"Awoken Broken", the debut album from PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION, the project featuring IRON MAIDEN guitarist Adrian Smith and SIKTH frontman Mikee Goodman, will be released in the U.S. on April 17 through Spinefarm Records. The CD, which will be made available in Europe on February 27, was produced by Adrian and Mikee, and mixed by Simon Hanhart, whose previous credits include everyone from TIN MACHINE to SAXON. The album features 12 tracks top to tail, and it will be available on digipak CD, digital download and double colored vinyl in gatefold sleeve.

"Awoken Broken" track listing:

01. No Friendly Neighbour (4:53)
02. No Place Like Home (3:06)
03. I See Lights (4:59)
04. Bright As A Fire (6:21)
05. Savage World (3:38)
06. Tortured Tone (5:08)
07. White Sheet Robes (5:16)
08. As Tears Come Falling From The Sky (0:47)
09. Awoken Broken (4:58)
10. Search For Bliss (4:13)
11. Snake Ladders (4:43)
12. Mirror and the Moon (5:04)

The brainchild of Adrian Smith and Mikee Goodman, U.K. musicians with different stories to tell, PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION is a fresh new project that manages to be both reassuring and unexpected at one and the same time…

On the one side, there's Adrian, a key member of the IRON MAIDEN setup, a band he first joined back in 1980; and since that time, MAIDEN has gone on to become one of the biggest hard rock bands the world has seen, playing to vast and staunchly committed crowds all over the world, opening exciting new doors in parts of the globe many people will never even have heard of! Their last studio album, "The Final Frontier", hit the No 1 slot in over 28 countries!

With MAIDEN's reputation having been forged through their ability to blend well-crafted vocal and guitar melodies with the sheer brute force of prime heavy metal, it will surely come as no surprise that the debut PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION album, "Awoken Broken", delivers fully on both fronts, but with an extra nod to the underground, the alternative and the downright edgy — an aspect of the music that is enhanced from start to finish by the presence of one-time SIKTH frontman / lyric-writer/spoken-word maestro, Mikee Goodman.

With SIKTH now universally lauded as one of the major inspirations of the new "Djent" movement, it's perfect timing for Mikee to return to the music scene in full force, following that band's decision to take a break after their second "Death Of A Dead Day" album back in 2006; Mikee's unique vocal approach — an arresting, signature blend of spoken word plus a wide variety of vocal tones (some dark and disturbing, others that owe a debt to the world of animation) — was very much a part of what made SIKTH stand out from the chasing pack, and fans will be delighted to know that his key vocal mannerisms have been both retained and honed for PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION, in a form tightly bound to the structure of the songs themselves.

Yes, there are spoken-word elements, and yes, there are more extreme vocal moments peppered throughout the tracks, but generally speaking, this is a more mature and experienced Mikee, showcasing a strong, melodic voice plus an impressive vocal range, using the more "adventurous" end of his repertoire as a way of providing contrast and effect.

In essence, PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION is the meeting of different minds, different mentalities and different musical backgrounds, but the end result is very much a cohesive, self-produced whole… albeit one that reflects the individual talents of the musicians involved: Adrian provides the guitars, the bass and the advanced song-writing skills — the sense of drama, of light and shade, of music designed to stir the senses, all of them.

Right from the start, it's been very much a labor of love…

Adrian: "It was great working at my own pace and in my own studio with no time constraints. I think during the making of this album I went around the world twice with MAIDEN, working on the project in between. In the process, it allowed for a bit more of an experimental approach."

Meanwhile, Mikee goes head to head with this renowned player as a full writing & production partner, adding new (sometimes surprising, often experimental) layers to the tracks, and ensuring that the music glistens with an inherent contemporary sheen.

Mikee: "Adrian inspired me in many ways. I learnt the importance and the power of choruses in songs. Adrian also gave me a lot more belief in myself melodically. I think we pulled each other out of our comfort zones, creating something fresh and exciting along the way. We co-produced the album together, and the whole recording process was very relaxed — no deadlines, just honing the songs naturally as we recorded them, a new experience for both of us."

In addition to the PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION pair, there are backing vocals on three of the tracks (delivered by Tarin Kerry, discovered by Mikee while he was acting as producer for a band she was in), viola on the bulk of the songs (provided by Abi Fry of BAT FOR LASHES), plus original SIKTH member Dan "Loord" Foord on drums.

The track "I See Lights" can be streamed using the SoundCloud player below.

PRIMAL ROCK REBELLION was originally scheduled to play a "one-off, under-the-radar" gig on January 15, 2011 at the Wycombe Bucks Student Union, but the gig ended up being canceled after it was inadvertently advertised via the Internet.

Frontiers Records is pleased to celebrate PRETTY MAIDS’ Thirtieth Anniversary with the release of the band’s first ever live 2CD/DVD package entitled “It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)” on March 23rd in Europe and March 27th in North America.

Following the highly acclaimed 2010 album “Pandemonium”, Danish melodic hard rockers, Pretty Maids have been touring more or less constantly throughout 2010/2011. They undertook a full scale European tour in 2010 and have since played several festivals and occasional gigs. The overwhelming response to the new songs and the ongoing requests coming from the fans prompted the band to take their chance and record a live 2CD/DVD last October 1st 2011. Pretty Maids gathered in Pratteln, Switzerland with an enthusiastic and highly explosive crowd of die hard fans and followers to fulfill the demand, for an energetic and memorable performance which was recorded with a fully equipped mobile studio and cameras.

 “Riding on the success of our previous studio album Pandemonium and with maybe the strongest line up ever, we thought that we’d make some kind of a live document of what this band is all about in the present time” tells singer Ronnie Atkins. “It Comes Alive is purely and simply a tribute to all our fans and supporters throughout the world, who gave us so many memorable moments, so much pleasure and making our childhood dreams come through”.

“The band’s spirit during the last couple of years has been better than in a long long time” says Atkins. And “It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)” shows the band at the top of their game, performing songs from a 30 year long career.

