Old News February 2006


Old News - February 2006 - Old News - More February 2006 News
February 26th, 2006	IN FLAMES video online IN FLAMES' video for the song "Take This Life" has been posted online at Aftonbladet.se.The clip was shot in late October in Sweden with director Patric Ullaeus, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR among many others. "Take This Life" (click here to download the track, or click here to watch the video) is the roll-out single and video from the group's upcoming album, "Come Clarity". RAGE Tracklisting announced German power metal veterans RAGE have announced the tracklisting of their forthcoming new masterpiece "Speak of the dead". See tracklist below. The album will be released in several different configurations. The limited edition will contain tons of bonus material and many more. Stay tuned for more NEWS! 1.Mortituri te salutant 2.Prelude of souls 3.Innocent 4.Depression 5.No regrets 6.Confusion 7.Black 8.Beauty 9.No Fear 10.Soul survivor 11.Full moon 12. Kill your gods 13.Turn my world around 14.Be with me or be gone 15.Speak of the dead AMORPHIS "House Of Sleep" debuted at No. 1. "House Of Sleep" has entered the official Finnish single charts at Nr. 1 (Week 2/2006). Also the band's website has been upgraded now with the "Eclipse" theme by Tero Salonen. Check out the amazing re-launched page here. The brand new AMORPHIS' video "House of Sleep", has been uploaded. Click here to watch the video! The single, which recently entered the Finnish single chart at position No. 1, comes off the new album, "Eclipse", due on February 17. SCAR SYMMETRY Mixed and mastered With the mixing and mastering finally completed at Black Lounge Studio by SCAR SYMMETRY guitarist Jonas Kjellgren, the thirteen tracks for the band's second album, "Pitch Black Progress", amounts to more than an hour's worth of music (one song is seven minutes long), showing off some more progressive sides of the band including orchestral parts and extensive guitar soloing. Be prepared… HOUR CAST to Release State Of Disgrace On Alkamedia Records Debut Album In Stores May 2, 2006 Heavy music is often the result of deep emotions. Sadness, frustration and anger combined with a musician’s talent can result in music which is awesomely powerful, uniquely deep, and thought-provoking. Such is the case with Hour Cast. Born out of Boston, Massachusetts, Hour Cast combines elements of hard rock and metal with a distinct electronic influence. “We had no preconceptions as to what the band would sound like,” says vocalist Patrick McBride. The members of Hour Cast – Mcbride, drummer Jerry Clews, guitarist David Henriquez and bassist David Sullivan - have combined their varied influences to create a unique sound that incorporates the heavy flavor of Deftones and Tool with the dark electronic atmosphere of Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode. The somber tones of State Of Disgrace are a result of these efforts. From the introspective opening track “This Life”, to “Freeze” (which McBride describes as an “epic, desperate song”) State Of Disgrace has a cold, sharp intensity. The self-loathing “Smash Up” eschews a bitter tone, while “Lunar” tells a tale of longing and loneliness. “The music and lyrics are a reflection of what was going on at the time,” explains McBride. “I found myself in a new environment and was going through a big change in my life and that comes out in the songs.” Not being signed to a label could serve as a liability to some bands, but not Hour Cast. “We didn’t have a label telling us what to do and that allowed us to add variety and flavor to the album,” says McBride. Hour Cast is a band looking to gain ground in the current music scene. “Myspace and live shows are definitely helping us to build a fan base,” says McBride. The track listing for State Of Disgrace comprises: This life Sakkara Freeze God Failed Lunar Smash Up Almost Like Life Numb 3rd Of July Stillwater Memories And Lies Uhaul Imbalance For more information, visit: www.hourcast.com MP3 From NEBULA’s Upcoming Apollo Posted Online “ Fever Frey,” the first single from Nebula’s new album Apollo (street date: Feb. 21), has been posted on the website of the band’s label, www.liquorandpokermusic.com. Apollo, the band’s second full-length on Liquor and Poker and fourth overall, was produced by Daniel Rey (Ramones, Misfits, L7) and mastered by Howie Weinberg (Mars Volta, Sonic Youth, Franz Ferdinand). The release – Nebula’s first with new bassist Tom Davies – will also feature a live video of “Future Days” from the band’s recent Japanese trek. Having already completed a national tour since finishing tracking Apollo along with several other high-profile gigs such as ESPN’s X-Games and a CMJ showcase, Nebula is looking to keep themselves on the road throughout 2006. An announcement is expected soon regarding their first tour in support of Apollo. www.nebulamusic.com UNDER SIEGE "Days of Dying Monuments" - New Album - on LET IT BURN RECORDS Hey there everyone! Great news from LET IT BURN RECORDS. We are totally stoked to announce that Germany's most dedicated and adamant underground band is back with a new release on LET IT BURN RECORDS. The masterpiece's name is "Days of Dying Monuments" and includes 7 brand new tracks along with their 5 songs form the sold out “Ten Angry Men” split release with A Traitor Like Judas. Guestvocals by Joe Destiny. All tracks recorded, mixed and mastered at Kohlekeller Studios (Crematory, A Traitor Like Judas, Six Reasons to Kill, Final Prayer, etc.). Check out their brand new song "The Great Depression", bow down in awe and start loving the band as much as we do here at LET IT BURN RECORDS! Click Here A European Tour to support “Days of Dying Monuments” is already in the works. The new song: http://www.letitburnrecords.com/media/audio/ The new album: http://www.letitburnrecords.com/releases/LIB-023-CD/ UNDER SIEGE website: http://www.undersiege.cc Sweden’s BACKYARD BABIES To Release Live Live In Paris Having spent the better part of 2005 on tour with Social Distortion in both Europe and North America, Swedish glam-punks Backyard Babies now offer up a souvenir of their concert experience. Live Live In Paris (no, that’s not a typo; it’s the verb followed by the adjective) showcases 15 classics from the catalog of the band Kerrang! calls the kings of “shit-kicking sleaze.” Recorded before a sold-out French crowd, it provides a memorable snapshot of the booze-fueled gutter rock that’s earned the quartet worldwide acclaim. Recorded during the Stockholm Syndrome European tour, Live Live In Paris will be just as cherished by Backyard Babies fans as ticket stubs and concert t-shirts. For those not as well acquainted with these Billion Dollar Babies, it’s a grade-A slab of Swedish garage sleaze – the perfect primer on one of Europe’s top rock acts in the setting in which they were meant to be experienced. (Drinks sold separately.) For those scoring at home, 10 of the dozen tracks featured on last year’sTinnitus were performed live in Paris, including the adrenalin-fueled “Made Me Madman,” the sneering “Highlights” and the anthemic “Minus Celsius.” The remaining five – most notably the rare non-album track “Powderhead” – have never before been released in America. We challenge you to get any of the 15 out of your head. Prepare for an ear-ringing, alcohol-fueled, mirrored-shades-and-mascara riot of over-the-top, trashy punk n’ roll. Viva les Babies! Backyard Babies Live Live in Paris will be coming out on February 21, 2006 on Liquor & Poker Music. Magic Circle Music Planning Many Promising Releases for 2006 "We care about our bands, the quality of music and the metal fans more than anyone else!" Joey DeMaio - President Magic Circle Music During MANOWAR's storied career, the band faced the trials and tribulations that confront musicians trying to make it in the music business. Although MANOWAR have been triumphant in their battle to succeed and have stayed their course through rough waters, they saw many other