Posted: February 08, 2010 at 15:55 (PST)

METALEATER has received this press release:

Bay Area Thrash legends TESTAMENT have one hell of a year on tap. Starting March 1, TESTAMENT is direct support on MEGADETH "Rust In Peace" 20th Anniversary Tour with special guests EXODUS. Keep in mind this is no regular Metal tour, this will be an event to remember for years to come. To commemorate the anniversary of MEGADETH "Rust In Peace" album all three bands will be playing unique sets on this tour. MEGADETH of course will be playing "Rust In Peace", TESTAMENT will be tearing through their debut thrash masterpiece "The Legacy" and EXODUS will be performing a very special set as well.

In celebration of this unprecedented event in Metal history, TESTAMENT is giving their devoted legions a chance to be a part of Heavy Metal History by offering an exclusive VIP package for each date on the tour. The VIP package includes:

- General Admission ticket with early entry to venue (where available)
- Meet & Greet with select members TESTAMENT
- Individual photo with select members of TESTAMENT
- Q&A session with select members of TESTAMENT
- Autograph opportunity with select members of TESTAMENT
- Commemorative Meet & Greet laminate
- Collectible TESTAMENT Guitar Pick

These packages as well as regular tickets are on sale now but they are selling fast, so do not miss out on your chance to receive the VIP treatment with TESTAMENT this Spring.

Guitarist Eric Peterson had the following to say about the VIP Packages: "The vibe of this tour is definitely special, we are going to have a special set and we are currently working on new music. If you buy a VIP pack maybe I will let you check out some of the new tunes on my I-Pod. Ha ha, seriously though, our fans and Metal fans in general are the best and we look forward to hanging with them on Tour."

Dates for the tour are:

Mar. 1 - Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory
Mar. 2 - Boise, ID - Knitting Factory
Mar. 3 - Medford, OR - Medford Armory
Mar. 6 - Calgary, AB - Big Four
Mar. 7 - Edmonton, AB - Shaw Conference Center
Mar. 8 - Saskatoon, SK - Praireland
Mar. 11 - Indianapolis, IN - Murat Theater
Mar. 12 - Greensburg, PA - The Palace Theater
Mar. 13 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom
Mar. 15 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
Mar. 16 - Baltimore, MD - Ram's Head Live
Mar. 18 - Scranton, PA - Scranton Cultural Center
Mar. 19 - Norfolk, VA - The Norva
Mar. 21 - Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle
Mar. 22 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel *
Mar. 23 - Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall
Mar. 25 - Houston, TX - Verizon Wireless Theater
Mar. 26 - Austin, TX - Stubb's Amphitheatre
Mar. 27 - Lubbock, TX - The Pavilion
Mar. 28 - El Paso, TX - Club 101
Mar. 30 - Tuscon, AZ - Rialto Theater
Mar. 31 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium

* Show is sold out, only TESTAMENT VIP Packages remain. Visit TheOrangePeel.net for VIP Package information.

If this tour isn't amazing enough and you have yet to have your fill of TESTAMENT live, (which should be the case for everyone) the Metal tour of a lifetime is back on! After a brief postponement, the mighty TESTAMENT will be joining forces with MEGADETH and SLAYER for the first time in over 20 years on the American Carnage Tour. The tour kicks off July 23 in Quebec City, and winds up on September 4 in Portland, OR.

The Metal masses have been clamoring for a tour of this magnitude for quite some time and TESTAMENT are stoked to be a part of it. Again as a special exclusive to the TESTAMENT Legions, the band is offering a limited number of VIP Packages for every United States date on the tour. The exclusive TESTAMENT VIP package includes:

- One general admission ticket with early entry (where available)
- Exclusive Meet & Greet with the members of TESTAMENT
- Personal photograph with the band
- Autograph session (includes 8X10 photo)
- Exclusive TESTAMENT Affliction Shirt
- Collectible Tour Poster (limited, numbered)
- Exclusive TESTAMENT Music Skin
- Official VIP Meet and Greet Laminate
- Official set of TESTAMENT Guitar Picks

Frontman Chuck Billy reflected on the VIP experience that TESTAMENT fans can expect this summer: "If there is one thing true about us, we love our fans so much that we want to hang out with them, give them special shit and then throw them INTO THE PIT! This tour is huge, with three of the greatest bands in Metal reuniting after 20 years. We want to make you a part of this special event. So hook yourself up with a TESTAMENT American Carnage VIP Pack today."

