Cradle To Grave Frontman Rushed To The Hospital

The medical staff at UBC Hospital were able to bring Mason back, but warned family and friends that he had been near death and had they waited a few more hours, the case could have turned tragic. Mason is now recovering at home while Cradle To Grave take a break from recording their upcoming new album. - more on this story

Slayer, Megadeth, Testament Announce New Dates For The American Carnage Tour

Slayer and Megadeth are thrilled to announce the new, confirmed routing for the American Carnage North American Tour, which will commence with the rescheduled Canadian Carnage East dates in Quebec City on Friday, July 23. Slayer will then head to Europe for a run of festival dates, returning to kick off the American Carnage leg in Albany, NY on August 11.

American Carnage will play 26 dates across the United States and Eastern Canada up to the Labor Day weekend, ending in Portland, OR on September 4. Testament will be Special Guest on all shows. Tickets purchased for the American Carnage shows when they first went on sale late last year will be honored for these rescheduled dates.

Due to venue availability and other conflicts, the shows originally scheduled in El Paso, Houston, Nashville, Duluth, and Louisville cannot be rescheduled at this time, and ticket holders may obtain refunds at point of purchase. However, new cities have been added to the American Carnage itinerary, with dates now scheduled in Cleveland, Kansas City, San Diego, and Sacramento. The confirmed, complete itinerary is - here.

Blink-182 Plan Weird New Album- Two UK Rockers Drown- Metallica / Mastodon Tour- Prong / Soulfly Tour- Robert Plant Charity Gig- Duff's Loaded Labelless and more

Blink-182's Mark Hoppus told MTV News last week that the band "did a bunch of writing before we left on this tour, then we came home and decided we were going to take a couple of months and chill and do other stuff, then get back together in the beginning of the year. And now that it's almost February, we decided it's time to get back in the studio and do what we do. So that's the plan: just get back together and get to work." He goes on to describe what they hope it will sound like: "We definitely want to try a bunch of different stuff. I think it will still sound like Blink. I think it will still be catchy. I think it will still be poppy, but we want to be weird on this record," he said. "There's your pull quote: Mark Hoppus says 'We want to be weird on this record.'" more

The friends and families of two British musicians who died in Brazil last week are asking for donations to bring their bodies home. After Death guitarist Leon Villalba, 18, drowned while swimming off the beach at Aracaju, and bassist Tim Kennelly, 21, drowned while trying to save his friend. Kennelly's body has not yet been recovered. Now public donations are being sought to help pay the costs of bringing the bodies home so their families can pay their respects. Details here.

Metallica announced Mastodon as the support act on their tour dates in March. Here is what they had to say: After enduring the summer of 2009 on the road with us, our good friends in Mastodon have signed up for more! They will be joining us for two weeks in March of this year in Mexico, Central and South America.

Prong will be joining up with Soulfly on their North American tour this spring. Also on the bill are Incite and Rotting Corpse. Tommy Victor joined Soulfly's Logan Mader in the studio last November to lend his vocals to the song 'Lethal Injection'. more

Arch Enemy will briefly tour the UK in late-April with support from Enslaved and Sabbat. more

Robert Plant will play a special charity show in London next month – and the only way you can get tickets is by bidding on eBay. The Led Zep legend plays the Sound & Vision show in aid of Cancer Research UK at Abbey Road Studios on February 25. more

Duff Mckagan's Loaded, the band led by velvet Revolver /ex-Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan, has parted ways with Century Media Records after releasing one EP (2008's "Wasted Heart") and one full-length album (2009's "Sick") through the label. more

Coldplay have made their long-awaited cameo on The Simpsons, and you can see a video of behind-the-scenes footage here. The band who featured on the cartoon to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the show, played a private gig for Bart and Homer, after Homer wins a million dollars in the lottery.

As I Lay Dying are pleased to announce the title of their upcoming, fifth full-length album (fourth for Metal Blade Records) as "The Powerless Rise." The band is currently finishing up recording of "The Powerless Rise" in San Diego with producer Adam Dutkiewicz (Killswitch Engage). Fans can expect "The Powerless Rise" to be released this spring with plans for a headline tour also slated around the same time. More information on the tour and the street date for "The Powerless Rise" will be made available in the coming months.

