Old News February 2006


Old News - February 2006 - Old News - More February 2006 News
February 20th, 2006	“Enemy of God II” North America 2006 KREATOR / NAPALM DEATH / PERFECT MURDER / THE UNDYING 2-21-06 Petit theatre du Vieux Norande Royun-Norande, QUE 2-22-06 Medley Montreal, QUE 2-23-06 L’Imperial Quebec City, QUE 2-24-06 The Opera House Toronto, ONT 2-25-06 Penny Arcade Rochester, NY 2-26-06 BB Kings Blues Club New York City, NY 2-27-06 Peabody’s down Under Cleveland, OH 2-28-06 The Pearl Room Mokana, ILL 3-01-06 Star Central Columbia Hights, MN 3-02-06 The Bottleneck Lawrence KS 3-03-06 Bluebird Theater Denver, CO 3-04-06 Aggie Theater Ft Collins, CO 3-07-06 Starlite Room Edmonton, AB 3-08-06 Warehouse Calgary, AB 3-10-06 Studio Seven Seattle, WA 3-11-06 Hawthorne Theater Portland, OR 3-12-06 The Boardwalk Orangevale, CA 3-13-06 The pound at Pier 96 San Francisco, CA 3-14-06 New Oasis Sparks, NV 3-15-06 Galaxy Theater Santa Ana, CA 3-16-06 Key club Los Angeles, CA 3-17-06 The Clubhouse Tempe, AZ 3-18-06 Launchpad Albuquerque, NM 3-19-06 Sanctuary San Antonio, TX 3-21-06 Culture Room Ft Lauderdale, FL 3-22-06 Masquerade Tampa, FL 3-23-06 Masquerade Atlanta, FL 3-24-06 Tremont Music Hall Charlotte,NC 3-25-06 Jaxx West Springfield, VA VOIVOD frontman Denis "Snake" Belanger has started laying down tracks for the group's much-anticipated new album with producer Glen Robinson (VOIVOD's "Nothingface", TEA PARTY, GWAR) at Multisons studio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The singer has posted his first entry on the band's blog about the studio work that includes studio updates, tidbits and photos: "I finally broke the ice. I sang two songs today. At studio Multisons, the speakers are really good, and at full blast, they really make your body shaking. Everything sounds massive." This is the first album in the band's 20+ year career that will not feature founding guitarist Denis "Piggy" D'Amour working alongside his bandmembers in the studio. D'Amour died August 26, 2005 in a Montreal hospital from complications of advanced colon cancer. In order to record the album drummer Michel "Away" Langevin — along with Belanger and bassist Jason "Jasonic" Newsted — are utilizing all of the guitar parts that Piggy had recorded for the record on his laptop with ProTools before his death. VOIVOD's as-yet-untitled new album should surface sometime later this year on The End Records in North America. Veteran British heavy metal band SAXON have added two more U.K. dates to their current itinerary. Confirmed dates so far are as follows: Mar. 16 - Desert Rock Festival 2006 - Dubai, UAE Apr. 21 - Rockweekend - Horst-America, NETH Apr. 23 - Astoria - London, UK Apr. 24 - Wulfrun Hall - Wolverhampton, UK Apr. 25 - Waterfront - Norwich, UK Apr. 26 - Academy 2 - Manchester, UK As previously reported, SAXON were originally slated to embark on an American tour last May but ended up cancelling the dates as a result of singer Biff Byford wanting to stay by his family's side after his house in the Normandie area of France burned down. In that incident, Biff, his wife and their children got out of the house at the very last minute and nobody was hurt. SAXON are continuing to tour in support of their latest CD, "Lionheart", available now on SPV Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Killing Ground" features artwork by Paul R. Gregory, who has previously worked with the group on the now classic "Crusader" album. German power metallers GAMMA RAY have added two Californian shows to their upcoming North American trek. Confirmed dates are as follows: Apr. 30 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium May 01 - New York, NY @ B.B. King's Blues Club May 02 - Springfield, VA @ Jaxx Tickets May 04 - Toronto, ONT @ Opera House May 05 - Quebec City, QC @ Le Capitole May 06 - Montreal, QC @ Medley May 09 - Santa Ana, CA @ Galaxy Theatre May 10 - Los Angeles, CA @ Key Club GAMMA RAY's latest album, "Majestic", was recorded and mixed at Hansen Studios in Hamburg, Germany. Mastering duties were handled at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland by Mikko Karmila and Kai Hansen. The follow-up to 2001's "No World Order" includes 10 tracks which represent "all of the characteristic strengths of the band's musical career to date," the group write on their web site. WITCHERY Song Available, Cover Art Posted WITCHERY’s first spell, “Plague Rider,” from their upcoming album Don’t Fear The Reaper, has been posted here. Scheduled for North American release March 21st, the album was recorded at Berno Studios (Amon Amarth, Dark Funeral) in 2004, with mixing duties entrusted to Tue Madsen and his Antfarm Studios (The Haunted, Heaven Shall Burn). Chilling original artwork by David Diaz (P.O.D.) has been posted here. The North American release features an exclusive track, a cover version of Satanic Slaughter’s classic “Legion Of Hades.” Begun in 1997 when their cult band Satanic Slaughter splintered, WITCHERY started as guitarists Patrik Jensen (The Haunted) and Richard Corpse, vocalist Toxine, drummer Mique, and bassist Sharlee D'Angelo (Arch Enemy, Mercyful Fate). In 1998 they recorded their pioneering debut, Restless And Dead, released that year by Necropolis Records. The album was so extremely well-received that WITCHERY released the Witchburner mini-album later that year. The EP featured two original songs and four covers bearing witness to the individual musicians’ influences. Not long after its release, WITCHERY embarked on 1999’s infamous U.S. tour with Emperor and Borknagar. Their second full-length album, Dead, Hot And Ready, was unleashed soon thereafter, and a six-week early 2000 European tour followed. Symphony For The Devil, the band’s 2001 release, was recorded at Berno Studio (Amon Amarth, Dark Funeral) Malmö, Sweden with new skinsman, Martin “Axe” Axenrot (Bloodbath). Returning to tour North America later that year with The Haunted, WITCHERY again left fans spellbound with their live performance. Look for great things forthcoming, for more information please contact me directly. The DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND Unveils Synchestra North American Tour Dates Scheduled Supporting Opeth Devin Townsend is among the most respected and admired musicians in hard music today. From his extreme music juggernaut Strapping Young Lad, to the experimental Ocean Machine, Devin has made quite a name for himself in the music business. The Devin Townsend Band is Devin’s movement in a different direction, and Synchestra, the second Devin Townsend Band album, is a fine example of what varied sounds such a talented musician is capable of creating. Synchestra has a unique quality that allows each of the songs to stand alone, but the sum is even greater than its parts. Each song leads seamlessly into the next, with an ebb and flow of melodic and heavy parts that gives the album an impressive fluidity. Starting with the gentle, lilting tones of “Let It Roll” to the crushing midsection of “Hypergeek” to the spaced-out vibe of “Triumph,” (which features a stunning guest solo by six-string wizard Steve Vai) the album rolls off to an impressive start. One of the highlights of Synchestra is the intense lead single “Vampira,” which will be added at metal and college radio on January 30th and 31st. A video for “Vampira” has also been shot. The special edition package of Synchestra includes bonus DVD of the band performing a “best of” set live in the studio. A track listing for Synchestra includes: Let It Roll Hypergeek Triumph Babysong Vampolka Vampira Mental Tan Gaia Pixillate Judgement A Simple Lullaby Sunset Notes From Africa The Devin Townsend Band will be on tour in February 2006 with prog metal powerhouse Opeth and melodic death metal masters Dark Tranquility. Confirmed dates include: February 15th - Raleigh, Lincoln Theatre - NC February 16th - Norfolk, The Norva - VA February 17th - Towson, Recher Theatre - MD February 18th - Millvale, Mr. Small's Theatre - PA February 19th - Cincinnati, Bogarts - OH February 20th - Louisville, Headliner's Music Hall s - KY February 21st - Columbus, Newport Music Hall - OH February 24th - Hartford, Webster Theatre - CT February 25th - Providence, Heartbreak Hotels - RI February 26th - Quebec City, Imperial - QC February 28th - London, The Drink Nightclub – ON www.hevydevy.com SAVAGE CIRCUS’ Dreamland Manor March 21 North American Release Scheduled “Evil Eyes” MP3 Posted Dreamland Manor, the highly anticipated debut album from Germany’s power metal newcomers SAVAGE CIRCUS, will see North American release March 21st, 2006. The MP3 for “Evil Eyes” has been posted here. Already released in Europe, the album has received rave reviews from press. Century Media’s North American version will include the “Evil Eyes” video. Commenting on the album’s North American release drummer Thomen Stauch said, “We are proud to confirm having signed a deal with the right label for Dreamland Manor’s North American release! Century Media has convinced us with their long-time experience of releasing great metal albums in the United States of America.” Seeing his musical style diverge from his primary band Blind Guardian’s, drummer Thomen Stauch yearned to compose music reminiscent of their classic albums, Tales From The Twilight Worlds and Imaginations From The Other Side. Stauch founded SAVAGE CIRCUS in 2004 and immediately sought like-minded musicians to round out the band’s lineup. Long time friend Piet Sielck (Iron Savior) recommended members of the Swedish band Persuader, guitarist Emil Norberg and vocalist Jens Carlsson, whose sophomore album he had produced. Instantly feeling a connection with their musical style, Stauch contacted Norberg and Carlsson who agreed to work with him. Stauch then turned to Sielck asking him to complete the band’s circle, playing guitar and recording bass tracks. Following the 2005 recording of Dreamland Manor and his musical visions realized, Stauch decided to leave Bland Guardian making SAVAGE CIRCUS his full-time band. STRAPPING YOUNG LAD To Release New Album This Summer STRAPPING YOUNG LAD drummer Gene Hoglan has posted the following message on the group's official web site: "We have just commenced writing for the follow-up to 'Alien'. We're only a week in, and we're already up to four wicked new tunes! I'm really psyched with the new stuff, hell, we all are. And Jed's [Simon, guitar] not even here yet! As everyone knows, STRAPPING is sort of an evolution in progress, and this album will be no different. Anyone looking for an 'Alien Pt. II', or a 'City Pt. II', or hell, even a 'Chicken Feather Pt. II', knows that's not how we work. Fresh new STRAPPING sounds for a fresh new chapter. And, what an exciting chapter this is looking to be. Because, one of the other reasons 2006 is gonna be so rippin' is that, come July, upon the new one's release, STRAPPING has some CRAZY touring plans, which we'll go into later. But, suffice it to say, this will be our most prodigious year, indeed. I'll tell ya all about it next month, no problem... Not that I'm gonna wait a month to drop a new a new batch of verbiage on ya or anything, but, indeed, next month we'll just know more... "Now, on a side note, I've been hearing from a lot of folks that many of you have not been able to see the 'Zen' video, and we don't have it posted on this site. Well, I promise to get that thing uploaded on here [as soon as possible]. As soon as I figure out how to upload stuff, as I am still a web-troglodyte. Fuck, a 10 year-old kid is a GENIUS compared to me on computers. Yeah, but I bet I could kick ANY 10-year-old's ass in a fight! 'Put 'em up, ya little ankle-bitin' fuckers!' Hey, it could happen..." Blabbermouth.net ASGUARD TO COMMEMORATE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Asguard are currently putting together their 10 year anniversary package that we will be making available in mid 2006. This special package will include a DVD, book and special audio CD all wrapped up in a sick, perverted package and ultra-limited. Dreamslave is still climbing the charts on various college and underground radio stations and continues to make critics top picks for the year. The nearest show dates. February, 17 –“Liga” club, Mogilev, Belarus March, 18 – Chernigov, Ukraine www.asguard.metal4.com FLESHGORE SIGN WITH TDR Ukraine grind / death metal outfit Fleshgore have signed with TDR and their debut release May God Strike Me Dead will be released in early 2006. Brutal, punishing, blasphemous grindcore galore is what you're gonna get from these sick fucks. www.fleshgore.com NEGATIVE REACTION RECORDING FINISHED NR have finished recording their debut for TDR entitled Under the Ancient Penalty and have been working tirelessly on album artwork between select shows around the East Coast and Mid-West. Ken E. Bones tells us this is the bands most punishing release to date. "It was an exhausting process, but we're glad to have it done." www.negativereaction.info RECOURSE LOSE GUITARIST Recourse recently lost guitarist Don Herbert from the band and have replaced him with Jason Baillif. The band are currently writing new material between select East Coast dates and plan to hit the studio this January to record their second release for TDR. Rumors are being heard that a split release with Dying Fetus may be in the works covering the others material. We'll have to wait and see. live carnage: 01/13 Ellerslie Tavern - Ellerslie, MD 01/14 Budda's - Newport News, VA 02/04 CC22 - Seaford, DE 03/11 Coyote's - Seaford, DE www.recoursemetal.com SOURVEIN EMERALD VULTURE The long-awaited debut for TDR Emerald Vulture is finally available and getting stellar reviews from publications around the world. The band recently relocated to Richmond, Virginia and are gearing up for a short UK tour with Ramesses in the new year. Sourvein will also be recording two additional EP's for us throughout 2006. More news as it comes available. www.devildollrecords.com/DDR/TDR/band%20html/sourvein.htm ULTRALORD HATES YOU ALL The debut release from Ohio's Ultralord is in the can and being pressed as we speak. All we can say is that it fucking kills. It is some of the most brutal shit we have ever heard. So heavy and sick that it had us shitting our pants. The debut will be available some time in early 2006. http://ultralord.cjb.cc/ ATTACKER: For Immediate Release! We have released a full-length preview track from our forthcoming album "THE UNKNOWN". The track is titled "THIS IS POWER" and it can be found here at www.attacker.tv/sounds.html Enjoy it and don't forget "THE UNKNOWN" will be out, world-wide, Tuesday April 11th on CD and CLASSIC VINYL through SENTINEL STEEL RECORDS. HERMIT AGE - A Grant to the Wind available for download The dark metal band HERMIT AGE posted online on MySpace (www.myspace.com/hermitageband) the song "A Grant to the Wind". The track was released in 2001, in the demo Songs for the Eternal Awakening. This song features the guest appearannce of Vary (ex-A Sorrowful Dream) doing the female vocals. The song received a proper edition to be included on MySpace and now can be presented to the new fans of the band, showing the old work of the group. Hermit Age released their first full length recently, titled Sinnocence, after eight years of activities. The band plays dark metal and is leadered by Diego Voges (ex-Penitence, ex-Megalon) and has Lilly on female vocals. Hermit Age - www.hermit.com.br SHADOWS FALL Receives Grammy Nomination Nominations for the 48th Annual Grammy Awards were announced last week by The Recording Academy, which included a nod for SHADOWS FALL in the "Best Metal Performance" category. The group was nominated for their Active Rock hit "What Drives