, it was a night that left a lasting impression. We were all beaming with pride at Jason, who really did play at a transcendent level. They all did. It was fabulous. And I can really say that we got to open up for ZEPPELIN in what has to be one of the most legendary shows of all time. I'm honored, and grateful to have been there. I only hope I can show my appreciation by getting better at my art and making the best music I've ever made. I'm quite inspired these days. Hopefully there will be a chance to put it all on display soon.

"Which brings me to the other looming projects I'm asked about. When shopping around the live WAR & PEACE (from 2004 in London and Oakland), the response I got is that there was much more interest in another studio record of new material (live albums supposedly don't sell anymore). So my thought is the next 'downtime' I have (Lord only knows when that will be), to begin working on a new WAR & PEACE record. Then I'll try and arrange the release of the live record to coincide with that. Kind of a two-for-one deal! I have absolutely no timetable for that (would be impossible to plan right now), but you can be sure I'll mention it here on the website when I do. I also get asked quite often about another Lynch/Pilson record. George and I do talk frequently and we both just assume that one day we'll do another record (we reference it often), but again, no timetable. I feel really good about George's SOULS OF WE project, and do wish him much success with that. And with FOREIGNER working so much, it'll be a while before we could honestly approach another disc. But it took us 20 years to have the chance to make the first one — the next one ought to take a lot less than that!

"So that's about it for now. I do want to take the opportunity to thank my ever supportive and understanding family for being there for this incredible journey. It would be impossible to do all this without their blessing. I miss my wife and little girl when I'm on the road more than words could express. But it really is the interaction with the fans, those magical musical moments, and the honor and pleasure of making music that makes it all worthwhile. And to have a family (well, a wife, this is all Olivia knows) who sanction that — that's a real gift. One I could never take for granted. So keep those emails, and especially your forum comments, coming. I look forward to hearing from and maybe seeing you at a rock venue near you. May 2008 bring you all the blessings you ask for — and more."

Guitarist Shannon Hamm (DEATH, CONTROL DENIED) has issued the following update:

"Jonathan Lee (THE AUTUMN OFFERING, ex-ACHERON; ex-DEATH drum roadie for Richard Christy on DEATH's 'The Sound of Perseverance' tour), Scott Clendenin (bass on DEATH's 'The Sound of Perseverance' album), Bobby Koelble (guitarist on DEATH's 'Symbolic' album), and myself (guitar) have begun the writing process for a new metal project which is sure to be revolutionary! At this point we've not yet decided on a name, however, we are currently accepting demos, recordings, promos, or whatever from anyone who may be interested in auditioning for the vocalist position. This way we will already have an idea of who we want by the time the record is complete. Unfortunately, we really aren't sure yet what direction the vocals will take, so send anything you have. We are wide open, male or female, no particular preference. However, we all really like the vocals of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE if it is any help in the elimination game. Someone with versatility, powerful, melodic, clean, nasty, aggressive, all in one. Feel free to contact me via MySpace with any questions reguarding submissions. 2008 is going to KICK ASS!!!"

Koelble, Hamm, Clendenin and Lee took part in last month's benefit concert to honor late DEATH/CONTROL DENIED mastermind Chuck Schuldiner, which took place on December 12, 2007 at the Theatre Imperial in Quebec City, QC, Canada. The concert — which featured the local DEATH cover band SYMBOLIC alongside a number of guest musicians — was filmed for future DVD release.

West Virginia's hard rock band HYDROGYN has issued the following update:

"The band is getting ready to enter the studio Tuesday, January 8th to start recording the new CD scheduled for a May release. The band had a great 2007 and is looking forward to an even bigger and better 2008.

"We also want to report that the new CD will be coming out via a new label. That information will be revealed later on this month as well.

"The band would also like to clarify the lineup for this CD and touring in 2008. The band will consist of Julie [Westlake, vocals] (of course), Chris Sammons on bass and vocals, Josh Kitchen on drums, Jeff Westlake on guitar and for the studio Andy Caudill will be used on keyboards. Craig Goldy [DIO] is no longer with the band and did not as many now know take part in the European tour as well. With Craig's commitments that were already laid out it was an impossible road to navigate. Craig is busy touring and working with Ronnie James Dio, as he has reported for 2008.

"The new CD is expected to be released sometime in May of this year with recording being finished in February. New tour dates are also being compiled now and will be announced around the completion of the CD in February as well."

HYDROGYN's "Breaking Me Down" video:

Fan-filmed video footage of NIGHTWISH's sold-out January 1, 2008 concert at the Ice Hall in Helsinki, Finland can be viewed below (courtesy of "thesummerwine").

