Old News - March 2007 - Old News - More March 2007 News
March 7th, 2007
  • CELLADOR parts ways with Bassist, seeks Replacement!

    Cellador has announced the parting of ways with bassist Valentin Rakhmanov. It’s always a difficult thing when band members go separate ways, but all parties involved in the decision agreed that it would work out best for everyone if the separation occurred. The issues involved in reaching this conclusion were not personal related, but rather simply musical differences and contrasting professional agendas. Outside of the professional sphere of the band the members and past members of CELLADOR still maintain good standing friendships and so to summarize, its nothing personal. The band wishes Val the best of luck with his future musical endeavors and has little doubt that he won't be back on his feet soon.

    Cellador will not be canceling any upcoming shows as the band will be using a temporary bass player to fill in.

    Starting today Cellador is officially holding auditions for a new bassist. Here's what the band is looking for:

    -Aged 18-25 years old
    -Touring and Studio experience
    -Professional attitude
    -DEVOUT and passionate commitment to music and the band
    -Clips of yourself playing... even better to CELLADOR's music
    -Relocation to where the band lives, that or being able to commute to all things CELLADOR-related

    Interested bassists should message us or send an email to contact@cellador.com with "Bassist" in the subject. More on this to come!

    http://www.cellador.com
  • VOMITORY completes Terrorize Brutalize Sodomize!

    Vomitory has completed their new album! Terrorize Brutalize Sodomize was recorded, mixed and mastered at Leon Music Studio, Karlstad/Sweden during December together with producer/engineer Rikard Löfgren.

    Comments drummer Tobias Gustafsson:

    “We have now finally completed our sixth album, Terrorize Brutalize Sodomize! And I say finally because it has been three long years since our latest album, Primal Massacre, saw the light of day. We're totally satisfied with how it all turned out - the production is top-notch, the songs and our performances are at their best and the variation in the songs is better than ever before. The album has some of the fastest shit we've ever done as well as some of the heaviest. The album contains 40 minutes of death fucking metal!”

    Track listing for Terrorize Brutalize Sodomize:

    1. Eternal Trail of Corpses
    2. Scavenging the Slaughtered
    3. Terrorize Brutalize Sodomize
    4. The Burning Black
    5. Defiled and Inferior
    6. March into Oblivion
    7. Whispers from the Dead
    8. Heresy
    9. Flesh Passion
    10. Cremation Ceremony

    http://www.vomitory.net/
  • DISILLUSION bids farewell to Jens Maluschka!

    To make a long story short, Jens Maluschka, drummer for Disillusion since 2000, decided to quit the band at the beginning of the New Year. It is sad to separate after six years of dreaming and working together for an idea.

    Jens wishes to say the following:

    ”After six years of intensive work with DISILLUSION it is time for a break. There are various reasons. I want to concentrate more on my private life, meaning I will become a father in June of this year. At that time I wish to focus on my family. So, the decision has been made to leave the band. Of course, my musical endeavours will continue – but I can't decide yet exactly in which from. I wish Andy and Rajk all the best for their future and lots of success with Disillusion.”

    So, the two of us continue dreaming.

    The final concert with Jens will be held at “Scheddelspalter” in Leipzig/Germany on April 13, 2007 (www.scheddel.de). All following shows will definitely be held. News about Jens' replacement will follow in the near future. We already started trying out a few possible new drummers.

    http://www.disillusion.de
  • JOE SATRIANI ANNOUNCES 2007 G3 TOUR
    Celebrated Tour Continues with Three Legendary Players This Spring

    (Los Angeles, CA) -- The 2007 incarnation of Joe Satriani's popular G3 tour will kick off on March 14th in Phoenix starring SATRIANI, JOHN PETRUCCI and PAUL GILBERT.  The tour will play selected dates in North America throughout March and April.   The starting tour itinerary follows with more dates TBA shortly.

    The 2007 tour marks the 5th North American G3 run and the 12th G3 tour worldwide since its inception.  The first G3 tour, featuring Satriani, Eric Johnson and Steve Vai, played to sold-out crowds throughout October and November, 1996 and was followed by successful treks in Europe, South America, Japan and Australia.  The most recent North American G3 tour, in 2003, showcased Satriani, Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen and was documented in the platinum DVD G3 Live in Denver.  Other platinum DVD's include the 1996 run and the 2005 Japanese tour with Vai and Petrucci.

    JOE SATRIANI has been a worldwide guitar hero since his 1986 breakthrough album, Surfing With The Alien.  Over 10-million albums and CD's later, in addition to 13 Grammy nominations including this year for his latest studio release Super Colossal, Joe continues to push the envelope of modern rock guitar playing.  In October 2006, Satriani released Satriani Live!, as both a double audio CD and double DVD package.  In addition to breathtaking, nine-camera footage of Satriani and his band tearing it up for more than two hours at their Anaheim stop during this year's Super Colossal tour, Satriani Live! captures them backstage and onstage on the last stop of that trek, with comments from fellow guitar legend Eric Johnson, candid moments with members of Joe's band and crew, and one amazing surprise unleashed by the audience that night in San Francisco.

    Joe's G3 cohorts, JOHN PETRUCCI and PAULGILBERT, are each recognized as brilliant players - both as soloists and within the bands they are known by.  John is the founding member and lead guitarist for Dream Theater, recording eight albums with the band, including their sophomore effort, 1992's Images and Words. The album proved to be a breakthrough commercial success as the song "Pull Me Under" became a surprise hit on both MTV and rock radio.  John is also involved in several side projects including Liquid Tension Experiment with Tony Levin, Age of Impact and even a Sega Saturn game called Necronomicon.  In 2005, John was involved in three releases.  A solo album, Suspended Animation, Octavarium with Dream Theatre and he was included on the G3 Live in Tokyo CD and DVD. 

    Paul first became known for his work with Racer X and went on to platinum success with Mr. Big who topped the pop charts in 1992 with the ballad "To Be with You."  Mr. Big disbanded in 1996, and a year later Gilbert made his solo debut with King of Clubs; Flying Dog followed in 1998, trailed by Beehive Live in 1999, Alligator Farm in fall 2000 and Get Out Of My Yard in August 2006.

    A recent poll of the Top 100 Greatest Rock Guitarists ranked SATRIANI at # 7, PETRUCCI at # 11 and GILBERT at #14.
    SATRIANI stated simply, "I can't wait to hit the stage with John and Paul, they are two of the scariest, most amazing players I've ever heard!"

    Continuing with the same successful formula as in years past, fans will be treated to individual sets by each guitarist with their own bands before joining Satriani and his band on stage for an all-star jam session.  As with previous G3 tours, special guest guitarists will be invited to join the jam at select dates around the country.  Past guests have included Neal Schon, Gary Hoey, George Lynch, Billy Gibbons, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robert Fripp and Brian May.

    www.joesatriani.com
    www.johnpetrucci.com
    www.paulgilbert.com

    Initial tour itinerary for G3 follows, more dates to be announced very soon.

    G3 TOUR ITINERARY:

    Wednesday, March 14  Dodge Theatre - Phoenix, AZ
    Thursday, March 15  House of Blues - Las Vegas, NV
    Friday, March 16  Grand Sierra Theatre - Reno, NV
    Saturday, March 17  Berkeley Community Theatre - Berkeley, CA
    Sunday, March 18  Orpheum Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
  • Myopia sign with Selfmadegod Records!
     
    Myopia, the Bielsko-Biala, Poland-based thrash metal outfit has signed a record deal with Selfmadegod Records. "Enter Insectmasterplan", a reissue of the second full-length album - previously self-released in 2005 - will hit the scene on January 2007. Expect nothing but a visionary thinking. A Big Bang still resonates!
     
    The music of Myopia embodies the qualities of technical thrash and extreme progressive playing. A combination that is refreshing to the genre yet still aggressive and intricate enough to blow your heads off.
     
    Ushering in a 90's era of technical thrash / death, Myopia is complexity and open-mindedness, yet dark and attention-grabbing. "Enter Insectmasterplan" features 9 tracks of sonic forward-thinking with astonishing musicianship and a new approach to their own disharmonic songwriting that leaves you wanting more.
     
    Myopia which has been around for more then 10 years now, prepared their own atomic dose of music with a lot of suspense, drawing inspiration from both Voivod and the likes of Pestilence, Atheist or Cynic. "Enter Insectmasterplan" - produced by Szymon Czech of Nyia and Third Degree fame - hits with a brilliant technique, complexity and vision. Highly recommended for the open-minded.
     
    Musically intriguing material, previously self-released in 2005, has already made a buzz amongst fans of technical and unconventional thrash metal crafted with mathematical precision and dexterity.
     
    "A must-have for all followers of technical playing" - powermetal.pl
     
    "Forerunners of chaotic and intricate thrash metal in Poland. Indeed a beautiful thing" - metalrulez.pl
     
    "The riffs could have been done by late Denis Piggy D'Amour. A phenomenon on Polish scene"
    - independent.pl
     
    "A journey through musical arrhythmia and disharmony" - Thrash'em All
     
    "Never head a better psychedelic metal by a Polish band" - Metal Hammer

    Due Jaunary 2007 via Selfmadegod Records "Enter Insectmasterplan" features the following track listing:
     
    1. "Planet Groth"
    2. "The Colony"
    3. "Factor X"
    4. "Project Insect"
    5. "Clones..."
    6. "Masterplan"
    7. "Planet Earth"
    8. "Forgotten Race"
    9. "Untitled Track".
     
    www.myopia.bielsko.pl | www.selfmadegod.com
  • KREATOR, MAYHEM, EDGUY, ATHEIST, PAIN OF SALVATION Confirmed For Hellfest

    KREATOR, MAYHEM, EDGUY, PAIN OF SALVATION and ATHEIST are among the latest confirmed acts for this year's Hellfest festival, which is scheduled to place June 22-24 in Clisson, France. The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in random order):

    IMMORTAL
    KREATOR
    BLIND GUARDIAN
    THERION
    MAYHEM
    EDGUY
    HATEBREED
    CANNIBAL CORPSE
    NAPALM DEATH
    PAIN OF SALVATION
    CONVERGE
    BRUJERIA
    AMON AMARTH
    EARTH CRISIS
    BRUTAL TRUTH
    ATHEIST
    COMEBACK KID
    BEHEMOTH
    KORPIKLAANI
    WALLS OF JERICHO
    ABORTED
    KICKBACK
    SWORN ENEMY
    1349
    SECRETS OF THE MOON
    PARKWAY DRIVE
    ANIMOSITY
    ORTHODOX
    EPHEL DUATH
    MOHO
    INTERLOCK
    SLIT
    GUTWORM
    TROMATIZED YOUTH

    First headliners will be revealed mid-February on www.hellfest.fr.
  • STRATOVARIUS Mainman Signs With FRONTIERS For 'Rock Opera' Project

    STRATOVARIUS guitarist Timo Tolkki has inked a deal with Frontiers Records for his classic rock-opera project, "Saana - Warrior of Light".