The Weak" alongside such acclaimed artists as Ministry, Mudvayne, Rammstein and Slipknot. The track is featured on the group’s latest offering, "The War Within", which originally debuted at #20 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and it is quickly approaching 250,000 units scanned in the USA only. The album garnered accolades in such mainstream publications as Billboard, Blender and Giant, among others while SHADOWS FALL were also hailed as a "Band To Watch In 2005" by Rolling Stone, Spin and Stuff magazine. Brian Fair (vocals) further describes his excitement over their first Grammy nomination: "So SHADOWS FALL has been nominated for a Grammy! How friggin crazy is that. Never in a million years would I have thought that a small metal band from MA would get this type of honor and acknowledgement from the music industry. This was something we had never thought about when we began writing songs together. This is proof that if you stick to your guns and put 100 percent of yourself into something the sky is the limit. We know that we would not be where we are today without the support and energy that we have received from all our fans. This nomination is a testament to that. I can’t wait to party LA style at the Grammies. Finally, my chance to meet Gwen Stefani has arrived! hahahaha. The Cristal is on me." "'The War Within' is a landmark in modern metal." Outburn" SHADOWS FALL are becoming Iron Maiden for the Grand Theft Auto generation." Spin Official Website: www.shadowsfallrocks.com TERRORIZER sign with Century Media Records In today’s extreme music scene only a few bands deserve to be seen as “legendary” and Grindcore Pioneers TERRORIZER certainly belong as one of those groups. Having released their highly acclaimed and influential debut album “World Downfall” in 1989 (via Earache Records), the band took the scene by storm with an aggression that had been unheard of until then and which consequently lead this underground outfit to become a cult institution even after their quick disbanding, which saw the musicians on the album concentrate on their future main bands: Pete Sandoval (drums) with Morbid Angel and Jesse Pintado (guitars) with Napalm Death. The band’s popularity remained through the years with plenty of newer acts citing inspiration from “World Downfall”. The massive amount of available bootleg-recordings and band merchandise as well as rumours of a follow-up album kept TERRORIZER´s name well alive throughout the years. Now, after what might seem like an eternity of silence the band signed a world wide deal with Robert Kampf, owner of Century Media. Original forming members Pete and Jesse have started working on a new studio album, to be recorded early 2006 in Florida with producer Juan “Punchy” Gonzalez (Morbid Angel, Unholy Ghost, Christian Death, Diet of Worms etc.) for a summer 2006 release via the label. “After long negotiations with several labels, it’s official: TERRORIZER and World Management are happy to announce the new album will be on Century Media”, comments the band. www.freewebs.com/terrorizergrindcore Wolf sign with Century Media Records Sweden's ‘working class’ heavy metallers, WOLF, have inked a deal with Century Media Records. In their own words: "WOLF is a hardworking Heavy metal band. Century Media records is a hardworking heavy metal label. See the connection? We're very proud to announce that we're releasing the next WOLF album on Century Media. We're confident that we're getting the support we need and we're also confident that the next WOLF album will eat you up and spit you out. Cheers to all supporters of heavy metal, see ya down the pub." Century Media: "We are very proud to have a new band in our artist roster that kicks ass in an old school way without being old fashioned – because real METAL never dies! So let's howl with the Wolves!" The band was formed 1995 by Niklas A Olsson (vocals, lead guitar) and Mikael Goding (bass). Some demos later, in 1997, Daniel 'Dale' Bergkvist (drums) joined the band and completed the core line-up that recorded the first three albums: “Wolf” (2000), “Black Wings” (2002) & “Evil Star” (2004) – all of them recorded & produced in the Abyss studio by Peter Taegtgren. In mid 2002 Johannes 'Axeman' Losbaeck filled in as a permanent second guitarist and brought three years later his old Decameron/Seventh One buddy Tobias R. Kjellgren into the band (who also played with the infamous Dissection and helped out In Flames on the 2005 US tour). Dale was leaving the band due to private reasons but he's still helping out behind the scenes. All of their albums got overwhelming reviews from worldwide metal-media and the WOLF-pack destroyed stages at Sweden Rock, Wacken, Gates Of Metal and last years Rock Hard Festival. They toured with Edguy and Saxon, and they are ready to unleash their fourth album in mid 2006. Most likely the unholy mix of Iron Maiden meets Mercyful Fate meets super sized balls will be recorded by Peter Taegtgren again. Expect nothing else than blood, sweat and beers. Official band website: www.wolf.nu LACUNA COIL Set Street Date And Reveal The Details On "Karmacode"! LACUNA COIL are set to release to their latest full-length effort, “Karmacode”, on April 3rd 2006 via Century Media Records. The highly anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed commercial breakthrough album, “Comalies”, was co-produced by Waldemar Sorychta and LACUNA COIL in Germany and Italy while the album was both mixed by Ronald Prent (Rammstein, H.I.M., Iron Maiden) and mastered by Darcy Proper (Steely Dan, Porcupine Tree, R.E.M.) at Galaxy Studios in Belgium. Asterik Studio (Trapt, Funeral For A Friend, The Used), the Grammy-nominated design firm, is handling the package design for “Karmacode”. Says vocalist Cristina Scabbia, “I imagine it’s easy for everyone to understand how truly excited we are for the world to hear the new material. It’ll give everyone the chance to hear the growth that the band has experienced over the past couple of years. I simply cannot wait to get out and play the new songs live, there will definitely be a lot of energy coming from the stage next year!” Guitarist Cristiano Migliore adds, “It’s taken a long time to put together these songs and I can say they’re the best ones we’ve ever written! Working with old friends as well as new ones has been incredibly exciting and we had the chance to mix in one of the best studios in the world so, really, what else could we ask for? I’m definitely sure our fans will love the music just as much as they’ll love the artwork that Asterik has created for “Karmacode”!” The track list for “Karmacode” is as follows: 1. Fragile 2. To The Edge 3. Our Truth 4. Within Me 5. Devoted 6. You Create 7. What I See 8. Fragments Of Faith 9. Closer 10. In Visible Light 11. The Game 12. Without Fear 13. Enjoy The Silence A video for “Our Truth” was shot in Los Angeles by Fort Awesome, a brand-new directorial duo, whose individual directing credits include Queens of the Stone Age, Linkin Park, Disturbed, Chevelle, Atreyu, Shadows Fall, and more. “The experience of shooting the video was a wonderful one, for sure” adds Cristina, “Both the band and the crew worked from sunset to sunrise in the Hollywood Hills, remaining 100% focused and after all was said and done we believe we pulled off a masterpiece of a video we’re sure everyone’s going to love.” Look for LACUNA COIL to support one of the most-anticipated albums of 2006 by hitting the road beginning in spring and throughout the year ahead. Official band website: http://www.lacunacoil.it EXTOL nominated for Norwegian Grammy! "Blueprint" is nominated for the Norwegian Grammy ("Spellemannsprisen") in the category "metal". The show will be broadcasted by TV2 in Norway on January 28th, 2006. The nominees are: Audrey Horne "No Hay Banda", El Caco "The Search", Stonegard "Arrows" and EXTOL "Blueprint". "We’d like to share with all of you that EXTOL's album "Blueprint" has just been nominated for the Norwegian Grammy Awards in the category "metal". It's a great honour for us to be recognized in this contest of musical achievement for 2005. Fingers crossed, everyone!" (David Husvik & EXTOL) Furthermore "Blueprint" reached position #5 in Norway´s biggest newspaper "Dagbladet". Here´s the full ranking of the category "metal": 1. System Of A Down - «Mesmerize» 2. Opeth - «Ghost Reveries» 3. Dream Theater - «Octavarium» 4. System Of A Down - «Hypnotize» 5. Extol - «The Blueprint Dives» You can also check this link After its release "Blueprint" has gained critical acclaim all over the globe and kept the band busy touring with Mastodon, God Forbid and Opeth in Europe as well as an extensive visit with various bands like Haste The Day, Becoming The Archetype and The Showdown throughout the US. Official band website: www.extolweb.com WITCHCRAFT hit the road with MONSTER MAGNET! March Sat 04 - Wolverhampton - Wolfrun Hall (UK) Sun 05 - Nottingham - Rock City (UK) Mon 06 - Manchester - Academy 2 (UK) Wed 08 -Glasgow - QMU (UK) Thu 09 - Leeds - The Cockpit (UK) Fri 10 - Sheffield - The Corporation (UK) Sun 12 - London - Astoria (UK) Mon 13 - Brussels - AB Club (Bel) Tue 14 - Amsterdam - Paradiso (NL) Thu 16 - Tilburg - 013 (NL) Fri 17 - Hamburg - Grosse Freiheit (Ger) Sat 18 - Gothenburg - Trädgården (Swe) Mon 20 - Helsinki - Tavastia (Fin) Wed 22 - Stockholm - Arenan (Swe) Thu 23 - Oslo - Rockefeller (Nor) Fri 24 - Malmö - KB (Swe) Sun 26 - Copenhagen - Pumpehuset (Den) Mon 27 - Århus - Voxhall (Den) Tue 28 - Berlin - Columbiahalle (Ger) Thu 30 - Herford - Club X (Ger) Fri 31 - Weisbaden - Schlachthof (Ger) April Sat 01 - Leipzig - Werk (Ger) Mon 03 - Dortmund - Soundgarden (Ger) Tue 04 - Cologne - Live Music Hall (Ger) Wed 05 - Stuttgart - Longhorn (Ger) Fri 07 - Munich - Tonhalle (Ger) Sat 08 - Linz - Posthof (AU) Sun 09 - Vienna - Arena (AU) Tue 11 - Zurich - Xtra (CH) Thu 13 - Barcelona - Razzmatazz II (ES) Fri 14 - Madrid - Aqualung (ES) SKINLESS have begun recording for their forthcoming Relapse full-length. The record, titled Trample The Weak, Hurdle the Dead, will be the band's first to feature new vocalist Jason Keyser and is being recorded with long-time engineer Brett Portzer at his Max Trax Studios. Trample The Weak, Hurdle the Dead is the follow up to 2002'sFrom Sacrifice To Survival. Guitarist Noah Carpenter (bassist Joe Keyser and returning drummer Bob Beaulac round out the Albany-based band) comments; "Were all excited about the material on the new album. Its some of the heaviest stuff Skinless has done. Bob is done tracking his drums and has brought back that signature Skinless groove." Song titles for Trample The Weak, Hurdle the Dead include the title track, Execution Of Reason, Endvisioned, Sycophant and Overlord. Carpenter leaves off; "We can't wait to get out on tour to rock these songs live. In 2006 we plan to do our most extensive touring in years. Prepare to be trampled!." Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead is scheduled for a spring 2006 release. www.4SKINLESS.com Metal Maniacs AGALLOCH finish recording Ashes Against The Grain Agalloch guitarist/vocalist John Haughm gives an update on their forthcoming album: "The recording process for Ashes Against The Grain was completed this past weekend. The album is currently being mixed and will hopefully be ready for mastering in a couple weeks. A studio gallery will be posted online shortly." Check out AGALLOCH at Myspace.com: www.myspace.com/agalloch Metal Maniacs HAUNTED SHORES is a Washington D.C. based metal band, comprised of friends acquainted through previous bands. Their brand new EP, "Ethereal", can be downloaded at their official website: www.HauntedShores.com "Ethereal" was recorded at Oblivion Studios (Upper Marlboro, Maryland) with engineer Mike Bossier (Audio Terror Regime, ex- Oblivion), from November 28th to December 3rd, 2005. All mastering was done at Lion and Fox in College Park, Maryland, 2006. The tracklisting for the "Ethereal" EP goes as follows: "Ethereal" EP 1. Earth Elemental 2. The Shading of Sin 3. Flourishing 4. Ethereal 5. Crown of Ages * Make sure to visit the official website and sign up for the mailing list! http://www.hauntedshores.com

February 12th, 2006	FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING Newsletter January 2006 ] Welcome you Fragmentorrists [ // 2006 We wish you a successful and perfect year 2006!!! ...the new year has just begun and it´s again time to spread some words. First of all, we already finished the recording, mixing and even mastering of our forthcoming album "Sterling Black Icon" - thanks again to Christoph of the Iguana Studios for a great work! The album will be released on March 24th, 2006 (at the same time with the upcoming Cannibal Corpse album). Here is the complete Tracklist: 01 Carmine Preface 02 Sterling Black Icon 03 Weave Their Barren Path 04 Dear Floating Water 05 Breathe In The Black To See 06 Ride For A Fall 07 A Faint Illumination 08 Live For The Moment, Stay ´Til The End 09 Scythe Of Scarecrow 10 Onward To The Finger Of God 11 Stand The Tempest 12 Chambre Noire Of course, we want to spread a big "THANK YOU" to all the fans and friends that supported us in the past year. This year, we´ve got a new one!!! ] Fragments Of Unbecoming [ http://www.fragmentsofunbecoming.com RHAPSODY TO RELEASE FIRST LIVE ALBUM JANUARY 31st Known as Film- Score Metal Icons in Italy and Beyond, the Band’s Live Debut Captures Their Amazing Performance on the MANOWAR 2005 Tour Italian film- score metal icons RHAPSODY have announced that they will release their first live album on Magic Circle Music. Entitled "Live In Canada 2005– The Dark Secret", the release is a testimony of pure energy, with over 60 minutes of footage recorded at the Metropolis in Montreal/Canada on June 14, 2005 during leg one of the MANOWAR's 'Demons, Dragons and Warriors World Tour'. As the special guests for MANOWAR this past summer, Rhapsody’s performance was highly acclaimed internationally for its stripped down and performance- orientated arrangements, which allowed the band to prove that the music really is the message. "This album is exceptionally magical,” said guitarist and composer Luca Turilli. "It combines the song visions with the fun we had on stage and the amazing reaction from the fans." Keyboarder and composer Alex Staropoli added that "The reaction of the fans in Canada and the U.S. was just unbelievable. That's why we simply had to name this album 'Live In Canada'. A true dedication!" “Live In Canada 2005 – The Dark Secret” will be released in two configurations: as a CD format that features the complete Montreal show and as a limited edition CD package (with the complete album recorded in 5.1 surround sound) that will include a bonus DVD that contains exclusive behind-the-scenes-material. The track list includes old favourites from previous years as well as tracks from their latest release "Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret." RHAPSODY – “Live In Canada 2005 – The Dark Secret 01. The Dark Secret 02. Unholy Warcry 03. Wisdom Of The Kings 04. The Village Of Dwarves 05. Erian´s Mystical Rhymes 06. Dawn Of Victory 07. Lamento Eroico 08. Nightfall On The Grey Mountains 09. The March Of The Swordmaster 10. Emerald Sword 11. Gran Finale Rhapsody will continue to tour as the special guest on the second leg of MANOWAR's 'Demons, Dragons and Warriors World Tour' in 2006. The first dates have been confirmed and more are to follow. Demons, Dragons and Warriors Tour 2006 March 25, 2006 Greece, Athens - Stadium Peace & Friendship March 27, 2006 Switzerland, Winterthur - Eulachalle March 30, 2006 Czech Republic, Zlin - Novesta March 31, 2006 Czech Republic, Ostrava - Poruba April 