Audio samples of all 12 songs that are set to appear on the forthcoming SCORPIONS album, "Humanity - Hour 1", are now available at the website of the German online retailer Weltbild.de. Due at the end of May, the CD was produced by James Michael and co-produced by songwriter/producer Desmond Child, who has worked with such high-profile pop/rock artists as AEROSMITH, BON JOVI, ALICE COOPER, KISS, RICKY MARTIN, CHER, MICHAEL BOLTON and BONNIE TYLER. The "Humanity - Hour 1" artwork has been posted online at this location.

"Humanity - Hour 1" track listing:

01. Hour I
02. The Game Of Life
03. We Were Born To Fly
04. The Future Never Dies
05. You're Lovin' Me To Death
06. 321
07. Love Will Keep Us Alive
08. Your Last Song
09. Love Is War
10. Rise Again
11. The Cross
12. Humanity

A limited-edition version of the album will include two bonus tracks — "Cold" and "Humanity" (Radio Edit).

SCORPIONS performed their new single, entitled "Humanity", on March 24 at a special concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of signing the Roman treaty, which became the basis for foundation of the European Union. Watch a video clip of SCORPIONS' performance at YouTube.

SCORPIONS' last album, "Unbreakable", was released in the U.S. in June 2004 through Sanctuary Records. The CD was recorded at Peppermint Park Studio in Hannover, Germany and was mixed at Wisseloord studios in Hilversum, Holland.

NIGHTWISH leader Tuomas Holopainen (keyboards) has reportedly told Finland's Soundi magazine that the band has finished mixing four songs for the group's upcoming album — the band's first to feature its new singer, whose identity has not yet been revealed. Only 30 people (all of whom have personal and business ties to NIGHTWISH) have been told the name of NIGHTWISH's new vocalist and have been sworn to secrecy in order to maintain the element of surprise when the new lineup is officially unveiled on May 30.

According to Holopainen, the upcoming NIGHTWISH album, which is due in September, will feature a 14-minute song entitled "The Poet and the Pendulum" featuring the following lyrics in the chorus: I cannot cry / 'Cause the shoulder cries more / I cannot die / I, the whore for the cold world."

NIGHTWISH will release a new single, entitled "Eva", on May 30. "Eva" will be an Internet-only single release, all profits from which shall be donated to charity. In Finland, the single will be available exclusively from NetAnttila. The new singer's identity will be revealed simultaneously in a press statement and on the band's web site, www.nightwish.com, on Wednesday, May 30. A radio promo of the Internet single will ship on the same day.

The sixth NIGHTWISH album will be released on September 26, preceded by a second, regular single release in August.

NIGHTWISH fired its original singer, Tarja Turunen, via an "open letter," which was given to the singer immediately following their final concert together, which took place on October 21, 2005 at the Hartwall arena in Helsinki, Finland. The Helsinki show was filmed and recorded for the "End of an Era" DVD and CD, which entered the German chart at a No. 3 and has been certified gold for sales in excess of 25,000 copies.

Guitarist Stefan Weinerhall of the Swedish epic/power metallers FALCONER has issued the following update:

"We just extended our deal with Metal Blade for another four more albums. YAY!! We didn't see any reason to change label or even look over the fence since we're this content with the present situation and collaboration.

"The future plans consist of the festivals, of course, but also a studio recording sometime this winter.

"About the new material: So far I have seven new songs done, but there's still more work to them. Slightly faster and with more unexpected turns is all that I can say now. The lyrics will all be about Swedish medieval life and episodes. Not a concept album really but still something in that direction. What I decided early on what that it wouldn't become 'Northwind Pt. 2'. 'Northwind' is as good as it can be, therefore we'll make things a tad different this time. Can't wait until we're back in the studio again."

German death metallers FLESHCRAWL have acquired a new bassist by the name of Nico Scheffler. The group is scheduled to enter Toninfusion studios in Ulm, Germany later this month to begin recording its new album, tentatively titled "Structures of Death". The mixing will take place in early June at Studio Underground in Sweden. Artwork will be created by Uwe Jarling. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Structures of Death", "War of the Dead", "Written in Blood", "Nothing but Flesh Remains" and "A Spirit Dressed in Black".

