Gelap Pekat

KISS kicked off its Alive 35 North American tour last night (Friday, September 25) at the Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The band played its classic album "Alive!" in its entirety, and introduced a new stage set, pyro effects that only the "hottest band in the world" could deliver, and all-new costumes. Fans were treated to a two-and-a-half-hour set of some of rock's greatest hits, including "Rock and Roll All Nite" and "Detroit Rock City", as well "Modern Day Delilah", the first single from the band's new album, "Sonic Boom".

Check out a review from Detroit Free Press. Photos can be found at this location.

Fan-filmed video footage of the performance can be viewed below.

KISS filmed footage for the "Modern Day Delilah" video during the band's private warm-up show at Cobo Arena on Thursday (September 24). Over 1,500 lucky fans attended the event, where the group also previewed its new stage and taped two songs for an upcoming episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

KISS' appearance on ABC-TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will be broadcast on the Wednesday, October 7 episode (which will actually air the morning of Thursday, October 8).

KISS's new album, "Sonic Boom", will be released in Europe on October 5 via Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records. The CD will be made available in the U.S. and Canada on October 6 exclusively via Wal-Mart, Walmart.com and Sam's Club retail locations.

Danish modern metallers MNEMIC have entered the studio to begin recording their fourth studio album, "Sons Of The System", for a January 2010 release via Nuclear Blast Records. The band is once again working at Antfarm Studio in Aarhus, Denmark with Danish producer Tue Madsen (HALFORD, BEHEMOTH, KATAKLYSM, THE HAUNTED), who previously helmed the group's "Mechanical Spin Phenomena" (2003) and "The Audio Injected Soul" (2004) CDs.

Commented guitarist/songwriter/founding member Mircea Gabriel Eftemie: "At the end of 2007, I started composing the first [new] MNEMIC song [for the forthcoming CD], which I later trashed 'cause it simply sucked. It was uninspiring, regular metal, nothing new under the sun. Since then, lots of songs have been trashed, ha ha… and the same goes for the other band members.

"We have had a hard time pinpointing where we wanted to go musically. We are five different individuals these days with five different views on music. I listen to everything from the WU TANG CLAN to CURTIS MAYFIELD, to all sorts of drum-'n'-bass artists, to mostly the old-school metal records. The same goes for the others. We are not listening to the same metal albums that inspired us 6-7 years ago; we have different inspiration sources. This aspect did contribute to a lot of debate between us and also helped shape the 15 songs we chose out of a big bulk of material. At the end of the day, we are still a metal band, but with different inspirational sources. With this said, we are ready to fuck everyone up.

"So, before we started recording the drums, we also tried to listen to some other production [job]s that we liked. In fact, we kind of came to an agreement of not having a superficial drum sound, where everything is cut, everything is edited, and in the end, done by 'Beat Detective.' (We have actually never done that. For all of you non-believers, [MNEMIC drummer] Brian [Rasmussen] knows how to play his stuff; it's really that simple.)

"Moving on to the sound, we want a simple sound and first and foremost, a natural drum sound without sounding too dry a la KYUSS or C.O.C., but more punchy and in-your-face. More like a Rick Rubin sound, where everything is more open and unprocessed. Think RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS or SLIPKNOT.

"We have simple groovy songs and we have complex songs, so Brian started — of course — warming up with some of the more simple songs, to get into the groove. At the moment, we have tracked six songs out of 15, and the drumming sounds extremely solid!

"I can't wait ‘til we move on to the guitars… Well, actually, I can't wait 'til we are done and have the final product in my hands!"

Follow the studio blog at SonsOfTheSystem.com. There will be tons of updates, pictures, videos and information directly from the band.

A new promotional photo of MNEMIC can be viewed below.

The band's latest CD, "Passenger" (2007), was produced by FEAR FACTORY's Christian Olde Wolbers at Track Record Studios (KISS, MEGADETH, AEROSMITH) in Los Angeles. The album featured artwork by Asterik Studios (ANTHRAX, UNEARTH) plus guest vocal appearances by Jeff Walker (CARCASS, BRUJERIA) and Shane Embury (NAPALM DEATH, BRUJERIA). MNEMIC also completed a video for the song "Meaningless" with Revolver Film director Patric Ullaeus.

Swedish melodic/progressive metal band DARKWATER has issued the following update:

"We've understood that a lot of people are curious and would like an update on what is going on with DARKWATER at the moment. It's now been a while since we released our first album and we quite recently parted with our bass player. So what is really happening in the dark waters?

