Illinois-based extreme metallers NACHTMYSTIUM have been confirmed for next year's installment of the Inferno festival, set to take place March 31 - April 3, 2010 in Oslo, Norway.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

FINNTROLL
MAYHEM
NACHTMYSTIUM
TAAKE
THE KOVENANT

More bands will be announced soon.

Few Norwegian music festivals can equal the international status that the Inferno festival now holds. The festival, voted as one of the 10 best in the world by the readers of Terrorizer magazine, continues to grow and is considered the Norwegian metal community's most important gathering.

For four days during Easter, people fly in from England, Sweden, Germany, Italy, the USA and even India to experience extreme metal in Norway's capital.

The festival was started in 2001 by BORKNAGAR guitarist Jens Ryland who wanted the Norwegian metal community to come together for a celebration of extreme music.

Former IRON MAIDEN/WOLFSBANE frontman Blaze Bayley has set "Promise and Terror" as the title of his new album, tentatively due on February 1, 2010. The CD will be available to pre-order from Bayley's official web site starting on December 1, with every pre-order signed by the whole band.

Check out the "Promise and Terror" cover artwork below.

Bayley's double live album and live DVD, "The Night That Will Not Die" — recorded on December 13, 2008 at Z7 in Pratteln, Switzerland — were 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" was 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.

More video footage of METALLICA's October 30, 2009 performance at Madison Square Garden as part of the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame can be viewed below. Joining the San Francisco heavy metal giants for the performance were Ozzy Osbourne (BLACK SABBATH), Ray Davies (THE KINKS) and Lou Reed joined METALLICA.

METALLICA's setlist was as follows:

01. For Whom The Bell Tolls
02. One
03. Turn The Page
04. Sweet Jane (w/ Lou Reed)
05. White Light White Heat (w/ Lou Reed)
06. Iron Man (w/ Ozzy Osbourne)
07. Paranoid (w/ Ozzy Osbourne)
08. You Really Got Me (w/ Ray Davies)
09. All Day And All Of The Night (w/ Ray Davies)
10. Stone Cold Crazy
11. Enter Sandman

Check out a review and photos at Metallica.com.

METALLICA was inducted into the Hall of Fame this past April.

The October 30 show also featured U2, BECK, BUDDY GUY, ARETHA FRANKLIN, ANNIE LENNOX, LENNY KRAVITZ and JERRY LEE LEWIS.

Highlights of both nights' (October 29-30) Madison Square Garden concerts will be part of a four-hour broadcast this month on HBO.

Swedish death metal band VOLTURYON is scheduled to enter Black Lounge Studio in Avesta, Sweden in December with producer Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CENTINEX, WORLD BELOW) to begin recording its second album for an early 2010 release. The follow-up to 2008's "Blood Cure" will see the group "taking [its] music to a new level and develop[ing] [its] sound and style," according to a press release.

Currently unsigned, VOLTURYON has spent the last couple of years playing shows, including at the Sweden Rock Festival in June 2008 where the band performed alongside AT THE GATES and CARCASS, among others.

VOLTURYON is:

* Olle Ekman (PERGOLOS, HARTWIG, DÖD, LETHAL ATTACK, DEALS DEATH) - Vocals
* Johan Gustafsson (EVANGELI, MAGOG) - Guitar
* Andreas Olander (EVANGELI, MAGOG) - Guitar
* Stefan Eriksson (EVANGELI, HELL PATROL, MAGOG, CRYONIC TEMPLE) - Bass
* Christian "Crille" Netzell (IN MOURNING) - Drums

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

Spencer Matulaitis of PureGrainAudio.com conducted an interview with vocalist Trevor Strnad and bassist Ryan Williams of Michigan's THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER on September 26, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Watch the 10-minute chat below.

"Deflorate", the new album from THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, sold around 12,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 43 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Released on September 15 via Metal Blade Records, "Deflorate" boasts THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER's brand of seamlessly mixed Swedish influenced blackened thrash and pounding American death metal muscle, and sees one of metal's most outstanding underground outfits at the peak of its unmitigated musical brutality.

"We're more confident than ever," declares Strnad of "Deflorate". "I think, as a band, we really found our footing on 'Nocturnal'. This time, we've taken this beast to the next level."

"Deflorate" was produced by THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, Mark Lewis (DEICIDE) and Jason Suecof (BENEATH THE MASSACRE, JOB FOR A COWBOY), with mixing duties handled by Suecof. According to a press release, "Deflorate" is "a multifaceted death trip: beautiful, evil, and morbidly addicting. THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER's fourth thrashing epic sees no punch pulled, no gravestone unturned, no soul uncorrupted."

Video footage of BEHEMOTH's November 1, 2009 concert at Hof Ter Lo in Antwerp, Belgium can be viewed below (courtesy of "letthedeathmetalflow").

"Evangelion", the latest album from BEHEMOTH, spent four weeks on the official chart in the band's home country, coming in at the #1 spot three weeks in a row after debuting at #2, just behind MICHAEL JACKSON.

In a recent interview with Decibel magazine, BEHEMOTH guitarist/vocalist Adam "Nergal" Darski and bassist Orion (real name: Tomasz Wróblewski) both admitted that they have given serious consideration to moving away from Poland. "The more places we see, the less connected we feel with the place we live in," Wróblewski said. "All of them seem more attractive than Poland. But you get used to a place where you live, and it's kind of hard to move. But it's possible, yes."