FLESHCRAWL's last album, "Made of Flesh", was released in 2004.

The cover artwork for EDENBRIDGE's upcoming rarities/"best of" compilation, entitled "The Chronicles of Eden", has been posted online at this location (artwork created by Katja Piolka).

"The Chronicles of Eden" will be released as a double-CD and limited double-digipack on May 25. Disc One will contain three new, previously unreleased songs, all Japanese and European bonus tracks and songs that were included on all out-of-print singles. Disc Two will include a "best of" selection out of the five released studio albums. The track listing is as follows:

CD 1 (New Songs, Bonus Tracks, Rarities):

01. Thin Red Line
02. The Silent Wake
03. Images In The Sand
04. For Your Eyes Only
05. Evermore
06. Empire Of The Sun
07. Shine (Single Version)
08. On Sacred Ground
09. Anthem
10. On The Verge Of Infinity
11. The Whispering Gallery
12. The Whisper Of The Ages
13. Velvet Eyes Of Dawn

CD 2 ("Best Of" as voted by the fans):

01. Sunrise In Eden
02. Cheyenne Spirit
03. Arcana
04. The Palace
05. The Undiscovered Land
06. Red Ball In Blue Sky
07. Wild Chase
08. The Canterville Prophecy
09. The Canterville Ghost
10. The Grand Design
11. Terra Nova

EDENBRIDGE last month parted ways with drummer Roland Navratil due to "personal, musical and financial differences." A replacement drummer has yet to be announced.

EDENBRIDGE recently signed a worldwide deal with Napalm Records. The band's first effort for Napalm will be released in the spring of 2008. Production on the CD is tentatively scheduled to begin next fall. Four songs have already been written and EDENBRIDGE will work with a renowned Czech orchestra for the first time in its career.

Singer Hansi Kürsch of German power metallers BLIND GUARDIAN has been confirmed as one of the guests on the NEVERLAND project, the collaboration between Turkey's progressive power metal band DREAMTONE and Greek artist Iris Mavraki. Hansi has just finished recording the vocals for the song "To Lose The Sun" which will appear on the project's debut CD, "Reversing Time".

The bulk of the album's basic tracks (except for the guest appearances) were recorded at ATM Studios in Istanbul, with Erim Arkman and Alp Turac (who won the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2003 with singer Sertab Erener for the song "Every Way That I Can"). The mixing process took place at Division One Studios (EVERGREY, HAMMERFALL, IN FLAMES etc) in Gothenburg, Sweden. The mastering of "Reversing Time" will be handled by senior mastering engineer Leon Zervos (AVRIL LAVIGNE, SANTANA, INXS, SKID ROW, DURAN DURAN, AEROSMITH) at Sterling Sound in New York.

In addition to Iris Mavraki and DREAMTONE, "Reversing Time" features the Philarmonia Istanbul Orchestra and such renowned musicians as Tom Englund (EVERGREY), Mike Baker (SHADOW GALLERY) and Gary Wehrkamp (SHADOW GALLERY).

The Philarmonia Istanbul Orchestra recorded at MIAM Studios in Istanbul with conductor Hakan Sensoy. Ethnical instruments and sax parts were recorded at Mars Studios in Ankara. Songtitles set to appear on "Reversing Time" include "To Lose The Sun" (performed by Hansi Kürsch), "World Beyond These Walls" (performed by Tom Englund), "Reversing Time" (performed by Mike Baker), "Mountain of Judgment", "Mountain of Joy", "Black Water", "Mankind Is A Lie" and "Who Asked You To Fight?" The music was written by DREAMTONE and Iris Mavraki. All lyrics were written by Oganalp Canatan (DREAMTONE) and Orpheus Spiliotopoulos.

The project is currently in talks with several record labels about a possible deal.

