• Blabbermouth reports earlier in the year, MÖTLEY CRÜE entered drummer Tommy Lee's studio called The Atrium in Calabasas, California to begin recording a new song, "Sex", that will be released to coincide with the band's upcoming summer co-headlining tour with KISS.  Written when the band was together during their residency in Las Vegas last February, "Sex" is the first studio track from the CRÜE since their June 2008 release of "Saints Of Los Angeles".  "Sex" will debut on Friday, July 13 on SiriusXM and be available on Tuesday, July 17 — three days before the tour begins.  Speaking to VH1 Radio Network's Dave Basner in March, MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist and main songwriter Nikki Sixx stated about the band's new track, "It sounds very much like it's off of the first record [1981's 'Too Fast For Love']. And that was definitely on purpose. I've been writing very simple riffs for the last year and focusing on how these riffs would work for Vince [Neil, vocals], basically, and took it in the studio with Tommy and Mick [Mars, guitar] and the thing just came alive."  MÖTLEY CRÜE's latest studio album, 2008's "Saints Of Los Angeles", sold 99,000 copies in the United States during its first week of release. The CD was CRÜE's first studio album since 2000's "New Tattoo", which has sold over 200,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The band's previous studio effort with all of its original members was 1997's "Generation Swine", which debuted and peaked at No. 4 on The Billboard 200, and has sold more than 300,000 units.  "Saints of Los Angeles" was loosely based on the band's memoir, "The Dirt", which was published in 2001.  MÖTLEY CRÜE's "greatest-hits" collection, suitably titled "Greatest Hits", was released on November 17, 2009 via Eleven Seven Music/Mötley Records.  CRÜE performed its classic 1989 album, "Dr. Feelgood", in its entirety on Crüe Fest 2, the sophomore outing of the band's summer festival tour, to celebrate the record's 20th anniversary.  Eleven Seven Music/Mötley Records re-released "Dr. Feelgood" on September 21, 2009.  Read more at Loudwire and Ultimate Classic Rock

• Blabbermouth posts Duff McKagan (VELVET REVOLVER, DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED, GUNS N' ROSES) threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox on June 28 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington.  "It was totally nerve-wracking to throw out the first pitch," Duff told MLB.com. "I got about 150,000 texts saying don’t throw it in the dirt — so I threw it really high, but not too high."  As previously reported, McKagan will be this year's Grand Marshal of the Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade in downtown Seattle.  This year's parade is on Saturday, July 28, at 7:30 p.m. As always, it starts at Seattle Center and heads downtown along Fourth Avenue on a 2-1/2 mile route.
  
  
  
  
  

• Blabbermouth reports North American syndicated rock radio show "In The Studio: The Stories Behind History's Greatest Rock Bands" salutes Sammy Hagar on the 30th anniversary of "Three Lock Box" and the 25th anniversary of his knockout solo album "I Never Said Goodbye".  After years of struggle as the downcard rock palooka who could take a punch and never go down, Sammy Hagar answered the bell in the Eighties and came out swinging. In 1982 Hagar scored a technical knockout with his first mainstream hit "Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy" from his solo album "Three Lock Box". By 1987, coming off the hugely successful VOA album with the highway anthem "I Can't Drive 55", the newly installed VAN HALEN lead singer would score his highest-charting solo album ever, "I Never Said Goodbye", with the powerful No. 1 rock ballad "Give To Live".  Hagar tells "In The Studio" host Redbeard how touched he is that the song's message has spoken to so many of his fans: "I've gotten thousands of letters of people that their mother, father, brother, sister or best friend or the person themselves have written to me, [saying], 'You saved my life' or 'You saved my friend's life' or 'It saved my daughter's life’ or 'It saved my son's life.' That song, I can't tell you [how] that means more to me than any song I've written."  The Sammy Hagar "In The Studio" program will air on radio this weekend on over 50 radio stations across North America.  To stream this interview online, go to this location.

