GUNS N' ROSES/HOOKERS 'N' BLOW keyboardist Dizzy Reed was interviewed by Whitehall, Pennsylvania's radio station WZZO on Wednesday, February 14. Three interview clips are available for download at www.wzzo.com.

GUNS N' ROSES is gearing up to begin a world tour in April. The band has already announced two dates in South Africa — its first ever — and plans are reportedly in the works to bring the group to Japan, Thailand, South Africa, South America, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. Whether GN'R will be supporting the long-delayed "Chinese Democracy" album is not known. With three weeks to go before singer W. Axl Rose's tentatively announced March 6 release date, there have been no signs that the CD will surface anytime soon.

GUNS N' ROSES will headline South Africa's My Coke Festival in Johannesburg on April 27 and Cape Town on May 1.

The band did complete its first successful North American road trip in over a decade last year, along with a European trek.

PROFESSOR FATE's debut album, "The Inferno", will be released this coming Monday (February 19) via Feto Records, the label formed by Kenney and and Shane Embury (NAPALM DEATH, LOCK-UP, BRUJERIA).

PROFESSOR FATE is Mick Kenney's (ANAAL NATHRAKH, EXPLODER, MISTRESS) solo project that produces "cinematic-style music," acording to a press release. "It is a form of epic classical that fuses intertwined drum beats with orchestral rock and electronic sounds." The album features a guest appearance by Kristoffer Garm Rygg (ARCTURUS, ULVER) in the song "Limbo". Several audio samples from "The Inferno" have been posted online on the band's MySpace page.

Finnish extreme metallers IMPALED NAZARENE have issued the following update:

"Our album 'Nihil' has officially entered Germany's Index list A on 17th of January. This means that 'Nihil' is officially BANNED in Germany.

"Looking back on 2006 and 2005, being unable to play concerts in Italy, Austria, France, Poland and Germany, one can only conclude that freedom of speech and freedom of religion, things that are supposed to be the foundation of the European Union, are not existing. Your lives are terrorized by deranged catholic sects and glue-sniffing communists. Braindead imbeciles tell you what you should/what you cannot listen to, read or watch. Happy fucking middle ages part 666 and fuck off.

"We have finally been in Sonic Pump studio with Tapio Pennanen to take care of 'Tol Cormpt Norz Norz Norz' and 'Ugra-Karma' double 10" EP bonus tracks. All the shit you find on them has been taken from original soundboard tapes, been cleaned and mastered." The details are as follows:

"Tol Cormpt Norz Norz Norz" extra tracks

Side C:

01. Intro: Salve Satanas
02. Condemned To Hell
03. The Crucified
04. The Black Vomit (SARCOFAGO cover)
05. Morbid Fate

All tracks recorded at Oulu, Finland 1991.

Side D:

01. In The Name Of Satan
02. Crucifixation (DEICIDE cover)
03. Damnation (Raping The Angels)
04. In The Name Of Satan
05. I Al Purg Vonpo
06. My Blessing (The Beginning Of The End)
07. Conned Thru Life (E.N.T. cover)

Tracks 1-3 recorded at Oulu, Finland 1991.
Tracks 4-7 recorded at Hamburg, Germany 1994.

"Ugra-Karma" extra tracks

Side C:

01. The Crucified
02. Chaosgoat Law
03. Condemned To Hell
04. Ghost Riders (STANJONES cover)
05. Sadogoat
06. Mortification/Blood Red Razor Blade

Track 1 recorded at Riihimäki, Finland 1992.
Tracks 2 & 3 recorded at Maasmechelen, Belgium 1994.
Tracks 4-6 recorded at Madrid, Spain 1995.

Side D:

01. The Horny And The Horned
02. Blood Is Thicker Than Water
03. Quasb/The Burning
04. Let's Fucking Die
05. The Oath Of The Goat

Track 1 recorded at Madrid, Spain 1995.
Tracks 2-5 recorded at Essen, Germany 1995.

Both double-vinyl releases will be limited to 300 copies and will be issued via Osmose Productions. The exact release dates will be announced soon.

IMPALED NAZARENE's ninth studio album, "Pro Patria Finlandia" entered the national album chart in Finland at position No. 38 back in March 2006. The CD was issued in North America on April 18 via The End Records.

"Pro Patria Finlandia" was recorded and mixed at Sonic Pump studio with producer Tapio Pennanen and was mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox studios. Cover artwork was handled by Ritual. The group had previously described the new material as "fast, brutal as fuck, in-your-face IMPALED NAZARENE."

A new "Démentièllement Vôtre" podcast, featuring a brand new interview with INTO ETERNITY mainman Tim Roth — recorded on February 2, 2007 — has been made available for download at this location.