Former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman and his band will film a live DVD at the final show of their current in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday, May 12. Friedman will once again be accompanied by fellow guitarist Ron Jarzombek (WATCHTOWER, SPASTIC INK, BLOTTED SCIENCE), bassist Chris Catero (RAZER, ex-WARDOG), and drummer Jeremy Colson (STEVE VAI, ex-MSG, DALI'S DILEMMA) for one last show at the Ebisu Liquid Room in Tokyo. An absolutely barnstorming live album was recorded in Europe earlier this month and the live DVD will feature a different set list and tons of surprises. Both the live CD and the live DVD will be released later this year.

Drummer Hein Frode Hansen of the Norwegian female-fronted band THEATRE OF TRAGEDY has issued the following update via the band's official web site:

"Some of you might have noticed that the website was down, some didn't.
The rumours of our demise are highly exaggerated we just forgot to pay the webhosting bill and one thing turned into another and the site was shut down. So fortunate for some we are still here. Unfortunate for some as well.

"Many have mailed the band and asked what is going on these days. Let's try to sum up some of the things. Being in a band for as long as we have takes more time and effort than people might imagine. Not millionaires yet (not even Raymond [Istvàn Rohonyi]) and still have to work for a living makes the actors in the THEATRE tired after a long day of being slaves to the grind (yes, we know it is a SKID ROW song). And with a few studies and family expansions things are taking even longer.

"Even so the work has started on a new album. There are some ideas that were lying around since 'Storm' and there are some new ones as well. Nobody knows what things might sound like in the end. Too early for that. When the album will be recorded is a mystery for all.

"There will be some shows from July and on but nothing is finalized yet. Apart from a full hour-and-half-show in Romania. More details later.

"So keep spinning 'Storm' and for those that didn't get it yet: GET IT! It won't be four more years for the next. And it is a damn good album!

"By the way, Nell has contributed some vocals on 'The Mundane and the Magic' on the forthcoming DARK TRANQUILITY album. Or maybe it is out already. Who knows."

Nuclear Blast is proud to announce the signing of Dutch Symphonic Metallers EPICA! Formed by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Mark Jansen in 2002, EPICA have so far released three albums, one of them a full-length soundtrack in the vein of Hollywood composers Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman. The Dutch metallers have already toured in 24 countries all over the world including successful tours through Europe, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and the USA. Currently the band is putting finishing touches to the upcoming and yet untitled album which is scheduled for a release in August/September this year. It was recorded again at the Gate Studio with renowned producer Sascha Paeth. The band themselves is talking about the heaviest EPICA material so far!!!

Nuclear Blast Records has set a July 20 German release date (July 23 in the rest of Europe) for the new NILE album, entitled "Ithyphallic". The CD was recorded at Sound Lab Studios in Columbia, South Carolina with producer Neil Kernon (NEVERMORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, DEICIDE) and engineer Bob Moore. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Language Of The Shadows", "Even The Gods Must Die", "The Infinity Of Stone", "Ithyphallic" and "Papyrii Containg The Spell To Preserve Its Possessor Against Attacks From He Who Is In The Water".

NILE's last album, "Annihilation of the Wicked" album, was released in May 2005 via Relapse Records. A video for the album track "Sacrifice Unto Sebek" was shot on location in Atlanta, GA by director Chad Rullman (MASTODON's "March of the Fire Ants", THE AGONY SCENE) for Supercollider Films.

NILE will embark on a headlining tour of Australia in May. Support at the shows will come from Polish technical death metal sensations DECAPITATED.

NILE has been confirmed as one of the second-stage bands at this year's Ozzfest alongside HATEBREED, BEHEMOTH, MONDO GENERATOR, ANKLA, CIRCUS DIABLO and THE SHOWDOWN, among others. The 24-city tour begins July 12 in Seattle.

Former IRON MAIDEN/WOLFSBANE frontman Blaze Bayley will release his new solo album in late October. The record will contain 14 new songs and will be supported by "a massive tour 2008/2009, covering over 150 concerts all over the world," according to Blaze's management.

Bayley's new band, now called simply BLAZE BAYLEY, is as follows:

Rico Banderra - Drums
Nick Bermudez (UNDER THREAT) - Guitar
David Bermudez (UNDER THREAT) - Bass
Rich Newport - Guitar
Blaze Bayley - Vocals

Check out a photo of the new band at this location

Former IRON MAIDEN frontman Blaze Bayley will reunite with his first band WOLFSBANE for three songs after his solo set at the Rock of Ages Festival in Tamworth, England on September 9.

