Gelap Pekat

MusikUniverse.net conducted an interview with bassist Orion (real name: Tomasz Wróblewski) of Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH on June 29, 2009 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Watch the chat in two parts below.

"Evangelion", the ninth full-length studio album from BEHEMOTH, sold 8,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 56 on The Billboard 200 chart.

Commented Nergal: "Well... we have never been in this band for awards or charts. It's always been about the most honest music we can deliver. But I can't ignore the fact that people DO appreciate our new album. Thank you so much for buying the record and voting for us! It's sooo much motivating! We owe you! See you all on European tour very soon. You will not be disappointed!"

"Evangelion" was released in the U.S. on August 11 through Metal Blade. The CD was mixed at Miloco Studios in London, England by Colin Richardson, who has previously worked with MACHINE HEAD, SLIPKNOT, NAPALM DEATH and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, among many others.

"Evangelion" track listing:

01. Daimonos
02. Shemaforash
03. Ov Fire And The Void
04. Transmigrating Beyond Realms Ov Amenti
05. He Who Breeds Pestilence
06. The Seed Ov I
07. Alas, Lord Is Upon Me
08. Defiling Morality Ov Black God
09. Lucifer

The digipack edition includes a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes footage and expanded artwork.

Part 1:

The Sunset Strip Music Festival — taking place September 10-12 — will honor the larger-than-life rock icon Ozzy Osbourne as its "Sunset Strip Icon 2009." The tribute actually began on Thursday, August 20 when Osbourne’s immortal image was unveiled on one of the largest billboards in Los Angeles (see photo below). It hangs high above the Sunset Strip spanning 12-stories (6,500 square feet tall) off the east side of the famous 9000 building directly across the street from the Roxy Theatre and Rainbow Bar & Grill. The new signage is lit at night, allowing for its viewing from miles away.

Next, on Thursday, September 10, Osbourne will be honored at a tribute event to kick off the three-day music festival. The tribute event honors icons that have made an impact on the legacy of the Sunset Strip. On Osbourne's first U.S. tour with BLACK SABBATH in 1970, the band performed a five-night stand (November 11-15) at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go.

CAMP FREDDY — the all-star cover group consisting of Billy Morrison, Matt Sorum, Chris Chaney, Dave Navarro and Donavan Leitch — will perform in honor of Ozzy Osbourne at the festival launch tribute event September 10 at House of Blues. Also scheduled to appear at the Sunset Strip Music Festival are KORN, CHRIS CORNELL, multi-platinum hip-hop artist B REAL, PEPPER, KOTTONMOUTH KINGS, SHWAYZE, LMFAO, SHINY TOY GUNS, UNWRITTEN LAW, THE DONNAS, FISHBONE, IGLU & HARTLY, THE RINGERS, THE PRICKS, NICO STAI and THENEWNO2.

"This expansive wall not only celebrates our honoree, Ozzy Osbourne, it also serves to welcome everyone to the Sunset Strip and is certain to be a very photographed component of this year's music festival," noted Todd Steadman, executive director of the Sunset Strip Music Festival.

The second annual Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) also includes the first-ever street closure of Sunset Blvd on Saturday, September 12. There will be 40-plus music acts throughout the day performing on two stages set up on the street and on club stages within the street closure — Key Club, The Roxy Theatre, Cat Club and Whisky A Go-Go. Tickets are available now for a discounted price of $39.50.

Massachusetts metallers SHADOWS FALL will make a special guest appearance on the brand new Fuse TV show "Let It Rock" on Monday, August 31 at 7:00 p.m. EST. The band talks about its forthcoming album, "Retribution", and also shows the music video for "Still I Rise", the first single off the group's new album, "Retribution".

The show will re-air on the following days and times:

Tuesday, September 1 @ 3:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 2 @ 12:00 a.m.
Sunday, September 6 @ 5:00 p.m.
Friday, September 11 @ 2:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 12 @ 6:00 p.m.

Hosted by Juliya, Fuse's brand new weekly series "Let It Rock" premiered on Monday, August 3. The show airs the latest videos and updates viewers on the wide world of rock with news, interviews and special guests.

Juliya, Fuse's resident rock and metal expert, previously hosted Fuse programs "Uranium", "Slave to the Metal" and "No. 1 Countdown", and has also been featured in Maxim and Stuff magazines.

Another new BARONESS song, "A Horse Called Golgotha", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the Savannah, Georgia group's second full-length album, "Blue Record", which is scheduled for release on October 13 via Relapse Records. The follow-up to 2007's critically acclaimed "The Red Album" was recorded in Dallas, Texas with producer/engineer John Congleton (EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, THE POLYPHONIC SPREE, BLACK MOUNTAIN).

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Bullhead's Psalm
02. The Sweetest Curse
03. Jake Leg
04. Steel That Sleeps the Eye
05. Swollen and Halo
06. Ogeechee Hymnal
07. A Horse Called Golgotha
08. O'er Hell And Hide
09. War, Wisdom and Rhyme
10. Blackpowder Orchard
11. The Gnashing
12. Bullhead's Lament

BARONESS will make its Australian live debut as part of the massive Soundwave Festival. Other acts taking part in the event include FAITH NO MORE, JANE'S ADDICTION, AFI, MESHUGGAH, PENNYWISE, SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE and ISIS.

Italian metallers CORROOSION will release their debut album, "Punish The Mind", on November 13 in Europe (three days later in the U.K. and Ireland) via Rising Records. The CD was recorded at 16 Cellar Studio in Rome and was mastered by Alan Douches (CONVERGE, MISFITS, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, HATEBREED, MASTODON) at West West Side Music in New Windsor, New York.

"Punish The Mind" track listing:

01. Inconsistency
02. Waiting For Your Suicide
03. Mirror Of Void Mirror
04. Mind Punishment
05. The Flesh
06. Dechoerence
07. Lif Is Beautiful But, Sometimes, Hard Porn Is Better?
08. Enumerate Muriatic Breakdown
09. Unforgotten Scream
10. Colossal Misanthropy
11. In Death's Frequency
12. Faces Of Paradoxical Existence

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

Los Angeles, California's blackened-death metal force ABYSMAL DAWN recently returned home after an insanely long North American tour with GOATWHORE, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, DAATH and SUCCESS WILL WRITE APOCALYPSE ACROSS THE SKY.

Commented vocalist/guitarist Charles Elliott: "We're back after a crazy nine weeks on the road! It was the longest tour we ever had the pleasure of being a part of and we had fucking blast! We played a lot of places that we'd either never had the pleasure of playing or hadn't played since 2006, and we had a great time bringing the metal to you fuckers. We want to thank all the people that came out to the shows a tore shit up, drank with us, smoked with us, hung out with us, let us crash at their houses, or were just plan down to earth metal maniacs. You guys made it worthwhile!

