June 24th (July 2nd US) marks the return of Autopsy, the US masters of brutality, with their sixth studio opus of horror and all-out madness, titled ‘The Headless Ritual’, on Peaceville Records. Featuring the returning quartet of Chris Reifert, Eric Cutler, Danny Coralles, and Joe Trevisano, ‘The Headless Ritual’ is a relentless monster of violent and brutal death metal mastery delivered in the unmistakable Autopsy style of chaotic riffing, insane solos and doom-filled interludes, all served with the band’s unhinged brand of vocal sickness. The album was recorded and mixed April 2013 at Fantasy Studios in California with Adam Munoz, and features cover artwork by renowned artist Joe Petagno (Motörhead, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin).

As the band comments:
“Expect nothing less than the monstrous brutality that Autopsy has been known to offer. Laurels will not be rested upon, trends will not be followed and mercy will not be shown. Mark your calendars for June and pick out a coffin to lie down and die in. Darkness and death await.....”

ICED EARTH are excited to announce the first part of their 2014/2015 World Tour, with the tour kicking off on January 9, 2014 in Saarbrücken, Germany. Tickets and VIP packages for these shows will be on sale by the end of April 2013. The band has been hitting it relentlessly, with the recent studio album 'DYSTOPIA' being the most toured album in the band’s illustrious history. One of the many highlights of the “WORLD DYSTOPIA TOUR”, a headline show at the historic Kourion Amphitheatre in Cyprus  was recently released as DVD, Blu-ray, CD and LP, entitled 'Live In Ancient Kourion'!  Buy 'Live In Ancient Kourion', “Dystopya” and many other ICED EARTH releases here: http://www.cmdistro.de/Search?q=iced+ 

The band is currently writing a new studio album with a slated release date for late 2013. They will be recording and mixing in between a string of European festivals this summer.

“We are ready!”, says JON SCHAFFER. “We are ready to enter the steel pirate ship that is our tour bus and spend another 18 months traveling the world. We look forward to reaching even more people and bringing ICED EARTH to many new territories on this next massive world tour. We have a very exciting and ground breaking schedule planned and we will be bringing the METAL to the masses big time! THIS IS WHAT WE DO!"

Continuing the support of their six album, 'Resolution', Lamb of God announce today further European dates for August including headline shows in Dublin and Belfast, around their already revealed headline slot at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival in Derbyshire. Historically, the band has always done the June festivals in Europe and this marks Lamb of God’s first appearance at the August festivals. Headline shows throughout Europe will make up the dates between festivals.  This tour follows the already announced U.S tour scheduled for May and the band's Metal on the Mountain Retreat in July. The Metal on the Mountain Retreat - scheduled for July 15-19th at the Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York - is pleased to welcome ESP Guitars as a sponsor.  ESP is making available to registrants the ability to purchase at a very discounted price an LTD Electric Guitar available in multiple colours signed by the entire band at the retreat.  In addition, ESP has donated the brand new Willie Adler War Bird signature model to be awarded to one of the campers on the final day of the retreat.  This guitar will also be signed by all 5 band members. For more information on the 'Metal On The Mountain' retreat go to metalonthemountain.com. Lamb Of God return to the UK in August, to headline the Bloodstock Open Air Festival alongside King Diamond and Slayer. Lamb Of God will close the main stage on the Saturday evening. This will be the band's only UK festival performance this year. The band are also pleased to add headline shows in Dublin and Belfast following Bloodstock, on August 11 and 12 respectively. These shows are the first time the band will play in the UK since Blythe's arrest last summer and recent exoneration.

AMON AMARTH are pleased to unveil the details of their ninth studio album. Titled Deceiver of the Gods, the epic offering was recorded at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, UK, produced, mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap (Opeth, Megadeth, Exodus, Arch Enemy, Killswitch Engage). The cover art was, once again, completed by Tom Thiel and depicts a mythical battle between the Norse Gods Loki & Thor. Fans will also recognize a special appearance on this album with Messiah Marcolin (Candlemass) providing guest vocals for eighth song, "Hel." Deceiver of the Gods will be released in the UK via Metal Blade Records 24th. Comments vocalist Johan Hegg: "We feel very excited about this new album, and personally I feel that Deceiver of the Gods is the strongest album we've ever done. By far! I'm confident that all our fans will enjoy this 'punch-in-the-face-of-a-record!" Opening title track and first single, "Deceiver of the Gods" is currently streaming at the band's official Metal Blade page: http://www.metalblade.com/amonamarth where you'll also find special pre-order info.

THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER´s sixth full-length album, Everblack, will be released in the UK on the 10th of June 2013. The album art for Everblack was painted by renowned artist Nick Keller and recording was completed at Audiohammer Studios (lead guitars and vocals), Rustbelt Studios (drums), and Regal Fecal (guitar and bass). Mixing was handled by Jason Suecof and Ryan Williams, mastering was completed by Alan Douches at West Westside. Trevor Strnad's horror-inspired lyrics persist on Everblack, beginning with In Hell is Where She Waits for Me, a reference to the murder from which the band took for their moniker.

