Old News - September 2009


Old News - September 2009 - Old News - More September 2009 News
September 6th, 2009	VIKING SKULL TOUR DATES CONFIRMED Viking Skull have announced details of their UK tour this October and November. October 26 @ The Cat House, Glasgow 27@ The Loft, Forres 28 @ Tunnels, Aberdeen 29 @ Hustlers, Dundee 30 @ Gasworks, Bradford 31 @ Soundhouse, Bolton November 2 @ Central Fire Station, Wrexham 3 @ Plug N Play, Reading 4 @ Barfly, Cardiff 6 @ Borderline, London 7 @ Corporation, Sheffield 8 @ Hellfire Festival, NEC Birmingham 9 @ Champions, Bournemouth The bands recently appointed manager Rob Ferguson commented “We’re very pleased to put ‘the Skull’ out on the road again in the UK after a long absence, the band have been working their album hard in the US and are really excited to be back in front of home crowds.” Their album ‘Doom, Gloom, Heartache & Whisky’ is available to buy now. For more details visit www.myspace.com/vikingskull. LETHE OFFER UPDATE ON 'MNEMOSYNE' RELEASE Seattle-based psychedelic stoner rock outfit LETHE (featuring members of SAMOTHRACE) have just issued an update on their highly anticipated debut album, Mnemosyne. The album was recorded by Eric Graves (The Esoteric) at Black Lodge Studios and Mixtape Soundlabs in the band's hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, and will be released by instrumental music giants Reptile Records. Bassist Dylan Desmond divulged that "it's looking like mid August the pressing should be complete. We have a full time drummer now named Adrian Guerra who also plays drums in the Seattle band Sod Hauler. He's kicking ass and we're writing a lot of new material with him. We're officially a three piece now, and Adrian's input and style is a huge step up for our song writing! We're in the process of planning a November/December tour, and are probably going to begin recording a new full length sometime early next year. " To get a taste of Mnemosyne, head over to Lethe's Myspace and check out two new songs that appear on the record - "Mother Milk Eyes" and "Therefore Let Us Feed the Beast." Tracklisting: 1. Mother Milk Eyes 2. Therefore Let Us Feed The Beast 3. New Queen's 4. Open Harvest 5. Mnemosyne www.myspace.com/lethecult SPECIAL OPS RELEASE THIRD ALBUM "THROUGH THE HEART OF THE INFIDEL" - SEPT. 15th Following the success of their second album Phase 2: Amidst The Madness, Special Ops finally release their much hyped about follow-up Through the Heart of the Infidel. The international collective is back and stronger than ever with their unique sound - a fusion of the members’ diverse cultures - and, as always, their powerful lyrics based on real-life experiences. Everything from one member’s cancer ordeal whilst touring, to lost loves, to industry bull shit – nothing is off-limits. “Our last album was received with good reviews, and I have to admit that puts pressure on a band to push farther and explore new territories,” explains frontman Abe Froman. “It was tough at times but I think we’ve achieved the goals and expectations that our fans, and that we ourselves, set. We’re really proud of the result.” Rocking out of the barracks, Special Ops have returned to the battlefront with their third album – “Through the Heart of the Infidel.” The album produced by award winning producer/engineer/mixer Glen Robinson (Voivod, The Ramones, ACDC, Gwar, Queensryche, Nashville Pussy) captures the hearts and minds of those who have struggled in protest and demonstrates the trials and tribulations Special Ops have seen as a band. Everything from one member’s cancer ordeal whie touring, to lost loves, to industry bull shit that the everyday artist struggles with. Special Ops bring forward in their international collective an explosive return to hard chaotic sniper rock. Upcoming Tour Dates – More dates coming soon! August 27, 2009 Ottawa ON Mavericks September 5, 2009 Dieppe NB Dieppe Youth House (All Ages) September 12, 2009 Montreal QC Cabaret (Through The Heart of The Infidel -CD LAUNCH) September 18, 2009 TerreBonne QC Le Transit September 19, 2009 Sherbrooke QC Bar Le Magog October 3, 2009 Kitchner ON The Joint November 7, 2009 Ottawa ON Café Deckuf November 27, 2009 Ottawa ON Café Deckuf Website - www.OpsMission.com Myspace.com/OpsMission Twitter.com/OpsMission NEW ADDITIONS TO THE HELLFIRE II LINE UP Bury Tomorrow, No Made Sense, Trigger The Bloodshed, Cinders Fall and Malefice have been added to the line up for Hellfire Festival. The performance day for the new additions to the line-up will be announced soon. In the meantime you can check the bands out on MySpace… http://www.myspace.com/burytomorrowband http://www.myspace.com/nomadesense http://www.myspace.com/triggerthebloodshed http://www.myspace.com/cindersfall http://www.myspace.com/malefice Hellfire II will take place at the NEC Birmingham from 6-8 November. Tickets for Hellfire II are on sale NOW! Check out http://www.hellfirefestival.com/?page=tickets for more details. DANCE WITH THE DEVIL AGAIN! STREET LEGAL 'BITES THE BULLET' TRENTON, N.J. - Frontiers Records is particularly pleased to announce the come-back release from Street Legal, "Bite the Bullet." Street Legal's name came to prominence for the first time during the year 2000 when the band's debut, "Thunderdome," was released to strong critical acclaim in Europe on Frontiers Records. The band did already build a a solid reputation with some great live shows in their home country Norway, and their first show in May '99 as support of WASP gathered such comments as: "Iron Maiden threatened KISS in 1980, Clawfinger showed muscle before Anthrax in 1990, Skunk Anansie blew away Therapy? in 1995. In 1999 Street Legal outplayed WASP." - Stig Myhre (Nettpuls). "Street Legal should be the next Norwegian act to make a remarkable impact on an international level." - Jan Dahle (Scream). After the release of "Thuderdome," Street Legal performed some killer shows at the Sweden Rock Festival and at the Gods Festival in the UK. Soundwise, these Norwegian rockers have been often compared to Thin Thizzy, Whitesnake and Blue Murder. "Classic rock with a strong blues foundation, still very harmony driven," comments bass player and singer Bjorn Boge, when asked to describe the sound of the band to the uninitiated. "A lot of influences from the past: West Coast music, metal, hard rock from the late '70s. Always with focus on the song. Lyrics are also important. Chuck Frazier, my buddy in the lyric department, is the major force behind this." After a long hiatus and some line-up changes, Street Legal are now back to rock with a superb new album that begins where the previous has left. Bjorn explains: "This record marks the introduction of my brother Oystein as the drummer in the band and also brings a more straightforward rock 'n' roll approach than 'Thunderdome.' For the time being we decided to stick with just the two of us. We know a lot of great guitar players, so the live lineup will be as strong as ever." With Bjorn and his brother Oysten on drums, featured on the album there are Tore Ostby (ex-ARK, Conception) and Rolf Bjorseth playing guitars. Bjorn concludes: "It's been a long and bumpy ride the last nine years for Street Legal. Since 'Thunderdome' we went through heaven and hell: tour bus accident, personal disasters, depressions, divorces. The only problem we didn't have was drugs! 