"The Metal Voice" recently conducted an interview with guitarist Wolf Hoffmann of German heavy metal legends ACCEPT. Hoffmann spoke about the band's upcoming North American co-headlining tour with KREATOR and offered his recollections of the albums in ACCEPT's discography. You can now watch the 20-minute chat below.

ACCEPT and KREATOR will join forces for the North American "Teutonic Terror Attack" tour in September/October. Opening the trek through the U.S. and Canada will be Finland's SWALLOW THE SUN.

For a list of tour dates, go to this location.

ACCEPT's new album, "Stalingrad", sold around 5,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 81 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "Blood Of The Nations", opened with around 2,900 units back in September 2010 to land at No. 187.

"Stalingrad" was released on April 6 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was once again helmed by British producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, EXODUS, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY), who worked on the band's critically acclaimed comeback effort, "Blood Of The Nations".

MEGADETH kicked off the "Countdown To Extinction" 20th-anniversary tour earlier tonight (Sunday, September 2) at Royal Center in Bogotá, Colombia.

Commented MEGADETH bassist David Ellefson: "Not that it's a competition or anything, BUT Bogota set the bar REALLY high for audience participation tonight!! The ENTIRE audience coordinated holding up custom Vic Rattlehead [MEGADETH's mascot] signs during the song 'Countdown To Extinction', custom dollar/peace signs during 'Peace Sells....' and killer Vic Rattlehead masks everywhere!!! One of the coolest things I've EVER seen at our shows....gave me goose bumps!!"

The setlist was as follows:

01. Trust
02. Hangar 18
03. She-Wolf
04. A Tout Le Monde
05. Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)
06. Public Enemy No. 1
07. Skin o' My Teeth
08. Symphony of Destruction
09. Architecture of Aggression
10. Foreclosure of a Dream
11. Sweating Bullets
12. This Was My Life
13. Countdown to Extinction
14. High Speed Dirt
15. Psychotron
16. Captive Honour
17. Ashes in Your Mouth

Encore:

18. Peace Sells
19. Holy Wars... The Punishment Due

Video footage of the "Countdown To Extinction" (the song) performance from tonight's concert can be seen below.

MEGADETH frontman Dave Mustaine previously stated about the band's plans for the "Countdown To Extinction" anniversary celebration, "MEGADETH will be going down to South America, we're going celebrate 'Countdown To Extinction''s 20th anniversary and 'Peace Sells… But Who's Buying''s 25th anniversary, so depending on where we're at we might end up doing more than one show. We're definitely going to do 'Countdown To Extinction' in its entirety and if we get a second night, we'll probably play most of 'Peace Sells'. There's a couple of songs on there I don't really like playing anymore, but other than that, it's a fun record to play."

MEGADETH's fifth LP, "Countdown To Extinction" was released on July 14, 1992 through Capitol Records. The band's best-selling full-length CD to date, it was certified double-platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for U.S. shipments in excess of two million copies. The album also produced the band's most successful hit singles, "Symphony Of Destruction", "Sweating Bullets", "Skin O' My Teeth" and "Foreclosure Of A Dream".

Swedish metallers SOILWORK have posted video footage of the band's guitarist, David Andersson, laying down tracks for their upcoming double album, "The Living Infinite". Check it out at this location.

SOILWORK's follow-up to 2010's "The Panic Broadcast" is being recorded with producer Jens Bogren (OPETH, AMON AMARTH, BLOODBATH).

SOILWORK vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid previously stated about the band's decision to record a double album, "I've been wanting to do this for a while and I proposed the idea to the rest of the guys in the band during our festival tour last summer. Everybody liked the title 'The Living Infinite' and also the idea of working towards the goal of releasing a double album. David Andersson was already playing with us last summer, so he has also been a part of this goal from the start.

"I feel very excited and proud that we've managed to find the inspiration and dedication it takes to create somewhat of a conceptual double album, especially since it's dealing with a lot of existential questions."

"The Living Infinite" will mark the recording debut of SOILWORK's longtime touring guitarist David Andersson (NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA).

SOILWORK's latest album, "The Panic Broadcast", was released in Europe on July 2, 2010 and in North America on July 13, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.

"The Panic Broadcast" was SOILWORK's studio debut with axeman Sylvain Coudret, who joined in 2008.

Photo by Hannah Verbeuren

The official trailer for "Libertine", the fourth solo album from Norwegian singer Liv Kristine (LEAVES' EYES, ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY), can be seen below. The CD will be released via the Napalm Records subsidiary Black Rose Productions on the following dates:

North America: September 4
Spain, Finland, Sweden, Greece: September 5
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux: September 7
Rest Of The World: September 10

"Libertine" was recorded at Mastersound Studio in Steinheim, Germany — the facility owned by her husband, Alexander Krull (ATROCITY, LEAVES' EYES) — and marks Liv's collaboration with Dutch musician J.B. van der Wal (ABORTED, DR. DOOM), who recently joined LEAVES' EYES and ATROCITY as the two bands' new bassist.

"Libertine" track listing:

01. Interlude (intro)
02. Solve Me
03. Silence
04. Vanilla Skin Delight (duet with Tobias Regner)
05. Panic
06. Paris Paris
07. Wait For Rain
08. Love Crime
09. Libertine
10. Meet Me In The Red Sky
11. The Man With A Child In His Eyes (KATE BUSH cover)

The "Libertine" cover artwork can be seen below.

Commented Liv: "'Libertine' is truly a milestone in my career; it sums up my most important artistic experiences in my creative journey through life. The more rock and metal-based songs like 'Vanilla Skin Delight' (including superb male vocals from Tobias Regner, the third-season winner of 'Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar', the German reality show in the style of 'American Idol'), 'Paris Paris', 'Solve Me' and title track, 'Libertine', certainly expose some of those magic moments which fans of THEATRE OF TRAGEDY enjoyed and treasured on 'Aegis' and 'Musique'. The ballads 'Silence', 'Love Crime' and 'Meet Me In The Red Sky' will go straight into you hearts, each of them being absolute individual in their emotional expressions and musical compositions. Alex gave each track a perfect sound in the mix by emphasizing on each song's characteristic accent and atmosphere."