INTO ETERNITY had a phenomenal 2006, which saw the release of a new album and a high-profile run on Gigantour alongside such genre titans as MEGADETH, LAMB OF GOD and OPETH. They emerged as one of the fest's most talked-about acts and quickly developed a die-hard legion of fans along the way. Their critically acclaimed new album, "The Scattering of Ashes", draws from all aspects of heavy music and is the perfect blend of technicality, memorable songwriting and traditional heavy metal. The group's stunning new video for the track "Severe Emotional Distress" can be viewed at this location.

Legendary German metal queen DORO has updated her tour itinerary for her upcoming North American and European tour in June-August. Her schedule is now shaping up as follows:

Jun. 04 - Allentown, PA - Crocodile Rock
Jun. 05 - New York, NY - BB King's
Jun. 06 - Hartford, CT - Webster Theater
Jun. 08 - Poughkeepsie, NY - The Loft
Jun. 09 - Bedford, NH - Mark's Rock Club
Jun. 10 - West Springfield, VA - Jaxx
Jun. 12 - Montreal, QUE - Fou Founes Elecriques
Jun. 13 - Toronto, ONT - Funhouse
Jun. 14 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Jun. 15 - Chicago, IL - Pearl Room
Jun. 16 - St.Paul, MN - Station 4
Jun. 17 - Topeka, KS - Static Bar
Jun. 18 - Denver, CO - Larmier Lounge
Jun. 20 - Los Angeles, CA - Whiskey A Go Go
Jun. 21 - Phoenix, AZ - The Clubhouse
Jun. 22 - Alburquerque, NM - TBA
Jun. 23 - San Antonio, TX - Sanctuary
Jun. 24 - Houston, TX - Meridian Red Room
Jul. 06 - Mönchsdeggingen, Germany - Festalle Mönchsdeggingen
Jul. 21 - Tolmin, Slovenia - Metalcamp
Aug. 17 - Dinkelsbühl, Germany - Summer Breeze
Aug. 25 - Andernach, Germany – Summer's End Open Air

As previously reported, Doro has been selected to serve as a jury member for the 16th annual Echo 2007 awards, Germany's version of the Grammy Awards. The awards show will take place on March 25 in Berlin and will be broadcast on German TV via RTL.

(Thanks: Andrew / The Space Lord)

NME.com reports that QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE have announced details of their new album.

"Era Vulgaris" will be the follow-up to 2005's "Lullabies to Paralyze".

The band posted a bulletin on their MySpace page yesterday (February 14) entitled "I Was At The Sizzler Today" that revealed the details of the CD.

The post said that among the tracks that would be included were "Into the Hollow", "Sick, Sick, Sick", "Misfit Love" and "Battery Acid".

However, the cryptic posting said: "Could be song titles. Or could not...go sign up on the mailing list for future insider info. Then get off the Internet and go get laid, it's Valentines Day."

Swedish death/thrashers RAISE HELL have issued the following update:

"We are very happy to announce that RAISE HELL are planning to play in the USA and Canada for the first time ever! RAISE HELL will be touring together with AVENGER OF BLOOD during May 2007. Here is the preliminary tour plan:

May 04 – New York City
May 05 - Montreal
May 06 - Ottawa (open)
May 07 - Toronto
May 08 - PA (open)
May 09 - Springfield, VA
May 10 - Cleveland, OH
May 11 - Milwaukee Metalfest 20
May 12 - Minneapolis Mayhem 4
May 13 - Topeka, KS (open)
May 14 - Colorado Springs, CO
May 15 - Denver, CO
May 16 - NM or AZ (open)
May 17 - San Deigo, CA (open)
May 18 - Los Angeles, CA (open)
May 19 - San Francisco, CA

"The dates marked 'open' are not booked yet. To book us there contact: info@minneapolismayhem.com or mayhemprod@yahoo.com."

RAISE HELL's fourth album, "City of the Damned", was released in May 2006 via Black Lodge Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Wicked Is My Game" was recorded at Sheepvalley Productions in Stockholm and was made available in both standard jewel case and digipack formats.

E!'s "Fashion Police" slammed the Atlanta, Georgia-based metal band MASTODON for sporting "greasy hair" and "rat tails" during their appearance at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles this past Sunday (February 11). Watch the 28-second clip at YouTube.com.

MASTODON was nominated in the "Best Metal Performance" category at the 49th annual Grammy Awards for its song "Colony if Birchmen". The track comes off the group's latest album, "Blood Mountain", which has sold 88,000 copies in the United States since its release in early September, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

MASTODON is in the middle of a U.S. tour with CONVERGE and PRIESTESS.