As previously reported, NIGHTWISH's latest album, "Dark Passsion Play", has been certified gold in Germany for sales in excess of 100,000 copies. The award presentation took place on December 29, 2007 at the On A Dark Winter's Night Festival in Oberhausen, Germany, where NIGHTWISH played in front of 6,000 fans.

"Dark Passion Play" has been certified triple platinum in the band's home country of Finland, platinum in Switzerland, and gold in Sweden, Austria and Poland.

NIGHTWISH's new Finland-only single, "Erämaan Viimeinen" (Last of the Wilds), entered the Finnish chart at position No. 1. "Erämaan Viimeinen" is the instrumental "Last of the Wilds" off "Dark Passion Play", but with Finnish lyrics, courtesy of Jonsu from the all-girl pop/rock band INDICA, who supported NIGHTWISH in Scandinavia.

NIGHTWISH is planning to undetake a third U.S. tour in support of its new album, "Dark Passion Play", beginning at the end of August 2008 and running through the end of September.

"Dark Passion Play" has shifted more than 35,000 units in the United States since its October 2, 2007 release.

"Amaranth":



"Nemo":

Polly Dunbar of the Daily Mail reports: For decades, the Rev John Dale has looked forward to retiring to the isolated 18th Century cottage he owns in the Welsh hills.

But his dreams of tranquillity have been shattered — by hundreds of LED ZEPPELIN fans.

For the property, Bron-Yr-Aur, overlooking the Dyfi Valley on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, is where Robert Plant and Jimmy Page penned the band's third album, "Led Zeppelin III", in 1970 and ever since it has attracted hundreds of their followers.

Some have even stolen "souvenirs" from the grounds of the house, after which Plant and Page named a track on the LP.

Mr Dale, 65, the vicar of St Michael's in Michaelston-y-Fedw in South Wales, bought the stone-built cottage in 1972 as a country retreat for his family and, eventually, as a retirement home.

But with renewed interest in LED ZEPPELIN following their recent reunion gig in London, he is pleading to be left alone.

Mr Dale, who is not a LED ZEPPELIN fan and did not know of the cottage's connection to the band when he bought it, said:

"I've lost count of the number of people we've had up here when I'm staying with the family."

Read the entire article at www.dailymail.co.uk.

MINISTRY/REVOLTING COCKS guitarist Sin Quirin will take part in several signing sessions during this year's NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), which runs from January 17 to January 20 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The details are as follows:

Jan. 18 - TonePros (Hall E, Booth 1652) - 1:00pm
Jan. 19 - Schecter (Hall C, Booth 4290) - 3:00pm *

* Also signing are Kenny Hickey (TYPE O NEGATIVE), Jeff Loomis (NEVERMORE), JD DeServio (BLACK LABEL SOCIETY)

The North American leg of MINISTRY's "C U LaTouR" — which also features special guests MESHUGGAH and opening act HEMLOCK — will kick off on March 26 in Calgary, Alberta. The "C U LaTouR" touring line-up features Jourgensen alongside guitarists Tommy Victor (PRONG) and Sin Quirin (REVOLTING COCKS), keyboardist John Bechdel (PRONG, ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS, FALSE ICONS), and drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (ex-MEGADETH, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, ALICE COOPER). STATIC X's Tony Campos has recently stepped in to fulfill bass on behalf of the recently departed MINISTRY/KILLING JOKE bassist Paul Raven. Joining the MINISTRY clan as Special Featured Artist will be FEAR FACTORY/ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS vocalist Burton C. Bell.

To coincide with "C U LaTouR", Jourgensen's indie imprint is scheduled to release MINISTRY & CO-CONSPIRATORS "Cover Up", a 12-track covers release featuring artists from the 13th Planet Records family, as well as other special guests. "Cover Up" is scheduled for a late March/early April 2008 release.

For its spectacular two-and-a-half-hour "C U LaTouR" set, MINISTRY will perform tracks from "The Last Sucker" as well as songs that revisit the band's rich and provocative 30-year musical history. Archival MINISTRY videos plus other visual elements of alchemy, Christianity, politics and other topics aligned with MINISTRY will be incorporated into a special video presentation, produced by "Wicked Lake" director Zach Passero (with whom Jourgensen is collaborating on the soundtrack for the feature film) that will change night to night. And, as is expected from a MINISTRY show, you just never know what surprise guests will jump on stage for a song or two.

