Old News - June 2008 - Old News - More June 2008 News
June 24th, 2008
  • IGNITE videogreetings, Live-DVD recording

    HERE for some impressions as well as greetings from singer Zoli Teglas from IGNITE’s current European tour with labelmates TERROR, Strung Out, Death Before Dishonor and BurnThe8Track.

    IGNITE will be filming a Live DVD at the April 20th show in Leipzig, Germany. So, if you want to be part of IGNITE’s history archived onto DVD come out to the show at Werk 2 and be part of the IGNITE show.

    To be all prepared check the tentative setlist of the DVD show, dig out your albums and sing along to some all time favourites:

    Bleeding
    Fear Is Our Tradition
    Who Sold Out Now
    A Place Called Home
    My Judgement Day
    Run
    Are You Listening?
    Let It Burn
    Know Your History
    In My Time
    By My Side
    Ash Return
    Call On My Brothers
    Burned Up
    Poverty For All
    Sunday Bloody Sunday
    Slowdown
    Live For Better Days
    Veteran

    Let’s see if you, the fans, can be as loud as IGNITE!

    www.igniteband.com
    www.myspace.com/ignitemusic
  • ZIMMERS HOLE Vocalist featured on MTV’s Metal File; post new video online!

    The legions of die-hard Strapping Young Lad fans can rejoice because ZIMMERS HOLE has returned with a ferocious new album, “When You Were Shouting At the Devil, We Were In League With Satan”, that is available now. Their mysterious frontman, The Heathen, was recently interviewed by MTV News and this in-depth feature delves deep into the man’s inner psyche to reveal some interesting details. You don’t want to miss out on this rare, candid look into the live of The Heathen, so click on the link below to check it out

    The group recently shot a new video for the album’s title track with renowned director Ryan Short (Himsa) and it’s definitely not your average promotional video clip as Byron Stroud (bass) states:

    “Working with Ryan on our new video was amazing. We managed to pull some favors from friends in the film industry and they supplied us with a shit load of fire and explosions. Good times were had by all.”
    The stunning new clip is now online. Click below to check it out.

    With a new album in the bag and a newly intense focus, THE HOLE are looking forward to hitting the road as a collective on national tours for the first time. The time has come for those in league with Satan to gather and prepare for the arrival of the unholy ZIMMERS HOLE.

    Press on “When You Were Shouting At the Devil, We Were In League With Satan“:
    Killer! With their third full-length ZIMMERS HOLE is one of the best pure metal-worships ever. If Tenacious D would have the balls and talent to play metal, he would sound like ZIMMERS HOLE.
    ROCK HARD (D), soundcheck #4

    “When You Were Shouting At The Devil…” doubtlessly is the wet dream of every steadfast metalhead come true! The album contains countless catchy hits every metalfan should check out, no matter if you prefer PRIEST, MAIDEN or even SYL.”
    HEAVY (D), album of the month

    Find out more about ZIMMERS HOLE on the following websites:
    www.myspace.com/zimmershole
    www.legionofflames.com
  • SKYFIRE Announce New Album Title

    Swedish progressive death metallers SKYFIRE have set "Esoteric" as the title of their fourth album, due this fall via Pivotal Rockordings. The cover art, which can only be described as "epic," was created by Pär Olofsson, who has previously worked with BRAIN DRILL, PSYCROPTIC, SPAWN OF POSSESSION, and PERSUADER.

    The recording process for "Esoteric" is nearing completion at Powernest Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Studio blogs can be viewed at Revolution-Music.dk.

    The follow-up to 2004’s "Spectral", "Esoteric" is scheduled to be mixed and mastered by Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY) at Black Lounge Studios (SONIC SYNDICATE, SCAR SYMMETRY, THE ABSENCE, ZONARIA)

    Visit: label.pivotalalliance.com | webzine.pivotalalliance.com
  • Triton Enigma's "Black Lies" Available for streaming

    Open Grave Records is pleased to make Sweden-based band TRITON ENIGMA debut album, "Black Lies", available for streaming in its entirety. "Black Lies" was released this past Tuesday world-wide via Open Grave.

    TRITON ENIGMA was formed in 2005 as a side project for Ronnie Bergerståhl (WORLD BELOW, DEMONICAL, ex-JULIE LAUGHS NOMORE, CENTINEX, AMARAN, GRAVE), Thomas Nilsson (JULIE LAUGHS NOMORE) and Metallic Kitty (DECADENCE).

    "Black Lies" track listing:

    01. Sanity Unlisted
    02. Into My Reality
    03. Past Life Thoughts
    04. Hysteria
    05. Cleared Mind
    06. Broken World
    07. The Faultless Sins
    08. The Mirror
    09. Ominous Thoughts
    10. Behind Bleeding Eyes
    11. Madness

    "Black Lies" is streaming now at http://www.opengraverecords.com
  • DARKAGER's debut being finished by Shaman's vocalist, mp3 available

    - The power/thrash metal band DARKAGER is finishing their new album, entitled "Silence Times Arrival". The cd is being produced by Thiago Bianchi, vocalist of Shaman, who already finished the mixing and is starting the mastering process.

    About the recordings the band comments: "We are very happy with the final result of the recordings. The process was a little slow because we wanted to make the songs exactly as they should be and that's what happened. We worked together with Thiago in search of the best timbre to give the album the heaviness and quality which we looked for, and the result was amazing. The songs are strong and straight and we expect to conquer space in the music scenario and make even better albums."

    Soon the band will release the new website and reveal the album's track list and artwork cover. Meanwhile the fans can check a pre-master of the song "Last Chance" which is available on the band's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/darkagerband

    www.darkager.net
    www.myspace.com/darkagerband
  • RAVAGE ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM TITLE 'THE END OF TOMORROW' AND SETS MAY 16TH AS RELEASE DATE FOR 'FREEDOM FIGHTER' EP

    Ravage, the heavy metal band from Boston MA announced that the band's new full-length album will now be entitled 'The End Of Tomorrow'. The band will record 2 more songs for the album during the summer and it will be released on a label yet to be determined in late 2008.

    In the meantime, a 6 song EP called 'Freedom Fighter' will be released on May 16th. This will be a very limited edition pressing and the EPs will be very moderately priced. Pre-order details will be available soon. The CDs will be available at the Ravage show on May 16th at Club Goodtimes in Somerville MA.

    The EP will contain 3 songs from the album, 2 exclusive tracks, and a cover of the IRON MAIDEN song 'Be Quick Or Be Dead' from their 'Fear Of The Dark' album.

    The EP will be packaged with a FREE LIMITED EDITION 'DAMN NATION' POSTER. The EP and poster both feature artwork by Arizona-based artist Matt Anderson, who created the cover art for Ravage's 2003 'Curse Of Heaven' EP.

    The track listing for the 'Freedom Fighter' EP is as follows
    1. Freedom Fighter
    2. Damn Nation
    3. The Shredder
    4. Grapes Of Wrath
    5. A Captive Of Sin
    6. Be Quick Or Be Dead

    RAVAGE WILL BE PLAYING THE TMT METALFEST IN NY THIS SUMMER AND MORE SHOWS WILL
    BE ANNOUNCED SOON.

    RAVAGE
    www.myspace.com/swwr
    www.RavageTheEarth.com
  • DEADBIRD Release New Album

    Deadbird will release their second full length Twilight Ritual on June 24th in North America. We hope to have word on the UK and Europe in the future. The album will be available digitally sometime well before the CD release date. The 6-panel digipack will feature art and layout by John Dyer Baizley. Whatever audio format you listen to was mixed by the infamous Billy Anderson.

    Expect to see Deadbird back on the road again in the month of June. The Ritual begins....

    Twilight Ritual track listing
    1. Into The Clearing (7:34)
    2. Death Of Self (9:18)
    3. Rule Discordia (7:23)
    4. Feral Flame (5:41)
    5. The Riverbed (8:25)
    6. Twilight Ritual (8:49)

    www.myspace.com/deadbird
  • MINSK Release Album On LP

    In 2005 we released Minsk’s Out of A Center..." on CD. In 2008 we will release it on LP. It should be before summer. You can expect a deluxe edition with different artwork, in a gatefold, double LP format witha free digital download included.

    www.myspace.com/minsk
  • EMANCER "Twilight and Randomness"
    (NAGA009 CD, 2008)

    Norway
    61 minutes / 10 songs / digipack + 12 pages booklet

    Still available, more information at e-shop in section Naga releases. Progressive black metal from Norway with elements of melancholy and aggression. Dreamy tirades with obsessional melodic vocals supported by ingenious samples and keyboard are alternated by black metal melodic storm with brutal vocal. In their methods EMANCER are very original and they can make unrepeatable atmosphere. All is covered by beautiful graphic booklet and high quality digipack.