    According to a press release, "Saana - Warrior of Light" will feature "seven characters and numerous musicians (including Tolkki himself) who will collaborate in this ambitious project. The result is a unique sound, unlike anything ever heard before… from soaring majestic heights to soft and gentle moments and everything in between. It also tells a very dramatic tale.

    "'Saana - Warrior of Light' is the story of a woman who makes an unforgettable journey that changes her life and view of the universe forever. On her journey, she will discover the biggest secret of mankind… and her own destiny."

    "Warrior of Light" introduces 29-year-old Jennifer Sowle from the USA as Saana, the main character. She is a classically trained opera singer with a master's degree in music.

    "Saana - Warrior of Light" will be released in the fall.

    For more information, visit www.saana-warrioroflight.com.

    Tolkki and STRATOVARIUS drummer Jörg Michael recently completed the basic demos in Germany for the band's new album (whose title consists of two separate words that both start with "R"). The actual album recordings are expected to begin on February 25 at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Finland for a tentative late 2007/early 2008 release.

    STRATOVARIUS' latest, self-titled effort was released in the U.S. in September 2005 via Sanctuary.
  • UNLEASHED, NORTHER, THRESHOLD, FEAR MY THOUGHTS Confirmed For Earthshaker Fest

    UNLEASHED, NORTHER, THRESHOLD, FEAR MY THOUGHTS and HATESPHERE have been confirmed for this year's Earthshaker Fest, set to take place July 19-21 in Kreuth, Germany. The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):

    DEW-SCENTED
    ELUVEITIE
    FEAR MY THOUGHTS
    FREEDOM CALL
    GAMMA RAY
    HATESPHERE
    KORPIKLAANI
    KREATOR
    LEGION OF THE DAMNED
    MOTÖRHEAD
    MYSTIC PROPHECY
    NORTHER
    THRESHOLD
    U.D.O.
    UNLEASHED
  • DIMENTIANON signs with Non Compos Mentis Recs
     
    New York Black/Death combo DIMENTIANON have signed with Non Compos Mentis Records http://www.ncmrecords.com/  for the band’s long delayed follow up to 2003’s Seven Suicides album, entitled Hossanas Novus Ordo Seclurum.  The album is said to far surpass DIMENTIANON’s previous output in terms of chaotic intensity, while also showcasing the bands more experimental side as evidenced in their 23 minute epic “To Return That Which is Above, To That Which is Below”
     
    Due out in February 2007, Hossanas Novus Ordo Seclurum’s track listing is as follows
     
    Your Flesh is Mine To Exploit
    Terriblis Est Locus Iste
    Bloodshed From a Black Rose
    To Be Crowned King and Stabbed to Death
    Human Rot (Rigor Sardonicous cover)
    Dawn of Shadows
    Netzach
    Azrael
    For those who have left, and those left behind
    To Return That Which is Above, To That Which is Below
     
    In other DIMENTIANON news, the band will partake in a split CD with Apocalyptic Doom duo Rigor Sardonicous, to be released by Half-Life Records ( http://www.halfliferecords.com/)in March of 2007. Dimentianon’s side of the split will contain 2 brand new songs, and will feature a completely reworked version of “Just Before Dawn” from the band’s 2000 debut “L’aldila”
     
    For more info and sound clips visit the bands site at (www.dimentianon.com)
  • DIVINE LUST recording New Album
     
    The recordings of Divine Lust's second full-length album began last January 15th.

    Taking place at Medusa Lab Studios - formerly known as "Estúdio 45" and "Neon Studios"; located at Amadora, Portugal -, this album is being produced dy Dikk (Gonçalo Pereira, Tara Perdida, Primitive Reason, Civic, Blister, etc) and will feature some guest musicians, namely Ricardo Marques (Portuguese Guitar), Tiago Flores (Violin) and Paula Teixeira (Vocals).

    No album name is yet defined. However, the song-titles are as follows:

    - Veil Of Golden Leaves
    - The Son That Never Was
    - Elsewhere But Here
    - The White Flash
    - Selling My Soul
    - Duskful Of Bliss, Morningful Of Misery
    - Devilish Deliverance
    - Hunting
    - Good By Love
    - Last Will Left
    - A Long Way Down

    All studio work is scheduled to be finished by March. Then, the album will be spread within the label industry in order to define its official release.

    Divine Lust

    www.divinelust.com
    www.myspace.com/divinelustband
  • MEGADETH TICKETS - HEAVEN AND HELL TOUR

    MAJOR TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT:
    RONNIE JAMES DIO, TONY IOMMI , GEEZER BUTLER AND VINNY APPICE HAVE REUNITED FOR THE HEAVEN AND HELL TOUR 2007. JOINING THEM WILL BE MEGADETH AND DOWN.

    LOS ANGELES, CA - Putting to bed the longstanding rumors of a reunion tour, Heaven and Hell have announced their first tour dates for 2007. The tour will feature 11 Canadian shows, along with an exciting one-night-only performance at one of the most prestigious venues in the world, New York's Radio City Music Hall. Heaven and Hell reunites Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice for the first time in 15 years.

    Currently there are 12 scheduled stops, starting on March 11 in Vancouver and ending on March 30 in New York City. The 'Heaven And Hell' world tour will continue until the end of the year with shows in the US, Asia and Europe. Additional dates will be announced shortly.

    Multi-platinum recording artist Megadeth will be joining the tour and previewing never before heard material from their new CD United Abominations, due out May 8th on Roadrunner Records. The tour also brings the return of Down, featuring Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown from Pantera, as well as Pepper Keenan of COC. This will undisputedly be the most anticipated rock tour of 2007.

    The heavy metal icons are also scheduled to release a new anthology entitled Black Sabbath: The Dio Years. Anticipated release date is 4/3/07 on Rhino/Warner Bros. Records.

    The Heaven and Hell Tour 2007 will include the following stops:

    March 11 Vancouver, BC Pacific Coliseum
    March 13 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
    March 14 Calgary, AB Saddledome
    March 16 Regina, SK Brandt Centre
    March 18 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre
    March 20 Sault St. Marie, ON Steelback Centre
    March 22 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
    March 24 London, ON John Labatt Centre
    March 26 Montreal, PQ Bell Centre
    March 27 Quebec City, PQ Colisee Pepsi Arena
    March 28 Ottawa, ON Civic Centre
    March 30 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall *Megadeth not on this show

    For more information about Heaven and Hell please go to www.heavenandhelllive.com. Tickets are on sale January 26th/27th.
  • W:O:A 2007 - confirmed bands!

    Here's a complete list of all bands confirmed for the W:O:A 2007 (new bands since the last newsletter are signed with a *):

    1349 *
    AMORPHIS
    BELPHEGOR
    BENEDICTUM
    THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
    BLACK MAJESTY
    BLIND GUARDIAN
    BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
    CANNIBAL CORPSE
    CHTHONIC - exclusivshow beim W:O:A 2007 *
    COMMUNIC
    DESTRUCTION - exclusive BEST OF SHOW *
    DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER
    DIMMU BORGIR - one and only Open Air Show in Germany 2007
    DIR EN GREY - einziges Metalfestival 2007 *
    DISILLUSION
    ENSLAVED
    FALCONER *
    GRAVE DIGGER
    HAGGARD
    HEAVEN SHALL BURN
    ICED EARTH - exclusivshow in Wacken *
    IMMORTAL - Reunion, one and only Open Air Show in Germany 2007
    IN FLAMES
    J.B.O.
    KAMPFAR
    LACUNA COIL
    LETZTE INSTANZ
    LORDI - one and only show in Germany *
    MENDEED *
    MOONSORROW
    MOONSPELL
    MUNICIPAL WASTE *
    NAPALM DEATH
    NARZISS *
    NEAERA
    NORTHER
    RAGE & Lingua Mortis Orchester
    SACRED REICH 20th anniversary *
    SAMAEL
    SAXON - A Night To Remember
    SCHANDMAUL
    SODOM - "25 years anniversary" Show *
    SONIC SYNDICATE
    THE SORROW *
    STORMWARRIOR feat. Kai Hansen
    STRATOVARIUS - Only Open Air Show in Germany
    SWALLOW THE SUN *
    THERION
    TYR
    UNHEILIG *
    VADER
    THE VISION BLEAK *
    VOLBEAT

    and many more!

    More info about the bands: Billing / Bands 2007

    More info: www.wacken.com
  • TYPE O NEGATIVE New Album
     
    After years of anticipation from one of the most diehard fan bases in metal, Type O Negative are in the process of unleashing the new one, Dead Again, due out in North America March 13th. 
     