“It’s always difficult to make a set list that satisfies everyone” continues the singer, “It’s a combination of what the crowd expect us to play and what we like to play ourselves ! But of course there are songs like Futureworld and Red hot and heavy that we have been playing for the last 25 years so, they still get a new life every time we play ‘em and still seem to please our audience. But basically what you will find on this Live album are the songs that we toured with on the Pandemonium tour, with a few exceptions”.

“It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)” will be exclusively released in a lavish 2cd/dvd digipak released and will include the following tracks:

CD1: Pandemonium; I.N.V.U; Hell on high heels; Wake up to the real world; Destination paradise; Another shot of your love; Scream; Walk away; It comes at night; Queen of dreams; Savage heart; Clay.

CD2: Yellow rain; Rock the house; Back to back; Rodeo; Lovegames; Future world; Little drops of  heaven; Please don’t leave  me; Red hot and  heavy; Lethal Heroes*

* bonus track

DVD Contents: Pandemonium; I.N.V.U.; Hell On High Heels; Wake Up To The Real World; Destination Paradise; Another Shot of your love; Scream; Walk Away; It Comes At Night; Queen Of Dreams; Savage Heart; Yellow Rain; Rock The House; Back To Back; Rodeo; Love Games; Future World; Little Drops Of Heaven; Please Don’t Leave Me; Red Hot & Heavy.

Rockumentary (incl. backstage footage and interviews with the band)

DVD Format: NTSC Region Free / Length 120 mins / Stereo mix 2.0 / Screen 16:9

New Jersey thrash metal veterans OVERKILL will release their new album, "The Electric Age", in North America on March 27 via eOne Music. The CD will be made available in Europe on March 30 through Nuclear Blast Records.

"The Electric Age" was recorded and mixed at Gain Studios in New Jersey, owned and operated by OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni.

OVERKILL will embark on the "Killfest 2" headlining tour in April/May. Support on the trek will come from BELPHEGOR, ABORTED, BLACKGUARD, SYSTEM DIVIDE and DIAMOND PLATE.

OVERKILL's latest CD, "Ironbound", sold 4,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 192 on The Billboard 200 chart. The effort landed at No. 4 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

OVERKILL's previous album, "Immortalis", opened with 2,800 units back in October 2007.

"Ironbound" was released on February 9, 2010 via E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records). The CD, which was issued in Europe on January 29, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records, was mixed by PAIN/HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren and is described in a press release as "a true thrasher-piece."

OVERKILL is Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (vocals), D.D. Verni (bass, backing vocals), Derek "The Skull" Tailer (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Dave Linsk (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Ron Lipnicki (drums).

EMI has set a March 26 release date for "En Vivo!", the new concert Blu-Ray, two-DVD set and double soundtrack album from legendary British metallers IRON MAIDEN.

"En Vivo!" was filmed on April 10, 2011 in front of over 50,000 ecstatic fans at the Estadio Nacional, Santiago during the "Round The World In 66 Days" leg of "The Final Frontier World Tour", and captures a magnificent performance by the band, ardently embraced by the legendary Latino passion and energy of their Chilean fans. With spectacular stage backdrops, dynamic musicianship and a literally jaw-dropping appearance by Eddie, this live show encapsulates to perfection the heart and soul of IRON MAIDEN 2011.

IRON MAIDEN bass player and founder member Steve Harris comments: "For 'The Final Frontier Tour' it was really important to me that we filmed in South America as we're always so overwhelmed by the fans' reaction when we go to that part of the world and I wanted to reflect that in the filming. After much consideration, we chose the Santiago show as we felt it was one of our best performances of the entire tour and to play at the prestigious Estadio Nacional was a landmark moment for us. For reasons known to our fans, it took a long time before we got to play our first show in Chile, and once we did get to play a show, the response was so phenomenal we just had to keep coming back and it's got better and better each time! This show also features the gigantic new Eddie. He wasn't due to make his appearance until our European leg of the tour later in 2011, but we managed to transport him across the sea in a special huge container just in time for the latter end of the South American dates so it was great we were able to immortalize him for the DVD as he really has to be seen to be believed!"

The concert was filmed digitally using 22 HD cameras and an octocam (a flying camera which captures aerial crowd scenes), recorded in both stereo and 5.1 audio and mixed by MAIDEN's longstanding producer Kevin "Caveman" Shirley, all of which serves to accentuate the incredible atmosphere of this compelling performance. Extensive use is made of split screens so fans can follow the individual members closer and the set list moves seamlessly between songs from MAIDEN's most recent studio album, 2010's "The Final Frontier", through to classic fan favourites via the band's vast and varied catalogue (full set listing below).

DVD Disc Two is a bonus disc containing an 88-minute documentary, "Behind The Beast". This is also an entirely in-house production by MAIDEN's own Krew, led by Andy Matthews, and is intended as an interesting and revealing high-quality "home movie" for their fans of how to put on an IRON MAIDEN tour and what goes on behind the scenes at a show. It describes the extraordinary story of one of the most acclaimed and ambitious touring shows in the world. It illustrates the day-to-day life and complex tasks of the MAIDEN Killer Krew and the other characters behind the scenes. The expertise and experience, the problem-solving and successes, the sheer scale and immense difficulties of the undertaking comes to life through the day-to-day coverage of the tour and the background work of the crews in sound, lighting, carpentry, production and set design. As well as interviews with the IRON MAIDEN crew, it interweaves anecdotes from the band and their fans, and includes footage of the live show in this comprehensive guide to the intricacies of staging massive, live stadium shows around the world out of the belly of a Boeing 757. The bonus disc also contains an extended version of the promo video "Satellite 15…The Final Frontier", a video about the making of "Satellite 15…The Final Frontier" plus the opening video sequence to "The Final Frontier World Tour".

In addition to the Blu-Ray, the two-DVD will initially be available as a limited-edition double DVD in collectors' steel book case and double vinyl picture disc. As well as a traditional two-CD soundtrack album, "En Vivo!" will be available as a digital download CD soundtrack album and digital download video.