    - EMANCER aren't any rookies. Band was founded in 1996 and until this day they have recorded 5 long-playing albums.
    - Album was mastered by Tom Kvalsvoll in Oslo in STRYPE AUDIO ( Emperor, Windir, Ihsahn....)
    - Cover art and booklet design by Per Christian Grov (last Vreid etc.)
    - Album will be release in digipak format only
    - lot of promotional CD's sent worldwide to all relevant media.

    TRACKLIST:
    1. Randomness
    2. Dice Man
    3. The Beast Attacks
    4. The Pointing Finger
    5. Comfort Fix
    6. Twilight
    7. Cunning Vital Guardian
    8. Moron
    9. The Rewarding Schemes
    10. Winged Omniscience

    SOUND SAMPLE:
    The Beast Attacks

    http://www.myspace.com/emancer
    http://naga-productions.com

June 16th, 2008
  • BA'AL - Release Date & Free MP3 !

    On june 6th 2008 BA'AL will release their debut album "Confusion Of Tongues" via Maintain Records in distribution of Twilight.

    As an fortaste of this infernal death/thrash metal masterpiece, the opener "Rustmonster" is available as free download from today at the label myspace profile, last.fm and the media page at maintain records website. Check it out, it will blow you up!

    Tracklist:
    1. The Blackwater Crusade
    2. Rustmonster
    3. Madness Of The King
    4. (Heads Deep In The Ass Of The) Red Dragon
    5. Vespertine Absurdity
    6. Endeavor Bafflegab
    7. Pink Tank Fantasies
    8. Pile Of Debris
    9. The Throne Of Nimrod
    10. Exodus

    web:
    http://myspace.com/maintainrec
    http://maintainrecords.com
    http://myspace.com/baal
  • IMMORTAL DOMINION AND HORROR/COMEDY ‘TEETH’ CONTINUE TO TAKE OFF

    RENOWNED PRODUCER STERLING WINFIELD TO MAN BOARDS OF NEXT STUDIO RECORDINGS

    With extreme metal being one of the more ‘theatrical sounding’ types of rock music out there, it’s a bit puzzling why more of these types of bands don’t pop up in movie soundtracks. But perhaps the tide is changing, as evidenced by the presence of Immortal Dominion throughout the movie, ‘Teeth.’ After the band’s distributor, Fist Music/Hapi Skratch Entertainment, hooked them up with the filmmakers, Immortal Dominion was asked to contribute a total of five songs to the soundtrack. The film won a juror’s award for best actress at the Sundance Film Festival, and was then purchased by Lionsgate/The Weinstein Company. The film was released nationwide in February via Roadside Attractions (and will be released on DVD on May 6th, via Dimension Extreme), and has created a buzz around Immortal Dominion, on the strength of the instantly memorable song, “Sold My Soul.”

    Formed in 1992 in Fort Collins, Colorado, Immortal Dominion is comprised of members Ray Smith (guitars/lead vocals), Brian Villers (guitars/vocals), Bryan (Edward) Schmidt (bass), and Ben Huntwork (drums/vocals).

    The group has issued two full-lengths (‘Endure’ and ‘Awakening – The Revelation’) and an EP (‘Birth’), and are hard at work on a new studio album, set to be released later this year. Additionally, Immortal Dominion are in talks with music video director Frank Nasso (who has previously worked with Mudvayne, Hatebreed, All That Remains for the ‘Saw III’ soundtrack) about working on some clips for the songs that appear in ‘Teeth.’

    With all these simultaneous projects, 2008 is quickly shaping up to be the year that Immortal Dominion break through to the metal masses, while ‘Awakening – the Revelation’ is also still contributing to the buzz.

    “This album is a soundtrack to one of the darkest periods we have ever been through as a band,” recalls Villers, “Yet as we stayed tight with each other, and found new ways to collaborate in the songwriting process, we experienced an ‘Awakening’ as far as who we are as a band. We hope the listener feels the wide range of emotions we were experiencing as we compiled this material."

    The masses are certainly agreeing with Villers, as Immortal Dominion's distributor has joined forces with CBUJ entertainment distribution (http://www.cbuj.com/) which has led to in-store distribution with Hot Topic in the 15 Colorado stores, Alliance Entertianment, Baker and Taylor and Super D Distribution stocking title for retail consumption.

    Additionally, the group was recently the # 3 most added on FMQB, and # 4 most added on CMJ for Loud Rock radio charts.

    Immortal Dominion is also about to get started on their next album, and have lined up renowned producer Sterling Winfield (who has worked with Pantera, Damage Plan, Nickelback, and Hellyeah, among others) to man the boards.

    “I am very much looking forward to recording this summer with Immortal Dominion, after hearing their brand of metal and seeing their enthusiasm for what they do,” says Winfield.

    “As the recording industry undergoes such a radical and much needed change it is refreshing to see a band such as them, pull together in a very professional manner to adapt to this new and exciting time.”

    Tracklisting for ‘Awakening – the Revelation’:
    1. Punishment
    2. Will to Survive
    3. Eat Your Flesh
    4. Sold my Soul
    5. World
    6. Something to Change
    7. Fear Free
    8. Not Good
    9. Awakening
    10. Christian Witchcraft
    11. Blasphemy
    12. Untouchable
    13. Shallows in the Vatican Darkness
    14. The Other Side of Pain

    For more information, visit:
    www.myspace.com/immortaldominion
    www.mileghighmusicstore.com
  • AGNOSTIC FRONT - 'FOR MY FAMILY' VIDEO DEBUT

    The worldwide debut of the new AGNOSTIC FRONT video "For My Family" can now be viewed either on YouTube.com or MTV Headbangers Blog.

    Taken from AGNOSTIC FRONT’s 2007 release, Warriors, self-financed by the band, and dedicated to New York Hardcore icon Raymond “Raybeez” Barbieri from Warzone and the New York City Hardcore scene.

    “For My Family” was shot live in New York and Los Angeles by Ian McFarland and Mike Pecci of Killswitch Productions who left no stone unturned to feature guest appearances from: Tim & Lars from Rancid, Toby from H20, Ezac (a.k.a. Danny Diablo) from Skarhead/Crown Of Thorns, Bryan & Frankie from Death Before Dishonor, Mike from Inhuman, Pete & Armand from Sick Of It All, Buddha & Son from Blood For Blood, Jamey Jasta from Hatebreed, Al Barr from the Dropkick Murphys, Hoya & Mitts from Madball, Freddy Madball, Dan Lilker from Brutal Truth/Nuclear Assault/Anthrax, The NYC Rumblers, The Miret Family, SOB from Merauder’s little brother, Craig Setari from Sick Of it All, Wes from Death Threat, Chops from Hold Fast Tattoos in Brooklyn, and other old friends of the band.

    States lead singer Roger Miret: “This is a very personal letter for my family acknowledging the love, respect, and honor we hold for New York Hardcore and our families today, tomorrow, and forever!”

    Director/Producer Ian McFarland shares, “When it comes down to it, [co-director] Mike [Pecci] and I don’t pump out videos at the same rate that other directors do, and it is because we just don’t want to put out crap. We take pride in every video we do and love to do videos that not only the bands are proud of, but that we are proud of as well.”

    Agnostic Front - For My Family - Music Video
    Agnostic Front MySpace
  • DARKANE - SIXTH VIDEO STUDIO DIARY

    The sixth DARKANE studio diary video blog is available to view by clicking the image to the right!

    Guitarist Christofer Malmström issued the following update from the recording sessions for the group's new studio album, due later in the year via Nuclear Blast Records:

    "Here's the sixth video blog. It includes the recording of the bass and some guitar solos. Enjoy! Also, we have now decided to name the album Demonic Art after one of the songs. The lyrics are based on the same theme as on 'Organic Canvas' (from our previous album Layers of Lies), about an individual planning his next exhibition of flesh.