Anglo-Chilean thrashers CRIMINAL are looking for a new bass player. Frontman Anton Reisenegger recently posted the following message on the band's MySpace page:

"It's unfortunately looking like Staff won't be able to continue in CRIMINAL. We're quite bummed out because he's really grown to be a part of the band, and the last few shows we've played with him have probably been the best since Rod and I moved to Europe, but his work and other commitments don't allow him to dedicate enough time to touring and recording. He will still be doing the BRUJERIA show and might be helping out here and there after that, which we appreciate enormously (cheers, mate!), but what it boils down to is we are again without a bassist. Which also means we are looking for one! So if you fulfill the following requirements, drop us a line! A South American background would be very welcome, but is not a must!

* you must have good technique and stage presence
* you must have your own gear
* you must be able to rehearse in the Ipswich/Colchester area (that's in the U.K.!)
* you must have enough time to tour and record
* you must be into the CRIMINAL style

"OK, looking forward to hearing from all you four and five stringers! And to everyone else, see you soon!"

Interested parties should e-mail the band at anton@criminal1.com.

According to HelloMagazine.com, Ozzy Osbourne's wife/manager Sharon Osbourne was among a select group of female high-flyers coming face to face with Britain's leading lady on Wednesday (Feb. 14). Sharon charmed Queen Elizabeth with a perfect curtsey when they met at a Buckingham Palace reception for female business leaders.

"I was talking about when you have a lot of little dogs and they play very rough. It affects their joints," revealed Osbourne. "I told the Queen I have 16 dogs," she added.

Sharon also spent some time chatting to the Duchess of Cornwall, who was making her first major public appearance with the Queen without Prince Charles. Camilla told Osbourne she was doing fine, despite everyone "making a fuss" over her operation next month.

Read the rest of the article, and check out pictures, at HelloMagazine.com.

Finnish death/thrash band DAUNTLESS will release its debut album, "Execute the Fact", on March 1 through Firebox Records.

"Execute the Fact" consists of nine tracks, some of which are entirely new and unheard, some collected pieces from along the way. The album was recorded at JiVe Studio and Studio Dauntless and mixed at Villvox Studio, and it was produced by Ville Sorvali and DAUNTLESS. The end result is a solid piece of metal in the form of a tank, unstoppably crushing the listener for a bit less than 40 minutes. In addition to the songs, there is also a video for "Flow of Fortune" included on the disc.

DAUNTLESS was founded in 1991, and has been performing under its current moniker since 1998. Before the release of its debut album, the quintet made a total ofseven demos, of which the last two received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the Finnish metal media. Between 2004 and 2006 the band was nominated twice as the "Demo Band Of The Month" (Inferno and Imperiumi.net) and voted two consecutive times as the "Demo Band Of The Year" (Noise.fi).

For audio samples from "Execute the Fact", click here.

Dutch hardcore/metal band 37 STABWOUNDZ has replaced BLOODLINED CALLIGRAPHY on BORN FROM PAIN's "The War Is On" tour, which is scheduled to kick off mid-March. "We will play 14 days on this amazing event, predominantly in the German-speaking countries together with FIRST BLOOD and THE SETUP!" 37 STABWOUNDZ writes on its web site.

For a list of upcoming shows, click here.

37 STABWOUNDZ released its sophomore album, "A Heart Gone Black", last September via GSR Music. The CD was recorded at Tristone Studio in Maastricht, Holland and was mastered at the FineTune facility in Soest, Holland.

37 STABWOUNDZ's full-length debut, "Embrace Solitude", was issued in April 2004 via Garden of Exile Records.

Danish death metal band COMPOS MENTIS will release its second album, "Gehennesis", on March 26 via Mighty Music. A wider European release is expected in June.

"Gehennesis" was recorded at ZigZound studio (NAPALM DEATH, ILLDISPOSED, MERCENARY, HATESPHERE, etc.) and contains the following tracks:

01. The Drunken Diamond
02. The Mind's Eye
03. In the Womb of Winter
04. Portrait of an Attempted Escape
05. Downfall
06. My Suicidal Valentine
07. Faustian
08. Circle of One
09. Tale of the Shadow
10. In the Heart of the Diamond's Secret

COMPOS MENTIS last fall announced the addition of Ken Holst (BLOODSOIL, ex-ADVERSARY) — who played with the group as a session guitarist — as as a permanent member of the band.

COMPOS MENTIS' debut album, "Fragments of a Withered Dream", was released in January 2003 via Lost Disciple Records.

Massachusetts-based metal/grind band THE RED CHORD is seeking a new second guitarist following the departure of Jonny Fay.

Commented the group: "We will be auditioning guitar players during February and March. Tablature files have been prepared for the song 'Black Santa'. Those interested should make a video or audio recording of themselves playing the song.