She added, "I can't wait to let you hear this album; it is exceptional to me both personally and in my artistic career, and I can't wait to play these songs for you live! The cover and booklet artwork is completed as well. It took a while for me, personally, to find the artistic expression I wished to expose in my pictures, however, Heile and Alex guided me into the right direction, for which I am so happy and grateful."

Liv Kristine's third solo album, "Skintight", came out in North America in September 2010 via Napalm Records.

PROJECT TERROR (formerly BLOOD REDSKIES), the Texas-based power metal band featuring ex-VICIOUS RUMORS frontman Ronnie Stixx, will release its debut album, "Absolute Power", later this year through Pure Steel Records.

A song from the effort, "Conquistador", can now be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

"Absolute Power" track listing:

01. Day Of The Jackal
02. Take To The Sky
03. Absolute Power
04. Killing Machine
05. Conquistador
06. Breaking The Spell
07. Metal Heart
08. The Mirrror

In other news, PROJECT TERROR will be joined by CRIMSON GLORY guitarist Ben Jackson will for their upcoming appearance at the South Texas Rock Fest.

Says Stixx: "Ben has joined forces with us and we are very excited to have on broad with us we are looking forward to sharing the stage with at this year's South Texas Rock Fest, scheduled for Saturday, October 13th at Sunken Gardens in San Antonio, Texas."

PROJECT TERROR's current lineup is completed by bassist Joseph Benjamin and drummer Mark Reyes.

Regarding the band's decision to change its name from BLOOD REDSKIES to PROJECT TERROR, Stixx previously said, "After fours years of establishing the name BLOOD REDSKIES, I know people are saying, 'What the hell?' Well, I thought long and hard about the name change even though I love the name BLOOD REDSKIES. I even named the band after a song I wrote. But at the end of the day, I just wasn't really happy with it."

He added, "I have always wanted to call the band PROJECT TERROR after a local sci-fi/horror TV show from 1970 which originated in my hometown San Antonio, Texas. As a kid, this show would scare the hell out of me. Through the years, I knew I wanted that name for a band. The name fits the new energy and direction in which the band is going."

PROJECT TERROR's music is described in the band's official bio as "a great blend of European and U.S. power metal, with catchy riffs [and] strong vocal melodies . . . in the vein of DIO, TNT, HALFORD, SAXON and PRIMAL FEAR."

One of the most memorable pioneers of the first wave of Finnish death metal, CONVULSE were there in 1990 with bands such as XYSMA, DISGRACE and ABHORRENCE to create the scene which was to become legendary.

Formed in 1988 under the name S.D.S., CONVULSE's first release was the "Resuscitation Of Evilness" demo cassette in 1990. The success of the demo led to a deal with the French record label Thrash Records, which released the band's first full-length album, "World Without God". A CD-single, "Lost Equilibrium", followed in 1993 via Relapse Records, after which CONVULSE prepared to record its second album, "Reflections". The group travelled to Sunlight Studios in Sweden and laid down the effort in a one-week period. The following year (1993) was dedicated to CONVULSE members performing their mandatory military service in Finland, which delayed the release of "Reflections" until the summer of 1994 (also through Relapse). An attempt to regroup in support of the CD ended "with poor results," and after serious discussions, a decision was made to put CONVULSE to rest.

After an 18-year break, CONVULSE returned in 2012 and played a few comeback shows in Finland. In addition, the band has already been confirmed to play next year's edition of the Maryland Deathfest, with more live appearances in the works.

A new CONVULSE vinyl EP, featuring two brand new tracks, is scheduled for a November release, and a new full-length album can be expected in 2013. Both the EP and the album will be made available via Svart Records.

"Our new material has a strong old-school death metal feel to it, and the band is tighter than ever before," says CONVULSE guitarist/vocalist Rami Jämsä. "When recording, we plan to concentrate on the energy brought on by playing everything live — no triggers or Pro Tools. Nothing beats a well-rehearsed band playing live, be it on stage or in the studio."

Video footage of CONVULSE playing the song "Incantation Of Restoration" live at their rehearsal studio can be seen below.

CONVULSE 2012 is:

Rami Jämsä: Guitar, Growls
Juha Telenius: Bass
Kristian Kangasniemi: Guitar
Rolle Markos: Drums

Former ELIXIR vocalist Paul Taylor and guitarist Phil Denton have launched a new band called MIDNIGHT MESSIAH. The name of the group is taken from one of the songs the pair wrote for the final ELIXIR album.

"We wanted to retain a connection to ELIXIR and our past, as the new band will be similar in style to what we have done before," commented Denton.

MIDNIGHT MESSIAH is currently rehearsing new material before entering the studio to record its debut album, tentatively due in 2013. The band will then make its live debut promoting the new CD as well as including some ELIXIR favorites in the live set.

"We have a brilliant young lead guitarist, Dave Strange, and a solid, powerful drummer in Darren Lee, and the new guys have learned the new songs very quickly," adds Phil. "The two of them have really brought our songs to life and Paul and I are really pleased with how things are going."

MIDNIGHT MESSIAH is:

Paul Taylor – Vocals
Phil Denton - Guitar
Dave Strange - Guitar
Darren Lee - Drums

A bass player for the band has not yet been announced.

ELIXIR play two final farewell shows in October at The Bridge House 2, Canning Town, London on Saturday, October 13 and at De Verlichte Geest in Roeselare, Belgium on Saturday, October 20.

The first of four webisodes featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the long-awaited sixth studio album from veteran Italian metallers EXTREMA can be seen below.