    Here are a few more song titles:
    Variations of an Eye Crush (Intro)
    Still in Progress
    Leaving Existence
    Exectution 44
    The Killing of I
    Sole Survivor
    Absolution
    Wrong Grave (instrumental)
    Wrath Connection
    Demigod

    Right now Peter [Wildoer, drums] and Klas [Ideberg, guitar] are mixing the new album. We are also rehearsing and preparing for our trip to Chicago and the Chicago Power Fest in a few weeks. You don't wanna miss that if you live in the area! We are gonna play in direct support to TESTAMENT May 3rd. This will also be Jens' [Broman, vocals] debut on American soil!"

    Darkane Video Diary - Episode Six
    Darkane MySpace Page
  • KEEP OF KALESSIN - KOLOSSUS VIDEO TRAILER

    KEEP OF KALESSIN are THE masters of epic extreme metal! On their Nuclear Blast debut, Kolussus, the band take their unique and unmistakably progressive sound to a level that goes far beyond their raw, black metal roots.
    Mainman Obsidian C. is a former live guitarist for the legendary Satyricon and the band once counted drummer Frost and Mayhem frontman Attila Csihar as members.

    KEEP OF KALESSIN's underground roots are still very much intact on Kolossus, but their growth far exceeds the strict and sometimes creatively stifling limitations of black metal. This is a new level of creativity - expect nothing less than a masterpiece!KEEP OF KALESSIN are currently on tour with Behemoth and Dimmu Borgir. For tour dates, please visit: www.myspace.com/keepofkalessin

    Kolossus - YouTube Video Trailer
    Keep of Kalessin MySpace Page
  • SIRENIA - ANNOUNCE NEW VOCALIST

    Norwegian gothic metal band SIRENIA have recruited 25-year-old Spanish singer Ailyn (Birth Name: Pilar Giménez García) as the replacement for Monika Pedersen, who left the group last fall after only one album due to "musical differences."

    Ailyn is best known as a member of the young team in the Spanish version of "The X Factor", the biggest television talent competition in Europe. Spanish TV footage of Ailyn performing on "The X Factor" in May 2007 can be viewed below:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3BONESCpHA
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk8FWwD_gvA
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6MAZX5Q0Is

    Commented SIRENIA in a statement: "SIRENIA is finally ready to introduce their new female singer. Ailyn — born 1982 in Barcelona, now settled in Granada, Spain. Ailyn has been strongly attached to music all her life, and began singing at an early age. Later on she studied singing at The School of Music Albéniz, and obtained singing lessons with several singing teachers around Spain. In the past she's been singing and performing all kinds of styles and genres, but in 2004 she discovered the sounds of metal combined with atmospheric and classical elements, this style of music made a big impression and she knew right away in which direction she wanted to take her career.

    SIRENIA has done pre-productions of several new songs and recognizes that Ailyn's voice match perfectly with the new song material. The band is very pleased to have Ailyn onboard and we all look forward to a future collaboration."

    Sirenia Announce New Vocalist
    Sirenia MySpace Page
  • DAWN OF AZAZEL Posts Three New Demo Tracks Online

    DAWN OF AZAZEL have uploaded three new demo tracks on their MySpace page www.myspace.com/dawnofazazel

    Commented frontman Rigel Walshe: "These three new tracks are demo versions of three new tracks that will be appearing on the forthcoming album — 'Fornication Revelation', 'The Art of Seduction' and 'Liquor and Lust'. We have been rehearsing intensely since [drummer] Jeremy [Suckling, ex-SCORIA] joined the fold and we feel these new tracks represent the strongest material, musically and lyrically and ideologically that we have produced since our inception.

    We are currently shopping around for a deal and will be returning to the studio, and hitting the road, in the Northern Hemisphere early in the second half of the year . Expect great things!!"
  • HEALER and KURAI vocalist/guitarist Scott Von Heldt releases first single from upcoming solo release!

    HEALER and KURAI vocalist/guitarist Scott Von Heldt (who has worked with members of WHITE ZOMBIE, Cirque du Soliel, BAD COMPANY and more..) has just released the first single entitled "Unraveling the Nothing" from his upcoming solo release.

    Says Scott Von Heldt, "The musical style is HEAVY and ethereal with influences in the vein of TOOL, ISIS, OPETH, GOJIRA, etc. with the lyrical concepts focused on promoting self-expression, environmental consciousness, spiritual growth and all things positive while using the powerful medium of metal.

    The song can be streamed or downloaded here: http://www.scottvonheldt.com/songs
  • Prosthetic Records is proud to announce the addition of Book of Black Earth to its roster

    Prosthetic Records is proud to announce the addition of Seattle’s death/black metallers BOOK OF BLACK EARTH to the label’s roster. Catching the label’s eye while on a West Coast tour with future labelmates The Funeral Pyre in late 2007, BOOK OF BLACK EARTH consists of members of venerable metal underground band Teen Cthulhu, and are currently in the process of writing material for the band’s second full-length, having already released a self-financed demo in 2004, a split release with underground legends Fall Of The Bastards in 2005, and 2006’s ‘The Feast,’ which received praise from Decibel magazine, Terrorizer magazine, and the band’s hometown newspaper, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

    "We are all very excited to work with Prosthetic Records and the people behind it, we feel like this is a good step for us as a band and a good home,” drummer Joe Axler says. “BOBE is currently finishing writing for our Prosthetic debut which will be titled 'Horoskopus,' and entering The Red Room Studios in Seattle this week to start tracking with producer / engineer Chris Common (Mouth of the Architect, These Arms Are Snakes). This is by far our most technical, heavy and challenging set of songs to date. It’s definitely pushing the envelope for us, which we stand behind, and will make this record the most brutal one we have written."

    "‘Horoskopus’ is a concept album about the hidden astrological elements of the Christian church,” vocalist / guitarist T.J. Cowgill adds. “From its origins as a state sponsored religion in the fourth century to the present day, it has been guided by astrological concepts conceived centuries before Jesus Christ was mythologized as the ‘Sun’ of God."

    To preview previous material from BOOK OF BLACK EARTH, including the latest songs from ‘The Feast,’ visit the band’s MySpace page here.

    www.prostheticrecords.com
  • HIRAX - “El Rostro de la Muerte” Studio Report; Split 7” Releases
    Double Live Album In The Works

    TRENTON- Following last year’s release of HIRAX’s highly acclaimed EP “Assassins Of War,” the Long Beach thrashers have recorded 6 new songs with producer John Haddad for their upcoming album, “El Rostro de la Muerte.” This will be the band’s first full-length since the 2004 release “The New Age Of Terror.” The album will also include re-recordings of classic HIRAX tracks “Broken Neck” and “Blind Faith” as well as the bonus track “Chaos And Brutality” from the European EP released last year.

    “Some of the song titles are inspired by the religious fanatics in the United States and the hypocrisy surrounding church and state,” said HIRAX vocalist Katon W. De Pena. “There are tracks which deal with morals of mankind, and there is a bit of war influence; naturally, because there is so much of it still going on all over the world. There are a lot of dark subjects on this new album as well, which reflects the overall concept of the music. The title of the album is “El Rostro de la Muerte,” which in Spanish means “The Face of Death.” I have no doubt in my mind that this will be our heaviest and most intense record to date!!”

    HIRAX is in the process of writing of 5 more songs that will be recorded after their return from an appearance at the “Long Live Metal” Festival in France on May 10. “El Rostro de la Muerte” is expected to be released in August 2008 on Black Devil Records and Deep Six Records.

    “It has been a great writing process so far, but a lot of hard work,” said De Pena. “Steve, Fabricio and I are very involved in the overall process of compiling and putting the songs together. The guitarists Lance and Glenn have been writing a LOT of riffs for us to choose from. We are only keeping the best and throwing out anything that just does not fit in with what we are trying to create musically. We are being very picky because we want the album to be the best that it can be. “

    Coinciding with the full-length release, HIRAX will expand the resurging thrash metal brotherhood by collaborating on 3 split 7 inches – Sweden’s F.K.U., Crucifer from Greece and the Malaysian crossover maniacs Sarjan Hassan. The 3 HIRAX tracks will be “Satan’s Fall,” “Baptized By Fire,” and “Death Militia” respectively. All three 7 inches will be released on Black Devil Records.

    Also, slated for a summer release is “Thrash And Destroy,” HIRAX’s first live album. “Thrash And Destroy” will feature the band’s entire 75 minute performance at the Keep It True Festival IX on November 3, 2007, in Dittigheim, Germany. It will be released on Black Devil Records and Deep Six Records in a double vinyl with gatefold cover version as well as CD and DVD formats.