Swedish metallers LOST HORIZON have issued the following update:

"Almost five years have passed since the release of 'A Flame To The Ground Beneath' and after the turbulence the band experienced. The remaining members now realize this period was necessary to regain the energy, strength, motivation and inspiration needed to continue with the unearthly creations.

"Only, this time things will be done a lot different than before.

"While continuing the search for the voice, which will be embraced by our music, the recording of the new material will be carried through independently of that and immediately, with start on January 2008. All instruments will be successively fully recorded and maybe even mixed without vocals on. All skeptical or frightened by this procedure should know/be reminded it was more or less the same case with 'Awakening The World' album when Daniel's [Heiman] vocals was post-mixed after the instrumental mix in Studio Fredman.

"Martin [Furängen, bass], Wojtek [Lisicki, guitar] and Christian [Nyquist, drums], the founders of the band, together with Attila [Publik, synthesizers], who all shared the same vision and goals, are once again the core of LOST HORIZON and so it will remain in the future to avoid the destructible situations of too many wills and visions coming in conflict with each other.

"With this in mind we also have decided not to approach any offers of a record deal with record labels only to be cosmically ripped off, limited or controlled. We will take care of all studio and graphical matters by ourselves.

"Moreover, the material is not going to be recorded all at the same time, but song by song. If the singer problem is solved relatively shortly, then the songs will be available to buy directly after each one is totally processed and ready for the world. All songs will be distributed through the website.

"According to our philosophy we want to establish a direct channel between us and our fans where our music and artwork will be distributed directly from our website, supervised by Valgorth, The Apocalyptic Blaster Of Rats In Cosmic Fury, to avoid any annoying, irrelevant interference by any greedy companies making it impossible to make a living as an artist/musician unless you sell a million copies.

"This will be also your chance to join us on the path to bring back the music to the listeners and musicians, promote the music you love and make musicianship once again the beautiful art form it once was!"

LOST HORIZON performing live at Gates Of Metal 2003:

ESP Guitars will be hosting its largest NAMM show ever, both in terms of artist appearances, new guitars and basses, and a whole new upstairs demo room (Room 213D) that will allow for live performances and clinics in addition to the standard artist signature sessions. All events listed below with the exception of Friday night's party at the Hilton are being held in Room 213D at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Signing Session: Friday, January 18 2008, 2:00 - 2:45PM

* Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM)
* Jon Donais (SHADOWS FALL)

Live Performance Clinic: Friday, January 18, 2008, 4:00PM

* Alexi Laiho with Janne Wirman (CHILDREN OF BODOM)

Live Performance Clinic: Friday, Janaury 18, 2008, 5:00PM

* George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB)

Anaheim Hilton Pulse Lounge: Evening of Friday, January 18, 2008 (Invite-Only
Event)

* Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM)
* George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB)

Signing Session: Saturday, January 19, 2008, 12:00 - 1:30PM

* Rob Arnold (CHIMAIRA)
* Matt Devries (CHIMAIRA)
* Jon Donais (SHADOWS FALL)
* Michael Amott (ARCH ENEMY)
* Will Adler (LAMB OF GOD)

Signing Session: Saturday, January 19, 2008, 1:45 - 3:00PM

* Stef Carpenter (DEFTONES)
* Michael Wilton (QUEENSRŸCHE)
* Gus G. (FIREWIND)
* Wayne Static (STATIC-X)
* Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM)

Live Performance Clinic: Saturday, January 19, 2008, 4:00PM

* George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB)

Live Performance Clinic: Saturday, January 19, 2008, 5:00PM

* Alexi Laiho with Janne Wirman (CHILDREN OF BODOM)

Throughout the show (Jan. 17 – Jan. 20)

* Live clinics by Tommy Bolan and Prashant Aswani

Important: The NAMM Show is **NOT** open to the public. The only attendees are NAMM member companies and their invited guests.

ARCH ENEMY frontwoman Angela Gossow has issued the following update:

"Hello, friends, especially my lady friends! My pockets are empty, but my closets are full — so I have decided to sell a bunch of cool clothing items (and other little gimmicks) on eBay.

"But before you feel sorry for me that I can't pay my rent — don't worry — I can. At least this month.

"What I need are NEW cool clothes to wear on upcoming tours and for photo shoots... I am a woman at the end of the day and a shopping spree never fails to excite me. I haven't had one for a while now; I spent all my money on Christmas gifts for the ones I love. This selfless time is over now. A bunch of headline tours coming up and also spring is drawing near (at least I hope so, as Sweden is quite depressing at the moment).

If you are interested in a special item, send me a request with picture via [my MySpace page] — and I will look for it. It probably will be up on eBay already. I am not a sentimental person.

