HAMMERFALL Guitarist Discusses Band's 'SPINAL TAP-Like' History With Drummers

Italy's Rock Rebel Magazine recently conducted an interview with guitarist Oscar Dronjak of Swedish metallers HAMMERFALL. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). On HAMMERFALL's recent drummer changes: Oscar: "Well, that's a little bit of a tricky situation, because, let's see, right when we released '(r)Evolution' [2014] two years ago, or three years ago almost, Anders [Johansson] quit the band, and he'd been the drummer for HAMMERFALL for fifteen years. So we had to find a replacement....

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ALL THAT REMAINS Frontman: 'We Don't Do Theme Records Or Concept Albums'

Wes Styles of 97.7 QLZ radio station in Springfield recently conducted an interview with ALL THAT REMAINS guitarist Oli Herbert and vocalist Phil Labonte. You can now listen to the chat using the SoundCloud widget below. Speaking about the musical diversity of the material that appears on ALL THAT REMAINS's eighth studio album, "Madness", which is due out on April, Herbert said: "Here's the thing: you write one song one way and you're, like, 'Well, let's not repeat what we just did, 'cause that would be boring. You change it up. So then you get...

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GHOST Wins Swedish GRAMMIS Award For 'Popestar'

GHOST was honored in the "Best Hard Rock/Metal" category at the Swedish Grammis awards (Swedish Grammy equivalent), which was held Tuesday night (February 28) at Konserthuset in Stockholm. This marks the act's third win in this category. The bands were nominated for their most recent releases, all of which came out during 2016. "Best Hard Rock/Metal" nominees were as follows: * AMARANTHE - "Maximalism" * CULT OF LUNA & JULIE CHRISTMAS - "Mariner" * DARK TRANQUILLITY - "Atoma" * GHOST - "Popestar" * IN FLAMES - "Battles" None of the GHOST bandmembers'...

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THE PRETTY RECKLESS To Perform On Tonight's 'Conan'

THE PRETTY RECKLESS will perform on tonight's (February 28) episode of Conan O'Brien's nighttime talk show, "Conan". The show airs on TBS at 11/10C. The band continues its ascent on the rock charts with the release of its new single, "Oh My God". "It's just me and the band, pouring ourselves into the song, and into the camera. It's subtle — you have to really watch it to understand all the layers — but it's honest, and that to me always yields the...

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DEEP PURPLE Bassist On 'The Long Goodbye' Tour: 'No One Wants To Stop'

In a brand new interview with Billboard, DEEP PURPLE bassist Roger Glover spoke about the band's upcoming tour, "The Long Goodbye", which starts May 13 in Europe and includes a late-summer North American leg with ALICE COOPER and EDGAR WINTER. Asked if the tour title is trying to tell fans something, Glover said: "Well, we're letting you make your own minds up. No one wants to stop. But we know that I'm 71 now, [singer Ian] Gillan is 71, we're all...

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DREAM THEATER Guitarist Says 'The Astonishing' Songwriting Process Was 'Really Fun And Very Different'

Warner Music Italy recently conducted an interview with guitarist John Petrucci of progressive metallers DREAM THEATER. You can now watch the chat below. Speaking about the songwriting process for the band's wildly ambitious 2016 double concept LP, "The Astonishing", Petrucci said: "It was actually really interesting and really fun and very different. What we did is I wrote the story first. And then… A couple of things: one is as I was writing the story, I would get a musical idea and just record that, just a little bit, on my phone. And when I...

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Skrillex officially back in From First to Last

If you were a big fan of screamo band From First to Last when some kid named Sonny Moore was in the band, you probably also know him by his alter ego – Skrillex. The singer left the band in 2007 to work on his solo career, and quickly became a superstar producer DJ in […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2m4vTKo via IFT...

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Metallica, KISS, Iron Maiden, System of a Down, and more get some nostalgic 8-bit covers

For those that grew up during the 80s/early 90s, most likely heard or used one of the following: Commodore 64 computer, Atari, Nintendo (NES), or Sega gaming system. These consoles and computers featured iconic 8-bit games including Space Invaders  and Donkey Kong, and are still talked about alongside newer ones like Final Fantasy XV. One could argue […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2m4NWA7 via IFT...

