Video footage of the German band GUANO APES performing a new song, "All I Wanna Do" (with soundboard-quality audio), on May 30, 2009 at Universiada Hall in Sofia, Bulgaria can be viewed below. Also available is a two-part video report from the show.

GUANO APES was one of Germany's most successful bands both domestically and abroad for more than a decade. In 2000, the band won the MTV Award for "Best German Act" and went on to win countless other awards, including the Echo, the Viva Comet, the 1LIVE Krone and the IFPI award for over one million sales of the APES' debut, "Proud Like a God". All three of the band's studio albums attained gold status, while their singles landed regularly in the Top 10 of the German charts.

Sofia report Part 1 :



Sofia report part 2 :



New song "All I Wanna Do" (with soundboard audio):



(Thanks: Simon a.k.a. "Gig Addiction")

Capital Chaos conducted an interview with keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov of British extreme epic power metallers DRAGONFORCE on September 15, 2009 at the Empire Events Center in Sacramento, California. Watch the 12-minute chat below.

DRAGONFORCE's massive final leg of the "Ultra Beatdown" tour kicked off earlier this month in the USA with special guests SONATA ARCTICA. The band will be hitting cities across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, mainland Europe and finishing up in the U.K. Joining DRAGONFORCE in the U.K. will be Swedish power metallers SABATON, tech-metal lords SYLOSIS and rising stars GLAMOUR OF THE KILL.

Reunited Norwegian black metallers IMMORTAL have scheduled the following festival appearances in 2010:

Jan. 23 - Winternoise - Alfred-Fischer Halle - Hamm, GER
Apr. 10 - Kings of Black Metal - Hessenhallen, Giessen, GER
Jun. 18 - Hellfest - Clisson, FRA
Jul. 5-11 - Metalcamp - Tolmin, SLO
Aug. 05 - Wacken Open Air - Wacken, GER

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

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

"All Shall Fall" will be made available in the following formats:

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

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

"All Shall Fall" track listing:

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

D.X. Ferris of the Riverfront Times recently conducted an interview with MOTÖRHEAD mainman Lemmy Kilmister. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.

Riverfront Times: What does the new MOTÖRHEAD stuff sound like?

Lemmy: I don't know. We always work in the studio.

Riverfront Times: Are you free to move to a new label? Or is MOTÖRHEAD tied up in the SPV bankruptcy?

Lemmy: SPV's on its way to the doghouse, yeah. I dunno. Maybe we'll go on the Internet. I dunno. Stuff will be released, don't worry about that.

Riverfront Times: Is the SPV bankruptcy affecting band business?

Lemmy: [Laughs a gravelly laugh] No. We got paid first.

Riverfront Times: I read an article that said you live in a little apartment in LA.

Lemmy: Yeah, a two-room apartment.

Riverfront Times: Why such a small place? I'm guessing you could afford something bigger.

Lemmy: It's near [legendary Sunset Strip rock club] the Rainbow, and it's controlled rent. I've been there since 1990, so it's pretty cheap.... I'm looking for a slightly bigger place than I've got now, but not a freestanding chateau. I'm not looking for a big house — you can only be in one room at a time.

Riverfront Times: Do you plan to stay in the United States or retire to England eventually?

Lemmy: I'll stay in America. There's more scope.

Riverfront Times: Do you ever go back to England?

Lemmy: I only go when we tour there. I was there in the summer for a couple of weeks. The attitude's a lot more upbeat [in America], you know? In England, the main emotion is resentment. They're still trying to get over losing India.

Riverfront Times: What was the band's best payday? Does "Ace of Spades" still sell?

Lemmy: The best payday was when METALLICA did some of our tracks on one of their albums.

Riverfront Times: What do you consider the band's low point?

Lemmy: Probably the Brian Robertson era [1983, when the former THIN LIZZY guitarist joined the band]. Because the things he did — you alienate whole entire families — just about all by himself.

Riverfront Times: And your high point?

Lemmy: This is one of them, for sure. Obviously, Hammersmith going straight to No. 1 was the 'igh point of that band, for sure. This band's just done three of the best songs anybody's ever done, you know?

Riverfront Times: How long do you see yourself doing the band?

Lemmy: I dunno. How long do you see yourself talking on the phone and writing? You don't know, do you? You can't tell yet. I'm sure it'll all become terribly clear suddenly one day.

Read the entire interview from the Riverfront Times.

Metallus Maximus recently conducted an interview with MEGADETH drummer Shawn Drover. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Metallus Maximus: "Endgame"'s production is easily the best to ever grace a MEGADETH album. On a personal level, how was it to work with Andy Sneap again?

Drover: For me, it was great working with Andy. He is all about the metal just as I am, so we were all on the same page in terms of what we wanted to achieve, both sonically and musically. Andy loves to work in the studio and be creative, as do I, so the overall vibe for me was very good. Plus, the both of us have the same ultra-stupid humor, which adds to the overall mood of the project. If you're in a good mind-frame and look forward to going into the studio each day, that is a good thing, if you ask me.

Metallus Maximus: You share a writing credit with Dave [Mustaine] for "Head Crusher", the first single and one of the heaviest tracks on the album, can you give some details on how the song came about?

Drover: I had a bunch of guitar riffs I had written going into this record, as Dave always wants to hear what we have in terms of potential riffs that could work for a song. Dave had some meetings in L.A. so he told me that if I had ideas for a song, go ahead and record them so he could hear them when he got back the next day. I wrote and recorded guitars, bass and drums for the song in three hours, so Dave could hear a studio-quality song, instead of submitting a poor-quality-sounding demo that I did at home. So, naturally, I wanted to seize the opportunity, and I did. He liked about 50% of it, so he changed the chorus and middle section of the song, re-arranged a few parts, and made the song even better. "Head Crusher" is the end result and I am really proud and happy it made it on the record.

Metallus Maximus: After playing for so many years with your brother Glen, how hard was it to see him leave [MEGADETH] and have to build a new chemistry with guitarist Chris Broderick?

Drover: It was very hard on me and I did everything to try to change his mind and stay, until I realized it was the right thing to do at the time, as his son was very young and it was taking a toll on Glen to be gone on tour for so long being away from him. Once I supported his decision, we had to get another guitar player to take Glen's place, which was not easy, as this is an extremely tough gig on guitar, and also recommending a new guitar player who wasn't full of his own ego, or an alcoholic crackhead who likes to snort his own socks, so the list was very, very short. Between Glen, myself and Glen's guitar tech (now Dave's guitar tech) Willie Gee, we decided that Chris was the best choice to recommend to Dave and management. The transition was smooth and without incident, so I guess it worked out well.