MAIDEN's "Final Frontier World Tour 2010-11" saw the band circumnavigating the planet for the third time in their customized Boeing 757, Ed Force One, piloted by lead singer Bruce Dickinson, and playing 98 shows in 36 countries to over 2 million fans.

DVD Disc One - "Live At Estadio Nacional, Santiago" (approximate running time: 120 minutes)

01. Satellite 15
02. The Final Frontier
03. El Dorado
04. 2 Minutes To Midnight
05. The Talisman
06. Coming Home
07. Dance Of Death
08. The Trooper
09. The Wicker Man
10. Blood Brothers
11. When The Wild Wind Blows
12. The Evil That Men Do
13. Fear Of The Dark
14. Iron Maiden
15. The Number Of The Beast
16. Hallowed Be Thy Name
17. Running Free

Bonus Disc - DVD Disc Two "Behind The Beast" (approximate running time: 102 minutes)

01. "Behind The Beast" documentary
02. "Satellite 15…The Final Frontier" promo video (director's cut)
03. "The Making of Satellite 15…The Final Frontier" promo
04. "The Final Frontier World Tour" Show Intro

"Unisonic", the first video from UNISONIC — the band featuring former HELLOWEEN vocalist Michael Kiske and Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY, ex-HELLOWEEN) alongside Dennis Ward (bass) and Kosta Zafiriou (drums) of Germany's PINK CREAM 69 and Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer (who has previously played with ASIA, GOTTHARD and KROKUS) — can be seen below. According to a press release, the clip, which was directed by photographer/director Martin Hausler (MEAT LOAF, GOTTHARD, HELLOWEEN, MOTÖRHEAD) "shows a powerful band performance at a magnificent ballroom in Heidelberg, Germany."

UNISONIC will release its debut EP, "Ignition" on January 27 via earMUSIC/Edel. The effort will include the track "Unisonic" plus one demo song and a cover version of the HELLOWEEN classic "I Want Out", recorded live on October 15 at this year's edition of the Loud Park festival at Saitama Super Arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Saitama City, Japan.

A full-length UNISONIC album will be made available in March.

Zafiriou previously stated about the band's decision to sign with earMUSIC/Edel: "We had several promising labels being interested in UNISONIC, but the enthusiasm of Max Vaccaro and his team convinced us that earMUSIC is the right company for us."

After the addition of Hansen to the group's lineup in early 2011, UNISONIC continued the songwriting process for its debut release, incorporating Kai's talent for writing great anthemic rock songs into its existing material. The recordings for the album started at end of September at ICP studios in Brussels, Belgium.

UNISONIC's music is very versatile and shows a broad approach to heavy rock without sacrificing the power and strong, catchy melodies that characterized the bandmembers' previous projects.

Commented Kiske: "It feels great to finally bring the band to the studio and record the songs we've been working on. We took our time to grow as a band, but it was definitely worth it and we are very proud of the result."

Added bassist/producer Ward: "We have a bunch of very strong songs and can't wait until people can hear them. Everyone in the band is now looking even more positive into the future."

Regarding Hansen's addition to UNISONIC, Kiske previously said, "After so many years of abstinence, I had a lot of fun doing my first live shows with UNISONIC in summer 2010, so I agreed to do the short world tour with AVANTASIA. It was a great experience to be on stage with all those great artists, but with Kai it was something different: We instantly felt the magic again and had a lot of fun together on and off stage. We both realized that we want to be together in band again. He was interested in the open musical concept of UNISONIC and finally asked me if he can join the band. I talked to my bandmates and they all felt great about it. His talent as a guitarist and songwriter is an enrichment for the band and we are looking forward to his contribution for the music of UNISONIC."

Kai Hansen's position in GAMMA RAY will be unaffected by his involvement with UNISONIC.

UNISONIC is:
Michael Kiske (vocals)
Mandy Meyer (guitar)
Kai Hansen (guitar)
Dennis Ward (bass)
Kos ta Zafiriou (drums)

RIOT founder and guitarist Mark Reale was admitted to a San Antonio hospital last week in critical condition due to complications of Crohn's disease — an ailment he has battled for most of his life.

The band has released the following update on his condition:

"Due to complications arising from treatment for Mark's illness, he remains hospitalized in San Antonio and will not be healthy enough to appear as scheduled.

"Mike [Flyntz, guitar], Tony [Moore, vocals], Bobby [Jarzombek, drums] and Don [Van Stavern, bass] have, at the strong urging of Mark's family, decided to perform the shows without Mark on guitar.

"We are receiving updates on his condition several times daily, and Mark is currently undergoing procedures to stabilize him. His father, in addition to several dedicated friends of the band and the family, are at Mark's side constantly as doctors work to restore him to health. In accordance with the family's wishes, no further details are being released at this time.

"While we are saddened by these developments, RIOT's music has been Mark's lifeblood for over 30 years. We have struggled with idea of performing without him, and we are continuing to prepare with heavy hearts, but the entire RIOT organization has agreed on the importance of bringing our music to the fans who have supported us for so long.

"Thank you for continuing to support RIOT during this difficult time, and we will see you at the shows."

The following RIOT shows will go ahead without Mark Reale:

Jan. 18 - New York City, NY - B.B. Kings
Jan. 19 - West Springfield, VA – Jaxx
Jan. 20 - Rochester, NY - Montage Music Hall
Jan. 23-27 - Miami, FL - 70,000 Tons Of Metal

Mark has been battling Crohn's for most of his life, working and performing while enduring almost constant pain and the side effects of treatment for his illness. He was in Texas bravely attempting to practice for the shows, but was felled by a severe onset of Crohn's symptoms leaving him in the Intensive Care Unit at an undisclosed facility.

Mark was struggling with these symptoms throughout the production of RIOT's new album, "Immortal Soul", and guitarist Mike Flyntz recorded a major portion of the guitars on the LP with Mark's creative direction while he was unable to perform.