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Junius holding A Mass For Metaphysicians with new video

While Junius’ Eternal Rituals for the Accretion of Light won’t be out until Friday (3/3), they’ve already released videos for two song from the album. While “The Queen’s Constellation” featured beautiful scenes of nature and winter, “Clean the Beast” was darker and heavier, with scenes of war. The post-rockers have released a third video, this one […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2m4udRd via IFT...

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Watch Linkin Park and Kiiara play the unheavy “Heavy” on ‘Corden’

Linkin Park’s switch from nu-metal troubadours to pop crossover successes appears to have fully happened. “Heavy,” the first single from their forthcoming seventh album, One More Light, debuted on Mediabase’s Top 40 chart at 27, and band appeared last night on The Late Late Show with James Corden to play the song. Joined by Kiiara, the electronic ballad […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2m4pIpS via IFT...

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Otep tells Jasta she has no love for The Butcher Babies

Otep Shamaya was a guest on the most recent episode of Jamey Jasta’s podcast The Jasta Show. The podcast went into detail about her feelings towards activism, homophobia, politics and her hatred for the Butcher Babies, especially co-lead singer Heidi Shepherd. At first, Otep held back (slightly) by not revealing names (at around – 1:11:00): “There’s […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2m4BIaS via IFT...

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Former Cannibal Corpse guitarist Jack Owen joins Six Feet Under

Six Feet Under has named a new rhythm guitarist, and he’s a familiar name to many – especially Chris Barnes. Jack Owen, who’d played in Barnes’ former band Cannibal Corpse from the band’s formation in 1988 until 2004, is rejoining Barnes in the band. “It is with great pleasure that I announce and introduce to […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2m4zEzC via IFT...

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Track Premiere: Jagged Vision - 'Euthanasia'

Jagged Vision are one of Norway’s finest exports today. The sludgy alliance of stoner metal and hardcore, Jagged Vision command heavy, syrupy riffs but strike with the unbridled intensity of a hardcore band. Their second full-length, Death Is This World sees them build upon this solid foundation as a tighter and more aggressive band.  One of the highlights of Death Is This World is second track “Euthanasia.” Mid-tempo, driving riffs slowly...

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VIXEN Has 'A Bunch Of Demos' Recorded For New Album; Possible Live Release In The Works

More than three years after announcing their reunion, female rockers VIXEN have yet to begin tracking their comeback studio album. Drummer Roxy Petrucci told Totally Driven Radio: "We have a bunch of demos that we recorded, but we're not there yet. It's a timing thing. We've just gotta take the time and start buckling down and doing it. It's just that everybody has lives going on too, so between playing live and then everybody going back to their homes, which is all over the place… We'll get there. We'll get there. We're having a lot of fun, and...

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SABATON: Watch Documentary On Moscow Concert

Russia's Classic Rock magazine has uploaded a fifteen-minute documentary on SABATON's December 11, 2016 performance in Moscow. The clip, which was directed by Inna Ford, includes concert footage as well as an interview with SABATON frontman Joakim Brodén. As previously reported, SABATON drummer Hannes Van Dahl will sit out a few shows on the band's European tour while he awaits his first child with his partner of the last few years, NIGHTWISH singer Floor Jansen. Fillling in for him will be Daniel Sjögren (TWILIGHT FORCE, BLOODBOUND). SABATON will...

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SUICIDE SILENCE Frontman Says Critics Of New Direction 'Are Not Actually Paying Attention'

Brendan Crabb of Australia's Loud recently conducted an interview with vocalist Hernan "Eddie" Hermida of California deathcore masters SUICIDE SILENCE. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below. Loud: Do you feel [the] new [SUICIDE SILENCE] songs [from the self-titled album] can gel with the earlier material within a live environment? Hermida: "Oh, yeah. I mean, it's still SUICIDE SILENCE, so they definitely meld well together. That's the one...

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Former CANNIBAL CORPSE Guitarist JACK OWEN Joins SIX FEET UNDER

SIX FEET UNDER, the Florida-based death metal band fronted by ex-CANNIBAL CORPSE singer Chris Barnes, has announced the addition of former CANNIBAL CORPSE and DEICIDE guitarist Jack Owen to the group's ranks. Barnes comments: "It is with great pleasure that I announce and introduce to you our new second guitarist, Jack Owen. "As you all know, Jack and I started off together helping form one of the greatest death metal bands of all time. "Jack and I began talking a few months ago, after his departure from his previous band, about joining forces....