TESTAMENT's highly successful and award-winning album "The Formation Of Damnation" will be reissued in a deluxe tour edition on February 23. Information on the Deluxe Tour Edition of "The Formation Of Damnation" can be found below:

Disc 1:

01. The Persecuted Won't Forget
02. Killing Season
03. Afterlife
04. The Evil Has Landed
05. The Formation Of Damnation
06. Henchmen Ride
07. More Than Meets The Eye
08. Dangers Of The Faithless
09. False Evidence Appearing Real (F.E.A.R.)
10. Leave Me Forever

Disc 2:

- The New Order *Audio and Video *
- Practice What You Preach *Audio and Video *
- Souls Of Black *Audio and Video *
- More Than Meets The Eye music video

* Recorded in Alcatraz for their MTV "52/52" special

Catch TESTAENT on the 2010 "American Carnage" Tour:

July 23 - Quebec City, QC - Pavillon de la Jeunesse
July 24 - Montreal, QC - Heavy MTL, Parc Jean-Drapeau
July 26 - Halifax, NS - Metro Centre
July 27 - Moncton, NB - Moncton Coliseum
July 29 - Toronto, ON - Molson Amphitheatre
July 30 - London, ON - John Labatt Centre Center
Aug. 11 - Glens Falls, NY - Glens Falls Civic Center
Aug. 12 - East Rutherford, NJ - Izod Center
Aug. 14 - Boston, MA - Tsongas Arena
Aug. 15 - Camden, NJ - Susquehanna Bank Center
Aug. 16 - Wallingford, CT - Chevrolet Theatre
Aug. 18 - Cleveland, OH - Tower City Amphitheatre
Aug. 19 - Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena
Aug. 20 - Chicago, IL - UIC Pavillon
Aug. 21 - Minneapolis, MN - Roy Wilkins Auditorium
Aug. 23 - Sandstone, Kansas City, KS - Cap Fed Park
Aug. 25 - Denver, CO - Magness Arena
Aug. 26 - Albuquerque, NM - Tingley Coliseum
Aug. 27 - Phoenix, AZ - Dodge Theatre
Aug. 29 - San Diego, CA - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug. 30 - Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Arena
Aug. 31 - San Francisco, CA - Cow Palace
Sept. 1 - Sacramento, CA - Arco Arena
Sept. 3 - Seattle, WA - Wamu Theatre
Sept. 4 - Portland, OR - Washington County Fairgrounds

Posted: February 08, 2010 at 15:36 (PST)

Relapse Records has sent METALEATER this press release:

Comedian/actor Brian Posehn will release his brand new stand-up album, "Fart And Wiener Jokes", on April 27 via Relapse Records.

"Fart And Wiener Jokes", the follow-up to his is "Live In: Nerd Rage" debut, was recorded at various live gigs across the US during 2009. The record will also include two musical tracks, "More Metal Than You" and a cover of the Kenny Rogers classic "The Gambler". Posehn recorded these songs with the help of a number of "Metal" all-stars including Scott Ian (ANTHRAX), Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED, KINGDOM OF SORROW), Mark Morton (LAMB OF GOD), John Tempesta (EXODUS, THE CULT), Russ Parrish (STEEL PANTHER), and more. "Fart And Wiener Jokes" is set for an April 27 North American release date, May 3 internationally, and is available for pre-order at this location.