    The black and green cover art (big surprise) and more info is available at their site and watch for more updates shortly. The album bears the following hymns: 
     
    1. Dead Again
    2. Tripping a Blind Man
    3. The Profits of Doom
    4. September Sun
    5. Halloween in Heaven (with Lycia's Tara VanFlower)
    6. These Three Things
    7. She Burned Me Down
    8. Some Stupid Tomorrow
    9. An Ode to Locksmiths
    10. Hail and Farewell to Britain
     
    www.typeonegative.net
March 6th, 2007
  • Herege News
     
    Herege is actually in the process of composing songs for the next cd, which should be recorded in a few months. Meanwile we are still promoting the cd Bang Your Heads (info below) and we have a few promo packs available which we are sending for arcticles to be made by media partners. The cd is expected to be release in the second half of this year, and also an European tour will probably be scheduled. More news to come.
     
    Here are the infos of Herege and the cd:
     
    Band: Herege
    Genre: Heavy Metal
    Country: Brazil
     
    Track list:
     
    01. Fall of the Church / Die By My Hand
    02. Bang Your Heads
    03. Empty Minds
    04. Call Me Herege
    05. Flag of the Metal
     
    The cd comes with bonus videos of "Live in Expo Ijui 2005".
     
    www.herege.com
  • EINHEIT  PRODUKTIONEN  SPRING  2007 NEWS !
      
    EINHEIT PRODUKTIONEN is proud to welcome Heathen Battle Metal horde TRIMONIUM on the label roster. The band from Bitterfeld / Germany managed to earn a great reputation in the scene for their overwhelming live performances and their two great album releases. Their third outstanding opus "Son of a Blizzard" continues the onslaught, a triumph with a bombastic production courtesy of Sound Art Recording Studios. TRIMONIUM´s new masterpiece will storm the shelves April 27th.

    Celtic extreme metallers AISLING are also putting the finishing touches to their new album entitled „Stone of Light“. The recordings have been expertly refined by the addition of a 20 piece choir and many ancient Celtic instruments. This ensures that the perfection of the debut CD and the Mini CD will be continued. The ancient gods will consider April 27th as the release date.

    Pagan folk bards ODROERIR from Thuringia / Germany prepare to enter the studio but will also present their ancient tunes on a few festivals. As of now the www.hoernerfest.de (June 25th & 26th) has been confirmed, a few more will be added.

    There are also news from our partnerlabel www.Black-Blood-Records.de.

    East German Satanic Black Metal heads GRABAK were signed to the label and it can be proudly announced, that their new album "Agash Daeva" will come out June 8th 2007. Some of you may be familiar with their first three excellent albums, released by CCP Records. You can already check out some teasers on the band´s website: www.grabak.de

    More news, audio teasers, concert and festival dates & a lot more as always:

    www.Einheit-Produktionen.de

    Accesory can be found here: http://shop.einheit-produktionen.de/.    
     
    Einheit Produktionen
    PF 1101
    03116 Drebkau
    Germany
    Tel: + 49 (0) 35602 - 51424
    Fax: + 49 (0) 35602 - 51980
    Info@Einheit-Produktionen.de
    www.Einheit-Produktionen.de
  • Finnish masters of melodramatic metal TACERE release a new music video and debut album track list
     
    The new music video "DEEP TEARS OF TRAGEDY" from the Finnish diverse melodic metal band TACERE is now finally online. The video downloadable through the bands website and also watchable as a low resolution version through their myspace site or YouTube.
     
    TACERE's long awaited debut album "BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS" will be released 14th of February 2007 and the album release gig is held at the Finnish metal expo 2007 event, saturday 17th of February at Kaapelitehdas. This is also TACERE's international launch event. The tracklist for the album is: Deep tears of tragedy / I Devour / Excursion / Black Roses / A voice in the dark / Foes of the sun / Phantasm / Born of the ground / Bitter, regressive / Beyond Silence / Beautiful Darkness / Into your Dreams.
     
    The TACERE songs "Deep Tears of Tragedy" and "A Voice in the Dark" will also be available as Karaoke versions on the next DVD of the very popular Hevy Karaoke (called Hevikaraoke Basement Tapes) which will be released 16th of February at the same Finnish Metal Expo event.
     
    Tacere's website
    http://www.tacere.net
  • FEAR MY THOUGHTS - New video online; ecard updated!

    German modern melodic death hopefuls FEAR MY THOUGHTS have updated their myspace page with their brand new video clip “Blankness” taking off their Century Media Records debut “Vulcanus”, which has hit stores just yesterday January 15, 2007. Just surf to www.myspace.com/fearmythoughts and check it out!

    Also, the band’s great Ecard has been updated with new merchandise articles sponsored by REELL (www.reelljeans.com) and IMPERIAL (http://www.imperial-clothing.de/), which you can win in the associated competition. Also, the “tourdates” section has been updated, so don’t forget to visit http://ecard.centurymedia.com/fmt and spread the Ecard among your friends!

    Press reactions on the band’s new album “Vulcanus” so far have been overwhelmingly positive, Metal Hammer (D) titles it “one of the first potential albums of the year”, Legacy (D) names FEAR MY THOUGHTS “rightful aspirants to the German metal throne", and Guitar (D) adds: "One of the most fascinating and original albums of the last couple of months. Defining the future!" The band could also gain position #2 in both the soundcheck of the latest Aardschok (NL) and Rock Hard (D) issue !

    Furthermore, FEAR MY THOUGHTS are still on “The Road To Devastation Tour” with Kataklysm, Nearea, Quo Vadis until the end of January, so do not miss the chance to witness the future of metal!

    www.fearmythoughts.com
  • INTO ETERNITY - Video for “Severe Emotional Distress” online!

    Check out INTO ETERNITY’s video-clip for “Severe Emotional Distress” from their acclaimed album “The Scattering Of Ashes”, you can stream it now HERE.

    While the band is still looking to finally make their way over to Europe to support “The Scattering Of Ashes” live they will kick 2007 off as direct support to the legendary Destruction in the USA. This trek also marks the addition of new members Steve Bolognese (ex-Beyond The Embrace) on drums and Justin Bender on guitars.

    This is what metal media had to say about “The Scattering Of Ashes”:

    ”Another smasher for your head AND leg.“ Rock Hard (D)

    ”Every single song is a jewel, overwhelming, intense and exhausting.” Metal Hammer (D)

    "... a landmark triumph…" BW&BK (CAN)

    www.intoeternity.com
  • NAGLFAR - Time to "Harvest"!

    NAGLFAR return with a vengeance to reap the furious "Harvest" of a storm sown more than ten years ago with the release of their debut "Vittra" in 1995, which quickly became an immortal classic of the Swedish black metal scene. The new album is coming out on Century Media Records on the following dates:

    GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / BENELUX / ITALY: Friday, February 23, 2007.
    FRANCE / SPAIN / DENMARK / NORWAY / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, February 26, 2007.
    FINLAND / SWEDEN / HUNGARY: Wednesday, February 28, 2007.
    NORTH AMERICA: Tuesday, March 06, 2007.
    UK: Monday, March 12, 2007.

    "Harvest" combines their original sound with the massive thrust of later years. True to the Swedish formula of bringing the harsh bleakness of the black style together with the technical prowess and high-speed assault of death metal, NAGLFAR have created another masterpiece of their genre. The final tracklist is as follows:

    01. Into The Black
    02. Breathe Through Me
    03. The Mirrors Of My Soul
    04. Odium Generis Humani
    05. The Darkest Road
    06. Way Of The Rope
    07. Plutonium Reveries
    08. Feeding Moloch
    09. Harvest

    There will be a limited edition of the album released, containing a bonus DVD including four professionally recorded live clips from the Partysan Festival 2006, the video for the track "The Perpetual Horrors" as well as an interview with lead singer Kristoffer Olivius. The cover artwork is made by Travis Smith and can be viewed by clicking here.

    The band is very pleased to announce that they're heading back to Japan in a few days together with Celtic Frost and Satyricon. Check the live dates for further info.

    A video for the track “The Darkest Road” will be filmed by Roger Johansson (Arch Enemy, The Haunted, Dark Tranquillity) shortly after the band returns from Japan and an MP3 of the song will be posted online late January 2007. So stay tuned to join the “Harvest”.

    www.naglfar.net
    www.myspace.com/naglfar
  • MACHINE MEN - new video premiered online!

    Sensational Finnish melodic metal youngStars MACHINE MEN proudly present you their new video clip for “No Talk Without The Giant” taking from their upcoming album “Circus Of Fools”, out via Century Media Records on the following street dates:

    FINLAND: Wednesday, February 14th, 2007.
    GERMANY / AUSTRIA / SWITZERLAND / BENELUX: Friday, February 16th, 2007.
    UK / FRANCE / SPAIN / DENMARK / NORWAY / REST OF EUROPE: Monday, February 19th, 2007.
    SWEDEN / HUNGARY: Wednesday, February 21st, 2007.
    ITALY: Friday, February 23rd, 2007.

    On January 17th, 2007 “No Talk Without The Giant” was released as a Finland-only single including two non-album bonus tracks and it is destined to continue the band’s story of success as their last single “Falling” (from 2005’s “Elegies”) entered their native country charts at position #4.

    Check out the new clip at http://www.myspace.com/machinemenband, where you can also already pre-listen the album’s title track as well as watch an exclusive live clip for “Circus Of Fools” shot at prestigious Graspop Festival 2006 allowing you to catch a glimpse of MACHINE MEN’s captivating live energy.

    And please don’t forget to check the tour dates. So far about 30 shows all over Europe have been booked and MACHINE MEN are proud to share stages with the likes of Finntroll, Tarot, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, and After Forever on the Earthshaker Roadshock tour in April/May 2007.

    You can also watch the new MACHINE MEN video @ Centurymedia.com and @ Century Media's Youtube page!