Vocalist Trevor Strnad elaborates on the lyrical concepts: "The opening track is the first actual song we've done about the Black Dahlia. This one is for the fans... they've been asking for this to happen for a long time. The story takes place at the Elizabeth Short's rain drenched funeral, where her killer in attendance... just one of the many macabre tales woven into the fabric ofEverblack. Subterranean flesh-farming vampires, vine rape, Jeffery Dahmer, amputation... it's all here! With this sixth slab of sickness I tried my best to honor the band's legacy and write lyrics that will keep the legions of horror fiends perspiring with fear."

In very sad news Deftones bassist Chi Cheng has passed away during the night after spending many years in and out of a coma caused by an car accident in 2008.

His family left the following messgage on Oneloveforchi.com, the charity website made by his family for him.

“Our dearest Family,

This is the hardest thing to write to you. Your love and heart and devotion to Chi was unconditional and amazing. I know that you will always remember him as a giant of a man on stage with a heart for every one of you. He was taken to the emegency [sic] room and at 3 am today his heart just suddenly stopped. He left this world with me singing songs he liked in his ear.

He fought the good fight.You stood by him sending love daily. He knew that he was very loved and never alone. I will write more later. I will be going through the oneloveforchi and any other information may not be reliable. If you have any stories or messages to share please send them to the onelove site. Please hold Mae and Ming and the siblings and especially Chi’s son, Gabriel in your prayers. It is so hard to let go.

With great love and “Much Respect!” Mom J (and Chi)”

Everyone at Soundshock send our condolences to his family, friends and of course the members of Deftones.

The mighty CHILDREN OF BODOM have announced their return to the UK for a full headline tour this October. The Finnish five piece will play seven shows around the UK and Ireland as part of the ‘Halo Of Blood Over Europe’ Tour, starting in Bournemouth on October 7th, ending at the prestigious Shepherds Bush Empire in London on October 15th.
 
One of their country’s biggest musical exports, CHILDREN OF BODOM are gearing up to release their 8th studio album ‘Halo Of Blood’, their first since returning to their original label home Nuclear Blast.
 
CHILDREN OF BODOM + special guests tbc

Monday 8th April - As global anticipation for their new album ‘13’ continues to grow, Black Sabbath today announces a December UK arena tour. Tickets will go on general sale at 9am on Friday April 12th via www.livenation.co.uk/artist/black-sabbath-tickets and www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
 
Black Sabbath will kick off the tour at London’s O2 Arena on December 10th, before taking in Belfast, Sheffield, Glasgow and Manchester followed by a return to where it all began with what is set to be an emotional homecoming show at Birmingham’s LG Arena on December 20th.
 
The band have also announced a series of live dates in Europe at the end of November.

French metal stars ETHS are proud to present their new vocalist, named Rachel Aspe. Rachel made her international debut on prime time television as part of "La France A Un Incroyable Talent" (the French equivalent/franchise of "America's Got Talent"). Her death metal vocals stunned the judges and crowd before going viral and being seen by millions of people. Video of her audition has been widely covered by such international sites such as ABC News, MSN, The Guardian, Huffington Post, Salon, and dozens more. Footage can be found here. Rachel commented on joining ETHS, saying: "I'm really proud to be a part of ETHS. I've been a fan of the band for many years, and it's a great honor for me to sing songs I have been listening to for such a long time."

Regarding the new band member, ETHS stated: "We're pleased to welcome Rachel to the band. She's great and has an awesome voice! Thanks a lot to Virginie and Nelly for filling in on stage during the last few months. Now a new chapter is beginning for ETHS. We're energized and looking forward to our upcoming shows with Rachel. See you on the road!"

This newer, stronger version of ETHS announced their first shows with Rachel on vocals. Dates include shows in France and Switzerland throughout April, May, and June. More dates are forthcoming, and confirmed dates are as follows:

Los Angeles’ favorite trance-inducing doom weavers IDES OF GEMINI are pleased to announce additional live rituals this Spring, further spreading their ethereal hymns to unsuspecting souls throughout North America. The supplementary dates come in the midst of their slot on the Haze Over North America tour opening for cult metalists, Ghost B.C., and will include Demon Lung, Boris and Deafhaven on select shows. See the updated itinerary below. In related news, IDES OF GEMINI will release a new 7” entitled Hexagram 45. Fittingly set to drop on Record Store Day April 20th via Magic Bullet Records, Hexagram 45 features two new tracks: "Spectral Queen" and "Darkness At Noon." For more info, got to THIS LOCATION.

IDES OF GEMINI Haze Over North America Tour 2013 w/ Ghost B.C:
4/13/2013 Space 4 Art - San Diego, CA %
4/15/2013 El Rey Theater - Los Angeles, CA
4/16/2013 The Bunkhouse - Las Vegas, NV +
4/18/2013 Ogden Theater - Denver, CO
4/19/2013 Sunshine Theater - Albuquerque, NM
4/20/2013 Lost Leaf - Phoenix, AZ *
4/22/2013 Rocky Point Cantina  - Tempe, AZ*
4/23/2013 Rialto Theater - Tucson, AZ