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POISON Announces First Headlining Tour Dates In Over A Decade

POISON, one of rock's most high energy and iconic bands, will perform all its greatest hits as they headline select dates for the first time in over a decade. This spring will see all four original members — Bret Michaels, Bobby Dall, Rikki Rockett and C.C. DeVille — join together to play these limited headline dates in the U.S. and Canada. The dates will coincide with POISON's co-headlining tour with DEF LEPPARD and special guest TESLA throughout...

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Track Premiere: Resist Possession "In Vain"

In 2013, with their demo His Best Deceit, Possession ambushed the underground with their unholy racket of black/death. Iron Bonehead released 666 copies of the tape, and they did not last long. The Belgian quartet then went on to release a single track/two-part concept EP dealing with the so-called demonic possession of the young woman, Anneliese Michel. Next came the EP 1585 - 1646, another conceptual piece in which the band related the story of...

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Pantera bassist Rex Brown signs with eOne

Legendary Pantera bassist Rex Brown has signed a worldwide deal with eOne Records. Brown plans to release his yet-to-be-titled debut solo LP later this year. Brown emphasized, “I’ve been working on these songs for a long time.” Brown’s solo effort includes him on guitar and vocals for the first time in his career. He promises the […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2mBk4t4 via IFT...

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Video: LINKIN PARK Performs 'Heavy' On 'The Late Late Show With James Corden'

LINKIN PARK performed its new single, "Heavy", on last night's (Monday, February 27) episode of CBS's "The Late Late Show With James Corden". The track features guest vocals from Kiara Saulters, who is best known for recording stop-motion, hip-hop-inspired electro-R&B under the name Kiiara and who performed with the band during last night's program. "Heavy" sees LINKIN PARK teaming up with pop songwriter Emily Wright, who has worked with artists like Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Flo Rida. Vocalist Mike Shinoda told The Pulse Of Radio about the...

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ICE-T 'Had No Problem' With METALLICA's Collaboration With LADY GAGA

BODY COUNT frontman, hip-hop legend, actor and director Ice-T says that he "had no problem" with METALLICA's collaboration with pop superstar Lady Gaga at this year's Grammy Awards. METALLICA's appearance with Gaga at the 59th annual event in Los Angeles on February 12 turned into something of a disaster when the Grammy sound crew did not turn frontman James Hetfield's mic on, forcing him to share the mic with Gaga after the first verse and chorus. As a further humiliation, presenter Laverne Cox did not even introduce METALLICA by name. At the...

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New England Metal and Hardcore Fest adds eight more bands

The New England Metal and Hardcore Fest has been going strong for 18 years now, and their 19th year is adding to the already-impressive lineup that they’ve already got. Taking place on April 21st and 22nd in Worcester, MA, much the same as in previous years, they’ve divided the days pretty equally by genre. Friday appears […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2mAWSet via IFT...

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Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir pays tribute to his friend Bill Paxton

The movie world was shocked by the sudden untimely death of Twister, Aliens, Weird Science, Big Love and Frailty star Bill Paxton over the weekend (25). It has been reported his death was caused by complications from post heart surgery resulting in a fatal stroke. And among those paying tribute was longtime friend, Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. Muir posted […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2m3yjZR via IFT...

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ENSIFERUM To Release New Album In September

Finnish folk metallers ENSIFERUM recently entered the Astia studio in Lappeenranta, Finland to record a few demo songs for their upcoming seventh full-length album, due in September via Metal Blade Records. The quintet will soon return to the Astia to begin tracking the disc, which will be produced once again by Anssi Kippo (CHILDREN OF BODOM, IMPALED NAZARENE, ENTWINE). ENSIFERUM bassist Sami Hinkka comments: "So, as some of you might have already noticed from our social media channels, we are getting ready to go record the next ENSIFERUM album...

