Randy Blythe has taken the time to address some misinformation that has been spreading across the internet about his manslaughter trial, which is currently underway in the Czech Republic.

The singer addressed fans on Tuesday via his Instagram account:

“I have read a few news reports of the progress of my case, and trust me- many things are incorrect. But this is the Internet, and of course things are half-baked anyway. Keep in mind that translation is difficult, and many things can be lost, for Czech is a VERY DIFFICULT language. So wait and see, as I am. It is all I can do, except be honest & fight for my freedom in my own way.

“I also have heard of some people (not on here) talking smack about the Czech Republic, saying “F— the Czech Republic”, etc. This not how it should be. This is a very sad case, not something to rage at people you do not know over. I am not angry with the Czechs at all. A fan of my band is dead- what do I have to be angry about? I am an INNOCENT man, but I am also a very sad man right now. To not be sad in this instance would be inhuman. But mad at the Czech people? Why would I be mad at them? Here, look at this picture – a mother watches her baby. The child reaches out for something new, laughing and chasing a pretty picture in the air. It is the same here as everywhere else. Do you see?!?!? Life is beautiful. I hope to see y’all soon.”

Blythe posted an earlier message where he reflected on the city of Prague and his trial. He wrote, “Have you ever looked down on the ancient rooftops of Prague from the clock tower in Old Town Square? Have you ever seen the snow falling on the people below? It is a magical sight, for Prague is a magic place. While I am not happy to be here for the reason I am, I am not a blind man, nor am I a fool. Only a blind fool would not bother to see these things. It is quiet high above the city, and it is beautiful in a different way than the many other places I have been around the world. Prague has a long, complicated history. In many ways, I feel what is happening in my life right now could not happen anywhere else. I roam through the streets, asking myself questions, and there are quiet echoes of the city answering back. I have been here over two weeks now, preparing for this trial. I have walked many miles at night here. I am looking for life lessons in the snow.”

After what could be described as a tumultuous split with his former band Three Days Grace, Adam Gontier made his first solo debut since leaving the band at the ‘Rock For Recovery’ benefit show at the Gramercy Theater in New York City on Jan. 17.

When Artisan News asked the singer about his departure from Three Days Grace and how he felt, Gontier had nothing but positive things to say. “I feel great about it; this is a new chapter of my life,” he said in the video interview (watch below). “Three Days Grace for me ran its toll. We were a band for 20 years and things don’t last forever. You have to move on and do what’s right for you and for own well-being. For me it was just the end of the road.”

He didn’t leave it at that though; he took some time to wish the band well without him. “I wish the guys all the best,” Gontier said. “I wish them all the best and no hard feelings but for me it was time to move on and into a new chapter of my life.”

These statements come in contrast to recent remarks by Gontier, in which he criticized the creative direction of Three Days Grace. As we reported recently, Gontier said, “The music really wasn’t coming from the heart. I can say that on the record ‘Transit of Venus,’ there’s maybe one or two songs that actually do come from my heart … Quite a bit of it just adds up to the fakeness of the whole industry and how you’re writing hits for other people.”

A freak fire in the home of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne early this morning (Jan. 17) has left metal music’s ‘Prince of Darkness’ with singed hair, no eyebrows, minor burns to his face and a setback to an existing hand injury.

Firefighters were called to the Osbournes’ Beverly Hills home at around 4:45 AM this morning to extinguish a fire caused by a candle which had not been blown out before the husband and wife retired to bed. The candle was housed in a glass vase that reportedly exploded, causing a small fire in the Osbourne’s living room.Sharon and Ozzy, who had undergone hand surgery the day before, attempted to put out the flames, but their efforts resulted in minor injuries to the Black Sabbath vocalist.

Ozzy attempted to put out the fire with his hand still in the cast from his surgery as Sharon got some water and unintentionally caused the oily fire to spread as she splashed the flames. The resulting blast of fire burned Ozzy’s long hair up to his ears, seared off his eyebrows and left his cheeks skinned. Luckily, Sharon and the Osbourne’s many pets suffered no injuries.

Sharon described the incident with intricate detail on her show ‘The Talk’ today…

Three Days Grace have revealed more details about frontman Adam Gontier’s departure from the group. They posted the following message on their Facebook:

“It had been our desire to keep an internal band matter just that, internal. However, after public statements by Adam we feel the need to give our fans the facts. Here’s the exact timeline of events over the past few weeks.

“On December 21, 2012, Neil and Brad (via email), our manager and business manager (via federal express) received a letter from Adam’s lawyer stating, “Please be advised effective immediately Adam is terminating his involvement with the band Three Days Grace. Adam has been wrestling with a health issue, outlined in the attached letter (a doctor’s letter dated December 14), which would have precluded him from touring with the band in 2013 and he wants the group to continue moving forward as they see fit while not holding them back.”