Additionally, Posehn will be headlining club shows throughout the month of Feb. . He is currently booked for multiple shows in Louisville, KY and Peoria, IL with a special one-off show in Flint, MI. Posehn will also co-headline the 2010 Relapse Records SXSW showcase along with Metal legends VOIVOD on March 17 in Austin, TX. A listing of confirmed dates and cities can be found below.

Feb. 18 - Louisville, KY - The Louisville Improv
Feb. 19 - Louisville, KY - The Louisville Improv
Feb. 19 - Louisville, KY - The Louisville Improv
Feb. 20 - Louisville, KY - The Louisville Improv
Feb. 20 - Louisville, KY - The Louisville Improv
Feb. 24 - Flint, MI - The Machine Shop
Feb. 25 - Peoria, IL - The Jukebox Comedy Club
Feb. 26 - Peoria, IL - The Jukebox Comedy Club
Feb. 26 - Peoria, IL - The Jukebox Comedy Club
Feb. 27 - Peoria, IL - The Jukebox Comedy Club
Feb. 27 - Peoria, IL - The Jukebox Comedy Club
Mar. 17 - Austin, TX - Red 7 (as part of the Relapse Records 2010 SXSW Showcase)

Posted: February 08, 2010 at 15:25 (PST)

Following MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine's hint at an announcement which he stated to be "right up there at the top of the most important press releases... ever", the news has finally come... something surely not many expected. Here is the official press release:

MEGADETH founder and frontman Dave Mustaine has announced the return of original bassist David Ellefson (1983-2002) to the iconic multi-platinum group. This reunion is appropriately timed to MEGADETH's upcoming historic month-long "Rust In Peace" 20th anniversary tour which launches March 1 in Spokane, WA. At these incredibly special shows, MEGADETH will play their landmark, genre-defining 1990 album "Rust In Peace" in its entirety, in addition to other MEGADETH favorites.

"This shows the power of brotherly love and forgiveness," Mustaine says. “David Ellefson belongs in MEGADETH. Next we are going to show you the power of getting your asses kicked...HARD!"

David Ellefson concurs: "This is a huge moment for all of us, band and fans alike. It is a great celebration of the music from one of the biggest landmark albums of our career."

Ellefson will join Mustaine and MEGADETH band members Shawn Drover (drums) and Chris Broderick (guitar) on tour in support of the group's current CD "Endgame", which has received some of the highest critical accolades of the band's career.

"We'd like to thank James LoMenzo for several years of loyal service on the bass, and wish him the very best," Mustaine adds.

Posted: February 08, 2010 at 14:39 (PST)

ARCH ENEMY guitarist Michael Amott will be making a guest appearance on The METALEATER Radio Show this week to talk about the band's nearly wrapped up North American tour with EXODUS, ARSIS and MUTINY WITHIN.

FEAR FACTORY frontman Burton C. Bell will also be calling in to talk about the band's new album "Mechanize", along with other topics surrounding the band as of late.

The METALEATER Radio Show airs Thursdays from 4pm - 7pm Pacific / 7pm - 10pm Eastern and rebroadcasts on Fridays from 7pm - 10pm Pacific / 10pm - 1am Eastern, exclusively on the CMS Radio Network.

Posted: February 08, 2010 at 11:58 (PST)

GUNS N' ROSES vocalist Axl Rose has posted this message on his Twitter profile:

"WOW!! The Canadian Run's over already?!! That was insane!! And I mean that in the absolute BEST way possible!!

We'll take a few days 2 regroup n' jump in2 the next thing. Thanks 2 everyone 4 coming out, hope u had fun!! We had a blast!! Can't wait 2 see u again!!

Special thanks 2 all the fans, production, video, security, transpo, catering, merchandise, wardrobe, personal n' biz crews, Sebastian n' the SEBASTIAN BACH Band, Maria Bach, DANKO JONES, all of r's n' their roadies, techs, the Shot Girls, r personal friends, family n' guests who came out 2 support us, Lucky Beer (Aussie), Bubbles n' all the TPB's (unbelievable ending!!), thanks 4 ALL the positive press n' reviews, it's more than greatly appreciated!!