In case you are a real talented DIY fashion designer and would like to create a piece for me, get in touch on my myspace site as well. I love unique, individual pieces and will wear them with pride!"

Swedish thrashers CORPORATION 187 will release their third album, "Newcomers of Sin", in March via Anticulture Records. The CD was recorded at the band's own studio in Linköping and was mastered on December 13, 2007 at Tailor Maid Production in Stockholm by Peter In de Betou. A track from the album, "Teaching the Sick, Feeding the Dead", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. Other songtitles set to appear on the album include "Suffer as One", "Provoking the Prophet", "Newcomers of Sin", "Madhouse", "Cardiac (Arrest)", "Virus Nation", "I'm the New Messiah" and "Question the Light".

CORPORATION 187 was previously signed to Wicked World/Earache Records, which released 2002's "Perfection in Pain" and 2000's "Subliminal Fear".

Watch CORPORATION 187's "Perfection in Pain" video:

A number of high-quality photos of OBITUARY's January 4, 2008 concert at 013 in Tilburg, Holland can be found at Metal-Experience.com. Fan-filmed video footage of the group's January 3, 2008 show in Zwolle, Holland can be viewed below (courtesy of "abortusfreak"). Support at both gigs came from long-running German thrashers HOLY MOSES and Swedish metallers AVATAR.

OBITUARY recently shot a video for the song "Evil Ways" with comic book stalwart and director Hart D. Fisher.

Check out the photos from the shoot at this location.

"Evil Ways" is the lead single from OBITUARY's new album, "Xecutioner's Return", which was released in North America on August 28 via Candlelight Records. The CD was mixed at Redroom Recorders and was mastered in June at Morrisound Studios in Tampa. The band once again worked with artist Andreas Marschall, who has previously created the art for "The End Complete" and the group's last record, "Frozen in Time".

Roadrunner Records has set a January 29, 2008 release date for a "best-of" collection from legendary Florida death metallers OBITUARY. Entitled, appropriately enough, "The Best of Obituary", the CD will feature the following track listing:

01. Internal Bleeding
02. 'Til Death
03. Slowly We Rot
04. Cause Of Death
05. Chopped In Half
06. Turned Inside Out
07. The End Complete
08. I'm In Pain
09. Don't Care
10. Final Thoughts
11. Kill For Me
12. Threatening Skies
13. On The Floor

Check out the cover artwork at this location.

"Slowly We Rot":



"By the Light":



"Chopped in Half":

Finnish metallers NORTHER have issued the following update:

"So I guess you have all heard the news about our new album 'N'. Hopefully we can also confirm the U.S. release quite soon. We shot our new video some time ago and it is starting to be ready. It's looking damn good and will be something a way cooler than we've ever done before. We did the video with Tunne Productions, check out what other they have done before us. I must say that besides being really pro guys they were also really nice and everything went smoothly. We will soon start tuning our set to the Finnish Metal Expo. That will be our very first show with the new material from 'N'. We have been negotiating about a possible European tour (including UK) in the early spring, let's hope that all goes well and we can confirm it soon."

NORTHER's "N" will be released through Century Media Records on the following dates:

Feb. 13 - Finland
Feb. 22 - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, BeNeLux
Feb. 25 - UK, France, Denmark, Greece, Norway
Feb. 26 - Spain, Portugal
Feb. 29 - Sweden, Hungary

The CD was recorded and produced by longtime partner Anssi Kippo (CHILDREN OF BODOM) at Astia Studios and mixed by Fredrik Nordström (DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, IN FLAMES) at Studio Fredman in Sweden.

According to a press release, "N" sees NORTHER "perfecting their mix of ripping riffs, aggressive vocals and epic melodies and will be premiered live at the well-known Finnish Metal Expo on February 16, 2008 in Helsinki. With the release of the massive metal anthem 'We Rock' as Finland-only single plus a new video currently in the works NORTHER are destined to induce 2008 with a metallic kick-off par excellence."

"N" track listing:

01. My Antichrist
02. Frozen Angel
03. Down
04. To Hell
05. Savior
06. Black Gold
07. We Rock
08. Always & Never
09. Tell Me Why
10. If You Go
11. Self-Righteous Fuck
12. Forever And Ever
13. Sabotage (Japanese Bonus Track)

Check out the cover artwork at this location.

"N" will be available as a CD and limited edition digipak including three bonus tracks.

Val Van Meter of Winchester, Virginia's The Winchester Star reports: METALLICA's heavy metal beat in "Enter Sandman" can energize a football team and a stadium full of people. Why not a Virginia Tech student?