The band entered Fear Studio in Alfonsine (RA), Italy at the end of May to begin recording the the follow-up to 2009's "Pound For Pound" with producers Tommy Massara (EXTREMA guitarist) and Gabry Ravaglia.

"It took almost two years to write and arrange the songs," says Massara. He adds, "These are the heaviest songs we've ever written."

In September 2010, EXTREMA announced the addition of bassist Gabri Giovanna (FUZZ FUZZ MACHINE) to the group's ranks.

Giovanna previously filled in for bassist Mattia Bigi during EXTREMA's summer 2010 tour.

"Pound For Pound" came out in May 2009 via Scarlet Records. The follow-up to 2005's "Set The World On Fire" saw EXTREMA going back to its thrash metal roots, with a very special guest apearance by HELMET's Page Hamilton on the track "You Make Me Sick".

ORGY, the reactivated "death pop" band from California, is preparing to release "Grime Of The Century", its first new single in over seven years. The track, which was recorded at NRG Recording and Entourage studios in North Hollywood, California, will be made available digitally on September 4 and as a physical CD on September 10.

ORGY will promote the single release by embarking on three-to-five-week tour in November. Additional dates in "major markets" will take place at the end of 2012 and in early 2013.

"Grime Of The Century" is available for streaming at Banana1015.com.

Several photos from the studio can be found at WireImage.com.

ORGY canceled the last five shows of its spring "Bad Blood Tour 2012" "due to high demand for new music."

Joining vocalist and sole remaining original member Jay Gordon in ORGY's new lineup are Carlton Bost (DEADSY, THE DREAMING, LUNARCLICK) on guitar, Ashburn Miller (DEADSY) on guitar, Nic Speck (RUN RUN RUN) on bass and Jamie Miller (SNOT, THE START) on drums.

In a recent interview with Icon Vs. Icon, Gordon was asked what the catalyst was for rebooting and moving forward with the project. "Ya know, it had just been too long," he said. "I was really interested in getting back out on the road. That was the first thing I wanted to do. It had been so long, I just wanted to get out there, brush the rust off and roll with it to see what happens. To do that you have to have a band and start playing gigs right away and that is exactly what I did."

On the topic of ORGY's new members, Jay said, "The new lineup is amazing! I don't plan on looking back, let's put it that way, they are that good. They are all amazing artists. Both guitar players, Carlton Bost and Ashburn Miller, came from DEADSY. The bass player, Nic Speck came from RUN RUN RUN. The drummer, Jamie Miller, is from SNOT and THE START. He is an amazing drummer! All of the guys are truly amazing performers and we get along great."

SUICIDE SILENCE vocalist Mitch Lucker was hospitalized this weekend after reportedly developing an infection related to his recently broken elbow.

A series of photos taken at the Orange Coast Memorial hospital in Fountain Valley, California can be found on Lucker's official Twitter profile.

SUICIDE SILENCE is currently seeking a new label home while continuing to write material for its next album, tentatively due in early 2013.

The band's latest CD, "The Black Crown", sold around 14,400 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 28 on The Billboard 200 chart.

SUICIDE SILENCE's previous effort, "No Time To Bleed", opened with 14,000 units in July 2009 to land at No. 32 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"The Black Crown" was released in North America on July 12, 2010 via Century Media Records.

Char Tupper of MetalTitans.com recently conducted an interview with vocalist Ben Falgoust of New Orleans, Louisiana's sons of American no-frills-black-metal-meets-death-'n'-roll GOATWHORE. You can now watch the chat below.

GOATWHORE's new album, "Blood For The Master", sold around 3,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at No. 4 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 band's previous albm, 2009's "Carving Out The Eyes Of God", opened with around 2,700 units to land at No. 16 on the Heatseekers chart.

"Blood For The Master" was released in North America on February 14 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was once again recorded at Mana Recording Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida with producer with Erik Rutan.

"Blood For The Master" was made available on CD, vinyl, and digitally. Fans of vinyl should note that there are three different versions of the LP; red with black splatter, half red/half black, and standard black.

Interview:



"When Steel And Bone Meet" video:

Toulouse, France-based post-apocalyptic metal monsters ERYN NON DAE. (formerly END.) will release their sophomore album, "Meliora", on October 9 via M&O Office. The follow-up to 2009's "Hydra Lernaia" was recorded at Mobo's ConKrete Studio in Bordeaux, France.

According to a press release, "Meliora" "is both cerebral and organic, complete with dynamic relief, softer abstract and atmospheric passages of contained energy appear and transport the listener. From this highly textured mosaic the concept comes to life: this time coming from a long introspective process. 'Meliora' speaks of the metamorphosis of a man into a higher being. This transformation is born from a realization of inner truth. On this inexorable journey towards the end, a light may be found.

"The lyrics of 'Meliora' swing between appeasement and resignation, with references to mythology and alchemy. Filled with actual experiences, the album expresses a physical and psychic quest. The lyrics are raw and fragile, vindictive and sensitive, bleak yet filled with goodwill and hope. 'Meliora' is, finally, a fragment of pure humanity."

"Meliora" track listing:

01. Chrysalis
02. The Great Downfall
03. Scarlet Rising
04. Ignitus
05. Muto
06. Black Obsidian Pyre
07. Hidden Lotus

ERYN NON DAE. is:

Mathieu B. Nogues: Vocals
Franck Quintin: Guitar/Vocals
Yann Servanin: Guitar
Mickael André: Bass
Julien Rufié: Drums

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

Norway's TRAIL OF TEARS has uploaded an eight-minute clip featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the band's appearance at the Metal Crowd festival, which was held August 25-26 in Rechitsa, Belarus. Check it out below.

TRAIL OF TEARS earlier in the year finished recording its seventh album at Sound Suite Studio in Marseille, France with producer Terje Refsnes. The band is currently seeking a suitable record label to release the effort.