"We are looking for someone diverse in their abilities as a guitar player who is willing to be on the road 8-10 months out of the year. Touring experience is a must. Get in touch with us at theredchord@hotmail.com or through www.myspace.com/theredchord.

"Jonny Fay will be contributing to the writing of our next record and recording it with us. We are going to miss having him in the band and we wish him all the best."

In regards to his departure, Fay had this to say: "This was not an easy decision to make. I have loved every second of my time in this band, and I will miss it dearly. However, as long as I have been involved in music my true passion has been recording, and I feel that the time has come for me to give it my undivided attention. I have opened a recording studio in Milford, NH, and will be devoting my time to recording and producing bands and musicians, locally and nationally. This has been an incredible experience, and I will continue to support THE RED CHORD and help them in any way that I can in the future.

"I want to thank all of the friends I have made along the way, and all the fans that have given us support during my time with the band. Most of all, I want to thank Greg, Mike, Guy and Brad for being great friends and helping make the past year and a half truly amazing. Thanks once more to everyone — no one will be forgotten."

Jonny Fay recently opened Backyard Studios in Milford, NH. To contact him and/or get more information about the studio, you may e-mail him at backyard.studios@hotmail.com or go to this location.

BLABBERMOUTH.NET can reveal that Rhino Records has once again pushed back the projected release date of VAN HALEN's "Best Of (1978-1984)", the first single-disc compilation exclusively spotlighting 1978-1984, the group's original David Lee Roth era — this time to April 3. The album, which coincides with VAN HALEN's March 2007 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, contains over an hour of remastered classics from the albums "Van Halen", "Van Halen II", "Women And Children First", "Fair Warning", "Diver Down", and "1984". Highlights include "Runnin' With The Devil", "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love", and "And The Cradle Rock". Also featured are "Everybody Wants Some", "So This Is Love" and "Oh, Pretty Woman". The CD booklet will contain rarely seen photos and liner notes.

"Best Of (1978-1984)" tentative track listing:

01. Runnin' With The Devil
02. Eruption
03. You Really Got Me
04. Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love
05. Jamie's Cryin'
06. Dance The Night Away
07. Somebody Get Me A Doctor
08. Beatuiful Girls
09. And The Cradle Will Rock
10. Everybody Wants Some
11. Mean Street
12. Unchained
13. So This Is Love?
14. Where Have All The Good Times Gone
15. Oh, Pretty Woman
16. Dancing In The Street
17. Jump
18. Panama
19. Hot For Teacher

VAN HALEN released a statement on Feb. 2 saying David Lee Roth will come back to the band for a summer tour of North America. The 40-date trek will mark the first time since 1984 that Roth will perform with Eddie Van Halen and Alex Van Halen along with new bassist, Wolfgang Van Halen (Eddie's 15-year-old son). Eddie said in a statement, "I am very excited to get back to the core of what made VAN HALEN."

GUT, HOLOCAUSTO CANIBAL, BLOOD and SQUASH BOWELS have been confirmed for this year's Fekal Party - Open Air, set to take place August 25 near Prague, Czech Republic. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

GUT
BLOOD
HOLOCAUSTO CANIBAL
SQUASH BOWELS
MALIGNANT TUMOUR
CEREBRAL TURBULENCY
ISACAARUM
M.A.C. OF MAD
HERPES DE CRACHAT DE FILLETTE
UPRISE
CHOKED BY OWN VOMITS
DESTRUCTIVE EXPLOSION OF ANAL GARLAND
TREPAN DEAD
B.B.Y.B.

The remaining bands, the festival location and all other information will be announced shortly. More information is available at www.fekalparty.org.

A 44-minute audio interview and acoustic performance featuring BLACK LABEL SOCIETY/OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Zakk Wylde, conducted earlier in the month by Doug Podell of Detroit's WRIF 101.1 FM, has been posted online at this location (Windows Media).

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY will support OZZY OSBOURNE on his upcoming European tour, which is scheduled to kick off in Moscow on May 27.

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY's latest album, "Shot to Hell", has sold 105,000 copies in the United States since its Sept. 12 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

German power metallers PRIMAL FEAR have issued the following update:

"We're in the middle of recording drums for the new, yet-untitled PRIMAL FEAR album No. 7. We started with the recordings for our new album over last weekend. Randy [Black] is in a fantastic shape, good mood and well prepared. We will be done with the drums tomorrow and start tracking guitars and bass." Songtitles set to appear on the follow-up to 2005's "Seven Seals" include "Save Me", "Torn" and "Every Time It Rains". A summer release via Frontiers Records is expected.

Check out pictures from the recording studio at this location.