That's the premise of the video Thomas Copenhaver and two friends entered in the annual Four-Minute Film Festival on the Blacksburg campus in the fall.

Of the 21 entries, their effort took third place, and was placed second when The Roanoke Times asked its readers to vote online on the same parade of films.

Francis Ford Coppola better watch out. Not only did the young filmmaker come up with a winner, he and his friends did it in just 12 hours with no budget.

That's half the time allowed to create a four-minute film.

So, if you have a sleepy Tech student, who needs to focus on a class test or his soccer moves, what should you add as the missing ingredient?

"A Touch of Sandman" followed the protagonist, who turned out to be Thomas — "I volunteered" — through a bad day at school, then showed how it all could be turned around, just by adding METALLICA's music to his journey through the exact same situations.

The film producers enlisted several other students to flesh out the cast.

Read more at The Winchester Star.

Watch "A Touch of Sandman" below.

Swedish dark symphonic metallers HER WHISPER will release their new album, entitled "The Great Unifier", on February 18, 2008 via STF Records. The CD features a guest appearance on one song by KING DIAMOND guitarist Mike Wead.

Check out the album artwork at this location.

HER WHISPER's debut album, "Children of the Black Soil", was issued in 2006.

HER WHISPER is:

Magnus af Nestergaard – Vocals, Lead Guitar
Marcus Christensen - Keyboards
Christian Widén - Rhythm Guitar
André Kallin - Bass
Kenneth Gilbert – Drums

For more information, visit www.herwhisper.net.

(Thanks: StayMetal.net)

WAYLANDER and CRUACHAN have been confirmed as the headliners of the NephereX festival, set to take place April 30 in Dendermonde, Belgium. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

WAYLANDER (NI)
CRUACHAN (IRE)
THEUDHO (B)
WAPENSPRAAK & DRINKGELAG (B)
VINTERNATT (B)
HULDREFOLK (B)
KLAUWAERT (B)

A flyer for the event can be found at this location.

Vocalist Paul Kuhr of the Chicago doomsters NOVEMBERS DOOM has posted the following message on the band's MySpace page:

"For a small underground metal band from Chicago, we have found ourselves in unreal situations and have met people across the world who believe in us, sometimes more then we do ourselves. Carl Grillet, owner of the metal store chain Metal Zone in Europe, has become one of the best things to happen to us. Without his hard work, and belief in the band, we wouldn't have some of the opportunities we have had, so to us, Carl is a part of the NOVEMBERS DOOM family. Because of him, we were again given an opportunity to travel to Europe and tour. The original plan for this tour was two weeks, and the line-up would be NOVEMBERS DOOM, AJATTARA, THURISAZ, and WOODS OF YPRES. In my opinion, a stunning lineup.

"Then, we had the idea of finally shooting our live DVD we've talked about for years now. We thought about recording it here in Chicago, then considered Toronto, or New York. We wanted to perform in front of the best possible crowd for us. We chose to play where we actually feel the most at home... Vosselaar, Belgium.

"With the DVD shoot, much planning had to go into this, as no one has really recorded like this at the Biebob club, where we played. This would be our second performance at the Biebob, after a very successful tour in 2006 with AGALLOCH, SATURNUS, and THURISAZ. As much of the focus moved towards the DVD shoot, the idea of a two week tour started to weigh on our minds, and we made the decision to put all the efforts into the one performance. We wanted this to be as special as possible, and this one show to have the biggest impact it could. We couldn't have been more pleased.

"We arrived in Brussels Belgium on November 8th, 2007 and after a brief meeting with Carl, we went to our hotel to sleep off the jet lag. Thursday was kept as a relaxing day, to recover from the flight.

"Friday was a unique day. After some sightseeing, and soaking in the fine Belgium culture, we were allowed into the Biebob club to rehearse, since the club was closed for the day. We weren't rehearsing the DVD show, instead we had to work on our set for the following Monday, which was one of the most unique shows we have ever performed, acoustically.

"Saturday, November 10th, the day of the shoot begins early. The equipment is set up on stage, and the long task of setting up all the audio and video recording equipment takes place. Sound check, and being reunited with our metal brother THURISAZ takes place, and good time begin. In the early evening, AJATTARA arrive from Finland, and get settled in.

"Later in the evening, THURISAZ takes the stage first, and crushes once again. Every single time I see this band, it amazes me how much better they get. They work very hard, and it shows. They have really stepped into their own, and if you haven't taken the time to hear these guys, you really need to!