Extraordinary performer and amazing vocalist throughout, Jeff Scott Soto blasts through these hard rocking tracks with energy and masters the transition smoothly from heavy rock to a delicate ballad. For his new album “Damage Control”, Jeff has turned to many of his past influences and most requested aspects of his career by blending the art of Melodic Rock with Hard Rock throughout.

“I feel Damage Control is more of a return to what my fans would expect to hear from me. It’s a perfect blend of my first two solo albums with Frontiers Records; Prism and Lost in the Translation, but also mixes in some of my favorite moments of my past bands such as Talisman and Soul SirkUS” tells Jeff. “It is heavy, AOR, hard rock with loads of great riffs and melodies”

“Damage Control” was recorded in the fall of 2011 and is completed with appearances and co-writing along with his former and current band mates together with many guests including Jamie Borger and Nalley Påhlsson (Treat), Casey Grillo (Kamelot), Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger) and legendary Y&T founding member Dave Meniketti. Jeff recalls: “Y&T drummer Mike Vanderhule played drums on a track and suggested I bring Dave on but, as he is a long time friend and one on the ‘wish list’ of people I would have loved to have, I didn’t want to get an excuse that he was too busy or not interested, to my surprise I got neither... he was willing to do it and I was not only grateful but beyond pleased to work with another musical hero!”

The album will be released in two exclusive configurations; the basic version in CD jewel box will include 11 songs, while the deluxe edition in digipak format has an additional 3 bonus tracks and a DVD. Full tracklisting is below:

CD: Give A Little More, Damage Control, Look Inside Your Heart, Die A Little, Take U Down*, If I Never Let Her Go, Tears That I Cry, BonaFide, Elena*, Krazy World, How To Love Again, AfterWorld, NeverEnding War, Afraid To Die*
* Bonus tracks only available on the Deluxe Edition.
DVD: Look Inside Your Heart (videoclip); NeverEnding War (videoclip); Damage Control (videoclip); EPK interview.

Jeff Scott Soto is currently planning tour dates that will support the release of the new record: “The plan is to do as much touring as possible wherever the World will have me. I plan to promote this album with a proper touring regiment!” concludes Jeff. Get ready for “Damage Control”, it will rock your World!

Musicians:
All Vocals: Jeff Scott Soto
Guitars: Gary Schutt, Jorge Salan, Diego Armelin, Rodrigo Armelin, Joel Hoekstra, Emo Markov, Dave Meniketti, Peter Pac Söderström, Alex Llorens, Joel Hoekstra, Roger Benet, Leo Mancini, JSS
Bass: Fernando Mainer, Nalley Påhlsson, Henrique Baboom, JSS
Keyboards: Fabio Ribiero, Ulf Wahlberg, BJ (Luis Paulo Almeida Jr), JSS
Drums: Edu Cominato, Carlos Exposito, Casey Grillo, Mike Vanderhule, Jamie Borger, Joey Soto

The first music video from VAN HALEN's new album, "A Different Kind Of Truth", called "Tattoo", can be seen below.

The deluxe-edition version of "A Different Kind Of Truth" will contain a bonus DVD featuring four brand new acoustic-performance videos titled "The Downtown Sessions" including the songs "Panama", "You And Your Blues", "You Really Got Me" and "Beautiful Girls".

"A Different Kind Of Truth" track listing:

01. Tattoo
02. She's The Woman
03. You and Your Blues
04. China Town
05. Blood and Fire
06. Bullethead
07. As Is
08. Honeybabysweetiedoll
09. The Trouble With Never
10. Outta Space
11. Stay Frosty
12. Big River
13. Beats Workin'

"A Different Kind Of Truth" is now officially confirmed to arrive on February 7 via Interscope.

The set will be the group's first all-new collection since "Van Halen 3" was issued 13 years ago, and its first with singer David Lee Roth since "1984".

VAN HALEN returned to the stage for the first time since the end of its 2007/2008 reunion tour on Thursday night (January 5) when the band performed at the tiny Cafe Wha? nightclub in downtown Manhattan.

The setlist for the evening's show stuck to VAN HALEN classics from the six albums of the initial David Lee Roth era, with the exception of a tune called "She's The Woman". That song originally appeared on the 1976 demo, produced by KISS bassist Gene Simmons, that got VAN HALEN their record deal with Warner Bros. It was left off the group's 1978 debut but has been resurrected for the new disc.

The capacity crowd at the 250-person club mostly consisted of press and members of the entertainment industry.

Roth at one point introduced his uncle, 92-year-old Manny Roth, who used to run Cafe Wha? and introduced a young Bob Dylan to the stage decades ago.

At the same time, VAN HALEN released details of its upcoming North American tour, which will kick off on February 18 in Louisville, Kentucky. Tickets for the tour will begin going on sale January 14. KOOL AND THE GANG will open for VAN HALEN on selected tour stops.

Legendary rock guitarist Michael Schenker has announced that his brand new classic rock band TEMPLE OF ROCK will embark on a four-date U.K. tour in May. The dates are as follows:

May 09 - Wolverhampton - The Wulfren
May 10 - Manchester - HMV Ritz
May 11 - Glasgow - O2 ABC
May 12 - London - O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

Tickets for all four "Temple Of Rock" U.K. concerts go on general sale Friday, January 13 at 10 a.m.

Planet Rock radio listeners in the U.K. will be treated to a special 48-hour "Temple Of Rock" U.K. tour ticket pre-sale from 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 11. Ents24 will run an additional 24-hour pre-sale from Thursday, January 12.

Following his acclaimed 2009/10 world tour performing the "MSG 30th Anniversary Show", where Michael was joined by (original MSG vocalist) Gary Barden, alongside a host of other classic rock legends, including Carmine Appice, Simon Phillips, Chris Slade and Chris Glen, Schenker's "Temple Of Rock" is ready to conquer the U.K. with a brand new kick-ass, all-star line-up.

Boasting ex-SCORPIONS stars Herman Rarebell and Francis Buchholz on drums and bass, respectively, MSG stalwart Wayne Findlay on keyboards and the magnificent Doogie White (ex-RAINBOW, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on vocals, these "Temple Of Rock" concerts will include a plethora of hits spanning Michael Schenker's colourful career.