• Blabbermouth posts NME TV has uploaded a two-minute video clip of San Francisco Bay Area metallers MACHINE HEAD preparing to take the stage at this year's edition of the Download festival, which was held June 8-10 at Donington Park in Leicestershire, United Kingdom. Check it out below.  As previously reported, MACHINE HEAD has been confirmed for this year's Bloodstock Open Air festival, set to take place August 10-12 at Catton Hall in Walton On Trent, Derbyshire, England.  Fans will be given the unprecedented opportunity to influence MACHINE HEAD's setlist. Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the band's first-ever live performance at their roadie Mike "Scum"'s getting-evicted-from-his-house party — for which they performed five songs — the band will give Bloodstock ticket holders the opportunity to vote for the five "Burn My Eyes" songs they most want to hear MACHINE HEAD play during their headline set Saturday night, with the five that receive the most votes included in the setlist.  For more information, visit Bloodstock.uk.com.   MACHINE HEAD recently announced plans to film a video for the song 'Darkness Within' in the Czech Republic. The track comes off the band's new album, "Unto The Locust", which sold more than 17,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 22 on The Billboard 200 chart — putting MACHINE HEAD in the Top 25 for the first time in the band's 17-year history.
  
  

• Blabbermouth reports LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe's attorney Martin Radvan and clerk Tomáš Morysek spoke to Blesk.cz about the singer's continued detention in Prague, Czech Republic, where he is accused of causing the death of a fan at one of the group's shows. Blythe was arrested on June 27 and is facing possible manslaughter charges in connection with a 2010 Prague concert at which he allegedly shoved a local fan off the stage. The man, who is said to have stormed the stage three times during the show, reportedly suffered a brain hemorrhage that resulted in his death 14 days later.  "[Randy] was in complete shock [when he found out about the fan's passing]," said Morysek. "For two whole years he never knew that someone had died after the band's concert in Prague and he had no chance at all to deal with it. I am convinced that if he had known about it, he wouldn't have shied away from facing criminal prosecution."  Blythe remains in custody in the Pankrác Prison in Prague even after his manager posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000), as set by the court last Saturday. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.  Although bail has been posted, the decision to release the singer is still subject to appeal and so it will take some time for the state prosecutor's office to give approval.  "In every other country, the accused would have been released once the bail had been met. Unfortunately, this does not apply to Czech Criminal Procedure Code," added Morysek.  According to Morysek, Blythe is slowly getting used to his stay behind bars.  "There's a Mongol with him, so Randy is learning some Mongolian phrases from him and the Mongol is picking up a few English words," he said. "But he hasn't complained about anything. We already went to see him twice. He is still quite confused about the whole thing."  The crime of which Blythe is being accused is punishable by up to ten years in prison.  Once released from custody, Blythe — whose passport will not be taken away — is expected to immediately leave the Czech Republic and fly back to the U.S. where he won't be considered a fugitive.  "The court, which decided the conditions of the bail, did not provide a condition that Randy will have to stay in the Czech Republic," Morysek said.  Read more at Loudwire

• Blabbermouth reports a three-minute video report from Czech Republic's Prima TV featuring photos and video footage of the fan who died of fatal injuries allegedly sustained at a LAMB OF GOD concert more than two years ago can be seen below.  According to Blesk.cz, the mother of Daniel N., who played guitar in a Czech metal band, is still coming to terms with her son's passing. A year after the 19-year-old's tragic death, she wrote on a social-networking site, "Approaching the date when you went to your last concert. I'm not gonna make it without you and I'm totally heartbroken. I hope we meet together soon. Life without you is miserable!"  LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, 41, is accused of causing Daniel's injury at the band's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer allegedly either pushed or struck the young fan who had come on stage and Daniel died 14 days later of bleeding in the brain.  Blythe remains in custody in the Pankrác Prison in Prague even after his manager posted 4 million Czech Koruna bail (approximately $200,000), as set by the court last Saturday. But the bail system in the Czech Republic is not as rapid as in the U.S.  Although bail has been posted, the decision to release the singer is still subject to appeal and so it will take some time for the state prosecutor's office to give approval.  Daniel's uncle tells Blesk.cz that he is "disgusted" by how Blythe's case has been handled by the prosecutor's office. "It's all about money," he says. "That is the only concern. The bail of $200,000 is ridiculous." He adds that he just wants justice for his nephew and is afraid that Blythe will leave the Czech Republic immediately once he has been granted release. Read more at Noisecreep
  
  