'Bite the Bullet' was so hard to make, that we sometimes felt it was better to quit and call it a day. But we didn't. And today I am very proud of what came out of this process. Street Legal will kick serious ass again. Looking forward to see you on the road!" Final tracklisting of "Bite the Bullet" includes: "Loading Up," "Somebody Up There Likes Me," "Unconditional Love," "Warriors of Gengis Khan," "Shadow In My Heart," "Bite the Bullet," "Starship Trooper," "Trapped," "The Battle of Kringen," "Maniac," and "Silent Tear." www.myspace.com/streetlegalnorway www.frontiers.it www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords MINISTRY’S THE LAST DUBBER AVAILABLE SEPT. 15 Remix album of final Ministry release (The Last Sucker) coming from Al Jourgensen’s 13th Planet Records El Paso, Texas– Ministry, arguably the most influential industrial band to date, punctuated the close of their 30 year recording career with 2007’s The Last Sucker. Now comes the remix album, The Last Dubber, an appropriately beguiling album that dabbles in both trance and metal. The Last Sucker was greeted with a chorus of glowing reviews including Pitchfork proclaiming it “Ministry’s most exciting record since Psalm 69,” and Spin said Jourgensen “can still pile on the jackhammer beats and clever samples.” Following the album’s release Jourgensen and company embarked on the C U LaTour, which wrapped around the globe with sold out shows at each stop and is documented in the recently released Adios… Puta Madres DVD/CD. The Last Dubber track listing is: 1. Let’s Go (La Fin Du Monde Mix) 2. Watch Yourself (The Clocks Strike Thirteen Mix) 3. Life is Good (Neuroplasticity Mix) 4. The Dick Song (Straight Outta Lincoln Mix) 5. The Last Sucker (Icke Mix) 6. No Glory (Sandpaper Condom Mix) 7. Death & Destruction (A Vote of Non-Confidence Mix) 8. Die In A Crash (Point of Impact Mix) 9. End Of Days Part 1 (One Less Sparrow Mix) 10. End Of Days Part 2 (Extreme Mayan Makeover Mix) 11. Let’s Go (Dawn of Oblivion Mix) 12. The Last Sucker (Hardware Revamp Mix) All tracks remixed by Clayton Workbeck of RevCo with the exception of “Let’s Go (Dawn of Oblivion Mix)” by John Bechdel (Killing Joke, Ministry, False Icons) and “The Last Sucker (Hardware Revamp Mix)” by DJ Hardware The Last Dubber is the fourth in a series of remix records from Jourgensen’s 13th Planet Records. The previous albums being: Prong’s Power of Damn MiXXXer, RevCo’s Cocktail MiXXX, Ministry’s Rio Grande Dubya and RevCo’s Sex-O MiXXX-O (which is set for a Sept. 29 release). DAMNATION FESTIVAL - Life Of Agony confirmed to headline! New York crossover legends LIFE OF AGONY will headline the Jagermeister Stage at this year's Damnation Festival with an exclusive performance. The group will bring their emotional blend of heavy rock and alternative metal to the UK for the first time since their sold-out show at London's Koko in 2005 following a series of dates headlining festivals across Europe. And they'll top a stage which already boasts a wealth of diverse talent inlcuding Destruction, Therapy? and Electric Wizard with guests and opening acts still be to announced. Damnation Festival director Gavin McInally said: "Landing a headliner of Life of Agony's stature is a major coup and the fact it's the first time they'll play the UK in four years, makes it all the more special. "After playing some off the biggest and most respected rock and metal events across Europe this summer, they'll fly in from New York for this one-off performance and we're delighted to host what is sure to be a special show." Damnation Festival will take place at Leeds University Union, on Saturday, October 24, 2009. The line-up so far is: Life of Agony, Lock Up, Therapy?, Destruction, Electric Wizard, Jesu, Rotting Christ, This Will Destroy You, Akercocke, A Storm of Light, Mistress, Negura Bunget, Minsk, Extreme Noise Terror, Manatees, The Gates of Slumber, And So I Watch You From Afar, Charger, Stand-Up Guy and Rinoa with more bands to be announced. Tickets are on sale now priced at £29.50 from http://www.leedstickets.com/ , http://www.ticketline.co.uk/ and http://www.seetickets.co.uk/ Tickets are also on sale in Leeds at stores including Crash and Jumbo. For more information visit: http://www.damnationfestival.co.uk or http://www.myspace.com/damnationfestival Behemoth debut “Ov Fire And The Void” video The irreverent and thought provoking new video from one of the world’s most extreme music acts, Behemoth, is finally ready for its world premiere. Ov Fire And The Void, the making of which was chronicled and viewed by thousands on Behemoth’s youtube channel is now available for viewing. Fans can see the video now on http://www.youtube.com/behemothofficial. Ov Fire And The Void was filmed by Grupa 13 in Poland, the same people behind Behemoth’s last video, At The Left Hand Ov God. Nergal comments on the video, “We are proud and we are satisfied. This is our life’s work and we are happy to finally get it out to people. Watch and enjoy!” Evangelion, the band’s ninth full length album, was recorded in the band's hometown at Radio Gdansk studio with longtime sound engineer Malta, the Wieslawscy Brothers, and Daniel Bergstrand (drum engineering) in the producers' chairs. Evangelion was mixed in Miloco Studios by Colin Richardson (Machine Head, Slipknot, Carcass, Napalm Death) and will be unleashed in the US on August 11th via Metal Blade Records and in Europe on August 9th via Nuclear blast. http://www.behemoth.pl http://www.myspace.com/behemoth METAL BLADE WEBSITE \| METAL BLADE MYSPACE Guitarist Nort Parts Ways With KHORS A note from Ukrainian black metallers KHORS: "Guitar player Nort has left KHORS. We thank our friend for the years he devoted to the band and his work in the creation of 2006's Cold and 2008's Mysticism albums as well as the solid concert activity which couldn't take place without his active help. We remain very good friends and we yet shall drink together in Glory of Us and Our Ancient Gods! Warth, the guitarist of death metal band Faces Of Death has recently joined the band as Nort's replacement." Check out KHORS (here featuring Nort) performing the song "Garnet" taken from the recently released official Metal Heads' Mission Festival 2008 DVD here http://www.khors.info http://www.myspace.com/khorspagan Behemoth “Ov Fire And The Void” video banned from youtube The irreverent and thought provoking new video from one of the world’s most extreme music acts, Behemoth, has been pulled from youtube. The uncensored version of Ov Fire And The Void is now available for viewing on http://www.metalblade.com/behemoth. An alternate version of the video is also available for viewing on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCysz_0Hicg. Ov Fire And The Void was filmed by Grupa 13 in Poland, the same people behind Behemoth’s last video, At The Left Hand Ov God. Nergal comments on the video, “We are proud and we are satisfied. This is our life’s work and we are happy to finally get it out to people. Watch and enjoy!” Evangelion, the band’s ninth full length album, was recorded in the band's hometown at Radio Gdansk studio with longtime sound engineer Malta, the Wieslawscy Brothers, and Daniel Bergstrand (drum engineering) in the producers' chairs. Evangelion was mixed in Miloco Studios by Colin Richardson (Machine Head, Slipknot, Carcass, Napalm Death) and will be unleashed in the US on August 11th via Metal Blade Records and in Europe on August 9th via Nuclear blast. North American fans can pre-order an autographed version from metalbladestore.com (while supplies last). http://www.behemoth.pl http://www.myspace.com/behemoth METAL BLADE WEBSITE \| METAL BLADE MYSPACE ERIK RUTAN: “ANY NILE FAN OUT THERE IS GOING TO BE BLOWN AWAY.” Decibel Magazine’s Deciblog has just posted an exclusive interview with recording engineer Erik Rutan about the upcoming NILE record: What impressed you…? Erik Rutan: First of all, working with NILE in any capacity is something great. The collaboration with Neil [Kernon] is just awesome. I’m used to manning the ship all the time, so having someone like Neil, who is obviously a well-known producer, was really cool. NILE is one of the best death metal bands out there, they’re great guys and incredible musicians. To get the call that they were going to do drums at Mana [Recording Studios], I was totally stoked about it. I didn’t hear any pre-production before they came in. I normally get pre-production months in advance. My role for this record was engineering drums. George’s [Kollias] drums were huge. It was a massive beast of a kit, befitting a massive beast of a drummer. He came in and tore the place apart. He’s one of the best death metal drummers I’ve worked with and I’ve worked with the best. It was an intense session with some intense people. The drum takes, the performances, the tones came out stellar. Just having all those ears on things was a great experience. Because of the collaboration the drums came out incredible. Read the entire interview here. NILE are partnering up with long-time friends Immolation and Krisiun as well as Abigail Williams and Dreaming Dead for the first round of American tour dates in support of their new album, due out in late 2009. The 32-date tour commences on January 15th, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. Pre-sale tickets for the “Those Whom The Gods Detest” tour are on sale exclusively at www.EnterTheVault.com through August 13th. On August 14th, tickets go on sale through all normal ticketing outlets. For tour dates, visit NILE online at www.NILE-CATACOMBS.net & www.myspace.com/NILECATACOMBS.