"I'm always thinking about it," Darski admitted. "I was just in New York for a few days, and I was thinking about it then. I mean, I'm rooted here, right? I've got my family here; I've got a nice apartment; I've got a few friends. And I was born here. But I would have no problems to live my life a few months in Poland and maybe a few months somewhere else. If one day I fall in love in Portugal or Brazil, I'm not gonna think twice. I'll buy an apartment in one of those countries and just move there and try to live a normal life."

Darski continued, "I can't understand why people come to Poland and say, 'Oh, this country is so nice and the people are so cool.' I tell them, 'No — these people are not cool. It's just a façade. They just pretend. Deep in their hearts, they are evil human beings.' You see, people in this country are very backward-thinking and very conservative. People who don't grow up here don't know the reality, and they will never find out."

DELAIN's "special show" on Saturday, October 31 at Broerenkerk in Zwolle, Holland was professionally filmed for possible release. Joining the group during the performance were special guests Marco Hietala (NIGHTWISH, TAROT) and Floor Jansen (AFTER FOREVER, REVAMP).

Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be viewed below. Photos are available at this location.

DELAIN's second album, "April Rain", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 96. The CD was released in North America on June 30 via Sensory Records (with U.S. distribution through Ryko and Canadian distribution through Sonic Unyon). The North American version of the album features a bonus track — "Come Closer" — which was previously only available on the limited-edition digipack version of the LP.

DELAIN recently parted ways with guitarist Ronald Landa due to musical differences. A replacement axeman has yet to be announced.

DELAIN bassist Rob van der Loo will sit out the band's European tour with SONATA ARCTICA due to other personal commitments. He will be temporarily replaced by Roel Vink. Rob will still play the tour's Dutch dates.

For a list of shows, go to this location.

DELAIN has been confirmed as one of the headliners of the Femme Metal Festival, set to take place November 7-8, 2009 at The Asylum (Saturday) in Birmingham and The Peel (Sunday) in London, United Kingdom.

'80s hard rock queen Lita Ford and her husband Jim Gillette (NITRO) were interviewed on October 22, 2009 on "Preston & Steve", a program airing on the Philadelpahia, Pennsylvania radio station 93.3 WMMR-FM. Watch the chat below.

"Wicked Wonderland", the first album in 15 years from Lita Ford, sold around 2,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD landed at position No. 31 on the Top Hard Music Albums chart.

"Wicked Wonderland" was released in Europe on October 2 via earMUSIC/Edel. The set was issued in the U.S. on October 6 through Lita's own JLRG Entertainment label as a regular CD and limited-edition vinyl with different artwork.

In an "innovative" music marketing move, Ford released a single from "Wicked Wonderland" on Stockroom.com, the world's leading fetish site. It is believed to be the first time a relatively high-profile music release has been launched through a web site catering to the alternative fetish lifestyle.

QUEENSRŸCHE and Ford have teamed up for over two dozen dates beginning October 15. Lita is hitting the stage during the QUEENSRŸCHE set to perform three songs, including "Close My Eyes Forever", which she is singing with QUEENSRŸCHE frontman Geoff Tate. For all songs, Lita is being backed by QUEENSRŸCHE — Geoff Tate on vocals, Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren on guitars, Eddie Jackson on bass and Scott Rockenfield on drums.

Las Vegas, Nevada's SIN CITY SINNERS — which consists of Brent Muscat (formerly of FASTER PUSSYCAT), Todd Kerns (AGE OF ELECTRIC), Mike Eliis, and Rob Cournoyer (RAGING SLAB) — will release a CD of original songs, titled "Exile on Fremont St.", on December 11.

SIN CITY SINNERS is best known for having a special celebrity guest jam with the band each week.

The group has been taking Las Vegas by storm in 2009. They were voted "Best Local Band," second only to THE KILLERS in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best Of Vegas" readers' poll.

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

Video footage of AVATAR's October 28, 2009 performance in Munich, Germany can be viewed below (courtesy of "eblinternational"). Also on the bill were HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, WITHIN Y and DEGRADEAD.

AVATAR will release its third, self-titled album on November 11 via Gain Music Entertainment. Two songs from the CD — "The Great Pretender" and "Shattered Wings" — are nw available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. A video for "The Great Pretender" will be filmed last month.

AVATAR's last album, entitled "Schlacht", was released on October 24, 2007 via Gain.

AVATAR toured Europe with EVERGREY in October-November 2006 and with OBITUARY and HOLY MOSES in January 2008. They have also played shows with such bands as ARCH ENEMY, STONE SOUR, DISMEMBER, IMPALED NAZARENE, IN FLAMES and MARDUK.

New Jersey thrash metal veterans OVERKILL have inked a U.S. deal with E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records) for the release of their new album, "Ironbound". The CD, which will be issued in Europe on January 29, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records, was mixed by PAIN/HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren and is described in a press release as "a true thrasher-piece."