• Blabbermouth reports DISTURBED's David Draiman and GWAR's Oderus Urungus are continuing to speak out in defense of LAMB OF GOD vocalist Randy Blythe, who has been jailed in Prague, the Czech Republic, where he is accused of causing the death of a fan at one of the band's shows in 2010. Blythe was arrested last week at the Prague airport and charged with manslaughter in connection with a 2010 Prague concert at which he allegedly shoved a local fan off the stage. The man, who is said to have stormed the stage three times during the show, reportedly suffered a brain hemorrhage that resulted in his death 14 days later.  Blythe faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Although he posted the Czech equivalent of $200,000 in bail, the decision to release the singer is still subject to appeal and so it will take some time for the state prosecutor's office to give approval.  Draiman: "The only thing [Randy] is guilty of [is being involved in] a horrible accident. Someone comes up on stage, they get thrown back into the pit. [I've] done it a hundred times myself. The fault should be in the hands of the venue security who were supposed to ensure that no one got up there. It's a dangerous thing to try."  Oderus: "I LOVE Europe and its many pleasures and fully support Euro metalheads. What I am concerned about is the lack of outrage. There should be shows, protests, and continual harassment of the authorities until Randy is free. There should be a mob of metalheads outside the jail where he is being held, 24-7, so when he gets out he can see with his own eyes that he has not been abandoned. All of the video of the incident shows it for what it truly was… a tragic accident. Fucking let him out already!"  A number of other rockers have come to Randy's defense, with many of them citing the 2004 shooting death onstage of PANTERA guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott as the reason why musicians are so defensive nowadays about fans invading the stage.  Draiman's bandmate and drummer Mike Wengren told The Pulse Of Radio not along after Dimebag was shot that his death had cast a shadow over live performing. "I think one of the most scariest things is, you go up onstage, and there's this energy transfer between the band and the crowd, and you almost feel invincible. You feel very empowered. Never in a million years would anyone ever think something like that was even possible, and I think it just caught everyone off guard. It's pretty scary."  FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH bassist Chris Kael simply tweeted, "Everything changed on December 8, 2004. #stayoffthestage #FreeRandyBlythe," while ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian wrote, "It's complete and utter bullshit for him to be treated like a criminal for something he didn't do. Now fans can see firsthand why there's no stage diving anymore. Especially in the post-Darrell world we live in . . . Of course it's sad that this person died, it's a tragedy, but it's not Randy's fault."  LAMB OF GOD had been touring Europe in support of its latest album, "Resolution", when Blythe was arrested. The band canceled the rest of its shows and returned home to Richmond, Virginia on Sunday (July 1) — all, of course, except Blythe.  LAMB OF GOD's publicist, Adrenaline PR, issued a statement on June 30 stressing that "under no circumstances was there a fight of any kind involved [during LAMB OF GOD's 2010 concert]. This incident deals with a fan that three times during the concert jumped the barricade and rushed Randy during the performance. It is alleged that the third time, security was not able to reach him and that Randy pushed him back into the audience where supposedly he fell and hit his head."  Read more at Loudwire
  
  

• Blabbermouth reports former EXHORDER and current TROUBLE frontman Kyle Thomas is one of a number of musicians who have come out in support of LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, who is facing possible manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic.  Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer apparently either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. who had come on stage, and that person died 14 days later of bleeding in the brain.  Writing on his Facebook page, Thomas (pictured below) said, "To my friends, acquaintances and ones I don't know well in LAMB OF GOD and their families, I am flabbergasted and feel for you. Something's rotten in Denmark. They are doing their best to punish him without due process.  "Bail posted? FREE RANDY BLYTHE."  He continued, "The Czech police claim they contacted American authorities. In this day and age, how hard is it to start an Internet campaign against the alleged killer of your child? You'd better believe I would run myself into the ground before waiting two years in hopes that the band would return to the scene of the crime. I call bullshit as well.  "If Randy did something wrong, surely he should atone for it. The fact that they all walked right back in to the Czech Republic screams that no one was aware there was a problem.  "I feel bad the kid died, but security failed more than once here. Why did he keep bum-rushing Randy? I would not have wanted to take chances either.  "It's awful any way you slice it. He should not be a scapegoat for an untimely death that would never have happened if this kid could have followed the rules. There's no accountability anymore."  The crime of which Blythe is being accused is punishable by up to ten years in prison, according to popular Czech news web site Novinky.cz.