bands fall to the perils of greed and commercialization in the music industry. MANOWAR created Magic Circle Music to help other bands avoid those same pitfalls by giving the power back to the musicians and the fans. Heavy metal is unlike any other musical genre in one way above all others: Heavy metal is a way of life. Eschewing confidence, defiance and uncompromising power, metal music is the lifeblood that flows through the veins of fans and musicians alike. The bond and devotion between those fans and musicians is undeniable. Magic Circle Music is paving the way for a new era by creating a healthy and comfortable home for musicians so that metal will thrive. Magic Circle Music has many promising releases planned for 2006: Magic Circle Music's flagship act, MANOWAR, will continue to conquer the world with a brand new single, "The Sons Of Odin," followed by their long awaited new album. This will mark the band's ninth studio album and continue their crusade to bring "Death To False Metal!" MANOWAR will also continue their "Demons, Dragons and Warriors World Tour," featuring RHAPSODY and HOLYHELL. RHAPSODY, masters of "film score metal," will start off an industrious 2006 with the release of their first live album, "Live in Canada 2005 - The Dark Secret." Fans can also expect a live DVD in the near future. Furthermore, lead guitarist Luca Turilli will be involved in the release of two additional projects. His third full-length solo album "The Infinite Wonders of Creation" will display awe-inspiring six-stringed wizardry. Turilli will also introduce his new project, LUCA TURILLI'S DREAMQUEST, with their debut album "Lost Horizon." Magic Circle Music is proud to unveil a refreshing new female-fronted melodic power metal act HOLYHELL. Many fans have already witnessed this band live as the support act for MANOWAR and RHAPSODY during the "Demons, Dragons and Warriors Tour 2005". This band impressed the metal world with their amazing epic anthems without even releasing an album. Now, in 2006, HOLYHELL will unleash their debut single and album. BLUDGEON are finalizing their sophomore release, entitled "World Controlled," for early 2006. The Chicago act's crushing debut album "Crucify The Priest" introduced BLUDGEON's intense brand of death/thrash to the metal world. "World Controlled" promises to deliver more of that same brutality. Magic Circle Music will also proudly present new releases from FEINSTEIN and JACK STARR'S GUARDIANS OF THE FLAME, with much more on the way in 2006! For more information, please visit: www.magiccirclemusic.com ONE DEAD THREE WOUNDED Sign To 1x1 Music Re-Release Of Paint The Town To Include Two New Songs Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is known for many things: brotherly love, the Liberty Bell, cheesesteaks and soft pretzels… but anthemic hardcore/metal that inspires pileup sing-alongs and chaotic moshpits? Welcome to the new Philadelphia. A place where one emerging band is changing the very landscape of the city’s music scene and making no apologies about doing so. On January 24th, 2006, One Dead Three Wounded will re-release their full-length debut album Paint The Town on New Jersey-based 1x1 Music. With an initial pressing on the independent Lovelost Records, the album only reached a limited audience. “We really wanted this record to be heard,” explains vocalist Tim Zahodski. “1x1 really gave us an opportunity.” The reissue of Paint The Town comes in a remixed and remastered digi-pack format with new artwork and will feature two new songs as bonus tracks: “Cardia” and “Soldiers.” With a musical flavor that can best be described as hardcore with a Southern metal groove, One Dead Three Wounded has created an impressive foray into the current music scene with Paint The Town. “Cowboys Don’t Look Back” starts things off with a series of discordant blasts and immediately sets the tone for the whole album with a swaggering breakdown. “Burning Bridges Is So 1999…” is a fan favorite with a shout-along intro, followed by lightning fast metallic riffing. “I think that the song “Ghosts” is most representative of our mix of hardcore and metal,” says Zahodski. “Welcome Home Tragedy” brings a melodic balance to the album, while the intense metallic bite of “Eight Dollar Prom Dress” and the crushing breakdowns of “Farewell” and “My Life As A Typo” exhibit the band’s ability to master the key aspects of the metal/hardcore blend. One Dead Three Wounded presents a crushing live performance. The band immediately gets the crowd moving, and it’s not uncommon for kids to rush the stage in an attempt to share vocal duties with Zahodski, especially in Philadelphia. “The fans react really well. You cannot recreate the feelings of a live hometown show.” A track listing for Paint The Town comprises: 1) Failed Transmission 2) Cowboys Don't Look Back 3) Burning Bridges Is So 1999… 4) Regret 5) Ghosts 6) Welcome Home Tragedy 7) Thank God For Pain Killers 8) Eight Dollar Prom Dress 9) Farewell 10) My Life As A Typo New Bonus Tracks: 11) Cardia 12) Soldiers New music from One Dead Three Wounded is coming in Spring 2006 with the new album Moving Units For more information, please visit: www.onedeadthreewounded.com STUMBLE NEW MATERIAL London based Melodic Rockers Stumble have just finished in the studio recording their debut EP “…and then you’ll be happy”. If you can’t wait for it to see the light of day in the next couple of months, check out a taster at www.fulminationrecords.co.uk/sounds/handonheart.mp3 www.fulminationrecords.co.uk NOCTURNAL RITES Release New Album, Announce North American Debut Sweden’s NOCTURNAL RITES, who today released Grand Illusion, have announced their co-headlining North American debut at Chicago’s PowerFest 2006 Saturday, April 8th, complete information here. Speaking on behalf of the band, bassist Nils Erikksson said, “We are truly psyched about finally getting ourselves over to the U.S.; it has been talked about for way too long without happening. So making our debut co-headlining the Chicago PowerFest 2006 alongside our Swedish buds Morgana Lefay will be nothing but a blast and quite positively a huge party.” Blending melodic metal and powerful hard rock, with a deadly progressive thread, Sweden’s NOCTURNAL RITES are driven by thundering double-bass drums, authoritative vocal lines, gracefully fluid rhythm and awe inspiring duel lead guitar grandeur. More information on the band, MP3s, and videos can be found here. Recorded at Toontrack Studio in the band’s hometown, Umeå, Sweden, Grand Illusion captivates as well as commands. Joining the band on this extraordinary album are some of metal’s most prominent artists, including guitarist Stefan Elmgren (Hammerfall), keyboardist Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), guitarist Henrick Danhage (Evergrey), and vocalist Kristoffer W. Olivius (Naglfar). Swedish world champion cross-country skier Per Elofsson (three-time World Cup gold) also appears, displaying his whammy bar action on “Never Trust.” Providing Grand Illusion’s glorious cover art is distinguished artist Axel Hermann (Dream Evil, In Flames). The finished domestic version of Grand Illusion will contain bonus CD-ROM enhancements with the “Fools Never Die” video, directed by drummer Owe Lingvall, and footage from the video and album’s making. www.centurymedia.com www.nocturnalrites.com