    “We had a killer time at “Keep It True” and once we had heard the master tapes from our set, we knew we had to make an interesting and collectable release out of it,” said De Pena. The difference between early live albums and today’s live albums is that most of them are released as DVDs. We wanted to mix a bit of the new with a bit of the old, so that’s why we are releasing “Thrash and Destroy” as a double vinyl 12” record as well as CD and DVD format. Back in the early ‘80s, a lot of heavy metal bands - like Venom, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, and Saxon. - released live albums so we’re continuing the tradition. We are proud of our live concerts and now that we have a professional LIVE recording that has been put together and packaged correctly, the timing is right for this HIRAX LIVE album! “

    The artist for the cover of “Thrash And Destroy will be Bill Hauser, who has worked with Ozzy Osbourne, Gorilla Biscuits, Brody’s Militia, and Toxic Holocaust.

    Live Dates

    Sat., 5 July 2008- Tidal Wave Festival 11, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater/McLaren Park
    featuring: EXODUS AND HIRAX (also Attitude Adjustment and Détente)
    40 Shelley Drive, San Francisco, CA 94134
    12 :00 PM. FREE Admission
    www.thetidalwave.com

    www.hirax.org
    www.blackdevilrecords.com
  • TUSKA OPEN AIR METAL FESTIVAL 2008 PRESS RELEASE

    - Program ready: new additions MORBID ANGEL, FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM, DIABLO, THE SCOURGER etc.
    - Show dates for artists announced
    - Tickets for TUSKA as well as the NIGHTWISH-show in Kaisaniemi still available

    The eleventh annual Tuska Open Air Metal Festival taking place in Kaisaniemi, Helsinki, Finland, during 27.6.-29.6. has completed the 2008 line up.

    The legendary Floridian death metal outfit MORBID ANGEL will be the headliner for Saturday. British goth group FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM have also been added to the bill for Saturday. Finnish additions to the roster are DIABLO, THE SCOURGER, KYPCK, SOTAJUMALA, TRACEDAWN and SHADE EMPIRE.

    Headliners for Friday are CARCASS and DIMMU BORGIR and Sunday will be headlined by SLAYER.

    Showdays for other artists can be viewed at www.tuska-festival.fi. The exact schedule will be announced on a later date.

    Tickets for TUSKA as well as the NIGHTWISH show at Kaisaniemi on June 26 are available through www.tiketti.fi and www.lippupalvelu.fi. Tickets are selling super-fast so get yours while they’re still up for grabs. TUSKA tickets cost 42 euros for a One-Day Ticket and 85 euros for a 3-Day Ticket. NIGHTWISH tickets cost 44 euros. NIGHTWISH are supported by AMORPHIS and EPICA.

    Additional Info on TUSKA & NIGHTWISH CONCERT:

    www.tuska-festival.fi
    www.finnishmetalevents.fi
    www.nightwish.com
  • Metalcamp news!

    Dear Metalcampers,

    The news about the unfortunate break up of the legendary Celtic Frost and the cancellation of their performance at Metalcamp Festival brought nothing to be happy about. As if one cancellation has not been enough, Heaven Shall Burn had to cancel their performance, too. Can anything else happen to make our day even worse? Are there any good news at all? Of course, just check who will step in their place and anything else won't matter...

    Carcass is one of those bands who changed our perception of extreme music genres forever. The brutality and surgical accuracy in their music, unique vocal skills and extreme lyrics made Carcass an instant hit back in the early 80ies and 90ies. Their debut Reek of Putrefaction was a fresh wind over the rotting graves. Extremity, not seen or heard before, was meant to unleash a ghastly legacy, which would upset those who thought that it couldn’t get any worse. The foundation of gore grind was set.

    Symphonies of Sickness brought a new view on technical death metal and this album convinced masses to become faithful Carcass followers. With Necroticism Carcass proved they are still developing their musical skills and that they haven’t revealed their full potential yet. No one can surely say what consequences their Heartwork left on our hearts, but No Love towards this band was ever Lost. Swansong showed a new side of Carcass, influenced by traditional metal sounds yet still aggressive, melodic and grim at the same time. Despite this album alienated many of their fans, the news about their break up saddened us all. But the chance to see these technical surgeons playing live again in 2008 is something no death metal fan should afford to miss. After 89’s Symphonies of Sickness tour Carcass return to Slovenia and all these years of waiting and hoping for them to return on European stages - this makes Carcass one of the most special reunions you can experience this summer.

    Make sure you do not miss it!

    The almighty Vikings Amon Amarth were more than happy to take the empty spot and join their forces with Metalcamp festival once again. If Odin is reading this news, there is surely a great party happening in Valhalla right now. The North's favourite Vikings will pillage the small city of Tolmin yet again. Their hidden harbour at Soca river will be ready to welcome their viking ships and same goes for Metalcamp crowd. The hunger for some raw Swedish death metal will be quenched when this Viking tribe takes over the Metalcamp main stage.

    Raise your axes and join the victorious rite to celebrate the death metal invasion over Metalcamp 08!

    METALCAMP 08
    03.-09.JULY
    TOLMIN - SLOVENIA

    WWW.METALCAMP.ORG, WWW.METALCAMP.COM
  • PARADISE LOST post details & cover artwork for “The Anatomy Of Melancholy”!

    On April 12th 2007, UK Gothic Metal pioneers Paradise Lost played a sold-out show at the Koko club in the heart of Camden, London to record a DVD. Fans and media from all over the world came to the beautiful Baroque style venue to celebrate a band that, 20 years since its conception in 1988, is still one of the most exciting bands of their self-defined genre.

    Starting with the UK live debut of “The Enemy” from Paradise Lost’s latest album “In Requiem” (which came out one month later), the set-list includes songs the band hadn’t played live in a long time prior to that night, such as “Eternal” and “Gothic” from their 1991 album “Gothic”, the rare B-side “Sweetness” from their 1994 “Seals The Sense” single and other classics from their impressive album roster. With a tracklist like this it’s easy to win over the audience and be rewarded with enthusiastic feedback, but even the highly critical UK press were convinced by the band’s honest and pure energy: “Perhaps it’s simply due to the greatest hits nature of the show, but the band’s output is given a continuity tonight somehow missing on previous occasions. To some extent, it’s as though Paradise Lost have come full circle, now visibly comfortable with their various incarnations…”(Terrorizer, June 2007).

    The live show was filmed and directed by Paul M Green and his Dash Productions team (who already worked with Opeth, The Damned, Gary Numan, Siouxie Sioux, and many more). Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia, Amon Amarth, Symphony X, etc.) mixed the brilliantly captured live sound at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden, and the dark enchanting cover artwork was done again by Greek artist Seth who already worked on the band’s last two album covers. Click HERE to view it in higher resolution!

    Here are the exact release dates:
    GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / BENELUX / ITALY: Friday, May 23, 2008.
    UK / FRANCE / GREECE / DENMARK / NORWAY / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, May 26, 2008.
    SPAIN / PORTUGAL: Tuesday, May 27, 2008.
    SWEDEN / FINLAND / HUNGARY: Wednesday, May 28, 2008.

    Also available as strictly limited 2DVD+2CD and 2LP!

    The bonus material features interviews with all band members, quotes from the fans at the Koko, a half hour road movie from the following European tour in Fall 2007 and the highly acclaimed “The Enemy” promo video, shot on the Crimean peninsula by Russian avant-garde director Edward 209.

    With the band’s 20th anniversary in 2008, this DVD is the perfect entertainment for your private anniversary party. A trailer for “The Anatomy Of Melancholy” will be posted online soon!