OVERKILL will tour in support of "Ironbound" beginning in February in Europe. South America dates will take place in March and a U.S. tour will kick off April 1 in Philadelphia and end on May 1 with a big 25th-anniversary show in New York City at the Nokia Theater. The band says, "We have lots of plans to make that a special celebration show for everyone. "

"Ironbound" track listing:

01. The Green And Black
02. Ironbound
03. Bring Me The Night
04. The Goal Is Your Soul
05. Give A Little
06. Endless War
07. The Head And Heart
08. In Vain
09. Killing For A Living
10. The SRC

* Limited digipak
* CD Jewelcase
* LP (180g vinyl) in gatefold
* LP (180g green vinyl) in gatefold (Nuclear Blast Mailorder exclusive)
* Strictly limited mailorder edition

On May 12, Megaforce Records reissued two classic OVERKILL albums on colored vinyl.

* "Feel The Fire" on red/orange marbled vinyl
* "Fuck You And Then Some" (first time on vinyl!!) which is a double LP set — one LP on regular black vinyl and the other on black/yellow marbled vinyl with a big fat middle finger etched into side D.

Both albums are limited to 500 hand-numbered copies

OVERKILL's second DVD, "Live at Wacken Open Air 2007", came out in February 2008 via Bodog Music. The 50-minute disc was shot during the band's headline set at the festival in front of an audience of 40,000, and features songs that span OVERKILL's 28-year career, including "Walk Through Fire" from the group's latest disc "Immortalis", "Rotten to the Core", "Elimination", "Fuck You", "In Union We Stand", "Necroshine", "Skull and Bones", "Old School" and "Wrecking Crew".

According to Classic Rock magazine, the heavy hitters and major players of the rock music industry all gathered together tonight at the Park Lane Hotel in London to celebrate the winners of the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards 2009.

Hosted by THUNDER's Danny Bowes, the awards were attended by the biggest names in rock royalty, including Iggy Pop, Ronnie Wood, Tony Iommi and Ginger Baker, all collecting much sought-after Classic Rock magazine awards.

Commemorating their spectacular achievements of touring around the world last year, IRON MAIDEN were honored with the prestigious "Band Of The Year" award and were there on the night to personally accept — as was Tony Iommi of BLACK SABBATH, who was given the award for "Best Reissue" for the deluxe re-releases of BLACK SABBATH's first three albums: "Black Sabbath", "Paranoid" and "Master Of Reality".

Classic Rock's editor-in-chief Scott Rowley said: "It's nice to end the decade on a high, with the fifth and most star-studded Classic Rock Roll Of Honour. Classic Rock is the U.K.'s fastest-growing music monthly — and the ONLY one whose sales went up in 2009. It's going to be a very heavy 2010…"

Classic Rock Roll Of Honour 2009 — full list of winners:

"Best New Band"
Voted for by readers of Classic Rock magazine
Sponsored by Mean Fiddler
Winner: CHICKENFOOT

"Album Of The Year"
Voted for by readers of Classic Rock magazine
Sponsored by Universal Catalogue / Lost Tunes
Winner: AC/DC - "Black Ice"

"Band Of The Year"
Voted for by readers of Classic Rock magazine
Sponsored by Guitar Hero
Winner: IRON MAIDEN

"Best Reissue"
Voted for by readers of Classic Rock magazine
Sponsored by Live Nation
Winner: BLACK SABBATH Reissues

"DVD / Film Of The Year"
Voted for by readers of Classic Rock magazine
Sponsored by Play.com
Winner: "Anvil! The Story of Anvil"

"Event Of The Year"
Voted for by readers of Classic Rock magazine
Sponsored by Alchemy
Winner: Download Festival

"Outstanding Contribution"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Monitor Audio
Winner: Ronnie Wood

"Tommy Vance Inspiration Award"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Rhino
Winner: John Bonham

"Innovator"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Eagle Rock
Winner: Ginger Baker

"VIP Award"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Dannoff Premium Vodka
Winner: Doc McGhee

"Metal Guru"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Bravado
Winner: Biff Byford

"Spirit Of Prog"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Planet Rock
Winner: DREAM THEATER

"Marshall 11 Award"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Marshall
Winner: Billy Gibbons

"Childline Rocks Award"
Winner: Steve Harley

"Classic Songwriter"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Sony Music
Winner: Paul Rodgers

"Classic Album"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Provogue
Winner: AEROSMITH - "Rocks"

"Breakthrough"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Rock Radio
Winner: Joe Bonamassa

"Comeback Of The Year"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by EMI Music
Winner: MOTT THE HOOPLE

"Living Legend"
Chosen by a Classic Rock Judging Panel
Sponsored by Marshall
Winner: Iggy Pop

CANNIBAL CORPSE, DEVIN TOWNSEND, DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA and GRAVEWORM are the first confirmed bands for the 15-year-anniversary edition of the Brutal Assault festival, set to take place August 12-14, 2010 in Josefov, Czech Republic. More acts will be announced soon.

DOWN/ex-PANTERA frontman Philip Anselmo was interviewed by Fuse TV prior to DOWN's October 31, 2009 concert at the 11th annual Voodoo Experience music festival in New Orleans. Watch the chat below. Also available is footage of DOWN's performance at the event.

DOWN's entire show can be viewed at Tyronehood.com.

More than 150 acts played on eight stages in three separate areas — named Le Ritual, Le Flambeau and Le Carnival — around the city.

Other major acts on the Voodoo Experience bill included KISS, JANE'S ADDICTION, WOLFMOTHER, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL and MEAT PUPPETS.