Darkest Hour will be embarking on a North American tour supporting The Dillinger Escape Plan, I Wrestled A Bear Once, and Animals As Leaders. The currently confirmed tour dates are here

Jack Johnson plans his first world tour in two years and series of high profile festival appearances in support of his yet-to-be-titled fifth studio album, which will be released worldwide the week of May 31st more

Broken Social Scene have announced details of a new album and US tour. Released on May 4, the as-yet-untitled album is the follow-up to 2005's self-titled LP more

Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor had this to say on his Twitter account this past weekend: "Grammy a**hole weekend in LA. Yuck... The Grammys = the old guard / old media propping up their puppets trying to convince the outside world (and each other) they're relevant." But was back to business on Monday when he told fans "1st official day of work in the studio." -

Slash Announces Solo Album Details

In what will be his first true solo album, rock icon Slash announced today his CD, Slash, will release in April 2010. The album features an all-star roster of guest musicians including Ian Astbury, Chris Cornell, Rocco DeLuca, Fergie, Dave Grohl, Myles Kennedy, Kid Rock, Lemmy Kilmeister, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Duff McKagan, M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold, Ozzy Osbourne, Iggy Pop, and Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother.

A major undertaking for Slash, he enlisted services of producing partner Eric Valentine (Queens of Stone Age, The All-American Rejects) and compiled a rhythm section of bassist Chris Chaney (Jane's Addiction) and drummer Josh Freese (Nine Inch Nails). Slash handled the majority of arranging and songwriting duties and hand-picked each guest artist. The album's guests worked collaboratively with Slash to round out the song.

"The idea was really simple in the beginning," said Slash. "These are all artists I wanted to work with – that I thought it would be amazing to do something creative and collaborative. And I was so impressed with what everyone brought to the table. They were all so committed to doing a good job. And we had a lot of fun making these songs." - more including tracklisting

Evanescence Offshoot We Are The Fallen Release First Song, Offer Free Acoustic Download

We Are The Fallen, one of rock's most buzzed about new groups, unleash their first single, "Bury Me Alive," exclusively via the digital domain on February 2nd.

The iconic fivesome is comprised of the original members of multi-platinum trailblazing band Evanescence, guitarists Ben Moody and John LeCompt along with drummer Rocky Gray, joined by charismatic American Idol finalist Carly Smithson on vocals. Acclaimed bassist Marty O'Brien (Disturbed and Static-X, among others) rounds out We Are The Fallen's unique sound. Check out a free download for the acoustic "Bury Me Alive" here

The group is already preparing to give fans a live taste of the reportoire fueling their upcoming Universal Republic debut album, due out later in the year - hitting the road in support of Finnish rock stalwarts H.I.M. The extensive, 28 city tour launches in Philadelphia, PA, on March 26th, hurtling through multiple major cities such as Boston, MA, on March 28th, Cleveland, OH, on April 1st, Chicago IL, on April 9th, Los Angeles, CA, on April 23rd, and winding down in New York City on May 7th. - more on this story

Bad Religion Announce 30th Anniversary Mini Tour As They Plan Next Album

2010 marks the 30th anniversary of quintessential Los Angeles punk rock pioneers Bad Religion, and to kick off the yearlong celebration the band will perform music spanning their storied career at multiple-night shows at House of Blues in Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego and Las Vegas beginning March 17.

The band also announces that they are currently writing new music with plans to head to the studio this spring and release their 15th studio album later this fall, culminating their anniversary celebration.