    MACHINE MEN Live:

    09.03.2007 Kuopio (FI) @ Henry's Pub
    16.03.2007 Lahti (FI) @ Nightlife
    17.03.2007 Oulu (FI) @ Teatria
    23.03.2007 Jyvaeskylae (FI) @ Lutakko
    24.03.2007 Helsinki (FI) @ Tavastia
    28.03.2007 Tampere (FI) @ Klubi
    29.03.2007 Turku (FI) @ Klubi
    30.03.2007 Mikkeli (FI) @ Vaakuna
    31.03.2007 Salo (FI) @ Bar Maksim

    Earthshaker Road Shock Tour 2007
    http://www.earthshaker-roadshock.com/

    with Finntroll, After Forever, Tarot, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, All Ends

    27.04.2007 Antwerpen (B) @ Hof Ter Lo
    28.04.2007 Osnabrueck (D) @ Halle Gartlage
    29.04.2007 Hamburg (D) @ Markthalle
    30.04.2007 Adelsheim (D) @ Live Factory
    01.05.2007 Berlin (D) @ Postbahnhof
    02.05.2007 Muenchen (D) @ Backstage
    03.05.2007 Frankfurt (D) @ Batschkapp
    04.05.2007 Nürnberg (D) @ Hirsch
    05.05.2007 Wien (AT) @ Planet Music
    06.05.2007 Padova (I) @ Sottosopra Est
    07.05.2007 Pratteln (CH) @ Z 7
    08.05.2007 Essen (D) @ Zeche Carl
    09.05.2007 Saarbruecken (D) @ Garage
    10.05.2007 London (UK) @ Scala
    11.05.2007 Heerhugowaard (NL) @ De Waerdsetempel
    12.05.2007 Strasbourg (F) @ La Laiterie
    13.05.2007 Paris (F) @ Locomotive

    http://www.machinemen.net/
    http://www.myspace.com/machinemenband/
  • VITAL REMAINS Complete new album; European street date: April 2nd, 2007!

    Extreme metal titans VITAL REMAINS have wrapped up the recording process for their much-anticipated new album with renowned producer Erik Rutan (Cannibal Corpse, Goatwhore). This effort marks the group's second recording with Glen Benton (Deicide) on vocals, and promises to be their most blasphemous and devastating offering yet. The new album will hit stores on April 2nd, 2007!

    Tony Lazaro (guitars) checks in with the following report:

    “We've just returned home from Mana Recordings in Florida, where we spent the last month working on the new album. We can’t wait for you guys to hear it. I really think all of you are going to shit yourselves and to those few who thought we couldn't top “Dechristianize”, you're in for a real surprise.

    A big thanks to Erik Rutan, who really worked us to near death! Much respect to him and Shaun Otani for really working so hard and pushing us to the point of insanity in order to get us to deliver our best performances, which we think we did without a doubt! We thought “Dechristianize” was a tough album to record, but this effort proved us wrong. This album, hands down, sets the bar for death metal. We spent 12-13 hours a day working on this with no days off. The drums took 10 days alone to track all nine songs. Glen’s vocals sound sicker than ever. His performance and attack was awesome! Dave's leads and harmonies are some of his best work to date and what a great drum performance. The overall sound of the new album is just HUGE! We are very proud of the results of all this hard work. We think our fans will soon agree without question that this is our “Reign In Blood”.

    On April 2nd, the world will finally get to hear this unholy brutality! Stay tuned for news on our first promotional video and tons of touring! Hammer down the nails.”

    www.myspace.com/vitalremains
    http://www.vitalremains.com/
  • ABORTED - Launch new website; post new album’s coverart!

    Belgium masters of brutality ABORTED have just launched their new website at www.goremageddon.be in anticipation of their new album “Slaughter & Apparatus: A Methodical Overture”, which is set for a February 19th release. Be sure to visit the site to check out the album’s stricking coverart and a new track “The Chondrin Enigma.” Fans can also pre-order the album through the site.

    The band has always kept their death metal roots, but at the same time, they have never been afraid to experiment. Had Carcass decided not to throw in the towel and progress in a heavier, tighter and more technically advanced direction, they would probably sound something like ABORTED. “Slaughter & Apparatus: A Methodical Overture” is an astounding new album, refreshing, massive and graced with all trademarks of an instant classic: memorable and inventive song structures, over-the-top musicianship, a natural and warm yet up-to-date production and a feel of timelessness rarely seen in the genre nowadays. ABORTED are more than prepared to shatter the boundaries of extreme metal and set new standards. The disc was recorded at Denmark’s Antfarm Studios with producer/engineer Tue Madsen (Himsa, The Haunted), and includes guest vocal performances by Jeff Walker (ex-Carcass) and Jacob Bredahl (Hatesphere).

    Vocalist Sven De Caluwe further describes the new effort: “Expect an album which more or less condenses what we’ve been doing over the last three albums, with some fresh elements added in. It's definitely a lot more extreme, with more solo mayhem than “The Archaic Abattoir”, while still retaining the groove and melodies we have been building on. We promise that you will not be disappointed.”

    So, watch out for “Slaughter & Apparatus: A Methodical Overture”, which is likely to become one of 2007’s early highlights in extreme metal!

    "ABORTED delivers highly proficient slabs of ultra violence complete with crushing breakdowns, stupefying stickwork and bruised rib riffing."
    --Decibel (US)

    "ABORTED's lightning fast assault could in fact be illegal in over 15 states."
    --DRUM! (US)

    "ABORTED lay waste to all of the cheap Carcass imitators of the past."
    --Metal Maniacs (US)

    "ABORTED unleashes hyper-technical grind with groove laden breakdowns to expand the sound that Carcass created."
    --REVOLVER (US)
  • DRUMMER KYLE SEVERN TO SIT OUT UPCOMING INCANTATION EUROPEAN TOUR

    TRENTON, N.J. – Former Incantation member Jim Roe will fill in for drummer Kyle Severn on the band’s upcoming European tour with Malevolent Creation, Rotting Christ, Neuraxis, Mystic Circle, Harm, and Inactive Messiah .

    “It sucks that I won’t be able to play drums for the European tour, but I need the time to fulfill some work obligations outside of metal,” Severn said. “It is a great honor to have Jim Roe helping and playing with Incantation again. He was and always has been a huge part of the creation of the Incantation drum style. His traditional, barbaric style of drumming has always been a signature of Incantation, and this is a style in which I always loved and tried to keep in Incantation.

    Roe played with Incantation on the “Onward to Golgotha" and “Mortal Throne of Nazarene" albums. “Kyle will be missed on this tour but we are very fortunate to have Jim helping out,” said guitarist/vocalist John McEntee. “He really understands the Incantation sound and feeling.”

    Added Roe: “I look forward to getting out on the road and jamming on some Incantation songs. It’s been a long time and I think it will be a great experience.”

    The group has begun rehearsing with Roe in preparation for the tour. “I’ve heard the practice tapes and was blown away by the authentic feeling he has with the old songs and the new,” said Severn.

    Incantation’s seventh album, “Primordial Domination,” was released last fall on Ibex Moon Records. The longstanding and influential band has kept a steady tour schedule since the release of the records, touring the U.S., South America, and Europe.

    Domination Tour dates:

    02/14/07 Wed. Kato, Berlin, Germany
    02/15/07 Thu. Hellrise, Leipzig, Germany
    02/16/07 Fri. Szene, Wien, Austria
    02/17/07 Sat. Rockhaus, Salzburg, Austria
    02/18/07 Sun. Hafen, Innsbruck, Austria
    02/19/07 Mon. Z7, Plattern, Switzerland
    02/20/07 Tue. Laiterie, Strasbourg, France
    02/21/07 Wed. Locomotive, Paris, France
    02/22/07 Thu. Effenaar, Eindhoven, Netherlands
    02/23/07 Fri. Biebob, Vosselaar, Belgium
    02/24/07 Sat. Live Factory, Adelsheim, Germany
    02/25/07 Sun. Fledo, Brno, Czech Republic
    02/26/07 Mon. Randal, Bratislava, Slovakia
    02/27/07 Tue. Sottosopra Rock Club, Este (PD), Italy
    02/28/07 Wed. Metropolis, Munchen, Germany
    03/01/07 Thu. N8, Osnabruck, Germany
    03/02/07 Fri. Vera, Groningen, Netherlands
    03/03/07 Sat. Turock, Essen, Germany
    03/04/07 Sun. Baroeg, Rotterdam, Netherlands

    Incantation, Rotting Christ, Malevolent Creation, and Rotten Sound dates:

    03/06/07 Tue. Rio, Bradford, England
    03/07/07 Wed. Soundhaus, Glasgow, Scotland
    03/08/07 Thu. Voodoo Lounge, Dublin, Ireland
    03/09/07 Fri. Soundhause, Bolton, England
    03/10/07 Sat. Camden Underworld, London, England
    03/11/07 Sun. decade, Zaandam, Netherlands

    www.incantation.com
  • CHEVELLE TO JOIN EVANESCENCE ON ARENA TOUR
    TOUR WILL FIND PLATINUM-SELLING TRIO PREVIEWING SONGS FROM
    HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM VENA SERA
    TOUR BEGINS MARCH 16; RECORD IN STORES ON APRIL 3

    Epic recording artists CHEVELLE are hitting the road with Evanescence for a string of arena dates beginning March 16th at the Selland Arena in Fresno, California. Joining them on tour will be Finger Eleven.

    The tour will find Chevelle (vocalist/guitarist Pete Loeffler, drummer Sam Loeffler and bassist Dean Bernardini) previewing songs from highly anticipated new album VENA SERA, due in stores on April 3rd.

    VENA SERA follows 2004's gold-selling album, This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In), which featured the No. 1 radio hit, "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" and its top ten follow-up, "The Clincher." The first single and video from the new album will be "Well Enough Alone."

    In other news, new Chevelle song "Antisaint" will be spotlighted on the upcoming  MLB 07 The Show™, widely considered the most authentic baseball videogame franchise available, due out this spring exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system from Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA).