"Unfortunately, we were sharing backline on the tour with the other bands and both SWWAATS and ABIGAIL WILLIAMS had to go home early. That meant that we were without a drum kit for the rest of the tour, and in turn, the last eight shows were cancelled because promoters weren't interested in a one-band tour package. We want to apologize to anyone that was planning on coming those shows to see us and we promise we'll be back soon!

"We are currently back at home and we've been busy continuing to write material for the follow-up to 'Programmed to Consume'. We can tell you already by some of the demos that this is some of the fastest, most technical, and yet still atmospheric stuff we've ever done. We hope to have a new album for you guys by next summer at the latest so stay tuned for updates!

"We'd like to take this opportunity to thanks Ken Bedene of BLOOD OF CAIN, who's been filling in on drums for us for our last two tours. Our former drummer, Terry Barajas, left last April due to not being able to financially keep up with the harsh touring lifestyle. He's still a good friend of ours and we wish him the best of luck and thank him for helping to get the band to where it is today. We love you, brother!

"We are currently auditioning drummers looking to join the band full-time who is either in the Los Angeles area or willing to relocate.

"If you're interested in trying out, please e-mail abysmaldawn@gmail.com or send footage of you playing the songs 'Walk the Path of Fire', 'Programmed to Consume' and 'Compulsory Resurrection' to the same e-mail address. We have scratch guitar and click tracks upon request.

"Until a suitable replacement is found, Ken has agreed to play all our upcoming shows and even play on our next record, if need be, so we shouldn't miss a step.

"Please only contact us if you're willing to tour, put your heart and soul into this band, and aren't just looking for a band to add to your résumé until something bigger comes along."

ABYSMAL DAWN's Relapse Records debut, "Programmed to Consume", came out in May 2008. An e-card for the CD can be accessed at this location.

"Programmed to Consume" was recorded in November 2007 with producer John Haddad (INTRONAUT, PHOBIA, EYES OF FIRE).

ABYSMAL DAWN's video for the song "Programmed to Consume" was shot in the band's hometown with director Gary Smithson (TOMAHAWK, HIGH ON FIRE, GOATWHORE).

Following the mail from perpetuum news update,

At first we inform to all of you that actually Perpetuum are working with a new Chilean label called Australis Records, and have signed a deal to edit our first album “Gradual Decay Of Conscience” this year 2009. So we decided to re-record all the stuff of the old “Gradual Decay Of Conscience” recorded in 2007, for this reasons:

1. The sound quality of that records although is of our taste, dont satisfy us 100%, that was our first serious and auto-produced material, and now we have more experience, so we think that we can achieve a best result. Some track of that record are from our Promo 2007.

2. Almost all of our songs have new and improve musical arrangement, in our opinion.

3. Now we have a new vocalist (Alejandro Ruiz) working with us since 6 months ago aprox, and we think its a disrespected to he edit a material without his voice.

In that way Australis Records, believe in Perpetuum and will edit (at last!!) “Gradual Decay Of Conscience” in september of this current year. The album will incclude some “presents” haha to be decided, and it will be distributed by Rocksur Distribution belonging to the music store Rocksur from the city of Puerto Varas, a store with ten yers of experience.

So we hope in one week or two upload some previews of the artwork and the audio.

Cheers to all!!

http://www.myspace.com/perpetuumchl

The much-anticipated new KISS album, "Sonic Boom", will be released in Europe on October 5 via Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records.

Commented Loud & Proud president Tom Lipsky: "Great artists make great music and KISS has certainly accomplished that with 'Sonic Boom'." Wally van Middendorp, Senior VP International of Roadrunner Records, added, "We are excited to have the world's premier rock band join forces with the world's premier rock label. 'Sonic Boom' is a brilliant album that will surely be recognized as one of best musical works in the history of KISS."

Stated KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley: "Success comes from a winning team, and Roadrunner is the perfect partner for KISS in terms of understanding what this album is and also having a great track record of success."

"Sonic Boom" will be released on October 6 in the U.S. and Canada exclusively via Wal-Mart, Walmart.com and Sam's Club retail locations.

"Sonic Boom", produced by Paul Stanley in Los Angeles, is the centerpiece of a three-disc set that also features a completely re-recorded greatest hits CD (previously available in Japan) as well as a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band's recent, record-breaking KISS Alive 35 South American tour. The CD set will retail for $12, with pre-orders starting in September on Walmart.com.

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons says, "'Sonic Boom' may be the best new record we've done since 'Destroyer'! It is 'Rock And Roll Over' meets 'Love Gun'. The world's biggest retailer had better get ready for the hottest band in the world and hire more cashiers before October 6!"

Stanley adds, "Through all of the albums that are considered our classics, we tried to always find ways to give our fans extras that went beyond just the music. Besides our making the best KISS album in decades, Wal-Mart has made it possible for us to include a bonus CD with 15 of our most famous songs and an additional live DVD, shot during our recent concert in Buenos Aires. So in every sense, 'Sonic Boom' is the ultimate return to classic KISS form. You wanted the best, you got the best!"

Wal-Mart, one of America's largest music retailers, is finalizing its exciting plans now for its in-store and online destinations for KISS fans surrounding the launch of the new album and tour, and will host various KISS products in addition to their music in its stores this fall. More details on Wal-Mart KISS activity, announcements regarding album pre-sales, sweepstakes and KISS appearances will be shared shortly.

"Sonic Boom" track listing:

01. Modern Day Delilah
02. Russian Roulette
03. Never Enough
04. Yes I Know (Nobody's Perfect)
05. Stand
06. Hot And Cold
07. All For The Glory
08. Danger Us
09. I'm An Animal
10. When Lightning Strikes
11. Say Yeah

Re-recorded KISS classics:

01. Deuce
02. Detroit Rock City
03. Shout It Out Loud
04. Hotter Than Hell
05. Calling Dr. Love
06. Love Gun
07. I Was Made For Lovin' You
08. Heaven's On Fire
09. Lick It Up
10. I Love It Loud
11. Forever
12. Christine Sixteen
13. Do You Love Me?
14. Black Diamond
15. Rock And Roll All Nite

KISS bonus live DVD track listing:

01. Deuce
02. Hotter Than Hell
03. C'mon And Love Me
04. Watchin' You
05. 100,000 Years
06. Rock & Roll All Nite

The "Sonic Boom" cover art was created by Michael Doret, who also designed the band's classic "Rock And Roll Over" album cover.

Regarding the artwork for the new KISS CD, Doret told Deucenews, "Paul came to me with the title of the album. We talked about the 'look' he wanted this cover to have. We talked about how the other cover I had done for them, 'Rock And Roll Over', really had become iconic and now represented KISS' music from that early period. He talked about how he'd like the new cover to be suggestive of that look, because they wanted the music in the new album to be more reflective of that time and, of their roots in hard rock. He also stipulated that I needed to use existing photography of the four members instead of creating graphic caricatures (which is what I did in 'Rock And Roll Over'). So that was my challenge: create another iconic cover that would also be reflective in some way of the previous cover.