• Blabbermouth reports aclaimed metal drummer Richard Christy (CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED, ICED EARTH, DEATH, LEASH LAW, CONTROL DENIED, BURNING INSIDE) is one of a number of musicians who have come out in support of LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe, who is facing possible manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic.  Blythe, 41, is accused of causing the fatal injury that occurred at LAMB OF GOD's May 24, 2010 show in Prague. The singer apparently either pushed or struck a 19-year-old fan named Daniel N. who had come on stage, and that person died 14 days later of bleeding in the brain.  Speaking to Loudwire, Christy stated about Blythe's ordeal, "It's such a bummer to hear about that. Randy is such an amazing guy. All of those guys are really good friends of mine. I actually toured with them in 2004. Right when I got the job with Howard [Stern], we had a week off from the radio show and I went to see them at Ozzfest and they asked me if I wanted to travel with them. I went on tour with them and hung out. I was kind of their assistant drum tech for that week. I even jammed on the song '11th Hour' with them during a soundcheck in Canada. It was so much fun. They're just great guys, really down to earth. I feel so bad for the whole band and for Randy. I hope it gets cleared up really soon. You know, it's going to make bands not want to play the Czech Republic anymore. Plus, when people get on stage, you have to be careful now. You never know what they're going to do, you have to think about their motives. It's scary these days because of the Dimebag [Darrell; PANTERA/DAMAGEPLAN guitarist who was killed on stage in 2004] incident. It's an unfortunate thing. I really hope Randy gets to come back to his family soon and everything gets cleared up."  The crime of which Blythe is being accused is punishable by up to ten years in prison, according to popular Czech news web site Novinky.cz.  Read more at Loudwire

• Blabbermouth reports due to reasons beyond the band’s control, Los Angeles cyber metallers FEAR FACTORY will not take part in the inaugural "Shockwave 2012" tour, which was scheduled to kick off on July 6 in Seattle, Washington.  Commented the band in a statement: “We are truly disappointed not to be part of the Shockwave tour. We send our sincerest apologies to all our North American fans planning to come out this summer, but we will be back. Please look for FEAR FACTORY headline dates in August."  Added Shockwave organizers: "It is with great disappointment that we have to make this announcement. With the recent departure of VOIVOD from the Shockwave festival lineup, as well as low advance ticket sales, we have decided to pull the plug on the Shockwave festival.  "For purchases made with a credit card, your card will automatically be refunded. All other refunds are available at point of purchase.   "We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused."  Other bands that were scheduled to take part in "Shockwave 2012" included VOIVOD, CATTLE DECAPITATION, MISERY INDEX, HAVOK, LAST CHANCE TO REASON and THE BROWNING.  Read more at Loudwire
  
  Affected dates are as follows:
  
  Jul. 06 - Studio Seven - Seattle, WA
  Jul. 07 - Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC
  Jul. 09 - The Republik - Calgary, AB
  Jul. 11 - Pyramid Cabaret - Winnipeg, MB
  Jul. 12 - Station 4 - St Paul, MN
  Jul. 13 - The Rave - Milwaukee, WI
  Jul. 14 - The Opera House - Toronto, ON
  Jul. 15 - The Armouries - Windsor, ON
  Jul. 18 - Club Soda - Montreal, QC
  Jul. 20 - Northern Lights - Clifton, NY
  Jul. 21 - Town Ballroom - Buffalo, NY
  Jul. 22 - Reverb - Reading, PA
  Jul. 24 - Revolution - Amityville, NY
  Jul. 25 - Palladium - Worcester, MA
  Jul. 26 - Empire - Springfield, VA
  Jul. 27 - Alrosa Villa - Columbus, OH
  Jul. 28 - Mojoe's - Joliet, IL
  Jul. 29 - Tebala Shrine - Rockford, IL
  Jul. 31 - Summit Music Hall - Denver, CO
  Aug. 02 - Nakai Hall - Window Rock, AZ
  Aug. 03 - The Marqee Theater - Tempe, AZ
  Aug. 04 - House Of Blues - Hollywood, CA

• Blabbermouth reports New Jersey thrah metal veterans OVERKILL will play a special show at the legendary punk rock concert venue 100 Club on August 9 during this year's Olympic Games in London, England.  Commented OVERKILL singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth: "Thrashing at the Olympics this summer is something we are all looking forward to; this is quite the unique opportunity! Being part of a world event at a legendary club and doing what we do best. I think the good money is on OVERKILL in the 'headbanging 400'... TO BRING HOME THE GOLD! See you in London! Let the games begin!!!“  OVERKILL's new album, "The Electric Age", sold 6,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 77 on The Billboard 200 chart.  OVERKILL's previous CD, "Ironbound", opened with 4,100 units to enter the chart at No. 192. The effort landed at No. 4 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.  The "Electric Rattlesnake" video was directed by Kevin J. Custer (HATEBREED, TESTAMENT, SUFFOCATION), who previously worked with OVERKILL on the "Bring Me The Night" video.  "The Electric Age" was recorded and mixed at Gear Recording Studios in New Jersey, owned and operated by OVERKILL bassist D.D. Verni.  OVERKILL is Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (vocals), D.D. Verni (bass, backing vocals), Derek "The Skull" Tailer (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Dave Linsk (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Ron Lipnicki (drums).  Performance (April 27 at the Bluebird Theater in Denver, Colorado):  Read more at Loudwire
  
