Listen To A New Soundgarden Song- New Van Halen CD and Tour- Arcade Fire On Top- Jack White Vs Celeb Motherf**kers- 500K For Band Name- Weezer Leak- more

August Burns Red has announced an upcoming series of U.S. tour dates with Bring Me The Horizon, Emarosa, Polar Bear Club, and This is Hell. more -

Behemoth Frontman Rushed To Hospital

Metal Underground has passed on word that several polish media outlets are reporting that Behemoth frontman Adam "Nergal" Darski has been rushed to hospital for immediate medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. Darski issued a statement late Sunday confirming his illness.

It was reported on August 5th, 2010 that Behemoth would have to cancel their scheduled appearance at this year's Sonisphere Festival to do "health issues." Adam Darski was admitted to Gdansk Medical University Hospital to receive emergency treatment. Polish media are also reporting that manager Jaroslaw Burdek and fellow Behemoth band members had reportedly claimed Nergal's condition was seen as "serious."

Metal Underground had the following statement from Darski: "I do not want to bore you with details, but I can no longer hide the fact that I am seriously ill and waiting for my multi-stage treatment, which can take up to several months. Thus, we have not choice but to cancel the coming summer festivals, planned for September and October tour of Russia and the Baltic States and the November tour of the USA. I've got a rather difficult period, and a lot of work but I became hardened in the fire, is not it? You know me, so that you know that out of this I will become stronger than ever. We will then rebook all the concerts and return with greater momentum. At this time, I feel good, my head is ready to fight the disease, everything is under the control of professionals. I have with me the most wonderful and loving woman, family, team, managers and people from publishing companies who are doing everything to support me." - Read the rest of his statement here

Freak Thunderstorm Can't Stop Iron Maiden and Alice Cooper

A freak thunderstorm hit the Sonisphere Festival in Pori, Finland Sunday about 4 p.m. local time, wreaking havoc with the day's scheduled events, reports HenneMusic.com:

According to the festival website, strong wind gusts damaged the stages and knocked down tents and fences; approximately 40 people have been reported injured, two of them seriously.

On Sunday afternoon HenneMusic.com reported that: Having borrowed a drum kit from Slayer, Alice Cooper is performing a full set on the main stage and Iron Maiden's show will go ahead as scheduled, starting just before 10p local time and ending about 2 minutes to midnight. - more on this story

Rob Zombie Backtracks On Ozzy Trash Talk

Rock Radio is reporting that Rob Zombie is singing a slightly different tune: Zombie says his angry outburst over band members leaving him to join Ozzy Osbourne's outfit was aimed at departed drummer Tommy Clufetos, and not at Ozzy and his wife Sharon.

The shock-rocker last week ranted over Clufetos' move after bassist Blasko did the same thing in 2003, and guitarist John 5 was considered for an Ozzy role last year. He said: "There's ways to do things, and ways not to do things. The way they've chosen to do things is not how I would do things. It's kinda rude."

But now he explains: "I just got off the phone with Ozzy and all is good with us," he adds, "This whole thing was always between my band and a certain ex-drummer – not between me and Ozzy." - Read more of what he had to say here

Y&T Star Fighting Cancer

Y&T bassist Phil Kennemore broke the bad news to fans via their official message board that he is battling cancer. Here is what he had to say: Up to now you haven't heard much information (other than about my extreme back pain) because there really hasn't been much until now. I hated leaving you all in the dark but I didn't want to say anything until there was something conclusive to say. We do have a lot more information now. The number one thing you need to know is that I have cancer. It wasn't absolutely formally diagnosed until yesterday.

With the bad news I also got the good news that along with surgery and treatments, I will be back rockin' and rollin'. I'll be getting a hip replacement as well as back surgery, which means I'll also be more agile. The doctor said that this is treatable and I'll be walking out of this place and I'll be able to go on the road and do everything I need to do to continue my rock 'n' roll life, in due time.

I wanted to thank everyone for your well wishes. I've been sitting here in the hospital reading all of the things that you've all posted online, and I want you to know it means so very much to me to see how much I am loved, supported, and missed. I can really feel the love as I'm reading. I love reading your posts on the web site forum, and, in fact, I need to hear it. From here on out, whatever thoughts and feelings you have, please know that I wish that I could personally respond to each and every one of you, but I'm not able to right now.
- more on this story

Heaviness Sunk Led Zeppelin Reunion

Want a clue as to why the one-off Led Zeppelin reunion was only a one-off? Our friend Nightwatcher has a possible explanation: Robert Plant has revealed that the famous Led Zeppelin reunion show at the O2 Arena in 2007 was "too heavy" for him, and that after the show he had to slink away and have a few quiet drinks on his own.