01, 2006 Czech Republic, Plzen - Hala Lokomotiva April 02, 2006 Czech Republic, Pardubice - Duhova Arena April 04, 2006 Germany, Frankfurt - Festhalle April 06, 2006 Germany, Munich - Olympiahalle April 07, 2006 Germany, Stuttgart - Schleyerhalle April 08, 2006 Germany, Nuremberg - Arena April 10, 2006 Germany, Berlin - Max-Schmeling-Halle April 11, 2006 Germany, Dortmund - Westfalenhalle For more information, check out www.mightyrhapsody.com - www.magiccirclemusic.com. METAL MANIACS PRESENTS: ::::KREATOR:::: with NAPALM DEATH 2-21-06 Petit theatre du Vieux NorandeRoyun-Norande, QUE 2-22-06 Medley Montreal, QUE 2-23-06 L Imperial Quebec City, QUE 2-24-06 The Opera House Toronto, ONT 2-25-06 Penny Arcade Rochester, NY 2-26-06 BB Kings Blues Club New York City, NY 2-27-06 Peabody s down Under Cleveland, OH 2-28-06 The Pearl Room Mokana, ILL 3-01-06 Star central Columbia Heights, MN 3-02-06 The Bottleneck Lawrence, KS 3-03-06 Bluebird Theater Denver, CO 3-04-06 Aggie Theater Ft Collins, CO 3-07-06 Starlite Room Edmonton, AB 3-08-06 Warehouse Calgary, AB 3-10-06 Studio Seven Seattle, WA 3-11-06 Hawthorne Theater Portland, OR 3-12-06 The Boardwalk Orangevale, CA 3-13-06 The pound at Pier 96 San Francisco, Ca 3-14-06 New Oasis Sparks, NV 3-15-06 Galaxy Theater Santa Ana, Ca 3-16-06 Key club Los Angeles, Ca 3-17-06 The Clubhouse Tempe, AZ 3-18-06 Launch Pad Albuquerque, AZ 3-19-06 Sanctuary San Antonio, TX 3-21-06 Culture Room Ft Lauderdale, FL 3-22-06 The Masquerade Tampa, FL 3-23-06 The Masquerade Atlanta, GA 3-24-06 Tremont Music Hall Charlotte,NC 3-25-06 Jaxx West Springfield, VA 3-26-06 Webster Theatre Hartford, CT http://www.metalmaniacs.com METAL MANIACS & BW&BK presents: Metal Crusaders tour 2006 Vader Kataklysm Nuclear Assault Speed Kill Hate Graveworm The Absence 05/26 Montreal, Qc Le Medley 05/27 Bedford, NH Marks Place 05/28 Boston, MA The Middle East 05/31 Vernon, NY Nothing Fancy Cafe 06/01 Cleveland,OH The Agora Ballroom 06/14 Houston,TX The Ballroom/Wharehouse live 06/17 Arlington,TX The Phoenix Music Complex 06/20 Denver,CO Aztlan Theater 06/28 Portland,OR Rock'n' Roll P. http://www.metalmaniacs.com VOIVOD drummer keeping daily studio blog VOIVOD drummer Michel Away Langevin has commenced work on drum tracks for the forthcoming studio album with producer Glen Robinson (Voivod s Nothingface, Tea Party, GWAR) at Piccolo Studios in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. http://www.metalmaniacs.com Peaceville Signs GALLHAMMER Peaceville Records is very proud to announce the long term signing of GALLHAMMER. Hailing from TOKYO, JAPAN - this three girl combo is anything but what you ve come to expect from the polite and serene land of the rising sun (or daughter in this case). http://www.metalmaniacs.com MISERY SIGNALS & VOCALIST PART WAYS OPEN AUDITIONS FOR REPLACEMENT Misery Signals announced that vocalist Jesse Zaraska has parted ways with the band. Zaraska was a founding member of the band since 2002 and had done vocals on both the band s debut EP and acclaimed full-length Of Malice And The Magnum Heart which launched the band into the hardcore stratosphere. The band including kyle Johnson (bass), Ryan Morgan (guitar), Branden Morgan (drums) and Stuart Ross (guitar) will be holding auditions for a new vocalist and those interested are invited to download a track that the band placed on their my space page (www.myspace.com/miserysignalsband) without vocals . http://www.metalmaniacs.com VOIVOD's Piggy receives tribute on new DARKTHRONE album Norway's DARKTHRONE have dedicated a new song on their upcoming album The Cult Is Alive (out Feb. 27th, 2006 on Peaceville) to fallen guitar hero Denis D'Amour (aka Piggy) and his pioneering metal band VOIVOD. http://www.metalmaniacs.com TESTAMENT's manager, Phil Arnold of the Thrill Entertainment Group, has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding the confusion over the group's previously announced (and subsequently cancelled) appearance at Poland's Metalmania 2006 festival, which is scheduled to take place March 4, 2006 at Spodek in Katowice: "Tommy Dziubinski of Metal Mind Productions (Poland) and Balazs Varga of Negative Art Productions (Hungary) announced on December 5th that TESTAMENT will headline their festivals, because they had sent a 10% negotiation binder to Maximus Entertainment [TESTAMENT's booking agent] on these dates for TESTAMENT. Maximus Entertainment had adopted a new international booking policy that they would require international buyers to deposit a 10% negotiation binder fee. The promoters believed that this binder policy confirmed the band, but neither TESTAMENT nor Thrill Entertainment Group were aware of it and had not agreed to it at that time. "When TESTAMENT's manager, Phil Arnold, was informed of this new policy, he refused to agree to subject TESTAMENT to it. However, Maximus Entertainment had already taken the 10% binder fee from Tommy and Balazs. TESTAMENT's manager informed Maximus Entertainment at that time the band could not yet be confirmed, anyway. In the meantime, the promoters had already began to advertise because they had sent the binder fee. "On December 27th ,TESTAMENT determined they could not appear due to schedule conflicts. The festival offers were officially declined by TESTAMENT at that time. Neither the promoters, TESTAMENT, nor their manager were at fault in this matter at any time. The responsibility and communication breakdown on this matter falls on the shoulders of Maximus Entertainment. Maximus has already issued a formal appology to the promoters and to TESTAMENT for this oversight. "TESTAMENT may take one or two more tours to Europe later in 2006, and will seek to include shows with these same promoters. TESTAMENT's manager hopes the fans understand that TESTAMENT did not make a false commitment and that the promoters did not knowingly seek to falsely advertise the band." CRADLE OF FILTH frontman Dani Filth recently spoke to Revolver magazine about the making of the group's as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2004's "Nymphetamine", which is being recorded at Lincolnshire, England's Chapel studios with producer Rob Caggiano (BLEEDING THROUGH, ANTHRAX). "I'm not saying it's 'experimental,' but we're definitely testing the limits of what we can do," Dani says of the new CD. "This is our sixth or seventh record, so we're trying to spice things up to keep the marriage going!" Though Filth admits that the recording process is "still in its formative stages," he says that most of the album's songs — which sport such titles as "The Byronic Man", "I am the Thorn" and "Libertina Grim" — have already been written. "We were hungry to write again," he explains. Once we finished all our tours [in 2005], we spent the summer just writing. Nobody really throught about where it was going, which is why I think it's really fresh sounding. A lot of the songs are really rhythmical — thrashy, almost — but they're all also really catchy." According to Filth, the remote location of Chapel studios has allowed the band to concentrate on the album, which is due out in the U.S. in May or June on Roadrunner Records, without any distractions. Though the place is not entirely without occupational hazards. "It's a residential studio, so we've been staying here," says Filth. "The cooking is excellent — there's all sorts of amazing home-cooked éclairs, meringues, and cakes, as well as delicious Indian and Thai food. We're going to fat as whales by the time we get to the States!" GUITAR GREAT ERIC GALES NEW RELEASE ‘CRYSTAL VISION’ ON BLUES BUREAU RECORDS JANUARY 24TH HOLLYWOOD (January 6, 2006) – 2006 brings a new state of mind for guitar great, Eric Gales with his new release Crystal Vision on Blues Bureau Records. "Crystal Vision" takes the next logical step in Gales career, further establishing him as one of the rare