Guitar lord Joe Stump (HolyHell, Exorcism) recently spoke with BraveWords scribe Carl Begai and revealed some details of his forthcoming album:

"I've got a new solo record coming out on Lion Music next month entitled The Dark Lord Rises," Stump reveals. " It's a killer with some very heavy stuff; thrash, speed, power, and even a black metal-tinged track, along with of course the badass Blackmore rocking shit and Yngwie induced neo-classical  fret frying. Also, a beautiful ballad dedicated and inspired by Gary Moore that's one of the best things I`ve ever recorded as far as that emotional side of my playing goes."

The cover art for The Dark Lord Rises can be viewed below.

The tracklist is as follows:

"Hostile Takeover"
"Stratomaster"
"Out For Blood"
"The Black Knight Returns"
"Tortured Soul"
"The Dark Lord's Allegro"
"Staring Into The Abyss"
"Concerto No. 2 In B-Minor"
"Neo Classical Sgredfest No. 4"
"Battle Tested"
"Brothers In Shred" (bonus)

Stump will be a part of the inaugural Axes & Anchors music cruise, the most-rocking boat at sea continues to add to the already impressive lineup. Demon Hunter has just been confirmed to join the previously announced performers that include Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Motionless In White, Flyleaf, Thousand Foot Krutch, Alex Skolnick, Tony MacAlpine, Adelitas Way, Randy Rhoads Remembered, Tracii Guns, Gilby Clarke, Mike Orlando and A Beautiful Disaster, Dario Lorina, Aranda, Black Knight’s Castle featuring Joe Stump, Pamela Moore, Falling Through April, Gabriel Ayala and Headstrum. Cabins can be reserved at AxesAndAnchors.com.

The cruise guarantees fans plenty of opportunities for meeting and hanging with their favorite bands on board, including free workshops on topics ranging from guitar and vocals to concert photography to stage clothing construction. Newly confirmed workshops include a drum clinic offered by Shaun Foist, the drummer for Breaking Benjamin. In addition, bass legend Rudy Sarzo will be moderating a clinic for bassists and Johnny Monaco of Enuff Z’nuff will be giving guitar clinics for players of all skill levels. Passengers are encouraged to bring their guitars on board for workshops and jam sessions. 28 workshops are already confirmed and currently listed online with more to be added before Axes & Anchors sets sail in February.

The five days and four nights cruise to Key West and Nassau, Bahamas will take place on the Carnival Victory. The ship offers free gourmet food and 24-hour room service, live comedy shows daily, and 40 live concerts on multiple stages. It also has three large swimming pools: King of the Seas, Triton, and Sirens, all including whirlpools in the immediate area. There is also a 214-foot-long (65 m) Twister waterslide that ends next to the King of the Seas pool. The cruise ship also has 13 bars, a salon/spa, a fitness center, and more amenities available.

All reservations include 4-nights lodging and taxes, all meals, all concerts, all open workshops, a professional photo opportunity with every artist, and more. Current promotions include a $150 per person rebate by paying in full, and the recently announced Stowaway Package, which allows 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin who are under 21 to cruise for free when accompanied by two passengers over 25 years old.