Dutch death metallers SEVERE TORTURE have entered the studio to begin recording their new album for a late June release on Earache Records. "Seth already did an amazing job on drums and created an ultra-tight foundation for the new songs," guitarist Thijs van Laarhoven said. "Marvin [Vriesde] and I finished recording all the guitars last week and it turned out heavy as hell. All the leads were finished last Sunday and yesterday Pat [Patrick Boleij] finished his bass tracks and thus far all the stuff sounds absolutely killer! Next weekend Dennis [Schreurs] will start recording the vocals.

"The new record will feature 10 new songs and we recorded three special suprises to be used for bonus tracks etc.. Also a big chance that there will be some special guests on the album, but more about that later!"

SEVERE TORTURE's latest album, "Fall of the Despised", was released in November 2005 via Earache Records.

Scarlet Records will release STORMLORD's first official DVD, "The Battle Of Quebec City: Live In Canada", in June. The disc will contain a complete live show recorded in Quebec City last June (including a new song, "Dimension: Hate", and a stunning cover of SLAYER's "Raining Blood"), during the band's successful Canadian tour, four extra songs in bootleg version recorded in Montreal and Toronto and video clips for the songs "I Am Legend" and "Under The Boards (195, M.A.)". The track listing is as follows:

Live in Quebec City @ Les Dagobert, 14 June 2006:

01. The Torchbearer
02. Dance Of Hecate
03. Wurdulak
04. I Am Legend
05. The Oath Of The Legion
06. Under The Boards (195, M.A.)
07. The Gorgon Cult
08. Dimension: Hate
09. Xanadu (A Vision In A Dream)
10. Where My Spirit Forever Shall Be
11. The Curse Of Medusa
12. Raining Blood

Extras:

Live in Montreal @ Foufounes Electriques, 16 June 2006 - Bootleg

* Dance Of Hecate
* Wurdulak

Live in Toronto @ Reilly's, 17 June 2006 - Bootleg

* Wurdulak
* I Am Legend
* I Am Legend (Promotional Clip 2002)

* Under The Boards (Promotional Clip 2004)

Guitarist Alex Auburn of the Canadian death metallers CRYPTOPSY has confirmed to BLABBERMOUTH.NET that the band has once again parted ways with singer Lord Worm (a.k.a. Dan Greening). No reason was given for Lord Worm's departure, but according to Auburn, this time the vocalist was "kicked out" of the band and didn't leave of his own accord.

CRYPTOPSY is currently looking to audition candidates to fill the positions of singer/frontman and keyboardist/samplist. Vocalists must be able to sing in clean voice, on pitch, and also be able to scream/growl. If you are motivated and would like to try out, e-mail the band at crymusic@hotmail.com. If you have a criminal record, don't bother auditioning, as this means you can't tour.

CRYPTOPSY's last studio album, "Once Was Not", was released in 2005 via Century Media Records.

The song "Rio Grande Blood (Rio Grande Dubya Mix)", taken from MINISTRY's upcoming album of remixes, "Rio Grande Dub", has been made available for streaming at this location.

13th Planet Records will release MINISTRY's "Rio Grande Dub" in June. The album will feature remixes by Clayton Worbeck (REVOLTING COCKS, STAYTE) and John Bechdel (FEAR FACTORY, PRONG, MINISTRY, FALSE ICONS). Artwork for the CD was created by Lawton Outlaw.