“As you can imagine, this came as a complete shock to us. We had just played a series of shows in Hartford and Peterborough the preceding week with no mention from Adam of any health issues or that this resignation letter was coming. We had no idea then that the December 15th Hartford show (which we played one day after the date of the doctor’s note attached to Adam’s lawyer’s letter) would be our final show with Adam as lead singer.

“After receiving Adam’s lawyer’s letter, Brad sent Adam a text offering to get together to make sure that Adam’s decision was in fact the decision he wanted to make, a final decision, and to talk through any issues. As Brad said, “It would suck to end a twenty year relationship through a lawyer.” Brad’s invitation was declined by Adam via a text stating, “My decision is 100%. My relationship with Three Days Grace is over.”

“We were then surprised to learn that even though we were told on December 21st that Adam was not able to tour with the band due to health concerns, he apparently planned on participating in a show on January 17 in New York City, as a solo artist.

“How would you feel if you were in our shoes? Someone you had known for 20 years, whom you had grown up with, gone through ups and downs with, shared dreams with, ends that relationship as if you had known him for a single day with a letter from a lawyer.

“With a new album and new tour about to begin, and music that everyone in the band is proud to play and promote, we were quickly left to come up with a way to continue what we started. We had a tour for “Transit of Venus” scheduled to start in a month, and we felt we owed it to our fans and ourselves to go through with it.

“As we have said before, our fans are the best. You have stood with us through good times and bad times and you are the reason we do what we do. We appreciate more than we can say in words the support we have received during this time. This is not about choosing sides or deciding who’s right or who’s wrong. This is about being honest with you. Adam has made his choice and we wish him well. We care about our band, and we care about honoring our commitments to you, the fans. Three Days Grace has never been about one single band member and it never will be.

“After touring is complete, we will move forward. In what shape and form, that is yet to be determined. What we can tell you is that and are excited to rock live and we can’t wait to see you all on the road.

Former Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano hasn’t wasted any time whatsoever with his recent decision to leave the band and dedicate his career to production. In fact, Caggiano has entered the studio with Danish rockers Volbeat to twiddle the knobs on their fifth studio album, which is titled ‘Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies’ and due this spring.

“We’re back in the studio, this time breaking some of our old habits and this sometimes means leaving our comfort zone,” reveals Volbeat frontman Michael Poulsen. “We are recording in a new environment, producing with a new set up breaking new sonic ground and it’s exciting! Together with our long time collaborator Jacob Hansen we also have the honor of having producer Rob Caggiano on board in the producer’s seat. Expect lots of surprises and some of our most rocking heavy songs to date. We feel more than ever that we are taking the Volbeat sound to another level without changing what we’re all about. Can’t wait for it to get out there!”

Disturbed’s David Draiman and former Filter guitarist Geno Lenardo have announced the release of the debut album from their new project Device, which features an impressive guest list.

Device have set an April 9th release date for their self-titled album. The first single from the album,, “”Vilify”" is set to be released to radio on February 19th.

“It’s not metal”, Draiman says. “It’s influenced by early Industrial rock (I.E. Nine Inch Nails/Ministry) and has a dark electronic vibe. At the same time, these are big, anthemic, and intensely melodic songs. It’s futuristic rock.”

The album was co-written and recorded by Draiman and Lenardo and they called on a variety of special guests to appear on the album including Serj Tankian of System of a Down, Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Black Country Communion, M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold) and Lizzy Hale of Halestorm.

Draiman has recruited Evanescence drummer Will Hunt, and Dope guitarist Virus for the touring version of the band.

As Three Days Grace fans continue to absorb the surprising news from earlier today (Jan. 9) that frontman Adam Gontier has left the band, the singer himself has released a heartfelt letter explaining his departure.

We reported that Three Days Grace have announced that Gontier left the band due to health issues and has been replaced by My Darkest Days singer Matt Walst for the band’s upcoming tour with Shinedown. With the unspecified ‘health issues’ being cited as the reason, speculation stirred that it might be connected to Gontier’s previously publicized struggles with drugs and addiction. But Gontier explains that he is perfectly sober and is just ready for a new chapter in his life.