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Former PANTERA Bassist REX BROWN Signs With ENTERTAINMENT ONE

Former PANTERA bassist Rex Brown has signed a worldwide deal with Entertainment One (eOne), with plans to release a debut solo LP later this year. The yet-to-be-titled full length will be the first time in Brown's career in which he will serve as both lead vocalist and guitarist in a band. "I've been working on these songs for a long time," says Rex. "I am thrilled to have such an influential artist like Rex join the growing Entertainment One rock...

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David Ellefson opening coffee shop in Jackson

It seems like if you’re in Megadeth, in addition to winning Grammys, you like making people drink stuff. Dave Mustaine had a coffee company, but lately he’s been focusing on his beer, A Tout le Monde. And we’ve known that David Ellefson has had his own coffee brand for a while now, and now it’s […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2mAVGHR via IFT...

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Video Premiere: THE AMITY AFFLICTION's 'Fight My Regret'

Australian metalcore masters THE AMITY AFFLICTION have debuted the official video for "Fight My Regret", from their latest album, "This Could Be Heartbreak". The clip, which was directed by Ryan Mackfall, can be seen below. "Fight My Regret" is the fourth video released from the new LP and follows "All F*cked Up", as well as the band's two-part epic laid out in the videos for "I Bring The Weather With Me" and "This Could Be Heartbreak". THE AMITY AFFLICTION will return to the States this spring for a pair of festival appearances at Carolina Rebellion...

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Reunited RATT Announces U.S. Tour Dates

The newly reunited RATT, featuring three members of the band's classic lineup — singer Stephen Pearcy, bassist Juan Croucier and guitarist Warren DeMartini — has scheduled the following tour dates: Apr. 26 - The Paramount - Huntington, NY Apr. 27 - Theatre of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA Apr. 28 - The Sherman Theater - Stroudsburg, PA Apr. 29 - M3 Rock Festival - Columbia, MD May 28 - Rocklahoma - Pryor, OK Jun. 01 - Limelight - Peoria, IL Jun....

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It’s official: Slayer, Lamb of God, Behemoth touring this Summer

Yesterday, word got out that Slayer, Lamb of God and Behemoth might be touring together in what would be one of the most metal tours of the summer. Slayer, of course, is Slayer. The thrashiest of the big four, and standard-bearers of heavy. Lamb of God is their spiritual successor, and Behemoth’s theatrical blackened death […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2mH3WW4 via IFT...

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SLAYER, LAMB OF GOD And BEHEMOTH: North American Tour Announced

SLAYER, LAMB OF GOD and BEHEMOTH will join forces for a U.S. tour this summer. The six-week expedition will rage across North America beginning July 12 in Bemidji, Minnesota, winding up in Phoenix, Arizona on August 20. SLAYER and LAMB OF GOD will also play Wisconsin's Rock Fest 2017 (July 13) and Rock USA 2017 (July 15), and then meet up with BEHEMOTH at the Chicago Open Air festival on July 16. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 3. Said SLAYER's...

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Disturbed to record acoustic EP

One of the biggest left-field rock hits in recent years was the Disturbed cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence.” Uncharacteristically acoustic, it was faithful to the original in a way that the band’s other covers (Genesis’ “Land of Confusion,” Tears For Fears’ “Shout”) weren’t. The band’s performance of the song on Conan brought […] from Metal Insider http://ift.tt/2mGOfOD via IFT...

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PYRAMAZE To Release 'Contingent' Album In April

Melodic metal band PYRAMAZE will release its fifth album, "Contingent", on April 28 in Europe and North America through Inner Wound Recordings. With "Contingent", PYRAMAZE has grown and matured into a band that is capable of satisfying their fans while simultaneously continuing to break new ground. The incorporation of modern cinematic film score elements mixed with progressive metal riffs and melodies will leave the listener breathless! Huge, sweeping,...

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Hands of Despair Premiere New Video for "Étoc"

Early last year, Quebec's progressive blackened death crew Hands of Despair revealed their stand-out sophomore record, Bereft, and successfully extended the sound and strengths that had made the debut, Hereafter, such an enjoyable listen.  Today we bring you their latest video single for Bereft's penultimate track, "Étoc," along with the band's explanation of the video's origins and execution.  The song is screech/growled in...