musical talents of his generation. This left-handed guitarist of extraordinary ability and expressive vocals is a natural for people to compare to Hendrix. Gales has developed a unique hybrid blues/rock sound that also draws upon influences as diverse as Albert King and Eric Johnson. A unique amalgam of styles, Eric Gales stands head and shoulders among other guitarists in his genre. Eric Gales grew up in a musical family with four brothers, two of them who learned to play the guitar upside down and left handed in the same fashion that Eric does. Eric's brother Eugene Gales played bass in the Eric Gales Band and his brother Jimmy King had a thriving career as a blues artist before his untimely death. Eric released his first record at Age 16 for Elektra records to an amazing response from the media and music fans around the globe. Guitar World Magazine's Reader's Poll named Eric as "Best New Talent," in 1991. After recording a second record for Elektra, all three brothers teamed up for "The Gales Bros. Left Hand Brand" which was recorded for the House of Blues label in 1996. Through the years, it would not be unusual to look out in the audience and see artists like Carlos Santana, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, B. B. King, and Eric Clapton, looking on with interest as Eric took his God- given talent and worked crowd after crowd into a frenzy. The new Millennium presented new opportunities for Eric and he was signed to a deal with Nightbird Records which was affiliated with Jimi Hendrix's sister Janie Hendrix and Experience Hendrix, L. L. C. and distributed through MCA/Universal. Under this deal, Eric recorded the critically acclaimed record "That's What I Am" in 1991 and hit the road, mesmerizing fans around the world with his uncanny connection to his guitar. In 2004 Eric Gales made headline music news when he was chosen to perform with Carlos Santana, Joe Satriani, Jerry Cantrell and others on the Experience Hendrix tour to honor the late, great, Jimi Hendrix. Eric's masterful guitar and vocal performances on "Crystal Vision" portend a great response from these loyal music lovers as guitarists of this quality and intensity are few and far between. NOKTURNE - Kruelty Kampaign CD + DVD - out now! NOKTURNE is Unleashed Harsh Barbaric Sonic Inhumanity and Freezing Terror. For 10 Years has this act produced Cruel Nekro War Metal from the States! Hail Death!! Hail War!!! Nokturne "Kruelty Kampaign" limited edition CD + DVD is a full length CD + live DVD. This is a limited edition jewel case version of this release- the 2nd repressing of the Nokturne "Kruelty Kampaign" CD will be in digi pack format without the DVD).This very special limited edition second DVD disc Includes a Destructive live performance from Nokturne at the Key Club in Los Angeles, California 2004 show with Mortician. Killer packaging with special silver print and thick booklet throughout. www.redstream.org KAYO DOT releases new album Boston "avant-metal" octet Kayo Dot's second album, "Dowsing Anemone With Copper Tongue" (Robotic Empire), hits stores January 10. "Dowsing Anemone With Copper Tongue" captures Kayo Dot's transcendent musical vision -- a combination of doom, jazz, indie, ambient, classical, and noise, recently described by The Washington Post as "heavy rock as a sort of chamber music" and by Blabbermouth.net as "mind expansion though long, unorthodox compositions". The album was recorded at Zing Recording Studios (Killswitch Engage, Unearth), produced by Kayo Dot composer/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Toby Driver, and mastered by Alan Douches (Converge, Every Time I Die). Hot on the heels of a seven-week national tour this past fall, Kayo Dot returns to the road this January for a string of East Coast dates, beginning with the official record release show for "Dowsing Anemone With Copper Tongue". For more information about Kayo Dot, visit the band's website and the label's website: http://www.kayodot.net http://www.roboticempire.com

February 9th, 2006	BEFORE EDEN vídeo of the song "Wizard of the South" (dedicated to Nicollò Paganini) available for downloading !!! Check in the "Downloads" section this video that shows some images from live performances of the band... www.beforeeden.com The new album "The Legacy of Gaia" is already for sale in Europe - Just for Kicks Music http://www.justforkicks.de/ or USA - LazerCD http://www.lasercd.com/ - Before Eden - www.beforeeden.com Thrash 'Till Death 2006: DISTRUZIONE confirmed / Thrash 'Till Death 2006: DISTRUZIONE confermati After 5 years since their last CD "PIANETA DISSOLVENZA", DISTRUZIONE return on stage promoting the new devastating album "MALICIDIUM" . The historical italian thrash death band (debuted in the distant 1992 with the mini-LP "Cerebral Holocaust") will exhibit with: DEVASTATOR, TOTAL DEATH, KERNEL and BLACK SAND on Saturday, March 4th 2006 at MARMAJA LIVE CLUB (Via Montegrappa, 27 - Cusano Milanino www.marmaja.it) in Cusano Milanino. Here the details of the evening. In order of apperance: DISTRUZIONE www.distruzione.it DEVASTATOR www.devastator.it TOTAL DEATH www.totaldeath.it KERNEL www.kernelband.com BLACK SAND http://blacksand.altervista.org Doors open: h. 20:00 Show start: h. 21:00 Entrance: 8€ 5€ arriving before h.21:00 at the box office Official event website: www.thrashtilldeath.tk QUEENSRYCHE SIGNS WITH RHINO RECORDS Eagerly Awaited 'OPERATION:MINDCRIME II' Set For January 2006 Fall Tour Dates Announced The progressive metal band Queensryche is announcing it has signed with Rhino Records. Rhino is scheduled to release 'Operation:mindcrime II' in January 2006. This is the eagerly awaited sequel to Queensryche's groundbreaking 1988 concept album 'Operation:mindcrime.' "We found Rhino and they found us. Several labels were interested in signing Queensryche, but we went with Rhino because our good friend Kenny Nemes is an executive there. He worked with us on our 'Greatest Hits' album for EMI. Kenny is a very creative guy," says vocalist Geoff Tate. "We are utterly confident that Rhino will do what it takes to make as many people aware of 'Operation:mindcrime II' as possible. Rhino has an exciting team of people who are really into it. They already have a ton of different, innovative promotional ideas in mind and so do we, so it's a great fit." The public's appetite for 'Operation:mindcrime II' was whetted with Queensryche's recent sold-out tour during which 'Operation:mindcrime' was performed live in its entirety for the first time in 15 years. Tate, guitarist Michael Wilton, guitarist Mike Stone, bass guitarist Eddie Jackson and drummer Scott Rockenfield are picking up the provocative tale of 'Operation:mindcrime.' It's best known songs include "Revolution Calling," "I Don't Believe In Love" and "Eyes Of A Stranger." The album's intriguing plot involves Nikki, a young man from the streets who is brainwashed and turned into a drug-addicted assassin by a shadowy, evil, anarchy movement led by Dr. X. Nikki's lover, Mary, a teen-age runaway who became a prostitute and then a nun, is murdered. 'Operation:mindcrime' was left open-ended with a central, heart-pounding cliffhanger: Who killed Sister Mary? 