    This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In) entered Billboard's Top 200 at #8 and went gold in just six short weeks. The first single, "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)," shot to No. 1 on Billboard's Active Rock chart and its companion video garnered airplay on MTV, MTV2, MTVu and Fuse. Second single "The Clincher" appeared in EA Sports' top-selling video game, Madden NFL 2005 and hit top 10 on Billboard's Active Rock chart. Over the course of the months following the album's release, the band did an arena tour with Korn, appeared on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," were featured on CNN, headlined the SnoCore Tour and recently wrapped a string of dates with Nickelback.

    Dates for the arena tour are as follows:

    Date - City - Venue
    3/16 - Fresno, CA - Selland Arena
    3/17 - Las Vegas, NV - Pearl/Palm Hotel
    3/19 - Las Cruces, NM - Pan American Ctr
    3/21 - Oklahoma City, OK - Ford Ctr
    3/22 - Council Bluffs, IA - Mid America Ctr
    3/23 - Cedar Rapids, IA - US Cellular Ctr
    3/25 - Little Rock, AR - Alltel Arena
    3/27 - Louisville, KY - Louisville Gardens
    3/28 - Nashville, TN - Gaylord Music Ctr
    3/30 - Norfolk, VA - Constant Conv Ctr
    3/31 - Hartford, CT - Dodge Music Ctr
    4/2 - Reading, PA - Sovereign Ctr
    4/4 - Providence, RI - Dunkin Doughnuts Ctr
    4/5 - Glen Falls, NY - Glen Falls Civic Ctr

    www.chevelleinc.com
  • OM to release next album with Southern Lord!!!!
     
    It is with extreme honor that Southern Lord is officially able to announce the signing of San Francisco’s OM. OM was formed in 2003 by Al Cisneros (bass/vocals) and Chris Hakius (drums), both founding members of legendary doom pioneers Sleep. The band has released two previous albums with Holy Mountain Records: “Variations on a Theme”(2004), and “Conference of the Birds” (2006). OM will fit perfectly among other bands on the Southern Lord roster (Sunn 0))), Earth, Boris) who are continually pushing boundaries, and forging ahead in new directions. OM are helping reinvent AND reinforce modern heavy music.

    Their first album for Southern Lord will be recorded this summer at Electrical Audio studios with Steve Albini at the controls. Album title and release date forthcoming. Please stay tuned for more info!
     
    WWW.SOUTHERNLORD.COM
  • BOLT THROWER Confirmed For Germany's SUMMER BREEZE Festival

    British death metal veterans BOLT THROWER and Swiss folk metal act ELUVEITIE have been confirmed for the tenth-anniversary edition of Germany's Summer Breeze festival, set to take place August 16-18, 2007 in Dinkelsbühl. The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):

    AMON AMARTH
    THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER
    BOLT THROWER
    COMMUNIC
    CREMATORY
    DARK FUNERAL
    DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER
    DISILLUSION
    DORNENREICH
    DORO
    EISBRECHER
    ELUVEITIE
    FEAR MY THOUGHTS
    FINNTROLL
    HARDCORE SUPERSTAR
    HELRUNAR
    HEVEIN
    ILLDISPOSED
    IMMOLATION
    IN EXTREMO
    KEEP OF KALESSIN
    KRYPTERIA
    LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE
    MOONSORROW
    NECROPHOBIC
    SAMSAS TRAUM
    SECRETS OF THE MOON
    SIRENIA
    TANKARD
    TANZWUT

    As previously reported, a live video of BOLT THROWER performing the song "The Killchain" (from 2005's "Those Once Loyal") at the 2006 edition of Germany's Rock Hard Festival (which took place June 2-4 in Gelsenkirchen) has been posted online at YouTube.com.

    BOLT THROWER last year completed a European tour in support of its new CD, "Those Once Loyal", which entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 76 — the group's highest-charting release in Germany so far. The follow-up to 2001's "Honour, Valour, Pride" was recorded at Andy Faulkner's Sable Rose studios and is the band's first album since the return of original vocalist Karl Willetts as a full-time member.
  • Negura Bunget - European Tour 2007

    Time has come again for another Negura Bunget European Tour. We are keen to reach parts where we haven't played before, return to some places we enjoyed a lot and especially reach the places we were unable to make to in the past.

    We made some progresses from the previous newsflash, but we still have a few open dates. We are especially interested to arrange some date in the UK.
     
    If you feel you can help us arrange a date, please feel free to contact us:
    email - contact@negurabunget.com
    mobile - 0040723565544
     
    Feel also free to spread this message. We appreciate any kind of support!
     
    04/04/2007 - Budapest (HUN) + Adultery
    05/04/2007 - Zilina (SVK) + Adultery
    06/04/2007 - Ostrava (CZE) + Adultery
    07/04/2007 - Katowice (POL) + Adultery
    08/04/2007 - Praha (CZE) + Adultery
    09/04/2007 - t.b.a.
    10/04/2007 - Nice (FR) + Kathaarsys, Artefact - tbc
    11/04/2007 - Lyon (FR) + Kathaarsys - tbc
    12/04/2007 - Barcelona (SP) - tbc + Ataraxie, Nemesis Ateterna
    13/04/2007 - Bilbao (SP) + Kathaarsys
    14/04/2007 - Madrid (SP) - Ritmo&Compas (www.ritmoycompas.com) + Ataraxie, Kathaarsys
    15/04/2007 - Valencia (SP) + Ataraxie, Kathaarsys - tbc
    16/04/2007 - t.b.a.
    17/04/2007 - t.b.a.
    18/04/2007 - Groninghen (NL) - Vera (www.vera-groningen.nl ) + support
    19/04/2007 - Hamburg (DE) - Markthalle (www.markthalle-hamburg.de) + support
    20/04/2007 - Bischofswerda (DE) - Eastclub (www.east-club.de) + Menhir
    21/04/2007 - Annaberg-Buchholz (DE) - Asgard Club - tbc
    22/04/2007 - Berlin (DE) - Knaak Club (www.knaack-berlin.de) + Menhir
    23/04/2007 - t.b.a.
    24/04/2007 - t.b.a.
    25/04/2007 - t.b.a.
    26/04/2007 - t.b.a.
    27/04/2007 - Zella-Menhis (DE) - Einsiedel + support
    28/04/2007 - Burgdorf (CH) + Dornenreich
    29/04/2007 - ITA - t.b.a.
    30/04/2007 - Zagreb (CR) - KSET (www.kset.org) + support
    01/05/2007 - t.b.a.
    02/05/2007 - t.b.a.
    03/05/2007 - Nijmegen (NL) - Staddijk (www.staddijk.nl) + support
    04/05/2007 - Bad Segeberg (DE) - "Av is og ild Festival" + Adultery
    05/05/2007 - Paris (FR) - La Loco - tbc
    06/05/2007 - t.b.a.
    07/05/2007 - t.b.a.
    08/05/2007 - t.b.a.
    09/05/2007 - t.b.a.
    10/05/2007 - t.b.a.
    11/05/2007 - UK/IRL - t.b.a.
    12/05/2007 - UK - t.b.a.
    13/05/2007 - UK - t.b.a.
  • Theatres des Vampires newsletter February 2007
     
    Theatres des Vampires and Plastic Head LTD are very pleased to announce the official release date of the new Double Album “Desires of Damnation- The Addiction Tour 2007”.

    On the 19th of March 2007 the new album will be released and distributed in all Europe and then Russia, America and Japan (dates to be confirmed).

    The launch party where new excellent songs will be played for the very first time live will be on the 3rd of February at the Slimelight in London and it will be possible for the public to buy it in there before the release date at a very good price.
     
    Other band news:
     
    Changing of Line-up within the Band

    As most of you have noticed from the new pictures on the websites a change has happened on our Line-up.

    Robert “Morgoth” has infact recently left us to begin a new solo project for himself.

    Stephan Benfante is now our new guitarist and contributed on the new songs.

    However Robert has contributed aswell on the recording process giving his personal embellishment  has he always does as a personal bye to the fans.
     
    This is an extract from his journal related to the leaving of the band:

    “After many years spent together, I’ve decided to leave Theatres des Vampires in order to follow a new musical path that I feel more mine.

    The splitting has been a very friendly one as  a matter of fact I participated to the release of the new songs present in “ Desires of Damnation” as last chapter of my career with them and to say goodbye to all fans that has supported me til now and will still to support the band in the future.I’m sure you will also like my new band 3rd room.

    In conclusion I would like to wish a very good luck to the new guitarist to whom I leave this very important position.I’m sure he will substitute me in a very great way and wish to the band  great success in its future.

    Robertkh”
  • OPEN GRAVE RECORDS SPONSORS MILWAUKEE METAL FEST XIX AND HAS OWN STAGE AT THIS YEARS EVENT.
     
    Open Grave Records is please to announce a partnership with the long running Milwaukee Metalfest being hosted this year at the Waukesha Expo Center in Waukesha, WI on May 11th & 12th, 2007.
     
    As well as being a sponsor Open Grave Records will have their own stage at the festival which will feature three artists from the Open Grave Roster including:
     
    Indiana’s, Necrodemon will bring their icy cold version of Black/Death Metal in support of their third album, “Ice Fields of Hyperion”. “Ice Fields of Hyperion” was given a world wide release via Open Grave Records in late 2006, and has been met with raved reviews world wide.
     
    Allentown, Pennsylvania ’s Demon Dog Sperm will introduce to the masses their brand of chaotic Stoner Metal. D.D.S.’s debut album is scheduled for release on June 26th of this year.
     
    Dallas, Texas ’s, No Souls Lost will bring the pain with their no holds barred brutal death metal attack. Open Grave Record and No Souls Lost are currently in negotiations for the release of their full length album, “Eulogy of Genocide” which the band self released in 2006.
     
    For more information on Milwaukee Metal Fest XIX visit http://www.metalfest.com.
  • The spanish band Kathaarsys is now finishing his new record called "VERSES IN VAIN".