Fuse will provide on-air and online coverage of the Voodoo Experience and will broadcast a one-hour special on November 6.

DOWN bassist Rex Brown had his gallbladder and polyps on his pancreas removed in September in a surgical procedure.

Rex is suffering from acute pancreatitis, a sudden inflammation of the pancreas which can have severe complications and high mortality despite treatment.

A full and healthy recovery is expected.

DOWN tapped Danny Theriot of Metairie, Louisiana to fill in on bass for the group's recently North American trek, which kicked off on August 3 at Beaumont Club in Kansas City, Kansas.

Canadian concert promoters Gillett Entertainment Group (Groupe Spectacles Gillett) has announced the postponement of the "Canadian Carnage" tour featuring SLAYER, MEGADETH, MACHINE HEAD and SUICIDE SILENCE. The trek, which was due to begin on November 8, was called off after SLAYER frontman Tom Araya was ordered to undergo an immediate surgical procedure for a back injury, thought to be related to his on-stage activity. More information will be released shortly regarding the new Canadian dates.

Fortunately, MACHINE HEAD was able to reschedule its only United States headlining show at the Crazy Donkey in Farmingdale, New York. The concert is now set to take place Thursday, November, 12.

On November 14, MACHINE HEAD will join up with MEGADETH in Grand Rapids, Michigan, through December 3 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Immediately after, MACHINE HEAD will join up with METALLICA in Las Vegas on December 5, for the West Coast leg of their tour, ending with a triumphant hometown show for both bands at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, California.

MEGADETH's new album, "Endgame", has sold around 80,000 copies in the United States since its release six weeks ago.

"Endgame" sold 45,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 9 on The Billboard 200 chart.

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

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

The members of KISS were interviewed by Fuse TV prior to their October 31, 2009 performance at the 11th annual Voodoo Experience music festival in New Orleans. Watch the chat below.

More than 150 acts played on eight stages in three separate areas — named Le Ritual, Le Flambeau and Le Carnival — around the city.

Other major acts on the Voodoo Experience bill included JANE'S ADDICTION, WOLFMOTHER, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, MEAT PUPPETS and DOWN.

Fuse will provide on-air and online coverage of the Voodoo Experience and will broadcast a one-hour special on November 6.

Paul Stanley says that he feels no shame in KISS being lumped in with other vintage, or classic rock acts — in fact, the band is thrilled with the fact that they're now spanning there different generations with their music and bombastic live shows.

Stanley, who's out on the road with KISS in support of their first album in a decade, called "Sonic Boom", told Metal Hammer magazine, "I'm proud to be in the category of classic rock bands — what's better than the word 'classic?' Are you kidding? If you want to call LED ZEPPELIN a classic rock band and then you want to call us a classic rock band, I'm not fighting. If I'm going to be lumped in with anybody, let me be lumped in with my heroes. That doesn't preclude you from being current. It means that you have a solid history and a foundation, which most bands will never achieve because they won't survive that long."

LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH, ZZ TOP, IRON MAIDEN and AEROSMITH members are among the musicians who are attending tonight's (Monda, November 2) Classic Rock Roll Of Honour awards staged by Classic Rock magazine at the Park Lane Hotel in London, England. Check out photos from:

Classic Rock
Wire Image

Public-voted categories include:

Best New Band

01. CHICKENFOOT
02. THE PARLOR MOB
03. DIAGONAL
04. STEADLÜR
05. CRIPPLED BLACK PHOENIX
06. NEW DEVICE

Album Of The Year

01. Black Ice - AC/DC
02. Death Magnetic - METALLICA
03. Folklore & Superstition - BLACK STONE CHERRY
04. The Ballad Of John Henry - JOE BONAMASSA
05. Everyday Demons - THE ANSWER
06. Chinese Democracy - GUNS N' ROSES
07. Consolers Of The Lonely - THE RACONTEURS
08. And You Were A Crow - THE PARLOR MOB
09. The Devil You Know - HEAVEN & HELL
10. Black Clouds & Silver Linings - DREAM THEATER

Band Of The Year

01. AC/DC
02. IRON MAIDEN
03. KINGS OF LEON
04. FAITH NO MORE
05. METALLICA

Reissue Of The Year

01. ZZ TOP - Eliminator (Warner)
02. DEF LEPPARD - Pyromania - (Universal)
03. MOTÖRHEAD - No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith (Sanctuary/Universal)
04. THE WHO - The Who Sell Out (Universal Commercial Marketing)
05. PEARL JAM - Ten (Sony)
06. BLACK SABBATH - Reissues/Paranoid deluxe (Universal)
07. THE KINKS - Picture Book (Universal)
08. DEEP PURPLE - Stormbringer (EMI)
09. THE MOVE - Anthology (Salvo)

DVD/FILM Of The Year

01. KISS - Kissology - The Ultimate Kiss Collection
02. THE ROLLING STONES - Shine A Light
03. NEIL YOUNG - Archives
04. IRON MAIDEN - Flight 666
05. Woodstock - The Movie
06. ANVIL - "Anvil! The Story of Anvil"

Event Of The Year

01. Download
02. Hard Rock Hell II
03. The resurrection of ANVIL
04. The return of the TAP
05. MAIDEN get a Brit
06. AC/DC take over the world

Video footage of SPINAL TAP reading the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour nominations in June 2009 can be viewed below.

