Old News - February 2009


Old News - February 2009 - Old News - More February 2009 News
February 10th, 2009	SWEDEN's FATAL SMILE's EUROPEAN TOUR WITH LORDI ! Swedens number one hardrock superstars FATAL SMILE will be touring in europe for 2 months with eurovision winners LORDI. FATAL SMILE´s album "World Domination" is also nominated for the "best Glam/Sleaze album 2008" at the SWEDISH METAL AWARDS and that´s actually no suprise since the album was mixed by the legendary Michael Wagener famous for his work with Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe just to name a few.... So make sure to catch FATAL SMILE & LORDI on the following dates & venues: 24.01.09 SWE-Lund - Mejeriet 25.01.09 SWE-Stockholm - Arenan 26.01.09 SWE-Gothenburg - Traedgarn 29.01.09 GER-Hamburg - Docks 30.01.09 GER-Herford - X 31.01.09 GER-Oberhausen - Turbinenhalle 01.02.09 NED-Purmerend - P3 03.02.09 GER-Nuernberg - Loewensaal 05.02.09 GER-Muenchen - Tonhalle 06.02.09 GER-Stuttgart - Filharmonie 07.02.09 GER-Saarbruecken - E-Werk 10.02.09 GER-Bremen - Aladin 12.02.09 GBR-London - Carling Academy 13.02.09 GBR-Dudley - JB´s 15.02.09 IRE-Dublin - Button factory 16.02.09 GBR-Sheffield - Carling Academy 18.02.09 FRA-Paris - Elyssee Montmartre 20.02.09 ES-Barcelona - Apolo 21.02.09 ES-Bilbao - Rock Star Live 22.02.09 ES-Madrid - Heineken 24.02.09 FRA-Toulouse - Havana 25.02.09 FRA-Lyon - Transbordeur 26.02.09 ITA-Milan - Rolling Stone 27.02.09 ITA-Rom - Alpheus 02.03.09 FRA-Mulhouse - Noumatrouff 04.03.09 SWI-Zuerich - Rohstofflager 06.03.09 BUL-Sofia - Hristo Botev Hall 07.03.09 SER-Beograd - SKC 08.03.09 tba 09.03.09 AUT-Woergl - Komma 11.03.09 HUN-Budapest - Petöfi Hall 12.03.09 AUT-Wien - Gasometer 14.03.09 tba 16.03.09 CZE-Pardubice - Small Arena 17.03.09 CZE-Ostrava - CEZ Arena 18.03.09 CZE-Plzen - Halla Locomotiva 22.03.09 FIN-Levi - Hullu Poro Arena 23.03.09 FIN-Ylläs - Taiga Please visit the following websites for more info : www.fatalsmile.com / www.myspace.com/fatalsmile1 DEVASTATOR Burns the Beast on new CD Northern California’s arsenal of aggression, Devastator, release their new and anticipated CD, Burn the Beast. Produced by Juan Urteaga (Testament, Machine Head, Sadus) at Trident Sound, the 5-song EP marks the extremely active live band’s most representative and best sounding disc to date as previous efforts just haven’t lived up to the trio’s sheer live firepower. “Burn the Beast is the E.P. that we have been striving for the last three years. We think we really hit our mark with the help of Juan and have achieved quite the headbanging production on this one. The songs themselves are a representation of the history of our band as well as a snapshot of where we are headed as musicians at this moment in time,” explains drummer Derek Bean. Crowd favorites like “March of the Wicked” and “Rise of the Undead” appear in revised and even heavier formats, while new material, such as “The Devil’s Mark” and the title track, showcase the band’s evolving sound as their own brand of lethal ferocity comes to light with lengthier songs featuring more complexity. The CD is now available directly from the band via www.myspace.com/devastatorblast, where some of the new songs can also be heard. As always the band will be playing shows all over the western US in support of the release and continuing to crush, kill and destroy while seeking a record contract with a larger label that will help them take things to the next level. Meanwhile, Juan Urteaga couldn’t sum things up better when asked about working with the band, “Devastator are a tight three-piece unit. They play precision speed metal riffs that combine old-school thrash with a modern death metal feel. It reminded me of great bands such as Slayer, Exodus, and early Metallica. Though their influences shine through clearly, it's their originality and power that really stands out! The 5- song demo rips through you like a razor, as track after track takes you on a killing spree of metal mayhem and madness that will leave any die-hard thrash fan salivating for more.” www.myspace.com/salemrosemusic www.myspace.com/devastatorblast POUGHKEEPSIE ROCKERS, SUGAR RED DRIVE, PREPARE TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM THIS SPRING New York, NY – Formerly known as Mercury Rising, Poughkeepsie based band, SUGAR RED DRIVE, prepares to release their debut album this spring. Keeping the eye on the ball, SUGAR RED DRIVE has been dedicatedly rehearsing to hone their craft when they were not playing in front of an audience or attending school. This has earned them an overwhelmingly positive reception from big-named bands such as Seether, Live, Theory of a Deadman and Fastball, to name a few, whom SUGAR RED DRIVE has opened for at various shows. Ready to take SUGAR RED DRIVE to the next level, they entered into Applehead Studios (Coheed & Cambria, The Static Age) in Woodstock, NY along with longtime songwriter and producer Pat Gasperini (drummer PJ’s father) to record their debut album. Their first single, “One More Time,” will be impacting radio soon and a US & UK tour is in the works. For more information on Sugar Red Drive, please visit www.sugarreddrive.com, www.myspace.com/sugarreddrive or http://www.mysitez.net/profile/sugarreddrive/. ENSLAVED SIGN WITH THE AGENCY GROUP Norway’s ENSLAVED have inked a deal with Nick Storch and The Agency Group as their new booking agent for North America. The band is very excited and more than ready to get back on the road in this territory. News on the first dates to come out of the collaboration will follow shortly. States Ivar Bjørnson, founding member/guitarist/songwriter for the band: “This marks a new dawn for ENSLAVED in North America. Strange and wonderful things are about to happen.” ENSLAVED’s latest release, Vertebrae, won Terrorizer Magazine’s coveted “Album of the Year” award for 2008. Other “Best of 2008” rankings include: · Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles: #4 · Metal Edge: #9 · Metal Maniacs: #11 · Revolver Magazine: #14 · Decibel Magazine: #16 · Kerrang!: #19 According to Nielsen SoundScan, Vertebrae sold over 1,100 copies in the United States the first week of its release. The album debuted at #11 on the Billboard Hard Music chart and at #49 on the Heatseekers (Top New Artist) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200. Amidst all these honors, ENSLAVED were also recently nominated for a Norwegian Grammy in the category of “Best Metal Album.” States ENSLAVED vocalist/bassist Grutle Kjellson: “This is great! Although this is our 5th nomination, I will never get used to receiving honors such as this! Some people claim these awards do not mean anything - and they may be right, of course. Then again, they are lying idiots if they claim they wouldn’t appreciate a “Best Metal Album” award. It simply states that you are doing something right even if your life doesn’t depend on it. Congratulations to our buddies in Keep Of Kalessin for their nomination, too!” The awards ceremony will take place in Oslo on January 24th. View the video for “The Watcher” – directed by Norwegian Grammy Award winner Patric Ullaeus (Dimmu Borgir, Keep Of Kalessin, In Flames) - here. Watch the behind-the-scenes video here. Visit ENSLAVED online at www.myspace.com/ENSLAVED and at www.ENSLAVED.no Gojira new video "All The Tears" Gojira, the French quartet whose latest album, "The Way of All Flesh," ended up hundreds of best of lists worldwide (Revolver - #2, Metal Hammer - #4, Rock Hard - #2a nd wowed US audiences on a recent run of dates with In Flames have unveiled a visually stunning video to accompany "All Thhe Tears." Directed by Spanish artist Jossie Malis, drummer Mario Dupliantier commented, "When we first came across Jossie's work with his astounding animated films: Bend It To Machine and we really liked the way he told stories in a very mysterious and unusual mannger. His enigmatic animations deal with serious issues and are yet always permeated with a sense of poetry. We, as music writers, are trying to mix very different emotional atmospheres. We are happy to present a visual/audio work that gathres the sort of brutality of our music with the sensibility of his drawings." The band continues to tour with a French tour in February and more dates to be announced for the rest of Europe and another round of US dates. For current French dates please visit Gojira's MySpace page. Abigail Williams return to the road in February Abigail Williams have confirmed a string of headline dates beginning January 30 as they continue to tour in support of their recently released full-length debut, In the Shadow of a Thousand Suns. Produced by James Murphy and featuring contributions from Trym Torson (Emperor/Zyklon), the album topped the CMJ charts the week ending December 5. MTV2/Headbangers Ball world premiered the sextet’s video for the song “Into the Ashes” online December 4 with the broadcast premiere on December 6. "Response to our album from our fans has been awesome and we are very grateful for the support our fans have given us on tour. We are stoked on Trym's drumming on the album and James Murphy’s mix really brought the whole project to life. We are really looking forward to getting back on the road in support of the new record." A year-long recording project that utilized studios in the US and abroad, In the Shadow of a Thousand Suns features ten songs showcasing the young band’s dynamic songwriting. Metal Maniacs calls the album, “an unholy alliance between the beauty of the keyboards and the beast of speed. There’s an impressive level of musicianship that crackles with a blazing metal heart.” Orange County-based Mean Street Magazine asserts, “In the Shadow of a Thousand Suns is an epic feast of shrill, feverish riffs, luxurious keyboards and caterwauling vocals. It recalls Emperor’s landmark In The Nightside Eclipse but with more sheer muscle.” The album sold over 1,200 units according to Nielsen Soundscan its first week of release and is a consistent weekly seller with over 20,000 units now shipped globally. Abigail Williams have been a focus of attention for both fan and critics since their formation several years back. Popular news portal Blabbermouth, noted of the band’s 2007 EP, “Legend lays a firm foundation for greatness to come.” The band have had to endure numerous line up changes and public scrutiny fighting back from a near collapse in late 2007. Vocalist/founder Sorceron says of the band’s shaky beginnings, "things started out rough finding a solid lineup for the band but our current lineup is much stronger then what we started out with. This is not the same band that people witnessed on tour from May 2007. This is something much more focused and we are determined to conquer any obstacles we may face. It’s been a long, bumpy road full of