    The artwork of this record is made by Kris Verwimp.

    This record will be avaliable in March. Also, the band is finishing to book his Eurpean tour

    Fore more information:
    www.myspace.com/kathaarsys
    www.kathaarsys.com
  • SAXON: 'The Inner Sanctum' Details Revealed

    British heavy metal legends SAXON have finalized the track listing for their new album, "The Inner Sanctum", due in Europe on March 5 (Germany: March 2, U.S.: April 3) via SPV Records.

    Commented frontman Biff Byford: "'The Inner Sanctum' is a typical SAXON recording that kicks off with gargatum heavy metal tracks, followed by classic rock 'n' roll numbers, returning to metal towards at the end. I'd say the album is in the style of 'Lionheart' and 'Metalhead'; a number of tracks have a 'Solid Ball of Rock' touch, but at the same time the production [by Charlie Bauerfeind] is very modern."

    Five days before the album arrives in stores, SAXON will embark on an extensive European tour, scheduled to last until mid-May, which will take Biff Byford, Paul Quinn (guitar), Doug Scarratt (guitar), Nibbs Carter (bass) and Nigel Glockler (drums) to England, Ireland, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Poland, Russia, Austria, Sweden and Finland, among other countries. Byford has already hinted at his band's live show, which has been updated as usual: "All those who know us are aware that we always include six to seven new numbers in our track listing when we have a new album to promote," he said.

    "The Inner Sanctum" will be available as a digipack with a bonus DVD and as a jewel case, featuring a bonus track.

    "The Inner Sanctum" limited editon track listing:

    01. State of Grace
    02. Need for Speed
    03. Let Me Feel Your Power
    04. Red Star Falling
    05. I've Got to Rock (To Stay Alive)
    06. If I Was You (album version)
    07. Going Nowhere Fast
    08. Ashes to Ashes
    09. Empire Rising
    10. Atila the Hun

    Bonus DVD (approximately 50 minutes long):

    A Night Out with the Boys:

    01. To Hell and Back Again
    02. A Night Out with the Boys – The Idea
    03. A Night Out with the Boys - Not Really
    04. See the Light Shining
    05. A Night Out with the Boys - Now It Started
    06. Redline
    07. Suzie Hold On
    08. Stand Up and Be Counted
    09. Frozen Rainbow
    10. Never Surrender
  • THE VISION BLEAK's third album

    THE VISION BLEAK are very busy pre-producing their third, as-yet-untitled album. According to the band, the follow-up to "Carpathia" is going to be "more guitar-based, harder, but also more dramatic and melodic", promising their most sinister work to date. In early February, THE VISION BLEAK will enter Klangschmiede Studio E for the fine-tuning of the recordings and the mix for an indefinite period of time.

    Additionally, THE VISION BLEAK are going to perform at the following festivals:
    12.05.2007 A - Wien / Metal For Fairness Festival - Planet Music
    14.-16.06.2007 D - Kleinwenkheim / Queens of Metal Festival
    16.-22.07.2007 SLO - Tolmin / Metalcamp Festival
    02.-04.08.2007 D - Wacken / Wacken Open Air Festival

    http://www.the-vision-bleak.de/
  • EMPYRIUM "A retrospective..." box sold out

    The limited EMPYRIUM box and the corresponding limited Digibooks are sold out.

    Last copies of the box may still be available from these mail-orders: grau / Nuclear Blast / EMP.
March 2nd, 2007
  • Actor CHRISTOPHER LEE Records 'Heavy Metal' Tune

    World Entertainment News Network reports that acting veteran Christopher Lee has launched a music career at the age of 84 — releasing a CD of songs including a heavy metal track. The "Lord Of The Rings" star is convinced he is the oldest rocker to record an album.

    He says of "Revelation", "I really believe that when people hear this CD they will say, 'Yes he really can sing.' And it is a unique recording. As far as I know no other man of my age has sung on an album."

    And Lee believes it will be a hit with young and old fans: "This has to be something that people can connect with. You see the young will connect with the metal version of 'The Toreador March', even though it is sung in French. I'm not singing in heavy metal, but it is still heavy metal."

    Lee has no plans to take his music on tour — insisting, "Not at my age. I don't think I could go through that. I couldn't possibly get up and sing these songs in a live show — my voice would probably be affected."
  • Sun & Moon Records, a new independent record label from Transylvania, Romania.

    In February, this year (2007) we will have our first two releases:

    The first release is NOCTURNAL DEPRESSION’s new album “Soundtrack For a Suicide: Opus II”, the first official ND album on CD format. Expect miserable, oppressive suicidal black metal from this French horde, influenced by Forgotten Tomb, Shining, Burzum or Nargaroth.

    Our second release is a re-release of LABYRINTH OF ABYSS’ debut album “The Cult Of Turul Pride”, which was recorded back in 2004, but it was released only on tape. Labyrinth Of Abyss was the first black metal band from Transylvania. Their style is an original thrash/black metal with true old school feeling and incredible guitar solos.

    More information about these releases, our bands, or any other stuff related to our label can be find here:

    www.sunandmoonrecords.com
  • DAWN OF AZAZEL CONFIRMS EUROPEAN TOUR
    WITH GRAVE, KRISIUN, AND IMMOLATION
     
    TRENTON, N.J. - New Zealand’s most notable death metal export, Dawn of Azazel, will return to Europe this spring for a 38-show tour with Grave, Krisiun, and Immolation.
     
     “We are extremely pleased to announce our return to Europe with some of the greatest in the genre,” said frontman Rigel Walshe.  “We would like to thank Massive Music and Ibex Moon Records for the chance go from strength to strength and again have the honour of hitting the road with acts that have been tremendously influential on our sound and musical identity.”
     
    No strangers to the road, Dawn of Azazel has most recently trekked throughout Australia and New Zealand with American death metal legends Deicide.  Prior to that, the group toured America with Vital Remains, Incantation, and Sin of Angels on the Decades of Death tour.  In March of 2005, Dawn of Azazel played 13 dates in New Zealand, Australia, Indonesian, and Thailand.  The final show of the upcoming tour will mark the 99th in support of the band’s latest album, “Sedition,” which was re-released in the United States in September with a video bonus track via Ibex Moon Records.Dates are as follow:

    04.05.07 BEL Vosselaar @ Biebob
    05.05.07 GER Osnabruck @ Tor 3
    06.05.07 HOL Groningen @ Vera
    07.05.07 GER Flensburg @ Roxy
    08.05.07 DEN Aarhus @ Train
    09.05.07 DEN Kopenhagen @ The Rock
    10.05.07 GER Hamburg, Bremen tbc
    11.05.07 GER Hannover @ MusikZentrum
    12.05.07 HOL Eindhoven @ Neurotic Deathfest
    13.05.07 HOL Hengelo @ Metropol
    14.05.07 FR tbc @ tbc
    15.05.07 UK tbc @ tbc
    16.05.07 IRE Dublin @ Voodoo Lounge
    17.05.07 UK tbc @ tbc
    18.05.07 UK London @ Camden Underworld
    19.05.07 GER Trier @ ExHaus
    20.05.07 FR Paris @ La Locomotive
    21.05.07 day off or Metz, Nancy, STrasbourg
    22.05.07 GER Nurnberg @ K4
    23.05.07 CZ Prague @ Lucerna Music Bar
    24.05.07 GER Berlin @ Knaack
    25.05.07 GER Leipzig @ Hellriser Festival
    26.05.07 GER Rosenheim n/Munich @ Bavarian Battle Summer Fest
    27.05.07 A Klagenfurt/Karnten @ Mexicohalle
    28.05.07 ITA tbc @ tbc
    29.05.07 FR Lyon @ tbc
    30.05.07 FR Marseille @ tbc
    31.05.07 SP Barcelona @ Mephisto
    01.06.07 SP Madrid @ Ritmo & Compas
    02.06.07 SP Sevilla @ Sala Q
    03.06.07 POR Porto @ tba
    04.06.07 SP Irun @ Tunk
    05.06.07 FR Toulouse @ Salle Des fetes
    06.06.07 CH Geneve @ L'Usine
    07.06.07 CH Pratteln @ Z7
    08.06.07 GER Frankfurt @ Suffering Life Festival
    09.06.07 GER Duisburg @ Deathfest
    10.06.07 HOL Nijmegen @ Doornroosje
     
    www.dawnofazazel.com
  • METAL BLADE RECORDS signs HATE ETERNAL!

    I'm very please to announce that Metal Blade Records has just signed a worldwide deal with Death Metal Legends, Hate Eternal.

    Formed in 1997, Hate Eternal's goal has always been to challenge musical limitations and create new boundaries with no compromise; to obtain goals aimed at by many yet reached by only a select few; to create music that not only defies all clichés, but that creates a true sense of power, dissonance and consonance, heaviness and speed, melody and brutality, simply put horrific hymns. Guitarist Erik Rutan has crafted an impressive career by attaining that goal consistently for well over a decade with his legendary work in Ripping Corpse and Morbid Angel. Not to mention his other career as engineer/ producer for bands such as Cannibal Corpse, Soilent Green, Six Feet Under, Cellador, Vital Remains, Premonitions of War, Goatwhore and Into the Moat just to name a few, and the list goes on.