February 23rd, 2006	CANDLELIGHT USA & BACK ON BLACK VINYL COLLECTORS SERIES Philadelphia: Candlelight Records USA, currently celebrating its five year anniversary, today announces its limited edition vinyl series - finally making way to the Americas. These limited edition titles, previously unavailable for domestic distribution, are one-time pressings and for the American fan a must have for their artist collections. The first in the series, limited to 500 for the American marketplace, are set for release April 4 and will include a picture disc version of 1349's debut album, Liberation, and 2LP/gatefold pressing of their latest album Hellfire plus 2LP picture disc sets of Opeth's first three albums - Orchid, Morningrise and My Arms Your Hearse. Coming April 18 is the 2LP/colored vinyl pressing of the critically acclaimed Isa from Enslaved as well picture disc versions of Hatecrew Deathroll and Follow the Reaper from Children of Bodom. More titles are planned for the coming months. Candlelight Records launched its American division January 2001. The company enjoyed its largest growth in 2005 and anticipates further growth in 2006. Upcoming releases for the label include the new ep from Vader (The Art of War in stores January 24), Farsotstider from Thyrfing (in stores February 7; the band making their US live debut this coming weekend at the Heathen Crusaders Festival), Daylight Dies label debut (Dismantling Devotion, in stores March 7) as well new records from Dismember, Zyklon, Enslaved, Keep of Kalessin, Gorgoroth, Starkweather, Entombed and more. Back on Black is a UK-based vinyl-only label. The imprint has partnered with Candlelight Records USA to bring these limited edition titles to stateside fans. IHSAHN FINAL TRACK LISTING REVEALED Philadelphia: Candlelight Records today reveals the full track listing for the solo debut from Ihsahn (ex-Emperor). The Adversary is in its final stages of recording at Symphonique Studios in Norway with the final mix planned for early 2006. A video is planned for the song "Invocation," though specific details as to director and concept are still in development. "The music is a continuation of my work within the metal genre," says Ihsahn in a previous statement. "It incorporates influential elements from all periods/stages of my background since I first picked up the guitar 20 years ago. Powerful, epic, extreme and straight from the heart." All music and lyrics for The Adversary have been written and performed by Ihsahn with exception of drums, performed by Asgeir Mickelson (Borknagar, Spiral Architect). "He has been the perfect drummer for this album," notes Ihsahn. "He has really brought to live the patterns I programmed in pre-production. Ihsahn is most noted as vocalist/guitarist of Emperor. Forming in 1991, Emperor recordings have sold hundreds of thousands worldwide. Their impact on black/extreme metal ranks them as one of the genre's most influential. Candlelight Records recently confirmed four farewell American shows for Emperor which will be Ihsahn's first visit to the US since Emperor's only US tour in support of their third album, IX Equilibrium. The recent announcements followed confirmations of European shows that the band will also perform in 2006. Tracking for The Adversary is confirmed as: Invocation, Called by the Fire, Citizen, Homecoming, Astera ton Proinon, Panem et Circenses, And He Shall Walk in Empty Places, Will You Will Love Me Now?, The Pain is Still Mine. The Adversary will be released cooperatively by Mnemosyne Productions and Candlelight Records worldwide. Owned/operated by partners Ihsahn and Ihriel since 2003, Mnemosyne Productions was established as an outlet for duo's musical collaborations as well a place for new talent and innovative artists. Seduced by Suicide releases Gothic Dream Seduced by Suicide, the gothic rock formed by Earth (Blood Tears, Brave Metal Studio), released their first cd, titled Gothic Dream, on January 14th at Theatro dos VampiroS, a party organized by the gothic portal The MaoZoleuM (www.themaozoleum.com). Besides of the new songs of Seduced by Suicide, the cd comes with a multimedia bonus, containing wallpapers, lyrics and songs from the bands Blood Tears and Mystic Shadows, which features Earth' vocals, in a total of 10 songs, which are: 01. My Sweetest Choice 02. The Death of My Life 03. Our Gothic Dream 04. Hurt me Plenty 05. Just Another Thrill - Sea of Sadness (Blood Tears) - Jail of Solitude (Blood Tears) - Ode to the Braves (Mystic Shadows) - Pagan Memories (Mystic Shadows) - Tears of an Ancient Brave (Mystic Shadows) The cd can be ordered through the e-mail contact@seducedbysuicide.com (special prices for stores and distros). Meanwhile the band is working in the promotion of the album, negotiating an European release of Gothic Dream besides of promotional events. Because of the great response of the album, the band was choosed as "Band of the Month" by the virtual magazine Dark Rock (www.darkrock.co.nr). Even with this recent release, Earth is already working in the compositions. "Seduced by Suicide is a band which makes a perfect remake of gothic rock, renewing it, but without losing its essence. It's a modern sound, but traditional at the same time. Catchy songs, harmonious melodies and an extreme sentimentality. It's good to know there in Brazil there are non-reactionary bands, but innovative ones. Seduced by Suicide is certainly one of them." - Neo Goth (www.neogothz.com) Links: - Seduced by Suicide - www.seducedbysuicide.com CELTIC FROST Join Forces With Century Media Records Celtic Frost and Century Media are proud to announce the signing of an international licensing agreement covering all territories. The first release, scheduled for Spring 2006, is the band's highly anticipated new album titled Monotheist, Celtic Frost's first album in 13 years. The album features 11 songs produced by the band with Peter Tägtgren (Hypocrisy/Pain). Album track list: 1. Progeny 2. Ground 3. A Dying God Coming Into Human Flesh 4. Drown In Ashes 5. Os Abysmi Vel Daath 6. Obscured 7. Domain Of Decay 8. Ain Elohim Triptych: 9. Totengott 10. Synagoga Satanae 11. Winter (Requiem, Chapter Three: Finale) The album will be released simultaneously in all territories in three different configurations including a limited-edition Digipak containing the bonus track "Temple Of Depression" and a vinyl LP with another bonus title, "Incantation Against You". "I am extremely excited to have such a high profile legend joining the Century Media Records repertoire," says Oliver Withöft, Managing Director of Century Media Records. "Their new album is a historic comeback." Celtic Frost will support the release of Monotheist by numerous live appearances in 2006. The band will play a full North American tour in fall 2006. In Europe the following festival performances have been confirmed: * Sweden Rock * Wacken Open Air, Germany * With Full Force, Germany * Hole In the Sky, Norway * Tuska, Finland More shows and festivals will be added soon. Further information regarding the release date and Monotheist will follow! Band website: www.celticfrost.com ANTHRAX BOULDER SHOW CANCELLED ON 01.18.06 Tonight's Anthrax show at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO has been cancelled. The stork came a little early and Charlie's wife Sandra is now in labor. Charlie's rushing back to Chicago and we'll rush back to Colorado as soon as we can to make up the show, baby stroller in tow. Until then, please keep the Benantes in your thoughts and prayers. Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall) will fill in for Charlie for both the San Francisco and Hollywood shows. AMERICAN DISTRESS finish anticipated self-titled LP The long-awaited full-length from NY Punk band AMERICAN DISTRESS is finally ready to hit the shelves. The self-titled release includes 12 newly recorded tracks, including those previously only available on their initial 4-song demo. Official Release Date: March 14, 2006. The band emerged in 2001 from the remains of the notorious Choking Victim, which spawned numerous subsequent groups [such as INDK, HellCat/Alternative Tentacles' artists Leftover Crack, F-Minus and others] in what many call New York's "crack rock" era. AMERICAN DISTRESS will be taking this album on the road for back-to-back tours around the East Coast and Midwest, settling much of the clamor from fans in those regions for the band to do just that. In response to questions regarding the long delay in releasing this full-length, band members have posted this subhead with the album's credits: "Absolutely No Thanks to anyone that delayed the release of this album... You Suck!" THE RED CHORD changing of the guard... err… drummer? Oh no, not again! Just when you thought The Red Chord was going to keep a stable line-up, it appears there's been another drummer change. According to Blabbermouth, Lambgoat and all sorts of other reliable sources, the group has enlisted Kevin Talley (ex-Chimaira, Misery Index) to sit behind the kit during their upcoming tour with Throwdown & The Black Dahlia Murder. Members of the group said, "We're all very excited to perform with Kevin. We've known him for a long time and it's about time we wound up jamming together. We're excited to see how it all goes." There has been no official word as to Talley's status with the group. In the meantime, the group has requested that drummers interested in trying out for the permanent position must send a video tape with the following: Video tape yourself performing the tracks Nihilist, Dreaming in Dog Years, Fixation on Plastics & Black Santa. We are looking for the songs to be played as close to exact as possible. The video must be taken in a way that both your hands and feet are visible. If you can't see both in the video, just run through the songs twice. Once with the camera pointed at your feet and once at your hands. We have a soft spot for drummers that beat the crap out of their kit, so if you're a tapper, drink your milk and man it up! Applicants must be willing to tour for upwards of 300 shows each year. You must also have a valid US passport, your own gear and a willingness to get to Mass & potentially relocate to the Mass/NH area if need be. If you have substance abuse problems, don't bother applying. If you have a rock star attitude, don't bother applying. If you are looking to go on the road, be respectful and have a good time and you happen to have exceptional drum abilities, we want to meet you! Send video to: The Red Chord 23 Rand Street Revere, MA 02151 If we like what we see, WE will get a hold of YOU, so include all of your contact info including phone number & e-mail. We're looking forward to seeing everyone in the upcoming months on our tour with Throwdown. See you soon. ANGEL BLAKE complete debut album! Former THE CROWN guitarist Marko Tervonen has finished recording the self-titled debut album of his new solo project ANGEL BLAKE. “Angel Blake” will be released by Metal Blade Records on April 4th, 2006. Marko: “THE ALBUM IS DONE!!!!!! Oh yeah!! And I must say I’m very happy with it! Expect the unexpected boyz and girls.” Here’s the track list of “Angel Blake”: 1. The Force 2. Retaliate 3. Lycanthrope 4. Self – Terminate 5. Solitude My Friend 6. Autumnal 7. The Forsaken 8. Thousand Storms 9. Paint It Black 10. Till The End All the instruments on the album are handled by Marko himself, unless otherwise mentioned. About the vocals the main man has the following to say: “Unfortunately there's one thing I can’t do, and that is to sing. So my choice was to ‘rent in’ a guy who could deliver good vocals for my songs. One late night it hit me, I wanted Tony Jelencovich (ex. TRANSPORT LEAGUE) to do the vocals. I've known the man since years back. We've met during gigs and stuff, so I contacted him, and he was into it!!! Great!! Tony has a very cool rock voice with a lot of feel in it, and that just fits the music beautifully!! The combination of his vocal style and the music creates an original and powerful sound.” About ANGEL BLAKE in general he states: “If THE CROWN was more about speed and aggression, then ANGEL BLAKE is more about heavy melancholic songs with catchy hooks. There's no blast beats here. For a CROWN fan I would describe the sound as somewhere along the lines of: “Dead Man's Song”, “Bow To None”, “In Memoriam”, “World Below”, “Death By My Side”, “Vengeance”… the heavier side of THE CROWN. And for someone who has never heard THE CROWN, I would describe it as influenced and inspired by bands as METALLICA, PARADISE LOST, DANZIG, SENTENCED, spiced up with some heavy MORBID ANGEL twists. And as mentioned before, with "NORMAL" rock/metal vocals! It's definitely a unique sound!! Love it or hate it, that's where my heart is right now.” http://www.angelblake.com STARKWEATHER SIGN TO CANDLELIGHT RECORDS Philadelphia: Candlelight Records today proudly confirms the worldwide signing of East Coast-based Starkweather. The band's new album, titled Croatoan, was produced by Pierre Remillard (Cryptopsy), Features artwork by renowned artist Paul Romano (Mastodon, Earth, Godflesh), and is scheduled for a May 2 American release date. Long regarded as one of the first bands to blend metal and hardcore, Starkweather are still an untapped band for the masses. They have been cited as influence to many of today's top selling bands and remain one of the most passionate and intense bands on stage. Metal Maniacs says on an early listen to Croatoan, "rare is a band who personify, quite accurately, agony and despair through tranquil yet devouring movements. One of underground metal's soon-to-be classics, hail Starkweather!" Formed in 1990, Starkweather have several out-of-print recordings to their credit including a limited self-titled seven-inch (Inner Rage Records, 1993), Crossbearer (Too Damn Hype, 1994), Into the Wire (Edison Recordings, 1995), the 1996 split seven-inch with Season to Risk (Supermodel Records), and participation on numerous compiliation albums. Croatoan, released in late 2005 on vinyl only (featuring exclusive artwork also from Paul Romano) via Hypertension Records, is the band's first new recording in over five years. Starkweather toured Europe for the first time in mid-2005, visiting the Netherlands, Germany, England, France and other countries. The band plans to visit again during the year. American dates are expected; details to be announced separately. Hate Eternal - Belphegor - Psycroptic - Support Sunday 16-04 belgium antwerpen - hof ter loo (no mercy fest) Monday 17-04 nederland 013 - tilburg (no mercy fest) Tuesday 18-04 Wednesday 19-04 germany Roxy Flensburg Thursday 20-04 Denmark The Rock Kobenhavn Friday 21-04 Sweden Saturday 22-04 Norway Sunday 23-04 Sweden Monday 24-04 off day Tuesday 25-04 Czech rep Black Pez Praha Wednesday 26-04 Germany Thursday 27-04 Hungary Friday 28-04 Germany Festival Passau Saturday 29-04 Austria Escape Vienna Sunday 30-04 Italy transilvania Lve Milano Monday 01-05 Tuesday 02-05 France Suisse Wednesday 03-05 France off day Thursday 04-05 Spain Antzokia DurangoBilbao Friday 05-05 Spain Ritmo and compass Madrid Saturday 06-05 Spain Misicalia Alicante Sunday 07-05 France Monday 08-05 France Tuesday 09-05 UK Underworld London CANDLELIGHT DEBUTS DAYLIGHT DIES TRACK THIS WEEKEND Philadelphia: Candlelight Records will debut sample from the first track from Dismantling Devotion, the new album from Daylight Dies. "A Life Less Lived" will be available beginning 9am EST on Sunday, January 23. Bring your browser to www.candlelightrecordsusa.com Four years in the making, the near hour-long Dismantling Devotion is a record filled with quality musicianship that travels a dark and passionate road that will ultimately nestle itself into the hearts of death, doom and dark music fans everywhere. The album was mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios (Opeth/Soilwork) and mastered by Thomas Eberger at The Cutting Room (Opeth/The Hives). Katatonia's Anders Nystrom recently said, "if Dismantling Devotion would have been released in 2005, it would have been my choice for the album of the year." Formed in 1996, Terrorizer Magazine called Daylight Dies 2003 debut "memorable and engaging." Outburn Magazine proclaimed, "pristine doom metal." And Digital Metal added, "a combination of dark melody and deathly aggression." With Dismantling Devotion, the band look to further their already growing profile. Drummer Jesse Haff notess "it is certainly the most mature material we've written to date. For us it is a strong progression that really shows off our emotionally dark and desperate music; a diverse mix of melancholic, melodic and exceedingly heavy songs." Dismantling Devotion will be released in the US