    PARADISE LOST – “The Anatomy Of Melancholy” DVD
    - Live at the Koko, London (1:38:28)
    1. Intro
    2. The Enemy (from the album In Requiem, 2007)
    3. Grey (from the album Paradise Lost, 2005)
    4. Erased (from the album Symbol Of Life, 2002)
    5. Red Shift (from the album Paradise Lost, 2005)
    6. So Much is Lost (from the album Host, 1999)
    7. Sweetness (from the single Seals the Sense, 1994)
    8. Praise Lamented Shade (from the album In Requiem, 2007)
    9. Pity The Sadness (from the album Shades Of God, 1992)
    10. Forever Failure (from the album Draconian Times, 1995)
    11. Once Solemn (from the album Draconian Times, 1995)
    12. As I Die (from the album Shades Of God, 1992)
    13. Embers Fire (from the album Icon, 1993)
    14. Mouth (from the album Believe In Nothing, 2001)
    15. No Celebration (from the album Symbol Of Life, 2002)
    16. Eternal (from the album Gothic, 1991)
    17. True Belief (from the album Icon, 1993)
    18. One Second (from the album One Second, 1997)
    19. The Last Time (from the album Draconian Times, 1995)
    20. Gothic (from the album Gothic, 1991)
    21. Say Just Words (from the album One Second, 1997)
    Bonus material
    - Interview with Paradise Lost (14:27)
    - Fans at the Koko (8:48)
    - Lost In Europe (2007 tour report) (27:30)
    - promo videos:
    1. The Enemy (3:39)
    2. Praise Lamented Shade (4:05)
    3. Over The Madness - documentary trailer (1:31)

    Visit PARADISE LOST’s websites for further info:
    www.paradiselost.co.uk
    www.myspace.com/paradiselostuk
  • CENTURY's "Black Ocean" video debuts on Headbangers Ball / Headbangers Blog

    CENTURY’s new video for the track “Black Ocean” is currently debuting on MTV’s Headbangers Blog, and will see a big screen debut on MTV2’s Headbangers Ball on Saturday. Check local listings for time and channel. The track comes from CENTURY’s latest effort, the forthcoming ‘Black Ocean,’ which will hit the streets April 29 through Prosthetic Records. An e-card for the album, featuring three tracks, tour dates, and biography information, is available at http://www.blackoceanalbum.com, and will feature an interactive puzzle, revealing behind the scenes footage, a short film based on the “Black Ocean” concept, a bonus track and more, upon ‘Black Ocean’’s release.

    Recorded and produced by CENTURY frontman Carson Slovak, the debut video from ‘Black Ocean’ was co-written along with the band by J. Sifl, the enigmatic mastermind behind SifBlog. A commentary on the making of and concept behind the video is available at Headbangers Blog as well. Mastered by Kim Rosen of West Westside Studios, ‘Black Ocean’ is two years in the making, following ‘Faith And Failure,’ which saw a 2006 release through Tribunal Records. The track “Black Ocean” is available on CENTURY’s MySpace page, with two additional tracks available on the e-card.

    CENTURY on tour

    6/27 Lancaster, PA – Siren Records (with Cable Irepress, Gholas)
    6/28 New York, NY – Ace of Clubs (with Cable, Tombs)
    8/02 Reading, PA – The Silo (with A Well Thought Tragedy, Your Requiem)

    www.prostheticrecords.com
  • LIGHT THIS CITY offers third in-studio update for forthcoming record

    San Francisco’s LIGHT THIS CITY has posted the band’s third in-studio video update exclusively at Revolver magazine’s website. Focusing on vocal tracking, the footage features commentary from the band, snippets of music, and a brief look at Testament mainman Chuck Billy’s vocal contributions to LIGHT THIS CITY’s forthcoming record, the band’s fourth. Also contributing a guest vocal spot on the album is lead scream John from labelmates The Funeral Pyre.

    “We have been in the studio in Oakland, CA with engineer Zack Ohren tracking the follow up to Facing the Thousand, which should see a release date in September,” said drummer Ben Murray. “We couldn’t be more excited on how these new songs have turned out, and we are SURE that you guys will love them. Stay tuned for more info on the album as well as more video journals as the recording progresses.”

    www.prostheticrecords.com
  • JUDAS PRIEST ROAR BACK WITH AN INSTANT EPIC, ‘NOSTRADAMUS’ ON MULTIPLE CLASSIC
    FORMATS & A WORLD TOUR!

    Think ‘Double vinyl, gatefold sleeve concept album,’ and some of rock’s all-time classic recordings come to mind. But in the realm of heavy metal, there has never been a double vinyl (now disc!) concept album that has managed to balance a thought-provoking storyline with metallic thunder. That was, until now. Metal legends JUDAS PRIEST will be releasing their sprawling double disc concept album, ‘Nostradamus’ via Columbia Records on Monday, June 16th in the UK/Europe, and a day later in the US on Epic Records.

    Long in the works, ‘Nostradamus’ takes epic storytelling to a whole new level, as it recounts the life of this mysterious, world-known 16th Century French prophet. Some of the events that Nostradamus experts have interpreted as his predictions include the great fire of London in 1666, the rise of Adolf Hitler, and most recently, 9-11, among countless other renowned events.

    “As in any concept piece, the lifeline needs to be of a solid source, taking the music over many levels of interest and perception,” points out singer Rob Halford. “Nostradamus’ contains new frontiers explored and defined. The sense of adventure and the journey we undertook bringing the man’s life alive with metal was a real labour of love.”

    As with all new Priest releases, the group - singer Rob Halford, guitarists Glenn Tipton and K.K. Downing, bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis - will embark on a mammoth worldwide tour in support of ‘Nostradamus.’ Priest will be performing at the 2008 Download Festival - on a bill also featuring Kiss - which will serve as a ‘homecoming’ of sorts for the group, as they performed at the first-ever ‘Monsters of Rock Festival’ at Donington Park in 1980.

    Since 1974, Judas Priest has been one of heavy metal’s most successful bands, issuing such all-time classic albums as 1980’s ‘British Steel,’ 1982’s ‘Screaming for Vengeance,’ and 1990’s ‘Painkiller,’ and such arena-rocking anthems as “Breaking the Law,” “Living After Midnight,” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’.” However, Priest’s influence goes far beyond their music - they were the first metal band to embrace the ‘leather biker look,’ a fashion that has since become synonymous with the musical genre. Additionally, Halford’s powerful four-and-a-half octave vocal range and the twin guitar harmonies of Downing and Tipton have been ‘studied’ by countless metal bands in Priest’s wake.

    “The 'Nostradamus' album - above all others - is perhaps the one I'm most proud of,” says Tipton.

    “Whilst in essence and character still very much Judas Priest, it has afforded the opportunity to explore areas of classical and operatic dimensions that the band normally wouldn't. As a guitarist and writer it has inspired me to greater heights and opened new doors to intrigue and passion. From start to finish, it will take you through a magical experience filled with light, shade, drama, melody and emotion that reflects this unique man and his life.”

    “For me, ‘Nostradamus’ has been a musical journey without comparison,” adds Downing. “The intrigue and mystery that surrounds this revered man has expanded my perception of heavy metal to the highest plateau and enabled me to reach the outer limits of my imagination and transport unique feelings and emotions to the instrument that allows me to express myself.”

    In addition to the regular jewel case double CD version of the album, collectors will undoubtedly be interested in hunting down a copy of a Deluxe Double CD housed in a 48 page hardbound book package. But that’s not all - a Super Deluxe Box-set version will also be available with triple vinyl, the double CD, an expanded booklet & a poster.

    Most bands of this high stature would be happy to play it safe. But not Judas Priest, who continue to take chances and break new ground. No other rock band could have pulled off such a grand statement, and Judas Priest have raised the bar once more with ‘Nostradamus.’

    As to why they chose to make a concept album about Nostradamus, Tipton explains: “We didn't - he chose us. We feel it was meant to be!”

    To get a taste of what awaits for you within ‘Nostradamus,’ go to livenation.com/judaspriest on Monday, April 21st to download exclusive free mp3 of the album’s title track, as well as view the world premiere of the album cover art.

    ‘NOSTRADAMUS’ TRACK LISTING:

    Dawn of Creation
    PROPHECY

    Awakening
    REVELATIONS

    The Four Horsemen
    WAR

    Sands of Time
    PESTILENCE AND PLAGUE

    DEATH

    Peace
    CONQUEST

    LOST LOVE

    PERSECUTION

    Solitude
    EXILED

    ALONE

    Shadows In the Flame
    VISIONS

    Hope
    NEW BEGINNINGS

    Calm Before The Storm
    NOSTRADAMUS

    FUTURE OF MANKIND

    For more information and tour dates please visit: www.judaspriest.com

June 5th, 2008
  • ALL SHALL PERISH - HIT THE ROAD!

    Oakland CA’s very own ALL SHALL PERISH will be taking part in this Summer’s “Sun Your Bunz “ tour featuring headliners THE ACACIA STRAIN. Support will come from THE WARRIORS (May 30th – June 14th), ETERNAL LORD (June 14th – 29th) and SINCE THE FLOOD.