Formed in 1980 in the suburbs of Los Angeles by teenage friends; guitarist Brett Gurewitz, bassist Jay Bentley and singer Greg Graffin, with the additions of Greg Hetson (1984-Present), Brian Baker (1994-Present) and Brooks Wackerman (2001-Present), Bad Religion have become synonymous with intelligent and provocative West Coast punk rock and are considered one of the most influential and important bands in the genre. Over the past 3 decades the band has continually pushed social boundaries and questioned authority and beliefs armed only with propulsive guitars, charging drumbeats, thoughtful lyrics and an undying will to inspire and provoke anyone who will listen. - more on this story

Them Crooked Vultures, The Who, Depeche Mode, Noel Gallagher, Arctic Monkeys and more for Teenage Concert Trust Concerts

Teenage Cancer Trust today announces an all-star, 10-night line up to celebrate its 10th year of music and comedy at the Royal Albert Hall in association with Nomura. Following Depeche Mode's sold-out gig on 17 February, rock supergroup Them Crooked Vultures (Dave Grohl, Joshua Homme and John Paul Jones) will kick off nine consecutive nights starting on Monday 22 March.

The week continues with a comedy night on Tuesday 23 March, featuring Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert and Noel Fielding. Wednesday 24 March sees the return of brit-pop legends Suede, reforming for one night only for Teenage Cancer Trust. Noel Gallagher, performing for the first time since Oasis split last year, plays Thursday 25 and Friday 26 March. His two-night run, the only shows planned for 2010, promises to be unforgettable.

On Saturday 27 March, Arctic Monkeys will play the Royal Albert Hall for the very first time. Sunday will be Teenage Cancer Trust's first ever pop night, headlined by MOBO winners and multi-Brit nominated JLS. Monday 29 is the Shockwaves NME Awards Big Gig featuring ska legends The Specials. NME has today announced that The Specials will be given the Outstanding Contribution award on 24 February at London's Iconic O2 Academy Brixton. In recognition of Teenage Cancer Trust's link with the British Music Industry and work with young people with cancer, NME has renamed the award the Teenage Cancer Trust Outstanding Contribution. - more on this story

Light This City Announce Farewell Shows

Light This City is regrouping for four farewell shows in April. The band has been dormant since mid 2008, before the release of their final record, the critically acclaimed, "Stormchaser."

Drummer Ben Murray commented; "It has been just about two years since Light This City came home from the Death Angel tour and decided to call it quits. Needless to say, it has been an exciting and interesting two years since we put a stop to the band, and since June of 2008 everyone in Light This City has started brand new awesome musical endeavors. That being said, we always knew we would get together one last time to thrash with all our amazing fans up and down California.

"That time has come, and we are extremely excited to announce four "Final" Light This City shows. These should all be absolutely killer, and we expect all our west coast fans to be there! We will play a good amount of "Stormchaser" songs as well as all the bangers from "Facing the Thousand" and "Remains of the Gods". Since we didn't play any shows in support of "Stormchaser", this will be the best chance for all of you metalheads in California to come rage with us while we bust out these songs! Hope to see you all there!!" - more on this story

Cult Of Luna Release First Two Albums on Limited Edition Vinyl

Cult Of Luna's self-titled debut album and its follow-up, The Beyond, are available now on vinyl for the first time ever.

Earache Records has released Cult Of Luna's classic first two albums on limited edition vinyl, marking the first time these albums have ever been pressed on vinyl.

The release is part of Earache's "First Time on Vinyl" campaign, plugging the gaps in the Earache catalogue previously unavailable on vinyl. - more on this story

Chiodos Begin New Album, Announce Debut Show With New Singer

Chiodos are set to record their third album with acclaimed producer, Machine (Lamb Of God, Everytime I Die, Cobra Starship), this month.

The group's breakout second album Bone Palace Ballet - produced by Casey Bates (Gatsby's American Dream, The Fall Of Troy) - debuted at #5 on Billboard's Top 200 Album Chart and has surpassed sales of over 210,000 copies. Their debut album, All's Well That Ends Well, has surpassed sales of 241,000 copies.

Over the past year, the band has experienced two member changes but hasn't let that get in the way of writing. "We've been putting everything we have to offer into this writing process for the past year and a half," states keyboardist, Bradley Bell. "We're ready to work harder then ever before." - more on this story

Motor Release New Album

After a successful run supporting Depeche Mode in Europe for their 2009 tour, New York and France-based dance-metal band Motor will release their third album, Hyper Machine, on Dim Mak Records, this February.