Metallus Maximus: Speaking of touring, how was it to tour with SLAYER? Did you actually talk to any of the guys despite the tension between Dave and Kerry [King] that seem blown out of proportion by certain gossip-oriented metal sites?

Drover: I enjoyed the Canadian Carnage shows with SLAYER a lot. I met and talked to all of them and they were very cool to me. I think a lot of this perpetuated stuff comes from journalists who haven't done their homework in knowing that both bands have a new record coming out, etc., so some of them resort to asking the same, redundant questions. For me, a new record and tour should be the focus, so I don't pay any mind to any of that other crap. Bottom line is that we are all here to entertain people and musically kick their asses, so I am glad to be a part of this.

Metallus Maximus: What are your thoughts on a possible tour of the "Big Four" (METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH and ANTHRAX) as it has been speculated in the press recently?

Drover: You know, I read this rumor too, and I have no idea if this is true or not, but I think it would certainly be interesting. If it were to happen, I think it would be better to do sooner than later, before we are all walking out on stage with walking canes and wheelchairs. All the bands still can deliver in a live setting, so if this was actually true and were to happen, let's go on with it. From a heavy metal fans perspective, it could be one of the biggest events in metal history, but I guess we will just have to see if this is even true or not.

Read the entire interview from Metallus Maximus.

BUCKCHERRY is gearing up for a big fall with the release of a live album and the band's opening slot on the upcoming KISS tour. The Los Angeles group's concert package, called "Live & Loud", is due out on September 29, while the massive KISS Alive 35 trek begins with a two-night stand on September 25 and September 26 in Detroit, where KISS recorded its legendary 1975 album "Alive!"

"Live & Loud" track listing:

01. Tired of You
02. Next 2 You
03. Broken Glass
04. Check Your Head
05. Lit Up
06. Talk To Me
07. Rescue Me
08. Rose
09. For the Movies
10. Ridin'
11. Lawless and Lulu
12. Everything
13. Sorry
14. Crazy Bitch
15. Cream

The album will be released on Eleven Seven Music with distribution through RED.

When asked on a conference call with reporters why BUCKCHERRY wanted to open for KISS, singer Josh Todd said: "The reason we're touring with KISS is 'cause we wanna be involved in events, and this is a huge event. They've been 35 years out there and that's impressive for anybody to do. You know, they broke a lot of rules and we love that, you know, and they stuck to what they love to do and, you know, that's important to us. Plus we're huge KISS fans and they put on, like, an incredible show and we wanna be a part of that."

BUCKCHERRY reissued its fourth studio album, 2008's "Black Butterfly", in an enhanced edition on September 8. The new version swaps out the song "Too Drunk..." for the band's cover of DEEP PURPLE's "Highway Star", which the group recorded for NASCAR coverage on TNT.

Todd and guitarist Keith Nelson also told Billboard.com this week that there will be new BUCKCHERRY music next year, with Todd adding that the band is "working on a project we're kind of keeping secretive right now. It's definitely going to be a departure from what we do. It's definitely coming out great."

BUCKCHERRY has also premiered an acoustic video at Yahoo! Music for the song "Sorry", which was originally included on their 2006 comeback album, "15".

Fan-filmed video footage of BUCKCHERRY's June 20, 2009 performance at the Kobetasonik festival in Bilbao, Spain can be viewed below.

Former ROUGH CUTT/QUIET RIOT singer Paul Shortino was interviewed for the latest episode of the "Rockin' Metal Revival". The program is now available for download in three parts at this location. It can also be streamed below.

Paul Shortino released "Chasing My Day", his collaboration with renowned producer Michael Voss (CASANOVA, SILVER), on June 26 via Metal Heaven.

Commented Shortino, "The new tracks are amazing. I have a renewed inspiration to write and record music that comes from within. I am looking forward to touring and performing the new material for all the fans. We have a smokin' hot band that can really deliver and put on a show. Quite honestly, I can't wait."

"Chasing My Day" track listing:

01. Remember You (sample)
02. To The Cross
03. Prelude Missing
04. Missing
05. Nocturnal
06. Side FX
07. Alone They Ride
08. Chasing Your Dream (sample)
09. Great Dreamer (sample)
10. Take My Heart And Run
11. Promises
12. Plan Of Attack (bonus track)

Recording lineup:

Paul Shortino - Vocals
Michael Voss - Guitar

Guest musicians:

Roland Bergmann (MAD MAX) - Bass
Johnny Douglas (K2) - Lead Guitar
Ralf Heyne (DOC HEYNE,BISS) - Guitar

"Rockin' Metal Revival" show featuring Paul Shortino interview part 1:



"Rockin' Metal Revival" show featuring Paul Shortino interview part 2:



"Rockin' Metal Revival" show featuring Paul Shortino interview part 3:

Behind-the-scenes footage from the making of "Crawl Back In", the new video from LINKIN PARK singer Chester Bennington's side project, DEAD BY SUNRISE, can be viewed below. The clip was directed by P.R. Brown, who has previously worked with SLIPKNOT, MÖTLEY CRÜE, KORN, GODSMACK and AVENGED SEVENFOLD, among others.

"Crawl Back In" comes off DEAD BY SUNRISE's debut album, "Out Of Ashes", which is scheduled for release on October 13.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Fire
02. Crawl Back In
03. Too Late
04. Inside Of Me
05. Let Down
06. Give Me Your Name
07. My Suffering
08. Condemned
09. Into You
10. End Of The World
11. Walking In Circles
12. In The Darkness

Bennington began working on DEAD BY SUNRISE back in 2006, explaining, "I came up with a few songs that felt and sounded really good, but I knew they weren't right stylistically for LINKIN PARK. They were darker and moodier than anything I'd come up with for the band. So I decided to work on them on my own rather than turn them over and have them transformed into LINKIN PARK tracks."

The band, which is Bennington on vocals, guitarists Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh (from ORGY/JULIEN-K), bassist Brandon Belsky, drummer Elias Anda (also from JULIEN-K), and keyboardist Anthony Valcic, recorded "Out Of Ashes" in Los Angeles with producer Howard Benson (MOTÖRHEAD, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE).

Behind the scenes:



"Crawl Back In" video:

Grammy Award-winning guitarist Steve Vai was a guest last month on the weekly syndicated radio program "Hard Rock Nights". The chat is now available for streaming in two parts below.