"When I did 'Rock And Roll Over', I presented the group with one colored pencil drawing. With only a few minor comments, they approved it. After thinking about what I needed to do for this new cover, I spent a week or so creating sketches, then narrowed it down to one which I presented (very nervously) to Paul. Like the first time around, he immediately loved it. Then it was just a matter of refining the sketch, selecting the photos, working out a color palette, and presenting it all to Paul again."

A snippet of a new GORGOROTH song entitled Prayer is available for streaming on the Regain Records MySpace page. The track comes off the band's ninth album, "Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt", which is due on October 21 in Europe and November 11 in the U.S. via Regain Records. The CD was recorded at Tomas Asklund's Monolith Studio and features Infernus on guitar, Frank Watkins (OBITUARY) on bass, Pest on vocals and Tomas Asklund on drums.

Since Infernus wrote all the music for the album and extensive rehearsals and a pre-production recording had also been completed before second guitarist Tormentor rejoined the band last year, it was decided that it would be more convenient for Infernus to record all the guitars on the LP.

"Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt" was produced by Infernus and co-produced/engineered by Tomas Asklund. It was mastered at the Cutting Room in Stockholm.

"Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt" track listing:

01. Aneuthanasia
02. Prayer
03. Rebirth
04. Building a Man
05. New Breed
06. Cleansing Fire
07. Human Sacrifice
08. Satan-Prometheus
09. Introibo ad Alatare Satanas

Twilightheart of Sheol-Magazine.com and Zero Tolerance visited GORGOROTH in Stockholm, Sweden in June while they were recording "Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt". You can read her report, which includes a number of photos, at this location.

As previously reported, GORGOROTH recently spent time at Threeman Recordings in Stockholm with producer Nico Elgstrand (ENTOMBED). During the sessions, GORGOROTH frontman Pest replaced Gaahl's vocals for the "True Norwegian Black Metal - Live in Grieghallen" album, which was originally released in June 2008 via Regain Records. According to a posting on the group's web site, Infernus (guitar) "has already consulted legal representatives regarding this album, and is prepared to support Regain Records in the label's ongoing legal conflict with two of the band's ex-members, if any such support is needed."

Infernus recently won a court battle against vocalist Gaahl and bassist King ov Hell over the rights to the GORGOROTH band name. According to a posting on Infernus' MySpace page, "The court has decided that King ov Hell's trademark registration of the band name GORGOROTH is NOT valid and shall therefore be deleted. The court states that King ov Hell and Gaahl excluded themselves from the band GORGOROTH when they tried to fire Infernus in October 2007. The court further states that Infernus cannot be excluded from GORGOROTH, unless he himself decides to quit."

Infernus filed a lawsuit against King ov Hell in September 2008 claiming that King (the sixth bass player in GORGOROTH's history) went behind his back in September 2007 and secretly applied for trademark protection of the GORGOROTH bandname and logo, which Infernus had been using since 1992.

Former THE CROWN and current ONE MAN ARMY AND THE UNDEAD QUARTET frontman Johan Lindstrand has contributed guest vocals to the song "The Demand" on the new album from Swedish death/thrashers IMPIOUS, "Death Domination".

Commented IMPIOUS: "It's great to finally have Johan adding to our sound again for the first time in years! Johan is an amazing vocalist and he totally rip shit up on this track!"

Added Lindstrand: "I've known IMPIOUS since they first started back in '94. Both on a personal, friendly level as well as on a professional level. I played the drums on their first demo and now I do some guest vocals on their new album. Always a pleasure to do stuff with them and especially on this new one that I feel is their strongest one yet. It's one hell of a speed ride with a lot of passion to it and I feel very honored that they asked me to join them on a song. They will do great with 'Death Domination'."

"Death Domination" will be released in Europe on November 6 via Metal Blade Records. Release dates for other territories have not yet been announced. The CD's cover artwork, which the band describes as "one of the most sinister and malignant-looking album covers ever," was created by Marcello Vasco and can be viewed below.

According to the band, the album title "symbolizes how death rules over all, and how man seeks to religion as a feeble comfort against what will happen when death takes us. Without death, religion is powerless. And only in death will religion fill its purpose."

The group adds, "It was extremely important to us that the title would fit our new songs and artwork perfectly. We needed a short yet powerful title that would show just how confident we are about our new material.

"This album will by far be the most crushingly brutal album we've ever made and we believe this title says it all!"

IMPIOUS's new CD was recorded at guitarist Valle Adzic's Studio Deadline. The band previously stated, "This is the first album ever we'll produce and engineer by ourselves and we're pretty stoked about delivering this baby without any other people involved. This album will truly represent what the fuck IMPIOUS is all about!"

The band's last CD, entitled "Holy Murder Masquerade", was released in January 2007 via Metal Blade Records.

Former STRATOVARIUS leader Timo Tolkki will release his autobiography, "Hymn To Life - Entr'acte", on November 2 via Goldenworks Ltd./ Blacksmith Ltd.

So much has been written and said about the life and career of Timo Tolkki that it has become almost impossible to disentangle the man from the myth.

Rumors abound and his own statements often fail to clarify the controversial issues. The truth may be more simple than any fiction, such is the uniqueness of the world in which he lives, and his vision of the world.

This book was written to clarify some of these issues and it provides access to some of the key events of Timo Tolkki's life and career.

Cutting through the tabloid rumors and innuendos, the real story of Timo Tolkki is revealed: from his traumatic childhood experiences. through the blooming of his talent in the form of his band STRATOVARIUS in which he spent 23 years.

This biography concentrates on the years 1976-2009 and includes the behind-the-scenes story of many of the landmarks of Tolkki's life: his father's suicide, his bipolar illness, the composing and producing of every album in his discography, his early bands and the start of his music career. The famous STRATOVARIUS publicity stunt is explored, along with all the people that were involved in it. Tolkki also includes his account of his ex-bandmates and his perception of the life on the road.

Revealing and, at times, explicitly shocking, this book is an eye-opening experience to many STRATOVARIUS fans, and to anyone who is interested in the story of a man who, in the public eye and in the media, is often portrayed as a maniacal madman, but who writes songs about universal love and brotherhood and has been doing so for 20 years.

This 200-page book is Timo Tolkki's hymn to life itself. By his special request, it is being translated to seven languages.

"Hymn To Life - Entr'acte" excerpts can be found in the "Photos" section of the book's official MySpace page but you must first send a friend's request.

Long-running German death metallers RESURRECTED have inked a deal with Metal Age Productions. The group's recently completed sixth album, "Fierce", will be released in September. The CD was recorded at Soundlodge studios in Rhauderfehn, Germany with Jörk Uken (GOD DETHRONED, OBSCENITY). The band states, "We're overwhelmed by the result. Expect the most varied and vital RESURRECTED album so far embedded in an awesome production including some guest vocals of Christoph Mieves from GRIND INC."