"Regarding the bass player spot, we have auditioned several people but still haven't found exactly what we are looking for. We will keep looking until we find the perfect match. In the meantime we will use Simon Andersson (ex-PAIN OF SALVATION) as a session player. He is an amazing bass player with lots of experience, and a better substitute would probably be impossible to find.

"And what is happening with the new album? For quite some time we've gone through all the music we've had laying around, re-written a lot of it and written a bunch of new songs. So right now we have far too many songs to put on one album, or even ten albums. But we are doing our best to choose the most fitting songs for this upcoming album. We still have a lot of lyrics to write and also some melodies, but we are planning to head into the recording studios later this year. So sometime next year there will be a new DARKWATER album out for you to enjoy."

DARKWATER's "The Play - II" video can be viewed below. The track comes off the group's debut album, "Calling the Earth to Witness", which was issued in Sweden in May 2007 via Ulterium Records.

"Calling the Earth to Witness", was mixed by Pelle Saether (ACT, SKYFIRE) at Studio Underground and was mastered by Göran Finnberg (IN FLAMES, THE HAUNTED, DARK TRANQUILLITY) at the Mastering Room.

Danish power/thrash/prog metallers MANTICORA has made its self-financed debut mini-CD, "Dead End Solution", from 1997 available for free download on their web site.

Commented the band: "A looooong time ago, we decided to record a mini-CD to promote ourselves and to shop the result to a record label...

"You've probably heard this story before, since this is the traditional way to be heard by other people than your friends and family.

"We've always been hiding this release since the outcome could have been better, and the fact is that it simply sold out after a lot of concerts — and there was no need for us to re-print it, since we eventually landed the record deal.

"'Dead End Solution' was recorded and mixed over a weekend due to the fact that we didn't have much money...

"Anyway, you can judge the result yourselves. The story continues today and we've now released 6½ albums, including this mini-CD.

"Since our fans can't find 'Dead End Solution' anywhere (other than split up as bonus tracks for our re-releases of the first three albums) and have been asking for it for years now, we've decided to put it on our web site for FREE download. Consider this as a token of gratitude.

"We really appreciate the huge interest in this mini-CD — an interest that has been increasing every year."

MANTICORA is currently writing material for its seventh full-length album, tentatively titled "Flashback To Never-Again". Due at the end of 2010, the CD will feature "a darker and more aggressive band than before," according to a press release. "Keyboards are more or less deleted from the writing process and will only be included in the production if non-avoidable. Expect none less than a masterpiece."

MANTICORA released its sixth full-length album, "The Black Circus Part 2 - Disclosure", in the U.S. in June 2007 via Locomotive. The companion CD to 2006's "The Black Circus, Part 1 – Letters" was mixed at the Jailhouse studios in Horsens, Denmark between January 25, 2007 and February 1 with producer Tommy Hansen (HELLOWEEN, TNT, PRETTY MAIDS, FATE).

The two-album "The Black Circus" concept project tells the story of the horrific perils of a traveling circus in the 19th century.

MANTICORA recorded a cover of TANKARD's "Total Addiction" ("a real thrash metal classic!!!" according to the band) for a TANKARD tribute album, which was released in August 2007 by AFM Records.

Sweden's KATATONIA has selected the song "Day & Then The Shade" as the first single from its eighth studio album, "Night is the New Day". The single will be released in late October. A video for the track be filmed as well.

The mini-site for "Night is the New Day" can be accessed at this location It includes audio samples, downloads, album information, interviews, art gallery plus exclusive previously unseen studio diaries from the recording session.

A free MP3 of the track "Forsaker" is also available to anyone that signs up for the mailing list.

"Night is the New Day" track listing:

01. Forsaker
02. The Longest Year
03. Idle Blood
04. Onward Into Battle
05. Liberation
06. The Promise Of Deceit
07. Nephilim
08. New Night
09. Inheritance
10. Day & Then The Shade
11. Ashen (*Swedish edition CD and vinyl edition bonus track)
12. Departer

Pre-order links for both the special Swedish edition CD (digibook package and 20 page booklet) and the vinyl edition (double gatefold 180g heavyweight vinyl) are available from the site. Both these editions will feature a bonus track and all orders placed through the site will also come with an exclusive signed KATATONIA postcard.