For more information, visit www.classicrockmagazine.com.

BilbaoIsRock.com has uploaded video footage of OVER THE RAINBOW's October 31, 2009 concert in Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country and the capital of the province of Biscay, Spain. Watch the clips below.

The band's setlist was as follows:

01. Tarot Woman
02. Kill The King
03. Can't Let You Go
04. Death Alley Driver
05. Wolf To The Moon
06. Eyes Of The World
07. Guitar Solo
08. Ariel
09. All Night Long
10. I Surrender
11. Man On The Silver Mountain
12. Jealous Lover
13. Drum Solo
14. Stargazer
15. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll

Encore:

16. Gates Of Babylon

Encore 2:

17. Since You've Been Gone
18. Can't Happen Here
19. Spotlight Kid

Check out photos from RockLive.es.

OVER THE RAINBOW is:

Joe Lynn Turner (RAINBOW 1980-1984) - Vocals
Bobby Rondinelli (RAINBOW 1980-1983) - Drums
Greg Smith (RAINBOW 1994-1997) - Bass
Jürgen "J.R." Blackmore - Guitar
Paul Morris (RAINBOW 1994-1997) - Keyboards

Paul Morris replaced Tony Carey, the original keyboardist for OVER THE RAINBOW, prior to the band's performance in front of 12,000 fans at the Sweden Rock Festival on June 4, 2009 in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

Like all members of OVER THE RAINBOW (with the exception of Jürgen "J.R." Blackmore), Paul Morris was also a member of RAINBOW. He recorded and toured with them from 1994 through 1997.

In the '70s, '80s and '90s, RAINBOW released over 20 albums (five gold, four silver), seven Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock tracks, six Top 75 U.K. songs and at least seven MTV frequently played videos. Since 1998, former members of RAINBOW and their respective management offices were overloaded with requests for RAINBOW to reunite. Rondinelli, Smith and Turner agreed that the only legitimate way to accomplish this was to employ a Blackmore on guitar.

Jürgen Blackmore is a critically acclaimed guitarist in his own right and agreed to join this endeavor after realizing how intense the demand was for a RAINBOW "reunion." OVER THE RAINBOW marks the first time that four members from three different eras of RAINBOW have taken the stage together along with J.R. Blackmore.

Video footage of THE POODLES' October 31, 2009 concert in Munich, Germany can be viewed below (courtesy of "eblinternational").

THE POODLES' third album, "Clash Of The Elements", was released in Europe on August 28 via Blistering Records.

The CD entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 5.

The group, which last year parted ways with record label Lionheart International after a three-year partnership, once again worked with producer Mats Valentin.

THE POODLES last year recruited guitarist Henrik Bergqvist (SOUTHFORK, TIAMAT) to replace Pontus Norgren, who left the group to join HAMMERFALL. The new axeman made his live debut with THE POODLES in June 2008 at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

MASTERPLAN, the melodic power metal band led by former HELLOWEEN guitarist Roland Grapow, has released the following statement:

"Next week Jorn [Lande, vocals] will be in Roland's studio [in Slovakia] to record the last two songs, some guitar lead work and the new MASTERPLAN album is finished! Then it will be time to do the mixing, mastering etc. The official [release] date is still not decided, but it will come soon!"

Lande recently told Germany's Rock Hard magazine about his renewed collaboration with MASTERPLAN, "We never had problems with each other, but professionally, we decided for to go separate ways for a while. . . I am happy that we are . . . working together again — mainly because the combination of MASTERPLAN's music and my singing [is] truly something special."

Lande left MASTERPLAN in May 2006, citing "musical differences" between the vocalist and the rest of the band. During the songwriting process for the group's third album, it became increasingly apparent that the other members of the band had different visions and plans for the group's musical direction. While Jorn allegedly wanted MASTERPLAN to follow a more melodic path, the rest of the band apparently wanted to return to the metallic roots of their debut album.

Vocalist Mike DiMeo (RIOT, THE LIZARDS) announced his departure from MASTERPLAN in January 2009 after recording just one studio album with the group — 2007's "MK II".

Lande's new solo album, "Spirit Black", was released in June via Frontiers Records. The follow-up to last year's "Lonely Are The Brave" CD — which entered the national chart in Norway at No. 28 and Sweden at No. 42 — was described by Jorn as "a solid and defined album that will shake the classic metal world and hammer the future Jorn legacy in stone!"

Jorn Lande cut his teeth with such internationally renowned acts as ARK, MILLENIUM, VAGABOND and THE SNAKES.

Roland Grapow and Jorn Lande (2009):

(Thanks: Metalrockx)

According to RollingStone.com, former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER axeman Slash has contributed guitar to the appropriately titled "Rockstar 101" song on the new Rihanna album "Rated R", due out November 23.

Fans who pre-order "Rated R" — starting midnight November 3, at the iTunes store — will receive an instant download of the Ne-Yo-penned first single "Russian Roulette".

The iTunes version of "Rated R" will also include director Anthony Mandler's exclusive cut of the two videos he directed, "Wait Your Turn" and "Russian Roulette".