on March 7. LEGENDARY ROCKER DAVE EVANS AND HEAVY METAL BAND BLACK ZODIAC TO EMBARK ON NATIONWIDE "THE SINS OF THE ZODIAC TOUR" NEW YORK CITY (JANUARY 19, 2006) – Legendary rocker DAVE EVANS (founder and original vocalist of megaband AC/DC) and BLACK ZODIAC (a heavy metal band based near Tampa, Fla.,) will be joining forces to embark on a nationwide tour in 2006 entitled "The Sins Of The Zodiac Tour". "The Sins Of The Zodiac Tour" starring DAVE EVANS and BLACK ZODIAC will take these two talented acts throughout the United States during 2006. Details of the tour will be announced shortly. Please visit www.daveevans.au.com and www.blackzodiac.net for the latest information. Australian DAVE EVANS was a member of AC/DC from the band’s inception in 1973 until 1974. Following his departure from AC/DC, DAVE EVANS formed the wild hedonistic rock band Rabbit, Melbourne 80’s rock outfit Dave Evans and Thunder Down Under, and lastly Dave Evans and Hot Cockerel. DAVE EVANS has also toured as a solo act, and in 2004 released his current album, "Sinner," on Germany’s Cultural Minority record label. In 2005, DAVE EVANS toured across Holland, Germany and Switzerland with renowned southern rock band Molly Hatchet. BLACK ZODIAC was formed in 2002 by Cuban-born beauty Mayelin (vocalist) and accomplished musician Aaron Robinson (guitarist). To Mayelin, the name BLACK ZODIAC "represents all the different personalities of the zodiac with the darkness behind them." In May 2004, BLACK ZODIAC released their debut album "Psychotic Hatred". BLACK ZODIAC’s new album will be released in 2006 on Dark Anatomy Records. BLACK ZODIAC approaches their art differently than most of their contemporaries. They focus on the "whole picture," taking into consideration image, music, lyrical content, and performance, all arranged to fit together in perfect harmony. They look to be above the standards in metal today by keeping the lyrics clean and enlightening. They also extract musical influences from outside of the metal genre while still being true to the roots of the style. With Mayelin’s vocal power in combination with their unrestricted musical vision, there will be no end to BLACK ZODIAC. DAVE EVANS and BLACK ZODIAC are represented by DaSBro Enterprise, a full-service entertainment agency based in New York City. DAVE EVANS’ website is located at www.daveevans.au.com. BLACK ZODIAC's website is located at www.blackzodiac.net. VADER METAL CRUSADERS TOUR DATE VENUE CITY STATE MAY 26, 2006 MEDLEY MONTREAL QC MAY 27, 2006 MARKS PLACE BEDFORD NH MAY 28, 2006 MIDDLE EAST CAMBRIDGE MA MAY 29, 2006 KNITTING FACTORY NEW YORK NY MAY 30, 2006 JAXX NITE CLUB SPRINGFIELD VA MAY 31, 2006 NOTHING FANCY CAFE VERNON NY JUNE 1, 2006 AGORA BALLROOM CLEVELAND OH JUNE 3, 2006 LOGAN SQUARE AUDITORIUM CHICAGO IL JUNE 4, 2006 STATION 4 ST. PAUL MN JUNE 7, 2006 JESTERS PUB FAYETTEVILLE NC JUNE 10, 2006 STATE THEATER ST. PETERSBURG FL JUNE 11, 2006 CULTURE ROOM FT. LAUDERDALE FL JUNE 12, 2006 BETA BAR TALLAHASSEE FL JUNE 14, 2006 BALLROOM @ WAREHOUSE LIVE HOUSTON TX JUNE 15, 2006 BALLROOM CORPUS CHRISTI TX JUNE 16, 2006 WHITE RABBIT SAN ANTONIO TX JUNE 17, 2006 PHOENIX MUSIC COMPLEX ARLINGTON TX JUNE 18, 2006 DART ROOM FAYETTEVILLE AR JUNE 20, 2006 LLIFF PARK SALOON AURORA CO JUNE 22, 2006 CLUBHOUSE TEMPE AZ JUNE 23, 2006 SHOWCASE THEATRE CORONA CA JUNE 24, 2006 KNITTING FACTORY HOLLYWOOD CA JUNE 25, 2006 POUND @ PIER 96 SAN FRANCISCO CA JUNE 27, 2006 FAT TUESDAY'S SPOKANE WA JUNE 28, 2006 ROCK N ROLL PIZZA PORTLAND OR JUNE 29, 2006 STUDIO SEVEN SEATTLE WA SEVEN WITCHES tour dates (Supporting W.A.S.P:) 3/01 - Webster Theater, Hartford CT 3/02 - The Chance, Poughkeepsie NY 3/03 - Starland Ballroom, Sayreville NJ 3/04- Jaxx, Springfield VA 3/06 - Northern Lights, Clifton Park NY 3/07 - Crocodile Rock, Allentown PA 3/08 - Mulcahy's, Wantaugh NY ATTACKER ANNOUNCE CD RELEASE SHOW! The US Heavy Metal band will perform its first show of 2006 at CONNECTIONS in Clifton, New Jersey on Saturday April 29th. The event will celebrate the release of the bands new album "THE UNKNOWN" which, again, will see it's world-wide release on Tuesday April 11th through SENTINEL STEEL RECORDS. Special Guests and details will soon be forthcoming. The bands MP3 single "This Is Power" can be found in this location http://www.attacker.tv/sounds.html Sacrifice of the Nazarene Child 6 Festival 06/17/06 http://sotncfest.cjb.net The recording of the new album ASGUARD has been planned for the end of spring. The material will be recorded in one of the best Byelorussian studios. Mixing and mastering will be done in the world famous Freedman Studio. The album will be dedicated to the 10ths anniversary of the band, which will be celebrated by releasing the album somewhere in the end of 2006.All the tracks for recording have been prepared. The album will consist of 9 tracks, including cover versions of Accept and Kreator.The album won’t be similar to any of the previously released works of the band, and it will sound rather experimental that may shock many fans of the band. But it will be a new step for the band as in terms of sound, so the band style. The release will also include a DVD with some concert material and band video clips. http://asguard.metal4.com SCOTT REEDER Set to Release Solo Debut As former Kyuss/The Obsessed bassist Scott Reeder prepares for the Jan. 24 release of his solo debut TunnelVision Brilliance, AOL Music has chosen to lend a hand of support by hosting a listening party of the album during the week of its release. Starting on January 23 and running through January 29, the listening party can be accessed at http://music.aol.com/songs/new_releases_full_cds. TunnelVision Brilliance was written, produced, and recorded entirely by Reeder in his own studio. The album is a much more personal and intimate soundscape than his thunderously heavy past, an inspired (and undeniably psychedelic) trip through the subconscious of one of underground rock’s brightest luminaries. With Kyuss and The Obsessed, Reeder has unquestionably left his mark on heavy music. Other highlights of his career include auditions with Metallica (you may recognize him from their Some Kind of Monster documentary) and Tool (with whom he’s occasionally performed), in addition to producing a number of artists (Bluebird, Goatsnake), contributing to soundtracks (2 Days in the Valley) and performing live in high-profile settings (Unida, Nebula, The Earthlings). METAL MANIACS PRESENTS: ::::HIGH ON FIRE:::: ::::GOATWHORE:::: :::WATCH THEM DIE::: March 30 Concord CA Bourbon Street March 31 San Jose, CA Blank Club April 1 Long Beach, CA Alex’s Bar April 2 Las Vegas, NV Clubhouse April 4 Lubbock, TX Jake’s April 8 Corpus Christi, TX House of Rock April 9 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jacks April 11 Gainesville, FL Common Grounds April 12 Miami, FL Churchhill’s April 13 Tallahassee, FL Beta Bar April 16 Wilmington, NC Soapbox Laundrolounge April 18 Virginia Beach, VA Jewish Mother April 23 Kingston (Wilkes-Barre), PA Backstage Enterprises April 25 Buffalo, NY The Icon April 26 Columbus, OH High Five April 27 Cincinnati, OH Top Cat’s May 3 Salt Lake City, UT Club Vegas May 4 Reno, NV venue still tbc May 5 Sacramento, CA The Library May 6 Santa Cruz, CA The Attic Metal Maniacs ENSLAVED Record New Album ENSLAVED has entered Amper Studios (Oslo, Norway) to record their next album which will be entitled RUUN. They've only been in studio for a week yet they already feel confident that this will be a monumental album! "The songs are stronger than ever, weve found the ultimate studios and the guys in the band are in very high spirits. Now its just a matter of working as hard as body and mind permits" says guitarist and composer Ivar Bjornson. First two song titles to be revealed are the two to-be video songs: Path of Vanir and Essence. RUUN is due to be RELEASED on MAY 8th 2006 (Tabu Recordings). The album will be mixed in Propeller Studios (Oslo, Norway) by Mike Hartung and finally mastered in Cutting Room (Stockholm, Sweden). www.tubarec.com Metal Maniacs MASTODON COMPLETE WORK ON NEW MUSIC VIDEO MASTODON have completed work on the third music video from their award-winning album, Leviathan. The video, for the song Seabeast, was shot on location at the historic Madison Theater in the band's hometown of Atlanta, GA. Seabeast was produced and directed by Jonathan Rej (MAN OR ASTROMAN, FURTHER SEEMS FOREVER, STRETCH ARMSTRONG) and Tom Bingham for Authority Films who also shot the band's video for Blood and Thunder. The video for Seabeast dictates the great battle between Ahab, Mr. Queequeg, pride and creatures of the sea. MASTODON's Seabeast video was shot with a hand cranked 35 mm camera employing many of the film making techniques of the 20s and 30s. Director Rej comments: The Madison Theater was the perfect location to shoot such a video as it was open in 1927 as a silent movie theater and was the first theater in Atlanta to show talkies. This is the first time the theater has been used in almost 30 years." Photos taken by Ryan Russell during the shoot are available at this location: www.ryanrussell.net/mastodon_video.html. Seabeast is expected to make its world network premiere(s) imminently, stayed tuned to your favorite music video provider. www.MASTODONROCKS.com Metal Maniacs THINE EYES BLEED to play dates with Six Feet Under, Sworn Enemy and Animosity Canadian thrash/metalcore act Thine Eyes Bleed have scheduled tour dates for March and April. The band, who were taking some time off from touring for the holidays and to work on new material, will go out on the road with Six Feet Under, Sworn Enemy and Animosity starting in late-March. Below are confirmed dates with more to be announced! 03/25/06 Sat The Post Mandan, ND (only Thine Eyes Bleed) 03/28/06 Tue @ock And Roll Pizza Portland, OR 03/29/06 Wed Studio Seven Seattle, WA 03/31/06 Fri Imparts Boise, ID 04/01/06 Sat Club Boom Ogden, UT 04/02/06 Sun liff Park Saloon Aurora, CO 04/04/06 Tue Bucketworks Milwaukee, MI 04/05/06 Wed Club Soda Kalamazoo, MI 04/06/06 Thu Carmel Arts Center Carmel, IN 04/07/06 Fri Screwy Louies Kent, OH 04/08/06 Sat KCS Music Ally Fredericksburg, VA THINE EYES BLEED released their debut album for The End Records titled In The Wake Of Separation in June 2005. www.thineeyesbleed.com Metal Maniacs BLIND GUARDIAN vocalist Hansi Kursch issued this statement in late December regarding proceedings on the new album: "Hi everyone, I was about to send out a message telling you we are still on schedule. Unfortunately within the last days, things changed drastically due to illness. After feeling a flu or a cold coming for days, my appointment with the doctor delivered bad news: I caught the regular season virus including a terrible mid-ear infection. On top of it, I am struggling with severe sinusitis. It obviously is impossible for me to keep working on album stuff in such a condition. It would be a waste to perform these great new songs with a sneezy nose. Therefore, I am facing an interruption of approximately four weeks before I can continue my recording session. Since most of the other recordings are completed, this means we are going to lose the next month. Therefore after a long discussion with Nuclear Blast, we all have agreed on the unfortunate fact that a delay of the album release cannot be avoided. Due to the importance of the album for Nuclear Blast and BLIND GUARDIAN, we do not want to risk anything by pushing things. To avoid any further complications, we have decided to go for a late August - or early fall - album release. Although this is a sad development, we are still very optimistic with regards to the upcoming album, and are still satisfied with the progression of the production. Since the single [which will be available in North America only as an import and features artwork by Anthony Clarkson] is completed, there is no need for a delay in that matter. There will be three songs on the single: 1.Fly; 2.Skalds And Shadows (acoustic version); and 3. In A Gadda Da Vida Fly is quite a surprising title for a BLIND GUARDIAN song, one could think, but it lyrically fits very, very well. This song is about inspirations and how they can influence your art, your life and the life of other people. I was inspired by the movie Finding Neverland when doing these lyrics. The music is mind-blowing. It certainly describes how we look at music and how we see ourselves as musicians. We love to explore and assimilate. Though the song is different, it is pure BLIND GUARDIAN. I personally consider it to be amongst the best songs we have ever written. It is new!!! It is fresh!!! Whether you will like it or not, you will have to admit that you have never heard anything like that before. Not from BLIND GUARDIAN and neither from any other band on this planet. The acoustic version of Skalds And Shadows completely stands in the tradition of songs like The Bard's Song and A Past And Future Secret. As probably most of you have figured, In A Gadda Da Vida is a cover version of Iron Butterfly's smash hit. Although we like stoner music, we dared to turn it into a modern speed metal tune. This song of course will only appear on the single. To complete the single, cover artwork is pretty much BLIND GUARDIAN. I am sure you will love it. My best, Hansi The cover art for the Fly single can be viewed on the official BG website. www.blind-guardian.com Metal Maniacs

February 21th, 2006	SHADOWS FALL have lined up a string of headlining shows in March with AGNOSTIC FRONT, STILL REMAINS and BYZANTINE in the support slots. Look for the band to possibly debut some of their highly anticipated new material at these shows. Also, be sure to pick up their latest DVD entitled, "The Art of Touring", featuring over two hours of on-the-road antics and live performances filmed from 2002 through 2004 on "The Art of Balance" album touring cycle. SHADOWS FALL w/ AGNOSTIC FRONT, STILL REMAINS, BYZANTINE: Mar. 01 - Toad's Place – New Haven, CT Mar. 02 - Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel – Providence, RI Mar. 03 - Crocodile Rock – Allentown, PA Mar. 04 - The Crazy Donkey – Farmingdale, NY Mar. 05 - The Chance – Poughkeepsie, NY Look for a new SHADOWS FALL release on Century Media Records this spring. The group's next collection of all-new material is expected to surface before the end of the year via Atlantic. '80s British metallers GRIM REAPER will reunite for an appearance at this year's Keep It True VI festival, set to take place April 8 at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany. According to the festival organizers, "This will be a real GRIM REAPER show and not like the gig they played in Wacken some years ago." Also newly confirmed for the festival are SEVEN WITCHES, featuring former SAVATAGE guitarist Jack Frost and ex-HADES frontman Alan Tecchio. The final festival billing is as follows: Keep It True VI – "Metal Soldiers" RIOT (USA) EXCITER (CAN) ROSS THE BOSS (USA) (A Night Of Early MANOWAR) SOLITUDE AETURNUS (USA) PARADOX (GER) GRIM REAPER (UK) AXEHAMMER (USA) SILVER FIST (ESP) (playing a special MURO set) DARKNESS (GER) WOTAN (ITA) POWERVICE (HOL) Keep It True VI — "Metal Knights" Warm-Up Show (April 7 at Sporthalle in Dittigheim): DEMON (UK) ASSASSIN (GER) DRIFTER (CH) SEVEN WITCHES (USA) DANTESCO (Puerto Rico) Tickets are available for 17 euros (Keep It True) and 8 euros (warm-up show). In the studio with FALL OF SERENITY German metal institution FALL OF SERENITY are about to enter well established Rape Of Harmonies Studios on January, 13th to record their debut full length for LIFEFORCE RECORDS "Bloodred Salvation" with producing team Patrick W. Engel/Ralf Mueller (a.o. Heaven Shall Burn, Narziss, Impending Doom…) Between January, 13th and 23rd you can visit FALL OF SERENITY working in the studio by recalling the pictures from Rape Of Harmonies' Webcam @ www.rapeofharmonies.de ! Furthermore there will be some live-chat with the guys on January, 14th between 5 and 6 p.m. (German time – 6 hours ahead of US-EST) @ www.rapeofharmonies.de - You shouldn't let this this chance pass to speak with FALL OF SERENITY directly and ask them about details regarding "Bloodred Salvation"! Mixing and mastering of the record will be done later on by Jacob Hansen in his very own Hansen Studios (a.o. Communic, Raunchy, Fear My Thoughts). Be prepared. Originally founded in 1998, FALL OF SERENITY became one of the brands of the European metalcore scene, while developing their own style over the years into straight-forward death metal. Unusual melodies, creative arrangements and catchy structures are the trademarks of this five-piece from Germany. FALL OF SERENITYs release-history includes 3 albums - "Smoldering Doom" (2000), "Grey Man's Requiem" (2001) and "Royal Killing" (2004) - as well as the legendary, vinyl-only split-release with German metalcore precursors Heaven Shall Burn. In 2004 FALL OF SERENITY toured across Europe supporting Dismember to consolidate band's position as one of the most powerful death outfits from Germany. Furthermore the band opened tons of club shows for bands like Vader, Marduk, Malevolent Creation, God Dethroned, Primordial, Kataklysm, Behemoth, Disbelief, Dew-Scented etc. FALL OF SERENITY Live: 02/24/06 DE – Eisenach @ Sound 'n Culture Club 02/25/06 DE – Oettingen @ JuZe w/ Bury My Sins, Ba'al 03/11/06 DE – Leipzig @ Conne Island w/ Hand To Hand, Scars Of Tomorrow 04/08/06 DE – Saarbruecken @ Stoneage w/ Dry Kill Logic 04/13/06 DE – Berlin @ Magnet w/ Neaera 04/15/06 DE – Erfurt @ Tiko w/ Never Die Alone 04/21/06 AT – Lustenau @ Culture Factory w/ Neaera 04/22/06 AT – Wien @ Arena w/ Neaera 04/29/06 CH – Oberentfelden @ Boeroem Poem Poem 06/02/06 DE – Jena @ Rosenkeller 06/03/06 DE – Olbernhau @ Juze w/ Soulgate's Dawn www.lifeforce-america.com www.fallofserenity.com DEADSOIL to hit the studio and UK Just like the new year began DEADSOIL will also begin to record their new full length CD. The band will enter Principal Studios starting January 26th. We will keep you updated about the title and release date! www.lifeforce-america.com www.deadsoil.net = BALTIC GENERATION 2006 TOUR= with OBTEST & LOITS, April 19th–30th, 2006 WED, April 19th – Katowice, Poland THU, April 20th – Ostrava, Czechia: presentation gig of new Adultery album FRI, April 21st – Germany [looking for date] SAT, April 22nd – Germany/Benelux [looking for date] SUN, April 23rd – Germany/Benelux [looking for date] MON, April 24th – France TUE, April 25th – France / Italy WED, April 26th – France / Italy THU, April 27th – traveling day FRI/SUN, April 28th/30th – Barosellas, Portugal: kult Steel Warriors Rebellion IX festival, along with BOLT THROWER, Ingrowing, Yattering, Prejudice, Suhrim, Hell-Born, Flagellum Dei, Lux Ferre, etc. LEAVES' EYES on European tour Following their South America tour LEAVES' EYES will start their headliner tour through Europe. LEAVES' EYES Dates 2006 Date - Cntr - City - Location - Bands 01.04. LT Vilnius PHC Atrocity 05.04. ARG Buenos Aires Nd Ateneo Atrocity 07.04. CHI Sant. de Chile Theatreo Providencia Atrocity 08.04. CHI Sant. de Chile La Batuta Atrocity 14.04. BRA Curitiba Master Hall Atrocity 22.04. BRA Recife Abril Pro Rock Fest. Atrocity 27.04. CH Zurich Dynamo Atrocity 28.04. IT Milano Rainbow 29.04. IT Prato Anomalia 30.04. D Ottweiler/Saarland Hexentanz Festival Atrocity 02.05. NL Helmond Plato Sylver Myst 03.05. B Vosselaar Biebob 07.05. F Paris La Locomotive AGNOSTIC FRONT dvd trailer uploaded AGNOSTIC FRONT continues to be living embodiment that "hardcore for life" isn't an empty slogan or a musical dead end. To introduce the brand new CD/DVD »Live at CBGB«, Roger Miret and the boys have uploaded a trailer of the forthcoming release. Click here to view the trailer. SAVAGE CIRCUS AND EPICA ADDED TO PROGPOWER USA VII LINEUP ATLANTA – German power metal band Savage Circus, featuring former Blind Guardian drummer Thomen Stauch and Iron Savior vocalist/guitarist Piet Sielck, and Dutch symphonic metal band Epica have been confirmed to make their debut U.S. appearances at ProgPower USA VII on September 15 and 16 Earthlink Live in Atlanta. “We are glad to be playing Savage Circus’ U.S. premier show at ProgPower USA VII,” said Stauch. “I’m happy to have the opportunity to play there once more, after having played there already with my former band Blind Guardian in 2002. I’m sure everyone will enjoy all the fantastic bands playing there.” Savage Circus recently signed with Century Media Records for the U.S. release of its “Dreamland Manor.” “We look very much forward to our very first U.S. gig,” said Epica guitarist Mark Jansen. “I've heard great stories about ProgPower USA and all the bands that have played there are very enthusiastic about it.” The symphonic metal band features the female vocals of Simone Simons. Pyramaze (featuring Lance King, former vocalist for Balance of Power) and the first U.S. performance by Sensory recording artist Wastefall - playing a brand of prog metal described as Pain of Salvation meets Faith No More – have already been confirmed. Six more bands will be announced over the next two months. “I had to work a bit harder this year in putting together a lineup that meets both the fans’ expectations and my own,” said promoter Glenn Harveston. “A standard has been established and I believe I have reached that again.” Tickets will go on sale Saturday, April 1 at 10 a.m. EST via all Ticketmaster outlets. Only 900 tickets will be made available to the public. Advance Gold Badges, which presently have a two-year wait list, are sold out. ProgPower USA has sold out more than four months in advance for the past four years. Last year’s festival sold out in a record four days. ProgPower USA VII is sponsored by Pacific Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Shure Microphones, Evans Drumheads, D’Addario Strings, and Planet Wave Cables. Interested sponsors may contact ProgPower USA via www.progpowerusa.com. Information is available on the website for parties interested in participating in the CD Showcase sampler or advertising in the official program. www.progpowerusa.com SEVEN WITCHES LIVE SHOWS ANNOUNCED Philadelphia: Seven Witches today announce the first shows in support of their new album, Amped. All dates find Seven Witches supporting W.A.S.P. In stores nationwide January 24, Amped welcomes new vocalist Alan Tecchio and bassist Kevin Bolembach (both of Non-Fiction fame); guitarist/founder Jack Frost (Savatage) advocates that their addition presents the band’s most promising line-up. AOL Radio, as announced previously, will premiere Amped in its entirety in a special cd listening party starting January 23. Confirmed dates as of press time include: 3/01 - Webster Theater, Hartford CT 3/02 - The Chance, Poughkeepsie NY 3/03 - Starland Ballroom, Sayreville NJ 3/04- Jaxx, Springfield VA 3/06 - Northern Lights, Clifton Park NY 3/07 - Crocodile Rock, Allentown PA 3/08 - Mulcahy's, Wantaugh NY Endorsement: IHSAHN Musician Ihsahn, known most for his work with Emperor, recently conducted an interview that is featured at www.line6.com. The vocalist/guitarist is currently working on his first solo record, titled The Adversary, that is expected for release in early spring. Ihsahn, now an artist endorsee for Line 6, in addition to completing work on The Adversary, is scheduled to start rehearsals for Emperor's final performances - the first at the annual Inferno Festival held in Oslo, Norway. The four shows for the US already are selling fast with the first shows in New York and Los Angeles nearing sell out levels. Line 6 is a music products company dedicated to integrating technology with music products to develop innovative solutions for musicians. Line 6’s growing success has resulted in significant recognition by top-tier companies and media, including the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies for two consecutive years, Deloitte and Touche’s Fast 50 and Nationwide Fast 500, LA Business Journal as #5 in the top 100 Fastest Growing Technology Companies, San Fernando Business Journal as both