Featuring Motor's signature mix of metal, tight guitar riffs and funky techno beats that defined their previous releases, Klunk and Unhuman, the album also represents sonic growth for the band.

Motor is a two-man duo based out of both New York City and Nice, France. Although Bryan Black and Mr. No live on separate continents, their vision for their music is the same. "We wanted it to carry on the spirit of those first two records, but at the same time we had to break new ground. We knew after producing just a few rough demos that the new record was going to be seriously off the wall," says Bryan. "We wanted to get back into the clubs with a fresh sound." - more on this story

Creature With The Atom Brain Make American Debut with New Album and Alice in Chains Tour

Creature With The Atom Brain is thrilled to announce that Transylvania was released today, February 2nd via The End Records.

Marking the band's North American debut, Creature With The Atom Brain landed an impressive thirteen-date slot opening for Alice In Chains, which also kicked off today at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver.

Mixed by Chris Goss (Queens Of The Stone Age, Masters Of Reality) and including appearances by Mark Lanegan, TRANSYLVANIA showcases the band's blend of psychedelia, garage rock, and hypnotizing grooves, while also combining African rhythms, making this album a striking standout from most contemporary independent music.
- more on this story

vienne Sets EP Release

vienne is the musical brainchild of singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Jonathan Korszyk. On his self-titled debut ep vienne—set for release this March 16, 2010—Jonathan delivers a spectrum of broad musical layers, placing melody-driven pop elements among ambient musical spaces.

Born and raised in Southern California, Jonathan's first venture into songwriting came at the age of 15 with a second-hand piano and an introduction to The Beatles. It was at this time that Jonathan began to craft songs with his unique take on the pop-rock landscape. His growing interest and involvement in music quickly led to performances in churches, camps, coffee shops, and festivals all over the United States as Jonathan continued to discover his unique voice.

"I focus a lot of my time on crafting songs with atmosphere and approachability," explains Jonathan. "I try not to rely too much on any overly-familiar sonic trademarks that I grew up around. I'm always trying new things while referencing influential staples like the Beatles, Queen and U2." - more on this story

The Cinematic Orchestra releases their Late Night Tales on March 30th

As Late Night Tales moves into a new decade, the long awaited chapter from The Cinematic Orchestra greets us with style. Following editions from behemoths of rock Arctic Monkeys and Snow Patrol, The Cinematic Orchestra's selection sees a return to a more typical Late Night compiler.

Their association with the series reaches back to the inclusion of'Channel 1 Suite' from their debut album 'Motion' on Zero 7's memorable 2002 compilation. With track selection and order seeing many revisions since the inception of the project, we arrive in 2010 with one of the most defined Late Night Tales yet to come in the 23 title strong series.

They aren't called The Cinematic Orchestra for nothing. Jason Swinscoe has been living and breathing soundtracks for many years (the last one was his epic effort for Disney, 'The Crimson Wing'). You suspect that he'd manage to turn a trip to Sainsbury's into a Homeric odyssey fit for string sections and harp players, such is his aptitude for the gallant, the grand and the plain groovy. - more on this story

Jeff Beck Goes Platinum and Wins Grammy

Jeff Beck's legacy of excellence continues, as his Performing This Week…Live at Ronnie Scott's musical trifecta (Eagle Rock Entertainment) continues to earn accolades. He was honored with "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" for his moving interpretation of "A Day In The Life" from the Performing CD at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards, where he delivered a tribute to Les Paul with Imelda May on their performance of "How High The Moon."

Additionally, the companion DVD/Blu-ray sales have reached Platinum status. This, along with the Grammy, are a welcome addition to a stellar year of success, which included a #1 chart position for the DVD on the Soundscan charts, and an induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

"Eagle Rock Entertainment couldn't be more thrilled and proud of Jeff's winning the GRAMMY for Instrumental Rock Song of the Year. This just highlights how great a guitar player he is. Truly as good as it gets!"
-Mike Carden, President of Operations North America - more on this story

Weezer Online Video Contest Finalist

Key of Awesome, a hit new music parody online video show from Barely Digital on Next New Networks has teamed up with Weezer to find the Best Music Comedy Video.