"AJATTARA is next up. What a treat this is for me. Not only being a huge fan of Pasi's past work, I discovered AJATTARA almost 2 years ago, and became a huge fan of their music. Ask my band mates, I've talked about them a great deal. I personally asked them if they would do the tour / shows with us, maybe selfishly because I wanted to see them live, but I knew their form of dark metal would blend well with us. Before they took the stage, the band had a Jägermeister fueled ritual in the dressing room, and I knew the crowd was about to be pummelled. They did not disappoint me.

"So, the time comes, and our into starts. We take the stage, and with my opening statement 'Belgium! We are NOVEMBERS DOOM, and with us, we bring the rain!' Four-hundred plus fans witnessed one of our most memorable career moments, the filming of our first DVD. This had to be one of the very best crowds in our history. We could not have asked for any better, and once you see the final version, you'll know exactly why we chose Belgium. After a quick hour and fifteen minutes, we had finished, ending the set with a fan favourite, 'The Pale Haunt Departure'.

"Metal Zone had set up a meet-and-greet and signing session in the Biebob club after the performance, and it was an absolute pleasure to meet everyone. I wish we had more time, to sit and talk with everyone more, as we were shocked at just how much people brought for us to sign. Items I've never seen before, along with CDs of other projects I've been a part of — it was a pleasure!

"A side note, performing this time at the Biebob, had to be the most humid, and hottest stage we've ever been on. It drained us completely. You'll see just how wet we all are on the DVD! We have scrims that sit on both sides of the stage when we play. It was so humid, those scrims were actually wet when we put the away.

"After some well-deserved sleep, and the big show behind us, on Sunday we headed off to the Netherlands to perform a early afternoon show at Het Kasteel. With the pressure of the DVD shoot off of us, we were able to relax, and enjoy this show. Thurisaz once again killed the room with their brilliance. AJATTARA joined us once again, and this time I got to sit back, and enjoy their entire set. Damn, I love that band. They crushed me live. What stood out to me, was the Pasi remaining silent between every song. He spoke not one word to the crowd. They took the stage, kicked the rooms ass, and walked off. Very powerful. Very cool.

"The crowd at this show was larger, and more energetic then our previous shows in the Netherlands a year prior. It was a solid performance for us, and the relaxed attitudes we had that night, made it highly enjoyable for me.

"After a night in a very bizarre hostel, we headed back to Belgium, this time in Antwerp, for a very special and unique evening. This night, was only THURISAZ, and us, and we would both play an entire acoustic set. This was intimate, and something we weren't sure how would go over. I was really looking forward to this, as I have never performed on stage without the typical death metal growling vocal, so my nerves were a but higher then usual. It also did not help I was suffering from a chest cold and cough, and after growling for the past two days, and trying to sing in a smoke filled bar, my voice was not up to standard.

"THURISAZ played a beautiful and amazing set, showcasing the talent this band has. Not many death metal bands can show a different side of their musicianship like this, and when they do it, you can hear a style that this band would be successful doing if they did it full time.

"We took the small stage, and did our very best, performing many songs we have never played live before. It was a very special evening for us, as well as the fans who came out to see it. We are pleased with how the show went over, and plan on doing something like this in Chicago in the future. Another note for this show, my wife Arline was able to come on the trip with us this time, and we performed 'If Forever' for the first time, which I wrote for her years ago. It was a great moment for me to give her that live.

"After the shows were over, most of the band returned back to the States, and my wife, bassist Chris and his wife, and I all stayed in Europe for five more days to relax, and vacation. We enjoyed cities like Antwerp, Brugge, Gent, and a highlight of the trip for me, was heading back north to the Netherlands to see Anneke Van Giersbergen's new band, AGUA DE ANNIQUE perform live. Stunning performance from the band, and we had a great time after the show, spending time with our old friend Anneke.

"Returning to Europe for a second time was great, as we had the opportunity to see many old friends again. Many huge thanks need to go to Carl and Bieke, two of the greatest people I know, our friends Holger and Vanessa who filmed both the Netherlands show, and the acoustic show for us, Thomas and Dafne Meuleman who share a love Larry and I have for vintage superhero toys, and Anneke Van Giersbergen and her husband Rob who were very hospitable!

"Get ready Belgium, we're coming back... sooner then you may think!"

Belgium's SERPENTCULT, the new band featuring former members of THEE PLAGUE OF GENTLEMEN and WELKIN, will release its new album, "Weight Of Light", on May 1 through Swedish label I Hate Records. The group will enter Priory Studio in Birmingham, UK in February to record the CD with engineer by Greg Chandler (ESOTERIC). Once the recordings are done, the effort will be mixed and mastered by mastermind Billy Anderson (NEUROSIS, CATHEDRAL, HIGH ON FIRE, MEN OF PORN) at his new studio in San Francisco.