unexpected trials and tribulations but we are in it for the long haul." Currently featuring guitarists Mike Wilson and Bjornthor, keyboardist Ellyllon, bassist Plaguehammer, and drummer Samus with Sorceron, Abigail Williams have toured the US and Europe several times including their most recent tour with The Faceless completed in November. The band were hand-picked to open for Emperor at their sold-out performance in Los Angeles (House of Blues) in July of 2006. In the Shadow of a Thousand Suns is available in stores now via Candlelight Records. Abigail Williams, with Rose Funeral, Burning the Masses, The Breathing Process in support: 1/30/2009 Mac's Bar - Lansing, MI 1/31/2009 The Attic - Dayton, OH 2/01/2009 The Jukebox - Rochester, NY 2/02/2009 The Haunt - Yonkers, NY 2/03/2009 Crocodile Rock - Allentown, PA 2/04/2009 Jaxx - W. Springfield, VA 2/05/2009 Peppermint Club - Virginia Beach, VA 2/06/2009 Brewery - Raleigh, NC 2/07/2009 Sector 7G - Augusta, GA 2/08/2009 Fuel Coffehouse - Jacksonville, FL 2/09/2009 Orpheum - Tampa, FL 2/12/2009 Java Jazz - Houston, TX 2/13/2009 White Rabbit - San Antonio, TX 2/14/2009 Rose Park Activity Bldg - Abilene, TX 2/15/2009 Plano Centre - Plano, TX 2/16/2009 Lonestar Event Center - Lubbock, TX 2/17/2009 Chic's - El Pazo, TX 2/19/2009 Karma - Victorville, CA http://www.myspace.com/abigailwilliams http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa Les Claypool’s Latest Masterpiece to Release March 17th OF FUNGI AND FOE on Prawn Song Records HOLLYWOOD, CA - Les Claypool will release yet another brilliant work of art, OF FUNGI AND FOE, March 17, 2009 on Prawn Song Records. "OF FUNGI AND FOE" is the expansion of material Claypool has recorded over the past few years for the video game “Mushroom Men” and the motion picture “Pig Hunt”. Being inspired by these 2 projects Claypool decided to keep creating and turn it inot an album. The song Mushroom Men on this release is a more in depth version of the theme song from the video game. Additionally a jam session with Gogol Bordello’s charismatic front-man Eugene Hutz turned into the track “Bite Out Of Life”. Since his last album release, 2006’s “Of Whales and Woe”, Claypool has been busy with his films, scoring other’s films and video games while having fun out on tour. This album is a collection of songs inspired by the projects he has been working on over the past few year. Long acknowledged as one of rock's leading bassists, Claypool began branching out from the alt-rock sound of Primus in 2000, starting Colonel Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, courting the jam band audience and beyond. Selling over 500,000 cd's since then under a few different band names (including Oysterhead with the Police's Stewart Copeland and Trey Anastasio of Phish), Claypool put out the career spanning DVD “5 Gallons of Diesel” in 2005 and the live tour DVD “Fancy” in 2007. TRACK LISTING: 1. Mushroom Men 2. Amanitas 3. Red State Girl 4. Booneville Stomp 5. What Would Sir George Martin Do 6. you Can’t Tell Errol Anything 7. Bite Out Of Life * Featuring Eugene Hutz 8. Kazoo 9. Primed by 29 10. Pretty Little Song 11. Rosco For more information go to www.lesclaypool.com or www.myspace.com/thereallesclaypool I BUILT THE CROSS signs with Open Grave OPEN GRAVE RECORDS is pleased to announce the signing of Nevada based death metal band I BUILT THE CROSS.I BUILT THE CROSS was formed during the summer of '08 by two long time-time friends and ex-members of the popular death metal band Disfiguring the Goddess. As friends, Reed and Gare have been closer than brothers since before either of them can remember, and as musicians, they've been working together for the last several years. Although they have been involved in musical projects spanning various different genres all across the board, they claim that death metal is the only form of musical expression that can truly make their hearts, minds, and desires most tangible. I BUILT THE CROSS is a Christ-centered, spirit-led technical death metal band with a driven and distinguishable purpose: spread Jesus' name to an audience of people in a music scene that is generally stereotyped as "evil." To them, musicians aren't defined by the music they play, rather, it is the other way around. As a whole, I BUILT THE CROSS is ultimately concerned with clarifying the unconditional love of Jesus - the Savior, the Friend, the Father. Look for I BUILT THE CROSS's debut album out this spring on OPEN GRAVE RECORDS. For further information on I BUILT THE CROSS visit their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/ibuiltthecross HATESTORM - "Filth Purity" - CD out NOW !!! Dirty - Unhealthy - Satanic !!! Russian Blasphemers HATESTORM debut album "Filth Purity" finally OUT on INFERNO Records ! 7 songs of dirty, cold & grim satanic BLACK METAL that will please all into early BATHORY, early VENOM, WATAIN & ARMAGEDDA ! Convert & Pervert Your Mind To Sickness !!! www.myspace.com/hatefulstorm Get it for 12 € ppd (France & Europe) or 14 € ppd (Rest Of World) Labels & Distros - ask for CHEAP wholesale prices ! Trades are possible but write first ! Visit our site & online-shop for more Old School Metal goodies !!! www.inferno-records.net CORMORANT Issue Studio Update Bay Area progressive black metallers CORMORANT are hard at work recording their upcoming full-length with Billy Anderson (Neurosis, The Melvins, Sleep, Primordial), at Sharkbite Studios. Vocalist/bassist Arthur von Nagel checked in earlier this week from sunny Oakland, California with a studio report:"We're recording at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California, and tonight while we were tracking there were riots going on about 20 blocks away. I'm sure it's all over the news, even in the East coast. Absolutely awful police shooting. It was crazy leaving the studio and seeing a half-dozen helicopters circling the city. The studio itself is actually in a pretty nice part of town though, right around Jack London Square. We couldn't be happier with it. Everything is pro: great equipment, helpful staff, comfortable vibe. They've recorded everyone from Cathedral to High on Fire to Cattle Decapitation. We're scheduled to record from January 2nd to the 14th." "The songs are coming together beautifully. As of January 7th, all the drum, bass and primary guitar tracks are done. The basic tracks were recorded live almost exclusively, and then we began overdubbing vocals, solos and extra guitars. We've finished about 75-80% of the vocals so far. Guitar doubling is essentially complete, with just some acoustics and tertiary ornaments to add. We're ahead of schedule and excited about how the material is shaping up. We're proud of our last album, but in terms of fresh ideas, we're going for broke on this one. Improvisational songs, jazz breaks, ultra-layering, 4-part vocal harmonies, insane guitar effects, mandolin, acoustic guitar, hand drums, nature sounds, fretless/fan-fret bass, black metal, sludge, post-rock, death metal, prog, doom, folk, NWOBHM... I know it sounds like a clusterfuck but we have a singular vision for it all and we're making it work cohesively. In terms of instrumentation, there is cello courtesy of Lewis Patzer from the band Judgement Day. We also have piano/keyboards/organ courtesy of Matt's brother Andrew Solis. Guest vocals are courtesy of Brennan's sister Deborah Spake from the band Kung Fu Vampire, and of course Aaron Gregory from Giant Squid." "Billy Anderson is mixing the record as well as producing. We'd heard great things about Billy from a really cool Portland noise/grind band we'd gigged with called The Better To See You With. And of course his discography is no joke. So I sent Billy an e-mail through the contact page on his website saying we'd be interested in working with him. He got back to us pretty quickly saying he dug our stuff and we'd like to meet at the studio sometime to go over the details. I asked Billy how he'd heard of us, and it turns out Salvador Raya from the band Asunder mentioned us to him many months before I e-mailed.We hit it off immediately so we went with it. After 6 days in studio we can say with total confidence he was the right guy to produce our album. He knows his equipment inside and out, offers fantastic suggestions, and brings a really calming vibe that puts us in the best place mentally to record. He also has a horribly dirty sense of humor so he has us cracking up all the time. On the technical side of things, Billy's assisted by Adam Myatt, Sharkbite's capable in-house sound engineer. We have yet to settle on a mastering engineer, but we're in talks with a few people whose work we really respect." "The mixing on the record should be completed within the next few weeks. Then after mastering, it's just a matter of finding the right label to print and distribute the album. We're happy to consider all offers. Best case scenario, we'd like to release in early-mid Spring." Band line-up: Nick Cohon Brennan Kunkel Matt Solis Arthur von Nagel Check CORMORANT out on Myspace: www.myspace.com/cormorantmusic Conquest of Steel European Tour 2009 Conquest of Steel hit the European mainland once more this February for a week of dates to prepare the crowds for the release of their 3rd album 'Storm Sword - Rise of the Dread Queen' to be released in March 2009. Dates as follows: 14th Feb: Die Alte Hackerei, Karlsruhe, Germany 15th Feb: Kalkbreite, Zurich, Switzerland 16th Feb: TBC, Switzerland 17th Feb:TBC, Germany 18th Feb: The Kopi, Berlin, Germany 19th Feb: Jaz club, Rostock, Germany 20th Feb: Zorro, Leipzig, Germany 21st Feb: Fist Held High festival, B-HOF, Wurzburg, Germany UK dates to follow in March and April Keep on eye on www.myspace/conquestofsteel and www.conquestofsteel.co.uk for regular updates. Conquest of Steel BELPHEGOR: New Album Update! Austrian blackened death metal outfit BELPHEGOR are in the final stages of the writing process for their upcoming, as of yet untitled album. The record will follow up to 2008's “Bondage Goat Zombie”, which saw the band touring North America with such bands as AMON AMARTH, ENSIFERUM, IMMOLATION and ROTTING CHRIST. Vocalist/guitarist and all around blasphemer, Helmuth, offered the following update: “Yes brothers and sisters, currently we're working on nine new sound collages. We started writing in April 2008 after the “Bondage Goat Zombie” release to create the new compositions for the eighth werk! The songs are basically completely finished and words can't really describe how enthusiastic and motivated we are to get into the studio and record this monster! It feels great to be creative again. Nefastus will be responsible for the drums on the new album. He is an old friend to the BELPHEGOR family and has also blasted on our previous opus ‘Pestapokalypse VI’. We rehearse day