  

• Blabbermouth posts British heavy metal legends SAXON are hard at work on their next album for a tentative February 2013 release. The follow-up to 2011's "Call To Arms" will be mixed by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, ACCEPT, NEVERMORE, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY).  A new video clip from the studio can be seen below.  Commented singer Biff Byford: "[This video] just goes to show how great [SAXON guitarists] Doug [Scarratt] and Paul [Quinn] are and totally underrated in my opinion. No Pro Tools, drop-ins or tricks — just raw passion and inspiration!"  SAXON in April released "Saxon - Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken", the no-fat-no-bullshit-100%-pure CD/DVD featuring DVD highlights from the band's Wacken shows in 2004, 2007 and 2009 comprising thirty songs, plus a live CD from Glasgow in 2011. Each set captures the Barnsley-bred British heavy metal legends delivering classic after classic, from "Denim & Leather" to "Metalhead" to "Heavy Metal Thunder" to "Princess Of The Night" to "Crusader" in front of 75,000-pluds loyal, ravenous fans, who have come to expect (and receive) the levels of performance SAXON have been delivering for 32 years.  "Heavy Metal Thunder - Live - Eagles Over Wacken" is available in a variety of formats, including the Golden Ticket D2C/Direct To Consumer Box.  Strictly limited, this exclusive package contains the "Best Of Wacken" DVD, plus the full and complete SAXON Wacken Open Air performances from 2004/2007/2009 each on a separate DVD, plus a SAXON flag.  "Call To Arms" sold around 700 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD debuted at No. 51 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200. The digipack version of "Call To Arms" includes a glorious bonus — a free seven-track CD, "Live At Donington 1980".
  
  

• Blabbermouth reports U.S. doom legends SAINT VITUS have released the following statement:  "Due to a recent health issue, SAINT VITUS will no be unable to make the show in Greece on Saturday July 7th. [We] apologize to the the fans and the promoter, but one of the band members was advised against flying anywhere for a couple weeks. All other shows will go on as planned as there are no flights involved."  SAINT VITUS' new album, "Lillie: F-65", was released in North America on May 22 via Season Of Mist.  The band's "Let Them Fall" video was produced and directed by Michael Panduro of Siegfred Productions (CEPHALIC CARNAGE, ROTTEN SOUND, NO AND THE MAYBES) for Scion A/V and shot in Copenhagen, Denmark.  SAINT VITUS recently released a seven-inch single featuring "Blessed Night", a track from "Lillie: F-65". The B-side is a live version of classic VITUS tune "Look Behind You", recorded in December 2010 at Z7 in Pratteln, Switzerland.

• Blabbermouth reports Canadian metal innovators VOIVOD have set "Target Earth" as the title of their new album, to be released before the end of the year.  VOIVOD drummer Michel "Away" Langevin has unveiled the band's new logo which will be used on the upcoming CD. Check it out below.   "Target Earth" was recorded in January at Pierre Rémillard's (OBLIVEON, CRYPTOPSY, KRISIUN, MISERY INDEX) Wild Studio in a small town called St-Zénon in Quebec, Canada. The follow-up to 2009's "Infini" contain the band's first music to be written with new guitarist Daniel "Chewy" Mongrain (MARTYR) following the passing of original axeman Denis "Piggy" D'Amour in 2005.  Several photos from the recording sessions can be found on the band's Facebook page.  According to a posting on the page, fans can "expect something in the vein of 'Nothingface' with some elements from the other albums. It will be a classic VOIVOD album."  Regarding what the new VOIVOD songs sound like, Mongrain said in a recent interview, "As a VOIVOD fan since I am 12 years old and early rise of VOIVOD in late '80s and everything, I think… I'm in conflict of interest right now. [Laughs] I like the old stuff as much as the new stuff, so I think it's a blend of everything. It's really a team work and Blacky [Jean-Yves Thériault] is back on the 'blower bass' — he's got the original sound — and we're having a blast jamming, improvising and writing. I think it's working pretty good."  On the topic of the lyrical themes covered in the new VOIVOD tracks, singer Denis "Snake" Bélanger said, "The song we played [on the recent European tour] ['Kaleidos'] is about conspiracy involving drugs and the FBI… [Laughs] It's hard to describe because we're kind of early in the process. There's another song called 'Target Earth', which is more like a spacy, conspiracy, controlling the information around the world. The main thing is the 'war' of information. You know, somebody Osama Bin Laden is dead, someone [else] says he's not… It gets to a point where everybody has his own story and nobody is sure what the truth is. There's people above everything controlling the information."  In an interview with Exclaim.ca, Away stated about VOIVOD's forthcoming studio album, "It's more in the progressive metal vein, so it's reminiscent of the 'Dimension Hatröss' era."  VOIVOD debuted the "Target Earth" title track during their April 12 concert at the Roadburn festival at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland. You can watch fan-filmed video footage of their performance below.
  VOIVOD 2012 is:
  Denis "Snake" Bélanger - Vocals Daniel "Chewy" Mongrain - Guitar Jean-Yves "Blacky" Thériault - Bass Michel "Away" Langevin- Drums