PRIMAL FEAR recently extended its ten-year partnership with Warner/Chappell Publishing for a minimum of three more albums and five years.

PRIMAL FEAR released a "best of" collection, entitled "Metal is Forever - The Very Best of Primal Fear", on September 29 via the band's previous label, Nuclear Blast Records (with whom they parted ways earlier in the year). The album's artwork was created by Stephan Lohrmann, who was also responsible for the cover of PRIMAL FEAR's "Black Sun" album. The 16-track compilation also includes a special bonus CD of "classic metal tracks."

San Francisco Bay Area metallers VICIOUS RUMORS have announced the addition of bassist Stephen Goodwin to the group's ranks. He replaces original bassist Dave Starr, who left the band last month.

VICIOUS RUMORS will kick off U.S. tour at home February 23 at 505 club in Santa Rosa, California and Saturday, February 24 at Rooster's Roadhouse in Alameda, California. Dates in March are booked in Texas with ETERNITY BLACK and OMEN. Dates in Florida with CRIMSON GLORY and gigs in Ohio with guests LAW OF DESTRUCTION, featuring members of BEYOND FEAR.

VICIOUS RUMORS will return to Japan for two shows in Tokyo at Club Quattro with guest RIOT on April 18 and April 19. A tour of Europe in June with guest AGENT STEEL that will include major festivals is in the works now.

Upcoming VICIOUS RUMORS shows:

Feb. 23 - Santa Rosa, CA - 505 Club
Feb. 24 - Alameda, CA - Roosters Roadhouse
Mar. 08 - San Antonio, TX - Graham Central Station
Mar. 09 - Austin, TX - Room 710
Mar. 10 - Houston, TX - FBI Rock Club#1
Mar. 14 - Jacksonville, FL - Jackrabbits
Mar. 15 - Palmetto, FL - The Hall
Mar. 16 - New Port Richy, FL - The Hall
Mar. 17 - San Juan, Puerto Rico - Bourbon Street
Mar. 22 - Chillicothe, OH - Cardos
Mar. 23 - Cincinnati, OH - tba
Mar. 24 - Wapakonet OH - City Side Lounge
Mar. 31 - Salt Lake City, UT - Club Vegas
Apr. 12 - Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA
Apr. 13 - San Marcos, CA - The Jumping Turtle
Apr. 14 - Las Vegas, NV - Tailspin Bar
Apr. 18 - Tokyo, Japan - Club Quattro
Apr. 19 - Tokyo, Japan - Club Quattro

The VH1 "Behind the Music" special on PANTERA, which had its premiere last May, will be re-aired on VH1 on Friday, March 2 at 12:00 a.m. EST. The show includes interviews with the surviving members of PANTERA — Vinnie Paul Abbott (drums), Philip Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass) — along with appearances by Guy Sykes (tour manager), Walter O'Brien (manager), Terry Date (producer), about five members of PANTERA's/DAMAGEPLAN's crew, and Rita Haney ("Dimebag" Darrell Abbott's girlfriend).

For all upcoming "Behind the Music: Pantera" air times on VH1, visit VH1.com.

As previously reported, PANTERA's career overview CD, "The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboys' Vulgar Hits!" (Elektra/Rhino), was certified platinum on January 13, 2006 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments in excess of one million copies in the U.S. The band's classic "Vulgar Display of Power" (Elektra) album was certified double-platinum in 2004, signifying shipments of more than 2,000,000 units in the U.S. since its February 25, 1992 release.

Rhino Video last April released PANTERA's "3 Vulgar Videos From Hell" — a three-DVD set featuring all the band's videos as well as live footage shot during the Monsters of Rock gig in Moscow. Originally released on DVD in 1999, this version features the same content with improved menus and all-new Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. In fact, it is the first PANTERA release ever in 5.1 Surround Sound. It features: "Cowboys From Hell The Videos", "Vulgar Video", "3 Watch It Go", and "Pantera Live From Monsters of Rock In Moscow".

English rockers THE WILDHEARTS have scheduled the following U.K. dates:

Apr. 23 - Southampton, The Brook
Apr. 24 - Bristol, University
Apr. 25 - Cardiff, The Point
Apr. 28 - Oxford, Zodiac
Apr. 29 - London, Koko's
Apr. 30 - Wolverhampton, Wulfrun
May 02 - Leeds, Rios
May 03 - Sheffield, Corporation
May 04 - Manchester, Academy
May 05 - Nottingham Rockcity
May 07 - Newcastle, Academy
May 08 - Glasgow, Cathouse

More dates will be announced soon.