"Night is the New Day" is the long-awaited new studio album of transcendental, atmospheric rock and metal, exploring the darker corners of audial melancholy. It was recorded throughout July 2009 and was co-produced, engineered and mixed by David Castillo. A continuation of the heaviness, depth and atmosphere of their previous album, "Night Is the New Day" is also a more multi-dimensional effort — waltzing between prog moments, doom, folk & the classic melodic anthems that are the staple of KATATONIA's uncompromising sound, completed by the haunting tones of Jonas Renkse's vocal journeys of urban and emotional decay. Cover art once again comes courtesy of Travis Smith (KATATONIA, OPETH, NOVEMBRE) and continues the stylistic identity established so effectively since "The Great Cold Distance".

Commented the band: "It's now been three years since 'The Great Cold Distance' came out and, rightfully so, we had to let the distance ring out long and loud. KATATONIA was not a product conceived at a manufacturing facility. We never inserted ourselves inside the grinding wheel of being a product line — hyped when brand new, tossed away when outdated. Bands come and go, rise and fall. We're a brick in that wall too, but won't crash overnight, because we walked this road for two decades, slowly. Fortunately, we're past the level where struggling bands get caught in the claws of the fast food concept of the music industry. From day one, it was always about a long term mission, something to go hand in hand and accompany a chosen lifestyle through all its stages. The foundation and concept of KATATONIA was, and still is, to channel the negative aspects of living into artistic creativity, and we're well aware that the outcome of that is simply not for everyone to embrace. Our new work is manifested in the whole album as a solid piece, not as destined selections for the very commercial media to deliver the soundtrack to accompany John Doe's shallow daily routines. Airplay doesn't last, but albums are forever.

"KATATONIA cannot be creatively driven by anyone or anything but our own hands, but also we, in turn, need the guidance from our inner demons to understand the direction that lies ahead. The only fuel compatible to our engine is the magic of definite and divine inspiration, without it things go stumbling in the dark, unable to progress nor regress. KATATONIA started because we had a calling and will end when our inner demons no longer speak to us. This time it took a while longer to discover what was behind the door at the end of the long corridor we walked down with the last album. In this time it took for us to get here, we discovered that we could extract the distraction that kept blocking us and use it as the source of inspiration itself; all the fear and worries of the dark times ahead, the apathy of the current state of mind, the lack of hope, the struggle to find a meaning and, maybe most of all, realizing the decline of the western civilization is constantly growing and well underway. That will be the time when the night is the new day."

KATATONIA will support British prog rock legends PORCUPINE TREE on tour in October.

California-based metallers DÉTENTE — featuring vocalist Ann Boleyn (HELLION) alongside original DÉTENTE members Dennis Butler (drums), Caleb Quinn (guitar) and Steve Hochheiser (bass) — began recording their new album, "Decline", last week with engineer Bill Metoyer, who has previously worked with SLAYER, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, D.R.I. and SACRED REICH, among others. According to the band, "Basic tracks are complete for five [songs], with Caleb tracking leads the coming week."

DÉTENTE will debut some of the material from the upcoming CD when it performs at the Jumping Turtle in San Marcos, California on October 15. Also appearing on the bill is RIOT. DÉTENTE states, "We have not played out since the Annie's show in March so it will be good to play live again. This is probably the only show until we finish 'Decline'."

The cover artwork for "Decline" can be viewed below. The cover was painted by Michael Leone, with additional graphic work performed by Christopher Leone.

Hochheiser previously stated about DÉTENTE's new material, "For those of you wondering what [the new songs] might sound like... well. it sounds like DÉTENTE. I did write 'Holy War', 'It's Your Fate', and 'Catalepsy' alone, as well as sharing 'Widow's Walk' and 'Losers' credits; and, of course, the vicious drumming of Dennis gave the punk edge to our music. The new material is probably closer to the demo days in approach, though; Dennis and I tend to lean in the hardcore direction, so we will keep it raw."

DÉTENTE's classic album "Recognize No Authority" was reissued in July 2007 via MVD Audio.

"Recognize No Authority" was a critically acclaimed recording that maintains a cult following to this day. It was also the launching ground for nu-metal metal producer Ross Robinson (KORN, SLIPKNOT, FEAR FACTORY, SOULFLY) who plays guitar on the album. The CD also marked the first full-length release by FEAR OF GOD's Dawn Crosby, who sadly passed away on December 15, 1996.

High-quality, multi-camera video footage of DÉTENTE performing the song "Holy War" on July 25, 2008 at the Headbangers Open Air festival at the Ballroom in Hamburg, Germany can be viewed below.

A few weeks ago, underground metal band ACHERON began filming the video for its song "I Am Heathen", off the group's new album, "The Final Conflict: Last Days Of God", with director (and ex-bandmate) Aaron Werner. The clip will be part of a promotional CD that will also contain an ACHERON interview dealing with the making of the new album and more.

