Obituary Guitarist Interviewed at Finland's Tuska Festival

On July 2, Finland's HardcoreSounds.net interviewed Obituary guitarist Trevor Peres at the Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in Helsinki, Finland. The interview is now available for streaming at Blabbermouth.net.

Obituary's Left to Die was recently released as a limited-edition vinyl by Night of the Vinyl Dead Records. Only 500 hand-numbered copies were made availble.

The band's latest album, Darkest Day, came in at the No. 32 on Heatseeker's Top New Artist Albums chart. The chart lists best-selling albums by developing artists who have never appeared in the Top 100 of the Billboard 200. (Read More)

Dave Mustaine Talks Metallica, Religion, and Rock and Roll Excesses

In a recent interview, CTV.ca chatted with Megadeth main man Dave Mustaine about his upcoming autobiography.

Leaving no stone unturned, Mustiane discussed an array of personal topics, including the neglect he experienced during childhood, the excesses of his "rock and roll lifestyle," and the more recent events in his life including his newfound religious devotion. Concerning his turn to God, Mustaine commented on how religion doesn't readily meld with the metal archetype:

"I think in the beginning there were a lot of people who were very angry because they'd lost their guitar player, their singer, their frontman, their Dave Mustaine. [But] if you go back and look at all my lyrics now, there's a lot of God in it."

Mustaine also discussed metal giants Metallica. His excessive drug and alcohol use was the reason for his being booted from the band in 1983. In his book, Mustaine writes, "Without my songs and my solos - without my energy - I don't know that Metallica ever would have become the band that it was."

Outside of substance abuse, Mustaine experienced a number of other setbacks in his career. Among them: an arm injury that nearly ended his career entirely, the near-disintegration of his marriage, and a number of stints in rehab. "Heroin was a terrible experience for us," he admitted. "It was part of my life for 13 years." According to Mustaine, Megadeth's back catalogue is full of clues regarding the band's downward spiral: "You can see where the different types of drugs changed, where the band changed. The heroin and the cocaine use, and the debauchery, and the fighting and the theft and stealing and robbing."

Having recently embraced a more spiritual outlook on life, Mustaine credits religion as having saved his life, protected his family, and kept him going as a member of Megadeth:

"When I got saved it wasn't about getting me saved. It was about me getting my life right with God, getting my family out of what looked liked extremely dire straits ... and just making a really good decision for once in my life."

After all he's endured, Mustaine has no intention of stopping in the near future. "I think that I'll be a musician for the rest of my days," he remarked.

Rhapsody of Fire to Release 35-minute Symphony

Italian symphonic metallers Rhapsody of Fire are set to release a 35-minute symphony titled The Cold Embrace Of Fear - A Dark Romantic Symphony. It is slated for an October 15 release via Nuclear Blast Records.

Concerning the the band's latest release, Rhapsody of Fire guitarist Luca Turilli commented, "For this special CD we composed a unique song of around 35 minutes divided in seven 'acts.' ... Looking at the title, you can easily imagine that such long and epic song will show the most cinematic and orchestral side of our band, all our passion for the world of cinema we love so much and that always represented our main influence while composing the Rhapsody's music." (Read More)

New Slayer Concert DVDs to Be Released

For some time now, Slayer fans everywhere have had to endure a void in their DVD collections - one caused by the disappointing fact that all Slayer DVDs have been out of print. That won't be the case for much longer, however. On August 17, 2003's War at the Warfield and 2004's Still Reigning will be reissued. Not only that, but 1995's Live Intrusion will be issued in remastered, digital form for the first time ever. The DVDs will be sold separately at retail and online and a limited edition package - the "Slayer Live DVD 3-Pak" - will be made available for exclusive sale on Slayer's official website. (Read More)

LeatherWolf to open for Ratt and Dokken

Orange County's metal Triple Axe Attack, LEATHERWOLF, have been added to the RATT/DOKKEN double bill on August 1 at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA. The show is part of the annual OC Fair.