and night since December to make it as tight and monumental as possible. Stay tuned demons, hell awaits!!! The highly anticipated new album is tentatively scheduled for a worldwide release in the Fall of 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records. Catch Austria’s most dangerous band on the “Hordes of Chaos” tour in North America with KREATOR, EXODUS, WARBRINGER and EPICUREAN. Confirmed dates are as follows: 04/07/09 Sonar – Baltimore, MD 04/08/09 Nokia Theater – New York, NY 04/09/09 The Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA 04/10/09 The Palladium – Worcester, MA 04/11/09 Le Medley – Montreal, QC – CANADA 04/13/09 Imperial de Quebec – Quebec City, QC – CANADA 04/14/09 The Opera House – Toronto, ON – CANADA 04/15/09 Peabody’s – Cleveland, OH 04/16/09 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI 04/17/09 House of Blues – Chicago, IL 04/18/09 The Rock – Maplewood, MN 04/19/09 Garrick Centre – Winnipeg, MB – CANADA 04/20/09 The Distrikt – Regina, SK – CANADA 04/21/09 Warehouse – Calgary, AB – CANADA 04/22/09 Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB – CANADA 04/24/09 Plaza Club – Vancouver, BC – CANADA 04/25/09 Sugar – Victoria, BC – CANADA 04/26/09 El Corazon – Seattle, WA 04/27/09 Hawthorne Theater – Portland, OR 04/28/09 Slim’s – San Francisco, CA 04/30/09 House of Blues – Las Vegas, NV 05/01/09 House of Blues – San Diego, CA 05/02/09 House of Blues – Hollywood, CA 05/03/09 U.B’s Bar – Mesa, AZ 05/04/09 Gator’s Bar & Grill – Farmington, NM 05/05/09 Bluebird Theater – Denver, CO 05/06/09 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK 05/07/09 Ridglea Theater – Ft. Worth, TX 05/08/09 Scout Bar – San Antonio, TX 05/09/09 Scout Bar – Houston, TX 05/11/09 The Garage – St. Petersburg, FL 05/12/09 Culture Room – Ft. Lauderdale, FL 05/13/09 The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA 05/14/09 Headliner’s Music Hall – Louisville, KY 05/15/09 Orange Peel – Asheville, NC 05/16/09 Volume 11 – Raleigh, NC 05/17/09 Jaxx – West Springfield, VA PAGANFEST NORTH AMERICA: PART II – FIRST SET OF DATES REVEALED! PaganFest America has just released their first batch of dates for one of this years most awaited tours! 04/28/09 The Opera House - Toronto, ON - CANADA 04/29/09 Medley – Montreal, QC - CANADA 04/30/09 Imperial - Quebec City, QC - CANADA 05/01/09 The Palladium - Worcester, MA 05/04/09 Irving Plaza - New York, NY 05/07/09 Chicago Powerfest - Chicago, IL 05/08/09 The Lab - St. Paul, MN Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Rock The Nation is proud to announce the tour line up of PaganFest America: Part II. The upcoming traveling spectacle will include: Finland’s folk freaks KORPIKLAANI as the headliners, Switzerland’s ELUVEITIE, Ireland’s PRIMORDIAL, Finland’s MOONSORROW, Canada’s BLACKGUARD (formerly known as Profugus Mortis) and straight off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey’s crazy Pirate Metal drunks, SWASHBUCKLE as the opening party starters throughout the tour! KATAKLYSM frontman and ROCK THE NATION USA’s general manager Maurizio Iacono recently commented: "As 2008’s Paganfest was a great discovery for many people and a HUGE success, we are proud to bring it back again for 2009! The demand for the tour is growing and people are really excited. We chose to bring the best and some new blood as well for the next run. We hope (like this year) that all the pagan followers will come back in big numbers and raise their drinks in the air and celebrate a majestic evening not to be forgotten anytime soon! Cheers, Maurizio /RTN America” Brave warriors of the metal world, it is once again time for all to come together with your fist towards the sky and swords up high! Commence your pagan conquest with a night of pure splendor! Your journey continues at PaganFest America! For more info on the tour, please visit: www.myspace.com/paganfestusa ELUVEITIE: Folk/Acoustic Album to be Released! Swiss pagan metal horde ELUVEITIE will release its new folk/acoustic album, "Evocation I: The Arcane Dominion", on April 10 in Europe and tentatively in the Spring in the US via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD will feature guest appearances by Oliver S. Tyr of FAUN and Alan A. Nemtheanga of PRIMORDIAL, among others. It will contain 15 folk songs, most of them written in ancient gaulish language. ELUVEITIE will take part in the "PaganFest America: Part II" tour alongside Finland's folk freaks KORPIKLAANI as the headliners, Ireland's PRIMORDIAL, Finland's MOONSORROW, Canada's BLACKGUARD (formerly known as PROFUGUS MORTIS) and straight off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey's crazy pirate metal drunks SWASHBUCKLE as the opening party-starters throughout the tour. ELUVEITIE last year announced the addition of Paede Kistler (bagpipes, whistles, acoustic guitars) and Kay Brem (bass) to the group's ranks. ELUVEITIE's latest CD, "Slania", was released on February 15, 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2006's "Spirit" is "the perfection of the first album, but still there is enough room to give some new influences a chance," according to a press release. Maegashira post new track to MySpace, join Stoner Hands Of Doom lineup As part of their countdown to their album release, New Jersey doom ‘n rollers Maegashira have posted the song “Ammonia For Sweat” to their MySpace page at http://www.myspace.com/maegashira. The song comes off their full-length debut, The Stark Arctic, out on January 20, 2009. The album is being distributed through CT’s Spare Change Records and is available for pre-order at http://www.sparechangerecords.com/set.html. In addition, the band has been confirmed as a part of the Stoner Hands Of Doom X festival in Maryland, with the complete lineup to be announced shortly. Maegashira will also be playing their first show following the album’s release January 30 at the Mill Creek Tavern in Philadelphia, PA. Also set to appear are Sourvein, Rosetta and Gwynbleidd. http://www.myspace.com/maegashira http://www.sparechangerecords.com SUFFOCATION Begin Recording New Record! New York’s genre defining extreme metal legends, SUFFOCATION, will enter the studio to begin recording their Nuclear Blast debut “Blood Oath” starting January 31st. The follow up to their 2006 self-titled record will once again be recorded with Joe Cincotta, whom they worked with on their previous two releases. Mixing duties will be handled this time around by Zack Ohren (ALL SHALL PERISH, DECREPIT BIRTH) and cover artwork will once again be brought to life by Jon Zig (DEEDS OF FLESH, DISGORGE, GORGASM). Some tentative song titles so far are “Dismal Dream”, “Undeserving”, “Confines of Disillusion”, “Blood Oath”, “Come Hell Or High Priest”, “Provoking the Disturbed”. More details and tour plans to be revealed shortly! SUFFOCATION recently completed a North American tour as direct support to reactivated UK melodo-death/gore/grind legends CARCASS. The package also included 1349, ABORTED and ROTTEN SOUND. ALL SHALL PERISH Announce Headlining and "Atticus Metal" Tour Dates! ALL SHALL PERISH will be headlining a short West Coast tour starting this February with ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, SUFFOKATE, UNDERNEATH THE GUN and CONDUCTING FROM THE GRAVE. Drummer Matt Kuykendall commented: "This tour is going to fucking kill you! Heavy ass beat down from SUFFOKATE, UNDERNEATH THE GUN along with insane metal from CONDUCTING FROM THE GRAVE and ABIGAIL WILLIAMS will leave you crying for your mama unless you rock socks, in which case you will be killing kids right along with us! Expect to hear all your favorite songs and some gems we can't normally play on uptight package tours! See you at the shows." 02/20/09 The Boardwalk – Orangevale, CA 02/21/09 The Venue – Sanger, CA 02/22/09 Modesto Virtual – Modesto, CA 02/23/09 Riversdale Grange – Roseburg, OR 02/24/09 The Venue – Boise, ID 02/26/09 The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO 02/27/09 Gators – Farmingdale, NM 02/28/09 The Compound – Albuquerque, NM 03/01/09 The Rock – Tucson, AZ 03/03/09 Jerry’s Pizza – Bakersfield, CA 03/04/09 The Wheelhouse – Hemet, CA 03/05/09 The Whisky A Go Go – Hollywood, CA 03/06/09 Chain Reaction – Anaheim, CA This will be followed by the “Atticus Metal” tour Featuring EMMURE and WINDS OF PLAGUE co-headlining, TERROR, THE GHOST INSIDE and special guests on select dates SHAI HULUD, UNDERNEATH THE GUN and ABACABB. The this colossal tour package is brought to you by ATTICUS CLOTHING in association with HOT TOPIC, HAILS & HORNS MAGAZINE, RANDALL, WASHBURN and DISTRICT LINES. Confirmed dates so far are as follows: 03/12-San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge 03/13-Portland, OR @ Hawthorn Theatre 03/14-Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven 03/15-Boise, ID @ The Venue 03/17-Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre 03/19-St. Louis, MO @ Fubar 03/21-Detroit, MI @ Majestic Theatre 03/24-Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade 03/25-St. Petersburg, FL @ State Theatre 03/26-Jacksonville, FL @ Fuel 03/27-New Orleans, LA @ High Ground 03/28-San Antonio, TX @ White Rabbit 03/29-Houston, TX @ Java Jazz (Outdoors) 03/30-Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock 03/31-Dallas/Ft Worth, TX @ Ridglea Theater 04/04-San Diego, CA @ Soma (Mainstage) 04/05-Irvine, CA @ BAMBOOZLE 04/07-Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre 04/08-Oklahoma City, OK @ Bricktown Live 04/09-Des Moines, IA @ Peoples Court 04/11-Mokena, IL @ The Pearl Room 04/12-Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's 04/15-Albany, NY @ Northern Lights 04/17-Toronto, ON @ Opera House 04/19-New York, NY @ Irving Plaza Battle Kommand and Candlelight unite Candlelight Records today confirms the extension of their cooperation with Chicago-based Battle Kommand Records. Founded by Nachtmystium vocalist/guitarist Blake Judd in 2004, Candlelight will now look after the noted underground label’s catalog around the globe; previously the deal was in place for only England and the European continent. Nachtmystium’s highly regarded catalog will be the first to find reissue under the new deal. In stores April 21, each of the band’s early recordings, namely Reign of the Malicious, Nachtmystium, The First Attacks, Demise and the highly acclaimed Instinct: Decay, will again be available for the band’s growing stateside fanbase. Reissues from Krieg, Obscurus Advocam and Glorior Belli among others will follow shortly thereafter. Bonus material is planned on many of the reissues with specifics to be confirmed at a later date. Judd says of the cooperation, “it is with much honor that we can announce this collaboration. Music fans worldwide will now have much easier access to older BKR releases.” In addition