As previously reported, Vai will take part in an autograph-signing session on Tuesday, October 13 at Looney Tunes (31 Brookvale Ave.) in West Babylon, New York beginning at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, call 631.587.7722 or visit LooneyTunesCDs.com.

2010 will mark Vai's 30-year touring anniversary. Vai first stepped into the spotlight in 1980 as a guitarist in Frank Zappa's band but his indelible contribution to music came during his solo career, which includes combined sales of nearly six million albums. "Live In Minneapolis - Where The Wild Things Are" was filmed during Vai's sold-out Sound Theories tour which spanned several continents.

The film is scheduled to be released on DVD and Blu-ray September 29. A live audio CD that contains select performances from the DVD will also be released on September 29.

Part 1:



Part 2:

HardTimes.ca conducted an interview with NASHVILLE PUSSY on September 3, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Watch the 12-minute chat below.

"From Hell To Texas", the fifth album from NASHVILLE PUSSY, sold 800 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD landed at No. 87 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.

The CD was recorded and mixed at Pedernales Studio in Spicewood, Texas with producer Daniel Rey and was engineered and mixed by Gordie Johnson and Jacob Sciba. It was mastered by Howie Weinberg and Matt Agoglia at Masterdisk.

NASHVILLE PUSSY's live DVD, "Live! In Hollywood", came out on September 30, 2008 via MVD Visual. According to a press release, the disc features "NASHVILLE PUSSY rifling through 19 blistering songs at the Key Club in Hollywood. Blaine Cartwright, Ruyter Suys, Jeremy Thompson, and newcomer Karen Cuda give the crowd exactly what they want and more. All your favorite tracks are here, plus a bonus feature entitled 'Pussy Home Movies' has been added. So sit back, grab your bottle of whatever, and let the pussy do the work!"

Audio samples of the tracks that will appear on ALICE IN CHAINS' much-anticipated new album, "Black Gives Way To Blue", can be heard in the YouTube clip below. Due on September 29, the CD was recorded with producer Nick Raskulinecz (RUSH, FOO FIGHTERS) at Studio 606 in Northridge, California and Henson Studios in Hollywood.

The track listing for the album is as follows:

01. All Secrets Known
02. Check My Brain
03. Last Of My Kind
04. Your Decision
05. A Looking In View
06. When The Sun Rose Again
07. Acid Bubble
08. Lessons Learned
09. Take Her Out
10. Private Hell
11. Black Gives Way To Blue

ALICE IN CHAINS singer William DuVall recently told The Flint Journal about the new CD, "I think you can expect a really dense, really heavy but really ethereal and cathartic sonic experience.

"We took our time with this record. There was certainly no shortage of thoughts and feelings to address with everything that's gone down. It's a snapshot of our journey from early 2006 to this point right now. It's the story of our coming together. It's also the story of a band that is both celebrating its legacy but also opening the door to the future, and mourning the loss of a friend, one of the great singers of all time, Layne Staley. But it really is a testament to for every door that closes, there's another one that opens, if you chose to open it. They lost somebody but they also gained somebody."

ALICE IN CHAINS will be IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson's guests on Friday, September 25 during Bruce's weekly BBC 6 Music radio program, dubbed "The Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show". Listen to the broadcast live via the Internet between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (midnight) U.K. time at BBC.co.uk.

ALICE IN CHAINS will celebrate the release of "Black Gives Way To Blue" with an outdoor mini-concert on ABC-TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Tuesday, September 29 (which will actually air the morning of Wednesday, September 30).

If you pre-order ALICE IN CHAINS' new album, "Black Gives Way To Blue", via iTunes, you will receive two exclusive bonus tracks: "Your Decision" (live) and "Black Gives Way To Blue (Elton John Piano Mix)".

(Thanks: NJthrasher)

GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Thal" Bumblefoot has commented on online reports that the band will perform in Japan and Taiwan in December. He says in a statement, "Hundreds of people have been writing, wanting to know about GN'R's future touring plans. I'm not the guy to ask about ongoing bizz — if anyone, you'd have to ask GN'R management about future plans, but please understand that if they haven't officially announced plans, they're not going to do it through personal emails. As for me, I'm not at business meetings with booking agents, promoters, venues, sponsors, and *I don't want to be*. Being the guitarist in GN'R is enough; not going to open the door to managerial duties.

"If GN'R management confirmed that everything did or did not work out to make any shows happen, and I was 100% sure that I had the confirmed final developments on things, and if it wouldn't screw up how GN'R wanted to announce things, only then would I comment. Anything sooner than that would be spreading information prematurely and could be setting up fans for disappointment, and could affect the outcome of deals that were still being worked on.

"When GN'R management is able to confirm anything, they will do it, in the way they feel is best, when they feel the time is right. Until then, think about other things. Build a cardhouse. Fry an egg. Read a book by a tree. When GN'R management is ready to announce accurate definite information, they will.

"Thanks to everyone that reached out wanting to know. You've been a pain in my ass, and I love you for it.

"Out of decency to fans, knowing many are ready to rearrange their plans and put a lot of effort into being at shows, I hope any confirmations can come sooner than later... some of you have plane tickets to book, time off from work to plan, tickets to save up for — I appreciate the Hell out of it and am grateful for it and will do my best to make it worth it, given the chance."

As previously reported, the Japanese branch of Universal Music has confirmed on its web site that GUNS N' ROSES will play two dates in Japan in December:

Dec. 16 - Osaka Dome
Dec. 19 - Tokyo Dome

Tickets go on sale on October 3.

More information in English is available on the web site of the Japanese concert promoter Hayashi International Promotion Co. Ltd. (H.I.P.).

A special web site for GN'R's Japanese shows has been launched by the promoter at this location.

GUNS N' ROSES is also being advertised by Taiwanese concert promoter Brokers Brothers Herald, Ltd. (BBH) as playing Taipei County Stadium in Taipei, Taiwan on December 11.

"Chinese Democracy", the sixth and most recent album from GUNS N' ROSES, was released in its entirety to the Rock Band Music Store catalog of downloadable content on April 14.

The tracks are available for purchase as an album or individual tracks for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system. The tracks are available for purchase as individual tracks only for Wii.

Aside from Billboard and Spinner interviews and answering a number of fan questions at a GUNS N' ROSES message board, singer Axl Rose has done no promotion of any kind for "Chinese Democracy".

"Chinese Democracy" was officially certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 3, 2009 for shipments in the United States in excess of one million copies.