LEATHERWOLF are scheduled to take the stage at 6.30pm. Specially priced 10 dollar tickets can be purchased online via Ticketmaster by using a special password; for more info visit the band's MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/leatherwolfmusic

LEATHERWOLF are currently working on their first ever DVD, 'Live at the Galaxy', which was filmed during the band's 2009 performance at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, CA. A sneak preview of the song 'Thunder' has been posted on the band's YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg3K_dO-Fdw . It features the band's current line-up, with guitarist Greg Erba and bassist Patrick Guyton joining original members Michael Olivieri (vocals, guitar), Carey Howe (guitars), and Dean Roberts (drums).

Triptykon Announce U.S. Tour

Triptykon is about to embark on its very first tour of the U.S. The band, which is the creation of former Celtic Frost frontman Tom Gabriel Warrior, will take to the road in support of its debut album, Eparistera Daimones. 1349 and Yakuza will also join Triptykon on tour.

Commenting on the approaching tour, vocalist/guitarist Tom Gabriel Warrior said, "Ever since my earliest days in Hellhammer and Celtic Frost, I have been extremely fortunate to be able to count on the support, fanaticism, and immense loyalty of the North American metal scene. The recognition my work has received there eclipses anything I have ever encountered in my own native country." (Read More)

Interview with Blind Guardian Guitarist

Roy Kristensen (of Norway's Imhotep) recently interviewed Marcus Siepen - guitarist for the German power metal act, Blind Guardian. The interview, which can be streamed in three parts via Blabbermouth.net, features Siepen discussing topics sich as music in general, performing live, and the band's newest album. Siepen also touches on issues concerning fan dedication, the work involved in releasing an album, and the album title of Blind Guardian's latest release.

At the Edge of Time - the newest project from Blind Guardian - is set for an August 24 release in North America (via Nuclear Blast Records). A three-song single, "A Voice in the Dark," was released on June 25 in Europe. (Read More)

Hammerfall Guitarist Interviewed at U.K.'s High Voltage Festival

James Allman (of Baconmusic) recently had the chance to chat with Oscar Dronjak - guitarist for the Swedish melodic metal band, Hammerfall. The interview was conducted before the band took to the stage at the U.K. High Voltage Festival, which was held on July 24-25 at Victoria Park in London. (The interview can be streamed below.)

Hammerfall's latest album was released in February 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records. Titled No Sacrifice, No Victory, the album was partially recorded in Varberg, Sweden at Andy La Rocque's Sonic Train Studios. The album includes an instrumental written by guitarist Pontus Norgren (Great King Rat, The Poodles, Talisman), who is the latest addition to Hammerfall. No Sacrifice, No Glory also features the song "One of a Kind," which was a collaboration between Dronjak and In Flames guitarist Jesper Strömblad - a former member of Hammerfall from the band's earliest days. Finally, the album's cover art was penned by Sam "Samwise" Didier and its layout was created by Thomas Ewerhard.

White Wizzard Announce First U.K. Headlining Tour

White Wizzard has officially announced a headlining tour of the U.K. starting November 2010. The Los Angeles traditional heavy metal band recently appeared at this year's Download Festival in the U.K. and kicked off the Sunday show on the Ronnie James Dio stage. Now the band is set to return to Europe for its first-ever headlining U.K. tour with the support of Primitai. (Read More)

Catholic Church Asks for Respect from Marduk

The Catholic Church of Costa Rica is demanding respect...from Marduk. The Swedish black metal band is scheduled to make an appearance in Costa Rica next week and church officials have gone public with their objections of the group's music and image.

Religious groups have been critical of Marduk's anti-Christian lyrics and have gone so far as to regard the group as "Satanic."

Mario Segura, Catholic priest and spokesperson for the Curia Metropolitana, has gone on record saying Marduk "should have more respect because they are sacred things" (referencing the band's use of religious articles and imagery, such as the depiction of an inverted cross in its cover art). (Read More)

Annotations of an Autopsy Parts Ways with Guitarist and Drummer; Announce Replacements

U.K. death metallers Annotations of an Autopsy have a lineup change in store. The band has announced the departure of guitarist Sam Dawkins and drummer Brad Merry. The pair have been replaced by Don Jones and Neil Hayward, respectfully.