Commented the band: "Cathrine [Paulsen] came through the extreme schedule with flying colours, putting the finishing vocals on the end result and delivered a performance for the history books!

"We believe that we have created something extraordinary and can't wait to share it with you all. Never before has a recording process involved so much blood, sweat and tears!"

TRAIL OF TEARS in March announced the addition of drummer Bjørn to the group's ranks.

The band's longtime drummer Cato Jensen left the band in January in order to focus on other priorities.

TRAIL OF TEARS in 2010 parted ways with guitarist Pål Olsen and opted to carry on as a five-piece.

TRAIL OF TEARS's sixth album, "Bloodstained Endurance", was recorded and mixed over a six-week period at Sound Suite Studio in Marseille, France with producer Terje Refsnes.

In 2007, TRAIL OF TEARS was rejoined by vocalist Cathrine Paulsen, who sang on the group's 2002 album, "A New Dimension of Might".

Patrick Prince of Powerline recently conducted an interview with vocalist Hansi Kürsch of German power metallers BLIND GUARDIAN. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Powerline: Your musical style has been called power metal, speed metal, thrash, progressive … even bard metal … Doesn't it get tiring to hear all these labels?

Kürsch: As long as people talk, everything is fine. One of the best things which can happen to a band is that it is categorized by its own trademark, so I am very fine with bard or fantasy metal. Luckily, it seems to be difficult to categorize us. Sometimes I am getting more confused by the bands we are compared with.

Powerline: BLIND GUARDIAN's first two albums, "Battalions Of Fear" and "Follow The Blind", were more in the style of speed metal than their following works.

Kürsch: ?Depending on the point of view. They certainly are easier to categorize. Speed, in terms of music, is so much a matter of understanding and one's musical point of view. I, personally, think we have accomplished many faster songs afterwards. Some fans may disagree about that. It really is a matter of perspectives. Both albums were strongly related to the spirit and the musical understanding of the late '80s.

Powerline: And then there's the term "German metal." Germany has represented heavy metal very well for decades with bands like SCORPIONS, ACCEPT, HELLOWEEN … Is there a certain German sound to you — even subtle? Were you influenced by these bands and did you ever get a chance to form a camaraderie with them?

Kürsch: Yes and no. The SCORPIONS and ACCEPT have not been our number one bands, but are always very well respected by us, while HELLOWEEN can be seen as a strong inspiration for BLIND GUARDIAN. There were other bands, of course, but when we listened to the HELLOWEEN outputs in the mid-'80s, we knew our mission. We have a very good relationship with Kai [Hansen] and HELLOWEEN. They belong to the nicest people you can imagine.

Powerline: Do you feel that you have captured the American market well enough?

Kürsch: No, not at all. It took almost 12 years to get a foot in the door and another 13 years to introduce ourselves. That's all what has happened so far. I believe, that the Northern American market, especially the U.S. market, is about to become aware of the band in a more mainstream-ish manner. Quality music will be rediscovered by the people.

Powerline: In America, the term "power ballad" comes with some negative connotations of it being a wimpy song from a hair band. However, BLIND GUARDIAN's European style of power ballads, if you will, are a lot more riveting and mature. Songs such as "Lord Of The Rings" and "The Bard's Song", for instance. Is it harder to write a power ballad than a regular metal song?

Kürsch: Depending on the composer. To Marcus [Siepen, guitar] or me, a power ballad usually comes more natural, while for André [Olbrich, lead guitar], it most probably would be a straight-forward song such as "Another Stranger Me", which might come more natural. The regular heavy stuff such as "Tanelorn" or "Imaginations" require a lot of detailed work and serious thoughts, because they are not written on a nice and sunny afternoon, but over months. So they are definitely harder to compose.

Powerline: What's the update on an orchestral project for BLIND GUARDIAN? Is it still slated for 2013?

Kürsch: 2013 sounds a little ambitious at the moment. I am hoping for 2014. This could be a great year. Ever since "A Night At The Opera", my goal is to release the orchestral album the same year we are going to release the studio album. In vain, so far. But I will never give up hope.

Read the entire interview from Powerline.

"Destroyer: Resurrected", the newly remixed version of KISS's 1976 multi-platinum, landmark album "Destroyer", sold 7,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 58 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Destroyer: Resurrected" features remixes by "Destroyer"'s album's original producer, Bob Ezrin. Ezrin pulled the tapes from the vaults and painstakingly remixed the entire album, enhancing the sound and bringing out its rich texture and vibrancy, while keeping the integrity of the original recording intact. "Destroyer: Resurrected" will also include rare and unreleased recordings rediscovered during the remixing process, plus the originally intended cover artwork.

Hot on the heels of their breakthrough hit album "Alive!", KISS released their fourth studio album "Destroyer" which is considered the most ambitious studio recording of KISS's '70s catalog. Bob Ezrin, who had previously worked with Alice Cooper, was brought in to produce the album and among the production flourishes Ezrin introduced to KISS were sound effects, strings, a children's choir, reversed drumming and the eerie, echoing sounds of screaming children over Gene Simmons' vocals on "God Of Thunder". Upon its release, "Destroyer" reached the No. 11 position on the Billboard Top 200 and, with the help of the surprise top-10 hit "Beth", was their first album to go platinum.

Originally released as the B-side to the single "Detroit Rock City", "Beth — the heart-yearning ballad co-written and performed by drummer Peter Criss — was quickly picked up by radio nationwide and became the first top 10 for KISS, climbing all the way to the No. 7 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While going through the original tapes, a forgotten vocal piece that was originally edited out in the final mix of "Beth" was discovered and now, for the first time, the complete original vocal recording has been restored and is included in the final mix. Other rediscovered gems include a complete, alternate guitar solo for the track "Sweet Pain", now heard for the first time since it was originally recorded. The newly remixed "Sweet Pain" with the original guitar solo will be included as a bonus track. In addition to the treasures found buried in the hours of recordings, KISS classics such as "Detroit Rock City", "Shout It Out Loud", "Do You Love Me?" and "God Of Thunder" were painstakingly remixed by Ezrin as he fleshed out the drums and guitars, bringing out the bottom end to the bass, making his mixes tight and tough.