Behind-the-scenes footage and photos from the video shoot can be viewed below. More clips are available at this location.

"The Final Conflict: Last Days of God", was released on April 30 via Displeased Records. The CD was once again recorded at Mars Recording Compound with Bill Korecky and was mastered at West West Side Music in New Windsor, New York. The follow-up to 2003's "Rebirth: Metamorphosing into Godhood" is a concept album based on the fall of the three major white light religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

Check out audio samples on the band's MySpace page.

Another new BARONESS song, "Swollen and Halo", 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.

Brazilian thrashers ANDRALLS have signed a deal with Xtreem Music for the worldwide release of their fourth studio album, simply entitled "Andralls". Due mid-October, the CD — which was made available in Brazil this past summer — will include two bonus live tracks. A 25-date European tour will follow in November and December.

Formed over a decade ago, ANDRALLS has released six albums thus far (four studio and two live), featuring the band's "uncompromising brand of furious and intense thrash metal" which is reminiscent of classic SLAYER and SEPULTURA.

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

HOLYHELL's Maria Breon and Francisco Palomo will attend an in-store signing session during a brief visit to Germany in October. Maria and Francisco will be at Cologne's famous Music Store Köln on October 1 at 5:00 p.m. Be there on time to get one of the goodies they will bring along and sign for you.

In-store address:

Music Store Professional
Grosse Budengasse 9-17
D-50667 Köln
www.musicstore.de
Telefon / Telephone +49 221 925791-0

This will be a unique opportunity to get first-hand information and learn some insights on these talented New York-based musicians.

HOLYHELL's long awaited self-titled debut album, "HolyHell", will be available for sale that day. This apocalyptic concept album features 13 dramatic, emotional, epic and electrifying songs from the beginning to the end.

Breon is a classically trained vocalist and Palomo is a virtuoso keyboard player with degrees in composition, music education and drama.

HOLYHELL recently proved its talents as a special guest of MANOWAR during a European tour.

For more information, visit www.holyhell.com.

TargetAudienceMagazine.com conducted an interview with SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo on July 24, 2009 at the Atlanta, Georgia stop of this year's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. Watch the four-minute chat below.

SLAYER's "World Painted Blood", the band's highly-anticipated new album set for a November 3 release (American Recordings), will initially ship with four special collector's edition CD covers. Each of the four covers will display one-fourth of a provocative continental map illustrated with human skulls and bones; when placed together, the four images form a complete and grisly map of the world.

All four of the initial CD packages will include a special blood-red, see-through top panel with the map displayed beneath it.

The "World Painted Blood Deluxe Edition" will have its own special layout of the map cover art and will be in a double-digipak housed in a blood-red, see-through plastic sleeve. The "Deluxe Edition" will include the "World Painted Blood" CD, the "Playing With Dolls" DVD, a 20-minute animated graphic novel featuring music from the album (including part of a new non-album song), and an expanded booklet.

"World Painted Blood" track listing:

01. World Painted Blood
02. Unit 731
03. Snuff
04. Beauty Through Order
05. Hate Worldwide
06. Public Display Of Dismemberment
07. Human Strain
08. Americon
09. Psychopathy Red
10. Playing With Dolls
11. Not Of This God

"World Painted Blood" was recorded in Los Angeles over two time periods, during October 2008 and then between late January and March 2009. The CD was produced by Greg Fidelman, who's spent time in the studio with METALLICA, THE GOSSIP, THE (INTERNATIONAL) NOISE CONSPIRACY, SLIPKNOT and others, and executive-produced by longtime SLAYER colleague Rick Rubin, who suggested Fidelman for the project.

GODSMACK singer Sully Erna told the Artisan News Service in a video interview that he was approached to record a song for next year's Sylvester Stallone blockbuster "The Expendables", which will also feature Jason Staham, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke and Randy Couture.

Watch the chat at this location.

Erna told the ABC Radio Network last month that a friend of his, who's also one of the editors on the film, heard Erna's recently completed solo album and thought it would be appropriate for the movie. "He called me up when Stallone was looking for some music and asked," Erna said before adding that he "went and kind of custom-tailored a song" called "Sinner's Prayer" for "what [Stallone] wanted for this certain scene in the movie."

Sully told the ABC Radio Network that he has delayed the release of his solo CD to coincide with the film's arrival, which is expected early next year. He explained, "We're gonna push it back and try and tie it into the movie and do all that stuff."

Speaking to The Pulse of Radio, Erna described the material on his upcoming solo CD as "very epic" and "soundtrack-ish."