(Thanks: Iron Sheik Soundboard for iPhone)

'80s hard rock queen Lita Ford will be the special guest on this week's (September 18-24) edition of "Hard Rock Nights", the nationally syndicated hard rock radio program.

"Hard Rock Nights" can be heard each week on over a dozen radio stations. A list of affiliates can be found at this location.

Lita's first new studio album in 14 years, "Wicked Wonderland", is scheduled for release in Europe on October 2 via earMUSIC/Edel. The set will be 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.

Lita Ford will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, October 7 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with Lita by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625).

For more information, visit RocklineRadio.com.

New Orleans' EYEHATEGOD has spent the last two decades at odds with a corrupt music industry, using their music as a proverbial middle finger aimed at everything from government officials to sanctimonious shitheads hiding behind organized religion. They have defied all odds and continue to exist and persist despite personal and professional setbacks, from drug addiction to natural disasters. In the midst of all this turmoil EYEHATEGOD has become the high water mark when it comes to "sludge metal," having birthed rock's unholy bastard feasting on the teat that BLACK SABBATH and BLACK FLAG built. Countless band's have followed in their fetid footsteps and they continue to inspire bands around the world to this very day.

Vinyl-only imprint I'm Better Than Everyone Records will release EYEHATEGOD's fourth studio album, "Confederacy Of Ruined Lives", on October 22. Originally issued on CD in late 2000. this extremely special release will be available in two versions: The main edition will be hand-numbered and limited to 400 on thick black vinyl. There will also be an extremely limited edition of 100 hand-numbered copies on white vinyl with tan and black splatter. Both editions will be encased in a deluxe triple gatefold!

For more information, visit www.imbetterthaneveryonerecords.com.

AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry's fifth solo album, "Have Guitar, Will Travel", will be released on October 6 via Roman Records. The hard driving, ten-song, in your face, collection features Perry's trademark rock and blues ferocity, as well as the CD's first single, the blazing "We've Got A Long Way To Go", set for release later this summer. Recorded this past spring at the BoneYard, Perry's state-of-the-art home studio, where AEROSMITH's "Honkin' On Bobo" and "Just Push Play" were recorded, "Have Guitar, Will Travel" is entirely written and produced by Perry.

"Have Guitar, Will Travel" track listing:

01. We've Got a Long Way To Go
02. Slingshot
03. Do You Wonder
04. Somebody's Gonna Get (Their Head Kicked In Tonight)
05. Heaven and Hell
06. No Surprise
07. Wooden Ships
08. Oh Lord (21 Grams)
09. Scare The Cat
10. Freedom

Check out audio samples at this location.

Still as scorching hot on guitar as he is preternaturally cool in his persona, "Have Guitar, Will Travel" is a departure for Perry in that the CD was conceived as a band recording. From start to finish it took only forty-seven days to complete. "Making this record in such a short period of time gave us a chance to capture an energy and flow that was very different from the last record," said Perry. "The way the players came together at a time when I had the music and lyrics in my head ready to go was pure synchronicity. The last record rocked, but this one rocks and then some. I'm really proud of it.

"We've Got A Long Way To Go", the CDs first single, showcases the voice of a young German singer known as Hagen, found completely by chance on YouTube by Joe's wife Billie. "I first called him from Cleveland when I went to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame jam with Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Ron Wood, Flea and METALLICA," said Perry. "It took several minutes to convince him that it wasn't a prank call, but a true invitation to audition to sing on the CD." Hagen mans the microphone for five tracks, while Perry sings lead on four. The remaining tenth song is an instrumental entitled "Wooden Ships".

In addition, Perry attracted an esteemed roster of some of the best players that the music world has to offer; bassist David Hull, who played with THE BUDDY MILES BAND at 19 and was in THE JOE PERRY PROJECT in the '80s, drummer Ben Tileston, a Boston University percussion graduate, who plays drums with two of Perry's sons in TAB THE BAND, Paul Santo, who's played Hammond organ/pipe organ with the likes of Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton and Ozzy Osbourne, drummers Scott Meeder and Marty Richards and Willie "Loco" Alexander, Boston's "Godfather of Punk," who was part of the Bostown sound of the band THE BAGATELLE.

A six-week Twitter search was conducted to find the CDs title. The winner, out of nearly 2000 entries, was Joe Piscitelli, who used a play on the old CBS television program "Have Gun – Will Travel".

The release of "Have Guitar, Will Travel" follows self-produced solo releases including "Let The Music Do The Talking" (1980), "Once A Rocker, Always A Rocker" (1983), "I've Got The Rock 'N' Rolls Again" (1981) and 2005's "Joe Perry", which received universal critical praise and earned Perry his first solo Grammy nomination for "Best Instrumental Song" ("Mercy").

Perry is planning a "short, fast, hard tour" with THE JOE PERRY PROJECT.

Fan-filmed video footage of EYES OF NOCTUM's September 14, 2009 performance at Club Europa in Brooklyn, New York can be viewed at this location. A couple of the clips are available below (courtesy of "loginkill").

EYES OF NOCTUM is the California-based black metal band fronted by Weston "Arcane" Coppola Cage (18-year-old son of actor Nicolas Cage). The group's debut album, "Inceptum" (see cover below), is due later in the year through Morbid Rose Records. The CD was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström (DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL). Norwegian drummer Hellhammer (MAYHEM, DIMMU BORGIR) and Swedish multi-instrumentalist Snowy Shaw (THERION, DREAM EVIL, KING DIAMOND, MERCYFUL FATE, MEMENTO MORI, NOTRE DAME) both make guest appearances on the CD.

According to the band's official bio, EYES OF NOCTUM "saw its genesis in 2005 when Arcane began to experiment as an underground artist. Three years later, Arcane and former NOCTUM guitarist Asmodeus began recording material they co-wrote together, taking the first step from the shadows of the unknown.

"Metaphorically speaking, EYES OF NOCTUM symbolizes both the stars and the universe, which philosophically translates as the guidance through darkness. The writing took years of development and experimentation to evolve into what it is today.

"The founding member of EYES OF NOCTUM, in collaboration with Asmodeous, Arcane was previously in HELLS DISCIPLE, an instrumental solo project that began in 2004. After exploring literature, philosophy, mythology and theatre, HELLS DISCIPLE was put on hold. Years later, after a hiatus dedicated to poetry and creative writing, Arcane gravitated back into his musical passion, giving his 'words life with the spirit of sound.' While studying, he developed his own ideology, later coupling it with music and becoming a vocalist. Arcane enjoys espousing his ideology and telling stories in metaphoric tongue set to metal. His role as vocalist reveals Arcane's unique voice and broad vocal range."