"Rio Grande Dub" track listing:

01. Rio Grande Blood (Rio Grande Dubya Mix) (4:12)
02. Señor Peligro (La Zona Peligrosa Mix) (4:08)
03. Gangreen (Kiss Me Goodnight Mix) (3:35)
04. Fear Is Big Business (Weapons of Mass Deception Mix) (3:42)
05. Lieslieslies (Cognitive Dissonance Mix) (4:19)
06. The Great Satan (What Would Satan Do? Mix) (3:06)
07. Yellow Cake (Hexafluoride Mix) (4:22)
08. Palestin (72nd Virgin Mix) (5:23)
09. Ass Clown (Osama McDonald Mix) (3:31)
10. Khyber Pass (TX Bush Ranch Mix) (4:27)
11. Lieslieslies (Known Unknown Lies Mix) (3:55)

OBITUARY frontman John Tardy has posted the following message on the band's web site:

"First I need to say how happy we are to be signed with a new record company. We signed with Candlelight Records. We did a lot of work over the last several months and Candlelight just felt right for OBITUARY. It feels like we hit the ground running with this label and things are already moving forward quickly. We have a release date of September 11 in the U.S. and September 10 in Europe.

"We have been in the studio full-time working on the new album and it is coming along great. We have a lot of shows coming up too. Mexico, Australia, South America, Europe and a full U.S. tour in September. There is a lot going on and I will give you more information as we go along."

As previously reported, OBITUARY has posted its video for the song "On the Floor" at YouTube.com. The clip, which was shot on December 9, 2005 at the Masquerade in Ybor City, Florida with video producer Michael Sarna (MEGADETH's "Of Mice and Men"), can also be seen on the band's MySpace page. Also available at YouTube.com is a video clip of OBITUARY performing the CELTIC FROST cover "Circle of the Tyrants" in 1990 in Tilburg, the Netherlands with James Murphy (DEATH, TESTAMENT) on lead guitar. Check it out at this location
.

OBITUARY's first-ever DVD, "Frozen Alive", was released in Europe on December 11 via Metal Mind Productions (it arrived in the U.S. on January 16, through MVD Visual). The disc includes a seven-camera shoot of the Warsaw show plus the "Insane" video, the previously unreleased "On the Floor" video, interviews with Frank Watkins (bass), Trevor Peres (guitar), John (vocals) and Donald Tardy (drums), and three documentaries — the making of "Insane", the making of "Frozen In Time" album, and "Backstage In Poland". A video of OBITUARY performing the song "On the Floor", taken from the "Frozen Alive" DVD, has been posted online at YouTube.com.

OBITUARY's latest CD, "Frozen in Time", was released in July 2005 via Roadrunner Records. The group's first collection of new songs since 1997's "Back from the Dead" was self-produced by the band, with Mark Prator and Scott Burns engineering, and was mastered by Tom Morris at Morrisound.

DIMENSION ZERO — the Swedish band featuring IN FLAMES guitarist Jesper Strömblad (on bass), ex-MARDUK vocalist Joakim "Jocke" Göthberg, LUCIFERION/DIABOLIQUE drummer Hasse Nilsson, and PATHOS guitarist Daniel Antonsson — has finalized the track listing for its third album, "He Who Shall Not Bleed", due later in the year via an as-yet-undisclosed label. The CD was recorded at IF studios in December and was co-produced by the band with Arnold Lindberg.

"He Who Shall Not Bleed" track listing:

01. He Who Shall Not Bleed
02. Unto Others
03. A Paler Shade of White (A Darker Side of Black)
04. Hell Is Within
05. Red Dead Heat
06. I Can Hear the Dark
07. Going Deep
08. Is
09. Deny
10. The Was
11. Way to Shine

Check out audio samples of the songs "He Who Shall Not Bleed", "Unto Others" and "Hell Is Within" at the band's .web site

SEPULTURA guitarist Andreas Kisser has issued the following update:

"I'm going to do two gigs with old time friends, my first band ever, ESFINGE (SPHINX). We started in 1983, we all studied in the same school and had the same musical taste. We played from TWISTED SISTER to VENOM. It was a great way to learn the guitar and we had a great deal of fun. We performed everywhere, birthday parties, schools, carwash parties, etc....great memories."

SEPULTURA recently finished filming the second video from their "Dante XXI" album, for the song "Ostia". The clip was shot on March 3 at a studio in São Paulo prior to the band's departure for their European tour. During the following week, the video crew and the main actor shot the outdoor scenes in downtown São Paulo. The script, which adapts the story from the book "The Divine Comedy" to the modern days, was directed by Geraldo Moraes.