See Adam Gontier’s full ‘Address of Resignation’ from Three Days Grace below:

To all of my fans, my friends, my family, these are my words coming from my heart, separate from my role as “lead singer of Three Days Grace”. I want you all to know how very thankful I am for your consistent love, your respect, and you’re undying support. It is important for me to address any concerns regarding my health being connected to drugs or addiction. The truth is, when I was struggling during that dark time in my life, I hit rock bottom, and I had the kindest of people reach out from all over the world, and reach their hands out to help pick me up. I am so blessed to be walking in the light now. I am reminded of your loyalty, always. The truth is, and I’m very proud to say this…, I am sober. That chapter in my life is over. There have been many defining moments in my life. My time as part of Three Days Grace is most definitely one of the miraculous ones. I have had so many tender hearted people share with me their stories. How I’ve touched, or changed their lives. My truth is that all of the love I have received has forever changed my life. Each letter I’ve read, every picture I’ve been sent, all of the voices I’ve heard sing along with me, I will forever remember, and never forget… After twenty years of being part of an ever evolving band, I have been inspired by life, to move on and to continue to evolve on my own terms. I could not be more grateful for all the souls who have travelled along with me. A journey I look back on with integrity, and a future I look forward to with such hope. I have always admired brave hearts. Life is always changing. I will continue to follow my heart, and what I love to do. I’m not sure what the next horizon will look like, but I do have all the faith in the world that whatever it is, It’s meant to be, and I have faith that blessings will continue to shine over all of us. I once heard a “brave heart” say: “When nothing is sure, everything is possible.” It’s because of my life’s journey, because of all of you, that I believe. Sincerely, with love, Adam

Three Days Grace has announced that Matt Walst, lead singer of My Darkest Days, will be joining the band as the lead singer for their North American co-headlining tour with Shinedown, starting in Moline, IL on February 1st.

Former lead singer, Adam Gontier, has left the group effective immediately due to a health issue.

In response, Brad Walst stated: “We were surprised and distressed by Adam’s sudden departure.  We are however very excited for this upcoming tour, and to have my brother Matt stepping in as lead singer.”

Listen to Matt in rehearsal with Three Days Grace on their webpage

http://www.threedaysgrace.com/news/120901

After recently announcing that they would be releasing their fourth album in 2013, the members of Alter Bridge have now started working on the new disc.

On Friday (Jan. 4), the band posted the picture on the left of guitarist Mark Tremonti and singer Myles Kennedy in the studio on Facebook with the caption “It begins today.” And today (Jan. 7), they stated, “Writing on ‘AB4′ has begun. Very productive sessions so far!”

The band will try to get in as much work as possible over the next couple of weeks, as both Tremonti and Kennedy will be out on the road very shortly…

Grammy-nominated, Massachusetts-based hard rockers Killswitch Engage –singer Jesse Leach, guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz, bassist Mike D’Antonio, guitarist Joel Stroetzel and drummer Justin Foley- have announced Disarm The Descent as the title of their upcoming sixth album. The 12-track record is due out April 2 on longtime label Roadrunner Records and is the follow up to 2009′s self-titled release. Disarm The Descent is the band’s first album with original singer Leach at the vocal helm since 2002′s now classic, genre-defining Alive or Just Breathing. Leach returned to the band in January 2012 after a decade-long absence.

The first single, “In Due Time,” will be made available digitally on February 5. Album pre-orders will kick off in early February, as well, with more details forthcoming.

Disarm The Descent was selected by Alternative Press magazine for its “Most Anticipated Albums of 2013″ issue and the band was profiled in Guitar World as one to watch in 2013. Clearly buzz from fans and the metal and hard rock community regarding new KsE remains deafening.

“It is with a grateful spirit that we prepare for this record’s release,” Leach said. “From the music, to the lyrics, to the artwork, we are all proud of what we have accomplished. To me this is by far my best vocal performance, much thanks to Adam’s guidance and faith in my abilities. I am very grateful to be where I am in life, back in an amazing band with a record we are all excited for the world to hear. Thanks to all the fans for their warm welcome back and their undying love for Killswitch Engage.”

2012 marked a busy year for KsE.

With Leach firmly installed as the frontman for the last 12 months, the band spent its summer on the road. KsE shook the bedrock of venues across the country as part of the first-ever Trespass America tour alongside Five Finger Death Punch.

The band recently embarked on a tour that celebrated the 10th anniversary of Alive or Just Breathing. They performed the album in full, with a few fan favorites and hits from their gold-selling albums, 2004′s The End of Heartache and 2006′s As Daylight Dies, sprinkled into the setlist. KsE were also profiled by Decibel in the magazine’s highly respected “Hall of Fame” feature for Alive or Just Breathing.

In between tours, the band put its nose to the grindstone to work on what would become Disarm The Descent, with Dutkiewicz producing. The wheels have been turning for the past year, as the band supplemented recording with touring. The time is upon us for the next chapter of Killswitch Engage, who were at the forefront of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal resurgence that defined the ’00s and have remained vital into the new decade.

Disarm The Descent Track Listing:

“The Hell In Me”
“Beyond the Flames”
“New Awakening”
“In Due Time”
“A Tribute to the Fallen”
“The Turning Point”
“All That We Have”
“You Don’t Bleed for Me”
“The Call”
“No End in Sight”
“Always”
“Time Will Not Remain”