In late 2007, GODSMACK released a greatest hits collection called "Good Times, Bad Times - Ten Years of Godsmack" and announced that it was going on hiatus. Erna worked on his solo album during this period, while the other three members of the group started a side project called ANOTHER ANIMAL.

GODSMACK is currently working on a new studio album for a spring 2010 release. It will be the band's first collection of all-new material since 2006's "IV".

The next leg of AC/DC's "Black Ice" world tour, which was set to hit Phoenix, Arizona on October 1, will be postponed to a later date. Subsequent shows in Las Vegas, Louisville, Kansas City, Des Moines and Milwaukee will also be rescheduled. The tour will resume on October 16 in Washington, D.C. (see below for full itinerary).

AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson recently underwent a medical procedure and at the advice of his doctor is taking some time to rest.

The "Black Ice" world tour kicked off in October 2008 and has crisscrossed North America and Europe twice.

This November, the "Black Ice" world tour will visit Latin America and by early 2010 the tour will hit Australia and New Zealand.

AC/DC's "Black Ice" album was released globally on October 20, 2008 and topped sales charts in 29 countries. In the U.S. alone, "Black Ice" sold 780,000 copies in its first week and has since shifted in excess of 2 million units.

AC/DC tour dates:

Oct. 16 - Washington DC Verizon Center
Oct. 18 - Buffalo, NY HSBC Arena
Oct. 21 - Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
Oct. 23 - Atlanta, GA Phillips Area
Oct. 25 - Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
Oct. 28 - New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
Oct. 30 - Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Arena
Nov. 04 - Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
Nov. 06 - Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
Nov. 12 - Mexico City, MX Foro Sol
Nov. 19 - Orlando, FL Amway Arena
Nov. 21 - San Juan, PR Coliseo de Puerto Rico

As previously reported, AC/DC has launched a special web site, ACDCBacktracks.com, featuring a countdown to an "exciting announcement" that will be made on September 29.

AC/DC is rumored to be releasing a box set later this year that will come in a package that doubles as a working amplifier. The set will contain three CDs, two DVDs and a vinyl record. One CD will contain studio rarities and the other two will feature live cuts, while the DVDs will contain the third volume of the band's "Family Jewels" video collections. The vinyl disc will hold the studio rarities. The set will also come with a 164-page book, three black-and-white lithographs of unpublished band photos from 1977, a flyer for a 1976 British tour and a poster from a 1977 European trek. The complete package will be sold only through AC/DC's web site, while a CD/DVD-only version called "Best Of The Box Set" may also be made available.

Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley was joined on stage by former GUNS N' ROSES and current VELVET REVOLVER axeman Slash last night (Saturday, September 12) during his performance at the Viper Room in West Hollywood, California as part of the Sunset Strip Music Festival.

Ace's setlist was as follows:

01. Parasite
02. Deuce
03. Outer Space
04. Snow Blind
05. Sister
06. Getaway
07. Speedin' Back To My Baby
08. Shock Me (with smokin' guitar solo)
09. Rocket Ride

Encore:

10. Space Bear
11. Love Gun
12. Cold Gin (featuring Slash)
13. Black Diamond (outro)

A couple of photos of Frehley's performance can be viewed below (both pictures taken by T.J.Roe).

Be among the first to hear Ace Frehley discuss his first new album in 20 years, "Anomaly", on September 14 — the day before its release. Before an intimate audience of 200 in the The Grammy Museum's Grammy Sound Stage in Downtown Los Angeles, hear Frehley in conversation with Museum executive director Robert Santelli about the craftsmanship, production, and brilliant guitar work that went into the long-awaited new album. After the interview, Frehley will take questions from the audience and sign copies of the album.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10; $8 for Museum members. Tickets can be purchased in-person at the Museum box office, online at Ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1.800.745.3000.

The Grammy Museum is located on the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles, on the campus of L.A. LIVE. The Museum entrance is located on Figueroa Street.

"Anomaly" is available for streaming in its entirety on VH1.com.

In addition to the standard CD release, unique "Anomaly" packages will be made available at Wal-Mart and Best Buy locations. The Wal-Mart version includes an Ace autographed tattoo while the Best Buy edition is printed on silver stock, like the KISS "Double Platinum" album.

"Anomaly" was produced and recorded in Westchester County, New York between 2007 and 2009 and was mixed in Los Angeles.

Photo credit: T.J.Roe

The reunited SLAVES ON DOPE has set "Over The Influence" as the title of its new album, tentatively due in early 2010. The CD will feature a guest appearance by THE AGONIST vocalist Alissa White-Gluz.