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

Florida's NONPOINT has issued the following update:

"We want to thank all of you for the amazing feedback you have given us on our new song 'Shadow'. That was the very first song we wrote with Zach [Broderick, guitar]. We have written close to 40 more since then and the material just kept growing.

"That version of 'Shadow' was recorded in Phoenix with two of our good friends producing. We are still writing, with studio sessions coming in the near future.

"Thank you all again for all the positive comments. For over the 300 comments we have gotten so far, only four have been negative which is amazing. [We are] glad you all felt that we delivered for you but there is more to come."

The new NONPOINT track "Shadow" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The song will appear on the group's new album, tentatively due in early 2010.

NONPOINT in January announced that it was parting ways with longtime label Bieler Bros. Records. Drummer Robb Rivera explained in a statement, "After so long, I think it was in the best interest of both NONPOINT and Bieler Bros. to part ways. I will say this that in the [last] 10 years, Bieler Bros. have been amazing to us. Not only were they a management company and our label, but also our friends. I have always considered them family and this move does not change the friendship or family connection we have. I will always cherish and be thankful of everything they did for us as a band and on a personal level. And also want to thank all of you [the fans] for always supporting us. Right now it is a new door and chapter open in our lives. We will be searching for new management and label."

NONPOINT's fifth studio album, "Vengeance", was released in November 2007. The CD was recorded at Bieler Bros. Studios in Pompano Beach, Florida with producer Matt LaPlant (SIKTH).

"Vengeance" is the follow-up to the acclaimed "To The Pain" CD, which featured the breakout single "Bullet With A Name".

NONPOINT teamed up with MUDVAYNE and IN THIS MOMENT for a U.S. tour in February/March.

Victory's metal focused web platform, VictoryMetal.com, is premiering the first full-length track from "The Great Misdirect", the forthcoming album from the Raleigh, North Carolina-based progressive metalcore quintet BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME. "Obfuscation" is now available for streaming at this location (free e-mail signup required). The nine-minute-and-fifteen-second song is a testament to the technically otherworldly original and proficient musicianship of BTBAM.

An audio teaser for "The Great Misdirect" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The CD is scheduled for release on October 27 via Victory Records.

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME vocalist Tommy Rogers recently told Noisecreep about the group's Jamie King-produced follow-up to 2007's "Colors", "It's definitely a step forward for us, I think. I don't know ... when we write records, we never want to repeat ourselves, and we definitely have done that. So, I was worried when we started writing this record that we were just going to end up with something that sounds like 'Colors', and that's definitely not the case."

According to Rogers, "The Great Misdirect" is "more dynamic than we've ever been." The band, he said, tried "different things" on this record, resulting in a rather equal mix of "mellow stuff and more intense stuff. It's definitely BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME," Rogers added. "That's the coolest thing about our records. No matter what we do, it still sounds like us."

He continued, "It's a little over an hour of material, and it's definitely a lot of music. The thing with us is — yeah, we do have long songs, but we just try to never have a lot of filler. Some bands will have long songs, but half of the song will be a lot of filler. On 'Swim to the Moon' [the last track on the disc, which clocks in at over 18 minutes], there's no downtime. We try to pack everything with music, because we like to give people their money's worth."

SMASHING PUMPKINS mainman Billy Corgan has issued the following update:

"I'm happy to finally announce the plans for the new SMASHING PUMPKINS album.

"Recording began yesterday, September 15th, 2009 on the new record which will be entitled 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope'. The album will feature 44 songs, four of which are now being recorded. My desire is to release a song at a time beginning around Halloween of this year, with each new release coming shortly after until all 44 are out. Each song will be made available absolutely for free, to anyone anywhere. There will be no strings attached. Free will mean free, which means you won't have to sign up for anything, give an email address, or jump through a hoop. You will be able to go and take the song or songs as you wish, as many times as you wish.

"We will however sell highly limited edition EPs (of four songs each times 11), and details of how those EPs will be made available are still being worked out. Because the songs themselves will be free, the EPs will be more like collectors' items for the discerning fan who will want the art itself, along with the highest possible audio quality available. The EPs will be more like mini-box sets rather than your normal CD single. We may also offer other variations for sale, say for example a digital single with a demo version of a song. The commitment that is most important is the one I'm making to you: that the music of 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' will be available for free to everyone. All 44 songs: free for ALL.

"When the entire album is finished, it will be compiled into a deluxe box set which will also be made available for sale. Those who have bought the EPs need not worry, as the box set will not be a recompilation of the limited edition pieces.

"The story of the album is based on 'The Fool's Journey', as signified in the progress of the Tarot. It is my intention to approach this by breaking down the journey of our life here into four phases as made by these different characters; the Child, the Fool, the Skeptic, and the Mystic.

"The music of 'Teargarden by Kaleidyscope' harkens back to the original psychedelic roots of the SMASHING PUMPKINS: atmospheric, melodic, heavy, and pretty.

"I already have 53 songs written for the record, so I am quite confident that I already have much of the material that I would need to undertake such an extensive project. I am very committed to seeing this album through to its completion and very, very excited about the prospect of delivering new SMASHING PUMPKINS music to you in a unique and exciting way."

(Thanks: rous)

"Mina Fäders Hall", a brand new song from the Swedish "Viking metal" act MÅNEGARM, can be streamed on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's new album, "Nattväsen" (English translation: "Night Creatures"), which is scheduled for release on October 22 via Regain Records.

"Nattväsen" track listing:

01. Mina Fäders Hall
02. Nattsjäl, Drömsjäl
03. Bergagasten
04. I Den Svartaste Jord
05. Hraesvelg
06. Vetrarmegin
07. Draugen
08. Nattväsen
09. Delling

Short descriptions of all the songs can be found below.

A release party for "Nattväsen" will be held on November 7 at Clustret in Stockholm, with THYRFING (Sweden) and SKYFORGER (Latvia) as special guests.

Regarding the CD's lyrical and musical concept, the band previously stated, "Since the dawn of time, mankind has had a curious and strange relation to the night and its darkness. A fear and respect for this dim and abstract world.

"To understand and handle these fears, we have always tried to find some reasonable explanations for the things which we don't fully understand. Sometimes all things don't need to be explained and instead we should explore them and take part of the great wisdom they carry, in a way to understand their great importance.

"As we all know, these primeval forces have been personified with names and shapes, perpetuated in our lore and tales for centuries.