With the exceptions of are scheduling, n' routing nonsense, a few misguided (minor) media hacks twistin' either Haiti comments or a 2001 bs RS story, all the bumps n' bruises n' landin' on my ass!! Ha! ... All n' all a good run.

Would've liked to hit Toronto a bit harder (n' earlier!). Thanks Canada!! A BIG thanks to the band!! Thanks 2 all the well wishers n' 4 all the bday wishes. Ur all 2 kind!! Oh n' the band 4 buyin' me 10 acres on the Moon!! I miss you Moje!!

Love Axl."

Posted: February 08, 2010 at 11:55 (PST)

Metal Blade has sent METALEATER this press release:

WOE OF TYRANTS spent the entirety of 2009 criss-crossing the US on a multitude of tours. After the grueling schedule came to a close, did they head home to rest and take some time off? NOPE! They dove right into songwriting for the follow up to their sophomore album and Metal Blade debut, "Kingdom Of Might". This time around, the guys have seriously turned up the shred-knob and churned out some of the most exciting songs we've heard swirling around the Metal Blade offices in quite some time. On this record, you'll find equal parts speed, groove and over the top guitar soloing. Headbanging will be mandatory.

The new album, Threnody, will be released worldwide on April 13 while the band will be on the road with OVERKILL and VADER. The artwork and first track will be up on the band's MySpace page, in the coming weeks. Before then, SiriusXM Liquid Metal listeners will be treated to an exclusive premiere of the first single, "Creatures Of The Mire" on Friday, February 12.

Vocalist Chris Catanzaro discusses the themes of "Threnody":

"Well 2009 proved to be a monstrous one for WOE OF TYRANTS. It was a year of accomplishing goals such as releasing our debut Metal Blade album, touring with bands we've grown up listening to, and meeting thousands of awesome people all over the country. As we embark into 2010, our goals have shifted up a few gears. We have a brand baby spankin' new record that we finished recording at the end of 2009 with Jamie King producing, and to embrace the cliché 'this is the most epic brutal stuff we've ever done and we're stoked on it!' The album is entitled Threnody. Now for those of us who do not know what that word means right off hand (I had to look it up as I was reading a passage from Ralph Waldo Emerson long ago), a threnody is a song or hymn inspired by the grief of losing someone you love. The album tells a story of a non-specific individual traveling between planets searching for answers, while paralleling Satan's fall from grace to damnation at the same time. We all experience a change at some point as we travel through life, albeit not of the same magnitude as Lucifer, that will render us either content, or disgusted. When disgust is the feeling, then we begin to miss our former self as if they were an entirely different person.

I'd like to be clear that I'm not referring specifically to Christians, or Muslims, or Amish or whatever else the kids are doing these days. Threnody, as we are using it, is a story of grief over losing oneself. This album will surprise those familiar with our band, and hopefully surpass any preconceived notions of those who are listening to us for the first time. If you have expectations for this record to sound like our last two albums, it doesn't. Well, a little like the others, as we still prefer playing leads over doing breakdowns, and we still wish we were WINTERSUN or DECAPITATED. But for the most part, this record is new territory for us and we are excited to unleash it.

We have a huge touring schedule kicking off in the spring, preceded by some regional shows in February as a part of the 'Metal As Art' tour with HYPNO5E, STARRING JANET LEIGH and FALLEN MARTYR. At the end of March, we leave on the KILLFEST tour which features OVERKILL, VADER, GOD DEHRONED, WARBRINGER and EVILE. We couldn't be happier about being involved with such an epic tour, and to join OVERKILL on their 25th anniversary tour is truly an honor. Much love!"