He also described fobbing off the Gallagher brothers backstage after the gig, which was held to pay tribute to Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic Records.

Plant, who is regularly cooling speculation of another reunion between the surviving Zeppelin members, told Mojo magazine, "Well, what could you do afterwards ...? Twenty minutes after we finished, the Gallagher brothers were leaning on the door of my dressing room and one of them said, 'You're the real f---ing thing, you are.' I said, 'I've known that all down the line -- but I think you need to go a little further round the corridor, next door on the left.' And I went."
- more on this story

John Mellencamp No Better Than This Tour

Midwestern fans will have the chance to spend the evening with John Mellencamp this fall when he and his band embark on the first leg of the No Better Than This Tour in late October.

The tour follows the August 17 release of his Rounder Records debut album, No Better Than This. The tour, designed as a uniquely formatted "evening with," brings Mellencamp's music to theater-sized venues, a rare opportunity to experience one of America's most iconic songwriters and performers in an intimate setting, highlighting all phases of his artistry.

The tour, anticipated to continue through the spring of 2011, will kick off on October 29th in Bloomington, IN, where Mellencamp and his family make their home. It continues for four weeks bringing Mellencamp, his band and music to audiences in Nashville, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh and three additional Indiana markets of South Bend, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis with further tour dates pending. - more on this story

Dave Mustaine Explains Why He Punched Metallica's Hetfield

MetalSucks sent over an excerpt from Dave Mustaine's new autobiography "Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir". The excerpt is where Mustaine discussed the punch that led to Metallica firing him. The excerpt: The actual fight didn't happen right there. They call it a hang fire, like when there's an unexpected delay between the trigger of a gun being pulled and the actual discharge of the weapon. You know it's coming, and there's no stopping it. It's just a matter of time. James and I alternately cursed at each other and refused to speak, until eventually we were both in Ron's house, preparing to rehearse, and tensions boiled over. There was another round of accusations and insults, more cursing, more threats. "You keep talking like that, I'm going to punch you in the mouth," I said. "f*** off!"

In the middle of this exchange, Ron walked out of the bathroom and into the living room. He and James went way back, and despite the fact that James often treated him like sh*t, Ron instinctively defended his friend. "You hit him, you'll have to hit me first."

"Shut up and sit the f*ck down," I said. And then James jumped to Ron's defense. "You touch him, you're going to have to hit me first." - read more and learn about a cool contest

More Jimi Hendrix Reissues Coming in October

Legacy Recordings have announced the second installment of releases for their 2010 Jimi Hendrix Catalog Project, available October 19, 2010.

Legacy's next round of titles will include deluxe editions of Jimi Hendrix Experience: BBC Sessions and Jimi Hendrix: Blues, his legendary Live At Woodstock performance, and Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year, the highly collectible Jimi Hendrix Christmas EP.

Originally released in 1994, the Jimi Hendrix: Blues album features 11 blues performances recorded by Hendrix between 1966 and 1970 showcasing the guitarist's mastery of the 12-bar form. The new deluxe Legacy edition comes packaged in a six-panel digipak with an expanded, 36 page booklet and includes a bonus DVD featuring an expanded, 30 minute version of "Jimi Hendrix and the Blues" from the Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues series. Directed and Produced by Alex Gibney, Janie Hendrix and John McDermott, the film features interviews and live performances not seen in the original PBS television broadcast. A double-disc 12" vinyl LP audiophile edition of Jimi Hendrix: Blues will also be available. - more on this story

Firewind Announce New Album

Firewind have set a late Rocktober release date for their new album, Days of Defiance.

The album will hit stores on October 26th in North American (Oct. 25th throughout Europe). The "World On Fire" single will be available for purchase on digital platforms starting on 8/17.

Gus G. further states: "Usually when we write an album we let the music come to us and go with the flow. Maybe that's why our albums have variety and you can hear everything from super heavy songs, to speed metal shredding, to rock anthems and ballads. Days of Defiance wasn't much different in the making, but this time we recorded almost all of it in our home studios, which allowed us to be more relaxed. That's why I feel the new album features the best performances by all of us. One of our main goals though was to get a bit more of an 'unpolished' sound and be more raw. I think we achieved it and that gives an extra heaviness to the overall sound. We mixed the album in Helsinki, Finland at Sonic Pump Studios. Nino Laurenne (Thunderstone) and Tapio Pennanen mixed it and they did a killer job. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do." - Check out a trailer here

