HALFORD's 'METAL' MIKE CHLASCIAK Checks In With Year-End Wrap-Up

"Metal" Mike Chlasciak, who is best known as the guitarist in JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford's solo outfit HALFORD, has issued the following update:

"Hail, metal defenders. Here we are — few days into the New Year 2011. Hard to believe, isn't it?

"The entire 2010 felt like five minutes to me and it was a wonderful year filled with changes, good times and achievement of several personal and professional goals and wishes.

"The year started with me getting healthy. I took a few moments aside and sketched what I felt I needed to do on many levels.

"As days pass on, our time on planet earth seems more and more important and I want to take advantage of it as much as I can.

"I immediately began work on my next solo outing and record called 'The Metalworker'. Kevin Talley of DAATH has laid down some of the most incredible and perfect drum parts to the new music. I began work on a focused, aggressive and to-the-point heavy metal record.

"I have assembled a new band. Fueled by incredibly talented vocal siren Carlos Zema (OUTWORLD),the unit is rounded off by Clint Arent (PAINMUSEUM, AUTUMN HOUR) on bass and John Macaluso (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ARK) on drums. Quickly we snagged couple support slots on the PRIMAL FEAR's 'The Fear Is Here' U.S. run and I was very pleased to have such talented and hard-working guys with me. At that time, on the days off, we were able to catch all the vocal performances for 'The Metalworker' release as well. It was a rewarding time in the studio as we got some insane tracks from Zema.

"In June — I have dropped one bag and picked up another at my studio floor in order to board a plane to sunny California in order to record guitar parts for HALFORD's new album, 'Made Of Metal'.

"The next months of July to December I spent trotting the globe on airplanes and tour buses as HALFORD embarked on the first tour in seven years. We have played to incredible audiences in Japan, Peru, Chile, Brasil, Argentina, rocked Ozzfest 2010 with MÖTLEY CRÜE, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and Ozzy before joining the Prince Of Darkness himself across Canada and United States on Ozzy's 'Scream' 2010/2011 North American tour.

"It was just a beautiful experience to see two icons on the same stage every night across arenas in America.

"I was honored to play so many great places, including New York's Madison Square Garden. Amazingly, it was the third time for me.

"I have watched Ozzy and his band almost every night.

"I am grateful to have shared the stage with The Metal God — the one and only — the Painkiller!

"The year also saw several new releases and reissues from HALFORD band. 'Live Insurrection' and 'Crucible' were again made available with new art, mastering and some new tracks.

"HALFORD released the awaited 'Live In Anaheim' DVD, 'Live In Anaheim - Original Soundtrack' CD and the new studio album 'Made Of Metal'. Fans were treated to some other specials such as new digital downloads of 'The Mower' single and 'Silent Screams' EP.

"While on tour, on days off I began shooting my 'Metal For Life' monthly guitar column for Guitar World magazine. December's issue featured my '10 Metal Riffs You Must Know' as a part of Andy Aledort's 'In Deep' column and my regular 'Metal For Life' column will debut in the upcoming months. I will be covering many styles and ideas behind playing metal, so please keep your eye out.

"So here, we are in 2011. I am wrapping up work on 'The Metalworker'. I will open up several seminars at my 'Metal Heroes Music Academy' at Aarius Studios in Sayreville, New Jersey.

There are several other things that have come up last couple of months, but I'll check back in with news if things become a reality. Until then — keep the faith, and, as always, very much appreciate the warm support."