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Reactivated LABYRINTH: New Song 'A New Dream' Available For Streaming

After a seven-year hiatus, Italian metallers LABYRINTH will return with a brand new studio album, "Architecture Of A God", on April 21 via Frontiers Music Srl. The song "A New Dream", taken from "Architecture Of A God", can be streamed below. In the spring of 2016, the band's founding members, Andrea Cantarelli and Olaf Thorsen received a call from Frontiers asking them to discuss with vocalist Roberto Tiranti the possibilities of a reunion with...

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SEETHER Announces U.S. Tour, Recruits SEVENDUST's CLINT LOWERY

SEETHER has revealed details for the "Poison The Parish" world tour, which includes headline shows and major festival appearances throughout the spring and summer of 2017. The extensive touring plans come in support of "Poison The Parish", their recently announced seventh studio album, set for release via Canine Riot Records on May 12. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 3 at 10 a.m. local time. Every ticket order will include a physical copy of "Poison...

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RIOT V Releases Music Video For 'Sign Of The Crimson Storm'

"Sign Of The Crimson Storm", the new video from RIOT V, the band featuring the remaining members of legendary metal pioneers RIOT, can be seen below. Originally recorded for RIOT's "Thundersteel" album in 1988, this song has been a staple of RIOT V live setlists over the past two years. Footage and audio was taken from the RIOT V performance at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan during the Middle Of The Mitt Music Festival on September 10, 2016. RIOT V's debut album, "Unleash The Fire", was released in October 2014...

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JOEY KRAMER Says AEROSMITH Is A 'Much Better' Live Band Than THE ROLLING STONES

AEROSMITH drummer Joey Kramer says that when it comes to playing live, his band is in a league of its own. He tells Classic Rock magazine: "First of all, as far as AEROSMITH goes there is no band that has been around for almost fifty years that still has the original five guys in the band. "Everybody is always raving about THE [ROLLING] STONES, saying THE STONES this and THE STONES that. I've never cared for THE STONES. They never had anything to offer me musically, especially in the drumming department." He continues: "THE STONES is not the original...

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ROBERT PLANT & THE SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTERS: 'Live At David Lynch's Festival Of Disruption' To Air On AXS TV

AXS TV presents an unforgettable performance by one of rock's most influential performers in the premiere of "Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters - Live At David Lynch's Festival Of Disruption" — airing Sunday, March 5 at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT. The concert captures the band's unique headlining set at visionary auteur David Lynch's Festival Of Disruption — a fully immersive creative gathering benefiting The David Lynch Foundation. The hour-long event gives fans a rare opportunity to experience the legendary frontman as they've never...

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JOEY BELLADONNA On JOHN BUSH-Era ANTHRAX: 'I Didn't Hear Anything That Blew Me Away'

Metal On Loud recently conducted an interview with ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna. You can now watch the chat below. A couple of excerpts follow (transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). Metal On Loud: You've been around for ANTHRAX's biggest successes, like [the "Among The Living" album]. It has really big hits on it. Yet you've been out of the band for eighteen years. How do you look back at your departure from ANTHRAX, that period? Joey: "While I was out? Or before I was [out]?" Metal On Loud: How do you look back at that [entire] period [when you...

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DAVID DRAIMAN Says DISTURBED Will Record Acoustic EP Before Beginning Work On Next Studio Album

DISTURBED is planning to return to the studio later this year to record an acoustic EP before beginning work on the follow-up to 2015's "Immortalized" album. Prior to the arrival of "Immortalized", DISTURBED had been on hiatus since the fall of 2011, after completing the touring cycle for its previous studio effort, "Asylum", and issuing a rarities collection called "The Lost Children". Asked by Germany's Rock Antenne how long fans will have to wait before the release of the next DISTURBED album, vocalist David Draiman said (see video below): "Well,...

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In The Studio With PAPA ROACH (Video)

A two-minute behind-the-scenes look at the creative process for PAPA ROACH's new album is available below. PAPA ROACH singer Jacoby Shaddix recently revealed to Tina Smash of theRock 105.5 radio station that the band's new album will arrive in May. The follow-up to 2015's "F.E.A.R." was recorded with Nicholas "Ras" Furlong and Colin "Doc" Brittain at Steakhouse studio in North Hollywood, California. PAPA ROACH has already released two songs from the upcoming disc: "Crooked Teeth" and "Help", both of which can be heard below. Shaddix told Rock 105.5...

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