Songs to be performed by the TEMPLE OF ROCK include UFO's "Rock Bottom" and "Doctor Doctor", MSG's "Armed And Ready" and "Into The Arena", and the SCORPIONS classics "Another Piece of Meat" and "Rock You like A Hurricane". In addition, Schenker will perform brand new songs from the recently released "Temple Of Rock" album alongside other solo favorites such as "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead", "Miss Claustrophobia" and "Hangin On".

KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley has offered the following update on the band's new album, "Monster", to the group's official web site, KissOnline.com:

"Friday [January 6] we officially completed work on the new album.

"Listening to the tracks back to back is like sensory overload. Everyone who has heard any of it is completely blown away. Powerful, heavy, melodic and epic.

"It makes us very proud. You all will be, too.

"Mixing starts next week."

The February 2012 issue of U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine features Stanley's thoughts on six songs from "Monster", which he is co-producing.

"I wasn't interested in making an album unless I was in charge and no one agreed to it half-heartedly," says Stanley. "The band's all there, all the time, and we cut the tracks all facing each other in the same room. Chemistry and camaraderie, that's essential. That's what made [2009's] 'Sonic Boom' so great, and this album is thunderously better."

"It's A Long Way Down"

Stanley: "It says that those who reach heights and don't appreciate them fall mightily — it's a long way down from the top. It's a defining track in the sense that it's very up-tempo and very much a signature song. Eric's [Singer] drumming is incredible on this."

"Back To The Stone Age"

Stanley: "One that Gene [Simmons] sings. It's exactly what you'd expect it to be from the title. I come from a school where you write a verse, a bridge, a chorus, and then you go back. That's in my blood. It's in Motown, it's in THE BEATLES, it's in LED ZEPPELIN, it's in THE WHO, its in all my favorite bands."

"Shout Mercy"

Stanley: "That's a great track. There's a lot of tracks that could start the album, and this is one of them. I like to think that the opening song is a declaration of what the album really is, whether it's a 'Love Gun' or a 'Detroit Rock City'. It's important to start with a song that defines what you're gonna be getting."

"Out Of This World"

Stanley: "That's one of Tommy's [Thayer, guitarist.] He really pushed the limits. His playing is phenomenal. It has the kind of excitement that I like to hear where you're not quite sure if it's gonna go off the rails or not. That's what makes great rock n' roll."

"Wall Of Sound"

Stanley: "We're not trying to reinvent the wheel here; we're at our best when we don't over-think. It's not a Rubik's Cube, it's a song, you know? This one is absolutely, immediately recognisable and identifiable and true to being KISS. I put the blinders on us to keep us from being derailed or the attention span broken by things going on around us."

"Hell Or Hallelujah"

Stanley: "Another up-tempo song, and it's very definitive. That's what I think is so great about this album: every track is quintessential. No one does it better — and many have tried. When we hit the bulls-eye, we hit it full on. We've cut 14 tracks. How many we'll use or how this will play out will be interesting, but there's no filler."

There's been no release date announced for "Monster".

Stanley admits that he's never surprised by how deep KISS' fan devotion continues to run worldwide. "It really for me, resoundingly once again, I guess validates for me why this band exists," he told The Pulse Of Radio. "It's not a tepid recreation of the past, it's really an ageless beast that dominates at will. It's timeless."

Gene Simmons told The Pulse Of Radio that despite the knocks KISS has received from the rock press over the years, that sometimes in rock n' roll, style actually makes for excellent substance. "Y'know, every few years there's a kind of born-again thing that happens with KISS, a kick in the butt," he said. "And despite the naysayers and whoever else we have long since buried in our backyards of mansions that bad reviews built us — we all live and die by the masses. So interestingly enough, the movies that I go see, that I love, when I read the reviews, I'm shocked because I always get the sense, 'Oh, they must have seen a different movie.' So when I go see 'G.I. Joe', or 'Transformers', or some of the other great thrill-rides; This ain't Shakespeare! (Laughs) But it also doesn't pretend to be. That's not why I'm going. I wanna see the world blow up."

Former JOURNEY singer Steve Perry tells Billboard.com that he's planning to get to work in earnest in a studio he's just finishing in his southern California home just north of San Diego, which he says will have a control room and "a tracking room about the size of Motown."

"I'm finishing that room up and I've written a whole bunch of ideas and directions, all over the map, in the last two, three years," says Perry, who was with JOURNEY from 1977 to 1998. "So I plan on getting in the studio at some point and start trying to track these things and see where they go."

When asked if he would consider a one-off reunion with his former JOURNEY bandmates for something like the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Perry said, "I don't know. I'm not a big fan of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. It's just a personal thing, not an ego thing. I think that, honestly, JOURNEY doesn't need to be in the Hall Of Fame. With everything we accomplished... we've had our Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, you know? It's in the hearts of the people out there and their experiences and their memories of what we did together and how we all had the time of our lives with the music that we loved to perform and they loved to hear. I really don't want someone to qualify it any more than that."

Read more from Billboard.com.

"Another Man Down", the new video from Danish hard rockers ROYAL HUNT. The song comes off the band's 11th studio album, "Show Me How To Live", which was released on November 29 in North America and December 2 in Europe via Frontiers Records. The follow-up 2010's "X" was recorded at NorthPoint studio in Copenhahen and will be mixed at RoastingHouse Studios in Malmö, Sweden. The mastering duites were handled by Jan Eliasson at AudioPlanet in Copenhagen.

"Show Me How To Live" track listing:

01. Introduction
02. One More Day
03. Another Man Down
04. An Empty Shell
05. Hard Rain's Coming
06. Half Past Loneliness
07. Show Me How To Live
08. Angel's Gone

ROYAL HUNT was recently rejoined by D.C. Cooper, the American singer that performed on the band's two most successful releases in the '90s: "Moving Target" and the concept album "Paradox". "We started chatting on Skype from time to time and that's how the idea of doing a mini-tour came about," says ROYAL HUNT founder, songwriter and keyboards player André Andersen. "After playing some shows we realized that the chemistry was still there and we decided to continue… recording a new album — first..."