"If we look a bit further into the core of all tales and beliefs, you will see that these forces are fragments and threads of the ancient wisdom which lies hidden in everything. It's hidden in the mountains, in the stones and leaves, in depths of the sea, in the black soil, on the ravens wing, in the starlit sky and in the shadows of the night. The ancient wisdom fills everything and is a part of the cosmic web which is weaved by the norns of fate.

"The paths to enlightenment are many and if we listen and seek what lies beneath, we might have the possibility to take part of more than we could ever imagine. A short glimpse could be enough to change your views of your own inherent primeval forces… Sometimes to the better, sometimes to the worse.

"This album is our way to give you all a little guidance through the abstract and dim world of shadows and it might be a journey to the dark side of your mind and also give you fragments to the greatness that lies within…the night."

MÅNEGARM's last CD, "Vargstenen" ("The Wolfstone"), entered the Swedish chart at position No. 59 back in May 2007. The LP was recorded at Studio Underground with producer Pelle Saether and was released through Black Lodge Records after a ten-year collaboration with Displeased Records.

"Crazy", a brand new track from W.A.S.P., is available for streaming at DemolitionRecords.com. It can also be heard using the audio player below.

"Crazy" comes off W.A.S.P.'s new album, "Babylon", which is due on October 12 through Global Music (via Demolition Records). The CD is themed around biblical visions of "The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse," and is described in a press release as "a metal masterpiece that will make fans both old and new craving for more."

The track listing for the album is as follows:

01. Crazy
02. Live To Die Another Day
03. Babylon's Burning
04. Burn
05. Into The Fire
06. Thunder Red
07. Seas Of Fire
08. Godless Run
09. Promised Land

Audio samples of all the tracks that appear on "Babylon" are available at Amazon.co.uk.

W.A.S.P. will be touring extensively throughout Europe this autumn/winter in support of the new CD.

W.A.S.P. last year completed the European and North American legs of "The Crimson Idol Tour", which kicked off on October 26, 2007 in Thessaloniki, Greece. The band performed the 1992 album in its entirety while never-before-seen video footage was being shown throughout the show. After a short break the group returned for another a 30-minute set of W.A.S.P. classics.

W.A.S.P.'s new song "Crazy" (click on player below to launch audio):

"Pussy", the new video from the Berlin, Germany-based industrial metal sextet RAMMSTEIN, can be viewed at this location. (WARNING: The video contains nudity and sex scenes and is not suitable for minors.)

The "Pussy" clip was shot with renowned Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund, who has previously worked with METALLICA, SATYRICON, MADONNA and THE PRODIGY, among others.

"Pussy" is the first single from RAMMSTEIN's new album, "Liebe Ist Für Alle Da", which is due in the U.S. on October 20 via Vagrant Records (October 16 in Germany). The CD artwork can be viewed below. The band's first new album in four years contains 11 songs which were once again mixed and mastered by Jacob Hellner in Stockholm, Sweden. Pre-production for the new release was done at Castle Beerenstedt in eastern Germany's Halle/Saale while the bulk of the recording was done in late 2008 at Northern California's Sonoma Mountain Studio.

"Liebe Ist Für Alle Da" track listing:

01. Rammlied
02. Ich Tu Dir Weh
03. Waidmann's Heil
04. Haifisch
05. B******
06. Fruehling In Paris
07. Weiner Blut
08. Pussy
09. Liebe Ist Fur Alle Da
10. Mehr
11. Roter Sand

The "Pussy" single will be released on September 18. It will be made available a two-song digipack, also featuring the track "Rammlied" as the B-side.

RAMMSTEIN is:

Till Lindemann - Vocals
Paul Landers - Guitar
Richard Z. Kruspe - Guitar
Oliver Riedel - Bass
Christoph Schneider - Drums
Flake Lorenz - Keyboards

"Across The Dark", the new album from Finnish metallers INSOMNIUM, has entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 5. The CD was recorded at Fantom studio (where the group recorded its 2006 LP, "Above the Weeping World").

"Across The Dark" track listing:

01. Equivalence (03:18)
02. Down With The Sun (04:22)
03. Where The Last Wave Broke (05:03)
04. The Harrowing Years (06:39)
05. Against The Stream (06:11)
06. Lay Of The Autumn (09:08)
07. Into The Woods (05:08)
08. Weighted Down With Sorrow (05:51)
09. The New Beginning *
10. Into The Evernight *

* Bonus track (limited-edition only)

An e-card for "Across The Dark", which contains audio samples of three new songs — "Equivalence", "Down With The Sun" and "Where The Last Wave Broke" — is available at this location.

The "Down With The Sun" video can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Ville Rissanen of Obscure Entertainment.

Check out photos from the video shoot at this location.

Norwegian black metallers 1349 have scheduled the following dates in their home country:

Oct. 07 - Blå - Oslo, Norway
Oct. 22 - Blæst - Trondheim, Norway
Oct. 23 - G60 - Drammen, Norway

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

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

Belgian progressive metallers OCEANS OF SADNESS have issued the following update:

"Thought it might be a good idea to let you all know what's cooking in our kitchen these days since we've been rather silent these last couple of months. I guess you could say we kind of needed a short break from it all...

"After the recordings of[2008's] 'The Arrogance Of Ignorance', we immediately got back to writing new material and I guess this may have been a bit too fast... Although the new songs we have written already are, again, the best stuff we've done so far, it still felt kind of soon and maybe even a bit pointless at that time... and so we decided to take it easy for a while. And we have to tell you: it felt kind of good and relaxing.

"But I guess it's about time now we put the gloves back on our fists and get our asses back in the ring for another round of sheer musical madness!

"We'll get back to writing the best new songs we can as of from now and at the same time we're already thinking about 2010 since we have quite a lot to celebrate next year!

"In 2010 we'll be celebrating our 15th year of existence as a band and at the same time it's been exactly 10 years since our debut, 'For We Are', saw light! So I guess you could say this calls for some sort of celebration."

OCEANS OF SADNESS' fifth album, "The Arrogance of Ignorance", was produced by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street in Örebro, Sweden and contains 10 tracks. The album includes an additional guest appearance by Johan Liiva (formerly of ARCH ENEMY, HEARSE) on the track "In The End". Artwork was created by the Greek artist Seth Siro Anton.

"Shepherd's Commandment", the new video from Baltimore death metallers DYING FETUS, can be viewed below. The clip was shot in July in New York with director Kevin Custer (HATEBREED, TESTAMENT, SOULJA BOY, KINGDOM OF SORROW) of Toaster In The Tub.