    Drummer, Matt Kuykendall, commented on being in a yet another cramped space with the same sweaty dudes for another month:

    "This fucking tour is going to crush! We love the ACACIA STRAIN’s music and the great dudes in the band. THE WARRIORS are added to half the tour as well, so its not only gonna be a mosh nightmare but an awesome time with old friends. We are also going to debut around three new songs so we cant wait! SINCE THE FLOOD has always been awesome hardcore and now with Nate Johnson singing for them they are going to be insane. We get to meet a bunch of Australians in ETERNAL LORD who are pretty much the nicest people on the planet; it’s gonna be a great tour. See you in the pit!"

    FOR UPCOMING TOUR DATES, PLEASE VISIT ALL SHALL PERISH's MYSPACE PAGE AT: www.myspace.com/allshallperish

    ALL SHALL PERISH will be entering Castle Ultimate Studios once again with producer/engineer Zack Ohren on April 7th. The band will be recording the follow to up to their highly successful The Price of Existence record, which saw the band touring in support of acts like THE RED CHORD, TERROR, AGNOSTIC FRONT, WALLS OF JERICHO and HATE ETERNAL among others.

    All Shall Perish MySpace Page
    All Shall Perish Official Website
  • DIVINITY - DEBUT "PLASMA" MUSIC VIDEO

    Calgary, Alberta, Canada-based metallers DIVINITY recently flimed a video for the song "Plasma" with director Doug Cook.

    The video has made it's official debut exclusively on MySpace and can be viewed here: Divinity MySpace Video Channel

    Fans can check out pictures from the video shoot at this location: Divinity MySpace Blog

    DIVINITY's new album, Allegory, was released in North America on March 25, 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records.

    Divinity "Plasma" Music Video
    Divinity MySpace Page
  • HAMMERFALL - STEFAN ELMGREN LEAVES THE BAND!

    Guitar player Stefan Elmgren has made the decision to leave HAMMERFALL to concentrate on his second passion, flying. He has been working hard the last couple of years to get various flying certificates, and was recently offered a position at an airline:

    ”My interest in aviation has been growing very strong during the last couple of years, and I would have hoped for an opportunity like this maybe in a couple of years”, says Stefan and continues: ” I feel it’s time for me to take the step and become a pilot on a professional level, another dream come true for me after travelling around the world and playing metal for eleven years. We have discussed the possibility of combining the piloting work with HammerFall, but we all realized that it would be impossible given the rigorous schedule of the band.”

    ”There is never a good timing to lose a great guitarist like Stefan, but considering we’re in between touring and recording it could definately have been worse”, says drummer Anders Johansson. ”We’ll announce his replacement shortly so we can continue working on our next record, the recordings are scheduled for this summer and we will not let this affect anything we have scheduled. The show must go on, as we all well know.”

    Hammerfall Video Message From Stefan
    Hammerfall MySpace Page
  • MNEMIC - IN WRITING MODE!

    Guitarist Mircea Gabriel Eftemie of the Danish modern metallers MNEMIC has issued the following update:

    "We are back from the rotten dead, finally with some great news for y'all.

    "We toured most of last year, which was very fun but at the same time very exhausting for some of us, which lead to a minor break in order to recharge our batteries and reload our guns. We have finally regained focus and are now ready to bring MNEMIC back on the map.

    "I know many of you have asked us when we will be back on the road again, when we will be touring the U.S., Japan, Australia and so on and so on... Thank you for all the requests! Unfortunately I can only say that there will only be one tour this year and a few selected shows. The tour will be in Denmark and it will be launched actually next month. Dates can be found at the myspace.com/mnemic site and mnemic.com.

    "The main reason is simply that we want to focus all of our energy on the creativity of the writing process for a new album — basically in order to make something solid, fresh and something out of the ordinary, within the MNEMIC context and universe, of course. This time around we do not want to be rushed, stressed or influenced by managements, too long tours and too many opinions. This time it will only be us, our opinions and our visions!

    "To make a long story short, we have begun the writing process for a new album..."

    Mnemic MySpace Page
    Mnemic Official Website
  • SCAR SYMMETRY - ALBUM COVER REVEALED!

    Swedish metallers SCAR SYMMETRY will release their third CD entitled, Holographic Universe, on June 24 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records.Holographic Universe track list:

    01. Morphogenesis (3:54)
    02. Timewave Zero (5:13)
    03. Quantumleaper (4:09)
    04. Artificial Sun Projection (4:00)
    05. The Missing Coordinates (4:37)
    06. Ghost Prototype I (Measurement of Thought) (4:35)
    07. Fear Catalyst (5:03)
    08. Trapezoid (4:17)
    09. Prism and Gate (3:46)
    10. Holographic Universe (9:05)
    11. The Three-Dimensional Shadow (3:57)
    12. Ghost Prototype II (Deus Ex Machina) (6:03)

    Scar Symmetry MySpace Page
    Scar Symmetry Official Website
  • AMON AMARTH continue working on new songs

    Swedish Viking heroes AMON AMARTH have issued the following update:

    "Back from a two-week vacation we've continued working on new songs for our upcoming release. We have a handful of great songs already, soon-to-be AMON AMARTH classics, and we still have plenty of great song ideas. On March 27th we’re taking a break from the songwriting, heading out to sea, raiding and pillaging (the bars) at the Sweden Rock Cruise."

    AMON AMARTH is scheduled to enter Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden in May with producer Jens Bogren to begin recording its new album for a late 2008 release via Metal Blade Records.

    http://www.amonamarth.com | http://www.myspace.com/amonamarth
  • CILICE & TORTURE SQUAD tourdates

    UPCOMING CILICE & CILICE/TORTURE SQUAD*( may 7 - june 28 ) TOURDATES

    May 7 Ceske Budejovice,Czech Republic @Marty\'s club
    May 8 Praha, Czech Republic @ Exit Teplich
    May 9 Teplice, Czech Republic@ RC Bozak
    May 11 Warsaw, Poland @ Progresja Club
    May 12 Krakow, Poland @ Lost Highway Club
    May 13 Bielsko-Biala, Poland @ Rude-Boy Club
    May 14 Wroclaw, Poland @ Madness Club
    May 15 Poznan, Poland @ Piwnica 21 Club
    May 16 Berlin, Germany @ Amnesie
    May 17 Giebelstadt, Germany@ Bringer of DeathFest
    May 21 Venray,Holland@Poppodium Venray
    May 23 Marne, Germany @ Capitol
    May 24 Houthalen,Belgium@jeugdhuisthebassment
    May 25 Antwerpen, Belgium @ De Rots
    May 28 Köln,Germany@ Underground
    Ma 29 Frankfurt,Germany@Die Halle
    May 31 Traun, Austria @ Spinnerei
    June 3 Rijeka, Croatia @ KlubBooka
    June 4 Osijek,Croatia
    June 5 Valjevo, Serbia @
    June 6 Belgrade, Serbia @
    June 7 Novi Sad, Serbia @ Dvoriste
    June 8 Mol, Serbia
    June 10 Sarajevo, Bosnia
    June 11 Skopje, Macedonia @Club Castro
    June 13 Varna, Bulgaria @Area 51
    June 14 Bucharest, Romania
    June 15 asi, Romania
    June 16 Cluj-Napoca,uj-Napoca, Romania
    June 20 Neunkirchen, Germany @ WerkhofWiebelskirchen
    June 21 Munich, Germany @ Feierwerk München
    June 25 Chemnitz,germany@Subway
    June 27 Ludwigsfelde,Germany @ N. V. A. Club
    June 28 Torgau,Germany@ In Flammen Open Air
    July 6 Amstelveen,The Netherlands@P60
    July 26 Lottstetten, Germany @ Meet The Beat Open Air
    Aug 1 -10 CILICE/IFWF > UK TOUR
    Aug. 30 Wachtebeke -België @Meadow-Fest
    Okt. 17 - 25 CILCE / ENIGMATIC (ch) TOUR

    MORE SHOWS& TOURS COMING UP !!!!!

    http://www.myspace.com/cilicemusic
    http://www.cilicemusic.com/
  • Streak- The New Face of Industrial Rock

    Spawned from the mind of Chris Dimock, Streak began as a solo project, with Chris producing all aspects of the music- from drums to sample programming to guitar to vocals and even lyrics. But in 2007 Chris found the member that was missing, a drummer by the name of Paul Aho, and finally Streak was complete. With fans throughout the East Coast and constant comparisons to greats the likes of Nine Inch Nails and Ministry, Streak is ready to take their unique brand of industrial rock nation wide. They are currently in the process of recording their full length album, set to be released later this year. For more information visit www.myspace.com/streak.
  • BILOCATE to Mix & Master the Forthcoming Album in SWEDEN by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Katatonia, Bloodbath, Amon Amarth, Symphony X)

    Following the success of BILOCATE's last release Dysphoria back in 2005, a new Chapter has begun with engineer Jens Bogren best Recognized for his outstanding work with Opeth, Katatonia, Bloodbath, Amon Amarth, Symphony X, Paradise Lost and much more, the new Album is currently being mixed by Jens in Fascination Street Studio in Sweden.