The ninth webisode documenting the making of SLAVES ON DOPE's new album — and featuring special guest appearances by Anders Fridén of Swedish metallers IN FLAMES and actress Linda Hamilton of "Terminator" fame — can be viewed below.

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.

German metallers MOB RULES will release their sixth album, "Radical Peace", on November 13 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Bazement Studio with longtime engineer Markus Teske (VANDEN PLAS, SPOCK'S BEARD, OASIS). A single, "Astral Hand", will precede the full-length CD on October 9.

According to a press release, "Radical Peace" "presents a multitude of stylistic variations and effective surprises in a musical direction that is clearly and consciously not watered-down by pseudo-modern frippery. [MOB RULES'] tight interaction between deep melodic vocals, two powerful guitars, atmospheric keyboard passages and a driving basic rhythm is rare among European bands. Beyond that, MOB RULES have established an excellent reputation based on their five previous albums, which the band themselves consider to be outside the typical hard 'n' heavy pigeonhole: with critical lyrics about environmental pollution, the politics of the Catholic Church in medieval times and the alarming political situation in the Middle East on their early albums, MOB RULES shine again with fascinating and witty stories."

The press release continues: "Alongside the first single, Astral Hand, which was inspired by the well-known Michelangelo fresco 'The Creation of Adam' in the Vatican and already had its baptism of fire at the Wacken Rocks Seaside festival, the Bloodstock Open Air in Derby, England, and the Ginetarock festival in Spain, there are a number of tracks which deserve a mention. Musically as well as in terms of its content (the song is about death camp doctor Josef Mengele and his appalling experiments on concentration camp children), the opener 'Children Of The Flames' with its anthemic chorus and doom-laden guitar outro nonchalantly ventures into the realms of Bruce Dickinson (IRON MAIDEN). The two subsequent tracks, 'Trial By Fire' and 'Warchild' prove how intelligently MOB RULES connect their stories with epic musical structures and contemporary guitar riffs.

"The focal point of the album is the 18-minute epic 'The Oswald File'. This number is about the assassination of John F. Kennedy and raises the question whether the alleged killer Harvey Lee Oswald (who was later shot himself) really was responsible for Kennedy's death. With this song, MOB RULES continue their concept of memorable political moments in world history, which they started on 'Ethnolution A.D.' (2006)."

"We all know that Kennedy played an important role in the reconstruction of Germany," guitarist Matthias Mineur says of the track. Vocalist Klaus Dirks adds: "At the moment, this topic has gained new relevance through the new U.S. president Barack Obama, who is celebrated as Kennedy's quasi-heir. And as luck would have it, Obama will be coming to Berlin on a state visit four days before the release of 'Radical Peace'." This automatically brings to mind Kennedy's legendary speech featuring the unforgettable words "Ich bin ein Berliner," which were used as the intro to "The Oswald File".

Not only thematically but also musically, "Radical Peace" is MOB RULES' most uncompromising release to date. The direction of the new album is unmistakable, sounding much tougher compared to their previous offerings without compromising the essential features of the typical MOB RULES sound. "Even as we were writing the songs, it was clear that the new material would be more dynamic and haunting than our other releases, a fact that we allowed for during the studio production," says Dirks.

MOB RULES filmed a video for the song "Astral Hand" on April 18 at Jahnhalle in Nordenham, Germany. Directing the clip was Ronald Mattes from ROAX Film, who also worked with the band on the "Black Rain" and "Last Farewell" videos.

"Radical Peace" track listing:

01. Children Of The Flames
02. Trial By Fire
03. Warchild
04. Astral Hand
05. The Oswald File (Ethnolution II - A Matter Of Unnecessary Doubt)
06. Waiting For The Sun
07. The Glance Of Fame

Orange County, California's hardcore/metal act THROWDOWN will release its new album, "Deathless", on November 10 via E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records). The CD was produced by Mudrock (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, GODSMACK, POWERMAN 5000) and was mixed by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, who has previously worked with HATEBREED, THE RED CHORD and SHADOWS FALL, among others. The artwork is being created by Ryan Clark of Invisible Creature and DEMON HUNTER.

"Deathless" will be the band's fourth album with Dave Peters as frontman and primary songwriter, its second with guitarist Mark Choiniere (who joined the band in 2005) and first with bassist Mark Mitchell. Drummer Jarrod Alexander (ex-DEATH BY STEREO), who performed on the band's breakthrough "Haymaker" album in 2003, returned to work on "Deathless".