Commented the band in an official statement: "Sam decided to leave [the band] after [our American tour with Dying Fetus] to follow home life with his girlfriend and loved ones. His heart wasn't into touring anymore, so he made the decision to leave." (Read More)

Josh Rand and Jim Root Talk Studio Gear with Guitar Edge

Guitar Edge's Elliott Politte paid a visit to Stone Sour guitarists Josh Rand and Jim Root while the pair were recording the band's new album - Audio Secrecy - at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Root showed off his collection of guitars and explained how he achieved his tone for the new Stone Sour record. Root also divulged the secret of his tone, then went on to unveil a prototype for his signature Fender Stratocaster. (Two video clips can be streamed below.)

Audio Secrecy is scheduled for a September 7 release via Roadrunner Records. The album was recorded with Nick Raskulinecz in Nashville in the midst of the array of storms and floods that devastated the historic Music City. Audio Secrecy's predecessor, Come What(ever) May, was released in 2006 and debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard album chart. The album included the hits "Made of Scars," "Through Glass," and "Sillyworld."

Stone Sour is set to preview select songs from Audio Secrecy during the Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival. The tour launches on August 17 and spans 36 dates across North America before wrapping up on October 4 in Madison, Wisconsin. The band debuted three new songs - "The Bitter End," "Digital," and "Mission Statement" - during a June 7 concert in Berlin, Germany.

Testament Guitarist to Make Guest Appearance on New Maligno Album

Mexican doom rockers Maligno have issued the following statement:

"We are officially done with the tracking of Maligno's third album, which has the working title TFD. As we mentioned before, it is a concept album with a story connected by nine songs which features collaborations by acclaimed Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo Y Gabriela in an instrumental and Testament guitar legend Alex Skolnick in another track. The album was recorded by Maligno at La Nave studios [in Monterrey, Mexico] and will be sent to mix to London in the next couple of days and mastering will be done in New York." (Read More)

Scorpions Guitarist: "I Don't Want to Do an Obligatory Solo Album That No One is Going to Buy"

The Arizona Republic's Michael Senft recently sat down with Scorpions guitarist Matthias Jabs. During the interview, Jabs sheds light on his decision to retire, reflects on career highlights, and talks about his prospective retirement plans. (Read More)

Threat Signal Parts Ways with Guitarist

Canadian metallers Threat Signal have announced that they will officially part ways with guitarist Adam Weber.

Bassist Pat Kavanagh commented, "Adam has decided to leave us. He has some personal things he needs to work out and we wish him all the best. We're still good friends and there's plenty more beers that we'll have together, so no worries." (Read More)

Mercyful Fate Guitarist to Gust Star on Volbeat Album

Mercyful Fate guitarist Michael Denner will appear on Beyond Hell/Above Heaven - the fourth studio album from Danish metal group Volbeat. An array of other musicians are scheduled to appear on the album, among them: Napalm Death's Mark "Barney" Greenway and Kreator's Mille Petrozza. (Read More)

Baroness Talks Gear with Premier Guitar

On May 18, Premier Guitar's Jordan Wagner interviewed Baroness guitarists Peter Adams and John Baizley. During the course of a seven-minute interview segment, the axmen from Savannah, Georgia walk Premier Guitar through their rigs, including custom shop First Act guitars, Gibson Les Pauls, Emperor and Green guitar cabinets, BadCat amplifiers, and effects from companies such as Dunlop, MXR, Ernie Ball, and Electro-Harmonix. (Read More)

Primal Fear Announce European Headlining Tour

Primal Fear has issued a number of European headlining shows. The German power metallers recently released a new live DVD - 16.6 - All Over the World – which was recorded between September and November 2009 in an array of locations. The band has also released a live CD titled Live in the USA. The DVD and CD were issued by Frontiers Records (albeit separately) as a limited edition combo and was released in the U.S. on June 22. (Read More)

Dio's Holy Diver to be Reissued...in Red

Holy Diver, the classic Dio album, will be reissued on 180-gram limited edition gatefold red vinyl on July 30. The vinyl reissue will be released by Back On Black - a company whose specialty is reviving albums on vinyl for collectors and fans across the globe.

Since its release on May 25, 1983, Holy Diver has receive incredible praise from critics and is most often regarded as both Dio's best work and a classic staple in the heavy metal genre. In the U.S., the LP was certified gold on September 12, 1984 and platinum on March 21, 1989.