The "Fierce" cover artwork was created by Plamen Kolev from Memories From Tomorrow. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Tortured By Deities", "Perverse Consecration", "Divine Masturbation", "New Reign Rising", "Urge To Murder", "Hindsight", "Gunshot Victim", "Slumdog", "Mental Retardation" and a cover version of MORBID ANGEL's "Day Of Suffering".

The track "Slumdog" is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

RESURRECTED's fifth album, "Endless Sea of Loss", was released in October 2006 via Morbid Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Blood Spilled" was recorded at Soundlodge Studio in Germany and was mastered at Megawimp Mastering Studio in Berlin.

As they celebrate 35 years of rockin', KISS today announced the dates of the KISS Alive 35 North American tour. The tour kicks off with a rapidly selling, special multiple-show engagement in Detroit beginning September 25, where KISS will be playing the classic album that started it all: "Alive!" The tour leg will then hit more than 40 additional cities before concluding in December.

This incredible show will feature a new stage set, pyro effects that only the "hottest band in the world" could deliver, and all-new costumes. Fans will be treated to a two-and-a-half-hour set of some of rock's greatest hits, including "Rock and Roll All Nite", "I Was Made for Lovin' You", "Detroit Rock City", "God Gave Rock & Roll to You" and "Shout It Out Loud", as well as songs from the band's new album "Sonic Boom". BUCKCHERRY will be main support on all of the KISS Alive 35 North American dates.

Said Gene Simmons, "For 35 years, KISS raised the bar for what a rock concert should really be. This year is no different — all new, all killer... all KISS! The master's class in rock is in session! KISS rules. Oh yeah!"

"Bigger IS better!" said Paul Stanley. "'Sonic Boom' is our future and KISS 'Alive!' is our proud past. On this tour you get KISS 'Alive!' plus a slew of other classics and soon to be classics. New stage, new battle gear and a pyro arsenal that will again show everyone that there is only one KISS!"

After completing their biggest tour ever of South America, selling out stadiums once again in Europe, and leaving fans clamoring for more in Australia, KISS is excited to give North America its due. KISS Alive 35 North America marks the first leg of the world's first fan-routed tour — more than 10,000 individual cities across Canada and the U.S. mounted their own unique campaigns to bring KISS to their towns. The fans have spoken, the votes have been tabulated, and the waiting is over as KISS unveils the first markets.

KISS Alive 35 North American tour dates:

Sep. 25 - Detroit, MI - Cobo Arena
Sep. 26 - Detroit, MI - Cobo Arena
Sep. 28 - Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena
Sep. 29 - London, ONT - John Labatt Centre
Oct. 01 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre
Oct. 02 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
Oct. 03 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
Oct. 05 - Boston, MA - TD Garden
Oct. 09 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum
Oct. 10 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
Oct. 12 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center
Oct. 13 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
Oct. 16 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum
Oct. 17 - Greenville, SC - Bi-Lo Center
Oct. 19 - Pensacola, FL - Civic Center
Oct. 21 - Tampa, FL - St Pete Times Forum
Oct. 22 - Sunrise, FL - Bankatlantic Center
Oct. 24 - Birmingham, AL - BJCC
Oct. 26 - Atlanta, GA - Phillips Arena
Oct. 28 - Nashville, TN - Sommet Center
Oct. 29 - Little Rock, AR - Verizon Arena
Nov. 06 - Chicago, IL - United Center
Nov. 07 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
Nov. 09 - Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre
Nov. 10 - Saskatoon, SK - Credit Union Centre
Nov. 12 - Calgary, AB - Pengrowth Saddledome
Nov. 14 - Vancouver, BC - GM Place
Nov. 15 - Seattle, WA - Keyarena
Nov. 17 - Portland, OR - Rose Garden
Nov. 20 - Sacramento, CA - Arco Arena
Nov. 21 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Arena
Nov. 24 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center
Nov. 25 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
Nov. 27 - San Diego, CA - Sports Arena
Nov. 28 - Las Vegas, NV - [To Be Determined]
Dec. 01 - Glendale, AZ - Jobing.Com Arena
Dec. 02 - El Paso, TX - Utep
Dec. 04 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center
Dec. 05 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center
Dec. 06 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center

"Modern Day Delilah", a brand new song from KISS, is available for streaming in its entirety below (courtesy of KissOnline.com). The track comes off KISS' first new studio album in over a decade, called "Sonic Boom", which will be released on October 6 exclusively at Wal-Mart properties. The collection, which costs only $12, will also feature the band's re-recordings of their greatest hits which was previously available as a Japanese import, and a 2009 concert featuring current members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer filmed in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The cover for "Sonic Boom" is by veteran artist Michael Doret, who created the cover for the band's 1976 album "Rock And Roll Over".

"We tried to do a KISS album, and it was an ill-fated attempt because there was no real band," guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley told RollingStone.com. "For a band to make a great album, it has to share a common purpose, and we didn't have it."

He continued, "Things happen when they're ready. We couldn't have made this album without Eric and Tommy. I've known Eric now for 20 years. He's been in and out of the band, and the best times are when he's in."

Bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has raised expectation on the album — which was produced by Paul Stanley — by saying in online postings, calling "Sonic Boom" "the best new record we've done since 'Destroyer'. It is 'Rock And Roll Over' meets 'Love Gun'... If you're a fan of our stuff from about 1977, you'll feel right at home."

"The great thing about these tunes is that we can reproduce them live. Just four guys," Simmons told RollingStone.com. "We don't have to prove anything to anybody. All the nay-sayers who didn't understand it, we walk on their graves in our 8-inch platform heels. If you want to say rebirth or born again, you're goddamn right. There's a sense of pride here. When you get up onstage with these guys, you look over and you go, 'Wow, I'm in KISS.'"

Swedish metallers SONIC SYNDICATE have tapped 23-year-old British singer Nathan James Biggs (formerly of THE HOLLOW EARTH THEORY) as the replacement for Roland Johansson.

"People from all over the world sent in demos when we announced that we were looking for a new vocalist and we narrowed them down to about 20 that we found particularly interesting," guitarist Roger Sjunnesson told Hallands Nyheter. "We then auditioned more than a dozen candidates in Falkenberg [Sweden] and we went out and partied together."

He added, "Personal chemistry was absolutely the most important factor in our decision. You have to be able to spend time with one another."

Commented the band: "The search is over and the band is complete once again! Nathan is probably the best thing that ever happened to SONIC SYNDICATE since the discovery of distorted guitars and the work we've done together is by far the best we've achieved to date! He's like the long-lost brother we never had and has also fused the rest of us together more closely than before. The rebellion has begun!"