    As Jens commented on Bilocate's Album:

    "Bilocate takes the qualities from the best epic death metal bands and blend it with their very own middle eastern touch, and out comes one of the most interesting metal bands I've heard for a long time You can hear that they put effort and thought in to every note and every scream!" (Jens Bogren)

    Yet early this month BILOCATE's Vocalist Ramzi Essayed Finished the recording of the vocal at "In the Mix" studios with Eng. Nash who is well recognized for his work as a Monitor Engineer for Iron Maiden and Saxon, as Nash commented on the project:

    "...refreshing, promising and definitely most tight project I ever done so far here in Dubai. On the other hand definitely most demanding task, guys know exactly what they want and that's the way to be!!! looking forward together with Jens and guys from Bilocate to open new horizons for the music coming from the region, and proof the fact that the good music lays deep down under the remains of Petra and sand dunes of futuristic Dubai!" (Nash Planojevic)

    The Album title and track list soon to be posted.

    For more information please visit:
    Official website: www.Bilocate.net
    Official Myspace: www.myspace.com/Bilocate
  • WITHERED completes work on forthcoming 'Folie Circulaire'

    Atlanta’s WITHERED have completed work on the band’s forthcoming record, ‘Folie Circulaire,’ which will see a June 24 release through Prosthetic Records.

    “Our new record is officially completed and we're very satisfied,” the band says. “Thanks to everyone involved, some very cool things have fallen into place for this release. Most of you are already aware of Barney Greenway's (Napalm Death) guest vocal appearance on "...The Fated Breath" and “Clamor Beneath." As always, his vocals are amazing and can't wait for everyone to hear them.

    “Also, the last song on the album is a cover song called ‘Into Armageddon’ by Necrophobic. If you're not already a fan of them, you need to be. They're in our top friends and some of the best black metal to ever come out of Sweden so check them out. Big thanks to them for being very cool about us recording their song and for writing it in the first place.”

    “The recording process was grueling but worth every 12 - 16 hour day. Phillip Cope (Kylesa, Baroness, Black Tusk) and the guys at The Jam Room [in Columbia, S.C.) did a great job of keeping us focused and capturing our sound. It really shows on the record. Scott Hull (Visceral Sound, Pig Destroyer) also did a great job with the mastering and sequencing. It's relentless and we couldn't be happier. The artwork is also completed. The ‘Folie Circulaire’ cover art can be seen here. Paul Romano really delivered for us. It will feature a 12-page booklet and is full of fantastic imagery. It is all very symbolic of the lyrical content and overall feel of the record. We'll post more images as the release date approaches. Big thanks to Paul for being a great friend and supporter.”

    “Okay, here are the facts:
    Number of tracks - 10 (eight songs, two interludes)
    Length - around 46 minutes

    ‘Folie Circulaire’ tracklisting:
    1) To Embrace. . .
    2) . . .The Fated Breath
    3) Dichotomy Of Exile
    4) Gnosis Unveils. . .
    5) . . .The Forsaken Truth
    6) Purification Of Ignorance
    7) Drawn Black Drapes. . .
    8) . . .Reveal The Essence Of Suffering
    9) Clamor Beneath
    10) Into Armageddon”

    ‘Folie Circulaire’ will be the follow-up to 2005’s critically-acclaimed ‘Memento Mori,’ which landed on numerous year-end lists for the band. A demoed version of “Putification of Ignorance,” from the forthcoming album, is available on the band’s MySpace page.

    www.prostheticrecords.com

June 3rd, 2008
  • Nachtmystium - Worldfall and Assassins release dates confirmed

    The US release date for Nachtmystium's Worldfall EP is approaching, hitting stores on April 22nd, but available now via CM Distro and iTunes. CM Distro is offering the EP at a super low cost with a coupon towards the highly anticipated full-length Assassins: Black Meddle Part I, to be officially released in North America on June 10th.

    North American journalists interested in interviewing Nacthmystium in advance of Assassins' release date contact Dave/Earsplit or George/Century Media.
    In Europe contact Candlelight Records.

    www.myspace.com/nachtmystium
    www.centurymedia.com
  • AMORPHIS - HEADLINING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WITH...

    Finland's AMORPHIS have been announced as the headlining act for the upcoming North American tour with Leaves' Eyes (Germany), SAMAEL (Switzerland - also on Nuclear Blast!) and Virgin Black (Australia).

    Tickets will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, April 23.

    Exclusive Pre-Sale Tickets have already gone on sale at http://www.enterthevault.com/artist.php?id=400

    AMORPHIS' will be touring in support of their latest album, Silent Waters, which was released in North America on September 18, 2007.

    Silent Waters is the second AMORPHIS album to feature singer Tomi Joutsen. It was recorded at Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki, Finland. Mixing duties were handled by Mikko Karmila (Nightwish, Stratovarius) at Finnvox studios.

    The Hard Way's interview with Tomi Joutsen and Esa Holopainen of the Finnish metal band AMORPHIS can be viewed by clicking here.

    AMORPHIS have been added to the Rockmaraton Festival, set to take place July 7-13 at Malomvolgyi Arboretum in Pécs, Hungary.For ALL upcoming Tour Dates, please visit the links below.

    Amorphis Offical MySpace
    Nuclear Blast USA Offical MySpace
  • CANDLEMASS - RETURNS TO AMERICA AFTER 17 YEARS!

    Swedish doom metal merchants, CANDLEMASS, are ready to make history and embark on what is sure to be one of the biggest events in metal in 2008... their first US tour in 17 YEARS!

    This will also mark CANDLEMASS' first time performing in the States with vocalist and Texas native Robert Lowe, also of SOLITUDE AETURNUS fame. Bassist and founding member Leif Edling could barely contain his excitment when asked about finally returning to North America:

    ”Last time we were over was in 1991 and that’s way too long! We wanna make this tour a very special event for all our fans in the States and all new American fans of doom and metal too. It will be great to meet up and hang out, and play all the classic Candlemass songs for you guys plus some new ones of course. We’ve been waiting 17 years for this so make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to catch the Kings of Doom in your hometown! See ya soon in a city near you!”

    Tickets for the upcoming tour are ON SALE NOW!
    For tour dates and more, please visit the websites below.

    Candlemass MySpace Page
    Candlemass Official Website
  • DARKANE - POSTS VIDEO STUDIO DIARY PARTS 3, 4, & 5

    Guitarist Christofer Malmstrom and Drummer Peter Wildoer of Swedish thrashers DARKANE have posted the third, fourth, and fifth studio video diary on YouTube.com

    Fans can easily watch all the video diaries in one blog by clicking the image to the upper right.

    In these videos, you'll be able to view all the studio madness for the upcoming DARKANE album, and even watch Christofer take you on a tour of Helsinborg, Sweden - the home of DARKANE and SOILWORK!

    Darkane - Video Diary - Episodes 3, 4, and 5
    Darkane MySpace Page
  • TIAMAT - AMENETHES IS APPROACHING...

    The new TIAMAT album, Amanethes, is scheduled for release on April 18 (Europe) and May 27 (North America) via Nuclear Blast Records.

    Amenethes was produced by Johan Edlund, recorded mainly at The Mansion in Greece, and additionally recorded at Studio Mega in Sweden and Cue in Greece. The album was mixed and mastered by Siggi Bemm in Woodhouse Studios, Germany in January 2008.