Singled Out: Hawkwind's Inner Visions

Welcome to Singled Out! where we ask artists to tell us the inside story of their latest single. Today Tim Blake from rock legends Hawkwind tells us about "Inner Visions" from their brand new album "Blood of the Earth," which hits stores tomorrow! Tim sent the following from a hotel in Germany before the Berg Hertzburgh festival:

It's quite interesting, really, the choice of songs of mine Hawkwind play ...
I don't think I ever "chose a song" - for instance , we were rehearsing for Live '79 and Dave just said " and then we'll play Lighthouse ... ! and we have been ever since. It's incredible the way that song has evolved .. It's happened again, as we've added "Tide of the Century ' to the Live set .. I wrote that as the New Millennium came in, and I was living in an windmill in Brittany ... close to the Sea ... It corresponds too to the conception of my daughter.. I actually spent the highest tide of last century, by the sea at Carnac... where the stones are, and I wrote a set of pieces called 'La Maree du Sciecle" and the project just grew from there. But it took a long time to come to fruition, I mean, two comets and an eclipse ! Living in the Windmill I was in total symbiosis with the sea and the wind .. There were nights- like those when the Erika went down, where being in my studio a top of the mill, I could feel the storms

Of course it was also a fantastic investigation to world of virtual recording, and I think hardest part is capturing the emotions .. I think the words sum up what was happening - "There's a Tide Coming ! - will you be there?" Playing the song live, with the group is already starting to widen it up in other direction.

Visions, on the other hand, was one I've recorded a couple of time by myself, but never released .. So it was an excellent choice when Dave suggested we did a version for "Blood of the Earth" There was always that Line "I have inner visions" but I had no Idea about what.. Then some things changed in my life, in a very dramatical way.... Could these be the visions of the near death experience I had had? - no that was something else.. Actually, the song is highly "Non-Conforme", insofar as the guitar riff is played by the Ax - Dave plays the Steel Guitar ... but it's Hawkwind and so it gets "raunchy" and slightly 'uptight'. Then, there's how , whilst in the midst of my recovery, my life was invaded and spun about by an astonishing erotic visual performer ... Visions indeed !

I discovered that we are sending and receiving visions all over the world... across the Internet ... Video calls , visio chat ... it's one of Arthur Clarke's promises from 2001. Youtube videos ... so many There's an incredible world out there for us all to explore The Flashing screens - it's exactly the riff - in images - in our minds. Hawkwind have had a long time relationship with images all over their 41 years, and so have I - both in my own way, as well as with Hawkwind

Now that you know the story behind the song, learn more about the album - right here!

Antony and the Johnsons EP Coming This Month Ahead of New Album

Antony and the Johnsons will release their new five song EP "Thank You For Your Love" on August 24.

The title-track is the lead single from the forthcoming album "Swanlights" also being released by Secretly Canadian on October 12.

On "Thank You For Your Love", Antony expresses a soul-infused cry of gratitude, but the song progresses into urgency, leaving behind the 4/4 rhythms and breaking into an emotional gallop that reveals an underlying pathos. "You Are The Treasure" is the calm after the storm, "My Lord My Love" closes the A side as a song for a lost childhood. The B side features two unusual covers accompanied by Kevin Barker on Acoustic Guitar, the first is Bob Dylan's "Pressing On", Antony's take is sweet, upbeat and beautiful. "Imagine" collaboration with avant-garde ambient composer William Basinski is a foreboding take on John Lennon's hallowed song. - more on this story

William Control Says Comes Dance Or Go Kill Yourself

Last Friday, William Control kicked off their US Tour with Jeffree Star. The trek is support of the new album 'Noir' which is out now on Victory Records.

Who is William Control? Known for years as the leader of Aiden and a true leader of the modern post-hardcore movement, WiL Francis is now continuing his progression throughout the music world with his alter-ego William Control. William Control is a dark, electronic experience unlike any other and the project recently released its sophomore effort, 'Noir,' on Victory Records.

WiL had the following to say regarding the upcoming trek: "I would say I'm excited about this tour but I'd rather say come out and dance or go kill yourself." - dates

Kyle Gass' Trainwreck Going Transcontinental

Trainwreck, which is fronted by Tenacious D's Kyle Gass and "Lee of the D" announced today that they embark on a 20-date aptly named "Transcontinental Railroad" tour across the country and back again.

They will be busting ear fannies and melting faces officially in the name of Wreck N Roll. They hit the road in support of their debut album The Wreckoning, released earlier this year.

Kyle Gass (aka Klip Calhoun) has described Trainwreck at various times as "Molly Hatchett meets Jethro Tull meets The Runaways," "Scoobie Doo meets CSI" and "…a cornucopia of rock and a 5-headed hydra of pleasure". - more on this story

Sepultura Sideband Musica Diablo Inks Deal

Sepultura frontman of Derrick Greene's sideband Musica Diablo has just inked a deal with French label Deadlight Entertainment) who will release its debut album on vinyl.