Nathan added: "Something incredible and totally unpredictable has happened here! Not only have I managed to land myself in one the most promising bands in the world, I've gained a new family too. The energy between SONIC and I is electric and it's producing some breathtaking results. We're taking it to the next level. Don't blink or you'll be running to catch up with us!"

The new SONIC SYNDICATE lineup recently entered Abyss studios in Pärlby, outside Ludvika, Sweden to record two new songs — "Burn This City" and "Rebellion In Nightmare Land". "Burn This City" is said to be the more commercial track of the two that is suitable for the radio, while "Rebellion" has been described by Roger as a more uptempo song that the group's longtime fans can instantly identify with. Both tracks will appear on a new EP, "Rebellion", which will be released on November 6 as part of an all-in-one-package with the group's latest album, "Love And Other Disasters".

The cover artwork for "Rebellion" will be created by Gustavo Savez of Abstrata art.

A new SONIC SYNDICATE album is tentatively due in April/May 2010.

SONIC SYNDICATE, whose sound has thus far revolved around the dual vocals of Richard Sjunnesson and Roland Johansson, announced in March that Roland (who was responsible for the "clean"/melodic singing in the group) had decided to leave the band "due to personal reasons beyond our control."

Roland will play his final show with SONIC SYNDICATE on August 29 at the Geuzenpop festival in Enschede, Holland.

"Love And Other Disasters" landed at position No. 15 on the Swedish and No. 36 on the German chart back in September 2008.

"Eden Fire", the debut album from SONIC SYNDICATE, was re-released in the U.S. and Canada on December 9, 2008 through Pivotal Rockordings via Koch Distribution. The LP was originally issued on September 13, 2005.

THE HOLLOW EARTH THEORY's "Transmission" video — featuring new SONIC SYNDICATE singer Nathan James Biggs — can be viewed below.

Photo credit: Michael Johansson)

Powerhouse heavy metal singer Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR) will guest on the forthcoming album from EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA project.

Commented Tobias: "I had this pretty heavy riff monster and I remembered a JUDAS PRIEST live album with 'the new singer' on vocals. I listened again and when I heard him sing 'Metal Gods' and 'Painkiller', I knew that this was the voice I so desperately needed for the song.

"Tim is a cool guy and a scream machine. He makes his voice spit out the most aggressive high notes I have ever heard while fully controlling it.

"I am so proud of the heaviest metal tune I have written so far, and Tim has turned a good heavy metal song into the ultimate heavy metal monster!"

A photo of Owens in the studio during the AVANTASIA recording sessions can be viewed below.

AVANTASIA's forthcoming album will feature additional guest appearances by Klaus Meine (SCORPIONS), Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN, ARK, MILLENIUM, VAGABOND, THE SNAKES) and acclaimed drummers Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER, BLACK SABBATH) and Alex Holzwarth (RHAPSODY OF FIRE, ANGRA, SIEGES EVEN).

Regarding the new AVANTASIA album's musical direction, Sammet recently stated, "We've got quite many songs, and it ranges from epic ballads to metal opera. From pop to hard rock to folk to speed metal. My best friend, who co-wrote the story of 'The Metal Opera' back then, just listened to some of the tracks and he said that it will blow people away and enchant AVANTASIA fans and it will surely piss people off . . . It's just enchanting music. And these days honest and good music is kind of offending to some, that's pretty sick, isn't it? But as long as I get goose bumps hearing majestic music, I do not really care if I am fashionable or not."

The most recent album from AVANTASIA, "The Scarecrow", was one of the 20 best-selling albums in whole Europe during the fourth week of January 2008, according to a press release.

"The Scarecrow" was released on January 25, 2008 as a standard CD as well as rare picture (double) vinyl. It features a long list of guest musicians, including Bob Catley, ex-MASTERPLAN frontman Jorn Lande, ex-HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske, Alice Cooper, KISS drummer Eric Singer, SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker and GAMMA RAY's Kai Hansen. The album produced a Top 10 German hit single, "Lost In Space", and entered the national charts in 15 countries, with the CD landing in the Top 10 in four countries.

The reunited SLAVES ON DOPE has uploaded the sixth webisode (see below) documenting the making of the band's new album.

SLAVES ON DOPE vocalist Jason Rockman and guitarist Kevin Jardine recently reformed the group and are encouraging "old fans and possible new ones" to join them at their new Facebook page.

SLAVES ON DOPE's "Inches from the Mainline" album was released through Ozzy Osbourne's now-defunct Divine Recordings label. After Divine Recordings lost its distribution deal with EMI's Priority Records, the band was left without a label. After a long search, a deal was struck with Bieler Bros. Records. SLAVES ON DOPE's second major album, "Metafour", was released in 2003.

In March 2004, SLAVES ON DOPE announced it was going on hiatus due to Jason Rockman leaving the band.

Santa Barbara, California's DEVILDRIVER has posted the third webisode (see below) from the second annual Thrash And Burn Tour, which is set to run through August 26. DEVILDRIVER is headlining the trek, which features support from EMMURE, DESPISED ICON, MY CHILDREN MY BRIDE, VEIL OF MAYA, FOR THE FALLEN DREAMS, OCEANO, PERIPHERY and THY WILL BE DONE.

"Pray For Villains", the fourth full-length album from DEVILDRIVER, sold around 14,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.

DEVILDRIVER's previous album, 2007's "The Last Kind Words", shifted a little more than 14,000 copies during its first week of release to debut at No. 48 — around 40 percent more than the opening-week number of 2005's "The Fury of Our Maker's Hand", which premiered at No. 177 with sales of 10,400.

"Pray For Villains" was released on July 14 via Roadrunner Records. The effort — which was also made available as a special-edition CD/DVD package featuring three bonus tracks, a behind-the-scenes DVD and expanded artwork — was recorded at Edge of the Earth studios in Los Angeles with producer Logan Mader (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, GOJIRA, DIVINE HERESY).

Danish rockers D-A-D will release "The Overmuch Box" on November 16. According to the band, the box will contain "the ten albums so far released; the EP 'Standin' On The Never Never'; a CD — 'Behind the Seen' — with B-sides and a handful of unreleased songs; and last but not least, a 160-page long book about D-A-D and their music, illustrated with Stigge's [bassist Stig Pedersen] drawings, pictures from their own archives etc."

D-A-D guitarist Jacob Binzer was interviewed by Rockalarm TV prior to the band's appearance at this year's Wacken Open Air festival, which was held July 30 - August 1, 2009 in Wacken, Germany. Watch the two-minute chat below.

On March 11, D-A-D played a private concert at a three-room apartment in at Nørrebro in Copenhagen for the winner of MTV's "Rock N' Roll Room Service" competition. Frederik Nielsen and 40 of his closest friends attended the show, which was taped by MTV for future broadcast.