THROWDOWN last year completed touring behind the band's last album, "Venom & Tears", which was produced by the group with Mudrock. The past two years saw them on the road with KORN (Australia), KILLSWITCH ENGAGE (Canada), CAVALERA CONSPIRACY (U.S.), MACHINE HEAD / ARCH ENEMY (U.S.), headlining the Ernie Ball stage on the Vans Warped Tour, hitting major European festivals like Download, and headlining a U.S. tour of their own.

Denver, Colorado "satanic" metal band SATAN'S HOST will release its new album, "Power ~ Purity ~ Perfection: 999", on October 26 via Moribund Records. The CD was recorded at Flatline Audio with producer Dave Otero and features the group's latest additions, D. Monic (ex-AND HELL FOLLOWS) on bass and Evil Little Hobbit (a.k.a. Anthony Lopez, ex-TORRID FLESH) on drums.

According to the band, "The metal on this new project is very diverse. From different modes, to different keys. There are eight full-length songs, from five minutes to eight-and-a-half minutes [in length], as [well] two acoustical interludes which separate the whole, three-part concept" of the CD. "There is a wide array of dark melodies, which fill the demonic soul with a serenade unto the dark lord. Very empowering rhythms, filled with groove and speed, which encapsulates the purist Satanic metal essence in the scene today, as with generations to be."

Check out the cover artwork below.

SATAN'S HOST's current lineup:

Patrick Evil - Guitar
Eli Elixir L.C.F. - Vocals
D. Monic - Bass
Evil Little Hobbit - Drums

On May 20, 2009, Rock Fist Reviews conducted an interview with SPEED X — the new band featuring BLACK LABEL SOCIETY guitarist Nick Catanese, ex-QUEENSRŸCHE axeman Mike Stone on guitar and vocals, DOUBLEDRIVE drummer Mike Froedge, former DOUBLEDRIVE bassist Joshua Sattler and ULTRAPHONIC's Jason Fowler on lead vocals. The chat is now available for viewing in three parts below.

The current SPEED X lineup made its live debut on May 22 at the Hard Rock Café in Atlanta, Georgia.

Video footage of the performance can be viewed at
this location.

SPEED X performed on January 17, 2009 at the Hilton hotel in Anaheim, California during this year's NAMM show.

Part 1:

Hollywood.TV has posted video footage of Ozzy Osbourne and his wife/manager Sharon hitting the Nobu restaurant in Malibu, California this past Monday, September 7. Watch the clip at this location.

Ozzy Osbourne will close the second annual Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) later today (Saturday, September 12) by performing the festival's final set. The three-day event kicked off when Ozzy was honored at a tribute event on Thursday, September 10 at the House of Blues.

Ozzy's appearance will mark his first full performance on the Sunset Strip in almost 40 years and his first ever as a solo artist. Back in 1970, BLACK SABBATH performed a five-night stand (November 11-15) at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go as part of their first U.S. tour.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times on Tuesday, Osbourne waxed sentimental about those early days on the Strip. "It was like a different world," he said. "I remember seeing hippies on every corner, just trying to catch the vibes. For us English guys, it was like landing in some beautiful paradise. It was the start of my love for L.A."

Osbourne is currently finishing a new album in his home studio. "It's still heavy but it's not all dark," he said. "At this stage, I can experiment." He isn't sure what he'll play Saturday night but he insists there won't be any SABBATH.

Pollstar.com recently conducted an interview with legendary Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Pollstar.com: Your music is out there even more now for aspiring guitarists to learn from. There's even an "Yngwie Malmsteen Award" on "Guitar Hero II". How does it feel to be included in this trend?

Yngwie: It's been tremendous for me because I've been doing this for many years. A few years ago, I took my son to a big video store and there was a cat there that knew who I was and everything. I'm sure he did this to amuse me but he said, "Check this out!" and he put on his plastic guitar. I'm like, "Is this guy for real?" This was before [the trend] exploded and I was very skeptical. But having said that, I am completely for it now. This has become what MTV was 20 years ago but this is even cooler because it's interactive. We can go to Best Buy where I live, for instance, and there's a full-blown music store as well. They sell the Marshalls and Strats like Guitar Center. To see these kids standing there, trying out their plastic guitars and then look over to the real ones, it's a good thing.

Pollstar.com: Have you been noticing new age groups at your shows?