"The band's name fits perfectly with the label's motto Helping Kids Listening To The Devil's Music!" says Deadlight Entertainment.

Born in 2008, Musica Diablo plays allschools thrash metal sheer violence in the vein of Exodus, Municipal Waste & Slayer. The artwork was done by Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, God Forbid, Old Man's Child) - Myspace link

Vinnie Paul's Cowboys From Hell Paso Jam

The Metal Den has a treat for Pantera fans. They have online footage of Vinnie Paul Abbott performing the drums on "Cowboys From Hell" with tribute act Cowboys From Hell Paso.

Formed in late January of 2009, Cowboys From Hell Paso was the brain child of Ed Razor (formally of national recording artists Pissing Razors and Ministry) as a tribute to his friends Dime and Vinnie.

His vision was simple, recreate what it was like to be at a Pantera show. hey do this with a huge stage production including Monster stage lighting, a drum riser like Vinnie Paul used to use, count them 28 Krank cabinets, this show defiantly recreates the feeling of a Pantera show. - Check it out here

Roy Jay Going Soph

Roy Jay will release his sophomore album, "Fairfax Avenue," on August 31, 2010, via Rock Ridge Music.

Laced with blues, roots rock, and grittier, more focused, groove-driven flavors than his past work, "Fairfax Avenue" is the follow-up to "Lucky Guy," an album which ran the musical gamut and drew comparisons to Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Jimmy Buffet.

"'Fairfax Avenue' is much more the real me," says Jay. "My first album, 'Lucky Guy,' felt like it had sort of a split personality." On his new album, Jay has found his groove, a gritty and bluesy groove that's simultaneously easy-going and laid back, perfectly reflecting the life of the man within. It's an album of self-assured focus, where Jay moves past various influences to become the artist he's always wanted to be. - more on this story

Death Cab for The Lonely Forest

Chris Walla, guitarist and producer for Death Cab for Cutie, has a new label called Trans and his first signing is The Lonely Forest. Their first new release on Trans will be a self-titled, five song digital EP out September 14.

The Lonely Forest will be embarking on a nationwide tour this fall with indie favorites, Margot & The Nuclear So and So's, as well as Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin.

The EP is a sneak peek at Arrows, their forthcoming full-length which will be released in early 2011. In addition to his role as label head, Walla produced, engineered and mixed both the EP and Arrows at Sound City studio in Los Angeles, Tiny Telephone in San Francisco and his own, Portland-based studio, Alberta Court. - more on this story

Johnny Winter, Duke Robillard and More Guest on New Joe Louis Walker Album

Joe Louis Walker's new CD, Blues Conspiracy: Live on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, will be released on September 28.

The disc features special guests Johnny Winter, Duke Robillard, Tommy Castro, Kenny Neal, Tab Benoit and a host of other blues all-stars.

Recorded live during the most recent Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise earlier this year, Blues Conspiracy follows on the heels of Walker's Between a Rock and the Blues CD, which won the coveted "Album of the Year" at the Blues Music Awards in May. Joe also recently won the 2010 Living Blues magazine Critics' Poll as "Most Outstanding Musician (Guitar)." - more on this story

Gin Blossoms' Miss Disarray

Gin Blossoms have released a new single "Miss Disarray," which comes from the forthcoming album "No Chocolate Cake."

The song is currently being played at Hot AC radio (Top 10 "Most Added" this week!) and is available for purchase now at iTunes and Amazon MP3.

With total worldwide album sales topping 30 million units powered by their indelibly melodic, Grammy-nominated Top Ten singles, Gin Blossoms -- Robin Wilson, Jesse Valenzuela, Scott Johnson and Bill Leen -- are back and in peak form. - more on this story

In-Quest Lose Member

In-Quest have announced a lineup change. Here is what they had to say: In a mutual decision, In-Quest has decided to part ways with guitar player Val. He was a very close friend before he entered the band, and it feels great to have him right back there again. He helped us walk the dire road of our comeback in 2006 when the band almost fell apart, and has always been a reliable and motivated believer. After four years of superb cooperation, we respectfully thank him.

Stepping up to take his position is Korre, our now officially ex-bass session player. A great new guitar tandem has emerged. Rigid. Tight. Energetic. From day one in his In-Quest career, Korre has been one of the most contributing and innovative members we ever had. As such, we are super honoured to welcome him aboard as an official member. - more on this story

Wormrot To Grind America

Wormrot have confirmed their first North American tour which will take place this September through the beginning of October. Joining Wormrot on select dates will be Order Of Ennead and Phobia.