"Shepherd's Commandment" comes off DYING FETUS' new album, "Descend Into Depravity", which was released on September 15 via Relapse Records. The follow-up to 2007's "War Of Attrition" was recorded at Wright Way Studios in the group's hometown with producer Steve Wright.

"Descend Into Depravity" track listing:

01. Your Treachery Will Die With You
02. Shepherd's Commandment
03. Hopeless Insurrection
04. Conceived Into Enslavement
05. Atrocious By Nature
06. Descend Into Depravity
07. At What Expense
08. Ethos Of Coercion

DYING FETUS recently completed a month-long North American trek alongside HATEBREED, CHIMAIRA, and TOXIC HOLOCAUST. DYING FETUS will head to Europe in October for a four-week tour alongside CANNIBAL CORPSE. This jaunt will also include OBSCURA in the mainland followed by ANNOTATIONS OF AN AUTOPSY and TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED in the United Kingdom.

San Francisco Bay Area metallers SKINLAB will team up with San Diego's MOWER for the "Sons Of A Sikworld Tour". The trek sees SKINLAB hitting major markets across the U.S. and taking part in several West Coast CD release parties, including Thursday, September 19 at The Voodoo Lounge in San Jose; Monday, September 21 at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, California; and Tuesday, September 22 at San Diego's Brick By Brick. (MOWER starts the tour September 23 in Denver.)

The dates are as follows:

Sep. 17 - San Jose, CA - Voodoo Lounge
Sep. 18 - Berkley, CA - Blakes
Sep. 19 - Modesto, CA - The Silo
Sep. 21 - Hollywood, CA - The Whisky
Sep. 22 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
Sep. 23 - Denver, CO - Casselman's
Sep. 24 - Salina, KS - The Blue Goat
Sep. 25 - Fargo, ND - The Nestor Tavern
Sep. 26 - Maplewood, MN - The Rock
Sep. 27 - Grand Rapids, MI - Whiskey Lounge
Sep. 29 - Detroit, MI - The Hayloft
Sep. 30 - Cleveland, OH - Peabody's
Oct. 01 - Allentown, PA - Starlin Hotel
Oct. 02 - Trenton, NJ - Champions
Oct. 03 - Herkimer, NY - The Rides
Oct. 04 - Clfton, NJ - Dingbats
Oct. 07 - Richmond, VA - [to be announced]
Oct. 08 - Spartanburg, SC - Ground Zero
Oct. 09 - Murfreesboro, NC - Zakks
Oct. 10 - Marietta, GA - The Local
Oct. 14 - San Antonio, TX - Zombies
Oct. 15 - El Paso, TX - Uncle Paulies
Oct. 16 - Farmington, NM - Gator's Bar and Grill
Oct. 17 - Mesa, AZ - UB's Bar
Oct. 23 - Oakland, CA - The Uptown
Oct. 24 - Sacramento, CA - The Boardwalk

"The Scars Between Us", the new album from SKINLAB, was released on September 15 via Stand And Deliver Records.

The track listing for the album is as follows:

01. Face of Aggression
02. Amphetamine Gods
03. Scream at the World
04. Wolvesblood
05. Karma Burns
06. In For The Kill
07. Paper Trails
08. Still Suffering
09. Bloodclot
10. My Vendetta
11. The Scars Between Us

The band's video for the song "In for the Kill" can be viewed below. The clip was filmed in May 2008 at the group's warehouse in Oakland, California with new, up-and-coming director Jourdan McClure and it features appearances by UFC fighter Nate Quarry and Greg Thompson.

SKINLAB released a live album, "SkinnedAlive!", in April 2008 via BCD Music Group. The CD was recorded on June 3, 2007 at The Metro in Oakland, California.

SKINLAB's previous studio album, "ReVolting Room", came out in 2002. A double-disc set, entitled "Nerve Damage", featuring alternate versions of studio tracks, several live tracks recorded on the band's "ReVolting Room" tour, plus two new songs, came out in 2004.

Gary Graff of Billboard.com reports: Gene Simmons says KISS fans can expect "new outfits, a brand new stage and millions more (dollars) put into it" when the group begins its Kiss Alive 35 tour to promote "Sonic Boom", its first new album in 11 years, on Sept. 25 in Detroit.

"That's just the history of KISS," Simmons tells Billboard.com. "Simply put, any band you go to see for the same ticket price, you know KISS is going to give you tenfold more. That's just a statement of fact."

Simmons says that besides the usual blood, fire and very tall boots, the focal point of the new production will be a video screen "that's literally as wide as the entire stage, so there ain't a bad seat in the house. We've got extra people on cameras and stuff like that, so there'll be multi-media in back to increase the visual impact as well as the sonic impact."

Read the entire report from Billboard.com

Florida-based melodic metallers CRIMSON GLORY have issued the following statement regarding their headlining performance at the ProgPower USA X festival on September 11 at the Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia:

"CRIMSON GLORY would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the people this year who helped make ProgPower USA X a truly special and memorable event:

"To Glenn Harveston and his efficient, steadfast and very accommodating cast and crew of stage managers, soundmen, stagehands, photographers, merch guys, shuttle drivers, and caterers. All of these guys (and gals) deserve a massive standing ovation for all of their hard work in helping Glenn bring this festival year after year, bigger and better every time. Like any great production, the real magic is what goes on behind the scenes, and Glenn and his people kicked ass every step of the way. Thank you!

"To the amazing collection of guest vocalists who took the time out of their day and their performances this year to lend their talents and their thoughts to Midnight's [late CRIMSON GLORY singer] tribute. Each and every one of them did a truly excellent job putting their heart and soul into the music. They each provided something for everyone this year; putting their own unique touch on the songs made each performance truly personal, and we know that Midnight was smiling down on each and every one of us that night. Thanks must also be extended to the bands as well for letting us borrow their frontmen during the festival. Thank you!

"To our backing musicians: Matt 'Moop' Laporte, John 'Azrael' Zahner, Todd 'Kidnight' La Torre, David 'Dude... where's my car' Van Landing, and Danaë 'Queen/Dragon Lady' Saree. We truly appreciate all of your hard work, dedication and long hot nights spent rehearsing in our warehouse helping us prepare for the ProgPower festival. You all did a tremendous job and deserve the all the credit and recognition you're received. Thank you!