"Rated R" track listing:

01. Mad House
02. Wait Your Turn
03. Hard (featuring Young Jeezy)
04. Stupid In Love
05. Rockstar 101 (featuring Slash)
06. Russian Roulette
07. Fire Bomb
08. Rude Boy
09. Photographs (featuring will.i.am)
10. G4L
11. Te Amo
12. Cold Case Love
13. The Last Song

Burnhill Union Records, the Chicago, Illinois-based label started earlier this year by partners Kym Affinito, Randy Kertz and Shaun Glass (ex-SOIL/current DIRGE WITHIN guitarist), has inked a deal with E1 Distribution.

The combination of marketing experience, pure love for music and understanding of the process of making, releasing and promoting records from the inside out is what makes Burnhill Union an effective artist-friendly label. "The thing with the music business changing as it has is that there are no rules anymore," says Kertz. "Someone who has vision and who has experience can combine forces with other people to get the music they like heard. That's what we're doing."

"E1 is happy to welcome Burnhill Union Records to the family and are thrilled that this young up-and-coming label has chosen us to be their partners," states Michael Rosenberg, President of E1 Entertainment Distribution U.S.

Burnhill Union Records' premiere release, a self-titled effort by AM CONSPIRACY, the new band led by former DROWNING POOL singer Jason "Gong" Jones, will arrive on January 12, 2010.

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

"Celebrity workout" with Bret Michaels (POISON), Sharon Osbourne and WWE's Maria Kanellis is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday November 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 24 Hour Fitness, located at 225 5th Avenue in New York City.

This is a fundraiser, but the idea is to get as many people in and working out as possible. There will be four classes and maybe even a signed collectable 8x10 to remember this experience of a lifetime.

There is no set amount for donations. They will accept anything from $1.00 to $10,000.00, or whatever someone wants to donate. But donations must be in the form of business check, cashier's check (made payable to Reilly Worldwide), credit card or cash.

Come work out (good for your heart) and help raise money (good for your soul) for a great cause with Michaels, Osbourne and Kanellis. You do not want to miss this event. Get there early. It is sure to rock your world.

This past summer while co-headlining the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival tour, the members of SLAYER sat down on their tour bus backstage in Camden, New Jersey and talked about the eleven tracks on their upcoming album, "World Painted Blood". In the latest clip — which can be viewed below — Kerry King (guitar) gives us the backstory on "Not Of This God"".

SLAYER was forced to postpone its "Canadian Carnage" tour with MEGADETH, which was due to begin on November 8. In addition, the band ahs cancelled its appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", which had been set for this Wednesday, November 4. More information will be released shortly regarding the rescheduling of the Canadian dates, as well as the "Kimmel" appearance.

SLAYER's Tom Araya is currently under the care of a specialist for a back injury, thought to be related to his on-stage activity, and the physician has ordered an immediate surgical procedure to take place in Texas tomorrow (Tuesday, November 3) morning.

"What is foremost in our minds right now is that Tom do whatever he needs to to get this taken care of," said SLAYER's Kerry King. "While all four of us are disappointed that we won't be able to see through all of our commitments set for the next few weeks, the most important thing is Tom's health. We thank the fans in Canada and here in L.A., the MEGADETH camp, and everyone associated with 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' for their understanding. We look forward to seeing you all soon."

SLAYER's Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman and Dave Lombardo are looking forward to meeting their fans at a previously announced in-store appearance this Wednesday, November 4 at 3:30 p.m. at the Hot Topic store located at the Hollywood and Highland complex.

SLAYER's "World Painted Blood" is released tomorrow, November 3.

EX DEO, the the Ancient Roman-themed arsenal led by KATAKLYSM frontman Maurizio Iacono, has pulled out of the ENSIFERUM tour for visa matters beyond the band's control.

Commented Maurizio: "Well, the Gods are definitely not smiling on us at the moment. Some confusion happened in the visa departement for a couple guys in our camp and by the time it will be solved, the tour will be too far in for us to join it and financially it would be a disaster. The good news is we will be doing the last week of shows from Chicago to New York.

"We're planning some EX DEO stuff next year in America at the moment. We've lots of supporters that will be disappointed if it doesn't happen so we'll try our best to make it up next year."

ENSIFERUM, HYPOCRISY, EX DEO, BLACKGUARD, SWASHBUCKLE* tour dates:

Nov. 29 - Logan Square Auditorium - Chicago, IL
Nov. 30 - Peabody's - Cleveland, OH
Dec. 01 - The Opera House - Toronto, ON - Canada*
Dec. 02 - Imperial de Quebec - Quebec City, QC - Canada*
Dec. 03 - Le Medley - Montreal, QC - Canada*
Dec. 04 - The Palladium - Worcester, MA*
Dec. 05 - The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza - New York, NY*

EX DEO will film a video for the song "In Her Dark Embrace". The clip will once again be shot by renowned director Ivan Colic and producer Stanimir "Staca" Lukic (MOONSPELL, KAMELOT, DEATHSTARS, TYPE O NEGATIVE) in Belgrade, Serbia. The filming will take place in early January 2010 and will be released in the month of Mars (March) to celebrate Mars, the ancient Roman god of war.

Commented Iacono: "The first video clip we did was for the title track 'Romulus'. It was an epic venture into the beginning of Rome's birth and mythology and served as more of an introduction to the story. This time we're going to do a video that will turn everyone on their heads. 'In Her Dark Embrace' will depict a Roman battle scene. We're not going for airplay here, we're going for what Rome was: the most brutal and efficient war machine that ever walked the earth. If it's blood the people want, it's blood they will get. I can't wait to get this done."