"Show Me How to Live" was described in a press release as "highly melodic with rich, lush arrangements and stellar production" and certain to "please the fans of neoclassical yet progressive music."

"The new songs are continuing right from where we left it in the first place, [and] it sounds great," says Andersen. "It [has] some qualities of our previous albums, 'Moving Target', and 'Paradox', but you can certainly [hear] some cool updates and new twists!"

As a companion to the new album, Frontiers Records also released on the same day a ROYAL HUNT double DVD entitled "Future Coming From The Past". This double package serves as a celebration of the return of singer D.C. Cooper to the lineup, and makes finally widely available two very rare items which were only released in Japan back in the day. The first DVD is entitled "1996" and was recorded live in Japan just after the release of the band's "Moving Target" album. "1996" is an excellent summary of ROYAL HUNT's career up to that point. The band offers a great mix of songs from their first three studio albums. The band was in top form for this show, with D.C. leading the way. The second DVD, "Paradox - Closing the Chapter", was recorded in 1998 and marked the end of the original D.C. Cooper era for ROYAL HUNT. It is essentially a complete live performance of the band's amazing studio album "Paradox", their most successful album to date. It is a very solid performance and D.C. delivers the goods, while the band's playing is superb. To complete the package is a 50-minute documentary which shares stories of life in a rock band.

ROYAL HUNT's current lineup:

André Andersen - Keyboards
D.C. Cooper - Vocals
Allan Sørensen - Drums
Andreas Passmark - Bass
Jonas Larsen - Guitar

"Don't Want To Talk About", the video for the first single from RATT vocalist Stephen Pearcy's upcoming solo album, "Sucker Punch".

In a recent interview with Guitar International, Pearcy stated about the forthcoming CD, "It's probably one of the first records that I'm actually doing all the guitars on.

"Most people don't really know me as a guitar player, even as a writer, but those songs came from somewhere.

"The RATT EP was literally all of my songs from the MICKEY RATT days, with the exception of "You Think You're Tough", which Robbin [Crosby, late RATT guitarist] and I had penned together. That's the song that ended up getting us signed.

"I've been a guitar player for years; it's just overlooked.

"I'm doing the solos on both of the sample singles.

"I'm currently the label [via Top Fuel Records], but Roadrunner has an option on it. Whether they pick it up is irrelevant, because it will be heard.

"What I wanted to do this time, since I was writing so many songs, is for my fans to hear the process. Not just give them a basic track, but to give them a rough version.

"Depending on how the record is picked up, my manager and I have talked about a whole other approach to releasing a record that nobody has ever done before."

Pearcy told Noisecreep about "Sucker Punch", "What I wanted to do on this new material was get a real live feel to everything. So I've been tracking stuff in-between live appearances.

"I love the energy these new recordings have.

"I decided to release a sample single on iTunes called 'Don't Want to Talk About' to get input from my hardcore fans. So far the reaction has been great.

"It's going to be a brutally honest record and I think my fans want that from me at this point."

Pearcy is currently on the road as part of the "Metal In America" tour. The singer's touring band includes an impressive pedigree of rock alumni consisting of drummer Greg D'Angelo (ex-WHITE LION), guitarist Greg Walls (ex-ANTHRAX), bassist Mike Duda (W.A.S.P.) and guitarist Erik Ferentinos (ANTIDIVISION; signed to Pearcy's Top Fuel Records).

For tour date information, visit www.stephen-pearcy.com.

Voodoo Six are set to release the Falling Knives EP in digital format on November 28th. The EP, which will be a special limited edition release, will be available to fans until the end of February. The band preceded the release by kicking off their 14-date UK tour in Leicester on November 17th. The tour will finish with a set at this year’s sold-out Hard Rock Hell V Festival in Prestatyn.

The Falling Knives EP comes following the success of last year’s album Fluke?, which was mixed by uber studio engineer Mike Fraser (AC/DC, AEROSMITH, METALLICA), and boasted the talent of brand new vocalist and front man Luke Purdie. After an extensive UK tour including supports with legendary British hard rock stalwarts UFO, Voodoo Six sprang into 2011 with another set of dates supporting flamboyant ex-HANOI ROCKS star Michael Monroe.

The new EP will feature three brand new tracks, the eponymous “Falling Knives”, “Sharp Sand’ and “Stop”, as well as three re-worked and re-recorded versions of tracks from the band’s debut album First Hit For Free, featuring the vocals of new Voodoo Six singer Luke Purdie.

Swiss hard rock veterans GOTTHARD have released the following statement:

"Dear GOTTHARD fans — it gives us great pleasure to announce that we have found a new singer. The successor to Steve Lee, who was killed in a tragic accident last year, is Nic Maeder and is Swiss-born. Nic was born in 1971 in Lausanne, lived in Melbourne, Australia and grew up between Switzerland and 'Down Under.'"

Commented guitarist Leo Leoni: "Nic not only has a great voice and is a fantastic musician, but we also have a great person in our midst. We can rock again at last."

Added the band: "During the months after the decision to carry on was taken, we received a huge amount of applications from all over the world; it was really overwhelming!

"At this point we would really like to thank everyone, especially the candidates, to whom we were not able to send a personal message.

"Thank you for your understanding and we wish all of you lots of luck and success in the future!"

Stated drummer Hena Habegger: "The search took a long time but it was clear to all of us when we met Nic that he was the right guy. With him we can enjoy the music again and celebrate new success. I'm really happy that we are continuing."

The final decision for Nic Maeder was unanimous.

"We noticed straight away that the chemistry, both musically and personally, was right. For us, he is the new member of the family," said guitarist Freddy Scherer.

Nic Maeder, who besides his singing position also plays guitar and piano, is a very talented and creative person. His songwriting ability also means he fits perfectly into the GOTTHARD family. He is the missing piece in the puzzle.