"To our techs: Mark 'Borgy' Borgmeyer and Jimmy 'Mad Eye' Dupree. Thanks for keeping everything together and in working order, and for putting up with our constant demands! We couldn't have done the show without your dedication from start to finish. Thank you!

"Lastly, but by no means least, to our fans! At the end of the day, it's the fans who make the difference, and nearly 25 years later, CRIMSON GLORY still has some of the most loyal fans in the world. Whether you came from right up the road or halfway around the world to see this show, you are the driving force behind everything we do. We had a great time meeting those of you we did, and it was really touching to see all of the great photos and autographs of Midnight that many of you had. We saw some teary eyes out in the crowd Friday night, and to know how many people were moved by the performance as well as the memory of Midnight is truly a testament to what an influence his voice and his words had on everyone, including us. We love you!

"We would also like to briefly address the content of the set, and why we chose to perform the songs we did:

"This performance was a tribute to Midnight, but it was also a CRIMSON GLORY show. We wanted to make sure that our newer fans, as well as those who had never seen the band live before, were able to get a taste of the current incarnation of CRIMSON GLORY as well as the music of the past twenty-odd years. Wade Black is our frontman and the current voice of CRIMSON GLORY, and he deserves a big thank you for opening and closing our show with the face-melting power that we have all come to respect from the War Machine.

"As for why 'Strange and Beautiful' was not included in the set, there were many songs that we didn't get a chance to perform; we simply didn't have the time to perform them. We were pleasantly surprised at the number of fans who were looking forward to hearing some tracks off of that album, and we wish we could have accommodated everyone, but hey, that's what the next show is for :) See you all again on the ship! (Triton Power Cruise 4/29/10).

"Ultimately ProgPower X will go down as one of our favorite and most personal performances of our careers. Indeed, it was a very emotional experience for everyone involved, and we feel that Midnight absolutely received the heartfelt sendoff that he deserved."

Midnight passed away on Wednesday, July 8 from "total kidney and liver failure." He was 47 years old.

Midnight sang on CRIMSON GLORY's first three albums — "Crimson Glory" (1986), "Transcendence" (1988) and "Strange and Beautiful" (1991) — before going into self-imposed exile for almost a decade. He eventually rejoined CRIMSON GLORY in 2005 but was dismissed in January 2007.

CRIMSON GLORY's classic "Lonely" video (off "Transcendence"):

Southern California's heavy fuzz rock legends FU MANCHU will launch the first leg of its U.S. "Signs of Infinite Power" headlining tour on October 20 in San Jose. Support on the trek will come from by North Carolina's ASG and the Los Angeles duo IT'S CASUAL. The band is expected to announce a separate, second U.S. leg imminently.

The dates are as follows:

Oct. 20 - San Jose, CA - The Blank Club
Oct. 21 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom Of The Hill
Oct. 23 - Portland, OR - Dante's
Oct. 24 - Seattle, WA - Neumo's
Oct. 26 - Salt Lake City, UT - Club Vegas
Oct. 28 - Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
Oct. 30 - Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock
Oct. 31 - Chicago, IL - Double Door
Nov. 02 - Lawrence, KS - Jackpot
Nov. 04 - Dallas, TX - The Door
Nov. 05 - Houston, TX - Red Room
Nov. 06 - Austin, TX - Red Seven
Nov. 08 - Albuquerque, NM - Launch Pad
Nov. 11 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour

FU MANCHU will release its eleventh full-length album, "Signs of Infinite Power", on October 20, 2009 via Century Media Records.

Recorded at Maple Studios in Santa Ana, California by the band and producer Sergio Chavez (MOTÖRHEAD, HELMET) and mixed by Andrew Alekel (FOO FIGHTERS, DANZIG), "Signs of Infinite Power" could well be dubbed "a reawakening" of FU MANCHU as the record delivers monstrous doses of the group's punk energy, hard rock drive and psychedelic crunch in spades. From the instant the album's lead track "Bionic Astronautics" soars from the speakers, it is undeniably evident that FU MANCHU is as primed and hungry as ever before. The record holds the sound of a band rocking purely for the sheer joy of rocking; amps cranked to 11 and revved to maximum overdrive.

"Signs of Infinite Power" track listing:

01. Bionic Astronautics
02. Steel.Beast.Defeated
03. Against the Ground
04. Webfoot Witch Hat
05. El Busta
06. Signs of Infinite Power
07. Eyes x 10
08. Gargantuan March
09. Take It Away
10. One Step Too Far

"We're stoked to unleash 'Signs of Infinite Power' because we feel that it's the best record that we've ever made," states FU MANCHU vocalist/guitarist Scott Hill. "We're can't believe that we're going into our twentieth year as a band. The excitement and energy levels that we're feeling right now are as high as they've ever been."

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, FU MANCHU has a number of very special events planned for 2010. The band will unveil a host of plans that include rolling out both one-of-a-kind live events and extra special vinyl releases. Additionally, the VIRULENCE (pre-FU MANCHU) recordings will be remastered and packaged with the band's "1985-87 demos" and both live songs and video footage from 1987-89 under the title "If This Isn't A Dream…1985-1989". The package will be made available on both CD and LP and is slated for a winter 2009 release via Southern Lord Records.

Originally formed in 1985 as a BLACK FLAG-influenced hardcore punk band called VIRULENCE, FU MANCHU has since become one of hard rock's most celebrated names. The band released its first single "Kept Between Trees" in 1990 and in the years following, helped give rise to a celebrated style of heavy music tagged "stoner rock" alongside peers such as KYUSS, MONSTER MAGNET and SLEEP. Since its inception, the quartet has built itself a fanatical army of loyal enthusiasts all drawn to the group's ridiculously catchy, unpretentious music, guitar-driven sound and carefree lyrics centered on "old muscle cars, choppers, vans, skateboarding and science fiction."

FU MANCHU's most recent album, "We Must Obey", was released in February 2007 via Century Media/Liquor and Poker. The CD was recorded at Hollywood's Grandmaster Recorders studio (TOOL, NINE INCH NAILS, BLACK CROWES). Finishing touches were added by Gene Grimaldi at Oasis Mastering (VELVET REVOLVER, PENNYWISE, REV. HORTON HEAT).

In addition to the songs "Hung Out To Dry" and "Between The Lines" — both also available on the limited-edition "Hung Out To Dry" EP — the album includes a cover of THE CARS classic "Moving In Stereo".

FU MANCHU's video for the song "Hung out to Dry" can be viewed below. The clip was filmed in Los Angeles with director Lucas Heyne (MASTER P, TSAR, SWITCHFOOT).