Following the death of front man Ronnie James Dip in late May 2010, Holy Diver re-entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 149 and stood at No. 11 on Pop Catalog. Some time earlier, a Dio best-of compilation debuted on Catalog at No. 32. Titled The Very Best of Dio, it was certified gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) on March 11, 2009 and shipments on the U.S. alone were in excess of 500, 000 copies. The best-of package had been originally issued in October 2000 and marked the second greatest-hits collection to be released by Dio.

Dio's last release, Holy Diver Live, featured a start-to-finish performance of the classic album, recorded live in 2005. The performance took place before a sold-out London crowd. The album also included other songs from various eras in Ronnie James Dio's career: "Sign of the Southern Cross," "Mob Rules," and "Heaven and Hell" from the Black Sabbath era; "Long Live Rock and Roll," "Tarot Woman," and "Man on the Silver Mountain" from the Rainbow era; "We Will Rock You" from his solo career.

Angra Discuss New Single

Artwork for Angra's upcoming single, "Arising Thunder," has been posted on the band's official MySpace page. The single comes from Aqua, the latest Angra album.

Regarding the band's newest single, guitarist Rafael Bittencourt said, "'Arising Thunder' is a strong, fast and captivating song. We didn't want to choose the most commercial track. Our fans will certainly be impressed with its fury and speed that end up in one of the strongest refrains of our entire career. It describes clearly the water element cycles showing the tenuous line from the tempest to the calm." (Read More)

Helloween Announce 7 Sinners World Tour with Stratovarius

In 2007-08, Helloween's highly successful Hellish Rock world tour led the band through forty countries on four continents. Now the German metallers are preparing to tour the world once again.

Three weeks after the release of their highly anticipated (yet currently untitled) studio album during Halloween 2010, the band is slated to begin a new tour in Europe. (Read More)

Metallica Announces Final World Magnetic Tour Dates

Metallica recently released a statement concerning the addition of a second show in Christchurch, New Zealand as well as the final dates for the World Magnetic Tour:

"The end of the line... Dear Friends: we are so psyched to add a second show in Christchurch, New Zealand at CBS Canterbury Arena on September 21. Thanks again for demanding that we visit you there! Now to the real reason we're here taking up space on this site, we also want to announce that all of our play dates have now filled up with the addition of this show. That's right boys and girls, this will be the last date added to the World Magnetic Tour! So if you're waiting for us to come to the Polar Ice Caps, your undiscovered planet or even your basement, sorry, this is as good at it gets.” (Read More)

Michael Wilton to Appear at GearHounds Guitars and Music Gear

Queensrÿche guitarist Michael Wilton is scheduled to appear on the GearHounds Guitars and Music Gear "GearHounds Live" stage on Wednesday, July 21 (located in Lake Elsinore, California). Wilton will perform a short set and will then sign autographs and take pictures.

Patrons who show up early on that particular day will receive a raffle ticket for a guitar giveaway. Once the event concludes, local band Helsott will take the stage. (Read More)

Megadeth Guitarist Interviewed at Getaway Rock Festival

During the Getaway Rock Festival in Gävle, Sweden, CrankItUp.se had the chance to interview Megadeth guitarist Chris Broderick. The chat can be streamed via Blabbermouth.net.

The Getaway Rock Festival was held for the first time from July 8 to 10. The exclusively heavy metal festival featured acts such as Motörhead, Megadeth, Exodus, Cannibal Corpse, and Mayhem. (Read More)

Psychometry Guitarist to Appear in Documentary

Jonathan Joubert, guitarist for Psychometry, will be appearing in a documentary by Criss Drunk. Titled Cajun Hell, the documentary focuses on Louisiana's underground music scene.

Psychometry issued the following statement regarding Joubert's involvement in the film:

"Guitarist Jonathan Joubert was interviewed for a documentary about Louisiana's underground music scene. Miscellaneous Productions' documentary film, Cajun Hell, highlights one of Louisiana's underground punk bands, Mystic Fix. Jonathan Joubert is a veteran of Louisiana's music scene and was able to shed light on the determination of Mystic Fix to break through the barriers of Louisiana's cultural music traditions."