"Threnody" track listing:

01. Tetelestai
02. Creatures Of The Mire
03. Venom Eye
04. Tempting The Wretch
05. Threnody
06. Bloodsmear
07. The Venus Orbit
08. Lightning Over Atlantis
09. Singing The Surrender
10. Descendit Ad Inferos (The Harrowing Of Hell)

Posted: February 08, 2010 at 11:48 (PST)

Century Media has sent METALEATER this press release:

Extreme Metal at its very best, plain and simple, is what the Atlanta based quintet DAATH delivered on their latest album, "The Concealers". Currently the group is more determined, energized, and focused than ever before to continue expanding upon their unique, uncompromising and dynamic sound. For those previously uninitiated, feel free to head over to MySpace to see what they are all about.

The band had this statement:

"Unpredictability and chaos are two themes defining the times we live in. Everything about DAATH's career has been married to these themes. We've accepted them as beautiful and have learned to love the ride. Despite the chaos there is one thing that is for certain: we will always be pushing the boundaries of what we do. This fall we will bring you a record you are not expecting to hear from us. This venture will have more to offer than our previous efforts. We are committed to always improving our sound, our songs, and our playing. It will not be said that our next record will be the most brutal sound we've created yet, or that it's going to be the our heaviest to date. That would be cliche. What you can expect to hear are really catchy, intense songs with soaring riffs that will encourage one to hit the repeat button. Arena sized choruses that will remain in your head whether you like it or not. Innovative, ground breaking solos. Bashing - blasting - yet dynamic drumming. An uncompromised low end paired with unique synth work. Collectively, these elements direct the left turns we have always chosen to take. This will not be 'The Hinderers Part II', 'The Re-Concealers', or 'The Conhinderers'. This will be a brand new sound.

Many important facts have happened over the past year. The first being that we put out 'The Concealers', which we consider to be the first true DAATH record. The second fact being that we toured without Kevin Talley. Kevin needed a sabbatical in 2009 and we gave it to him. We took some fantastic fill-ins and had some legendary times. Each one of those tours was great in their own regard. We played in front of some brand new audiences in brand new places and hung out with some of our closest friends. We learned our songs go beyond who is in the band. We also learned we prefer to play them with Kevin. To clear up any confusion, Kevin Talley is still in DAATH.

Another highlight from the past few months is Emil Werstler and Eyal Levi signing a deal with Magna Carta records to do a series of instrumental releases. Joined by drummer Sean Reinert of Cynic, artistic limits were pushed into territories only previously dreamed of. There's an element of boundary-less music on the first Levi / Werstler release (due out Spring 2010). We've never had the chance to really explore this with DAATH. What was learned from doing this record is the need to be making music which pushes our boundaries constantly. The next few years will be marked by many releases from our camp via DAATH and Levi / Werstler; as well as various projects still in the planning stages. There is too much music in each of our psyches to be limited to one album every two years. This may work for some artists, but not for us.

While this recent undertaking may seem elaborate and obscure; we assure DAATH fans on every level, we have total control of our art. We look forward to bringing you the album of our collective career this fall."

Posted: February 08, 2010 at 11:43 (PST)

DEW-SCENTED vocalist Leif Jensen has checked in with this bulletin:

"So yeah, DEW-SCENTED are finally in the studio recording a new album!

After some last preparations in our rehearsal room this past weekend, we started tracking drums at Soundlodge Studios with Jörg Uken on Monday. It's fucking freezing outside, but in terms of drumming things are going great so far and Marc-Andree is on fire!

The material for this new album is INTENSE and the drumming pretty demanding, so it's gonna be fun working some more on this one.

By the way, we can now reveal as well that the new album will be entitled 'Invocation'. Our buddy and long-term partner in all visual matters Björn at killustrations.com has already prepared some killer artwork concept as well! We are super stoked with the results.

In other news, DEW-SCENTED have been confirmed to return to France's awesome Hellfest Open Air this year. We will be appearing on Saturday, June 19 and the lineup includes bands like ARCH ENEMY, ATHEIST, BEHEMOTH, GODFLESH, IMMORTAL, KISS, NEVEMORE, SOIA, TWISTED SISTER and lots more!

More cool festival appearances and club-shows are currently in the works and will be announced soon! Stay tuned...