SERPENTCULT will present its new album with a range of shows early May in the Netherlands and Germany with UK's legendary WARNING. The official CD-release party in Belgium will happen at the Hipodrome in Kuurne on May 10. After this, the band will prepare for some summer festivals, to be announced later.

Upcoming SERPENTCULT shows:

Feb. 09 - Bristol Pear, Birmingham (UK)
Feb. 16 - Ostendfest, Ostend (B)
May 02 - Baroeg, Rotterdam (NL)
May 03 - Alte Schlachterei, Gluckstadt (D)
May 04 - Kunstverrein, Nurnberg (D)

Photos of KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley's appearance Friday (January 4) at the Wentworth Gallery located at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, New York have been posted on Paul's official web site.

Paul will appear at the Wentworth Gallery at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, New York again today (Saturday, January 5) between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

In a recent interview with ABC7.com's George Pennacchio, Paul Stanley stated about his art, "What I'm trying to do with my art is connect with people emotionally. I think one of the beauties of abstract art is probably that it appeals to you emotionally, rather than intellectually. I'd rather get a smile or somebody going, 'Whoa!' than somebody going, 'Hmmm.'"

Stanley's abstracts include "Green Planet", "Winter Sun" and "Purple Haze".

"I love color and somebody was describing my work and said to me, 'You know, you're fearless with color,' and I said, 'What's there to be afraid of?' You know — it's color!" said Stanley.

And he's not afraid to use color, or even his fingers, if it achieves the desired effect in a painting.

"You don't need a degree to know what good art is. Good art is what you love. When you go into a restaurant, you don't have to have someone tell you what bad food is. When you spit it out, guess what? It's bad," said Stanley.

But painting has been good for Stanley, who has found it therapeutic and eye-opening.

"I tore my rotator cuff and I had surgery five weeks ago. Ten years ago if that happened, I would have said to the doctor, 'Will I be able to play the guitar?' I said to the doctor, 'Will I be able to paint?'" said Stanley.

Paul's original works start at about $14,000, but his giclee reproductions begin at about a thousand dollars.

A short video clip of Ozzy Osbourne auditioning to be the new announcer for CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" can be found at this location.

According to Showbiz Spy, rumors of a duet between Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne at this year's the Brit Awards (the British equivalent of the Grammy Awards) have been shot down by the award show's bosses.

The legendary music gods were reported to be collaborating on a unique version of Bond theme "Live And Let Die" for the music bash at London's Earls Court on February 20.

"It is not true at all," says a spokesperson. "Someone made it up."

58-year-old Ozzy — who will be hosting the ceremony with wife Sharon, 55 — is still nervous because he's concerned about making a fool of himself in front of his idol.

"The Brits have been playing on Ozzy's mind," a pal told Britain's Daily Star newspaper. "He's worried about coming a cropper in front of Macca."

Sir Paul, 65, will receive the Outstanding Contribution To Music gong at the award show, to be held in London later this year.

Legendary German guitarist Michael Schenker will interviewed by UK's Rock 247 Online Internet radio tomorrow (Sunday, January 6) between 12 noon and 3:00 p.m. UK time.

For more information, visit www.rock247online.co.uk.

As previously reported, Schenker will embark on a UK tour this month under the MICHAEL SCHENKER & FRIENDS banner.

The guitarist is scheduled to release a new MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP (MSG) album in April called "In the Midst Of Beauty", which will feature returning MSG singer Gary Barden, drummer Simon Philips (THE WHO, TOTO), bassist Neil Murray (BLACK SABBATH, WHITESNAKE) and keyboardist Don Airey (DEEP PURPLE, OZZY OSBOURNE).

Michael Schenker's UK tour this past summer was cut short due to a "multitude of events beyond the band's control, including Michael's," according to a posting on Schenker's MySpace page.

Schenker's final gig in the UK took place on August 3 in Stourbridge, U.K. when Michael ended up calling off the concert after only a handful of songs.

GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal has commenced work on a new BUMBLEFOOT CD, to be released sometime this year. Another video clip shot during some of the early recording sessions for the new album can be viewed below.

A recent episode of Nefarious Bovine Radio features three tracks and an interview with Thal.

Nefarious Bovine Radio caught up with the guitarist at the Locobazooka! festival in Mansfield, MA on September 9, 2007 to discuss his career, music, accountability and hot sauces. The interview contains no "Chinese Democracy" spoilers.