Yngwie: It's unbelievable! Super-young kids, older fans, girls — it's a great mix! It's not just the guitar-playing dudes. I think it started when I went out with G3. That's when I saw it first happening in the U.S. and Canada – the guitar thing was just going through the roof, and that was just the beginning. Now it's growing more and more. It's the funniest thing. I go into GNC and buy some vitamins and here's some bodybuilding guy saying, "Dude! I saw you on YouTube, man!" That wouldn't have happened five years ago.

Pollstar.com: Have the changes in the music industry over the years altered the touring experience for you at all?

Yngwie: When I first started out in the United States, I was very lucky. I got to go out with AC/DC for four months coast-to-coast. I love those guys, they're amazing and what an opportunity for me! Then I went out with IRON MAIDEN, another band called TRIUMPH (1985) and a few shows with Aerosmith and stuff like that. It seems to be a thing of the past now. I guess what I mean is back then, it was more wide open and more fun, really (laughs). It wasn't business, it was fun. That I see as a difference. [But] I think once you're on stage, it's very similar. I don't think that has changed. The audience has always been great. I go to Argentina, France, different states in America, Taiwan or Bangkok, Thailand — they're completely different cultures but the audiences are the same as always at my stops. I feel like [the music] is communication beyond languages. That's what makes it so rewarding to me.

Pollstar.com: How have you kept your vision for your music through all the different trends?

Yngwie: Some people had the misconception for a while that I had something to do with the '80s. I became known in the '80s, or what people now think of as the '80s. And when the '80s became the '90s and everybody wanted to turn everything upside down, it didn't change what I wanted to do. I've never turned my coat to the wind. It's actually turned out, in the long run, to be the right thing to do. There's a lot of people who were doing what I was doing 25 years ago who are not [now.] What's "in" is bound to go "out," so if you don't have a steady course, you're lost. What's more important is that, to quote [Italian musician and composer] Niccolò Paganini, "One must feel strongly to make others feel strongly." When you feel so strongly about what you do, people can't help but like it or hate it but they won't ignore it. If you're real about it – what you see is what you get — that's longevity. I love to go on stage because every night is different — a different audience and a different show. Every time I hit the stage, I play like it's the last show I'm going to do.

Read the entire interview from Pollstar.com.

'80s hard rock queen Lita Ford will support QUEENSRŸCHE on their fall "American Soldier" tour. A formal press release and list of official dates will be made available on Monday, September 14.

A new track from Lita Ford, entitled "Patriotic SOB", is available for streaming on her MySpace page. The song comes off Lita's first new studio album in 14 years, "Wicked Wonderland", which is scheduled for release in Europe on October 2 via earMUSIC/Edel. The set will be issued in the U.S. on October 6 through Lita's own JLRG Entertainment label as a regular CD and limited-edition vinyl with different artwork (see below).

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Love
02. Piece
03. Crave
04. Scream
05. Sacred
06. Wicked Wonderland
07. Indulge
08. Patriotic SOB
09. Everything
10. Inside
11. Truth
12. Betrayal
13. Bed
14. Garden
15. Push
16. Indulge (Remix)
17. Scream (Remix)

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

For more information, visit RocklineRadio.com.

LP artwork:

Video footage of Christian Älvestam (SCAR SYMMETRY, MISERATION, THE FEW AGAINST MANY) laying down guest vocals for the sophomore album from Australian melodic death metallers UNIVERSUM can be viewed below.

UNIVERSUM will enter the studio in the coming months to commence recording the follow-up to their debut album, "Leto Destinatus".

Due for release in early 2010, the follow-up to UNIVERSUM's debut album, "Leto Destinatus" — tentatively titled "Mortuus Machina" — will feature guest guitar solos from NIGHTRAGE axemen Marios Iliopoulos and Olof Mörck. Jens Bogren of Sweden's Fascination Street Studios (OPETH, SOILWORK, AMON AMARTH, KATATONIA) will once again handle both mixing and mastering duties.

UNIVERSUM lead guitarist Michael Soininen previously stated, "We are all excited by how the new album is developing so far and believe that the songs have a newfound depth, both musically and lyrically. The combination of the new material, the great guest musicians Christian, Marios and Olof, along with Jens' mixing and mastering should result in a great album."

In the year since the release of "Leto Destinatus", UNIVERSUM made a major impact both in Australia and internationally and has received widespread acclaim from the media and its ever-growing legion of fans. The success of the debut album, together with live performances alongside international big guns DRAGONFORCE (Australian national tour) and CRADLE OF FILTH, a string of endorsements and a very well received video clip has seen UNIVERSUM quickly become regarded as one of Australia's premier melodic death metal acts.

For more information, visit www.universum.com.au.