Regarding the BOLT THROWER / ROTTING CHRIST / ASPHYX / DEW-SCENTED show on April 29 in Enschede's Atak venue: Please don't ask us for tickets - we don't have any! That gig completely sold out within a couple of days only and promises to be a blast!

OK, gotta get back to work again but we will try to keep you informed about progress in the studio and hopefully have some video report stuff available soon as well.

In the meantime, be well and take it easy... prost!"

Posted: February 08, 2010 at 11:18 (PST)

Legendary Metal vocalist OZZY OSBOURNE was a featured guest on on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live! last Friday (February 5). Check out some video footage from the show: Video 1, Video 2

Posted: February 08, 2010 at 11:13 (PST)

Century Media has sent METALEATER this press release:

Few bands today encapsulate the tireless work ethic that it takes to succeed at all costs putting their livelihood on the line to take that one shot at Rockstardom, well the Chicago based SOIL have taken this hard road and it's now starting to pay off tenfold. This quartet is a the definition of pure Hard Rock fury with a backbone firmly rooted in Heavy Metal ultimately resulting in a dynamic, propulsive blend of hard driving anthems.

SOIL's main emphasis focuses on crafting songs with massive hooks and punishing grooves that protrudes an energy that can't be denied. This is most evident with their highly acclaimed latest album, "Picture Perfect". The band's latest single, "Lesser Man", is also currently burning up the Active Rock charts lead by solid airplay from such tastemaker stations as WJRR (Orlando), WIIL (Chicago), KXFX (Santa Rosa), WJJO (Madison) and WXQR (Greenville).

However, the live show is where SOIL is at their very best and they are one of the few remaining artists that actually delivers an entertaining show that engages the viewer and leaves you enamored with their musical prowess and undeniable stage comradery.

Recently returning from a sold-out European tour with genre titans SHINEDOWN, the group immediately began preparing for a coast to coast North American tour as direct support to SMILE EMPTY SOUL. This lengthy trek kicks off in Los Angeles on March 25 and wraps up in May. Head over now to MySpace to view their complete tour itinerary, stream new tracks and view their latest videos.

Tim King (bass) further states: "It's a great feeling getting back on tour throughout the U.S. virtually hitting every market. We are also looking forward to touring with SMILE EMPTY SOUL, whom I have been a fan of for years. Come out and hang with us. It's going to be a party for sure."

The working class rockstar mentality is something that has been missing for quite some time and SOIL are the true definition of modern day Rock heroes. These are four men that equally embrace an undying work ethic, undeniable charm and you would be hard pressed to find anyone that isn't wishing them all of the success in the world. SOIL's fiery brand of Rock madness is something to keep an eye out for.

In 2010, SOIL breaks new ground in the Active Rock world and "Picture Perfect" is a true statement as to the band's determination and ultimate perseverance solidifying them as true hard Rock titans.

Posted: February 08, 2010 at 00:54 (PST)

DEMONOID guitarist Kristian Niemann recently checked in with this bulletin:

"Updates have been few and far between the last couple of months and recording has been on hold because well...life sort of got in the way. The family moved in November and it took just about two months to get everything sorted and up and running again. I also had to start earning more money; meaning working more; meaning more time spent with guitar students and less on the new record. Not exactly what I had planned but you gotta do what you gotta do. Anyway, enough of that shit.

My new home studio is finally assembled and working and it even has a name now:
Studio Strypronk. Kinda cryptic (and VERY immature!) but if you're Swedish you'll know what it means. Recording is now back on track; still got melodies, solos and vocals to do plus some keyboard parts.

To all of you, sincerely: Thanks for having the patience of Mother Theresa and Ghandi combined. If I were you, I would've kicked our asses a long time ago. In fact, I talked to Ricky (Richard Evensand - drums) today and he pointed out that this year it's been fuckin' FIVE years ago since we put out 'Riders Of The Apocalypse'. Damn, that's even longer than DEF LEPPARD!"

