According to a posting on the RUSH fan site Power Windows, Zoe/Rounder has se ta February 7, 2006 U.S. release date for the DVD version of RUSH's classic "Exit...Stage Left" concert film.

"Everything's been remixed to 5.1, and that was the intention — to keep it all intact, except for the remix," guitarist Alex Lifeson recently told Billboard.com. "So it's available in surround."

Lifeson told Billboard.com he enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane while refurbishing the material. "It was interesting to see the development in the arrangements, and how our sound changed over the course of a decade," he said. "I definitely found it fascinating, looking at that. And how the stage show changed over the years — of course, [in] 10 years a lot of stuff changes. But it was a little fascinating to watch that, actually."

"Exit...Stage Left" was filmed at The Forum in Montreal, Quebec on March 27, 1981 and was issued in 1981 on VHS/Laserdisk (out of print). The 60-minute video featured the following track listing:

01. Limelight
02. Tom Sawyer
03. The Trees
04. Broon's Bane
05. Xanadu
06. Red Barchetta
07. Free Will
08. Closer To The Heart
09. YYZ (with voice over)
10. By-Tor And The Snow Dog / In The End / In The Mood / 2112 Finale

BLIND GUARDIAN frontman Hansi Kürsch has posted the following message at the band's web site:

"A sign of life message just to let you know that Christmas is getting closer and we are still not done with recordings, yet. But that is the good news for the album: we are still on schedule. The description 'on schedule' can be stretched (manipulated?) a little, while talking about a BLIND GUARDIAN album production, anyway. We haven't — so far, but we could. There is only a small amount of guitars, which needs to be completed, some bass, a lot of vocals and even more mixing. We are targeting an early February deadline.

"I am very sorry we have not been able to involve you more so far, but we are so focused on the album, that we hardly find the time to eat. I turned a skinny beauty during these days. I promise to provide you with some studio shots as soon as the new year has started...

"Oh, about the single mentioned a few months earlier: We have accomplished it and I would like to provide you with some information about it, only the important ones and of course only true ones:

There will be three songs on the single:

01. Fly
02. Skalds and Shadows (acoustic version)
03. In A Gadda Da Vida

"'Fly' is a quite surprising title for a BLIND GUARDIAN song, one could think. But it lyrically fits very, very well. This song is about inspirations and how they can influence your art, your life and other people's li(v)(?)es(?). I, myself, was inspired by the movie 'Finding Neverland' when doing the lyrics. The music is mindblowing. It certainly describes how we look at music and how we see ourselves as musicians. We love to explore and assimilate. Though the song is different, it is pure BLIND GUARDIAN. I, personally, consider it to be amongst the best songs we have ever written. It is new!!! It is fresh!!! Whether you will like it or not, you will have to admit that you have never heard anything like that before. Not from BLIND GUARDIAN and neither from any other band on this planet.

"The accoustic version of 'Skalds and Shadows' completely stands in the tradition of songs like 'The Bard's Song' and 'A Past and Future Secret'. Charlie [Bauerfeind, producer] and Frederik [Ehmke, drummer] came up with a very cool percussion arrangement and on top of it Frederik played some mindblowing flute melodies to it. We are very happy with the result and we work on a more orchestral version at the moment, which is supposed to become part of the album. This purer single version will only appear on the single. The word 'skald' is probably not very common, but is nothing else than the ancient nordic description for their bards. The nordic Edda poems have mostly been invented by Skalds and they also have kept these stories alive by traveling around and telling the stories to other people. I, as a fan of 'Die Nibelungen' and of Tolkien's work, was mostly thrilled by the 'Saga of Volsung', which the song lyrically partly scratches — as well as the mission of the storyteller.

"As probably most of you have figured, 'In A Gadda Da Vida' is a cover version of IRON BUTTERFLY's smash hit. Although we like stoner music — we dared to turn it into a modern speed metal tune. This song, of course, will only appear on the single.

"To complete the single subject: The cover artwork has been done by Anthony Clarkson. He did a great job. The motive is pretty much BLIND GUARDIAN. I am sure you will love it.

"What else can I tell you? We have not decided how the album will be entitled. Due to lyrical issues I am brainstorming with the word 'myth,' but that does not necessarily mean it finally will be used for the title. The two strongest titles from my point of view so far are: 'A Twist in the Myth', or 'Borderline Myth'. None of them can be seen as confirmed. Sometimes you wake up and you just know: that's the title to go for. Mostly it is just a question of the right inspiration...