to the reissue series, the cooperation will see new signings that Judd notes, “will maintain the unique brand identity of Battle Kommand Records.” Judd will retain control of the label’s A&R while Candlelight’s worldwide team will handle marketing and distribution. "With Candlelight's funding behind BKR's new signees,” says Judd, “I anticipate that more of our artists will be touring here and abroad. A more major push for all of our artists marks a major step for the label, and we intend to push-forward with full force." Since its launch in 2004, Battle Kommand Records has released nearly 30 albums. The roster’s artists span black, doom, death, experimental noise and ambient rock. The label has seen cooperation in the US previously with Los Angeles-based Southern Lord Records as well direct relationships with numerous indie and underground distributors. Candlelight Records with offices in London and Philadelphia has a worldwide catalog containing over 400 titles including recordings from Emperor, Opeth, 1349, Blut Aus Nord, Crowbar, Abigail Williams, Obituary and many more. Candlelight is distributed in the United States via Caroline Distribution, EMI Music is the label’s new distributor for Canada with England and European distribution handled by Plastic Head Music. http://www.battlekommand.com http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa HAMMERFALL 'ANY MEANS NECESSARY' WORLD VIDEO DEBUT On Saturday, January 17th, the very first performance of the new single "Any Means Necessary" is scheduled for the P3 Guld event held in at Scandinavium in Goteborg. HAMMERFALL will perform the song throughout the program, which will be aired live both on Swedish national TV and radio. Check your local listing for time and channels. The online world video premiere of said song will take place exclusively at Myspace the next day, January 18th. The image to the upper right is a screenshot from the video, don't forget to catch it in its entirety this Sunday! "Any Means Necessary" is the first single off the band's eighth full-length album, No Sacrifice, No Victory, due on February 20, 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded in part at Andy La Rocque's (KING DIAMOND) Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden and includes an instrumental written by the group's latest addition, guitarist Pontus Norgren (THE POODLES, TALISMAN, GREAT KING RAT), as well as a song entitled "One of a Kind", which was composed as a collaboration between HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak and IN FLAMES axeman Jesper Strömblad (who was a member of HAMMERFALL in the band's earliest incarnation). The cover artwork was created by Sam Didier, while Thomas Ewerhard was responsible for the CD layout. No Sacrifice, No Victory track list: 01. Any Means Necessary 02. Life Is Now 03. Punish And Enslave 04. Legion 05. Between Two Worlds 06. Hallowed Be My Name 07. Something For The Ages 08. No Sacrifice, No Victory 09. Bring The Hammer Down 10. One Of A Kind 11. My Sharona (THE KNACK cover) Pontus Norgren joined HAMMERFALL as the replacement for Stefan Elmgren, who left the band in early April to focus on his new career as a pilot. Hammerfall MySpace Video Channel Hammerfall Facebook Page OLIGARQUIA posts promotional video of new album - Brazilian death metallers of OLIGARQUIA released a promotional video with a preview of their new album, entitled "Distilling Hatred" and which according to the group, will be their most "old school" album so far. Watch the video in the following link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zujPbR0rvs Oligarquia - Brazilian Death Metal since 1992 press@oligarquiadeath.com www.myspace.com/oligarquiadeath NAPALM DEATH full NEW album @ Myspace & track-by-track video! 27 years of grindcore ultra-violence, 27 years of being one of the hardest working, hardest touring bands on this miserable planet, NAPALM DEATH’s conviction, energy and belief in outspoken yet extreme music is far from being watered down. With their new album “Time Waits For No Slave” the legendary grinders are about to return stronger than ever! You can now listen to the entire album and watch a detailed track-by-track video feature exclusively on the band’s official Myspace site: www.myspace.com/napalmdeath “Time Waits For No Slave” will be released as Ltd. CD Digipak (incl. two bonus tracks & sticker), standard CD and LP (incl. the full album on CD and bonus songs) with alternate cover colourings (Ltd. CD: silver, CD: sepia, Ltd. LP: green) on the following dates: GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / BENELUX / ITALY: January 23, 2009. FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / NORWAY / REST OF EUROPE: January 26, 2009. SPAIN / PORTUGAL: January 27, 2009. SWEDEN / FINLAND / HUNGARY: January 28, 2009. UK: February 2, 2009. USA: February 10, 2009 Following the album’s release NAPALM DEATH will be promoting “Time Waits For No Slave” live worldwide - remaining at the helm of today’s extreme music scene and humbly yet ferociously solidifying their legendary status once again! The band will also perform an exclusive record release show on January 31, 2009 at The Asylum in Birmingham! NAPALM DEATH live 16.01. Hradec Kralove – Letiste (Czech Republic) 17.01. Havlickuv Brod – Cechovka (Czech Republic) 18.01. Plzen - KD Serikovka (Czech Republic) 19.01. Teplice – Raketa (Czech Republic) 20.01. Prague – Roxy (Czech Republic) 21.01. Warsaw – Progresja (Poland) 22.01. Krakow – Lochness Club (Poland) 23.01. Uzgorod – Cornelius (Ukraine) 24.01. Banska Bystrica – Kino Hviezda (Slovakia) 25.01. Zlin – Masters of Rock (Czech Republic) 31.01. Birmingham – The Asylum (Great Britain) / Record release show! 03.02. Zagreb – Kset (Croatia) 04.02. Sarajewo – Kino Bosna (Bosnia) 05.02. Ljubljana – Gala Hala (Slovakia) 06.02. Roncade (Treviso) – New Age Club (Italy) 07.02. Bologna – Estragon (Italy) 16.02. Helsinki - Nosturi 2 (Finland) 17.02. Turku - Klubi (Finland) 18.02. Tampere - Klubi (Finland) 19.02. Jyvaskyle - Lutakko (Finland) 20.02. Oulu - Jalometalli Winterfest / Teatria (Finland) 21.02. Joensuu – Kellari (Finland) NAPALM DEATH @ festivals 2009 23.05. Baltimore, MD – Maryland Deathfest (USA) 21.06. Clisson – Hellfest (France) 31.07. Wacken – Wacken Open Air (Germany) Booking: www.mad-tourbooking.de Also visit: www.napalmdeath.org www.myspace.com/centurymediaeurope www.youtube.com/centurymediaeurope UNSUN announce first festival shows in 2009! To further promote their 2008 released debut album “The End Of Life” Polish gothic metal hopefuls UNSUN featuring sexy frontlady Aya and former Vader-guitarist Mauser have confirmed their first-ever number of festival appearances for 2009: May 29 – June 1, 2009 - Leipzig (D),Wave Gotik Treffen August 13 – 15, 2009 - Dinkelsbühl (D), Summer Breeze Festival October 17, 2009 - Wieze (BE), Metal Female Voices Festival To prepare yourself for some bewitching live shows, check out several tracks from “The End Of Life”, the video for “Whispers” on UNSUN’s Myspace profile Experience one of the most promising new acts in the field of atmospheric and yet heavy music. Press on “The End Of Life”: “A really consistent mix of heaviness, sweet melodies and diverse influences. The end of life? Not at all, rather the birth of a new passion!” Metal Hammer (D) “Catchy dark bombast sounds accentuating melancholy at the right spots. Forget about the end…life has just started for UNSUN!” Sonic Seducer (D) “Driving gothic metal topped off by Aya’s bittersweet vocals. Fans of Lacuna Coil and older The Gathering should check this out!” EMP (D) “The next chart-sensation could actually be coming from Poland” Zillo (D), soundcheck #5 www.myspace.com/centurymediaeurope www.youtube.com/centurymediaeurope WOLF launch new song at MySpace & reveal "Ravenous" cover artwork! Sweden’s masters of kick-ass heavy metal WOLF are about to return in full metallic glory with their brand-new album "Ravenous". As a first glimpse at what to expect of the highly anticipated new effort the song "Curse You Salem" has now been posted at www.myspace.com/wolfheavymetal, bang your head on this one! The band reveals more about the track: "‘Curse You Salem’ is a genuine WOLF song. We think it's got all the elements our listeners demand from us and we're certain our fans will listen to it and go "Hell yes, that's WOLF"! We felt that while writing it, and bringing it to life while recording it was a blast. It will most certainly be included in our live-set. The song deals with the witch hunts that took place in Salem, Massachusetts somewhat 300 years ago and the lyrics are written according to actual events as well as real people connected to the events that took place. This song & topic fits WOLF like a spiked wristband on Kerry King!" "Ravenous" also features a smashing guitar solo by Hank Shermann (Force of Evil, Mercyful Fate) and guest vocals by Marc Boals (ex-Malmsteen). For the fierce and bloody artwork, the band once again decided to work with their long time cover artist Thomas Holm (Mercyful Fate), the band states: "He has the ability to "paint our music" and that’s something we're not gonna pass up on". Topped off by the phenomenal production by Roy Z (Bruce Dickinson, Judas Priest) "Ravenous" promises a heavy metal delicacy par excellence! WOLF have also finished their brand-new video clip for the song "Voodoo", which will be premiered soon, so stay tuned! "Ravenous" will be released on the following dates: GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / BENELUX / ITALY: Friday, February 20, 2009. UK / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / NORWAY / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, February 23, 2009. SPAIN / PORTUGAL: Tuesday, February 24, 2009. SWEDEN / FINLAND / HUNGARY: Wednesday, February 25, 2009 USA: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 … rest assured, real metal is back with a vengeance! Visit WOLF online: www.youtube.com/axemanwolf www.myspace.com/centurymediaeurope www.youtube.com/centurymediaeurope DUFF MCKAGAN'S LOADED complete new album & post new webisode! There are few individuals around today that exemplify the term “idol” or “legend,” but Duff McKagan easily belongs to this chosen minority. In 2009, DUFF MCKAGAN’s LOADED will add another chapter to his already storied career further showing his songwriting prowess and versatility assuming the role of vocalist/guitarist. This is an all out assault of pure rock and punk infused fury that pulls no punches. DUFF MCKAGAN’s LOADED have completed work on their massively anticipated new full-length album, “Sick”, which was recorded by Martin Feveyear (Presidents of the USA, Kings of Leon) and is set for a late March release in Europe. A new webisode documenting the band’s recent UK tour can be