Wormrot frontman, Arif Rot gave a brief statement about the band's landmark North American tour:

"We have been abusing Europe twice, UK and Indonesia in the past tours. We have never thought that we could grind the f*ck out of the US. We have been holding this urge to be a part of their grind community for far too long. And It's about f*cking time. No bullsh*t around, no holds barred, time to blast like never before. Less talk, more beers, more grind!" - more on this story

Dub War's The Dub, The War & The Ugly

Earache Records have announced the release of a CD/DVD set from Dub War entitled 'The Dub, The War & The Ugly'.

Due to be released on September 13th, 2010, 'The Dub, The War & The Ugly' features a wealth of exclusive new and unreleased material from DUB WAR, which featured vocalist Benji Webbe of Skindred and released two genre-defining albums in the late '90s.

Dub War and Skindred vocalist Benji Webbe comments: "For the short time we were a band I know we made a lasting impact on a lot of lives. This release gives a chance to all those who missed us back then to see exactly what we had and why people still talk about Dub War." - more on this story

Ross Robinson Finishes Recording New Klaxons Album

Ross Robinson checks in with details about his latest studio project and other recent ones. "I just finished the Klaxons," says Robinson. "It's an extremely special band, an English four-piece. They have great vocals, tons of fire, sort of in the vein of At The Drive-In."

The compliment was definitely not an understatement with the group's track "Echoes," the lead single off Surfing the Void, currently seeing wide acclaim across the indie-music Blogosphere even prior to the announcement of its expected US release date."He was that absolute supportive figure that we'd been missing our entire lives," Klaxons says about Robinson in a BBC Interview.

Robinson also brings his distinctive talent with musical heavyweights to new emerging artists like Repeater, a five-piece from Long Beach, CA who's eclectic sound of British experimental rock and art rock shows a wide-array of influences from The Cure to Mew. Repeater finished their second album, We Walk From Safety, earlier this year and their Patterns EP is available for free download on Robinson's, I AM Recordings imprint. Their multifaceted sound, accompanied with aggressive vocals, is what caught Robinson's attention and support with the belief that Repeater's work would inspire its listeners. - more on this story

Constants Mini Tour

Constants have hit the road for a week of special shows in the North East ahead of the September 7th release of their forthcoming album If Tomorrow The War.

The band will be playing with City Of Ships as well as Mose Giganticus on select dates.

The new album, If Tomorrow The War, was produced by Jesu/Godflesh mastermind Justin K. Broadrick, and was recorded at guitarist/vocalist Will Benoit's burgeoning Solar Powered recording studio (Radar Studios). The record also features guest appearances from Andrew Neufeld (Comeback Kid, Sights & Sounds) and Mike Hill (Tombs) - more on this story

Soundgarden Reunion Setlist

(Headbanger NYC) The reunited Soundgarden played a special intimate show on Thursday night (August 5) at the Vic Theatre in Chicago

The band's setlist was as follows: 01. Searching With My Good Eye Closed 02. Spoonman 03. Gun 04. Rusty Cage 05. Let Me Drown 06. Jesus Chr1st Pose 07. Flower 08. Outshined 09. Fell On Black Days 10. Ugly Truth 11. Get On The Snake 12. Burden In My Hand 13. Pretty Noose 14. Head Down 15. Face Pollution 16. Superunknown 17. Black Hole Sun 18. Mailmain 19. Sl4ves And Bulldozers

Encore: 20. 4th Of July 21. Blow Up The Outside 22. Like Suicide - more on this story

Jeff The Brotherhood Tour

Jeff The Brotherhood will be hitting the North America road this fall. The trek will include stops at Music Fest North West, Fun Fun Fun Fest, Cropped Out Fest, Home Grown Fest 2 and more.

Before the massive tour, Jeff will head into the studio to start recording their new LP.

Jeff the Brotherhood released a new Norwegian-Black-Metal-inspired music video for the track "Mind Ride" off of their album, Heavy Days. The band also recently released a 7" as part of Suicide Squeeze's singles club and a split with Ty Segall on their own Infinity Cat Records. - more on this story

Talking Scorpion

The latest episode of Talking Metal features an interview hosts Mark Strigl and John Ostronomy conducted with legendary former Scorpions star Herman Rarebell.

Topics include his new album Take It as It Comes, his new audio book My Life as a Scorpion, Michael Schenker, The Scorpions, and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Additional poscast topics include Bill Aucoin's memorial in
Florida, Ace Frehley, Peter Criss, KISS, Lordi, and five years of Talking Metal. - Check it out here