• Blabbermouth reports "L'Enfant Sauvage", the fifth album from French progressive metallers GOJIRA, sold almost 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 34 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band's previous CD, "The Way Of All Flesh", opened with 4,200 units back in 2008 to land at No. 138.  "L'Enfant Sauvage" entered the official chart in France at position No. 7 (No. 17 on the digital chart).  "L'Enfant Sauvage" (which translates to "The Wild Child") features 11 tracks of mind-bending, thunderous metal. The CD was recorded at Spin Recording Studios in Long Island City, New York with co-producer Josh Wilbur (LAMB OF GOD).  In a recent interview with Metalshrine, GOJIRA guitarist/vocalist Joseph Duplantier stated about the new album title, "We couldn't call it 'The Wild Child', because it's hard to translate 'L'Enfant Sauvage'. It's not really the wild child as understood in English, because a wild child for me, has an aspect like someone out of control somehow. 'L'Enfant Sauvage' in French… 'Sauvage' is something that is not educated or something that is like free and completely free in nature. A wild flower that goes wherever she wants and becomes something beautiful. The idea with 'L'Enfant Sauvage' is like with a human that would grow up in nature, raised by wolves, for example, without the influence from others and the influence from institutions or society in general. Without a social security number. [laughs] Not even a name. This is what you are and I am on the inside, right? How much the education and the culture, emotions and the guilt are interacting with us and it changes us and how far are we from this pure child inside? That's the question we had on this album."  A special collector's package of "L'Enfant Sauvage" features two bonus tracks and a double-colored vinyl version of the record, along with an exclusive t-shirt.
  
  "L'Enfant Sauvage" track listing:
  
  01. Explosia
  02. L'Enfant Sauvage
  03. The Axe
  04. Liquid Fire
  05. The Wild Healer
  06. Planned Obsolescence
  07. Mouth Of Kala
  08. The Gift Of Guilt
  09. Pain Is A Master
  10. Born In Winter
  11. The Fall
  
  GOJIRA will release a new DVD/Blu-ray, "The Flesh Alive", in the U.S. on July 31 via Mascot. The set will be made available in the following formats:
  
  * 2-DVD+CD
  * Blu-ray+CD with free poster
  
  The three-disc "The Flesh Alive" chronicles the making of GOJIRA's 2008 album, "The Way Of All Flesh", and the touring activity that followed the CD's release.
  
  

  

  
  
  "L'Enfant Sauvage" (song) video:
  
  

• Blabbermouth reports Swedish metallers CRYSTAL EYES have issued the following update:  "Paul [guitarist Pål Petterson] is out of the band and we're ready for another chapter. We're now extremely happy to welcome back Niclas Karlsson and are looking forward to once again share the path of heavy metal with this great guitarist.   "If you know your CRYSTAL EYES history, you know that Niclas started the band with Mikael [Dahl, guitar] in 1992, quit the band after short break in 1995, got back between 2006-2007 and has played with Mikael in the JUDAS PRIEST tribute band DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH since the dawn of time." 
  In other news, CRYSTAL EYES is featured in "Metal Munchers - The Festival Edition", a cook book and a book about some of Sweden's best rock bands today, including favorite dishes, promotional pictures and much more. It's only available in Swedish but an English edition will follow.  CRYSTAL EYES in 2009 parted ways with Danish singer Søren Nico Adamsen (ARTILLERY) and decided to carry on as a four-piece band, with Mikael Dahl (guitar) handling lead vocals.  CRYSTAL EYES' last album, "Chained", was released in November 2008 via Metal Heaven Records. The CD's cover artwork was created by Carl-André Beckston (a.k.a. Monowasp). The album was mixed at Studio Fredman with acclaimed producer Fredrik Nordström (DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL).