"We recognized your discussion about the possible style we may have chosen for the new album and I just would like to point out the following one more time: We will not deny our roots, but we at the same time will not make a step back and we have no intention to stand right where we have been with the last studio album. The album will contain 11 very strong songs, which all differ strongly from each other. There's heavy metal, there's more rockish metal, there's more progressive metal, there's more intense metal, but there is no rip off! We do not sell out. 'Selling out' could be a cool title, too, by the way. Ah, damned someone has used it before, I think.

"The single will give you an idea of how much the songs on the album will be different from each other. To explore and invent something new — that's the thrill!!!

"Have one on me (and don't believe a word I've said)."

As previously reported, BLIND GUARDIAN recently replaced drummer Thomen Stauch, who left the band in April after 20 years. The new man behind the kit is fellow German Frederik Ehmke, who is said to be "fairly unknown in the world of metal." Working songtitles for the new CD include "Carry the Blessed Home", "The Edge", "In Search for the Lionheart", "Market Square", "Another Stranger Me", and "Otherland".

Attic Arcade/Gencross has set a March 23, 2006 Japanese release date for the new NARNIA album, "Enter the Gate". The Swedish metallers are currently negotiating a European release for the CD, which is being described by the band as "the most well-sounding and well-performed NARNIA album to date." The follow-up to 2003's "The Great Fall" features backing vocals by Mats Leven (THERION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, AT VANCE) and contains "the most melodic and catchy songs since 'Long Live the King' from the late '90s but in a brand new sound and approach," according to the band.

In other news, MCM Music will be releasing a CD version of the band's 2003 concert performance ay Owener Rocknacht in Germany. The show, which was previously released on DVD under the title "At Short Notice....Live in Germany", has now been edited and remastered for the CD version. The title remains the same and the release is set for January 23, 2006.

NARNIA's fourth full-length album, "The Great Fall", was released in April 2003 through Nuclear Blast. The CD, which was produced at The Dream Factory in Jönköping, Sweden by Carl-Johan Grimmark, featured guest appearances from former YNGWIE MALMSTEEN/current HAMMERFALL drummer Anders Johansson and SAVIOUR MACHINE singer Eric Clayton.

NARNIA recently parted ways with keyboardist Linus Kåse. Replacing him on some the band's recent dates was Andreas Lindahl.

Norway's legendary eccentric artist MORTIIS recently completed a remix for DEATHSTARS' new album. The song is "Blitzkrieg (Driven On Mix)" and will appear on a limited-edition version of their upcoming CD, "Termination Bliss", due out January 27, 2006 on Nuclear Blast.

MORTIIS had previously completed remixes for such artists as TECHNOPHOBIA, GIRLS UNDER GLASS and DOPE STARS INC.

MORTIIS recently released his first DVD, entitled "Soul in a Hole". The disc was filmed last year in London during the two-month "The Unlimited Grudge Tour" with SUSPERIA. The DVD contains bonus videos, photo galleries, interviews, and other extras, in addition to live footage.

Poland's DARZAMAT have released their new album, "Transkarpatia", in Poland via the Metal Mind Productions. The 50-minute CD was mixed by producer Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND guitarist) at LaRocque's Los Angered studio outside Gothenburg, Sweden.

"Transkarpatia" will be released in Mexico via Gravis Records and in Russia through CD Maximum.

"Transkarpatia" track listing:

01. Vampiric Prose
02. Hallucinations
03. The Burning Times
04. Letter from Hell
05. Blackward
06. Labyrinth of Anxiety
07. Recurring Yell
08. Virus
09. The Old Form of Worship
10. Equinox
11. Tempted by Rot
12. Tribute to...

DARZAMAT's fourth album, "Semidevilish", was released late last year via Avantgarde Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Oniriad" was the group's first album to feature new members Golem (drums, ex-DRAGON), Spectre (keyboards) and Nera (vocals, ex-MIDNIGHTDATE).

Swedish/Greek melodic death metallers NIGHTRAGE have commenced the songwriting sessions for their as-yet-untitled third album, tentatively due next year via Century Media Records. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Drone", "Ostentatious Behaviour", "A Condemned Club" and "De-Fame".

NIGHTRAGE parted ways with vocalist Tomas Lindberg (ex-AT THE GATES, THE CROWN) in July 2005 due to scheduling conflicts. Replacing Lindberg on the microphone is Jimmie Strimell.

NIGHTRAGE's sophomore album, "Descent Into Chaos", was released earlier this year via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Sweet Vengeance" was mixed at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer Patrik J. Sten and was mastered at Tailor Maid Production in Stockholm with Peter in de Betou.