SCAR SYMMETRY guitarist Per Nilsson is featured on the new album from KAIPA, "Angling Feelings", due in May on InsideOut Music. KAIPA mastermind/keyboard player Hans Lundin and Per are old friends, having previously collaborated on the album "Hagen: Corridors of Time" in the late '90s.

Hans composed the songs on "Angling Feelings" with the help of other members Morgan Ågren (MATS & MORGAN, ZAPPA), Jonas Reingold (FLOWER KINGS, TANGENT), Per Nilsson (SCAR SYMMETRY), Patrik Lundström (RITUAL) and Aleena Gibson.

Hans describe the birth of this album: "During the summer of 2005 I worked with the KAIPA box and I didn't make any attempt to write new music.

"When I started to write the songs for this album in October 2005 I was afraid that I was totally out of ideas but the fact is it was like opening a magical box and in less than three months most of the songs for the new album were written.

"With this album I allowed the music to find its own direction and sometimes flow in very unexpected directions but also to be very simple when I felt it was necessary. I wanted to make a progressive music but not in the traditional way.

"When I listen to the final result I think the best description of the music on this album would be: progressive-fusion-folk-rock.

"The title track 'Angling Feelings' is inspired by Jan Ternald's original artwork for the album and as a fact I think during the whole writing process I tried to keep up this positive vibe I find in this artwork.

"This is probably the most joyful and relaxed recording session I've ever been involved in and I hope you can hear it in the final result."

"Angling Feelings" track listing:

01. Angling Feelings
02. The Glorious Silence Within
03. The Fleeting Existence of Time
04. Pulsation
05. Liquid Holes in the Sky
06. Solitary Pathway
07. Broken Chords
08. Path of Humbleness
09. Where's the Captain?
10. This Ship of Life

KAIPA consists of:

Hans Lundin: Electric, Acoustic and Virtual Keyboards, Vocals
Per Nilsson: Electric guitars
Morgan Ågren: Drums
Jonas Reingold: Electric basses
Patrik Lundström: Vocals
Aleena Gibson: Vocals

Release dates:

Germany, Austria, Switzerland: May 18
Rest of Europe: May 21
North America: June 5

Portugal's Blitz magazine is reporting that the country's biggest metal export MOONSPELL was recently accused of promoting Satanism by a Polish sociologist by the name of Ryszard Nowak. According to the report, which first appeared in the Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã, Nowak — who is said to be a member of an anti-cult organization — held a press conference in which he accused MOONSPELL of being Satanic and claimed that the band's "scandalous" performances promote "hate, animal slaughter, devastation of the Christian church and propagation of death." A petition was also launched to persuade the mayor of Warsaw to stop MOONSPELL's performance in the city from going ahead.

MOONSPELL's latest CD, "Memorial", was recently certifield gold in the band's home country of Portugal for sales in excess of 10,000 copies. This is the first time a Portuguese metal band has ever received this award. The group was also named "Best Portuguese Act" at MTV's 13th annual Europe Music Awards, held on Nov. 2 in Copenhagen, Denmark. This is the first time ever a metal band has won that particular award in Europe.

"Memorial" was released in April 2006 via SPV Records. The CD was recorded at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany with producer Waldemar Sorychta (LACUNA COIL, TIAMAT, GRIP INC.).

Swedish death metallers DISMEMBER have parted ways with longtime drummer Fred Estby. "My decision to put my family in first hand makes it impossible to keep on touring and commit to the band full-time," Estby said in a statement. "I want to thank all the fans, friends, bands and all the other cool people I've met through the years and I wish DISMEMBER all the best in the future."

DISMEMBER is currently in the process of writing new material and "this sad loss will not interrupt any future plans in any way," the band writes on its web site. "The commitment to keep on playing is stronger than ever!"

DISMEMBER's latest album, "The God That Never Was", was released in February 2006 via Regain Records. The follow-up to 2004's "Where Ironcrosses Grow" was once again produced by Estby at Sami Studio in Stockholm. The group's current lineup includes Matti Kärki (vocals), David Blomqvist (guitar), Martin Persson (guitar) and newcomer Tobias Christiansson on bass.