one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies and Largest Technology Firms, and the Pacific Coast Business Times as #6 in the Top 25 Companies To Watch. MELANCHOLIC ART - Força Black Metal Pampeano In the last year, Melancholic Art released their first full length, titled Força Black Metal Pampeano, which marked the beginning of some changes in the band' activities, being their most agressive album so far. The first 1.000 copies of the cd are almost sold out, people interested to order one of the lasting ones can make it through the website www.melancholicart.com The album's track listing is: 01. Infernal Prelúdio 02. Marcha da Morte 03. War, Confusion and Disaster 04. Melancholy with Desperation 05. Army of Infernal Soldiers 06. Força Black Metal Pampeano 07. Warstorm 08. Metzli (Warriors from the Blood) 09. Bizzare Perversion with Satan 10. Melancholic Art After some concerts made in the last months, the band is now concentrated at Evil Imperium Studio, where they will be preparing themselves for the recordings of the new album. According to the band, the new album will be "a massacre that will go untill where the ears can reach". Meanwhile, the band will keep making some concerts. The next one will be in March 11th, in the city of Joinville. Producers interested to book dates for the apocalyptic show of Melancholic Art can contact through the e-mail press@melancholicart.com Melancholic Art www.melancholicart.com GRAMMY NOMINEES MUDVAYNE TO TOUR WITH KORN VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE "FALL INTO SLEEP" A SMASH HIT AT YAHOO! MUSIC FANS PLAY ANIMATED CLIP MORE THAN 180,000 TIMES IN LESS THAN A WEEK After capping off 2005 with their first-ever Grammy nomination, a fan-voted Headbanger's Ball Video of the Year title and a gaggle of "Rock Song of the Year" awards, Epic recording artists Mudvayne are kicking off 2006 by returning to the road with Korn. The highly anticipated tour launches Friday, February 24th at the Selland Arena in Bakersfield, California. Mudvayne (vocalist Chad Gray, guitarist Greg Tribbett, bassist Ryan Martinie and drummer Matt McDonough) are touring in support of their third straight gold-selling album, LOST AND FOUND, and new lead single/video "Fall Into Sleep." It's the third single from the album, following #1 rock radio track "Happy?"and its top ten successor, "Forget To Remember." "Fall Into Sleep" is amplified by a crisply shot all-animated companion video, produced by Plates Animation (Arcade Fire). The clip recently premiered on Yahoo! Music and quickly racked up huge numbers, with fans playing the video more than 180,000 times in less than a week. Mudvayne are currently en route to Australia to be part of the Big Day Out Festival's main stage lineup. Before heading down under, they received a Grammy nomination for "Determined" in the Best Metal Performance category. See them live when they return to the U.S. with Korn. Tour dates are as follows (additional shows TBA) Feb. 24 Bakersfield, CA Selland Arena Feb. 25 Reno, NV Events Ctr. Feb. 26 San Jose, CA Events Ctr Feb. 28 Sacramento, CA Arco March 2 Portland, OR Theatre in the Clouds March 4 Vancouver, BC GM Place March 5 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome March 6 Boise, ID Idaho Ctr March 8 Denver, CO Magness Arena March 10 El Paso, TX Coliseum March 11 Albuquerque, TX Tingley Coliseum March 12 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre March 14 Las Vegas, NV The Joint March 15 San Diego, CA iPayone Ctr March 16 Long Beach, CA Long Beach Arena Cryptopsy Nominated For Canada’s Favorite Metal Artist News Update Montreal extreme metallers CRYPTOPSY have been nominated for Favorite Independent Canadian Metal Artist as part of Canadian Music Week. Make your METAL voice heard, and cast your vote here by Feb.12. You don’t have to be Canadian to vote, but you can only vote once per email address. The Indies, The 6th Annual Independent Music Awards, will be hosted by the Trailer Park Boys, and the awards will be presented at Toronto’s The Docks on March 1st at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster or www.CMW.net. Decimating 2006’s NAMM, located inside the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA, drummer Flo Mounier will be performing live at the Pearl Drum booth at 11:00 AM Sunday, January 22. Although not open to the public, those attending will have a chance to watch him demonstrate techniques from the band’s new album Once Was Not. Pearl will host Flo’s autograph session immediately following the performance, for more information click here. Headlining “The Domination Tour 2006,” CRYPTOPSY will lead the five-week massacre across Europe, which will include Grave, Dew-Scented, Aborted and more. Returning to Canada immediately after, CRYPTOPSY will then headline the MQM Canadian Music Festival Showcase March 4th at Toronto’s The Vatikan. For more information and tickets click here. Look for CRYTPOPSY to continue touring throughout 2006 including a possible tour of the Far East and another North American tour. Stay up to date with the band’s touring schedule here. Earache Records to Release Brand New Dual Disc Version of Altars of Madness Earache Records are to release a Dual Disc format version of the landmark Death Metal album "Altars of Madness" by MORBID ANGEL on March 13 2006. Considered by many to be a defining moment in the genre, Altars of Madness was first released in 1989 and is still held in reverence by the majority of Death Metal fans. The DVD side of the Dual Disc features the long sought after November 1989 Nottingham Rock City show filmed on the bands first ever European outing, the legendary Grindcrusher Tour (alongside Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower and Carcass), and is the first Morbid Angel material to see an official DVD release. A free replica ticket of this show is available with the first 5,000 copies pressed. ZAKK WYLDE AND JIM BREUER TEAM UP NEW ROCK AND ROLL COMEDY DVD ON SALE NOW HOLLYWOOD (January 17, 2006) - Guitar legend Zakk Wylde and comedian Jim Breuer have teamed up for CRAPSHOOT, a new rock and roll comedy now available exclusively on DVD. The free-flowing show combines Wylde’s larger than life persona with Breuer’s hilarious comedic skills. The combination of the two results in a hybrid show mixing reality, sketch comedy, improv, and mind-blowing music. Crapshoot was originally created and produced as a television pilot by David Kister and Murray Oden. They paired Wylde’s intense energy and musical gifts with Breuer’s freewheeling comedy and hardcore love for rock, while gathering a stellar supporting cast o’ characters. Crapshoot features Mad TV’s Mo Collins (Mad TV, Arrested Development & The 40-Year-Old Virgin) and a variety of other comedic talent for a well rounded show. Once the CRAPSHOOT.TV website was launched, featuring a few select clips from the project, the site received over a million hits in its first two months. With such high response, Kister and Oden decided to release the project independently. The result is an unfiltered rock and roll comedy DVD unlike anything on the market. Zakk Wylde was an unknown teenager from New Jersey when he was discovered by Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne. Since that time, Wylde has been Ozzy’s lead guitarist. Wylde co-wrote many of Osbourne’s multi-platinum albums, including “No Rest For The Wicked,” “No More Tears” and “Ozzmosis.” In 1998, Wylde formed his own band, Black Label Society, which has sold several millions of units worldwide. Jim Breuer established himself on the comedy scene with a four-year stint on “Saturday Night Live,” and his movie roles include co-starring with Dave Chappelle in “Half Baked.” Breuer currently hosts his own radio show, Jim Breuer Unleashed, which can be heard weekday afternoons on Sirius Satellite Radio’s Raw Dog Comedy channel. Crapshoot is available exclusively on-line at CRAPSHOOT.TV. David Kister, Murray Oden, and Chunky B are solely responsible for all the crazy!