THE WILDHEARTS began mixing the new album, which will be self-titled, on February 1 and will release the effort later this year on the band's own label, Round Records, in the United Kingdom and Universal Records in Japan. Round Records is currently seeking distribution in the United States.

"The Wildhearts" was recorded partly at London's Strongroom Studios, partly at a country house in Ipswich, and at a haunted castle in the Midlands. "This album is going to surprise a lot of people who considered the last WILDHEARTS album too poppy," says mainman Ginger of the new record. "There will not be any similar accusations this time around, that's for sure."

THE WILDHEARTS' new lineup sees the return of original drummer Ritch Battersby and the addition of Scott Sorry (AMEN, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION) on bass. Frontman Ginger regards Sorry as "the most energetic performer I've ever shared a stage with. His youth certainly keeps us older bastards on our toes." Ginger and guitarist CJ round out the lineup, which judging by reactions from a recent holiday show is the most solid ever.

THE WILDHEARTS are looking forward to seeing the fruits of their labor in 2007 and the band's attitude says it all. "The vibe within the group is so positive right now it's sickening!" says Ginger, "We are back and hungrier than ever."

Sacramento's WILL HAVEN has set "Heirophant" as the title of its new album, due in June via Bieler Bros. Records. The CD, which will be recorded beginning late February at Bieler Bros. Studios in Pompano Beach, Florida, will mark the group's first release since 2001's critically acclaimed "Carpe Diem".

WILL HAVEN recently finished recording three new songs with producers Chino Moreno (DEFTONES) and Shaun Lopez (FAR, THE REVOLUTION SMILE). The tracks — "Helena", "Sheppard's Bush" and "Landing on Ice" — are described by the band as "by far the best stuff we have ever done. Definitely pushing the envelope, but that's how we want it. Having Chino and Shaun a part of it, you know some groundbreaking stuff is bound to happen."

As previously reported, WILL HAVEN has been added as a support act on the DEFTONES European tour between March 22 and April 10. WILL HAVEN will NOT play the U.K. leg of the trek, where MNEMIC has been confirmed as the opening band. Several warm-up shows on the West Coast will take place in February and March, beginning with a February 19 date at the Troubadour, also featuring EIGHTFOURSEVEN, DEATH VALLEY HIGH and RED HOST.

With the upcoming Demons, Dragons and Warriors Tour, MANOWAR is ready to bring true metal to your town and take you to Valhalla — the place of immortal warriors!

Mobilized with seven trucks and six buses, MANOWAR's 100-strong army of warriors and crew will invade Europe with a storm of energy, devotion and power. With just one goal: To bring true metal and the greatest show on earth to the greatest fans in the world.

Armed with more than 450,000 watts of lighting and 150,000 watts of sound equipment plus 40,000 watts of stage amplifiers, the three-band touring package includes the Italian metal heroes RHAPSODY OF FIRE and the new female-fronted group HOLYHELL.

The performance itself will span the MANOWAR spectrum from classic songs to milestones like "Warriors of the World United" and songs from the new and upcoming album "Gods of War".

MANOWAR has decided to give away a free shirt to all fans who come to one of the shows and have travelled from another country. If you can identify yourself with your passport at one of the merchandise stands, you will receive this exclusive and special shirt that will not be for sale anywhere. On top of this you will also receive another cool merchandise item for free.

MANOWAR wants to show all of you road warriors how much they appreciate the fact that you travel huge distances to see the band play live.

There is no doubt that a MANOWAR show has always been more than just a normal rock show. It is entertainment, it is metal and this time it is a must see show far beyond anything seen before.

Demons, Dragons & Warriors Tour 2007 featuring MANOWAR with RHAPSODY OF FIRE and HOLYHELL:

Mar. 14 - CZ - Zlín - Sportovní Hala Novesta
Mar. 15 - CZ - Pardubice - Cez Aréna
Mar. 16 - CZ - Plzen - Hala Lokomotiva
Mar. 22 - GER - Berlin - Max Schmeling Halle
Mar. 23 - GER - München - Olympiahalle
Mar. 24 - GER - Frankfurt - Festhalle
Mar. 27 - GER - Dortmund - Westfalenhalle
Mar. 28 - GER - Hamburg - Color-Line-Arena
Mar. 30 - GER - Nürnberg - Arena-Nürnberger-Versicherungen
Mar. 31 - GER - Stuttgart - Hans-Martin-Schleyer-Halle
Apr. 04 - GRE - Athens - Fencing Arena at Olympic Complex of Hellinicon

"Pandemonium: Inside Killing Joke", a 52-page collection of interviews with past/present KILLING JOKE members Jaz Coleman, Martin Atkins (PIGFACE), Ted Parsons (PRONG, JESU), Paul Raven (PRONG, MINISTRY) and Troy Gregory (PRONG, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM) is now available as a free PDF download at this location.

