KNAC.com recently caught up with MALICE guitarist Mick Zane. An excerpt from the interview is available below:

KNAC.com: The new addition of Pete Holmes (BLACK N' BLUE, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP) on drums is really going to improve the power and performance level of the band live? Much like your original singer James Neal, James Rivera (HELSTAR) is also from Texas and a super addition to the Malice line up.

Zane: "Yes indeed. Pete's been out on the road with Michael Schenker Group for the last ten years and he's doing some dates with Black N' Blue. They have a new record out and they're playing with WHITESNAKE and TWISTED SISTER in Baltimore this summer at some huge outdoor Festival. We're excited to have James Rivera come in and do these shows with us. He did a great job on the VICIOUS RUMORS Warball record, so we're anxious to play on stage with him and grateful he was able to join us at such short notice. Brian Allen who did our last reunion show is now singing with Vicious Rumors and we even approached Tim "Ripper" Owens (ex-JUDAS PRIEST) at one point who I heard is now with DIO Disciples. James Rivera is the guy for now!"

KNAC.com: What do you think about this wave of European Metal promoters? They really have their Festivals together and it seems nothing has changed over there, they still love the vintage 80's Metal.

Zane: "Yeah, they're pretty rabid about their Metal in Europe. I was just reading an article that in Finland, Heavy Metal is the mainstream. Your hear it on the radio over there like you hear love songs and the same old crap over here."

KNAC.com: Are you planning to play some U.S shows?

Zane: "Yes, that's the plan. We're going to see how these shows go and then start working on this new record with Max Norman. But yeah, we'd love to play some shows on the west coast. Gina Zamperelli Concert Promotions, who used to book the Perkins Palace Shows, is looking to get back into the business. So maybe we can hook up with W.A.S.P. or WARRIOR again and play some shows around L.A. We have some killer new songs in the can and we're really stoked at the thought of getting back in the studio and releasing a new Malice record. We released a new CD of rare and unreleased tracks last year on Retrospect Records that’s been doing very well. Everyone’s really going to like the new stuff. We're not going to play any new material for these shows, just the classics."

Click here for the complete interview.

Helstar frontman James Rivera recently checked in with the following update, which includes his announcement regarding joining Malice:

“Boy, what a weekend! The birthday wishes are still coming in, although I'm now ready to get back to normal. I'd like to thank everyone for all of my birthday comments and messages. It's those little gifts that make me feel better about getting older! LOL! Thanks to all of you who made the birthday bash shows in Houston and Corpus Christi this past weekend a success and so much fun! It was great to see so many old friends again. The Houston event was extra special since it was also for my late friend and metal sister, Leticia, who was there with us in spirit as we played a live version of the song I wrote for her, ‘The Winds Of Death (Angel of Light)’. I would also like to thank my band members IN SABBATH JUDAS SABBATH for learning this song, which is a product of Killing Machine.

As for Corpus, the promoter Family Tradition Productions who put the show on, are like no other when it comes to making you feel like a King on your birthday! I love you guys! Thank you so much for the memorable time, special gifts and exceptional care you displayed.

The remainder of this year is metal at full throttle for me. Many big things are about to unravel starting with Germany's Keep It True festival next weekend, which will include my debut performance with the band Malice, plus a special guest appearance with MASTERS OF METAL (featuring members of AGENT STEEL). In June, Helstar will be coming to Austin and Dallas, Texas, as well as several east coast metal markets to continue its onslaught of Chaos! More live appearances are being scheduled for Helstar in late summer to include European festival performances and club shows. Also in June, the new SEVEN WITCHES record Call Upon The Wicked will be released on the 6th via E One Entertainment, in addition to a music video for a song from that album Fields On Fire. Touring for Seven Witches will soon follow - dates to be announced! Killing Machine is also slated for a record release and concerts in the fall!

Love you all and I hope we can all continue to be blessed daily. These days we need all the blessings we can get.”