viewed at the link below. See the meaning behind the term “Road Gay,” travel with the band for a photo shoot at the infamous Loc Ness and witness how insane the Brits are for Duff and company: www.myspace.com/loaded DUFF MCKAGAN’s LOADED was formed in 1999, released two albums and debuted on Century Media with the extremely well-received “Wasted Heart EP” in September 2008. The current line-up features drummer Geoff Reading (New American Shame, Green Apple Quickstep), bassist Jeff Rouse and guitarist Mike Squires (both formerly of Alien Crime Syndicate). With the fabulous new album “Sick” these rock n’ roll brothers will bring their high-energy to every stage, from Seattle's Sunset Tavern to Tokyo's NK Hall. Also visit: www.duff-loaded.com Interloper Records prepare to HARPOON Dean Costello and Toney Vast-Binder were originally introduced in 2004 by drummer, John Mendola of Hewhocorrupts. The three of them formed the band Gun Kata (later adding Eugene Marino of The Killer on bass). They released only one split CD with grind legends, Tower of Rome (on Sonic Deadline). Gun Kata ended amicably in 2006 after a hand full of live shows. At that point, Dean started Crazy Stallion (with members of Weekend Nachos); recording one EP and touring the east coast, while Toney focused on his role in the production and support of the last 7000 Dying Rats release Season in Hell (on Hewhocorrupts Inc.) In January of 2007, Dean approached Toney about starting a new drum machine project. The two began writing and rehearsing almost immediately. They settled on the name Harpoon right away. Originally Toney played bass, as well as doing vocals, while Dean played guitar and programmed the drums. They quickly booked time with Sanford Parker (Minsk, Nachtmystium, Lair of the Minotaur) at Volume Studios after Toney had worked with him the previous year on 7000 Dying Rat’s Season in Hell. They completed a 9-song demo with Parker in May of that year which was then mastered by Scott Hull (Pig Destroyer, Agoraphobic Nosebleed) at Visceral Sound. They took their live performance on a short east coast tour that summer after playing only two shows locally in Chicago. Harpoon continued to play many Chicago shows as well as a touring the East coast and the south with The Muzzler (also from Chicago). They went back into the studio in August of 2008, this time with Andy Nelson (of Weekend Nachos) to record the songs for the new CD/LP, Double Gnarly/Triple Suicide. In the interest of uniformity, they rerecorded the songs from the demo as well as three new songs. Scott Hull, once again, performed the mastering duties. A video for the opening track, Company Man, was filmed in August by director, Darryl Miller and is schedule to be released at the same time as Double Gnarly/Triple Suicide. Since completing Double Gnarly/Triple Suicide, Harpoon added DJ Barraca (formerly of Lair of the Minotaur) on bass. DJ and Toney had worked together in the past in 7000 Dying Rats. The trio plans on playing a number of short stints, as well as a longer summer tour to support the new release. So suck it. Double Gnarly/Triple Suicide invades stores February 10th, 2009. There will be a hometown listening party at Kuma's Korner February 7th. Tour dates coming soon.. for now catch 'em locally this winter: 1/17/2009 Metal Shaker - Chicago, IL w/Infinite Missiles, Dios Mio, Black Teeth, Lord Green 2/07/2009 Kuma's Korner - Chicago, IL - Record Releae Party 2/13/2009 Simple Days - Bloomington, IL w/Plague Bringer, Hewhocorrupts, Weekend Nachos 2/14/2009 Mixtapes - East Moline, IL w/Plague Bringer, Hewhocorrupts, Weekend Nachos 2/15/2009 The Beat Kitchen - Chicago, IL - Record Release Show w/Plague Bringer, Weekend Nachos, The Muzzler, Tension Generation http://www.interloperrecords.net http://www.myspace.com/harpoonrockin4u http://www.myspace.com/interloperrecords The Holly Springs Disaster Headlining tour Announced! Right before the band puts out their album in the summer The Holly Springs Disaster will headline a handful of tour dates with A Textbook Tragedy, and Sights & Sounds. You can check out the Holly Springs here: www.myspace.com/thehollyspringsdisaster Below are the dates: 3/7 Fort Frances, ON @ The East End Hall 3/9 Timmins, ON @ Club 147 3/10 Sudbury, ON @ Jubilee Hall 3/11 North Bay, ON @ The Wall - Nipissing university 3/12 Guelph, ON @ Club Vinyl 3/13 whitby, ON @ Johnny B's 3/14 Toronto, ON @ Sneaky Dee's 3/17 Milton, ON @ St. Pauls United Church 3/18 Hamilton, ON @ The Casbah 3/19 Windsor, ON @ The Chubby Pickle DRUMMER NICK BARKER TO FILL-IN FOR EXODUS' TOM HUNTING IN EUROPE EXODUS guitarist/songwriter Gary Holt has sent in the following band update: “Hey everybody, what's up! First, here's hoping everybody has an excellent holiday weekend and a safe New Year. Whatever makes you happy, enjoy it! We’re getting excited for next year, as it should prove to be most awesome all the way around. Next, I’ll be attending the NAMM Convention on Friday the 16th of January, then I begin producing the new Warbringer record on January 19th. Their new songs are totally ripping and I am stoked to have been asked to work on this record. People are going to dig this disc for sure! Then on February 18th, we’re off to Europe for a co-headlining tour with our good old friends in Overkill, capped off with our return to Greece (finally!). For this Overkill tour, we will be without the services of [drummer] Mr. Tom Hunting, as he had a well-planned in advance, paid for, and non-refundable vacation to México that has been in the works since last April-May. He will take many pictures of paradise for all to see! So while he will be sipping a drink on a sunny beach, we will be in a stinky, beer-and-piss-soaked club. Exactly where I want to be! So on this European tour, I would like to welcome our good friend Mr. Nick Barker (ex-Cradle of Filth, ex-Testament, ex-Dimmu Borgir), who will be holding down the drum throne! Nick is one of the baddest dudes to ever hit things with sticks, so we’re happy as hell he agreed to join this lunatic parade for a short while! There will be many bottles of Old Number [Seagram’s] 7 vanishing down our guts for sure! Have no fear, Tom will be back - a bit more tanned I'm sure - and then we will be off and running with Kreator for two months in the U.S. and Canada. See you all soon.” EXODUS European tour dates featuring Nick Barker on drums: · Feb 20 Carling Academy Islington, London UK · Feb 21 De Pul, Uden Netherlands · Feb 22 Atak, Enschede Netherlands · Feb 23 Colos Saal, Aschaffenburg Germany · Feb 24 Markthalle, Hamburg Germany · Feb 25 Zeche, Bochum Germany · Feb 27 Bikini, Barcelona Spain · Feb 28 Sala Live, Madrid Spain · March 1 Nave 8, Alicante Spain · March 3 Z7, Pratteln Switzerland · March 4 Rolling Stone, Milan Italy · March 5 Spectrum, Augsburg Germany · March 6 Novesta Hall – Metal Mania Festival, Zlin CzechRepublic · March 7 Stodola – Metal Mania Festival, Warsaw Poland Overkill & Exodus only · March 8 Gargarin 205, Athens Greece * with Entombed & Sabbat* Visit EXODUS online at www.EXODUSATTACK.com and www.myspace.com/EXODUS. Empty Dreams News Transylvanian Melodic Metallers EMPTY DREAMS, enter the studio to record their first LP. Release date & more info about the album will be announced soon @ www.emptydreams.net `Till than you can check out the demo verion of some brand new songs @ www.myspace.com/emptydreamsmusic Istvan Turke www.emptydreams.net www.myspace.com/emptydreamsmusic KULT OV AZAZEL NEWS The release date for Destroying The Sacred has been delayed until June. We were informed from Arctic Music that the North American distributor has refused to distribute the album due to the cover art. This is the not the first time we have encountered problems likes this with our releases be it the graphic or lyrical content. We have already remedied the situation with a slip insert that will go over the cover art and the only real setback is that the original release date has been pushed back. The good news however is we have streamed another new track on the Kult ov Azazel Myspace page. The song is Storm The Gates and is track 4 on the forthcoming album. We have also confirmed participation on a Venom tribute split with Teratism. This split vinyl release will be titled In League With Satan and released through Negativity Records with a limited run of 666 copies. We are also working on putting together a CD/DVD release to be released later in the year through Arctic Music. We are now taking offers from labels interested in working with us now that our contract with Arctic Music is done. Labels interested in working with Kult ov Azazel can contact the band by email at triplesixmanagement@kultovazazel.com.

February 1st, 2009	UK fans are the first to see the return of the new Stratovarius Stratovarius will hit the UK for a couple of exclusive European shows before starting into the festival season 2009. Yes, you got it right: fans in the UK will be the very first to see them live in 2009 and witness Kupiainen’s introduction on stage! Be a part of it ! In addition to that Stratovarius will also perform one show in Warsaw / Poland at Progresja right after the Wacken Rocks festivals. New confirmed dates so far: 15 May 2009 - Wolverhampton, England, UK / Wulfrun Hall 16 May 2009 - Nottingham, England, UK / Rock City 17 May 2009 - Glasgow, Scotland, UK / Cathouse 18 May 2009 - London, England UK / Islington O2 Academy 19 May 2009 - Manchester, England UK / Academy 2 20 May 2009 - Dublin, Ireland / Button Factory 22 May 2009 - Kreuth /Aurich, Germany / Wacken Rocks 23 May 2009 - Kreuth / Aurich, Germany / Wacken Rocks 24 May 2009 - Warzaw, Poland / Progresja 29 May 2009 - Moscow, Russia / CDK MAI 30 May 2009 - St. Petersburg, Russia / Glavclub 21 June 2009 - Clisson, France / Hellfest 11 July 2009 – Vizovice, Czech Republic / Masters of Rock At the same time Stratovarius is running a competition for free tickets and meet and greetz with the band, please check www.stratovarius.