    Amanethes track listing:
    01. The Temple Of The Crescent Moon
    02. Equinox Of The Gods
    03. Until The Hellhounds Sleep Again
    04. Will They Come?
    05. Lucienne
    06. Summertime Is Gone
    07. Katarraktis Apo Aima
    08. Raining Dead Angels
    09. Misantropolis
    10. Amanitis
    11. Meliae
    12. Via Dolorosa
    13. Circles
    14. Amanes

    Tiamat MySpace Page
    Tiamat Official Website
  • Mastic Scum Pre-Production in progress

    We already started with the pre-production of the new album. We are working on 15 tracks right now and plan to take 13 tracks on our upcoming album. New material is fucking exciting - shredding mosh grooves and grinding blast attacks ... be prepared! Our goal is to enter studio in summer. Stay tuned!

    www.masticscum.com
  • Conquest of Steel to record Concept Album!

    UK True Metal Band Conquest of Steel are to begin work on their 3rd album over the coming months. The record, a concept album named ‘Storm Sword’ is a tale of a dystopian future set in a medieval past. The album will continue to feature Conquest of Steel’s distinctive take on classic 1980’s Heavy Metal, but will incorporate new musical ideas in keeping with the concept. Studio time is booked for summer 2008, with recording again taking place at both Priory and Red Flag Studios. A release is planned for early 2009.

    Conquest of Steel have recently returned from their most successful European Tour to date, taking in Germany, Holland, Belgium and Czech Republic. Unfortunately the planned Swiss date was cancelled after singer Dan Durrant required hospital treatment for a hand injury following an accident on stage in Leipzig. Dan is recovering well and managed to complete the rest of the tour.

    Conquest of Steel have select live dates lined up for the following months as follows:

    Leeds Brudenell Social Club ‘Moncada Rocks’ June 7th
    Swordbrothers Festival, Germany Sept 13th
  • HEAVY ARTILLERY ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF LIMITED EDITION PHANTOM WITCH MINI LP

    Since their inception in early 2006, Indiana’s PHANTOM WITCH have carved themselves a niche combining the influences of traditional heavy metal, NWOBHM and the riffage of speed metal to hammer out some of the most raw, honest heavy fucking metal this side of 1986. The buzz created by their self-released four song demo caught the attention of New York’s HEAVY ARTILLERY RECORDS with whom PHANTOM WITCH have teamed up to release their self-titled debut, a vinyl-only six-song Mini LP. The mini-LP will be limited to 500 copies and available exclusively from independent record stores, the band’s live shows and directly from the label.

    Founding members Rick Cope (vocals and bass) and David Phelps (guitars) met when Rick was first drawn to the sound of Phelps' shrieking guitar solos emanating from the amp room at Guitar Works in Greenwood, Indiana. The duo was joined by Bob Fouts behind the drum kit and PHANTOM WITCH as we know it was born. Culling their influences by bands such as Slayer, Running Wild, Sodom and Jag Panzer, PHANTOM WITCH quickly made a name for themselves with their unique metal attack, opening for local and national headliners such as The Gates of Slumber, Merciless Death, Skeleton Witch and Demiricous. Look for PHANTOM WITCH on tour in late summer 2008, dates coming soon.

    The self titled mini LP from PHANTOM WITCH will hit streets on June 10th 2008.

    Listen to PHANTOM WITCH at http://www.myspace.com/phantomwitch

    www.heavyartillery.us
  • BENEATH THE MASSACRE schedules studio time for upcoming record

    Montreal’s technical death metal band BENEATH THE MASSACRE has scheduled studio time for the follow up record to 2007’s ‘Mechanics of Dysfunction.’ The band will enter the studio April 25 with Yannick St-Amant (Despised Icon, Neuraxis, Martyr), who also produced BENEATH THE MASSACRE’s prior full-length and the ‘Evidence of Inequity’ EP. Afterwards, Jason Suecof (The Black Dahlia Murder, God Forbid, Chimaira) will mix the record, which is currently slated for a fall 2008 release through Prosthetic Records.

    "So we just came back from our headline tour in the US. We had a blast.” BENEATH THE MASSACRE vocalist Elliot Desgagnes says. “A lot of people showed up and all the bands on the package were super cool dudes. We're now working hard on the new material that will be recorded starting in April at Yannick's studio. We can't wait to enter the studio. We'll probably be posting video and blogs to let all you guys know what's going on in studio. Stay tuned."

    Most recently wrapping up the first BENEATH THE MASSACRE headlining tour, alongside See You Next Tuesday, Born of Osiris, and The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, the band has been busy touring non-stop since the February 2007 release of ‘Mechanics of Dysfunction,’ including the filming of a video for the track “Society’s Disposable Son,” available here. In addition, the band has been confirmed as a rotating direct support band on a brief Canadian run of dates alongside headliners Despised Icon and fellow Canadians Ion Dissonance and The Plasmarifle.

    BENEATH THE MASSACRE
    (with Despised Icon, Ion Dissonance, The Plasmarifle)
    5/30 Toronto, ON – Opera House
    5/31 Hamilton, ON – Casbah
    6/01 Ottawa, ON – Mavericks
    6/02 Sherbrooke, QC – Bar Le Magog
    6/03 Chicoutimi, QC – Bunker
    6/04 Trois-Rivieres, QC – Rock Cafe Le Stag
    6/05 Montreal, QC – Club Soda
    6/06 Quebec, QC – L'Anti
    6/07 Victoriaville, QC – Bar L'Evasion

    www.prostheticrecords.com
  • TEMUJIN RELEASE DATE SET

    The American retail release of the debut album "1000 Tears" from Australian Goth/Metal band Temujin has been set for May 13, 2008. The album will be distributed through the USA, Canada and Mexico by Koch Distribution. US tour dates are currently being set for later in 2008.

    http://www.temujinband.com
    http://www.myspace.com/temujin1

    www.renaissancerecordsus.com
  • BURZUM Anthology disc

    This one-man band retains a vital roll in the early development of Norway’s famed black metal scene. His contributions to what was once merely a small circle of friends grew to immense popularity, the genre now having sold hundreds of thousands of records around the globe. Compared to his peers - Mayhem, Darkthrone, Gorgoroth, Immortal - Burzum possessed a very distinct sound. Using ancient mythology as his lyrical muse (the very name Burzum coming from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings), he became known for fearless experimentation; each record expanding on previous efforts.

    Anthology is a special first-time collection of material that spans the musician’s ten-plus year recording legacy; most unfortunately still unavailable for US fans (other than pricey imports). Featuring selections from each of his six albums (and including one from his popular EP Aske), Anthology is anticipated to be a highly sought-after recording for long-time fans and those curious newcomers who up-til-now only knew of the name and not had opportunity to bear witness to the musician’s blackened fruit.

    www.burzum.org
    www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
    www.myspace.com/candlelightrecordsusa
  • Final guest line-up for Gaia Epicus album

    Last names announced for guests on new Gaia Epicus album!

    Here is the final names for the guest musicians appearing on "Damnation". Renato Tribuzy (Tribuzy) will do some vocals on one song of the new album. Renato is a great singer and he has worked with stars such as Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Matt Sinner (Sinner), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween),Roy Z, Roland Grapow and more. Tribuzy released their debut album "Execution" in 2005 via Locomotive Records, in 2007 the band released the live album “ Execution Live Reunion” Via MTM Records and the live DVD “Execution Live Reunion” via Locomotive Records in 2008. www.tribuzy.com

    And then we have Dominique Leurquin (Rhapsody of fire, Luca Turilli's Dreamquest) who will play a guitar solo on one song. Dominique is a great guitarist and has been a LIVE guitarist for Rhapsody of fire since the year 2000, and he also plays on their albums. He has been a member of Luca Turilli's solo band since 2006. There will also be some guitar solos done by Lasse Jensen (Oceans of time), and some keyboard solos done by Fabrizio S Muratori (NhorizoN).

    Gaia Epicus is extremely honoured to have all these fantastic people on the album!

    Guest line-up for the album:

    Roland Grapow from the band Masterplan, ex-Helloween
    Dominique Leurquin from the bands Rhapsody of fire-live, Luca Turilli's Dreamquest
    Renato Tribuzy from the band Tribuzy
    Andreas Olsson from the bands Narnia, Divinefire, Rob Rock, Stormwind
    Michael Troy from the band Yngwie Malmsteen-live
    Jonas Hörnqvist from the band Treasure Land
    Lasse Jensen from the band Oceans of time
    Fabrizio S Muratori from the band NhorizoN

    More news at www.gaia-epicus.com