'80's metal pioneer, WILLIE BASSE has launched his new label New Empire Media with the release of his new album The Money Grind. The album is now availible in stores and on iTunes

now with a European release slated for September, followed by a European a tour in October/November 2008.

Basse, best known for his role as bassist/frontman for the legendary LA based metalheads, BLACK SHEEP (the metal version, not the rap version who bought the name from him in the 90's. Black Sheep and Willie Basse were mainstays on the Los Angeles sunset strip during the ‘80s metal explosion. The band best known for their technical prowess and precision, has boasted members that include Slash, Paul Gilbert, James Kottak, Randy Castillo and Mitch Perry.

According to a press release, staying true to his his metal and rock roots, Basse flexes his abilities as a song writer on The Money Grind with 12 ear-crunching, classic metal songs that will bring him back to the forefront of the genre. His unapologetic approach to metal makes the The Money Grind a powerful musical statement that can't be ignored.

“The term classic metal doesn’t really make sense to me,” says Basse when describing his new album, “because that implies that there isn’t anything current about metal music, which isn’t true. Alternative, Grunge, Punk, Emo, etc. – they all have their basis in the same metal music that I’ve been playing for years.”

Despite taking a hiatus to pursue real estate, Basse has remained active during his absence from the music scene. In addition to his own label, Willie has built several state of the art recording studio facilities. He’s worked for years as a Pro Audio Equipment Specialist and Technology Consultant. His studio is almost as busy as Willie is himself. Recent projects coming out his studios include: DJ Ashba (SIXX:AM/BEAUTIFUL CREATURES), Glen Sobel (GARY HOEY/IMPELLITERI/Beautiful Creatures) Carmine and Vinnie Appice (OZZY/BLACK SABBATH/DIO) Phil Soussan (Ozzy), Tony Franklin (BLUE MURDER), Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN/Dio), Randy Castillo (Ozzy/LITA FORD), James Kottak (SCORPIONS), Terry Ilous (XYZ), Mike Finnigan (JIMI HENDRIX/CSN).

Samples from Willie Basse's new album "The Money Grind" can be heard online at www.MySpace.com/WillieBasse.