"Monster Philosophy", the 10th studio album from Danish rockers D-A-D, was released on vinyl on December 1, 2008, featuring a double gatefold cover with heavyweight vinyl. The LP was made available in all good vinyl shops in Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway.

D-A-D inked a deal with 3R Entertainment for the release of "Monster Philosophy", in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Released on November 21, 2008, the 3R version of the CD contains one exclusive bonus track, "House Of Fun".

"Monster Philosophy" was produced by Jon "Joshua" Schumann, who has previously worked with MEW, KENT, KASHMIR and CARPARK NORTH, among others. The basic tracks were laid down in April in Long Branch, New Jersey and work continued at Mansion Studiet in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Riverside, California-based technical/progressive death metallers ARKAIK have finished recording their debut album, "Reflections Within Dissonance", for a January 2010 release via Unique Leader Records. The CD is currently being mixed by Samur Khouja at Seahorse Sound Studios and will be sent to Stefano Morabito of 16 Cellar Studios (HOUR OF PENANCE, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE) for mastering. According to the band, "The album will consist of 10 tracks that blend brutality, technical fret work, memorable grooves, powerful vocals and much more."

The "Reflections Within Dissonance" cover artwork was created by Pär Olofsson (ABORTED, EMETH) and can be viewed below.

According to the band's official bio, "The manifestation of ARKAIK began with the intent to create the most versatile and original sound in existence, using only the most intense, extreme and passionate influences. Caring not for the generic mediocrity that plagues the majority of all genres these days, they have fiercely sought after a sound that places them far above what is considered 'the norm.' Human nature leads us to question existence, to find new pathways of thought and logic.

"ARKAIK is the musical representation of this form of idealogy. Simply listen to one song and the plethora of musical influences that form ARKAIK are devastatingly apparent. This makes them appealing to all fans of heavy metal, regardless of their genre preference."

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

Washington D.C. metallers PERIPHERY has inked a deal with Sumerian Records. The band will return to the studio following the completion of the Thrash and Burn Tour (also featuring DEVILDRIVER, EMMURE, DESPISED ICON and VEIL OF MAYA) to resume recording its full-length album for an early 2010 release.

Commented the group: "We are extremely happy and proud to be members of the Sumerian family. Sumerian is one of the most progressive and forward-thinking labels in this ever-changing industry, and that is why we feel they are the best label for us."

Added Sumerian Records founder Ash Avildsen: "I love bands who take chances. I love bands who choose originality and musicianship over the 'safe bet' of a stagnant sound. PERIPHERY reminds me why we started Sumerian Records: to release and support music of cutting-edge artists that need to be heard for the sake and progression of heavy music. PERIPHERY executes combining heavy progressive metal with undeniable infectious melody in a way I haven't heard before. They take their songwriting and musicianship just as serious as we take our label and that is why we could not be more excited to officially have them now part of the Sumerian family."

PERIPHERY is:

Chris Barretto - Vocals
Misha Mansoor - Guitar
Alex Bois - Guitar
Tom Murphy - Bass
Matt Halpern - Drums

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

Former CELTIC FROST and current TRIPTYKON frontman Tom Gabriel Fischer has issued the following update:

"The third day of album recording sessions with TRIPTYKON. I am writing these lines in the control room of the studio, far in the countryside west of Landshut, Germany. The studio is surrounded by forests and endless fields. And yet the sound around me is deafening; we are recording the drums for the new version of a song which, in its original demo version, was once called 'Relinquished Body'. Earlier today, we completed the extensive drum tracks for 'The Prolonging'.

"Disregarding for a moment the various studio sessions I participated in with 1349 in 2008 and 2009, this is my first album recording session since the completion of CELTIC FROST's 'Monotheist' album in late 2005. Accordingly, these past few days have been filled with uncounted thoughts and memories. I originally wrote a significant part of the music we are working on here with the explicit intention to record it with Martin Eric Ain [CELTIC FROST bassist]. There are no words which would accurately describe how much I had been looking forward to that, given the unprecedented spirit of creativity which existed between us during the final months of the 'Monotheist' recording sessions.

"It is as it is. This music exists, and it now fills us all with adrenaline and emotions. It invokes an extreme darkness, a darkness we are all addicted to. Deeply so."

TRIPTYKON's debut album, tentatively titled "Eparistera Daimones", will mainly be recorded in southern Germany, with additional recording sessions to take place in Switzerland. Produced by Warrior and TRIPTYKON guitarist V. Santura, the recording and mixing sessions are expected to continue until November 2009. The album is currently scheduled for release in spring of 2010, through the group's own label, Prowling Death Records (home of HELLHAMMER and CELTIC FROST).

TRIPTYKON was created specifically to continue and further evolve the darkness invoked by its immediate precursors, seminal black/extreme metal pioneers HELLHAMMER and CELTIC FROST. Accordingly, TRIPTYKON's first album is a persistent development of the virulent and towering musical darkness perpetuated not only by Warrior's early work but also within his extensive contributions to CELTIC FROST's highly acclaimed "Monotheist" album. As expected, a significant part of the music on the album consists of material written by Warrior during the past few years and originally intended for "Monotheist"'s successor. This is balanced by new, original music written by Warrior and Santura since TRIPTYKON's inception.

Although the group has so far proceeded in virtual concealment, the music for "Eparistera Daimones" has been described as akin to a bleak, black ocean of heaviness, accentuated by moments of unexpected grace. Songs currently under consideration for inclusion on TRIPTYKON's debut album are, among others, "Myopic Empire", "Among Veiled Spirits", "Sepultus", "Abyss Within My Soul", "Goetia", "A Thousand Lies", and the 17-minute "The Prolonging".

TRIPTYKON will follow the release of "Eparistera Daimones" with a number of festival appearances and a full tour. The group's onstage debut is scheduled to take place as part of the renowned Roadburn festival in April 2010.

For further information, visit www.triptykon.net.

Austin, Minnesota's KAAL-TV reports: A concert that would have brought about ten thousand people to Northern Iowa has been cancelled.

The Rock Gone Wild concert was supposed to be held outside of Diamond Jo Casino in late August, but on the promoter's web site, it says the concert is cancelled because the Casino no longer wants to be the venue.

"I really wanted to see DOKKEN, LITA FORD, TWISTED SISTER, L.A. GUNS," said Larry Henaman.

Henaman has been excited to see his favorite bands since last fall.

"I just couldn't believe it, it was one of those dreams come true, ya know," said Henaman.

A dream that came crashing down when he found out the Rock Gone Wild concert was cancelled.

"There had to be some agreement, somewhere, somebody could have made," said Henaman.

Read the entire report from KAAL-TV.