"Romulus", the debut album from EX DEO, sold around 600 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD landed at position No. 90 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Released on June 19 (Europe) and June 30 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records, "Romulus" was recorded with producer (and KATAKLYSM guitarist) Jean-Francois Dagenais (MISERY INDEX, DESPISED ICON, MALEVOLENT CREATION).

EX DEO's video for the song "Romulus" can be viewed below. The clip was shot in March in Belgrade, Serbia with Lukic.

Legendary rocker Alice Cooper will be the musical guest on the Tuesday, November 3 edition of "Last Call With Carson Daly", which will actually air at 1:35 a.m. EST the following day (Wednesday, November 4) on NBC.

In a recent interview with inMyCommunity, Cooper stated that his secret to longevity was avoiding the pitfalls that claimed so many others by sobering up before he could kill himself three decades ago.

"My big brothers back in L.A. were Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, all the guys that burnt out," he said.

"I was trying to keep up with them, but by the time I was 27 years old, I was ready to be committed.

"When you're 22, 23 and you have a couple of number one records, the world is pretty much at your feet and you’re indestructible, or at least you think you are."

Cooper said it took him some time to identify his alcoholism because he never missed a show despite rigorous tour schedules and the fact he was drinking a six-pack of beer before noon each day.

"When you wake up in the morning and you're throwing up blood, that's God's way of saying, 'I think you've had enough,'" he said.

"That's fine if you're on stage and it’s part of the show, but if it's only the Holiday Inn maid seeing it, well, obviously that got my attention.

"I went into hospital and came out a healed alcoholic."

Reunited Little Rock, Arkansas-based Christian death/thrash/metalcore band LIVING SACRIFICE will release its new album, "The Infinite Order", on January 26, 2010 (via Solid State Records.

The group's first CD since reforming in 2008 and seventh studio album overall, "The Infinite Order" was produced in Nashville, Tennessee and Little Rock, Arkansas by the band's longtime friend Jeremiah Scott (THE SHOWDOWN, DESTROY DESTROY DESTROY). Mixing duties were once again handled by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, MACHINE HEAD, AS I LAY DYING), who worked on the band's last album, 2003's "Conceived in Fire".

"The Infinite Order" track listing:

01. Overkill Exposure
02. Rules Of Engagement
03. Nietzche's Madman
04. Unfit To Live
05. The Training
06. Organized Lie
07. The Reckoning
08. Love Forgives
09. They Were One
10. God Is My Home
11. Apostasy

"This new record came together great," stated frontman Bruce Fitzhugh. "I could not be more pleased with the final mixes that Andy Sneap has done. We dug deep into our thrash roots on this one, I think.

"The album title refers to God and the universe. Man is finite and limited, our knowledge is limited. Wrestling with the concept of infinity is difficult, but there is true peace in trusting in God."

LIVING SACRIFICE's influence runs deep throughout the scene. Former and current members of LIVING SACRIFICE went on to play in bands such as EVANESCENCE, P.O.D. and NORMA JEAN.

LIVING SACRIFICE broke up in 2002 but returned to the metal community with a vengeance in 2008, self-releasing the two song "Death Machine" digital-only EP.

"The Infinite Order" is described in a press release as "an unapologetic reminder as to exactly why so many of today's heavy music leaders in bands big and small hold LIVING SACRIFICE and their legacy in such high esteem."

Cover illustrations were handled by Dave Quiggle, with packaging by the Solid State / Tooth & Nail team.

LIVING SACRIFICE toured as part of DEMON HUNTER's "Stronger Than Hell Tour" last summer, followed by Liskfest in Orange County alongside BLEEDING THROUGH, DEATH BY STEREO, CRO-MAGS and GORILLA BISCUITS. This year, they returned to Cornerstone in Illinois and several other festivals and club dates around the country.

Fitzhugh is joined in the reunited LIVING SACRIFICE by founding member/drummer Lance Garvin (SOUL EMBRACED) as well as lead guitarist Rocky Gray (SOUL EMBRACED, ex-EVANESCENCE) and bass player Arthur Green, both of whom have played with LIVING SACRIFICE since 2000's "The Hammering Process".

Zakk Wylde, legendary guitarist for OZZY OSBOURNE and founder of the heavy metal band BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, hosted a special "meet-and-greet" on Friday, October 30 at New York's renowned 48th street Sam Ash music store. Video footage of Zakk dishing on his new signature guitar, Epiphone Graveyard Disciple, can be found at this location (courtesy of the Artisan News Service).

The new Zakk Wylde Epiphone Graveyard Disciple is dying to be played. Designed by Zakk in cooperation with Epiphone, the new Graveyard Disciple combines killer sound with equally killer looks. Shaped like a coffin, the edges of the body are tapered and pin-striped in silver giving it a striking visual appearance and depth while providing for a comfortable feel.

As with most all Zakk's guitars, the neck is made of Hard Maple for bright attack and glued into a solid Mahogany body adding a touch of warm and of course, sustain. The neck features a "D" profile, SlimTaper neck with a smooth, satin finish for fast and effortless lead work. It is topped off with a bound, Ebony fingerboard and medium-jumbo frets with easy access to all 22 frets.