The "mini book," written by former PIGFACE/current THE UNDEAD member Joel Gausten, offers first-hand accounts of the band's history, with special emphasis given to their 1990 album, "Extremities, Dirt & Various Repressed Emotions". Six years in the making, the book also features an interview with former MINISTRY member Chris Connelly about his time as frontman of the short-lived KILLING JOKE side-project, MURDER INC.

"My reasons for offering this collection for free are simple," Gausten says. "KILLING JOKE is one of the greatest bands in the world, and I wanted to provide newer fans, as well as longtime followers, a rare look inside the conflicts, personalities, victories and achievements that define a gloriously indefinable band."

"Pandemonium: Inside Killing Joke" is the second title in Gausten's recently-launched "music mini-book series." His first title, "Tales of Horror: The History Of The Misfits & The Undead", was released last November. His next title, "Prong: The Early Years", is slated for a late March 2007 release. More information can be found on Gausten's MySpace page.

Cleveland college radio station WJCU will host a benefit concert this Saturday, February 17 to kick off their 2007 annual Radiothon fundraiser. The concert takes place at the Jigsaw Saloon in Cleveland, Ohio. Performing will be five of Cleveland's best underground metal bands — SOULLESS, GROUND ZERO, WRETCH, AT NO END and WINTERS BANE — all of whom have volunteered their time and services to help the radio station. Tickets are only $8. The show begins at 8 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to WJCU, a non-profit, non-commercial college radio station. WJCU's Radiothon runs Sunday, February 18 through Sunday, February 25. Visit www.wjcu.org for more information.

SOULLESS is finishing up work on its new album, "Forever Defiant". The CD was recorded by Ben Schigel at Spider Studios and will be mastered by Jonas Kjellgren at Black Lounge Studios in Sweden. A spring release via the Japanese label World Chaos is expected. The track listing is as follows:

01. What Remains?
02. The Price Of Life
03. The Hunt (Subtle)
04. The Devil's Hand
05. Of Liars And Thieves...
06. Betray The Light
07. D-Composition (Instrumental)
08. Prey On The Weak
09. Deadly Sins
10. To The Death
11. Dead To Me
12. Straight To Hell
13. As Darkness Dawns

The first 1,000 copies of the Japanese version will include the bonus tracks "Kill The King" (RAINBOW cover) and "Hollow Eyes".

GROUND ZERO is in the studio finishing up work on its new album, "Download Your Destruction". They currently have an EP available featuring three songs from the upcoming album: "This Means War", "Frozen Christ" and "Crush, Kill, Destroy".

WRETCH will be performing in July at the Headbanger's Open Air festival in Germany. Also scheduled to appear are CANDLEMASS, RAGE, SINNER, WOLF, MOONSORROW and MALICE. WRETCH's "Reborn" CD is currently available on Auburn Records. The band recently entered Metro Sync Studios in Cleveland with producer Don Depew (BREAKER) to record two brand new songs for an upcoming EP. In addition to the new songs, the EP will also include extra tracks from the "Reborn" sessions and previously unreleased "live" material. Shaun Vanek (ETERNAL LEGACY) recently replaced Mike Cykon on guitar.

AT NO END recently released its second CD, "Building The Rebellion".

WINTERS BANE will be making its Cleveland debut with the group's new lineup. New members include vocalist Jeff "Zaigen" Sheeler (ex-MOB SCENE), bassist Jeff Welch (KILL PROCEDURE, ex-BREAKER) and returning drummer Jeff Curenton (ex-SEVEN WITCHES, WRETCH). The band will enter the studio soon to begin recording "Heart Of A Killer - II", a continuation of the story told on their revered 1993 first album that featured Tim "Ripper" Owens on vocals.

Reunited Norwegian black metallers IMMORTAL have issued the following update:

"A new dawn rises with the return of IMMORTAL and we strongly appreciate all the great support from every one of you...

"From above the gates we stride at hand as 'The Seven Dates of Blashyrkh' draw nearer and the force is strong upon this coming storm.

"Under the banner of Blashyrkh we ride mightier than all years before at one with you: the IMMORTAL horde....the wind will lead us!"

Check out a new IMMORTAL press photo at this location.

Upcoming IMMORTAL concerts:

Apr. 5-7 - Oslo, NOR @ Inferno Festival
Jun. 22-24 - Clisson, FRA @ Hellfest
Jun. 29-Jul. 1 - Helsinki, FIN @ Tuska Open Air
Jul. 13 - New York City, NY @ BB King’s
Jul. 15 - Hollywood, CA @ The Avalon
Jul. 20 - Tolmin, SLO @ Metalcamp
Aug. 2-4 - Wacken, GER @ Wacken Open Air

After 13 successful years as one of the pioneers of black metal, IMMORTAL disbanded in 2003 with a legacy of seven full-length albums, including the 2002 milestone, "Sons of Northern Darkness". Following a long hiatus, the band decided to enter the live battlefield again.