THE 11TH HOUR, the doom metal collaboration between Ed Warby (drums, guitar, bass, vocals, programming; GOREFEST, DEMIURG, HAIL OF BULLETS) and Rogga Johansson (vocals, additional guitar; RIBSPREADER, PAGANIZER, DEMIURG), will release its debut album, "Burden Of Grief", via Napalm Records on the following dates:

Oct. 28 – Finland, Spain
Oct. 30 – Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Benelux, France, Italy
Nov. 02 – Rest of Europe
Nov. 03 – USA, Canada


THE 11TH HOUR last year uploaded two tracks from its promotional recording, "The Origins Of Mourning", to MySpace. Check out the songs "One Last Smoke" and "Weep For Me" at this location.

According to the band's official bio, THE 11TH HOUR is "the wretched spawn of two kindred spirits' love for good old fashioned doom metal. In 2007 Ed and Rogga met on the Global Domination forums and made plans to do a doom project together. These plans were sidetracked when Ed joined Rogga's DEMIURG instead, but the seed was planted and every once in a while a nasty doomriff would find its way to Ed's fingers during one of his nocturnal writing and recording sessions. Slowly but surely these riffs were sculpted into six slabs of unbearable heaviness, as bleak and terrifying as the night that inspired them yet suffused with sadness and melancholy beauty. If all goes as planned these six entities will surface in the shape of a full-length album before the year is through."

Yorkshire doom death metallers THE PROPHECY have announced the following dates:

Aug. 29 - Pand Demonium - Antwerpen, BEL
Aug. 30 - The Lane - Oostburg, NETH
Aug. 31 - The Old Bell Hotel - Derby, UK

In other news, THE PROPHECY once again entered Priory Studios to record a one-off track that will be featured on Code 666 Records' ten-year anniversary CD, "Better Undead Than Alive 2", to be released later in the year.

THE PROPHECY is featured on the 2009 DVD Chronicles Of Doom" alongside REVEREND BIZARRE, SATURNUS, THE GATES OF SLUMBER and many more. The DVD was professionally shot in 2006 at the Dutch Doom Day and is available on Weird Truth Productions from Japan.

The band will be make an appearance at the Dublin Doom Day on September 12 alongside ESOTERIC, SATURNUS and THE LAMP OF THOTH.

THE PROPHECY's third album, "Into the Light", is currently available on Code666 Records.

Metal Til Death conducted an interview with guitarist/vocalist Adam "Nergal" Darski of Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH on August 9, 2009 at the Bristow Virginia stop of this year's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. Watch the chat below.

"Evangelion", the ninth full-length studio album from BEHEMOTH, was released in the U.S. this past Tuesday (August 11) through Metal Blade. The CD was mixed at Miloco Studios in London, England by Colin Richardson, who has previously worked with MACHINE HEAD, SLIPKNOT, NAPALM DEATH and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, among many others.

"Evangelion" track listing:

01. Daimonos
02. Shemaforash
03. Ov Fire And The Void
04. Transmigrating Beyond Realms Ov Amenti
05. He Who Breeds Pestilence
06. The Seed Ov I
07. Alas, Lord Is Upon Me
08. Defiling Morality Ov Black God
09. Lucifer

The digipack edition includes a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes footage and expanded artwork.

The track "Ov Fire And The Void" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

BEHEMOTH is currently on the road as part of the second annual Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. The band is performing on the Hot Topic stage alongside CANNIBAL CORPSE, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, JOB FOR A COWBOY and WHITECHAPEL.

Anthony Chowanec of All Metal Music conducted an interview with guitarist Morgan Håkansson of Swedish black metallers MARDUK on August 15, 2009 at Blender Theater in New York City. You can now listen to the chat below.

MARDUK will release its eleventh album, "Wormwood", in the U.S. on October 13 via Regain Records. The CD, which will be made available in Europe on September 24, was recorded at Endarker Studios in Norrköping, Sweden with engineer/producer Magnus Devo Andersson. The album's release will be followed by a world tour, dubbed "Funeral Nation 2009/2010", which will kick off in Europe.

"Wormwood" track listing:

01. Nowhere, No-One, Nothing
02. Funeral Dawn
03. This Fleshly Void
04. Unclosing The Curse
05. Into Utter Madness
06. Phosphorous Redeemer
07. To Redirect Perdition
08. Whorecrown
09. Chorus Of Cracking Necks
10. As A Garment

MARDUK's last CD, "Rom 5:12", was released in North America in May 2007 via Regain/Koch.

Video footage of AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler making a purchase at the Pembroke Center Liquors store in Pembroke, Massachusetts on Friday, August 14 can be viewed below.

AEROSMITH canceled the remainder of its summer tour due to injuries Tyler sustained earlier this month when he fell from the stage during a concert in Sturgis, South Dakota. Doctors advised the lead singer to take the time to properly recuperate from the accident that resulted in a broken shoulder and stitches to his head. In his current condition, Tyler is unable to tour and the band wants to give him time to get healthy.

Tyler fell from the stage during the August 5 show that was part of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Western South Dakota. The mishap occurred while he was dancing during the band's "Love in an Elevator". Tyler was subsequently airlifted to a hospital and then returned to Boston to consult with his own doctors.

Australian melodic power metal band BLACK MAJESTY will play a one-off concert in Jakarta, Indonesia as part of the Jak Sound (Jakarta Sound & Music Expo) on February 6, 2010. This will mark BLACK MAJESTY's first-ever performance on Indonesian soil, with a full headline set spanning selections from the band's entire back catalog.

As previously reported, MASTERPLAN/ex-HELLOWEEN guitarist Roland Grapow will record and mix the new album from BLACK MAJESTY, tentatively due in early 2010 via Limb Music Products. The drum tracking for the follow-up to "Tomorrowland" will commence this month at Grapow Studios in Slovakia. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Two Hearts", "Wish You Well", "God of War", "Witching Hour" and "Far Beyond".

BLACK MAJESTY's video for the song "Forever Damned", shot in 2007 at the Benatska Noc Festival in Czech Republic, can be viewed below.

BLACK MAJESTY supported its last album, "Tomorrowland", with appearances at major heavy metal festivals, including Wacken Open Air in Germany, Masters of Rock in the Czech Republic and Metal Universe in Slovakia.

The cover artwork for the much-anticipated new KISS album, "Sonic Boom", can be viewed below. The CD will be released on October 6 in the U.S. and Canada exclusively via Wal-Mart, Walmart.com and Sam's Club retail locations.

"Sonic Boom", produced by guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley in Los Angeles, is the centerpiece of a three-disc set that also features a completely re-recorded greatest hits CD (previously available in Japan) as well as a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band's recent, record-breaking KISS Alive 35 South American tour. The CD set will retail for $12, with pre-orders starting in September on Walmart.com.

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons says, "'Sonic Boom' may be the best new record we've done since 'Destroyer'! It is 'Rock And Roll Over' meets 'Love Gun'. The world's biggest retailer had better get ready for the hottest band in the world and hire more cashiers before October 6!"