    Metal Blade Records owner/CEO, Brian Slagel, had this comment:
    "I am truly honored to be working with Hate Eternal. They are a legendary band and I am so happy to welcome them to the Metal Blade Family." - Brian Slagel

    Hate Eternal guitarist, Erik Rutan, had this to say regarding their signing:

    "Signing to Metal Blade for us reconfirms that all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears we have put into the band has been worth every single moment. This is completely amazing. We know we will forge on with all the support and confidence a band can ask for from their record label. We are proud to be a part of the hugely successful Metal Blade Family and look forward to bringing our music to the next level." - Erik Rutan

    Hate Eternal is currently in the writing process for the follow-up to their 2005 release "I, Monarch" that shall be recorded at Rutan's own Mana Recording Studios in June/July 2007.

    http://www.hateeternal.com
  • VADER, JUSTICE Confirmed For Germany's QUEENS OF METAL Festival

    VADER, JUSTICE and PESTILENT are the latest confirmed bands for the Queens Of Metal Open Air 2007 festival, set to take place June 14-16 in Kleinwenkheim, Germany. The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):

    DELIRIOUS
    DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER
    DIVINE NOISE ATTACK
    DYSEMBRIOMA
    EL [K]MINO
    GUN BARREL
    JUSTICE
    KROMLEK
    LAY DOWN ROTTEN
    LEGION OF THE DAMNED
    LENG TCH'E
    MINDCRIME
    NECROTIC FLESH
    NOT FRAGILE
    OBSTINACY
    PESTILENT
    RAGE
    REQUIEM
    SILENT OVERDRIVE
    SINTECH INC.
    SORROGATE
    THE VISION BLEAK
    VADER

    For more information, visit www.queens-of-metal.com.
  • ORANGE GOBLIN: New Material Is 'Sounding Great'

    British doomsters ORANGE GOBLIN have issued the following update:

    "Well, it's 2007 and nothing really seems any different. The band are continuing to write new stuff for the new album, 'Healing Through Fire', and you can rest assured that it's sounding great! We will try to keep you posted with news as regularly as possible and we hope to do a studio diary when the recording begins.

    "There is a new piece of video footage available on YouTube featuring the ORANGE GOBLIN track 'Blue Snow' nicely edited with some live footage from the recent show at Forte Prenestino in Rome, Italy.

    "RAVEN'S CREED, the band featuring ORANGE GOBLIN's Ben [Ward, vocals] and Martyn [Millard, bass], will release their first demo in the next few months. The material is very different from the regular ORANGE GOBLIN stuff and is more of blend of VENOM, CELTIC FROST, DEATH and EXODUS. The band also features Steve Watson (ex-IRON MONKEY and CEREBRAL FIX) and Jay Graham (ex-TONY IOMMI and RETURN TO THE SABBAT) and they plan to release the album 'Albion Thunder' later in 2007. Ben says 'It's really only a matter of time, we just need EMI and Sony to end their bidding war for us so we can get on with global and universal domination!"

    Production on the new ORANGE GOBLIN album, "Healing through Fire", will be handled by Mark Daghorn, who has recently worked with MENDEED, CRADLE OF FILTH and many more, as well as being involved in the two previous ORANGE GOBLIN albums. According to the band, the next record will definitely be a progression from 2004's "Thieving from the House of God" and will be based on its local history. Ward states that "it's not a concept album at all but we are using the theme of the Great Plague of London and the Great Fire that followed for a lot of lyrical and musical influence. It's definitely the strongest material we have written."

    "Healing through Fire" is tentatively due on May 21, 2007 via Sanctuary Records.

    ORANGE GOBLIN filmed its December 16 show at The Mean Fiddler in London for an upcoming DVD.
  • NEVERMORE Guitarist Undergoes Successful Kidney Transplant Surgery

    NEVERMORE guitarist Steve Smyth (NEVERMORE, DRAGONLORD, ex-TESTAMENT, VICIOUS RUMORS) has issued the following update:

    "The time has finally come to share a very important piece of news directly related to my health. On December 12th, 2006, I had a successful kidney transplant!

    "After six straight months on dialysis, changes to my lifestyle and diet, and a very thorough search for a suitable donor, by early August 2006, we had a preliminary match. Several rounds of blood and tissue typing tests had to be subsequently performed to ensure we were a perfect match for transplant; the main reason for my hesitance in saying anything publicly during those months.

    "The donor shall remain nameless, but my gratitude to him for his selfless act of kindness and friendship will endure forever! Thank you so much — you have no idea how much this means to me!

    "I am now on the road to recovery, as they say. This is mainly requiring a lot of adjustment to medications I will be on for the rest of my life, a small price to pay to be free from dialysis, and the restrictions it places on a person, both mentally and physically. I had no idea how much freedom I took for granted before all of this hit. 2006 was a big revelation of the frailty of human life for me, something I will not take for granted again.

    "Where does all this lead to next? I've been advised by my doctors that I will not be able to travel in any capacity for the next six months, as I have to adjust to immunosuppressant drugs to fight any possible form of rejection of the kidney, and my body needs time to recover from this operation, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes. All things that only make one stronger!

    "Obviously, my health must come first, but of huge importance to me is my loyalty to the rest of NEVERMORE, and as soon as I am deemed fit and ready to hit the road again, I will. I've already written 4-5 songs in various stages for the next NEVERMORE record, when the time comes to do one.

    "My immediate plans are to finish THE ESSENESS PROJECT, my instrumental debut album collaboration with bass player/composer Steve Hoffman and special guest drummer Atma Anur, and find a suitable label to release the album, and get this album heard, finally! It's been a long road, most recently delayed by my health issues. I am glad to finally be getting this on to the mix stage within the next month.

    For more updates on THE ESSENESS PROJECT, please check in at www.theessenessproject.com and our related forum. We have lots of news upcoming, as we confirm the next phases of the record, including mixing duties, mastering duties, and artwork, and finally, what label will release it. Interested parties in this last area, please contact me at: steve@stevesmyth.com. I am also set to launch my Internet guitar lesson business within the coming weeks. This will be a 'live via webcam' lesson. All things that would happen in a regular live lesson with me will remain intact; written and audio/video examples, and direct focus on your goals as a musician are my aim.

    "If you are interested in pursuing lessons with me, please contact me at: steve@stevesmyth.com with INTERNET GUITAR LESSONS in the title. I will include you on a mailing list due to go out this week, with full details on the lessons, how they will be run, cost, scheduling, etc. I look forward to teaching you!

    "Please stay tuned to www.stevesmyth.com or www.myspace.com/stevesmyth for further updates, or my forum on Ultimate Metal, as all further updates will come from any of these locations.

    "I told everyone I would fight this, and be back! Bring on 2007, I'm ready!"
  • MEGADETH: 'New Album 100 Percent Complete'

    MEGADETH guitarist Glen Drover has posted the following message in the "Forums" section of the band's official web site:

    "Since I have returned from the U.K. trip with Dave [Mustaine] to finish the [new MEGADETH] album ['United Abominations'], I have been reflecting on what we have accomplished over the last year with this new recording..

    "The whole experience has been a lot of fun for me, as well as learning so much from Dave in the process. All of us have worked so well together on this record, which is what good chemistry is all about!

    "Speaking of working well together and chemistry, Andy Sneap [British producer/mixer] has really been a blessing for us. He knew exactlly what to do with this album, was very easy to work with and has become a good friend as well. I look foward to working with him again!

    "Aside from all of that stuff, there will be some cool news coming up in the world of MEGADETH. Stay tuned..."

    Said MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine about the track: "This was a mix made by Andy Sneap to apply for the job as mixer on this record and I was so impressed I wanted him to help me finish up the last parts as well as cutting two new songs we hadn't planned on releasing. [It was] a great start to one of my favorite records to have ever made so far. If the process of writing and tracking, and the energy we felt in the studios is any indication, then this is just the beginning of the rebuilding of the perfect beast!"

    A video clip of MEGADETH performing "Gears of War" live on October 31, 2006 at Six Flags in Springfield, Massachusetts during the "Gears of War - Match Made In Hell" event has been posted online at YouTube.com.

    Check out the "Gears of War" lyrics at Megadeth.com.
  • Malevolent Creation "Doomsday X" - Album Journal Part 7

    Wednesday, 17 January 2007

    Dave finished tracking the drums and arrived home this evening. They recorded 12 songs and Dave is very happy with the natural feel they achieved, without sounding overly mechanical. The ProTools at their disposal were not used to alter the drum sounds. Dave wanted to give everone a real feel for his power and style, without the over use of recording technology. They are taking about a week break and then the guitar tracking starts. Dave and the band are very pleased with the progress so far and can't wait for the upcoming tours. We will try to give more progress updates when the guitar tracking begins...Thanks to all the people who helped bring this first hand news to SickDrummer.com and all the fans... Doomsday X sounds like it's shaping up to be a Sick Album!

    Please stay tuned for more signed giveaways from Dave, Tim Yeung, Adam Jarvis and more!

    www.malevolent-creation.com
March 1st, 2007
  • IRON MAIDEN And OZZY OSBOURNE To Share Stage At Holland's FIELDS OF ROCK

    According to Muziekagenda.nl, IRON MAIDEN and OZZY OSBOURNE will perform at the Fields of Rock festival, which is scheduled to take place June 16-17 in Biddinghuizen, Netherlands. An official confirmation is expected to arrive soon.

    In other MAIDEN-related news, DNAIndia.com reports that Bruce Dickinson and company will play at least one show (Bangalore) in India later this year. A "battle of the bands" has been launched to give one local act an opportunity to open the concert, which is being organized by Venkat Vardhan of DNA Networks.

    IRON MAIDEN's new album, "A Matter of Life and Death", has sold almost 160,000 copies in the United States since its Sept. 5 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
  • IRON MAIDEN Frontman Comments On Upcoming Greek Appearance

    Vocalist Bruce Dickinson of the British heavy metal giants IRON MAIDEN has commented on the band's upcoming Greek show, which is set to take place in Athens on March 11.

    Says Dickinson, "Greece has always given us such great support and we understand that 'A Matter of Life and Death' was the No. 1 album for four weeks and we will of course be playing some songs from that album. We were sadly unable to arrange a date in the first part of the tour so we are all very pleased to be now able to play in Athens and we expect to bring with us the full staging we have been using so far on this tour. The Greek audiences are amongst the craziest anywhere and we look forward very much to playing the show. And so, of course, does Eddie!"