September 1st, 2009	NEW FOREFATHER TRACK! The new FOREFATHER mp3 single "Summer's Flame" is available for download from www.metalhit.com. See the front page, or search their mp3 store for a preview and purchasing. "Summer's Flame" will be available at other digital download sites (iTunes, Amazon Mp3, eMusic, etc.) in the coming weeks. The English summer had arrived and the sun was in full strength (didn't last long!) and Wulfstan had an old melody lying around that he fancied having a fiddle with. Athelstan joined in and the result is new MP3 single "Summer's Flame", available now! www.metalhit.com www.seven-kingdoms.com JORN RETURNS WITH SPIRITED NEW ALBUM TRENTON, N.J. - Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of Jorn's brand new studio album entitled "Spirit Black" on July 14th in the USA. Considered by many fans and critics as one of the finest voices in hard rock to arrive on the scene at the end of the 20th century, Jorn is now ready to unleash upon the world yet another studio album entitled "Spirit Black." "I have carried some of these ideas with me for quite some time," said Jorn. "Willy, Jimmy, Sid, and myself have known each other since the '80s, and some of the song ideas and demos from back then have now seen the light of day and become an essential part of "Spirit Black." When we were younger we usually never cared about what we did yesterday, only about the future, but the past can sometimes reveal hidden treasures and I discovered great potential in some of these song-ideas." The result: "Spirit Black" is another slab of classic hard rock with '80s metal elements, which will definitely please all those who loved his recent "Lonely Are the Brave," released in June 2008. A winning formula should not change, so Jorn has worked again with Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark, ensuring the right edge to the rich guitar and vocal sound that is now trademark to all Jorn releases. "The fans can expect a solid and defined record that will shake the classic metal world and hammer the future Jorn legacy in stone," Jorn said. "The sound of the album is like a crossover between 'The Duke' and 'Lonely Are the Brave,' and I feel that some of the songs on 'Spirit Black' have the potential to become essential hard rock classics that will stand the test of time." Jorn Lande's strong and diverse voice and solid songwriting skills have now become legendary in the hard rock world. In a career spanning over 30 releases, and as frontman for Millennium, Ark, and Masterplan, Jorn was recently featured on spectacular projects such as Tobias Sammet's "Avantasia," along with stars like Alice Cooper and Eric Singer (KISS), Rudolph Schenker (Scorpions), Bob Catley (Magnum), and in Arjen Lucassen's recent concept album "Ayreon." "The musical style and direction is now more defined and less experimental," Jorn said. "I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel anymore, I just want to write good quality hard rock songs that people can relate to and identify with. As we entered into the new millennium, I realized and accepted that my strength as a singer was more classic rock oriented. If you buy a Jorn album today, you know what you will get. True, classic hard rock music." Jorn is getting ready to tour the world at the end of summer '09 with his band formed by Jgor Gianola and Tore Moren on guitars, Nic Angileri on bass, and Willy Bendiksen on drums. The "Spirit Black" final track listing includes: "Spirit Black," "Below," "Road of the Cross," "The Last Revolution," "City Inbetweeen," "Rock and Roll Angel," "Burn Your Flame," "World Gone Mad," "I Walk Alone," and "The Sun Goes Down" (bonus track exclusively included in the first limited edition pressing in digipak). www.rontiers.it www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords THE TROPHY OFFERS 'THE GIFT OF LIFE' TRENTON, N.J. - Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing of The Trophy for the release of the band's debut album "The Gift of Life." The Trophy started in 2006 as a way for guitarist and composer Todd Wolf to explore a different side of his songwriting. Until then, Wolf had been working on straight heavy metal with his band Human Fortress. "I wrote many songs in the past which were too commercial for my main band Human Fortress," said Wolf. "I thought these tracks were too good to get lost on my PC." So he started to look for the right partners to start up a new band, and the chance of a lifetime came about when he met with former Jaded Heart screamer Michael Bormann. "I met Michael in the studio with Tommy Newton, who engaged him to sing the background vocals on the Human Fortress debut album," Wolf said. "Luckily we kept in touch and when I finished the first songs, I sent them to Michael and he liked them immediately. So we arranged a meeting and the rest, as you will be able to hear, is history." Bormann immediately shared Wolf's musical vision and joined the band with keyboard player Marco Grasshoff. They have brought their expertise to the song writing and recording sessions. Bormann's distinctive vocals added the polish and turned great songs into real jewels. Wolf and Bormann worked with loops, down-tuned guitar riffs, and keyboard effects; the result is an interesting cocktail of melodic rock with many influences, while remaining very contemporary in arrangement and style. The final result, The Trophy's debut album entitled "The Gift of Life" is an outstanding example of how perseverance and talent can build an outstanding slice of rock. "While the main influences of The Trophy are pop, crossover, AOR, and a little bit modern metal, I think we have created something special," said Wolf. "I do not know any band in the world which sounds like us. Some tracks are potential hits. We hope the people out there will love it because we would like to record a second one." "The Gift of Life" final track listing includes: "The Gift of Life," "When Nightmares Wake Me Up," "Get the Cup," "Justice," "Rescue Me," "Can't Get Out of My Head," "The Shades of Grey," "Gloomy Days," "Liar," "The Way I Am," and "On These Wings." www.myspace.com/thetrophy www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa www.frontiers.it www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords SEPULTURA GUITAR LEGEND: ANDREAS KISSER Releases First Solo Album HUBRIS I & II on Mascot Records – Available NOW! HOLLYWOOD, CA – Beloved guitar shredder Andreas Kisser of the legendary Brazilian metal band Sepultura releases his first solo project HUBRIS I&II on Mascot Records. This double album project will only be available as an import online or on iTunes as a download. Since the release of “Roots” (1996) and the consecration of Sepultura, the world was introduced to a new form of metal guitar playing. Mixing blinding riffs, strong pounding rhythms, and clear & expressive tones, Andreas Kisser had created something very new. We named this style, ‘root guitar’, and it found its way around the world, having a transforming influence on much of the 90’s metal scene. It’s style & technique can be seen in what is now called ‘New Metal’ (or Nu Metal). Just to clarify, Andreas Kisser is happy in Sepultura, with the same intensity and passion as always and has no intentions of leaving the band. However, he felt it was time to expand his horizons & the different challenges that lay in front of him. His first solo album release is called, “HUBRIS I & II”. Going beyond the usual ‘noise’, the album demonstrates influence of metal, musical education & disciplines, MPB (Brazilian popular music) and even “repente” (a form of improvisation, a style of music born in the streets of the Brazilian Northeast region). & all the while doing this without losing what is truly important: its musical identity. There are 21 tracks divided into two volumes: a heavy side & the other less intense. The majority of the well-guarded ideas come from demons. “After Max Cavalera left Sepultura, I started to compose melodies while never reaching a completed song.” explains the Brazilian guitarist. HUBRIS I & II is a finalization of what I have written since 1997.” Despite this obvious contrast, the album as a whole has consistency & unity. HUBRIS I Here we have an interesting collaboration of tuning between guitar, bas & drums. The sound carries the ‘root’ feeling so familiar in his sound, its intensity only comparable to a high voltage shock. IN respect to the compositions, from the start there are varied surprises. From the introduction of the Brazilian ten string acoustic guitar called, “viola caipira” alongside the electric guitar and then quickly letting the listener know what is to come. And that is exactly what happens, as told by the guitarist: “This is a guitar record with an emphasis on tones. Although there are some solos, I preferred to work on the ambiances, almost as if I was doing a soundtrack for a movie.” HUBRIS II In general HUBRIS II keeps the nuances a little a little more daring. This will probably be the record that will surprise the public more accustomed to Sepultura. A fair part of the songs is instrumental, in which the big connection between them is the acoustic guitar as the protagonist. Yet Andreas advises: “This isn’t strictly an ‘unplugged’ record, with just acoustic elements. It has electric guitars, of course!” Who would think that Andreas could resist the temptation? HUBRIS I & II brings to us the Andreas Kisser, exposed: the multiple sides as a musician, composer, arranger and producer. We can see all the various facets of this great guitarist, who has taught us where the root guitar comes from, as well as its origins and more importantly, what it spawned from Sepultura. Influences and identity collide in endless eclecticism, yet all of it comes from a strong point of view & common sense. This Andreas Kisser’s first solo project in his career, yet his story has just begun… For more information go to www.myspace.com/andreaskisser or www.mascotrecords.com NEW 'SANCTUARY' FOR PRAYING MANTIS TRENTON, N.J. - Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release on the new Praying Mantis studio album entitled "Sanctuary" in the USA. Praying Mantis is of the prime movers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Founded by brothers Chris (bass, vocals) and Tino (guitar, vocals) Troy in the UK, the band debuted in 1981 with the release of "Time Tells No Lies, an album that still today is considered one of the best expressions of that musical period, even if it did not meet with much commercial fortune. In 1990 Praying Mantis finally reformed with a new line-up featuring two ex-Iron Maiden cohorts: Paul Di'Anno (on vocals) and Dennis Stratton (on guitar), with Bruce Bisland on drums, and thanks to the interest of some Japanese promoters, released a live album ("Live At Last") in 1990, recorded during that tour. The success gained in the Eastern lands convinced the band about the possibility of a permanent reunion and with a renewed line-up (the band featured during this time ex-MSG singer Gary Barden, then Mark Thompson-Smith, and later Tony O'Hora on vocals) they went on to release six studio albums and one live album. After 2003's "The Journey Goes On," an album that featured different singers, most notably John Sloman (ex-Lone Star) and Dougie White (Malmsteen, Rainbow), the band entered a hiatus period, which was finally broken in the summer of 2007 when a new incarnation of the band - formed by the Troy brothers, with Benjy Reid on drums, Andy Burgess on guitars, and Mike Freeland on vocals - appeared at the Bang Your Head festival and later, in the summer 2008, at the Headbanger's Open Air Festival in Germany and at the Bloodstock Festival in the UK, while writing a brand new stunning studio album. Entitled "Sanctuary" the new album was recorded in Atlanta under the direction of producer/engineer Andy Reilly (Asia, The Cult, Bruce Dickinson, FM). The music is instantly recognizable and features plenty of great melodies and songs. "Hard to believe but Mantis have been in existence for over thirty years," said Chris Troy. "Quite incredible really that we are still there releasing albums and maturing nicely. I know its probably a cliche statement used by so many bands, but I do honestly believe it is by far the best thing we have ever done. The lyrics on most songs are quite deep and in some ways dark, but I think this suits the music, which is intrinsically based on minor chord structures (the saddest chords). There are some real epics and dueling guitar harmonies in the standard Mantis style and all the fans who have heard it so far have been giving us some great feedback." The final track listing includes: "In Time," "Restless Heart," "Tears in the Rain," "So High," "Lonely Way Home," "Touch the Rainbow," "Threshold of a Dream," "Playing God," "Highway," and "Sanctuary." What we have on "Sanctuary" is a band that contains some very fine and experienced musicians who have put together a collection of songs that create a really classic album. "To those have remained with Mantis through the highs and lows of our career we salute you," Troy said. "We hope you enjoy the new album and we dedicate it to you. Very special thanks!" www.praying-mantis.com www.myspace.com/prayingmantisrock www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa www.frontiers.it www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords DREAMING DEAD LEAVE MASTER/GOREAPHOBIA TOUR EARLY Due to unfortunate circumstances, Dreaming Dead has been forced to drop off the remaining few dates of the Master/Goreaphobia tour. Guitarist/vocalist Elizabeth Elliot had the following to say about the situation: Our van broke down on our way to Salt Lake City, Utah. Thus we have decided to turn around and head back home cancelling the remaining dates on the Master/Goreaphobia tour. We're very sorry for those of your looking forward to our performance and hope to see you this coming January-February on tour with Nile/Immolation/Krisiun/Abigail Williams. This will effect the band's performance at this weekend's Central Illinois Metalfest and all dates afterward. In happier news, Dreaming Dead has been confirmed for the previously mentioned tour with Nile, Immolation, Krisiun and Abigail Williams. Tour dates are as follows: 1/15 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar 1/16 Worcester, MA @ The Palladium 1/17 Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero 1/18 New York, NY @ The Blender 1/20 Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's 1/21 Chicago, IL @ Metro/Smart Bar 1/22 Milwaukee, WI @ Rave 1/23 St. Paul, MN @ Station 4 1/24 Kansas CIty, MO @ The Beaumont Club 1/25 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater 1/27 Seattle, WA @ El Corazon 1/28 Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre 1/29 Orangevale, CA @ The Boardwalk 1/30 San Francisco, CA @ Slim's 1/31 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues 2/2 Los Angeles, CA @ Key Club 2/3 Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues 2/4 Mesa, AZ @ U.B.'s Bar 2/5 Tucson, AZ @ The Rock 2/6 Farmington, NM @ Gator's 2/8 Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock 2/9 San Antonio, TX @ Scout Bar 2/10 Houston, TX @ Scout Bar 2/11 Dallas, TX @ Trees 2/12 Tulsa, OK @ Marquee 2/13 Louisville, KY @ Headliner's Music Hall www.dreamingdead.com www.ibexmoonrecords.com www.myspace.com/ibexmoonrecords MIND KEY RETURNS WITH SOPHOMORE ALBUM ON AUGUST 11 TRENTON, N.J. - Frontiers Records announces the return of the Italian prog metal band Mind Key with the release of the band's second studio album, entitled "Pulse for a Graveheart," on August 11th in the USA. Mind Key debuted in 2004 with "Journey of a Rough Diamond," an album that showed the excellent potential of the Neapolitan combo. With a colorful sound, akin to prog metal giants such as Dream Theater, Symphony X, Evergrey, and Pain of Salvation, Mind Key's music also leaned toward a more mature and song-oriented approach inspired by '80s/'90s hard rock. Right before the release of the album, the original singer Mark Basile left the group, and in preparation of the tour dates, the guys met for the first time Aurelio Fierro Jr. a singer with a vast experience, especially in theaters. He was able to give some splendid performances, especially at the gigs that the band landed as support of Dream Theater for the Italian "Train of Thought Tour 2004." "These guys sound really excellent!" raved drummer Mike Portnoy. Mind Key played more live dates in support of Vision Divine and Pendragon and also appeared at the Progpower Europe Festival with shows in Poland, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, and France. During the Polish dates, a live DVD was recorded, entitled "Habemus Poland," with Giorgio Adamo as frontman. However, he soon left to make space for the return of Aurelio Fierro. "We decided to go for Aurelio at the end of the songwriting sessions," said founding member and keyboardist Dario De Cicco. "Note after note, chord after chord we realized that the songs begged for Aurelio's voice and it seemed almost a necessary decision to make. I think we did the right choice, as only with his astonishing performances we were able to reach what we really wanted from the new material." The band began the recording of the second album "Pulse for a Graveheart," simplifying their songwriting and giving Fierro the chance to showcase his immense vocal potential, which can be described as a powerful mix of Ronnie James Dio, David Coverdale, and Jorn Lande. The album was later mixed and mastered by none other than Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Angra, Krokus, Place Vendome) to ensure the best sounding quality. "We knew from the beginning that Dennis was the right choice," said guitarist Emanuele Colella. "Since the first communication together, a perfect synergy was built. He could understand our need and desire to combine a modern melodic metal sound with our progressive roots and a heavier edge. He could totally deliver what we and the music needed, he's just great." "Pulse for a Graveheart" also features some amazing guest musicians, such as Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper), who plays a keyboard solo on "Citizen of Greed," Reb Beach (Whitesnake, Winger) on "Now Until Forever," and Tom Englund from Evergrey, dueting with Elio Fierro on "Graveheart." Mind Key's line-up now includes: Aurelio Fierro on vocals, Emanuele Colella on guitars, Dario De Cicco on keyboards, and Andrea Stipa on drums. "Pulse for a Graveheart" introduces to the fans to a completely re-designed band, with a mature attitude and astonishing songwriting. "I hope the new record will give Mind Key the chance to get rid of the label of 'prog metal band in the style of...' and bring us to a different status," said Stipa. "We aim to be a metal band - still staying true to our diverse influences ranging from progressive to hard and melodic rock - but with a personal and trademark sound." Get ready for one the prog metal revelations of 2009! The final track listing includes: "Sunset Highway," "The Seventh Seal," "Citizen of Greed," "Crusted Memories," "Dead Fame Hunter," "Ventotene (The Island)," "Graveheart," "Eye of a Stranger," "Now Until Forever," and "A New Generation." www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa www.frontiers.it www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords 'THE CROWNING' OF CRASH THE SYSTEM ON AUGUST 11 TRENTON, N.J. - Frontiers Records is happy to announce the release of Crash the System's debut album entitled "The Crowning" on August 11. The Crash the System project came about as a collaboration between songwriter Soren Kronqvist (former Finnish 400 meter hurdle champion and songwriter for Michael Bormann, House of Lords and CC Rock between others) and drummer/producer Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye, The Murder of My Sweet) in the fall of 2008. The duo has known each other for a couple of years and they respect each other's work. Kronqvist and Flores decided to work on a project together with songs they enjoyed writing. "The original plan was to make one song with Daniel and try to get that song out to a band or an artist, and, if it would turn out good we would do more together," Kronqvist said. "The first song we did was 'All Because of You' and we both were really happy with how that song turned out. A few record companies also liked the song. We then recorded three more songs and got good response from them, as well, and that's when Frontiers came into the picture." Thanks to Flores' extensive music background, good reputation, and connections in the music business he managed to bring some of the top names in Sweden into the project. Guest vocalists on the project are: Goran Edman (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, Brazen Abbot) Mats Leven (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Infinite Mass), Thomas Vikstrom (ex-Talk Of The Town, Candlemass), and Bjorn Jansson (ex-Ride The Sky, Tears Of Anger). Appearing on the album are also Johan Niemann (Mind's Eye, The Murder of My Sweet), Daniel Palmqvist (The Murder of My Sweet), and Manuel Lewys (Machinery, Elwood) on guitars, with additional keyboards by Andreas Lindahl and additional backing vocals by Angelica Rylin (The Murder of My Sweet). "The sound of Crash the System is a mix of '80s hard rock/metal, modern metal, some symphonic influences, and a few hi-tech elements," said Kronqvist. "I come from a softer side of metal and Daniel comes from the prog side of rock and metal. Crash the System is where we both meet. The 'crash of styles' and the added touch of the four fantastic singers, as well as the additional musicians, gives the sound an interesting character. We wanted to keep it fairly simple with catchy melodies. Just put in the CD in the CD player and rock, not having to listen to the record 20 times to understand it." Fans of '80s melodic hard rock with influences of modern symphonic metal should not be disappointed with the catchy choruses and great melodies sung by some of the top hard rock singers around. "Hopefully people will like the songs and look forward to the next album and more material from us," Kronqvist said. "We feel that all songs are about equally strong. None of the songs are fillers." "The Crowning" final track listing includes: "Fight Fire With Fire," "All Because of You," "I Still Believe In Love," "Love Is In Your Eyes," "Take a Chance," "Enough of Your Lovin'," "Mysterious," "Angel of My Heart," "Rolling Stone," "Don't Tell Me No Lies," "Broken Glass," "Higher and Higher," and "Without Chances." www.myspace.com/crashthesystemproject www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa www.frontiers.it www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords DEVASTATOR - "The Summoning" OUT NOW Picture LP 12" of Unholy Black Thrashing Heavy Metal on Necromancer Records www.bloodynecromancer.de The Fifth Ritual from the true commanders of Unholy Black Thrash Metal!!! Death to the false, this is DEVASTATOR. Now Available on Vinyl. Black Ritual Thrash that will take you on a morbid journey to the old dark days! For fans of Venom, Bathory, Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Zemial, Sodom ,Razor, Sarcofago, and early Kreator! More Information & Merchandise available at - www.morbidforce.com CD Version is Out on Old Cemetery Records - www.oldcemetery.org DEVASTATOR - Unholy Black Thrashing Metal......resurrecting the spirit of the old metal underground!. http://www.morbidforce.com/ HelloRay - A tribute to Helloween & Gamma Ray Hello! Epicus Records have now found all bands that will take part of the up-coming tribute album to Helloween and Gamma Ray. This is a project made by bands who are fans and has been inspired by the music of these two great pioneers of melodic power metal. And released through Epicus Records. The album will be called "HelloRay - A tribute to Helloween & Gamma Ray", and is expected to be released in the end of the year or early next year. The album will contain songs from 1985 to 2007 which gives it a good historical spectre. If any good artists out there would like to contribute with some cool fan artwork of these two bands then feel free to get in touch with Epicus Records. We are looking for some humoristic paintings in style of the famous Helloween pumpkin drawings, featuring both pumpkins and fangface, and maybe band members. Maybe your drawing would make the coverpicture for the album, who knows? Some of the bands featured: Gaia Epicus from Norway who will also release their 5th album this year. Kickhunter from Germany which features Markus Großkopf (Helloween) Signum Regis from Slovakia which features Göran Edman (Malmsteen, Time Requiem) Guardians of Mankind from Finland, featuring members that have played live with Gamma Ray. and more... Track list in no spesific order: 1. Warrior (Helloween) - Gaia Epicus 2. Where the rain grows (Helloween) - Armory 3. Sole Survivor (Helloween) - Signum Regis 4. Ain’t got nothin` better (Helloween) - Kickhunter 5. A tale that wasn’t right (Helloween) - Drachen 6. Just a little sign (Helloween) - Rampart 7. Mr. Torture (Helloween) - Aillion 8. The spirit (Gamma Ray) - Parallax 9. (We won't) Stop the war (Gamma Ray) - Treasure Land 10. Heaven or hell (Gamma Ray) - Burn Universe 11. Tribute to the Past (Gamma Ray) - Guardians of mankind 12. Lust for life (Gamma Ray) - Midas Fate 13. Anywhere in the galaxy (Gamma Ray) - Opera Magna 14. Leaving hell (Gamma Ray) - Rotten 15. Last before the storm (Gamma Ray) - Sonem 16. Land of the free (Gamma Ray) - Deimos www.gaia-epicus.com - my band www.epicusrecords.com - my label www.thomashansen.info - my personal www.myspace.com/gaiaepicus www.myspace.com/epicusrecords www.myspace.com/thomas_chr_hansen ARSONISTS GET ALL THE GIRLS new video online & new album “Portals” available NOW! ARSONISTS GET ALL THE GIRLS twist our minds again with their brand new slap called “Portals” which has been highly anticipated from fans and press alike. The album was recorded by Zack Ohren (As Blood Runs Black, All Shall Perish) and features 11 glorious grinders like “My Cup’s Half Empty” and “Violence in Fluid –Triceratops”. In conjunction with MetalSucks.net the band is now presenting their brandnew video for the song “The 42nd Ego” which can be viewed HERE! The clip features a frenetic performance that perfectly encapsulates the band’s captivating and unrelenting stage show. Don’t miss out! Make sure to head over to http://www.myspace.com/agatg to check out some more stunning tunes off their new album “Portals” which is now available on all legal download platforms! DARK FORTRESS recordings for 6th studio album initiated! After months of intense songwriting DARK FORTRESS entered V. Santura's Woodshed Studio a couple of days ago to start laying down the drum tracks for their 6th, still untitled studio album. The follow up to 2008’s acclaimed album “Eidolon” is scheduled to be released in early 2010 via Century Media Records. V. Santura further comments: "The recordings are going very smooth so far and the drums sound just fantastic. Seraph is doing a really great job. This time we are aiming for a more natural and dynamic sound in order to keep all musical details, a certain raw dirt and personality that most modern productions lack of. Our upcoming album is going to be very diverse and probably the heaviest material we ever wrote." http://www.thetruedarkfortress.com/ http://www.myspace.com/darkfortress WINDS OF PLAGUE post new track “Forged In Fire”! WINDS OF PLAGUE are about to unfurl a violent whirlwind of epic extreme metal with their new album “The Great Stone War”, which will be released in Europe on August 24th and August 11th in the US. Another brand-new track has been posted on the band’s MySpace profile, so head over to www.myspace.com/windsofplague to check out “Forged In Fire”! The Southern California based sextet kicked off their massive worldwide touring campaign for “The Great Stone War” taking part in the US Summer Slaughter tour featuring Suffocation, Necrophagist and Dying Fetus and others. They will follow this up with a lengthy North American run with Hatebreed and Chimaira, which kicks off on July 31st. European tour activities are currently being worked on as well. “The Great Stone War” was recorded with Daniel Castleman (As I Lay Dying) and mixed by the legendary Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Sick Of It All, Dark Tranquillity, Heaven Shall Burn) and marks the first WINDS OF PLAGUE release featuring drummer Art Cruz and keyboardist Kristen Randall. WINDS OF PLAGUE online: http://www.myspace.com/windsofplague ARCH ENEMY present cover artwork of “The Root Of All Evil” On September 28th, 2009 ARCH ENEMY will release their new studio album “The Root Of All Evil” in Europe. It contains a selection of completely re-recorded tracks from the band’s first three albums “Black Earth” (1996), “Stigmata” (1998) and “Burning Bridges” (1999) reenergized and unified by the band’s ultimate line-up! Originally recorded with ever changing band members (i.e. former vocalist Johan Liiva, drummer Peter Wildoer, bass player Martin Bengtsson), “The Root Of All Evil” presents classic tracks as “Beast Of Man”, “The Immortal”, “Transmigration Macabre” or “Bridge Of Destiny” with the insane vocals of Angela Gossow, several completely new bass lines by Sharlee D’Angelo, the ever-present guitar wizardry of the Amott brothers as well as Daniel Erlandsson’s merciless punch. The entire project was approached with the idea of having the possibility to re-add these songs to the bands live set and follow up the release with some special touring activity. The album was recorded at a few different locations in Sweden and produced by ARCH ENEMY with Daniel Erlandsson and Rickard Bengtsson handling the engineering. Finally, this special release was mixed and mastered by Andy Sneap. In the light of ARCH ENEMY finding their defining line-up and a bigger worldwide recognition with 2002’s “Wages Of Sin” album, it has been a logical decision to update the earlier compositions and present them in the splendour of a 2009 shape. The band chose to have the “The Root Of All Evil” artwork/layout created by Brazilian artist Gustavo Sazes. View it at the following link in a higher resolution: http://specials.centurymedia.de/myspace/arch_enemy_root_of_all_evil.jpg More details on “The Root Of All Evil” will be announced in the coming weeks! See ARCH ENEMY live on the following dates: ARCH ENEMY – “Summer Tyranny 2009”: 14-August-2009 @ Bloodstock Open Air (England) 20-August-2009 Mexico City @ Circo Volador (Mexico) 22-August-2009 Monterrey @ UMA (Mexico) 23-August-2009 Mexico City @ Circo Volador NEW 'SPECIAL SET' SHOW (Mexico) 09-October-2009 DK Gorbunova @ Moscow (Russia) 10-October-2009 Mass Deathtruction Festival @ Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium) ARCH ENEMY – ASIAN TOUR OCTOBER 2009: 17-October-2009 @ Loud Park 09, Tokyo (Japan) 18-October-2009 @ Liberty Square - Taipei (Taiwan) 20-October-2009 @ World Trade Center - Manila (Philippines) 21-October-2009 @ Hitec Auditorium - Kowloon (Hong Kong) 23-October-2009 @ The Star Live House - Beijing (China) 25-October-2009 @ Venue TBA - Seoul (Republic Of Korea) 28-October-2009 @ Senayan Tennis Indoor Stadium - Jakarta (Indonesia) ARCH ENEMY – AUSTRALIAN TOUR NOVEMBER 2009: 01-November-2009 @ Capitol, Perth* 03-November-2009 @ Fowlers Live, Adelaide* 05-November-2009 @ The Forum, Melbourne 06-November-2009 @ The Roundhouse, Sydney 07-November-2009 @ The Hifi, Brisbane 10-November-2009 @ Transmission Room, Auckland (New Zealand)* * with Suffocation / with Suffocation & Winds Of Plague / * with Subtract, Tainted ARCH ENEMY online: http://www.archenemy.net http://www.myspace.com/archenemy PARADISE LOST post new album’s title-track & reveal cover artwork! British gothic metal act PARADISE LOST will release their highly anticipated new album “Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us” on Century Media Records on September 28, 2009 in Europe and October 6, 2009 in the US. Now you can catch another glimpse at this gloomy masterpiece as the album’s title track has officially been launched at http://www.myspace.com/paradiselostuk Nick Holmes (vocals) comments on the track as follows: “This song had a massive overhaul in the last few weeks before recording, and thankfully it worked out well. Unlike many bands, we try to know exactly what we are doing once we are in the studio. So re-writes near recording time are as scary as they can be can be rewarding. This song is swathed in melancholy and the closest thing on the album to a “ballad” perhaps. Lyrically the title says it all. I find faith an oddity in that some people may have such devout belief that the only common ground with another human is death itself.” The album’s artwork, which is based upon a Danse Macabre woodcut by Hans Holbein the Younger (first published in 1538), was created by Stefan Wibbeke at Medialogistics (Lacuna Coil, Poisonblack, etc.). You can view it in a higher resolution at the following link: http://specials.centurymedia.de/myspace/paradise_lost_faith_divides_us.jpg To present you the new material live, the band will head out on a massive headlining tour through Europe and UK kicking off October 30, 2009. This will be the first full tour with PARADISE LOST’s new drummer Adrian Erlandsson (At The Gates, Cradle Of Filth). See below for all upcoming dates! PARADISE LOST live: 28. July - Limassol (CY) Teepee Rock Club 07. August - Vigo (ES) Alternavigo Festival PARADISE LOST Faith Divides Us – Death Unites Us Tour 2009 30. Oct – Glasgow (UK) King Tuts 01. Nov – Newcastle (UK) Academy 02. Nov – Manchester (UK) Academy 03. Nov – London (UK) Academy 04. Nov – Sheffield (UK) Academy 05. Nov – Wolverhampton (UK) Wulfrun Hall 07. Nov – Enschede (NL) Atak 08. Nov – Vosselaar (BE) Biebob 10. Nov – Utrecht (NL) De Helling 11. Nov – Stuttgart (D) Die Roehre 12. Nov – Leipzig (D) Conne Island 13. Nov – Berlin (D) Columbia Club 14. Nov – Mannheim (D) Alte Feuerwache 15. Nov – Munich (D) Backstage 16. Nov – Saarbrucken (D) Garage 18. Nov – Bielefeld (D) Ringlokschuppen 19. Nov – Hannover (D) Capitol 20. Nov – Cottbus (D) Glad-House 21. Nov – Erlangen (D) E-Werk 22. Nov – Hamburg (D) Markthalle 24. Nov – Copenhagen (DK) The Rock 25. Nov – Stockholm (SE) Debaser 26. Nov – Oslo (NO) John Dee 28. Nov – Gothenburg (SE) Brew House 29. Nov – Malmo (SE) KB Halle 01. Dec – Warsaw (PL) Stodola 02. Dec – Krakow (PL) Studio 04. Dec – Sofia (BG) Hristo Botev Hall 05. Dec – Zagreb (HR) Boogaloo 06. Dec – Wien (AT) Arena 08. Dec – Milan (IT) Musicdrome 09. Dec – Rome (IT) Alpheus 10. Dec – Winterthur (CH) Salzhaus 11. Dec – Dusseldorf (D) Phillipshalle 12. Dec – Solothurn (CH) Kofmehl 14. Dec – Lyon (F) Le Transbordeur 15. Dec – Barcelona (ES) Razzmatazz 2 16. Dec – Madrid (ES) Sala Heineken 17. Dec – Bilbao (ES) Kafe Antzoky 18. Dec – Cognac (F) Les Abattoirs 19. Dec – Paris (F) Elysee Montmartre PARADISE LOST online: http://www.paradiselost.co.uk http://www.myspace.com/paradiselostuk SAXON & ANVIL CONFIRM FOR HELLFIRE Metal titans Saxon confirmed at last weekends Sonisphere Festival that they will be headlining the Saturday of Hellfire Festival on November 7th at NEC Birmingham. Expect lashings of Heavy Metal Thunder from the original masters of Metal who continue to prove year on year that they are still at the very top of their game. Hellfire’s Rob Ferguson commented “Saxon are one of the most popular bands to grace any festival line up and we are pleased to be able to put them in their rightful place at the top of the bill at the forthcoming Hellfire Festival”. Also confirmed as main support on the same day are Canada’s Anvil, the band who gave us a Heavy Metal story with a happy ending in the form of their critically acclaimed 2009 movie ‘Anvil! The Story Of Anvil’. The band continue to live the dream and deliver Metal on Metal with this main stage appearance alongside their piers. Tickets available from www.hellfirefestival.com. More announcements from the Hellfire camp coming soon! ECHOES OF ETERNITY DEBUTS NEW TRACK; ANNOUNCE NEW RHYTHM GUITARIST Los Angeles’ female-fronted progressive metallers ECHOES OF ETERNITY have debuted a new track entitled “Ten Of Swords” on their official MySpace page. The song is the lead-off track from their upcoming sophomore album, As Shadows Burn, set for North American release on September 22nd. Singer Francine Boucher shares the following: “Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies - constantly judging and criticizing ourselves. When I wrote the lyrics to ‘Ten Of Swords’, I was inspired by the personal struggles of life. It’s about letting go of your pain and digging yourself out of the dark hole we seem to sometimes fall into. It’s about coming to terms with your mistakes and accepting them. You can't banish your demons: they are part of you. You must find a way to embrace your darker side and co-exist with it. The Ten of Swords is the grimmest card in the Tarot deck. It’s about hitting rock bottom, but it’s also a card of hope. Sometimes it’s necessary to hit the bottom before you can make your way back up.” Guitarist / songwriter Brandon S. Patton sheds some insight about the music: “I had the riffs written when I showed up to band rehearsal about 2 years ago. Kirk and I developed the initial skeletal framework for the song and the other members played a big role in arranging it and adding harmonies and details. By far the biggest standout part of the song occurs 2:10 into the track, when we launch into a killer ‘gallop picked’ riff that would make Jon Shaffer [of Iced Earth] proud. The vocal melody that Francine sings over that part is unbelievable!!! The chorus of this song is also catchy as fuck... a definite anthem.” The band adds: "Since September of 2008, our long time friend Bryan Eagle has been handling rhythm guitar duties in ECHOES OF ETERNITY. He contributed music and played guitar on our new album. We'd like to take this chance to thank our former guitarist Sam Young for his time in EOE." The complete band line-up is now: Francine Boucher - Vocals Brandon S. Patton - Guitar Bryan Eagle – Guitar Duane Cowan - Bass Kirk Carrison - Drums The track listing for As Shadows Burn is as follows: 01. Ten Of Swords 02. A Veiled Horizon 03. Memories Of Blood And Gold 04. The Scarlet Embrace 05. Descent Of A Blackened Soul 06. Twilight Fires 07. Buried Beneath A Thousand Dreams 08. Letalis Deus 09. Funeral In The Sky Visit ECHOES OF ETERNITY online at www.myspace.com/ECHOESOFETERNITY Derelict Release Behind The Scenes Footage From ‘Machete” Video Online New Album "Unspoken Words" In Stores Now Behind-the-scenes footage from the making of Derelict’s “Machete” video can be viewed online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZtI1nqFImU. The video was shot in Brantford, Ontario by director Justin Peeler of Frontline Pictures. "It's been great working with Frontline Pictures," commented Derelict frontman Eric Burnet. "Underground bands rarely get the chance to answer questions on camera and let their fans know about the band's history and influences, so we're very psyched to have been able to do that. Hopefully this bio piece gets people pumped for the 'Machete' video coming out in a few weeks. It's going to be brutal!" Montreal based Derelict released their new album “Unspoken Words” earlier this year through Year of the Sun Records. The release was mixed and mastered by Chris Donaldson (Crytopsy, The Agonist). The group’s violent attacks and schizophrenic musical changes have earned them comparisons to Strapping Young Lad and Death and their powerful live show has allowed them to open for acts like The Agonist, the Plasmarifle, Threat Signal and Ion Dissonance. The group is currently streaming tracks from "Unspoken Words" online at www.myspace.com/derelictmetal (for sale at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Derelict) DERELICT TOUR DATES: August 14 - Montreal, Quebec @Hémisphère Gauche 15 - Woodstock, Ontario @ The Woodshack September: 09 - Ottawa, Ontario @ Cabana Supper Club 12 - Brantford, Ontario @ Someplace Else 24 - Montreal, Quebec @ Café Chaos 25 - Sherbrooke, Quebec @ Bar Le Magog 26 - Belleville, Ontario @ Organic Underground October 23 - St-Thomas, Ontario @ The Brunswick Tavern 24 - Wingham, Ontario @ Wingham Legion November: 06 -Montreal, Quebec @ Bar St-Laurent2 www.MySpace.com/DerelictMetal IMMORTAL - UNVEIL COVER ART FOR: ALL SHALL FALL Reunited Norwegian black metallers IMMORTAL will release their new album, All Shall Fall, in in Europe on September 25, 2009 and North America on October 6, 2009 via Nuclear Blast Records. All Shall Fall was recorded at Grieghallen and Abyss studios in Norway and Sweden, respectively. James Minton of U.K.'s Terrorizer magazine recently posted an exclusive track-by-track breakdown of, All Shall Fall. To read it, please click here. Track List: 01. All Shall Fall 02. The Rise Of Darkness 03. Hordes To War 04. Norden On Fire 05. Arctic Swarm 06. Mount North 07. Unearthly Kingdom Immortal MySpace Page Immortal Facebook Page DECAPITATED ANNOUNCE NEW ADDITION TO THE BAND Guitarist Waclaw "Vogg" Kieltyka of the Polish extreme metallers DECAPITATED has tapped Austrian drummer Kerim "Krimh" Lechner (of THORNS OF IVY) as the replacement for Witold "Vitek" Kieltyka, who died on November 2, 2007 in a Russian hospital from injuries sustained in a road collision. DECAPITATED singer Covan (real name: Adrian Kowanek) was also hurt in the accident, which involved the band's tour bus and a truck carrying wood in Gomel, on the Russia/Belarus border. Vogg previously stated about his decision to carry on with the group, "I was thinking about that for a long time and it's really hard decision for me, but I have decided to continue this band and keep DECAPITATED alive. I know it will be not the same anymore but I want to try, and I'm sure Witek and Covan [DECAPITATED