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8956 for more details. For further information please visit: www.stratovarius.com KYLESA’S STATIC TENSIONS, SET FOR MAR. 17 RELEASE ON PROSTHETIC; TOUR DATES WITH THE HAUNTED THIS SPRING LOS ANGELES – Kylesa’s eagerly anticipated new album, Static Tensions, is set for a Mar. 17 via Prosthetic Records and will be quickly followed by the Apr. 2 launch of a nationwide tour alongside The Haunted at Pomona, Calif.’s Glass House. Guitarist/vocalist Phillip Cope produced Static Tensions, which was recorded at the Jam Room in Columbia, S.C. Discussing the mindset behind the new album, “It was definitely a lot more thought out. We have the hindsight of some of the mistakes we’ve made in the past, so we were able to avoid making them again on this record. I think we came away from the experience with our best stuff yet.” “All of our records sound pretty different, but with the same core vibe or sound, and I think the new record has our core Kylesa sound, but branches out even more to incorporate more of our rock and psychedelic influences,” adds guitarist/vocalist Laura Pleasants. With artwork done by Baroness’ John Dyer Baizley, Static Tensions will also see a simultaneous vinyl release on 20 Buck Spin. Static Tensions track listing: Scapegoat Insomnia For Months Said and Done Unknown Awareness Running Red Nature’s Predators Almost Lost Only One Perception To Walk Alone Tour dates: Dates below w/Amebix: Jan. 29 New York, NY The Bowery Ballroom 30 Providence, RI AS220 31 Philadelphia, PA Starlite Theater Japanese tour dates: Feb. 6 Nagoya Huck Finn 7 Tokyo Earthdom 8 Tokyo TBA 11 Gifu 51 13 Fukuoka Graf 14 Yamaguchi Club Squad 15 Osaka Club Drop Dates below w/The Haunted, Nachtmystium & Intronaut: April 2 Pomona, CA The Glass House 3 Los Angeles, CA Key Club 4 San Francisco, CA Slim’s 5 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theater 6 Seattle, WA Neumo’s 7 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom 8 Edmonton, AB The Starlite Room 9 Calgary, AB The Warehouse 11 Winnipeg, MB Royal Albert 12 St. Paul, MN Station 4 13 Mokena, IL The Pearl Room 14 Detroit, MI The Majestic Theatre 15 Toronto, ON Opera House 16 Montreal, QC Club Soda 17 Worcester, MA The Palladium 19 New York, NY B.B. King’s 21 Millvale, PA Mr. Smalls 22 W. Springfield, VA Jaxx 23 Raleigh, NC Volume 11 Tavern 24 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade WASHBURN GUITARS AND JAMES MALONE OF ARSIS ARE PROUD TO PRESENT HIS SIGNATURE FLYING V New for 2009, Washburn Guitars would like to announce the James Malone Signature Heavy Metal V Guitar. This signature V is based off the original Heavy Metal Series with a James Malone twist, featuring his signature graphic bats image. Malone personally beta tested the early prototypes before they were released into line production. The Malone Signature V features a Solid Mahogany Body and neck, with a Phenolic fretboard, Grover® Exclusive Tuners, a 25.5" scale, a Tune-O-Matic bridge, and Buzz Feiten equipped. Malone had specifically insisted on including the searing sound of the newly developed Randall Pickups. He uses the Randall Ultra XL in the neck and a Randall Ultra Lead in the bridge. States Malone: “I either have the best or worst luck ever; I have yet to decide. When I first formed ARSIS in January of 2003, I was working full-time and going to college full-time. I had no idea that the band would be signed after only playing a total of five shows. I had no idea that within months of our debut album being released, we would be approached by every metal label under the sun. I certainly did not expect that in a few years I would be touring the world playing my music. Things just kind of happened. I prefer life this way. A few years ago, Washburn reached out to me and asked me to check out a few guitars. Like with everything in life, I had no expectations, but I was blown away by how much I loved their guitars. I actually found some inspiration by playing the Washburn instruments; an inspiration I hadn't known in years. The guitar that impressed me the most was a prototype for a new Flying V design. I fell in love with the guitar instantly; the look, the way it played, everything about the guitar was perfect in my eyes. This guitar became part of Washburn's HM series and Washburn gave me the opportunity to truly make the guitar my own. I feel that everything about the James Malone signature edition of this guitar is truly mine (my girlfriend and I even helped design the graphic). It is a part of me and a part of ARSIS.” Jody Dankberg, Artist Relations for Washburn/Randall adds: “I am so proud of this guitar and even more proud jim. Since the day Jim came to the Washburn roster, I knew he was a special player. I felt so lucky to be working with somebody who truly was a master at his craft. Jim was there when the first prototype HM series rolled off the line. He took that very guitar with him to write his current CD and gave us feedback on what he liked and what didn't work. We took Jim’s feedback and incorporated it into what is now an award-winning line of guitars. Who better to represent them than Jim Malone? The new WV40JM is wicked. Jim came up with the bat theme - which I think turned out amazing… and Jim opted to keep the new groundbreaking Randall pickups instead of better known EMGs and Seymour Duncans – which goes to show ya that those Randall pickups sound sick! Check out the guitar. Check out ARSIS. You won't be disappointed.” View the WV40JM guitar here. Visit ARSIS online and listen to tracks from their current album, We Are The Nightmare, at www.myspace.com/ARSIS. STATIC-X Unleash New Album In 2009 CULT OF STATIC to be released March 17th on REPRISE RECORDS Dave Mustaine of Megadeth shreds guitar solo on the new version of "Lunatic" BURBANK, CA – The Industrial Metal Machine called Static-X returns with their heaviest, most flammable work to date. CULT OF STATIC, on Reprise Records, marries the band's aggressive driving force with disarming experimentation. The fiery raw quality of CULT OF STATIC is blatant as the first single “Stingwray” hits airwaves February 14th. “Stingwray” was inspired by Wayne Static’s wife Tera Wray Static and the Corvette Stingray she drives. The song’s powerful beats and heavy guitar riffs make this song a commanding force on the record. Keeping the integral tones, Static-X encompasses shredding guitars with solos that have brought the band to a level of playing to be reckoned with. The cybernetic stomp of "Hypure" and "You Am I" bludgeon, bruise and break with precise grooves. Elsewhere, the staccato riffs on "Terminal" crush through an unmistakable guitar tone. Guitarist Koichi Fukuda blazes through incendiary solos, while Tony Campos bolts down demonic bass lines and Nick Oshiro pounds out deadly rhythms. Front-man Wayne Static riffs pure violence and screams out his soul. “Over the years my voice has been destroyed from excessive touring... and I love it,” exclaims Static. “The vocals on the new record are raw and brutal.” A song you may already be familiar with is "LUNATIC" as it was included on the Punisher: War Zone movie soundtrack. Although “LUNATIC” is relentless and raw, brandishing a ripping groove and an impenetrable barrier of guitars the album cut was re-recorded to feature a solo by legendary Megadeth front-man Dave Mustaine. "I've been a huge Megadeth fan for years,” explains Static. “We've toured with them twice. Mustaine and I really hit it off on the road. His lead style is one of the most distinctive styles out there. There's something amazing about it. When you hear him solo, you know it's him." Since their breakthrough debut, Wisconsin Death Trip, Static-X has sold over three million records, and they've completed numerous successful world tours including three Ozzfests, The Family Values Tour and Gigantour. CULT OF STATIC is the bastard child of a 10 year journey of metal annihilation, unleashing the beast to all in their path. “I can hardly believe it's been a decade since the release of our first cd, "Wisconsin Death Trip," and we're still going strong thanks to all of our loyal fans,” explains Static. “The title CULT OF STATIC is meant to be a big thank-you to everyone who has supported us through the years. I'm looking forward to seeing you all on the upcoming world tour.” Track List: 01. Lunatic 02. Z28 03. Terminal 04. Hypure 05. Tera-Fied 06. Stingwray 07. You Am I 08. Isolaytore 09. Nocturnally 10. Skinned 11. Grind 2 Halt For More information go to www.myspace.com/staticx or www.static-x.com US thrash metallers Havok sign to Candlelight Candlelight Records confirms the signing of Denver-based thrashers Havok. The band are currently completing their debut album titled Burn which is expected for release early spring. The album, produced by vocalist/guitarist David Sanchez at Dirty D Studios and mixed by Bart McCrorey at Motaland Studios, contains twelve songs from the youthful band featuring guitarist Shawn Chavez, drummer Ryan Bloom and bassist Jesse de Los Santos with Sanchez. Havok have been impressing their growing fanbase since their formation in 2004. To date the band have performed alongside Exodus, Destruction, Into Eternity, Cephalic Carnage, and have toured with fellow new thrashers Bonded By Blood. Via two independent recordings, PWN ‘Em All and Murder By Metal (both quickly selling out their pressings) the band have reached audiences far outside their regional borders. Sanchez says of the band’s signing, "this is the break we’ve been working toward and now that it’s finally here we’re more than ready to make the most of it. We are both psyched and humbled to be a part of the Candlelight roster." Chavez adds, "this is the beginning of great things to come. We know that the work is really just beginning and that the pressure is on but pressure as you know makes diamonds." With final details of Burn being finalized now the band look to hit the road shortly after album release date. Track listing as of press time includes: Wreckquiem, The Root of Evil, Path to Nowhere, Morbid Symmetry, Identity Theft, The Disease, Scabs of Trust, Ivory Tower, To Hell, Category of the Dead, Melting the Mountain, Afterburner. http://www.myspace.com/havok http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com http://www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa http://www.eastworldrecordings.com http://www.poweragerecords.com New Gaia Epicus song online at Myspace Gaia Epicus have posted a new song on their Myspace page. The song is called "A hero in all" and is taken from the new album Damnation. You can now hear 3 songs from the album here: www.myspace.com/gaiaepicus You can also listen to sound samples from every song on DAMNATION here: http://www.epicusrecords.com/soundplayer.html Gaia Epicus "Damnation" is album nr 4. cd cover pic: http://www.gaia-epicus.com/cd-cover/damnationcover.jpg press pics: http://www.gaia-epicus.com/pictures.html#promo Guest's on the album: Roland Grapow (Masterplan, ex-helloween) - guitar solo Dominique Leurquin (Rhapsody of fire live, Luca Turilli) - guitar solo Jonas Hörnqvist (Treasure Land) - guitar solos Lasse Jensen (Oceans of time) - guitar solos Andreas "Olsson" Passmark (Narnia, Rob Rock) - bass Michael Troy (Yngwie Malmsteen live) - keyboards Fabrizio S Muratori (Nhorizon)- keyboards Ola Halén (Insania) - vocals LIVE! - Gaia Epicus is looking for shows to start their "Damnation Tour pt2" so get in touch for show bookings. Best Metal Regards Thomas www.gaia-epicus.com - my band www.epicusrecords.com - my label www.thomashansen.info - my personal