"Music has been my companion all my life and always was an important part of it. It is a great feeling to be able to share in the birth of a song and to see how it keeps growing. I can experience that with GOTTHARD and it makes me happy. I am making music with friends," says Nic Maeder.

The band concluded: "Of course, you can write a lot about a new singer, but in the end there is nothing better than seeing and hearing him sing. We therefore decided to produce a song plus video [see below] as a thank you to our fans, which can be downloaded free of charge. It is dedicated to all our fans who didn't lose their faith and trust in GOTTHARD. You have supported us with all your strength during the past months. Thank you so much!"

Said bassist Marc Lynn: "With Nic, we have taken the right decision for GOTTHARD. A lot of courage is needed to step into the footsteps of such a great singer. For that, Nic has earned our respect. Let's never forget this and make Nic welcome in the family. We are in the studio at the moment and are working with renewed energy and enthusiasm on songs for a new album, which will be released in the spring of 2012."

Steve Lee was killed on October 5, 2010 in what has been described as a freak road accident in Nevada.

The first video, "Wicked World", can be viewed below.

"The Third Cage" recording lineup:

Dario Mollo - Guitar, Bass, Keyboards
Tony Martin - Vocals
Roberto Gualdi - Drums
Fulvio Gaslini - Bass
Dario Patti/Brian War - Keyboards

Legendary British metallers IRON MAIDEN have announced that they have arranged to take over the whole of Hopton Holiday Park near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, U.K. for three full nights next October.

Commented the organizers: "We plan to cram, the long weekend full of MAIDEN madness including guest speakers, themed events and tournaments. There will be quizzes to test your MAIDEN knowledge and if you fancy being Bruce [Dickinson, vocals] for a while, then you can show off your vocal talent in a karaoke competition. If you need to find that elusive piece of MAIDEN memorabilia, then you might just find it amongst the trading tables that we will set up. There are TV screens throughout the park that will be playing all of your favourite MAIDEN DVDs and videos.

"We've already booked the bands that will rock your weekend! We've got two fantastic MAIDEN tribute bands — HI-ON MAIDEN and MAIDEN SCOTLAND. There's POCKET GODZILLAS with their own brand of pumped-up power punk pop and the brilliant rock covers band THE FALLEN to fill the weekend with all the kind of music you love.

"Although none of the members of IRON MAIDEN will be attending we can promise you an absolutely fantastic weekend to remember and Eddie will be on hand to keep an eye on you so beware!"

For more information, go to this location.

New Jersey progressive metallers SYMPHONY X have been confirmed for next year's edition of the Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 6-9, 2012 in Sölvesborg, Blekinge in southern Sweden. Around 70 bands will perform on the festival's five stages next summer.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT
BONAFIDE
DANKO JONES
DIMMU BORGIR
EDGUY
GAMMA RAY
HELL
LYNYRD SKYNYRD
MÖTLEY CRÜE
PENTAGRAM
SYMPHONY X

Three-day tickets (for the main festival days) and four-day tickets (including the Wednesday opening) for next year's event are available through www.swedenrock.com. The first 5,000 ticket buyers received a Sweden Rock T-shirt which will not be available anywhere else. The design was made by British artist Sleba, known for his work with LED ZEPPELIN and "Star Wars", among others.

British rock legends UFO are currently in the studio with producer Tommy Newton recording their new album for a February 27, 2012 release via SPV/Steamhammer. A tour of the U.K. and Ireland will follow in March and April.

UFO's latest best-of collection, "Best Of A Decade", was released in North America on September 28, 2010 via SPV/Steamhammer.

The band's most recent studio album, "The Visitor", came out in June 2009.

The current lineup continues to consist of the three original members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Paul Raymond (guitar, keyboards), and Andy Parker (drums), as well as American world-class guitarist Vinnie Moore.

"Preemptive Strike", the new video from the Swedish progressive metal band ANDROMEDA, can be seen below. The clip was directed and produced by Patrik Ekeblom and Axel Persson for Holy Smoke Production.

"Preemptive Strike" comes off ANDROMEDA's new album, "Manifest Tyranny", which will be released on November 25 in Europe via Inner Wound Recordings and November 21 in North America through Nightmare Records. The effort will be made available as a regular CD version, in digital formats, as well as a very exclusive wooden box edition, strictly limited to 400 copies worldwide. A digital single for the track "Lies 'R' Us" will be released on October 28.

"Manifest Tyranny" track listing;

01. Preemptive Strike
02. Lies 'R' Us
03. Stay Unaware
04. Survival Of The Richest
05. False Flag
06. Chosen By God
07. Asylum
08. Play Dead
09. Go Back To Sleep
10. Antidote

ANDROMEDA's fourth CD, "The Immunity Zone", came out in North America in September 2008 via Nightmare Records.

The band's live DVD, "Playing off the Board", was released in Europe in April 2007 via Metal Mind Productions. The disc was filmed on October 31, 2006 at the Wyspianski Theater in Katowice, Poland.

ANDROMEDA's third album, "Chimera", was issued in June 2006 via Massacre Records.

"Thesis Of A Cruel Angel", the new video from ANIMETAL USA — the American counterpart to ANIMETAL, the Japanese heavy metal band which specialized in metal covers of popular Japanese anime/tokusatsu theme songs — can be seen below. The footage was shot by a fan at the group's October 12, 2011 invitation-only CD-launch event in Tokyo, Japan.

ANIMETAL USA is:

* Mike Vescera (OBSESSION, LOUDNESS) - Vocals
* Rudy Sarzo (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) – Bass
* Scott Travis (JUDAS PRIEST, RACER X, FIGHT) - Drums
* Chris Impellitteri (IMPELLITTERI) - Guitar

Travis was unable to make ANIMETAL USA recent Loud Park concert due to his touring commitments with JUDAS PRIEST and was temporarily replaced by former SLAYER/TESTAMENT drummer Jon Dette.

ANIMETAL USA released its self-titled debut album in Japan on October 12 via Sony Music Entertainment.