    The Athens concert will take place at the Pavilion Stadium of Tae Kwon Do in Faliro. The ticket price is 55 euros (in advance) and 60 euros (at the door). Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

    IRON MAIDEN's latest live DVD, "Death on the Road", will finally receive a much-deserved U.S. release on January 30. Filmed at the Westenfalenhalle Arena in Dortmund, Germany, the performance was personally edited by founding member/bassist Steve Harris, to fully capture the magnificent stage production and to cut right to the heart and the electricity of the band's performance.

    Since the taping of "Death on the Road", IRON MAIDEN has issued the critically heralded "A Matter of Life and Death" album, which has sold 155,000 copies in the United States since its Sept. 5 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

    Up next for the group is a headlining spot at the Dubai (United Arab Emirates) Desert Rock Festival on March 9, which will see IRON MAIDEN joined by the likes of THE PRODIGY, STONE SOUR, IN FLAMES, MASTODON, CHILDREN OF BODOM, LAUREN HARRIS and JUNKYARD GROOVE
  • SLAYER, MASTODON, HATEBREED, NEUROSIS Confirmed For Norway's Hovefestivalen

    SLAYER, MASTODON, HATEBREED and NEUROSIS have been confirmed for Hovefestivalen, a brand new five-day festival set to take place June 25-29 on the island of Tromøy, just outside the city of Arendal, in Norway. Hovefestivalen reportedly has the potential to become Norway's biggest festival, with up to 20,000 music fans expected to attend this year's event.

    As previously reported, SLAYER is rumored to be the headliner of this year's With Full Force festival, set to take place June 29 – July 1 at Flugplatz Roitzschjora in Löbnitz, Germany. The official confirmation of SLAYER's participation is expected shortly via the event's web site.

    SLAYER will make its first-ever network television appearance on ABC-TV's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" this Friday, January 19. The band will play two songs on air, "Jihad" and "Mandatory Suicide", as well as three additional off-air tracks for a crowd of over 1,000 people.

    American Recordings has pushed back the projected release date of the "Unholy Alliance" CD+DVD package to February 27 from the previously announced February 13. Filmed on July 13, 2006 at Vancouver's 18,000-seat General Motors Place, "Unholy Alliance" features performance footage from SLAYER, LAMB OF GOD, MASTODON, CHILDREN OF BODOM and THINE EYES BLEED. DVD bonuses include backstage footage and band interviews.

    SLAYER's "Christ Illusion" album, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard chart, has sold just under 150,000 copies in the United States since its Aug. 8 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan
  • HEAVEN AND HELL To Play Only DIO-Era BLACK SABBATH Songs On Tour

    HEAVEN AND HELL — the new band featuring legendary heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio (DIO, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW) alongside original BLACK SABBATH members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, plus drummer Vinny Appice (DIO, BLACK SABBATH) — has confirmed to TotalRock that it will only be playing songs from the Dio era of BLACK SABBATH on its upcoming world tour. The group will put together its live show from the "Heaven And Hell", "Mob Rules" and "Dehumanizer" albums, plus three new songs written and recorded for the upcoming compilation album "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years".

    HEAVEN AND HELL's world tour will kick off March 11 in Vancouver, British Columbia and will play at least ten shows across Canada, including Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg and London. An exclusive New York City show has also been scheduled but has yet to be announced. DOWN — the acclaimed New Orleans band featuring CORROSION OF CONFORMITY guitarist/vocalist Pepper Keenan, drummer Jimmy Bower (EYEHATEGOD, SUPERJOINT RITUAL guitarist), bassist Rex Brown (ex-PANTERA), guitarist Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR), and vocalist Philip Anselmo (SUPERJOINT RITUAL, ex-PANTERA) — will be the opening act for at least 10 of the dates. Then HEAVEN AND HELL will likely play South America, Japan, Korea, Australia and Europe before returning to North America for a U.S. tour in August or September.

    HEAVEN AND HELL tour dates so far:

    Mar. 11 - Vancouver, B.C. @ Pacific Coliseum
    Mar. 13 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
    Mar. 14 - Calgary, AB @ Saddledome
    Mar. 16 - Regina, SK @ Brandt Centre
    Mar. 18 - Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre
    Mar. 20 - Sault St. Marie, ON @ Steelback Centre
    Mar. 22 - Toronto, ONT @ Air Canada Centre
    Mar. 24 - London, ONT @ John Labatt Centre
    Mar. 26 - Montreal, QUE @ Bell Centre
    Mar. 27 - Quebec City, QUE @ Colisee Pepsi Arena
    Mar. 28 - Ottawa, ONT @ Civic Centre
    Jun 6-9 - Sölvesborg, SWE @ Sweden Rock
    Jun. 09 - Tampere, FIN @ Sauna Open Air
    Jun. 10 - Helsinki, FIN @ Jäähallissa
    Jun. 22-23 – Balingen, GER @ Bang Your Head!!!

    The upcoming Dio-era BLACK SABBATH anthology, "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years", will feature three new songs ("Shadow of the Wind", "Devil Cries" and "Ear in the Wall"), and is tentatively due on April 3 via Rhino.

    In a recent interview with Revolver magazine, Ronnie James Dio and Tony Iommi were asked if fans could expect a HEAVEN AND HELL album in the future. "Well, I'm not going to give up the DIO band," Ronnie said. "And I think touring for a year with this band will be long enough. But I would hope that we'll still be speaking to each other after that and that some other plans might be able to be made." "At this point, nothing is written in stone," Iommi added. "Anything could happen."
  • BLAZE To Play IRON MAIDEN-Based Set At Poland's METALMANIA Festival

    BLAZE, the band fronted by former IRON MAIDEN/WOLFSBANE singer Blaze Bayley, will debut its brand new lineup at the 21st edition of Metalmania festival — "the biggest metal fest in Central-Eastern Europe" — set to take place on March 24, 2007 at Spodek Hall in Katowice, Poland. According to Blaze, "the set we play probably will be a mix of some of my songs from 'X Factor' and 'Virtual XI' with IRON MAIDEN and a few songs from my own BLAZE albums."

    The members of BLAZE's most recent touring lineup — Oliver Palotai (guitar), Luca Princiotta (guitar), Christian Ammann (bass), and Daniel Schild (drums) — announced their departure from the band earlier in the month, blaming Blaze's new management for contributing to the split. BLAZE's new lineup has yet to be officially revealed.

    BLAZE's most recent release, "Blood & Belief", was issued in Europe in April 2004. The follow-up to 2002's "Tenth Dimension" was recorded at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, England with producer Andy Sneap (NEVERMORE, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY).
  • MIDDIAN announces release of Metal Blade debut, Age Eternal!

    “After YOB got back from our last tour in 2005, it became very obvious that our individual goals in the band had changed. Travis Foster and Isamu Sato both left the band after we explored options for keeping YOB together. Neither of them had the stomach for touring anymore, and I knew I wanted to keep touring. After about 8 months of thought as whether to continue with what would be YOB’s 5th line-up after Isamu and Travis left, and after trying out some fine musicians, I decided to let YOB go.”

    “So I decided to start a new band: very much in the vein of YOB, but more angry and mid-paced on average, but still with roots in slow DOOM and the cosmic vibe that was a part of YOB. Middian is that band. In my mind I was already thinking about who I was going to approach for a rhythm section: My friends Will Lindsay on bass and Scott Headrick on drums. They are both very experienced musicians who, while having roots in extreme music, neither had played DOOM influenced music before. I wanted a fresh take on the riffs I was writing. Luckily they were both into it, and we have been having a blast ever since.”

    “Age Eternal is our first album together, and we are very happy with it overall. It is a solid first album for us and is setting the blueprint for what we do: DOOM and Stoner influenced music without it exactly being either....but definitely being HEAVY. It has lots of lurching faster riffs and chord melody not unlike YOB, but yet it is different. It is more urgent, straight-forward, and punk influenced in many ways, and our bassist Will shares vocal duties with me. Age Eternal also has slow pummeling DOOM riffage. The band is extremely collaborative even though I write the tunes thus far. We all have strong ideas and opinions that mesh very well and it culminated in Age Eternal. We are very proud to have our first album released by Metal Blade Records.” Mike Scheidt

    Track list for "Age Eternal":
    1. Dreamless Eye
    2. the Blood of Icons
    3. Age Eternal
    4. The Celebrant
    5. Sink to the Center

    MIDDIAN is:
    Mike S-guitar and vox
    Will Lindsay-bass and vocals
    Scott Headrick-drums

    http://www.middian.com
  • CATARACT announces line-up changes!

    Dear Cataractians, we have some rather big news for you all. We've had several discussions between different members about our future concerning music, shape, form and structure of Cataract and of course the year lying ahead. And, after a final meeting this Friday, we agreed to disagree - our founding member Simon decided to part ways with Cataract to pursue his own projects, which you will run across sooner or later. We had nine incredible years and all of us will remember the times we had. We are parting in peace as we all agreed that this is the best way for both sides.

    Simon says the following to his departure: "Sometimes you come to a cross road in life where there is only one way to go. I choose the path of facing a new personal and musical challenge. I have been part of this band as a founding member for nearly 8 1/2 years. I am thankful for the great experiences I have made and for all the old friends, new friends, promoters, journalists and tons more - you know who you are - I met over the years through the band. I want to thank all band members - previous and past - that shared a vision. I wish Cataract all the best.”

    We have decided to take a break until we worked out all the band business and we'll use the time to evaluate Simon's successor. Unfortunately we had to cancel the show in Aarau but we will make up for it as soon as we're a five piece again. All other shows (we will add them soon) are still hot and will happen. If you have any questions, contact us. Of course we're looking for a new guitarist now, we will make another posting with our ideas and requirements in short time. If you already think you have got "it" then contact us at info@cataract.cc.

    Simon, all the best on your way, we all know you will make it!

    http://www.cataract-collective.com