Stanley adds, "Through all of the albums that are considered our classics, we tried to always find ways to give our fans extras that went beyond just the music. Besides our making the best KISS album in decades, Wal-Mart has made it possible for us to include a bonus CD with 15 of our most famous songs and an additional live DVD, shot during our recent concert in Buenos Aires. So in every sense, 'Sonic Boom' is the ultimate return to classic KISS form. You wanted the best, you got the best!"

Wal-Mart, one of America's largest music retailers, is finalizing its exciting plans now for its in-store and online destinations for KISS fans surrounding the launch of the new album and tour, and will host various KISS products in addition to their music in its stores this fall. More details on Wal-Mart KISS activity, announcements regarding album pre-sales, sweepstakes and KISS appearances will be shared shortly.

"Sonic Boom" track listing:

01. Modern Day Delilah
02. Russian Roulette
03. Never Enough
04. Yes I Know (Nobody's Perfect)
05. Stand
06. Hot And Cold
07. All For The Glory
08. Danger Us
09. I'm An Animal
10. When Lightning Strikes
11. Say Yeah

Re-recorded KISS classics:

01. Deuce
02. Detroit Rock City
03. Shout It Out Loud
04. Hotter Than Hell
05. Calling Dr. Love
06. Love Gun
07. I Was Made For Lovin' You
08. Heaven's On Fire
09. Lick It Up
10. I Love It Loud
11. Forever
12. Christine Sixteen
13. Do You Love Me?
14. Black Diamond
15. Rock And Roll All Nite

KISS bonus live DVD track listing:

01. Deuce
02. Hotter Than Hell
03. C'mon And Love Me
04. Watchin' You
05. 100,000 Years
06. Rock & Roll All Nite

A one-minute audio sample of "Modern Day Delilah" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Stanley recently stated that "Sonic Boom" is "right up there with our best." He added, "As much as we may have tried at some other times to achieve this, the chemistry, lineup or lack of total commitment from everyone might have been cause for it being impossible. Not now. Not this time.

"Before we began the album, I said I was only interested in doing it if I produced and we followed set ground rules; total commitment by everyone, pure guitar-driven KISS, no outside writers, no outside players and my opinion and say would always be final. All said yes and I know we'd all say we've never had more fun together.

"All four of us made this our priority. Everyone was involved ever day. From the first day of writing to the last day of recording, everyone was there giving 100% to making this the album we knew we had in us. I've never seen Gene [Simmons] more selfless (yes... Gene!), focused or harder-working. His bass playing, songs and overall contribution help to make this the album you've wanted for so long. Without his spirit, this wouldn't have been possible.

"As far as Tommy's [Thayer] guitar playing, he took this chance at bat to consistently hit it out of the park. His playing is fiery and rooted firmly in our history, while making his own mark. Tommy's singing, writing contributions and total involvement made clear what's been missing for so long.

"In the twenty years I've known Eric [Singer; drums], I've never seen him this relaxed or creative. His playing is the foundation of our next step forward. Relentless and full of spit and swagger. Many lead singers don't have Eric's chops or range. He's singing great on his track and all over the album."

In a recent posting on the band's official web site, Simmons wrote, "The entire writing and recording process of ['Sonic Boom'] harkened back to an earlier, more innocent time. A time that produced albums such as 'Rock And Roll Over' and 'Love Gun'. And, the new songs have that feeling, I have to say.

"It all started with a point of view Paul had. The view had to do with ignoring the times, ignoring the critics, not over thinking who and what we are... and that we had nothing to prove to anyone.... nothing. We have been releasing albums and touring for 35 years and why wouldn't we want to do an 'honest' record. Just do it!!! And, he wanted to produce the album himself!!!

"While it's true in the past we had produced KISS records together. And we had both produced other acts outside of KISS. But here was Paul saying he wanted to shoulder the responsibility and burden of steering the good ship KISS on his own.

"He was serious. And I saw it was real. I saw the commitment he was going to make to the album and the band... and I agreed. We all trusted each other and saw the same vision of the band... and perhaps democracy is overrated... and sooner or later, someone had to decide.

"And I will tell you here and now, he's done a great job.

"The process of writing songs involved both writing separately, but often, in hotel rooms and rehearsal halls, literally starting from scratch and throwing riffs and chords at each other. Then working on melody and lyric...starting alone, then bringing it into the rehearsal halls and even during recording, we would often critique the lyrics all the way down to the last minute.

"Tommy really stepped up in the songwriting area....co-wrote some songs with us and actually sings his first song on a KISS album. Eric, likewise was always encouraging and of course, provided his always dependable bombastic drumming style. But unlike other drummers, Eric is also a great singer. Wait until you hear him tear it up on his lead vocal.

"What else, you ask? Well, Paul and I trade vocals on a few tunes and had a lot to say about each other's songs... Result? Maybe the best record we've done in 30 years. Bold statement? You bet."

Classic Rock magazine's Geoff Barton, who heard six of the album's cuts during an exclusive listening session in London last week, said, "KISS promised to deliver a back-to-their-roots album and that's exactly what we've got. Recorded in the old-fashioned, analog way, it sounds spectacularly good — no ProTools nonsense in evidence here.

"The interesting thing is, it's not simply a homage the band's first few albums. There are even nods to records such as [1982's] 'Creatures Of The Night', which had Vinnie Vincent on guitar. KISS seem to have cleverly combined the best of all their eras into a single winning package."

The editor of Guitar Player magazine, who had a chance to preview five songs off the LP last month, wrote about the new KISS material, "Paul sings his ass off. Eric plays some amazingly powerful drums. Gene was finally made to play all of his bass parts (apparently, in the past, if someone had a cool bass idea, he let them play it), and he DOES have a pretty driving sound. Finally, Paul and Tommy's guitars sound HUGE — with some fab riffs and '70s-style solos."

The "Sonic Boom" cover art was created by Michael Doret, who also designed the band's classic "Rock And Roll Over" album cover.

Regarding the artwork for the new KISS CD, Doret told Deucenews, "Paul came to me with the title of the album. We talked about the 'look' he wanted this cover to have. We talked about how the other cover I had done for them, 'Rock And Roll Over', really had become iconic and now represented KISS' music from that early period. He talked about how he'd like the new cover to be suggestive of that look, because they wanted the music in the new album to be more reflective of that time and, of their roots in hard rock. He also stipulated that I needed to use existing photography of the four members instead of creating graphic caricatures (which is what I did in 'Rock And Roll Over'). So that was my challenge: create another iconic cover that would also be reflective in some way of the previous cover.

"When I did 'Rock And Roll Over', I presented the group with one colored pencil drawing. With only a few minor comments, they approved it. After thinking about what I needed to do for this new cover, I spent a week or so creating sketches, then narrowed it down to one which I presented (very nervously) to Paul. Like the first time around, he immediately loved it. Then it was just a matter of refining the sketch, selecting the photos, working out a color palette, and presenting it all to Paul again."