In addition, "Destroyer: Resurrected" has now been issued with the originally intended cover art thought too controversial for the time. Created by artist Ken Kelly, the "brown" cover depicts KISS dressed in their "Alive!" costumes and standing on rubble in front of a burning city in ruins. At the time, the record company thought it was too violent and settled for the tamer "blue" version known today. This release also marked the first time that a comic-book illustration of the band appeared on the cover, confirming that the band was transforming from hard rockers to superheroes.

To this day, "Destroyer" remains one of the group's most ambitious recordings and greatest accomplishments. In both Kerrang! and Guitar World magazine it is listed as one of the "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums Of All Time" and in 2003, it was included on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time." Now, with today's state-of-the-art technology, this landmark release can be heard the way that KISS intended.

"Destroyer: Resurrected" track listing:

01. Detroit Rock City
02. King Of The Night Time World
03. God Of Thunder
04. Great Expectations
05. Flaming Youth
06. Sweet Pain
07. Shout It Out Loud
08. Beth
09. Do You Love Me?
10. Sweet Pain (original guitar solo) (bonus track)

The "Destroyer: Resurrected" cover artwork can be seen below.

Released in March 1976, "Destroyer" was the second consecutive KISS album to reach the Top 20 in the U.S. The LP was certified gold by the RIAA on April 22, 1976. It was certified platinum on November 11, 1976, the first KISS album to achieve that distinction.

Karlstad, Sweden-based metal/rock band SPARZANZA will release its sixth album, "Death Is Certain, Life Is Not", on September 29 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was once again recorded at Leon Music with producer Rikard Löfgren, who helmed the band's previous three CDs and has also worked with such other artists as HELLFUELED, VOMITORY and DEATHSTARS.

"Death Is Certain, Life Is Not" track listing:

01. When The World Is Gone
02. The Fallen Ones
03. Dead Inside
04. Endeavor The Dark
05. Legion
06. I Am Your God (only on CD)
07. Walk Into The Fire
08. The Enemy
09. Death Is Certain, Life Is Not
10. Ad Viventes
11. When Death Comes

"The Fallen Ones" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

SPARZANZA previously stated about the new record, "This time we have dug a little bit further in our minds, trying to create a really dark and heavy album, but still having focus on writing good melodies. We also added a lot more percussion parts, dark choirs and live strings. It sounds so good and we know that you will be blown away."

SPARZANZA's fifth album, "Folie À Cinq", was released in February 2011 via Spinefarm.

SPARZANZA is:

Fredrik Weileby - Vocals
Calle Johannesson - Guitar
Magnus Eronen - Guitar
Anders Åberg - Drums
Johan Carlsson - Bass

American/German/Swedish symphonic metallers KAMELOT recently filmed a video for their new single, "Sacrimony (Angel Of Afterlife)", in Belgrade, Serbia with director Ivan Colic, who has previously worked with MOONSPELL, SOILWORK, HAMMERFALL, TYPE O NEGATIVE and SYMPHONY X, among others. The clip, which features guest appearances by Elize Ryd (AMARANTHE) and Alissa White-Gluz (THE AGONIST), is expected to make its online debut in a few weeks. Alissa's cameo was filmed by Von Wong Photography at Studio Newreel in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Behind-the-scenes footage from the "Sacrimony (Angel Of Afterlife)" video shoot can be seen below.

The "Sacrimony (Angel Of Afterlife)" single will be released on September 4. The track comes off KAMELOT's new album, "Silverthorn", which is due on on October 30 in North America, October 26 in Germany and October 29 in the rest of Europe via Steamhammer/SPV. The CD will mark the band's first release with new singer Tommy Karevik, the 30-year-old Swede who previously fronted SEVENTH WONDER (a group that he is still a member of).

The "Silverthorn" LP and limited edition will have one version of the cover artwork, while the standard version of "Silverthorn" will have a different but equally exquisite version. The standard version is presented as an Ecolbook. The limited edition contains the Ecolbook, a bonus CD with nearly 60 minutes of music, a 44-page book and an exclusive poster. The double LP version is a gatefold on colored vinyl and includes the CD.

KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood says of the artwork: "Artist Stefan Heilemann captured the true essence of the story and the main character. The booklet and 44-page book is packed with amazing images!"

In a recent interview with RockLiveBG, KAMELOT keyboardist Oliver Palotai stated about the band's new vocalist, "[Tommy] was already with us on some tour dates as a guest singer, and he was singing on one or two songs. And in the past year, we were considering which singer to take. I was strongly on Tommy's side because he made a huge impression on me. Personality, of course, is really important. and he is a little bit introverted and I like this 'Scandinavian feel' about him and he fits KAMELOT really well."

He continued, "The final decision for him was sending in vocals, lyrics and recorded melody on a ballad that I wrote which is on the album. And it was so great and impressive. We all had goosebumps and when we heard that for the first time we knew immediately that was 'it.' He wrote most of the vocal melodies in the album also."

On the topic of the upcoming CD, Palotai said, "The cover was done by Stephan Heilemann. He also did covers for EPICA and my other band, SONS OF SEASONS. He is one of my best buddies, living in the neighborhood, and in my opinion, he is one of the greatest designers in the whole world. The amount of songs is ... I think 9 or 10 without the interludes. . . It's a concept album and it has a story. In the special edition you will get a little book where the story is described. All the songs will be around the story. It will be something like [2005's] 'The Black Halo'.