Come 2007, the world will experience a ferocious new IMMORTAL lineup, featuring Abbath, Horgh, and new bass player Apollyon from AURA NOIR.

"I needed a break," Abbath explained. "I think we all did! We were simply burnt out, and there was no point in continuing. We had a Norwegian tour booked, and had performed at some great festivals both in the U.S. and Europe, but it just didn't feel right any longer."

In the meantime, drummer Horgh toured with Sweden's death metal masters HYPOCRISY and released the "Virus" album, while Abbath has been working on his sideproject, I, featuring members of ENSLAVED and SAHG, along with IMMORTAL's original drummer, Armagedda.

"I'm really proud of that album," Abbath stated enthusiastically, "and it was an important album to make in order to be able to focus on IMMORTAL again."

According to USA Today, A&E has set a March 25 premiere date for the second season of KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons' reality-TV show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels". The cable channel began production last fall on 20 one-hour episodes.

A&E had ordered a 13-episode first season.

"Family Jewels" delivered an average 1.3 million viewers per episode, according to Variety.com. Show also improved its Monday-at-10 timeslot by 56% among adults 18-49 (766,000) and 45% among adults 25-54 (742,000) vs. the previous year.

Second-season antics — which will continue to revolve around Simmons, longtime girlfriend Shannon Tweed and their two kids — are sure to shock, Simmons told Daily Variety.

"People's jaws will drop," he said. Show's appeal is strong because "everyone wishes they had this family. Every guy wishes he was me. It shows how you can be happy."

The first 13-episode season of "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" were released on double-DVD in time for Christmas.

Simmons announced on his web site that "Gene Simmons Family Jewels"' first episode was the most-watched series premiere of any A&E show since the launch of "Dog the Bounty Hunter" in August of 2004. There have been 12 new prime-time series since that date.

Chris Harris of MTV.com reports: Dave Marcovecchio doesn't care much for AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and he's not all that jazzed about AS I LAY DYING, SLIPKNOT, FROM FIRST TO LAST or BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, for that matter.

But the band Marcovecchio loves to hate more than any other is Florida metalcore outfit TRIVIUM. And it's his TRIVIUM odium that's helped the 18-year-old Brit become a YouTube phenomenon.

When Marcovecchio isn't in class studying music technology or working with his own band, WARGAZM, the metalhead can usually be found at the nearest watering hole, rewriting the lyrics to songs by some of the bands he just can't stomach. When he's done, he turns to Windows Movie Maker and Photoshop to work on hilarious interpretive video creations that pair his made-up lyrics with images depicting them (like boats, coats and kids on bicycles). (Click here to watch Dave's TRIVIUM spoof.)

"Me and my friend Ryan, we'd go down to the pub, get a bit wasted, and then come back and look up funny stuff on YouTube. There are lots of interpretations on there and we always found them funny," Marcovecchio explained. "But there were lots of ones that sucked, and they're all about emo songs. So we thought, 'We'll do one — a metal one — and show them how it's done.' "

Read the entire article at MTV.com.

TalkingMetal.com has posted episodes 1 and 2 of their exclusive series of four video podcasts featuring Nick Catanese of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. All four movies, presented by Detroit's tranZmission Productions, document last year's first-ever "Shot to Hell" listening party as well as the induction of Catanese's Washburn signature model guitar and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY denim vest into the Hard Rock Café in Catanese's hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Both episodes can be downloaded at www.talkingmetal.com.

Sweden's THE QUILL has posted a video for the song "Keep the Circle Whole" on the band's MySpace page. The clip was shot in June 2006 during the band's appearance at the Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden.

THE QUILL in December recorded a three-song demo in Blomstermåla, Sweden. The tracks "Saved", "Suicide" and "Blow Me (Off The Ground)" are currently being used by the band to procure a record deal following THE QUILL's split with SPV.

THE QUILL's fifth album, "In Triumph", was released in April 2006 via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD was recorded at Area 51 studios in Celle, Germany with producer Tommy Newton (VICTORY, UFO, HELLOWEEN). The group's video for the song "Broken Man" has been posted online at this location.

THE QUILL in 2005 announced the addition of bassist Robert Triches to the group's ranks. Triches joined THE QUILL as the replacement for Roger Nilsson (ex-SPIRITUAL BEGGARS, FIREBIRD), who left the band in May 2005 after almost 12 years and four albums.