www.myspace.com/gaiaepicus www.myspace.com/epicusrecords www.myspace.com/thomas_chr_hansen FILTER’S BEST ‘SHOT’S Rhino Presents Career-Spanning Collection that Spotlights 14 of the Band’s Finest Including Studio Recordings, Rare Radio Edits and Soundtrack Contributions Available from Rhino March 31 LOS ANGELES, CA — A rare mix of power and finesse, Filter hangs its hard rock angst, electronic sheen and industrial grit on memorable hooks, rendering finely sculpted sonic broadsides that have distinguished the band over the course of four studio albums. Rhino takes aim at the band’s career—so far—with its first retrospective, THE VERY BEST THINGS (1995-2008). The single-disc collection will be available from Rhino Records March 31 for a suggested list price of $11.98 (CD) and $9.99 (digital). The compilation’s 14 songs encompass studio recordings, rare radio edits and a scattering of soundtrack contributions. It begins with “Hey Man Nice Shot,” the Top 10 hit that put the band on the musical map in 1995 and pushed Short Bus—Filter’s debut—to platinum status. From there, the retrospective touches on songs that reflect the evolution of the band’s music, including “Soldiers Of Misfortune,” from their 2008 album Anthems For The Damned. THE VERY BEST THINGS features 5 tracks from 1998’s Title Of Record, the certified-platinum follow-up to the band’s debut, including “The Best Things,” “I’m Not The Only One,” and the radio edits for the singles “Welcome To The Fold” and the smash hit “Take A Picture.” Taken from 2002’s The Amalgamut, the collection also features “The Only Way (Is The Wrong Way)” and the single edit version of “Where Do We Go From Here.” In addition to its studio albums, Filter was also known for writing songs that appeared on a number of popular soundtracks. THE VERY BEST THINGS gathers several, including the savage intensity of “Jurrasitol” from The Crow – City Of Angels; “(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do” the band’s collaboration with The Crystal Method for Spawn: The Album; as well as “One (Is The Loneliest Number)” and “Thanks Bro,” two songs recorded for different X-Files albums. After a six-year hiatus, Robert Patrick brought Filter back to active duty last spring with the release of the politically charged and critically acclaimed album Anthems For The Damned. The band followed up with the November digital only release Remixes For The Damned, which features brand-new remixes of various tracks from Anthems. Filter is planning a string of U.S. tour dates in the spring, with full details to be announced shortly. THE VERY BEST OF FILTER Track Listing 1. “Hey Man Nice Shot” 2. “Welcome To The Fold” – Radio Edit 3. “Jurrasitol” 4. “(Can’t You) Trip Like I Do” 5. “Take A Picture” – Radio Edit 6. “Soldiers Of Misfortune” 7. “Where Do We Go From Here” – Single Edit 8. “Dose” 9. “I’m Not The Only One” 10. “Skinny” 11. “One (Is The Loneliest Number)” 12. “The Best Things” 13. “The Only Way (Is The Wrong Way)” 14. “Thanks Bro” SCALE THE SUMMIT'S CARVING DESERT CANYONS COVER ART AND TRACK LISTING REVEALED; NEW STUDIO VIDEO AVAILABLE LOS ANGELES -- Scale The Summit, the Texas-based progressive instrumentalists, continue to share more behind the scenes footage from the recording of their Prosthetic Records debut, Carving Desert Canyons (Feb. 17 release), with a new studio video posted on their YouTube (youtube.com/scalethesummit) and MySpace pages (myspace.com/scalethesummit). This video features the guitar work behind the release. Founding members and co-guitarists Chris Letchford and Travis Levrier are graduates of Los Angeles' venerable Musicians Institute. Letchford and Levrier also build their own custom guitars. The track listing for Carving Desert Canyons, produced, recorded and mixed by Tom Beaujour at Nuthouse Recording in Hoboken, N.J., is: 1. Bloom 2. Sargasso Sea (streaming now at myspace.com/scalethesummit) 3. The Great Plains 4. Dunes 5. Age Of The Tide 6. Glacial Planet 7. City In The Sky 8. Giants Lyzanxia News Hi guys! Lyzanxia have entered the studio Declanche in Switzerland with Johann Meyer to record the drums parts of their next album. The rest of the album will be recorded at Lyzanxia's studio, the Dome Studio. This record promises to be their more heaviest and more melodic one so far! You can watch some studio reports videos on their myspace www.myspace.com/lyzanxiaband and their website www.lyzanxia.com all along the recording. Have fun and happy new year! LYZANXIA Wolves In The Throne Room announce new EP, new album, tour dates In February Southern Lord will proudly release the vinyl only version of the new Wolves In The Throne Room EP entitled Malevolent Grain, featuring two brand new tracks from the Pacific Northwest organic black metallers. Conspiracy Records will offer a limited edition picture disc of the 12" for Europe, while Southern Lord will release a black 180-gram version worldwide. Additionally the band will press a limited CD version for tour purposes only. The EP features the band's newly designed logo crafted by renowned artist Christophe Szpajdel, designer of black metal band logos for Kult Ov Azazel, Emperor, Moonspell and other international acts. The third WITTR full-length Black Cascade will follow, to be released on March 31st on Southern Lord Records. More info will follow soon on this wholly organic black-drone masterwork. Both the EP and the full-length were recorded to 2-inch tape by Randall Dunn and Mell Dettmer in Seattle this Winter. The new recordings are the first to feature their new guitar player Will Lindsay (Middian) who had previously served as the band's touring bass player, in addition to longtime members, brothers Nathan and Aaron Weaver. The band will tour Europe beginning in late January, along with three select US dates. More extensive touring through 2009 is also imminent. In addition to the new EP, other new merch for this tour includes a Live At Roadburn 2008 12" record, which also includes a DVD and is being released by Burning World Records. 1/16/2009 The Underground Events Center (benefit for victims of the Green Scare) - Seattle, WA 1/17/2009 The Big Room - Olympia, WA w/Mt. Eerie 1/22/2009 Vera Groningen (Net) 1/23/2009 Jaz Rostock (Ger) 1/24/2009 Loppen Copenhagen (Den) 1/25/2009 Cassiopeia Berlin (Ger) 1/27/2009 Dna Brussels (Bel) 1/28/2009 Underworld London (Uk) 1/29/2009 The Croft Bristol (Uk) 1/30/2009 Busk Birmingham (Uk) 2/02/2009 Engine Rooms Brighton (Uk) 2/03/2009 Boule Noir Paris (Fra) 2/04/2009 Heretic Club Bordeaux (Fra) 2/05/2009 El Balcon De La Lola Bilbao (Spa) 2/06/2009 Sala Whippoorwill Oviedo (Spa) 2/07/2009 Porto-rio Porto (Por) 2/08/2009 Ritmo Y Compas Madrid (Spa) 2/11/2009 Magnolia Milan (Ita) 2/12/2009 Circolo Degli Artisti Rome (Ita) 2/13/2009 Cage Club Livorno (Ita) 2/15/2009 Kunstverein Nurnberg (Ger) 2/16/2009 Klub 007 Prague (Cze) 2/17/2009 Arena Vienna (Aus) 2/18/2009 Beatpol Dresden (Ger) 2/19/2009 Scheldapen Antwerp (Bel) 2/20/2009 W2 Den Bosch (Net) 2/21/2009 Festung Bitterfeld (Ger) 2/28/2009 Masquerade @ Atlanta Metal Festival - Atlanta, GA http://www.wittr.com http://www.myspace.com/wolvesinthethroneroom http://www.southernlord.com http://blog.southernlord.com http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings DEVIAN kick off European tour with DEICIDE today, confirm next touring activities & announce new bass player! Busy times in the DEVIAN camp! The Swedish blackened death/thrash commando featuring former Marduk members Legion (vocals) and Emil Dragutinovic (drums) has just released its much-lauded new album “God To The Illfated” and will kick off the Winterfest 2009 European tour supporting new labelmates Deicide today! This will also mark DEVIAN’s first tour with new bass player Carl Stjärnlöv (Diabolical). Furthermore, the band has just been confirmed to support Unleashed and Belphegor on the “Hammer Battalion North” Tour February – March 2009 and vocalist Legion comments as follows: "Despite the fact that I’ve been on the road since the mid 90ies, Scandinavia is almost untouched ground for me. It seems appropriate and fucking cool to take DEVIAN out on our first Nordic leg of touring supporting Unleashed, one of the forefathers and iconic acts of the Northern scene. Hell over Scandinavia! Hail!!" Both tours are a massive opportunity for DEVIAN to showcase their intense new album “God To The Illfated” live. The follow to 2007’s “Ninewinged Serpent” captivates the listener with an extremely dynamic, hellish aggressive sound built upon massive, thrashing riffs, a heartfelt old school spirit and simply perfectly written songs. The album’s initial pressing is available as limited edition CD including a special O-Card packaging, two exclusive audio bonus tracks and a free band-logo sticker. You can preview none less than six songs of this vicious effort in a webwheel presented by Rock Hard (D), Terrorizer (UK), Imperiumi.net (FIN) Metal.de (D), Vampster.com (D) & Powermetal.de (D). Just head over to www.devian.se! See DEVIAN live on the following dates: HAMMER BATTALION NORTH TOUR 2009: Unleashed, Belphegor, DEVIAN, Diabolical Presented by www.metal-portal.net 27.02.2009 EST Tallin / Tapper 28.02.2009 FIN Tampere / Yo-Talo 01.03.2009 FIN Helsinki / Nosturi 03.03.2009 FIN Turku / Klubi 04.03.2009 FIN Joenasuu / Kellari 05.03.2009 FIN Oulu / Teatria 06.03.2009 SWE Umea / Midnight 07.03.2009 NOR Trondheim / ZONE Bakgarden Scene 08.03.2009 NOR Oslo / tba 10.03.2009 SWE Orebro / Kulturhuset 11.03.2009 SWE Malmoe / tba 12.03.2009 DEN Copenhagen / The Rock 13.03.2009 SWE Stockholm / Klubben 14.03.2009 SWE Goteborg / Sticky Fingers Booking: www.massive-music.pl For further info on DEVIAN visit the following sites: www.devian.se www.myspace.com/truedevian WARBRINGER recording new album; announce new touring plans! While earning a reputation as road warriors, WARBRINGER have spent the last two months home working on new material that will comprise their second album. The five-piece are now prepared to enter the studio in January to record the follow-up to “War Without End”, voted by Revolver magazine as one of the best albums of 2008. WARBRINGER will be entering Sharkbite Studios (Machine Head, High On Fire) in Oakland January 19th with Exodus guitarist Gary Holt producing. The album will be mixed by Zack Ohren (All Shall Perish, Light This City, Braindrill) at Castle Ultimate. Guitarist John Laux comments: “Since our last tour we've lead a very successful and creative campaign in the jam room collaborating on our next record. While staying true to our identity we have plenty of new tricks up our sleeves, including things we learned on the road, as well as showcasing [newest member] Nic Ritter’s explosive drumming. We’re thrilled to be tracking in the Bay Area and we couldn't be more confident with Gary Holt as