'Operation:mindcrime II' will address that question, as well as Nikki's fate. "'Operation:mindcrime II' is about revenge and what it does to people -- their emotions and the situations they find themselves in," says Tate, who conceived the sequel's direction last year while working on a screenplay based on the original album. "The character of Nikki has now been in prison for 18 years. I thought, 'What would I do?' I'd be analyzing every move I ever made, especially the wrong ones. I'd want to get the guy who put me there. Nikki's revenge is about getting out, getting him and getting even." For all the latest news, including updates on Queensryche's fall headlining tour, visit: www.queensryche.com www.rhino.com Current Fall Tour Dates Include: Date City Venue Tuesday, September 13th Victoria, BC Royal Theater Wednesday, September 14th Vancouver, BC Vancouver PAC Friday, September 16th Boise, ID Big Easy Saturday, September 17th Spokane, WA Big Easy Tuesday, September 20th Edmonton, AL Red’s Ent. Center Wednesday, September 21st Calgary, AL MacEwan Hall Thursday, September 22nd Saskatoon, SAS Credit Union Center Friday, September 23rd Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings Saturday, September 24th St. Paul, MN Myth Sunday, September 25th Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom Wednesday, September 28th Columbus, OH Promo-West Thursday, September 29th Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium Friday, September 30th Louisville, KY Palace Theater Saturday, October 1st Merrillville, IN Star Plaza Sunday, October 2nd Toledo, OH Stranahan Theater Tuesday, October 4th Greensburg, PA Palace Theater Wednesday, October 5th Reading, PA Sovereign PAC Thursday, October 6th New Brunswick, NJ State Theater Friday, October 7th Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Event Center Saturday, October 8th Portland, ME State Theater Tuesday, October 11th Cleveland, OH House of Blues Wednesday, October 12th Knoxville, TN Tennessee Theater Thursday, October 13th N. Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues Friday, October 14th Orlando, FL House of Blues Saturday, October 15th Ft. Meyers, FL Barbara B. Mann CORRECTION: REVENGE, ROCK, REDEMPTION--QUEENSRYCHE'S OPERATION: Long-Awaited Sequel to Platinum-Selling Concept Album Available From Rhino March 14 Special Guest Ronnie James Dio Takes On The Role Of Dr. X Queensrÿche returned to the studio this summer to record the long-anticipated sequel to 1988’s acclaimed concept album Operation: Mindcrime. Praised by critics and certified platinum, the original remained on Billboard’s Album chart for more than a year, and its dynamic music and powerful message still resonate today. Rhino Records helps unravel the mysteries of the original with OPERATION: MINDCRIME II. The album is available March 14 at regular physical and digital retail outlets and at www.rhino.com for a suggested retail price of $18.98. OPERATION: MINDCRIME II contains a 15-song story and is performed by the Seattle-based quintet—singer and chief songwriter Geoff Tate; guitarists Michael Wilton and Mike Stone; bassist Eddie Jackson, and drummer Scott Rockenfield. Tate says the current political and social climate inspired him to revisit the storyline. “I left the original open-ended with the intent to come back with a sequel to finish the story up,” he says. “Considering where we are today and how little things have changed, it was too ironic not to continue the story.” Operation: Mindcrime’s intriguing and complex plot revolves around Dr. X, a political puppetmaster who brainwashes Nikki, the story’s main character, to assassinate corrupt public figures. The story also includes Nikki’s lover, Sister Mary. A former teenage prostitute who becomes a nun, Sister Mary is murdered mysteriously, leaving the cliffhanger “Who Killed Sister Mary?” Set 20 years after the original, OPERATION: MINDCRIME II explores Nikki’s fate after being released from prison and reveals the identity of Mary’s killer. “I tried to put myself in Nikki’s shoes and imagine what it would be like for him to come back to society after spending 20 years in jail stewing about what happened to him,” Tate says. “I became fascinated with the concept of revenge and what that would do to a person like Nikki. The story is ultimately about how Nikki wrestles with his conflicted emotions. On one side, his base instincts are pushing him to kill those who wronged him. On the other side, his conscience—represented by the spirit of Sister Mary—urges him to learn from his past mistakes and find salvation.” The part of Nikki’s nemesis, Dr. X, will be played by former Rainbow/Black Sabbath and current Dio vocalist Ronnie James Dio. Earlier this year Queensrÿche launched a sold-out tour featuring the original Operation: Mindcrime performed in its entirety with actors onstage portraying the characters alongside the band. Tate says the band plans to launch a tour in 2006 that will feature a stage performance of both Mindcrimes in their entirety. “The actors onstage with us add a new dimension to the music,” he says. “It’s different than your typical rock show, but the audiences really got into the Mindcrime I tour. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to combine both albums into one show. It’s going to be epic.” Since its formation in 1981 near Seattle, Queensrÿche has released nine studio albums. Empire, the 1990 follow-up to Operation: Mindcrime, sold more than two million copies thanks in part to the enormous success of the hit “Silent Lucidity.” Released in 1994, Promised Land was certified platinum and featured the hits “I Am I” and “Bridge.” QUEENSRYCHE - OPERATION MINDCRIME II 1. “I’m American” 2. “One Foot In Hell” 3. “Hostage” 4. “The Hands” 5. “Speed Of Light” 6. “Signs Say Go (Will I Surrender?)” 7. “Re-Arrange You” 8. “The Chase” 9. “A Murderer” 10. “Circles” 11. “If I Could Change It All” 12. “An Intentional Confrontation” 13. “A Junkie’s Blues (Everything Will Be Alright)” 14. “Fear City Slide” 15. “All The Promises” EVERGREY nominated for another Swedish Grammy. This time in the 'Best Music DVD' Category! Swedish melodic metallers, EVERGREY, have been nominated for a Swedish "Grammy" in the "Best Music DVD" category for their 2005 release of "A Night to Remember.” Produced by the famed Swedish video director, Patrick Ulleaus, also known for his work with In Flames, Dimmu Borgir and Lacuna Coil., the DVD features a show recorded live in the band’s hometown of Gothenburg Sweden. Joined by the Gothenburg String Quartet and back up singers, the performance put a fresh new spin on the band’s hits like “Blinded,” “The Masterplan,” and “A Touch of Blessing.” The DVD also contained all the band’s videos to date and many hours of back stage footage and band shenanigans. The awards ceremony will take place in Stockholm Sweden on February 7, 2006. Other nominees in the "Best Music DVD" category are ABBA, CORNELIS VREESWIJK, MARIT BERGMAN and TIMBUKTU. Evergrey recently returned to Division One Studios to record their as of yet untitled sixth studio album. The producing and mixing will be handled by the experienced and extremely successful team Sanken Sandquist / Stefan Glauman. Their track record includes artists like Rammstein, Britney Spears, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard. The band's vocalist/guitarist/mastermind Tom S. Englund had this to say regarding the new collaboration, "We feel honored to work with such amazing producers. We are sure that they will succeed in making us sound better than ever before." Look for Evergrey’s new album in April of 2006. MQM has coordinated 4 brilliant bands of artists under its management in one showcase for Canadian Music Week’s Festival. The evening also features MC Dave Blezard from Z103.5 and DJ Miss Barbra Fisch from “Satan Takes A Holiday” CKLN 88.1 FM. Metal Queen Management - Canadian Music Week Festival (CMW) Showcase Saturday March 4, 2006 @ The Vatikan, 1032 Queen Street West, Toronto 12:00 pm CRYPTOPSY (Century Media) Montreal, Quebec 11:00 pm PENETRATOR (Sonic Age Records) Toronto, Ontario 10:00 pm SHATTERPOINT (Power Play Records) Brampton, Ontario 9:00 pm WARMACHINE (Nightmare Records) Toronto, Ontario $15 Ticket available in advance. Details to be posted in January at CMW website. Power Play Records announces the signing of Brampton, Ontario, Canada recording artist SHATTERPOINT. New York independent metal record label, Power Play Records, is proud to announce the official signing of SHATTERPOINT to a