The Graveyard Disciple combines an original Floyd Rose tremolo with EMG HZ pickups. The tremolo cavity allows for serious dive bombing as well as pull-ups. The EMG HZ-4A is positioned in the bridge position for optimized lead performance while the EMG HZ-4 is voiced for and positioned in the neck position. Designed to emulate the sound of their active counterparts (the EMG 81 and 85), these HZ's are probably the quietest passive pickups available.

Other features on the new Graveyard Disciple include a multi-bound headstock with mother-of-pearl "cross" inlay, black hardware with premium 16:1 ratio Grover machine heads, Mother-of-Pearl topped metal knobs, Epiphone's non-rotating output jack and Zakk's signature silhouette on the back of the headstock. For added comfort and convenience while playing in the seated position, the guitar features the brilliantly designed and patented Steinberger LegRest. Fold it down and rest it on your leg. Fold it up and it practically disappears. It comes with a custom-made Coffin case featuring the Graveyard Disciple artwork on it. And for this limited edition model, you also get a Certificate of Authenticity.

The new Zakk Wylde Gibson USA BFG Guitar embodies the mammoth tone and over-the-top rock attitude of its name sake and offers all the equipment necessary to undertake your own scorched-earth attack on your local music scene. It features a rough-hewn book matched maple top, a rounded '50s spec neck with ebony fingerboard, sizzling EMG 81 and 85 humbucking pickups all approved by Zakk Wylde himself. The guitar comes in two Zakk-certified finishes to choose from, a Bullseye graphic or Buzzsaw graphic over a satin natural nitro finish all produced by the world’s most famous guitar manufacturer, Gibson USA.

Photos below courtesy of Sam Ash.

Pete Richards of ChartAttack.com recently conducted an interview with LAMB OF GOD bassist John Campbell. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

ChartAttack.com: So you're currently on tour with METALLICA, taking turns between playing with them and shows with GWAR. How do you find balancing large arenas with smaller venues?

Campbell: Honestly, I can't wait to get back to the clubs. The arenas sound really dead onstage. I mean, it's cool shit. There are tons of people to watch out there while playing onstage at arenas with METALLICA all the time. But for me, the performer onstage when it's your PA and it's open, it's a lot more fun. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade this for anything. Plus, it's fun playing for an audience that doesn't necessarily know what to expect from you. So we do that for a week and then we get to go back to our fans at our shows and play to a room packed full of people screaming the words back at us.

ChartAttack.com: Obviously some people are there to see METALLICA and you, but do you find you go over some people's heads?

Campbell: Hell yeah, definitely. But I think we're also pulling in new fans also. I think a lot of the old school metalheads who may not have found out who LAMB OF GOD is yet or even if they've heard of us, hadn't quite heard us, I think we're definitely picking up new fans. And it's just one of the many fringe benefits of going on tour with METALLICA.

ChartAttack.com: Does it get much bigger than this, unless you are METALLICA?

Campbell: (laughs) I think those words came out of my mouth earlier today. But yeah, I don't think so. I think at this point it's just a matter of longevity and how long we can keep at it. Who's to say where we're going to be in another 10 years because we're hitting 15 now and those guys are at 25 years, something like that. So who knows what our status will be at that time? Whether we'll graduate up to METALLICA status, plateau at where we are now, or drop off seriously.

ChartAttack.com: What have you learned from METALLICA, as far as how they conduct themselves on tour?

Campbell: They're a lot more down to earth than you would think. They're very personable. They've brought us out for dinner and drinks, they hang out in the dressing room sometimes, you know. It's been a pretty amazing run for us to have this opportunity.

ChartAttack.com: And you guys are known for your partying. Has the drinking slowed down much?

Campbell: Yeah, we're not trying to be tough guys and drink all your beer, but we are tough guys and we'll drink all your beer. I don't know if it's slowed down, but it's developed, I'd say. Everyone comes and goes with their love of drinking. I don't drink beer anymore, I drink whisky. I mean, we have a little bit of age now so we're not quite as insane as we used to be. But we're LAMB OF GOD and stupid shit still happens.

Read the entire interview from ChartAttack.com.

Pulverised Records has announced the signing of Hungarian thrashers MORBID CARNAGE. The bandrecently completed work on its full-length debut, "Night Assassins", for an early 2010 release. The CD will contain "seven tracks of raw, intense and catchy thrash metal in the worship of the '80s golden years," according to a press release.

Pulverised Records A&R Manager Calvin states: "MORBID CARNAGE definitely know their thrash metal; all the necessary ingredients to make a good old-fashion thrash song work effectively and the overall vibe on 'Night Assassins' is just totally immense. This is a straight-forward, no-holds-barred pure onslaught of retro-thrash at its finest!"

Comments MORBID CARNAGE bass player Janos Horvath (a.k.a. Necrofaust): "It is our honor to be signed to Pulverised Records as the label has really some great bands and most importantly, a very positive attitude. We are sure that Pulverised Records will spread our first full-length album (recorded in the summer of this year) to the old-school souls of ripping thrash metal maniacs around the world!"

Two brand new songs — "Warlust" and "Night Assassins" — are available for streaming on MORBID CARNAGE's MySpace page.

MORBID CARNAGE is:

Blasphemy - Vocals / Drums
Churchburner - Guitar
Diguster - Guitar
Necrofaust - Bass