Joubert himself commented, "When most people think of Louisiana music they think of Zydeco, Cajun, Jazz, and Blues, but Louisiana has much more to offer the music world. It was a great opportunity to inform individuals from other parts of the country that there is, in fact, a thriving underground scene waiting to be brought to light. Heavy Metal, Funk, Punk, as well as a wide array of other genres are always forgotten about in Louisiana, but when you look just under the surface you can find every type of music the world has to offer right around the corner."

Further information on Cajun Hell can be found at the film’s official website. (Read More)

Exodus Guitarist Interviewed at Getaway Rock Festival

Exodus guitarist Gary Holt was recently interviewed by CrankItUp.se. The interview was conducted at this year's Getaway Rock Festival, which takes place from July 8 to 10 in Gävle, Sweden.

Exodus is also set to help kick off Ozzfest 2010. The band will deliver a one-off performance during the August 14 show in San Bernardino, California. (Read More)

Stone Sour, Halford, Ratt, Halestorm, and Hellyeah Confirmed for Loud Park Festival in Japan

Stone Sour, Halford, Ratt, Halestorm, and Hellyeah have been confirmed for Japan's Loud Park 10 festival. The festival will run from October 16 to 17 and will take place at Saitama Super Arena - a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Saitama City. (Read More)

Heaven and Hell is Over, Iommi Confirms

When Heaven and Hell take to the stage for Classic Rock's High Voltage Festival in London later this month, it may be the last performance the band will ever give.

Following the death of singer Ronnie James Dio in May, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice announced their High Voltage tribute set (featuring Glenn Hughes and Jorn Lande in Dio's place). This announcement led to speculation of a tribute tour, but Iommi has officially declared the High Voltage set as a one-off. (Read More)

New Interview with Adam Jones

Rick Florino, editor of ARTISTdirect.com, recently conducted an interview with Tool guitarist Adam Jones.

In the interview, Florino asked Jones about his involvement in the writing and production of graphic novels based on The X-Files and 30 Days of Night as well as his art display at the Alternative Press' 25th anniversary group exhibition. (Read More)

Sepultura Signs with Nuclear Blast Records

Sepultra have officially signed a new deal with Nuclear Blast Records.

Guitarist Andreas Kisser commented on the band's label move saying, "We are happy to be at Nuclear Blast, especially in the year we are celebrating 25 years of history, and it is a great honor for us to join forces with the most metal label in the world. I am sure this will be a great journey for both of us and we are already working on new material while on the road. Let's go for another 25 years!" (Read More)

Exmortem Put to Rest

One of the leading acts in the Danish metal scene has officially disbanded. After more than fifteen years with Exmortem, guitarist Martin Thim - the band's driving force - has decided it's time to move on.

Today, an explanation for the Exmortem's demise was offered on the band's official MySpace page. Thim described his departure as being related to a need for "time to focus on new adventures." (Read More)

And Colin Farrell Stars as...Ozzy Osbourne?

According to Digital Spy, award-winning actor Colin Farrell has agreed to star as Ozzy Osbourne in a prospective biopic of the music icon.

Osbourne himself, however, has made it known that he would like to be played by an unknown - preferably one from his native Birmingham. During an interview with Sunday Mercury, the 61-year-old singer explained, "I'd like to get a Birmingham guy to play the young lad in it because Americans can't do a good Brummie accent." (Read More)

Paul Gilbert to Release Third Instrumental Album

Guitarist Paul Gilbert will release his third instrumental album through Shrapnel Records on August 3. The album, titled Fuzz Universe, is a commentary on Gilbert's own immersion in the world of guitar. "Every generation of guitar players has their own terminology for the rock guitar sound: Distortion, Overdrive, Gain, Crunch, Saturation, Drive etc. For me, the word is 'fuzz.'" (Read More)

More Metal on the Rock Band Network

A number of new metal tracks have been added to the Rock Band Network this week. Tracks added include the likes of Testament, Evile, and Five Finger Death Punch. (Read More)

George Lynch and Don Dokken Give Joint Interview

Guitarist George Lynch and Dokken frontman Don Dokken recently took part in their first joint interview in years.

The event occurred during an appearance on the fifth season of VH1 Classic's That Metal Show. The episode can be streamed in its entirety via Blabbermouth.net. (Read More)