GUNS N' ROSES and Bumblefoot fans and metalheads can download only the Bumblefoot segment here.

Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman has issued the following update:

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! to everyone who made 2007 such a special year for me. It was without a doubt one of the most exciting years of my career, if not the most adventurous.

"Aside from my other TV and print media duties, I celebrated a year with the show 'Rock Fujiyama', I managed to produce and play three albums, several single cuts, write my first top 20 single, do my first solo live DVD, as well as do my first solo trek through Europe. I was fortunate enough to meet so many of my fans and friends at promo events during the year and also of course at Masa Ito`s annual bash that I`m always honoured to do. Aside from that I was given my first shot at acting in a motion picture and it was a total blast!

"On a more personal note, I was asked to judge next year's annual state-wide University Japanese Speech Competition of Arizona, the same competition that I entered as a contestant just six years ago. Hard work really does pay off.

"But the MAIN thing is that I am currently putting together my new solo album, and I can tell you that I am halfway through it now and I am absolutely thrilled with it so far. There are many huge and cool surprises…

"I appreciate all of your support more than you will ever know. An amazing 2008 to all of you — I hope 2008 will be everything you want it to be!"

Punk rock icon Henry Rollins has issued the following update:

"I finished work on 'Ice 44' (or whatever the film will eventually be called) on December 20th and the next day left town for Islamabad, Pakistan. Why did I go there? A couple of reasons: I am curious and at the end of 2006, when I was in Dubai talking to some people who work for the U.S. Government, they told me Pakistan is a country I should stay out of. So, one night a few weeks ago I decided that I had to go. Arrangements were made and off I went for a week in Islamabad.

"I had no idea what I was going to do which is an interesting way to travel. I can't recommend it but I can't recommend many things I do. Anyway, I was there the day that Benazir Bhutto was assassinated which was a sad event, of course, but an interesting time to be there all the same. The day after she had been killed I walked around the Blue Section where all the shops are. I had just been there the day before, meeting people and taking it all in, but on this day the scene was quite different: tires were burning in the street, men were crying loudly, people were protesting and the police, dressed in riot gear, watched from the sidelines. I reckoned the best way to not stand out was to blend in, so I just walked into the middle of it and observed from there. It was a wild and intense hour. Men marched to the intersection to join other men who were there and the numbers started to grow. Media descended upon the scene. It was wild. After awhile everyone seemed to have had their fill and the crowd dissipated and soon I was standing almost alone.

"I met a lot of people on this trip and they were all very friendly. The food was great, the women were beautiful and the nights were cold and clear. Besides the death of Ms. Bhutto and the open despair of so many people I encountered, it was an amazing trip.

"Many years ago, a video of a talking show I did at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles came out called 'You Saw Me Up There'. It went out of print and remained that way until three days ago when it came back from the plant on DVD for the first time. It took awhile to get things straightened out with the label that released it in the first place, hence the very long delay. Thank you for all the letters you sent over the years asking about the status of this thing. I am happy to see that it's back with us.

"I will hopefully be touring on and off until the end of November this year. So far, the January and February European dates are all set as well as the ones in South Africa and a five-week tour of America and Canada in February and March. Australian dates are set for April. I will see if I can do more dates at the Fringe Fest in Scotland in August. I had such a great time there last year, I would like to be part of it again this year if possible. I am hoping that I can go back out September through November in North America for more shows.

"Remember last year when I sang with THE RUTS in London as part of the benefit for RUTS guitarist Paul Fox? Sadly, Paul passed away several weeks ago but the show was captured on video and will be released in late January in Europe. There will be a release party on January 25th at the Shepherds Bush Empire. Also, the live version we did of the song 'Babylon's Burning' has been released for download. As it happens, I have a night off on the 25th and will be at the event introducing the film. The two remaining RUTS, Segs and Dave Ruffy, will be there and I'm sure some other cool punk notables will be as well, so it should be a great night, show up if you can. I will be onstage live at the Hammersmith Odeon the next night, that should be a good time, I love that venue.

"The good folks at IFC have asked if I would do three 'Live & Uncut' specials for 2008. Some of you may be familiar with the ones I did for them from New York and Israel. The first one will be shot in South Africa in February, the next will be in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I don't know where the third one will be yet. We won't be doing the regular show this year, they like it better when I am out and about and they got a very good response on the Israel show and want to do more. I am happy to be working with them again this year.

"In 2008 I will release two books: 'Fanatic! Vol. 3' and 'A Preferred Blur'. I don't have firm release dates yet as they are both being worked on but when they are set to come out, I will let you know."