Regarding how the upcoming CD compares to 2010's "Poetry For The Poisoned", Oliver said, "To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of 'Poetry For The Poisoned'. For me, 'The Black Halo' is a bit like a reference also when I produce bands in my studio. So we wanted to go back to 'The Black Halo' but also include modern elements, which we included since then. You will never hear from a band, Our new record sucks,' but this record is a real killer and brings KAMELOT back on track. It is exactly what I wanted, and I'm really happy with it. I hope the fans will like it as well."

Thomas Youngblood previously stated about Karevik: "We had around 800 candidates for the vacant position, among them a number of really renowned musicians, and having to reject them really wasn't easy."

In KAMELOT's search for a new singer, Youngblood found YouTube to be an amazing tool. "I listened to a clip of a studio production featuring Tommy and have to confess that his performance really amazed me," he said. "His approach to melodies and themes suits KAMELOT perfectly, and during our European shows we had plenty of opportunity to find out what a great guy he is."

Tommy first appeared as one of the guest singers on KAMELOT's very successful 2011 Pandemonium World Tour.

Youngblood on the style and content of the forthcoming KAMELOT concept album: "The new songs sound more symphonic and melodic than our last two studio recordings. The material brings to mind albums such as 'Karma' (2001) and 'The Black Halo' (2005). In addition, this will be the best production that KAMELOT have ever delivered. Because while other acts tend to opt for low-budget productions due to the difficult market situation, we have gone the opposite way: the new album will be a real statement, in terms of our compositions as well as in terms of our sound."

KAMELOT will support Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH on a North American tour in September and October.

Making of "Sacrimony (Angel Of Afterlife)" video:



"Sacrimony (Angel Of Afterlife)" live performance:

WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale joined Sammy Hagar on stage last night (Saturday, September 1) during the CHICKENFOOT/ex-VAN HALEN singer's "4 Decades Of Rock" concert in Lake Tahoe, Nevada to perform the LED ZEPPELIN classic "Rock And Roll". Fan-filmed video footage of Coverdale's appearance can be seen below.

SAMMY HAGAR & THE WABOS opened the show and were followed by THE OTHER HALF, featuring Hagar and his CHICKENFOOT/ex-VAN HALEN bandmate Michael Anthony. Hagar was then joined by Denny Carmassi, Bill Church and Joe Satriani (CHICKENFOOT) for a MONTROSE tribute set before the concert ended with a couple of CHICKENFOOT tracks featuring Anthony, Hagar, Satriani and Carmassi.

Sammy recently said of the career-spanning show, "This is a prototype to the type of thing I want to take on the road next year."

Before introducing Coverdale at last night show, Hagar enthused, "If I only did this once in my lifetime, I would be happy. This is a great night."

Commenting on his extraordinarily long and successful career, Hagar said, "I forget about it. I'm out there just partying and working, having a good time, and next thing I know, I'm turning 65 (on October 13). I'm cool with it. Everybody's always trying to lie about their age. Fuck that. I never dreamed I'd still be doing this, but now, I never dreamed about quitting!"

Sammy Hagar's setlist for last night's concert (courtesy of Ultimate Classic Rock):

Sammy Hagar & THE WABOS

01. Red
02. There's Only One Way To Rock
03. I Can't Drive 55
04. Three Lock Box
05. I'll Fall In Love Again
06. I've Done Everything For You
07. Heavy Metal
08. Little White Lie
09. Mas Tequila

THE OTHER HALF (featuring Hagar and Michael Anthony)

10. Why Can't This Be Love
11. Good Enough
12. When It's Love
13. Top Of The World
14. Best Of Both Worlds

MONTROSE (with Joe Satriani on guitar)

15. Good Rockin' Tonight
16. Bad Motor Scooter
17. Rock The Nation
18. Rock Candy
19. Space Station #5

CHICKENFOOT (with Denny Carmassi on drums)

20. Rock And Roll (LED ZEPPELIN cover, with David Coverdale of WHITESNAKE)
21. Bigfoot
22. Oh Yeah

Legendary NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) band SATAN is putting the finishing touches on the material for a new album. The CD, which will arrive early next year to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the release of the first SATAN LP, "Court In The Act", will feature the band's original members and is regarded by the group as the recording that would have been the follow-up effort featuring the classic SATAN lineup.

SATAN already has offers from various record companies for the release of the new album and will announce a new label home soon.

Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Twenty Twenty Five", "Testimony", "Cenotaph", "Incantations", "Time To Die" and "Demons Pulling You Down".

Watch out for upcoming SATAN festival appearances in 2013.

SATAN is:

Brian Ross (vocals)
Steve Ramsey (guitar)
Russ Tippins (guitar)
Graeme English (bass)
Sean Taylor (drums)

SATAN's classic "Court In The Act" lineup — including singer Brian Ross and SKYCLAD's Graeme English and Steve Ramsey — performed for the first time since 1984 at the 2004 edition of the Wacken Open Air festival.

SATAN is one of the most important groups that emerged in the early NWOBHM era. Their unique mixture of heavy and power metal spirit with thrash riffage brought a handful of unforgettable tunes and revolutionized heavy music as we know it.

"Court in the Act" was SATAN's debut release and was considered a true milestone at the time of its release (1983). The songs were melodic, but at the same time very aggressive. The band's two guitarists, Russ Tippins and Steve Ramsey, delivered a truly amazing performance; although their styles were completely different, they managed to perfectly complement each other's playing and introduced a handful of timeless riffs and solos.

A digipack reissue of "Court In The Act" was made available in November 2008 featuring three bonus tracks.

Fan-filmed video footage of SATAN's performance at the Keep It True XIV festival, which was held April 29-30, 2011 at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany, can be seen below.

For more information, visit www.satanmusic.com.

Bob Zerull of Zoiks! Online recently conducted an interview with vocalist Sonny Sandoval of Christian hard rockers P.O.D. (PAYABLE ON DEATH). An excerpt from the chat follows below.

Zoiks! Online: You've got a lot of momentum going with the new album "Murdered Love". You worked with [producer] Howard Benson again. Was the magic still there?