recording deal. SHATTERPOINT is an aggressive four-piece heavy thrash metal act currently residing in the Toronto, Canada area. The band has established itself as a dominant force in the Toronto metal scene and has played with such heavy hitters as Amon Amarth and Behemoth. SHATTERPOINT consistently draw hordes of ravenous metal fans to their live shows, eager to hear the band's intense and bruising brand of high octane thrash metal. Fans will be psyched to learn that SHATTERPOINT is putting the final touches on their forthcoming full length album, "Dead Precedence" with producer Greg Dawson, which is slated for worldwide release in early 2006. The band features Shane Drake on lead vocals and rhythm guitars, Greg Wright on lead guitars, Chris Zeeman on bass, and Jeremy Baxter on drums. SHATTERPOINT will perform live at METAL QUEEN MANAGEMENT'S CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK FESTIVAL SHOWCASE on Saturday, March 4, 2006. Details to be posted in January at CMW website. CRYPTOPSY European Tour Dates Announced, as follows: 31.01.06 Warsaw, POL @ Proxima 01.02.06 Berlin, GER @ K-17 02.02.06 Hannover, GER @ MusikZentrum 03.02.06 Grogingen, HOL @ Vera 04.02.06 Katwijk ann Zee, HOL @ Scum 06.02.06 Weert, HOL @ Bosuil 06.02.06 Tourcoing n/Lille, FR @ Le Grand Mix 07.02.06 Manchester, UK @ Jilly's Rockworld 08.02.06 Dublin, IRE @ Soundhaus 09.02.06 Glasgow, SCO @ Temple Music Bar 10.02.06 London, UK @ Camden Underworld 11.02.06 Antwerpen, BEL @ Hof Ter Lo 12.02.06 Paris, FR @ La Locomotive 13.02.06 Toulouse, FR @ Le Ramiere 14.02.06 Madrid, SP @ Sala Heineken Arena 15.02.06 Barcelona, SP @ Mephisto 16.02.06 Zurich, CH @ Abart Music 17.02.06 Essen, GER @ Turock 18.02.06 Elterein n/Aue, GER @ Hagalaz e.V. 19.02.06 Prague, CZ @ Abaton 20.02.06 Munich, GER @ Metropolis 21.02.06 Milano, ITA @ Transilvania Live 22.02.06 Rome, ITA @ Alpheus Club 23.02.06 Geneva, CH @ L'Usine 24.02.06 Trier, GER @ ExHaus 25.02.06 Osnabruck, GER @ Osnabruck 26.02.06 Hanau n/Frankfurt, GER @ Halle 2 27.02.06 Aarnhem, HOL @ Goudvishal 28.02.06 Rotterndam, HOL @ Baroeg 01.03.06 Hamburg, GER @ Markthalle Other upcoming dates: Canadian Music Week (CMW) Festival, Saturday, March 4 @ The Vatikan, 1032 Queen Street West, Toronto... more info to be posted at CMW website USA with EXODUS and IMMOLATION April 27, 2006 - West Springfield, VA @ Jaxx April 28, 2006 - Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance April 29, 2006 - Worcester, MA @ Palladium April 30, 2006 - New York, NY @ B.B. King's Australian Tour dates to be announced Japanese Rock Phenomenon DIR EN GREY Breaking U.S. Ground With WARCON ENTERPRISES Debut WITHERING TO DEATH Since 1997, Dir en grey has been a powerful force in the Japanese rock scene. However, such a band cannot be content with domination of their home country alone. At last, Dir en grey has ventured to bring their sorrowful musical message to North America. Their fifth album, Withering to death. will hit store shelves on March 7th, 2006 and is being released by WARCON Enterprises LLC.. Dir en grey is made up of vocalist Kyo, guitarists Kaoru and Die, bassist Toshiya and drummer Shinya. Having previously performed in bands together, the members formed a strong musical bond. Quickly catapulting themselves from a local phenomenon to an international presence, Dir en grey toured constantly to achieve further recognition. A recent performance at the European Rock Am Ring event alongside such notable artists as Green Day, Motley Crue, Iron Maiden and Marilyn Manson is a good indication of Dir en grey’s widespread international success. Now they will attempt to spread this success to uncharted territory: the United States. Dir en grey has always been known as a band with an impressive live presence, along with their unique appearance, but there is much more to their dynamic. In regard to the current Japanese music scene, visual elements are very important. A type of performance known as “visual-kei” focuses on the aesthetic aspect of the artists. Drawing influences from classic Japanese rock music, Dir en grey have long surpassed the visual-kei scene of which they were once a key facet. “The concept of those who are in the ‘visual kei’ scene today is totally different from what Dir en grey is. We can’t really say we know what ‘visual kei’ is today.” Dir en grey have matured their sound and added a heavy edge to their music on Withering to death.. “This album is definitely one with a depth so boundless that it only goes deeper and deeper. Musically, we made these songs while searching for aggression and freedom.” Although sung entirely in Japanese, the lyrical content of Withering to death. will be printed in English for the U.S. release. With titles like “Jesus Christ R'n R,” “Merciless Cult,” “Machiavellism,” and “Spilled Milk,” coupled with the obvious gamut of emotions conveyed by Kyo’s alternating screams, wails and crooning, it is obvious that Dir en grey have an intense personal investment in their songs. The U.S. release will also feature a bonus DVD containing four videos as well as live concert footage. In regard to their U.S. debut, Dir en grey seems optimistic: ‘We have no idea how we will be accepted in the U.S., but we are very excited and very much looking forward to this release. We are also very thankful for this chance. No Japanese artist has actually succeeded in penetrating the U.S. market, so we can’t even begin to imagine how it will be for us. However, with faith in ourselves as artists, we will do our best, and hopefully we will achieve things far better than just success.” A track listing for Withering to death. includes: 1. Merciless Cult 2. C 3. SAKU 4. KODOKU NI SHISU, YUENI KODOKU. 5. ITOSHISA HA FUHAI NI TSUKI 6. Jesus Christ R'n R 7. GARBAGE 8. Machiavellism 9. dead tree 10. THE FINAL 11. Beautiful Dirt 12. Spilled Milk 13. HIGEKI HA MABUTA WO OROSHITA YASASHIKI UTSU 14. KODOU The bonus DVD will contain the following: Music Videos 1) Merciless Cult 2) THE FINAL 3) Machiavellism 4) SAKU Additionally, the DVD will contain the live performance footage from LIVE DVD, TOUR04 THE CODE OF VULGAR[ism]. For more information, please visit: www.direngrey.co.jp Brazil’s KRISIUN Talk About Upcoming DVD Release “The living definition of death metal” (Outburn), Brazil’s KRISIUN have crafted not just a new album, AssassiNation, but a full-length DVD entitled Live Armageddon, as well, both slated for a Feb. 21st North American release. The band’s first DVD, Live Armageddon documents their decimating stage performance. “It was the best concert footage we ever filmed,” says guitarist Moyses Kolesne about the recordings from Poland’s 2004 Metalmania, the first 45 minutes of the DVD. “The crew was really professional. When they filmed our performance, the stage was set up with only our backline, so the stage looked great. The set we recorded we’d aggressively been playing on the European tour with Morbid Angel, so the songs were really tight, and the crowd gave us a great response. We weren’t able to have a sound check before we played, but we still had no wimpy overdubs on the final product. It’s just us blasting through a really strong set.” Live Armageddon also includes 12 songs filmed at a live show in KRISIUN’s hometown, Sao Paolo. It also contains three bootlegged songs from KRISIUN’s 2001 Wacken-Open-Air Festival appearance. Moyses continues explaining why the band chose to use this footage, “A German friend of ours, Alex, shot this footage. It’s a little raw, but what you see is that we are having a great time, and that the crowd is just going nuts. There is this huge moshpit, and the sound is really strong.” Wrapping up the DVD is footage from the Works Of Carnage recording sessions and the “Murderer” video clip. KRISIUN will be touring North America with Morbid Angel and Behemoth on “The Monsters Of Chaos Tour.”