The final artwork for OZZY OSBOURNE's new album, "Black Rain", is available for viewing at this location.

"Black Rain" track listing:

01. Not Going Away
02. I Don't Wanna Stop
03. Black Rain
04. Lay Your World on Me
05. The Almighty Dollar
06. 11 Silver
07. Civilize the Universe
08. Here For You
09. Countdown's Begun
10. Trap Door

American/Norwegian melodic metallers KAMELOT have posted their video for the song "Ghost Opera" at this location. The track is the title cut off KAMELOT's new album, which is scheduled for release on the following dates: Germany: June 1; Europe: June 4; USA: June 5.

"Ghost Opera" will be KAMELOT's third release for SPV/Steamhammer Records. The CD was recorded and mixed at Gate Studios and Pathway Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producers Sascha Paeth and Miro. Artwork was handled by Mattias Norén with contributions by Alexandra V. Bach, Liliana Sanchez and Derek Gores. A limited-edition digipack version of the CD will include the bonus cut "The Pendulous Fall" along with a bonus DVD containing the video for the album's title track, "Ghost Opera", shot by director Ivan Colic of Serbia's ICode team as well as the making of the "Ghost Opera" video. The limited edition will contain a special extended booklet as well.

DREAM THEATER keyboardist Jordan Rudess has issued the following update:

"I'm presently finishing up the keyboard tracks for [my new solo album] now. After that's all done, I will get the drums recorded followed by the guitar and vocals. Of course the bulk of the sounds will be generated by yours truly!

"As far as the content of the music goes, this is the story: I'm actually doing covers! I'm going back to some of my very favorite progressive rock songs and doing my own versions. In addition, I will throw in a very progressive new tune.

"Here are some highlights for ya:

ELP - 'Tarkus'
GENESIS - 'Dance On a Volcano'
GENTLE GIANT - 'Just the Same'
YES - 'Sound Chaser'

"That's not all of it, but a lot of it! Also gonna record my Steinway here at home and cover some other classics.

"If you saw me open for BLACKFIELD, you might have an idea of the flavor that I am talking about.

"As far as the guests go, I am not ready to announce them. Looks like things are lining up nicely though. I will let you know when it is all set.

"For the album cover, the great news is that it looks like David Mattingly (who did the cover of 'Feeding the Wheel') is lined up again.

"The album will be released on Magna Carta Records. I don't have a release date for you yet. Soon I will announce the title..."

Swedish metallers EVERGREY have officially parted ways with bassist Fredrik Larsson — only nine months after he was recruited as the replacement for Michael Håkansson. A replacement bassist has not yet been announced, but none of the band's upcoming live activiites are expected to be affected by this change. Larsson has since joined fellow Swedes HAMMERFALL.

EVERGREY recently began work on the follow-up to 2006's "Monday Morning Apocalypse", tentatively due later in the year. Guitarist/vocalist Tom S. Englund described the new material as "the heaviest and darkest we have released to date."

EVERGREY guitarist Henrik Danhage filled in for IN FLAMES guitarist Björn Gelotte on the latter band's U.S. tour at the end of 2006 due to the fact that Gelotte's wife was about to give birth to the couple's second child.

"Monday Morning Apocalypse" was recorded at Division One Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden by the experienced production team of Sanken Sandquist and Stefan Glaumann, who have previously worked with such artists as RAMMSTEIN, BON JOVI, BRITNEY SPEARS and DEF LEPPARD.

MY SHAMEFUL, the doom/death metal band with Finnish, German and American members, has parted ways with drummer Mark Napier. Replacing him in the group's lineup is Jürgen Fröhling of NEOCOSMIC. Jürgen's first gig with MY SHAMEFUL will take place at the Doom Shall Rise festival on April 27-28 the Chapel in Göppingen, Germany.

Originating as a two-person studio project in Finland (1999), MY SHAMEFUL has so far recorded three demos and three albums. The demos were recorded with Sami Rautio and Harri Jussila as participating members, and the albums with Sami Rautio as the only member. The band is currently based in Bavaria, Germany.

MY SHAMEFUL's last album, "The Return to Nothing", came out in 2006 via Firebox Records.