Sonny: Yeah, man. We've come up together. We are his first gold and platinum record, and after that, he took on the world and made millions of other records. I think with us taking a little hiatus and now coming back, I was keeping in touch with him and he was, like, "When do you want to do it again? Because I want to make a real rock record; I'm tired of the cookie-cutter process." He lets us be us; that's the cool thing. When we say something, he fights for it. We also listen to his opinion because we trust it and he's just easy to work with.

Zoiks! Online: There's are several collaborations on the album. I'm a big Jamey Jasta [HATEBREED] fan. How did he get involved?

Sonny: He's just an old friend, you know?! [There is] mutual respect [between us]. To do collaborations is always just fun for us. We wanted a heavy vocal [so] we thought of him. [We wanted something] more street, then we thought maybe more grimy like Dave Mustaine [MEGADETH]. By Twitter, Jamey and I happened to be going back and forth and I was like, "Hey, dude, I got a song if you're interested." He was like, "Dude, send it over." That's one of the benefits of technology. I think within a couple of days we had it done. He was a complete professional. [He] didn't want nothing. It was just for the love of music and he killed it.

Zoiks! Online: We're headquartered out of the western side of Illinois and there is this festival there called the Cornerstone Festival. You've played it several times. It ended this year. What was your thoughts on the festival and are you sad to see it go?

Sonny: Yeah, I'm sad to see it go. Cornerstone was one of those things where even for me coming from California… We never claimed to be a Christian band; we just were outspoken about our faith. It's not like we knew there was a scene. We weren't playing churches, but all of the sudden we started getting asked to play certain places. The first time we played Cornerstone was 1994, [and I] was like, "Yo, this is cool." I wasn't raised in the Church. I wasn't raised a Christian. To me, Christianity was so conservative and stuffy, but for me it was just a relationship with God. The Church relationship was just so stuffy. Then I went to Cornerstone and there were, like, dudes with Mohawks, pink hair, tattoos and I was like, "I can get down with this." I got love for Cornerstone, man.

Read the entire interview from Zoiks! Online.

The title track of "Sexwitch", the new two-song EP from the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada-based metal band THE ORDER OF CHAOS, can be streamed below.

"Sexwitch" was released in Europe on August 28 a seven-inch vinyl limited to 500 copies through Killer Metal Records. It is also available for purchase on CD and digital download through iTunes, Bandcamp, and the band's web site.

THE ORDER OF CHAOS features in its ranks current INTO ETERNITY touring singer Amanda Kiernan.

The release of the "Sexwitch" EP coincides with THE ORDER OF CHAOS's European tour in support of HELSTAR, which consists of 15 dates in eight countries, including two festival appearances.

In a February 2012 interview with The Regina Leader-Post, Amanda stated about her decision to join INTO ETERNITY, "I couldn't pass up on the INTO ETERNITY thing because I could never sit at home and wonder what could have been."

She added, "Some of [my THE ORDER OF CHAOS bandmates] might not understand, but I think that in the long run, this will be very good for THE ORDER OF CHAOS. They're a little jealous and upset. But I think I just need to prove to them that I'll work 100 percent at both bands."

Singer Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE) revealed last month that he will support ALICE COOPER on a Canadian tour in November, and will embark on a QUEENSRŸCHE "anniversary tour" in 2013 backed by an "all-star lineup" of musicians.

Tate's personal web site, GeoffTate.com, was upgraded with a new banner that reads "Geoff Tate: The Voice Of QUEENSRŸCHE." In addition, he is billed on the web site for booking agency Monterey International as "QUEENSRŸCHE Starring Geoff Tate: The Original Voice."

In a new post on the Queensryche.com web site, which the singer still controls, Geoff has revealed the lineup of his version of QUEENSRŸCHE. It is as follows:

* Geoff Tate - Vocals
* Rudy Sarzo (ANIMETAL USA, WHITESNAKE, QUIET RIOT, DIO, OZZY OSBOURNE) - Bass
* Bobby Blotzer (RATT) - Drums
* Glen Drover (MEGADETH, KING DIAMOND) - Guitar
* Kelly Gray (QUEENSRŸCHE) - Guitar
* Randy Gane – Keyboards

Says Blotzer: "Geoff and QUEENSRŸCHE and RATT have a long history of touring together and I am very excited about this new project with Geoff and the guys."

Adds Drover: "[QUEENSRŸCHE] is a band that I grew up with and have always respected a great deal. [It] will also be great to play with the other musicians involved that I have never played with before. [I am] really looking forward to to this!"

Comments Geoff: "I'm sure the last few months have been very frustrating for you. I know they have been for me. There are so many questions and so few answers.

"It is said that adversity makes one stronger. Well, I'm definitely in a better place now than I've ever been before. I feel very positive and excited.

"The challenge, when you're in a creative environment, is keeping things fresh and invigorating, and after working with the same people for thirty years, it gets very difficult. You walk into the room, and everybody knows what everyone is going to do. There's no spark, the chemistry is very tried and true and you just keep coming up with the same ways of expressing yourself.

"Today is a new day and I am thrilled to announce the new QUEENSRŸCHE.

"Together we shall embark on a new musical journey that will be a greater extension of where QUEENSRŸCHE has ever been.

"With this new project, with these new people, it's a whole new scene. There are new ideas, different musical backgrounds and a whole new set of parameters. Everyone has ideas you haven't heard before, and everyone is throwing them against the wall and suddenly … the music has a whole new life.

"I look forward to this new life and I hope to see you on tour as all of us come together and begin this new era."

Guitarist Michael Wilton, drummer Scott Rockenfield, bassist Eddie Jackson and Parker Lundgren (guitar) announced on June 20 that they were parting ways with Geoff Tate and recruiting Todd La Torre of CRIMSON GLORY as his replacement.