Commented Impellitteri: "I should clarify what ANIMETAL USA are doing musically for those of you that are saying 'WTF??'

"ANIMETAL USA is taking this music very seriously by mixing dark thematic and classic anime songs with our own original metal riffs, screaming vocals, shredding guitar solos, and intense drum and bass section. On a few songs, we even used some short but iconic metal riffs written by some of our own favorite legends of metal in order to further excite the listener. It is definitely interesting to bring all of these forms of metal to the anime world, which is an amazing and intense culture in itself!

"And no, this band is not a comedy band like STEEL PANTHER. We are taking this very seriously and putting in a lot of time and effort with Sony to create a mix of intense metal music, anime, and theatrics! Plus we are working very hard to build an international fan base!

"Currently ANIMETAL USA is reaching a mass audience and exposing a brand new generation to metal that would not have been possible if we would have taken the traditional route. I think we have been exposed to over 25,000,000 people by playing live shows and TV specials during the month of October alone. So we are definitely bringing metal to a very wide audience that may not have embraced it otherwise.

"Lastly, since we had to create so much original music for ANIMETAL, we are considering releasing an extension of this band called DEATH STAR which musically will be 100% original. Either way, there will probably be two forms of music released by the four of us in the future! ANIMETAL and DEATH STAR!"

"Animetal USA" track listing is as follows:

01. Uchuusenkan Yamato
02. Gatchaman No Uta
03. Mazinger Medley
04. Makafushigi Adventure!
05. Zankokuna Tenshino Thesis
06. Aiwo Torimodose!!
07. Ganbare Dokaben
08. Pegasus Fantasy
09. Yuke Tigermask
10. Fight! Kinnikuman Go Fight!
11. Yukeyuke Hyuma

Yngwie flew to Sweden to be a part of a program called Moraeus, watch the amazing performance as well as get a glimpse of Yngwie playing Swedish folk music and a candid behind the scenes with him hanging out his fellow Swedish musicians, a definite must see...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwhtAqFCPrs

To watch the entire SVT version click:

http://svtplay.se/t/163866/moraeus_med_meras

A brand new "time-lapse" trailer for "Live In Finland", the upcoming concert DVD from Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA, can be viewed below. Due in Europe on November 11 a nd in North America on November 15 via Nuclear Blast, the set will include the band's entire April 15, 2011 performance at Club Teatria in Oulu, Finland as well as a bonus disc containing four songs that were filmed at the band's own festival on August 8, 2009 in Kemi, Finland. Also featured on the DVD will be SONTA ARCTICA's promotional videos for the songs "Don't Say A Word", "Paid In Full" and "Flag In The Ground" as well as a photo gallery and behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the DVD. There will also be a bonus CD containing eight songs that were recorded at the Kemi festival concert.

DVD1:

Sonata Arctica: Live in Finland

01. Intro (Everything Fades To Gray)
02. Flag In The Ground
03. Last Amazing Grays
04. Juliet
05. Replica
06. Blank File
07. As If The World Wasn't Ending
08. Paid In Full
09. Victoria's Secret
10. Instrumental Exhibition
11. The Misery
12. Fullmoon
13. In Black & White
14. Mary-Lou
15. Shy
16. Letter To Dana
17. Caleb
18. Don't Say A Word
19. Outro (Vodka / Everything Fades To Gray)

DVD 2:

Extra Features:

Sonata Arctica Open Air II:

01. White Pearl, Black Oceans
02. Draw Me
03. In Black & White
04. Don't Say A Word

* Making of "Live in Finland"
* Making of "Flag In The Ground"
* Latin-American Tour Documentary
* "Made In Finland" Tour Documentary

Music Videos:

* Don't Say A Word
* Paid In Full
* Flag In The Ground
* Acoustic live at Alcatraz, Milano
* The "Flag In The Ground" cover contest
* Photo Galleries

Commented SONATA ARCTICA keyboardist Henrik "Lance" Klingenberg: "The main show was filmed at the Teatria club in Oulu, Finland, last April. It showcases SONATA ARCTICA towards the end of 'The Days Of Grays' world tour, which started back in 2009.

"We played a total of over 180 shows in almost 40 countries during the tour.

"This will be a two-DVD release with lots of bonuses. We'll have tour documentaries, making-ofs as well as music videos and bonus songs from our very own Sonata Arctica Open Air festival, held in our hometown Kemi in August 2009.

"Whether you missed us or checked us out during this world tour, this DVD will be the complete guide to what we've been up to these past two years.

"I'm sure you all will enjoy watching this DVD as much as we've enjoyed making it.

"'The Days Of Grays' world tour has been absolutely fantastic and I'm very happy that we've managed to capture all the ups and downs on film. You'll know what I'm talking about when we get this monster package out!"

"The Days Of Grays", the latest album from SONATA ARCTICA, sold around 2,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD landed at position No. 19 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"The Days Of Grays" was released on September 22, 2009 in North America through Nuclear Blast Records.

BLABBERMOUTH.NET has issued that powerhouse American vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (DIO DISCIPLES, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) has been named the lead singer of TRED, the new band featuring bassist Rudy Sarzo (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO), drummer A.J. Pero (TWISTED SISTER) and guitar virtuoso Mike Orlando (ADRENALINE MOB, SONIC STOMP). An album's worth of material is currently being recorded for a 2012 release. European and U.S. tour dates are also planned.

TRED's musical direction is described as "go-for-the-throat, straight-ahead rock."

Commented Orlando: "15 tracks so far are in pre-production.

"A.J., Rudy and myself are real excited about launching this new lineup and it will definetely have tons of energy, great playing and some kick-ass hard rock!

"It will be an honor to be part of this new band, as it is an honor to be part of ADRENALINE MOB as well! Should be an exciting 2012!"

TRED is:

* Tim "Ripper" Owens (DIO DISCIPLES, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) - Lead Vocals
* Rudy Sarzo (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) - Bass
* A.J. Pero (TWISTED SISTER) - Drums
* Mike Orlando (ADRENALINE MOB, SONIC STOMP) - Guitar