Since nominations opened last week the people have spoken, and the judges have chosen 12 Finalists Videos out of the 1000+ different nominations received. It's now up to people like your readers to vote for the very best. Anyone who votes could randomly win a guitar signed by Weezer! And the director of the winning video will not only be able to revel in the fame and glory of being honored as America's Next Top Awesome - they'll also score a cameo in Weezer's next video. No kidding!

Voting is open from now until midnight on Sunday February 7. The winning video will be announced on Wednesday February 10, 2010. - vote here

Ryan States Releases First Album Recorded And Mixed On A Circus Train

His name is Ryan States. And, with his debut full-length, "Strange Town" (Drooling Class Records), he has made the first album recorded and mixed on a circus train, where he lives and works, in a train yard near you.

The result is a record that pays homage to influences such as The Eagles, Ben Folds Five, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, and The Beatles, delivering a modern-rock meets adult alternative collection of earnest, honest pop-rock craftsmanship.

Though guitar driven, the songs also prominently feature piano and horns, taking songs from sparse to lush when the melody calls for it. But, the album also has a very 80s feel and sound to it, which is a direct goal of States, who wanted to make an out record that shined a light on a time when Out Music wasn't necessarily that 'out.' - more on this story

The New Loud Release New Video, Plan Spring Album Release

The New Loud's music video for the single "Don't Dance" is a juxtaposition of unscripted, energetic club dancing intercut with costumed, regimented dance-studio dancing. Director Jack Packard shot on locations throughout Milwaukee, WI including the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center and University of Milwaukee.

Packard also shot footage of The Walworth County Cloggers, a young women's dance troupe from rural WI and live band footage was shot at Milwaukee's premiere club for underground touring acts, The Cactus Club, where New Loud leader Shane Olivo once worked doing house sound for touring bands such as The White Stripes, The Faint, Bright Eyes, Zen Guerilla, Moe Tucker of The Velvet Underground and more. Watch it here

"Don't Dance" director Jack Packard works as a writer/producer/content supervisor for the Will Ferrell / Adam McKay website "Funny or Die." He gained notoriety with his series of "High-Five!" videos posted to the site. The New Loud is a new wave/electro/punk band from the working-class midwest US city Milwaukee, WI. - more on this story

Dark Tranquillity Hit The Road With Killswitch Engage and The Devil Wears Prada

Swedish melodic death metal pioneers Dark Tranquillity make their much anticipated return to North America this week kicking off the worldwide touring cycle for their new opus, We Are The Void, which is set for a March 9th U.S. release.

The group will join mighty Killswitch Engage and The Devil Wears Prada for this trek. Mikael Stanne (vocals) further describes his excitement over the upcoming tour: "We are really excited to come back to the states. This tour with Killswitch Engage and The Devil Wears Prada will be the perfect way to kick off this new album of ours. We are looking forward to premiering the new material in front of the many new and uninitiated, as well as our devoted and awesome fans.

"This will be the start of a long string of tours that we will be doing for this album. We feel that these new songs are some of the strongest material that we've ever written and we are dying to tour the hell out this album! See you in the front row." - more on this story

Shirock Team With Twilight: New Moon Star for Homeless Benefit

Rock band Shirock have announced their "Everything Burns In Hollywood" red carpet charity event will take place at The Roxy in Los Angeles, CA on March 2nd, with hopes of raising awareness around the homeless problem in Los Angeles and generating clothing donations for the Midnight Mission.

The night is being hosted by actor Michael Welch of Twilight: New Moon and will feature special celebrity guests, a fashion show and a headlining performance from SHIROCK who will be showcasing their debut album entitled Everything Burns.

Instead of selling tickets for the March 2nd event, the band is asking for clothing or cash donations to the Midnight Mission. On Friday, February 26th SHIROCK will serve lunch at the Midnight Mission and perform a special acoustic set for the residents of Skid Row. - more on this story