Wilton, Jackson and Rockenfield defeated Tate's motion for a preliminary injunction on July 13 that would have kept them from touring and operating under the band name,

Tate and his wife, Susan, QUEENSRŸCHE's former manager, filed a lawsuit against Geoff's ex-bandmates on June 22 in King County Superior Court over whether he should be awarded the QUEENSRŸCHE name after being dismissed from the group in June. Their complaint states Rockenfield, Wilton and Jackson wrongfully fired the singer and are tarnishing the group's brand by attempting to move forward without him.

If the case goes to trial, the date is set for November 18, 2013.

Tate taped a guest appearance on VH1 Classic's "That Metal Show" last month for an episode which premiered on August 25.

Asked about the cirumstances that led to the split with his QUEENSRŸCHE bandmates after nearly 30 years of working together, Tate said, "Well, really, it's kind of difficult to explain, 'cause I'm not in their heads. I can only speculate, really. It came out of the blue for me. We've never had any kind of creative differences, or any kind of a situation where we are at odds with each other. It just happened. And I can only speculate that we're in a really tough recession right now all over the world, and I think that when we have economic times like this, it kind of makes people do strange things. That's really the only speculation I can give — that it's a money thing. We have a company together and [now that] they kicked me out, they can split my 25 percent."

On the topic of whether he is planning on fighting to keep the name QUEENSRŸCHE for himself, Tate replied, "It's something that I've worked all my adult life to take care of and build and protect, and I feel like, yes, it's mine." He continued, "[Right now] we both have the name. The judge [who denied Tate's motion for a preliminary injunction that would have kept his former bandmates from touring and operating under the band name. — Ed.] said something very interesting. My lawyer wanted to say, 'Look, we think that nobody should use the name until we have our court date.' And the judge says, 'I don't see anything different about QUEENSRŸCHE or the FOUR TOPS. It's the same situation.' The FOUR TOPS… [laughs] But, basically, there's two QUEENSRŸCHEs now. Or [at least we have] the ability to have two QUEENSRŸCHEs."

Addressing the accusations by his former bandmates that he was controlling QUEENSRŸCHE's musical direction for much of the last couple of decades, Tate said, "Well, I don't know how I would do that. I have one vote. We do everything by voting. 'I think we should do this, I think we should do this…' That's how we do it. So I don't have the power to dictate where we go in that regard."

When "That Metal Show" co-host Don Jamieson brought up the fact that QUEENSRŸCHE's latest album, 2011's "Dedicated To Chaos", was a huge departure from the metallic sounds of the band's early efforts, Tate said, "[It's] redefining what metal is? Thank you. That's what we've always tried to do — we've always tried to not be somebody else's version of what metal is. We've always tried to forge our own path. And how people take that, you never know. You have to just, kind of, write what's in your heart, you know?!"

Asked what he hopes will happen in his ongoing legal battle with his former bandmates, Tate said, "I'd like to sit in a room with those gentlemen and have them tell me face to face what the situation is. Explain their actions. I'd like to know, and actually understand, their point of view. I'd like to see them talk to me face to face rather than through the Internet. . . Communication is a big part of any kind of relationship — you've gotta have it. And if nobody's talking, then nothing's getting settled. And that's where we're at right now — nobody's talking."

Tate recently completed work on his sophomore solo album, "Kings And Thieves", for an October release via InsideOut Music.

Pictured below: Geoff Tate (photo by Stephanie Cabral)

LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe joined CANNABIS CORPSE on stage this past Friday, August 31 at the Canal Club in Richmond, Virginia to perform the song "Blunted At Birth". Fan-filmed video footage of his appearance can be seen below. The concert served as a fundraiser for Randy's legal bills in connection with the manslaughter charges he faces in the Czech Republic.

At some point over the next few months, Blythe will have to return to Prague and stand trial. Faced with continuing massive legal bills, LAMB OF GOD has decided to create an eBay auction of equipment and memorabilia to raise money for Randy's legal bills. All equipment was either used on tour or in the recording studio or in a video. The auction features items provided by all five members of LAMB OF GOD. In addition, a number of musicians have offered equipment to be used in the auction. Guitars have been donated by MACHINE HEAD's Robb Flynn and Phil Demmel as well as Slash and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH. MEGADETH's David Ellefson and FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's Chris Kael have each contributed a bass and the members of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH also have contributed a signed skateboard.

Justice Now, the site set up for donations, will remain open for those wishing to donate to Randy's defense fund.

LAMB OF GOD appreciates all of the support Randy has received since his arrest on June 28 and is thankful for all of the donations that have been made in these tough economic times.

As stated before, without the fans, there is no LAMB OF GOD.

Click here for the link to the LAMB OF GOD memorabilia site and here for the link to the Justice Now site.

Blythe was released from a prison in Prague on August 2, more than a month after he was arrested and incarcerated. Blythe was facing the possibility of conviction and a long-term jail sentence after a 2010 incident in which a fan attending a LAMB OF GOD show died almost a month later, allegedly from injuries sustained when he was thrown off the stage. Blythe's predicament galvanized the heavy rock community, with artists across the hard rock genre pledging their support.

Interviewed by a Czech media outlet before boarding the plane to go home, Blythe said, "I'm relieved to be out of jail but if it's necessary for me to return to Prague to go to this court thing, I certainly will, I'm no flight risk."

Blythe added that he had no memory at all of the incident in question, saying, "I feel very bad that a fan of my band is dead and his family has to go through it, it's terrible, I feel awful for them but it's a tragic coincidence . . . we had no knowledge whatsoever that someone had been injured much less died."

The case is expected to be heard in court in December.

LAMB OF GOD returned to the live stage on August 17 in Council Bluffs, Iowa as part of SLIPKNOT's first-ever Knotfest, an extraordinary two-date metal and hard rock festival.

Blythe and his bandmates are already rescheduling a canceled U.S. tour for October.