our producer to help us bring our music to life in a recorded format. Besides being a legend in the thrash scene, Exodus have always managed to produce records with a killer punch regardless of dismal musical climates. Also, we think Zack’s experience in mixing and mastering will be excellent as he’s worked on a number of very LOUD and FAST records.” Meanwhile Gary Holt had to this offer: "I am stoked to be producing the latest WARBRINGER record. I had a chance to hang out at rehearsal and listen to the new songs and their latest stuff is crushing! People will not be disappointed, that's a fact! The young guns are definitely stepping it up a notch or ten and it promises to be intense!" Upon completion one of metal’s most lethal live bands will immediately hit US stages beginning February 10th alongside Soilwork, Darkane and Swallow the Sun through the end of March leading straight into shows with Kreator, Exodus and Belphegor through May. Yes, the band will be playing over 100 North American shows to set up the new release while they continue to support their debut on what they’ve dubbed The Tour Without End. Expect WARBRINGER’s return to European stages soon as the thrash metal war has just been started! WARBRINGER online: www.myspace.com/warbringer "At The Crack Of Doom" Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-udv0LbUsQQ&feature=related! www.myspace.com/centurymediaeurope www.youtube.com/centurymediaeurope DEICIDE signs worldwide deal with Century Media Records; kicks off European tour this week! Twenty years ago, an underground cult movement surfaced in Tampa, Florida that revolutionized the metal world. The pioneers of this burgeoning scene, DEICIDE, are still striking fear into hearts of the masses to this day. Century Media Records are extremely proud to announce a worldwide deal with DEICIDE, one of the founding fathers of death metal and easily one of the most influential and controversial bands ever. With a relentlessly brutal sound and uncompromisingly blasphemous lyrics, DEICIDE helped set the standards for extreme metal and have maintained those standards ever since. DEICIDE led by original members Glen Benton (vocals, bass) and Steve Asheim (drums) have been busy at Audiohammer Studios with Mark Lewis (Black Dahlia, Chimaira) and are looking at a summer '09 release. The group have reunited with legendary guitarists Jack Owen (ex-Cannibal Corpse) and Ralph Santolla (Obituary, ex-Iced Earth, Death) and will embark on a two-week European tour this week. See below for the exact dates! Benton states: “I want to say it is an honor to be an official CM artist. I look forward to working with the fine folks at CM and providing them with our style of metal. I can ensure you that what surfaces will definitely be nothing less than a total bash-your-face-in-from-start-to-finish, bastard. HAIL SATAN!!!!” Asheim further comments: “I'm happy to be a part of the CM family and look forward to working with them. The new DEICIDE material in the works should be a good way to kick off the new deal. It’s a totally sick new record with a totally sick new label, but the same ol’ sick DEICIDE. See you all in 2009 and hold onto your balls!” Owen adds: “It is an honor and a pleasure to sign with one of the most established metal labels on the planet. Century Media's track record speaks for itself, and we can't wait to unleash this beast of a new DEICIDE album through the mighty CM! Many thanks to Kevin Astl and Steve Joh for their long hours bringing this deal to full fruition!” DEICIDE released their groundbreaking self-titled debut in 1990. Recorded at Tampa's Morrisound Studio (the legendary studio where the band would go on to record all its albums), the vicious debut would soon be hailed as one of the "Top 100 Metal Albums of the 90's" by England's metal authority, Terrorizer Magazine. In 1992, DEICIDE followed up their debut with “Legion”, which was an instant success, further establishing their furious musical intensity and vengeful anti-Christian stance. This landmark extreme metal release secured their place at the forefront of the American death metal scene as they rapidly earned a reputation for controversy. DEICIDE’s appearance and live antics matched the extremity of their music and lyrics. With an inverted cross branded into his forehead, Benton cast himself as the incarnation of pure evil. At shows, he was known to pull such stunts as dousing the crowds with bags full of real animal organs. DEICIDE quickly found themselves banned from clubs, boycotted by magazines, and blacklisted by Christian groups and animal-rights activists. Anti-establishment to the core, DEICIDE embodied the worst fears of the conservative masses, and loved it. Rather than shy away from controversy, DEICIDE provoked it and willingly engaged in it. DEICIDE stormed ahead into the future, releasing numerous albums engulfed by waves of controversy, as their popularity continued to ferment within the scene. However, it was the 2006 release “The Stench of Redemption” that put the band back on the map as the leaders of the genre. This was their first album to showcase the more melodic leads of guitarists Owen and Santolla which only added to their riotous and enigmatic success. DEICIDE looks forward to taking things to the next level in 2009, promising to deliver the album of their already heralded career. See DEICIDE live at the following dates: Winterfest 2009 DEICIDE, Samael, Vader, Devian, Order Of Ennead, The Amenta 08.01.2009 HOL Tilburg / O13 09.01.2009 HOL Haarlem / Patronaat 10.01.2009 BEL Vosselaar / Biebob 11.01.2009 FR Paris / Locomotive 12.01.2009 FR Lyon / CCO Villeurbane 13.01.2009 LU Esch/Alzette / Rockhal 14.01.2009 GER Stuttgart / Ika-Longhorn 15.01.2009 GER Frankfurt / Batschkapp 16.01.2009 GER Bochum / Matrix 17.01.2009 CH Erstfeld / Transilvania Live 18.01.2009 ITA Milan / Rolling Stone 19.01.2009 A Worgl / Komma 20.01.2009 SK Bratislava / DK Dubravka 21.01.2009 POL Katowice / Mega Club 22.01.2009 POL Warsaw / Progresja Booking: http://www.massive-music.pl DEICIDE’s websites: http://www.deicide.com http://www.myspace.com/thestenchofredemption Also visit: www.myspace.com/centurymediaeurope www.youtube.com/centurymediaeurope GOD FORBID confirm European tour with Ill Nino in February/March 2009! Right on time with the release of their highly anticipated new opus “Earthsblood” New Jersey’s metal titans GOD FORBID will be touring Europe as direct support of Ill Nino from February 20th to March 23rd, 2009. See below for all confirmed dates, more will follow in the coming weeks: Ill Nino GOD FORBID Exilia + guests Tue, Feb 24, Haarlem (NL) - Patronaat Wed, Feb 25, Eindhoven (NL) - Effenaar Thu, Feb 26, Cologne (D) - Essigfabrik Fri, Feb 27, Copenhagen (DK) - The Rock Sat, Feb 28, Hamburg (D) - Knust Sun, Mar 01, Berlin (D) - K17 Tue, Mar 03, Vienna (AT) - Arena Wed, Mar 04, Stuttgart (D) - Die Roehre Fri, Mar 06, Milan (IT) - Zoe Club Sat, Mar 07, Winterthur (CH) - Salzhaus Sun, Mar 08, Fribourg (CH) - Fri-Son Tue, Mar 10, Villa Real (ES) - Salatal Wed, Mar 11, Granada (ES) - El Tren Thu, Mar 12, Madrid (ES) - La Sala Live Fri, Mar 13, Vigo (ES) – Sala A Sat, Mar 14, Villaba-Pamplona (ES) - Totem Sun, Mar 15, Notre Dame de Gravenchon (F) - Arcade Tue, Mar 17, Newcastle (UK) - Academy 2 Wed, Mar 18, Liverpool (UK) - Academy 2 Thu, Mar 19, Sheffield (UK) - Academy 2 Fri, Mar 20, London (UK) - Islington Academy Sat, Mar 21, Birmingham (UK) - Academy 2 Sun, Mar 22, Bristol (UK) - Academy 2 GOD FORBID’s most daring and diverse effort to date was produced by Eric Rachel (Atreyu) with Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory, Threat Signal) handling all vocal tracking. The mixing was handled by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Soilwork, Amon Amarth). Check out the brand new track “The Rain” at http://www.myspace.com/godforbid and witness the rise of one the most innovative bands within the modern metal realm. “Earthsblood” will be released via Century Media Records on February 16th, 2009 in Europe and February 24th, 2009 in the US. Also visit: http://www.godforbid1.com www.youtube.com/centurymediaeurope www.myspace.com/centurymediaeurope My Shadow enters MS Studio this month Canadian melodic death metallers MY SHADOW have issued the following update from drummer Patrick Gendron: On January 12th My Shadow enters MS Studios in Ottawa, ON to commence recording the long-awaited follow up to 2007's We All Fall Down EP. The band spent the majority of 2008 writing new material for their 2009 release and touring the their local scene with such acclaimed acts as NORTHER, NEFASTUS DIES, WARCALL among others in support of their latest effort We All Fall Down, which had a great response from their fans. We can't wait to work once more in MS Studio and start burning these tracks. So let 2009 begin with My Shadow being a part of the metal scene once again. The CD will be released in the summer of 2009. So far, 4 songs of relentless aggressive metal have been written and more are on the way so stay tuned for more updates. We will post short videos and pictures during our time in MS Studio. Also, My Shadow have been forced to move their upcoming show with INIRE from March 7th to April 11th. The event will still take place at La Brass, Aylmer, QC. Tickets will be available soon." For more on My Shadow, head to this location. BLEED THE SKY RETURN TO THE ROAD Noah Robinson, lead vocalist for Oklahoma’s BLEED THE SKY, comments on the band’s upcoming February tour with Straight Line Stitch and Flatline: “We always do a St. Valentine's Day Massacre show here in Oklahoma City, so we thought it would be the ideal time to start our tour with Straight Line Stitch. Touring with them is like touring with family to us. Every member of that band has the same personalities, interests, and drinking habits as we do, so it makes for a very low-stress, action-packed tour! I think it's probably gonna still be a little cold out for any inflatable pools on the road, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it! Not much luck on the sponsorship of Frank's Red Hot Sauce, but that doesn't mean we don't already soak all our food with it!” Confirmed shows are as follows: 2/13/09 TBA - Tulsa, OK 2/14/09 Bricktown Live - Oklahoma City, OK 2/16/09 Club Vegas - Salt Lake City, UT 2/18/09 The Otherside - Missoula, MT 2/19/09 Knitting Factory - Spokane, WA 2/20/09 Satyricon - Portland, OR 2/21/09 Studio Seven - Seattle, WA 2/23/09 WOW Hall - Eugene, OR 2/24/09 The Modesto Virtual - Modesto, CA 2/25/09 Los Angeles, CA @ TBA 2/26/09 Tempe, AZ @ The Sets 2/27/09 San Marcos, CA @ The Jumping Turtle * BTS & SLS only View the video for “Sullivan,” a track off BLEED THE SKY’s latest album Murder The Dance here. Visit BLEED THE SKY online at www.myspace.com/BLEEDTHESKY.