Posted: February 07, 2010 at 12:11 (PST)

FEAR FACTORY vocalist Burton C. Bell has revealed to METALEATER that the band will be touring across North America beginning in March. Exact dates will be announced soon.

As reported earlier on METALEATER, "Mechanize" [view cover] will be released in North America on February 9 through Candlelight. Here is the full track listing:

01. Mechanize
02. Industrial Discipline
03. Fear Campaign
04. Powershifter
05. Christploitation
06. Oxidizer
07. Controlled Demolition
08. Designing The Enemy
09. Metallic Division
10. Final Exit

Posted: February 07, 2010 at 12:02 (PST)

Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA will be releasing two separate albums, "The Wicked Symphony" and "Angel Of Babylon", on April 3. Here are the track listings:

"The Wicked Symphony":

01. The Wicked Symphony
02. Wastelands
03. Scales Of Justice
04. Dying For An Angel
05. Blizzard On A Broken Mirror
06. Runaway Train
07. Crestfallen
08. Forever Is A Long Time
09. Black Wings
10. States Of Matter
11. The Edge

"Angel Of Babylon":

01. Angel Of Babylon
02. Stargazers
03. Your Love Is Evil
04. Death Is Just A Feeling
05. Rat Race
06. Down In The Dark
07. Blowing Out The Flame
08. Symphony Of Life
09. Alone I Remember
10. Promised Land 2
11. Journey To Arcadia

Here is a list of the guest musicians lending their talents to the albums::

- Klaus Meine (SCORPIONS)
- Tim "Ripper" Owens (CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ex-ICED EARTH)
- Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER)
- Michael Kiske (HELLOWEEN)
- Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN, ARK, MILLENIUM)
- Bob Catley (MAGNUM)
- Sascha Paeth
- Felix Bohnke (EDGUY)
- Alex Holzwarth (RHAPSODY, SIEGES EVEN)
- Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X)
- Jens Johansson (STRATOVARIUS, DIO, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN)
- Andre Matos (ANGRA, SHAAMAN, VIPER)
- Bruce Kulick (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD)
- Cloudy Yang
- Oliver Hartmann (AT VANCE, HARTMANN)
- Jon Oliva (JON OLIVA'S PAIN, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, SAVATAGE)

Posted: February 07, 2010 at 11:51 (PST)

Vocalist Tarja Turunen (ex-NIGHTWISH) has checked in with this new studio report:

"We are working very hard to get the songs in a shape where everybody feels good and comfortable. Mike (Terrana; drums) did again amazing job today. He recorded few more songs and we are well in schedule.

Among those songs was 'In For A Kill' that I have performed last year a couple of times with an orchestra. Now it turned to be really cool with the drums and the reference guitars from Alex. Is already very promising.

It was a surprise for everybody in the studio the cover song recorded today. We managed to refresh a great song from the '80’s. Is a bit sad that songs like this one nobody writes any more.

According to Mike (Terrana - drums); he played today the longest drum fill he had recorded in nearly 100 albums!!

We had fun with his performances and sometimes it felt that he did more than what he expected himself to do! So it made him very happy.

It was a tough day for all of us, but very rewarding."

Posted: February 06, 2010 at 12:28 (PST)

As reported earlier on METALEATER, veteran German hard rockers SCORPIONS will be releasing their brand new album, "Sting In The Tail" [view cover] in North America on March 23 through Universal Music Enterprises. It will be released in Europe four days earlier, on March 19. Here is the complete track listing:

01. Raised On Rock (3:57)
02. Sting In The Tail (3:12)
03. Slave Me (2:44)
04. The Good Die Young (featuring Tarja Turunen) (5:14)
05. No Limit (3:24)
06. Rock Zone (3:17)
07. Lorelei (4:31)
08. Turn You On (4:25)
09. Let's Rock (3:21)
10. SLY (5:15)
11. Spirit Of Rock (3:43)
12. The Best Is Yet To Come (4:34)