singer Adrian Kowanek, who was also hurt in the accident] will support me and will be happy about that." Decapitated - Announce NEW Member Decapitated Facebook Page PANTHEON I: New Video For "Serpent Christ" Unveiled Norwegian extreme metallers PANTHEON I have unveiled the new video for “Serpent Christ,” a track taken from the band's recently released full-length, Worlds I Create. “Serpent Christ,” which shows PANTHEON I performing amidst scenes of bondage and torture, was directed by Espen Krukhaug, who also worked on the band’s previous video “Where Angels Burn” and features Finland’s Peik Mattheiszen in the role of torturer. Reprising their role of victims in the video are models Maria Olsen and Helga Bårdsdatter Kristiansen who were recently seen in the band’s promo photos - the uncensored versions of which can only be found on the band’s website due to their explicit nature. Worlds I Create, PANTHEON I’s third full-length album, was released at the end of July via Candlelight Records, and includes a guest appearance on the track “Ascending,” from KATATONIA frontman Jonas Renkse. Three tracks from Worlds I Create are currently streaming on the band’s MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/pantheoni. View the video here PANTHEON I are currently preparing for a short tour of their home country, as well as looking into the possibility of touring Eastern Europe, and are planning to hit the road in November on a European tour along with SKITLIV, featuring former MAYHEM frontman MANIAC, and DEN SAAKALDTE. Tour dates TBA. http://www.myspace.com/pantheoni http://www.pantheoni.com CONSTANCIA 'LOST AND GONE' ON AUGUST 11 TRENTON, N.J. - Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Constancia's debut album entitled "Lost and Gone" on August 11 in the USA. Constancia started out as the brainchild of former Scudiero/Token keyboard player Mikael Rosengren. He had written a bunch of songs that were just screaming to be completed, recorded, and released. He got in touch with Janne Stark (Overdrive, Locomotive Breath, Zello, etc.), asking him to lay down some guitars on the demos. Stark loved the songs and got even more involved in the guitar arrangements. Thus the seed of Constancia was planted. "I've always been a fan of the pompish-side of melodic hard rock and bands like City Boy, Styx, and Trillion, as well as the real heavy stuff," said Stark. "I instantly felt these songs could be the perfect marriage between the melodic rock, some progressive moments, and an aggressive touch added to it. That's when I came to think of the style description 'Melogressive Metal.'" Next up was finding a drummer, and Stark had previously worked with TrumPeter Svensson both in Locomotive Breath and Mountain Of Power. Svensson is also found in doom-folk rockers Faith. Rosengren then found Jaded Heart bass player Michael Mueller, whom he met when their respective bands shared label. After trying out several singers Stark came to think of Andromeda singer David Fremberg, who had also appeared on his "Mountain of Power" album. One vocal trial-track later he became the band's lead vocalist. The vast geographical differences not setting any limitations, the album started growing together piece by piece. It all amalgamated into an end result that is a true band effort. "It was really interesting to see it merge together and like a small weed slowly rise and break through the asphalt to finally blossom when all the pieces came together," said Stark, who was appointed recording project manager. The band first tried out different engineers to mix the album, such as Beau Hill, Pontus Norgren, Pontus Lindmark and Pelle Saether, all of them doing a great job, but it was finally Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed, Eclipse, Siebenburgen) that was chosen to mix and co-produce the album. "He finally found the essence of what we were after: the marriage between the melodic side and the heaviness," said Rosengren. To put a final touch killer touch on the sound, the album was mastered by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Sunstorm, Place Vendome, etc.). The "Lost and Gone" track listing includes: "Fallen Hero," "Troublemaker: Blind," "Little Big You," "The King Is Calling," "Dying By Your Flames," "Save Me," "No One Like You," "Life is a Mystery," "I Never Said Goodbye," and "Wish I Could Fly." www.lostandgone.com www.myspace.com/constanciamusic www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa www.frontiers.it www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords PELICAN Announces New Album Details Instrumental Quartet Readies Fourth Full-Length Album; First Release On Southern Lord The mighty PELICAN are in the studio putting the finishing touches on their fourth studio album, entitled What We All Come To Need. What guitarist Laurent Lebec has dubbed “the most perfect synthesis of everything we've done to date, sonically”, this new album is a giant step forward within the complex, intricate, beautiful and crushing sound PELICAN is famous for. The album features more guests than have ever appeared on a PELICAN album before: Greg Anderson of sunn O))), Aaron Turner of Isis, Ben Verellen of Harkonen and Helms Alee and Allen Epley from The Life & Times and Shiner. Content-wise, Lebec says “there is a current of inspiration that feels particular to each album's music and titles. Though we lack a singer, the song names are often conceptual. This new album speaks to a rapidly decaying world, the fulfillment we find in each other, as well as the resolve to move beyond disillusionment.” If the recent Ephemeral EP is any indication of what’s to come, we can expect nothing less than the apex of PELICAN’s creative output. If you are lucky enough to be in Seattle or NYC in the coming months, don't sleep on checking out the new songs live: 8/06/2009 Neumo's - Seattle, WA 9/22/2009 Brooklyn Masonic Temple - Brooklyn, NY (*Both shows with sunn 0))), Eagle Twin and Earth) What We All Come To Need Track Listing: 1) Glimmer 2) The Creeper 3) Ephemeral 4) Specks Of Light 5) Strung Up From The Sky 6) An Inch Above Sand 7) What We All Come To Need 8) Final Breath http://www.myspace.com/pelican http://www.southernlord.com http://www.myspace.com/southernlordrecordings http://blog.southernlord.com ECLIPTICA'S "IMPETUS" RECEIVES AMERICAN RELEASE ON AUGUST 11 TRENTON, N.J. - Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Ecliptica's debut album "Impetus" on August 11. Ecliptica is a heavy metal band from Austria founded by guitarist Markus Winkler in 2005. He put together a line-up with six members in total, together with the other guitar player Bernie Scholz, Thomas Tieber and Elisabeth Fangmeyer on vocals, plus Florian Thur and Roman Klomfar on bass and drums, respectively. Ecliptica soon started to write songs and in April 2007 released their critically acclaimed first EP "The Awakening" in front of 500 people at Planet Music Vienna. During the promotion for the EP, Ecliptica won the "Metal Battle Austria 2007" contest and played a live set at the world famous "Wacken Open Air" in Germany, and also landed a support slot for the major US prog metal gods Symphony X. In January 2008 the band entered the Hinterhof Studios in Vienna to record their first full length album "Impetus," which is now being released on the international markets by Frontiers Records. The word "Impetus" stands for power, speed, and energy, just like the sound of the 10 songs delivered on the album. Straight through without orchestral arrangements, Ecliptica reduced their songs to a rough and powerful but still melodic feel. The music of Ecliptica is defined in their musical roots: blending the traditional heavy metal of the '80s together with intricate rhythms and progressive elements from all decades. The songwriting, however, is very personal and original, thus making them instantly recognizable thanks to the use of two vocalists and to the classical music elements that are incorporated into their songs. Theatrical elements and an eclectic songwriting complete the picture of a very gifted band that is now ready to be unleashed. The "Impetus" track listing includes: "Impetus," "My Paradise," "Land of Silence," "Carry On," "Twilight Hall," "Turn Away," "Old Man's Memories," "Watching You," "Jester in the Ballroom," and "Black Swan." www.ecliptica.at www.myspace.com/eclipticaaustria www.myspace.com/frontiersrecordsusa www.frontiers.it