THE OCEAN have announced details about their two upcoming albums entitled Heliocentric and Anthropocentric. They are due for April and October 2010 releases, respectively. The concept at the base of both albums is a critique of Christianity from different philosophical and personal angles. While the songs, art and lyrics of Heliocentric tell the story of the rise [...]

In 2009, Boston’s CONVERGE unleashed, Axe to Fall, an album equalling, if not topping, their acclaimed Jane Doe album, managing to titillate those with even the highest of expectations. Staying true to their style, the band bare their souls in a most caustic mix of hardcore and metal that resonates with sheer heart and [...]

Steve Von Till (NEUROSIS, HARVESTMAN) will be performing a rare set in his home region in Moscow, Idaho this February. This set will feature the lone artist performing both HARVESTMAN and SVT solo material. The appearance is to take place at the Prichard Art Gallery in downtown Moscow at 8:00 PM on the 13th of [...]

CONVERGE have announced their first slew of dates for their Axe to Fall 2010 U.S. Tour. Joining them on various dates will be COALESCE, HARVEY MILK, GAZA, LEWD ACTS, and BLACK BREATH. An additional special guest will be announced soon. Dates are as follows: 04/30: TBA @ TBA w/ Special guest, LEWD ACTS, and more 05/01: [...]

Florida metallers Trivium are pleased to announce Nick Augusto as their new permanent drummer. Augusto was introduced to Trivium fans when he filled in behind the kit on last fall’s “Into the Mouth of Hell We Tour” trek. He is now stepping in to permanently replace the departing Travis Smith.

Vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy commented, “We’re really happy to have our good friend and fellow Floridian Nick Augusto join the Trivium family. Nick’s drumming is very technical and diverse and he brings a real intense energy to the band and we can’t wait for everyone to hear the new song, ‘Shattering the Skies Above,” that we just recorded with Nick. I think it’s the best Trivium recording we’ve ever done; it’s raw, full of energy and I think Nick’s drumming really pushed us to a new level.”

The always industrious Trivium are wasting no time in the wake of this line up shift and are staying busy as they work their new skinsman into the fold. The band has recorded two brand new tracks: the aforementioned “Shattering the Skies Above” will appear on the forthcoming, digital-only God of War Blood & Metal EP, as well as a cover of Sepultura’s “Slave New World.” Video footage of the band and their new drummer recording “Shattering the Skies Above” is viewable here.

The band will also head right back out on the road, embarking on a tour of Asia, New Zealand, Australia and the UK, which kicks off February 11, in Jakarta, Indoensia and runs through March 24 in England. This will be the band’s final tour dates in support of 2008’s Shogun. Once the tour ends, the band will head back to the studio to work on their next album for Roadrunner Records.

It’s no secret that RATT are back and raring to go. The band is proud to announce April 20, 2010 as the release date for their Loud & Proud debut, Infestation, an 11-song opus that is their first studio record in 11 years. The first single, “Best of Me,” is scheduled to impact rock radio on February 21. The song is available at all digital stores.

There’s been a flurry of activity in the Ratt camp in the past few years. Vocalist Stephen Pearcy has returned to the fold and the band has since signed to Loud & Proud/Roadrunner. The legendary Los Angeles rock squad, also featuring guitarist Warren DeMartini, drummer Bobby Blotzer, bassist Robbie Crane and new guitarist Carlos Cavazo, engineered Hollywood’s much-heralded Sunset Strip sound in the 1980s.

“We wanted this to be like something that we would have written right after [1984’s] Out of the Cellar, Pearcy said. “We definitely went back to basics with the mindset of a band with a lot of excitement and some great songs to get out.” Infestation was produced by Elvis Baskette (Chevelle, Alter Bridge.) in the helmer’s Virginia studio, marking the first time the band has recorded outside of Los Angeles. The album is full of attitude and of reflection, cycling through a range of emotions. There are party anthems that Ratt are known for alongside more contemplative, thoughtful tunes.

The track listing for the album is as follows:

Eat Me Up Alive

Best of Me

A Little Too Much

Look Out Below

Last Call

Lost Weekend

As Good as it Gets

Garden of Eden

Take a Big Bite

Take Me Home

Don’t Let Go

Check out the first single, "Best of Me" right here:

Critically acclaimed keyboard artist, and Dream Theater band member Jordan Rudess is proud to announce three FREE live webcam question and answer sessions on JamPlay. Jordan Rudess first gained national exposure when the readers of Keyboard Magazine voted him 1994’s Best New Talent in the Overall Best Keyboardist category after his first solo release Listen. Since 1999, Jordan has been an integral member of and creative driving force behind Dream Theater, the most critically-acclaimed progressive hard rock band in the world. Register here!

JamPlay is an online music education community where musicians can learn to play the guitar via online video lessons. They also offer lessons live via webcam with leading instructors. As part of these special webcam appearances, both Jordan and JamPlay are proud to offer a FREE 7 day trial membership offering full, unrestricted JamPlay access, including the ability to check out Jordan live on Webcam in his question and answer sessions. JamPlay offers 360 hours of lessons from 33 teachers, plus 12+ hours of live webcam lessons take place daily.

Jordan states, "I've always wanted to reach out to students all around the world and be able to share what I have learned in my musical journey. In this new relationship with JamPlay, I'm able to achieve a new level of communication and extend my passion for teaching to all those who are interested to study with me.”

Kevin Wimer, co-founder of JamPlay, says, "We are very excited to be working with Jordan. We are anxious not only to have him share his incredible talents with our existing community, but also to introduce his fans to JamPlay."

Jordan’s live JamPlay webcam schedule is as follows:

February 10th - 8:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST -

February 24th - 8:00 PM EST to 10:00 PM EST

March 2nd - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST

Currently on the Tyrants of Evil Tour supporting Arch Enemy, Exodus and Arsis, Roadrunner's metal newcomers Mutiny Within have been documenting their time on the North American trek.

Watch the first installment of their experience on the road below, and check mutinywithin.com for more updates as they continue on tour.

The band's self-titled debut is out on February 23rd. Pre-order your copy now, and get some bonus extras!