• Blabbermouth reports Helsinki, Finland-based gothic metallers THE 69 EYES are putting the finishing touches on their 10th studio album, "X", in Stockholm, Sweden for a late September release through RCA/Sony Music in Finland and Nuclear Blast in the rest of Europe and North America. A single, "Red", will precede the full-length CD in August.  The cover artwork for "X" can be seen below. Commented THE 69 EYES lead singer Jyrki69: "The cover is pure goth 'n' roll: a psychedelic mirror image of old wild animal bones with our X-tagram projected over all. It's good, evil, magic and voodoo all together! Something to stare at when tripping on the album."  "X" was mixed by Stefan Boman (THE HELLACOPTERS, BULLET). "The sound is the most melodic, yet melancholic, we've ever had," says Jyrki69. "Listening to the pre-mixes have been giving goose bumps to everyone here. This is the best THE 69 EYES album ever done!"  Regarding the album title, Jyrki69 said, "We've never really celebrated anything, not that we've been playing 20 years or so (vampires don't count decades). Thus this time we thought to celebrate a bit: the new album is entitled as tenth in Roman numbers, it'll be called 'X'."  THE 69 EYES will film its first video in three years later this month in Gothenburg, Sweden with Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among others.  To coincide with the new album release, THE 69 EYES will also launch its own vampire-style red wine, simply called as "Red," which will mainly be distributed in Sweden and Finland.  While waiting for the album, the Helsinki vampire enthusiastic can go to listen to singer Jyrki's DJ skills as he hosts his goth'n'roll club nights in Barcelona's Undead club on July 7 and Fangtasia II event in New Orleans on July 21.

  

• Loudwire posts an interview with Sevendust’s Morgan Rose on producing Candlelight Red’s upcoming EP

• Loudwire posts rockers Fourth Of July wishes on Twitter

• Ultimate Classic Rock reports Fleetwood Mac’s "Gold Dust Woman" has been vovered by Karen Elson

• Ultimate Classic Rock posts a video for the "History of Rock Guitar" told in 12 minutes.  See more at Spinner

• Ultimate Classic Rock reports Sammy Hagar's "I Never Said Goodbye" turns 25

• Ultimate Classic Rock reports the Bee Gees Barry Gibb is planning a solo return to music

• Ultimate Classic Rock reports a rare Velvet Underground promo single sells for some big bucks

• Classic Rock reports on the backstabbing inn the band Kyuss

• Classic Rock reports festival bosses want to put a price cap on festival tickts like sporting events

• Classic Rock wants you to vote for the "track of the week" The Darkness vs. Pineapple Thief

• Classic Rock posts new music from Alberta Cross

• Noisecreep posts a photo gallery from Mayhem 2012

• Spinner posts this week in music history July 1st - July 7th

• Spinner posts an interview with Brooklyn's The Men

• Blabbermouth posts video of The Faceless in the studio

• Blabbermouth posts video of Death Angel answering fan questions 

• Blabbermouth posts the first 'Time I' trailer from Wintersun 

• Blabbermouth posts new music from Dew-Scented

• Blabbermouth posts interviews with Lamb Of God manager Larry Mazer on Randy Blythe, Kiss on U.K.'s Absoulte Radio, Halestorm's Lzzy Hale on being a woman in rock, Serj Tankian on his new album "Harakiri", Lacuna Coil singer on food, Sebastian Bach about the "flying microphone incident", official Iron Maiden photographer on Brazil's Wikimetal, Lita Ford, Skid Row, Vinny Appice on Vivian Campbell's hostilility to Ronnie James Dio, Uriah Heep, Anthrax bassist Frank Bello, Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffman, Shadows Fall on staying true to their "core" sound, Leather Leone, and Hammerfall on their new book

• Blabbermouth posts performance footage four new songs from 10 Years, of Soil acoustic in Indiana

Read more quick hits at Classic Rock