Australian progressive metal band VANISHING POINT have announced the addition of bassist Steve Cox to the group's ranks. "Steve has fitted in with his new role quite nicely with his great sense of humour and professionalism towards VANISHING POINT is most welcome," the band write on their web site.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who did try out but who were unfortunately unsuccessful. We wish all the very best for your future and know in whatever you chose to do you will be successful.

VANISHING POINT's latest album, "Embrace the Silence", was released in Europe this past May through Dockyard 1, the new German company/record label formed by Dirk Putzke, Christine Stephan (both ex-Sanctuary/Noise Records) and Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR). "Embrace the Silence" is available in Australia and New Zealand through Modern Invasion Music.

The cover artwork for QUEENSRŸCHE's sequel to their platinum 1988 concept album, "Operation: Mindcrime", entitled "Operation: Mindcrime II", has been posted online at this location.

As previously reported, legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (BLACK SABBATH, DIO, RAINBOW) has been tapped to play the role of "Dr. X" on "Operation: Mindcrime II". Check out photos of Ronnie in the studio with QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate at this location.

Ronnie James Dio's official web site has been updated with a short statement from the singer regarding his guest appearance on QUEENSRŸCHE's sequel to their platinum 1988 concept album, "Operation: Mindcrime", which is scheduled for release on March 14, 2006 via Rhino Entertainment. Ronnie recently headed up to the Bay Area to record his part on the record, and commented on being chosen to play Dr. X: "I was flattered to be asked to be part of the 'Operation Mindcrime II' project, and it was truly great to work with Geoff Tate [QUEENSRŸCHE singer] again."

Former HELLOWEEN frontman Michael Kiske has set the tentative track listing for his upcoming solo album, tentatively due in early 2006 via Italy's Frontiers Records. Entitled simply "Kiske", the CD will feature an appearances by Kiske's longtime friend Karsten Nagel (ILL PROPHECY) on drums, with possible contributions from guitarist Sandro Giampietro and a bassist named Fontaine.

"Kiske" tentative track listing:

01. Fed By Stones
02. Hearts Are Free
03. The King Of It All
04. Knew I Would
05. Silently Craving
06. King's Fall
07. Sing My Song
08. Painted
09. I Don't Deserve Love
10. Sad As The Wortld
11. All-Solutions
12. (Japanese Bonus Track)

In other news, Kiske has revealed that he has been approached by STRATOVARIUS mainman Timo Tolkki about a collaboration on a non-metal album. No further details are available at this time. Kiske will also be re-releasing his debut solo album, "Instant Clarity" (originally issued in 1996), featuring three previously unreleased bonus songs.

British black metal pioneers VENOM have finished mixing their new album, "Metal Black", at the Townhouse Studios in London. The album contains 14 new songs, including "Antechrist", the demo for which can be heard at this location. A March 2006 release via Castle Records/Sanctuary Group is expected.

"Metal Black" track listing:

01. Antechrist
02. Burn In Hell
03. House of Pain
04. Death & Dying
05. Rege Satanas
06. Darkest Realm
07. A Good Day to Die
08. Assassin
09. Lucifer Rising
10. Blessed Dead
11. Hours of Darkness
12. Sleep When I'm Dead
13. Maleficarvm
14. Metal Black

VENOM are currently finalizing plans for some U.K. shows around next spring. The band are also planning some European dates after the U.K. and are also looking at hitting America by early summer.

Hreidmarr, vocalist for French symphonic black metallers ANOREXIA NERVOSA. has quit the band. His statement on the matter reads as follows: "Leaving ANOREXIA NERVOSA was definitely not the easiest thing to do as we've shared so much during our time together as this band had become a vivid part of my daily life. For seven years, the band has been giving me so many opportunities on a musical and human level and has heavily contributed to become the person I'm today. Still, I honestly thought I had reached the end of a personal era with the album 'Redemption Process' and I now feel the need to take a different path. I'm also absolutely proud of what I have been able to achieve with the rest of the band members who will always remain my best friends and I wish them the very best for the future."

ANOREXIA NERVOSA are currently looking for a new vocalist. Interested parties can contact: editions.hurlantes@wanadoo.fr and send demos to: Anorexia Nervosa, BP 1064, 87051 Limoges Cedex, France.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA recently released their latest record, "The September EP", in a limited-edition digipack.

Swedish black/death metallers THE LEGION, featuring current MARDUK drummer Emil Dragutinovic, have issued the following update:

"After a long search we have finally found a new vocalist for the LEGION. He's name is Kjetil Hektoen and he’s also known for his participation in CREST OF DARKNESS and ENTHRAL. We have already started to work on material for a third album together with Kjetil and we believe that his contribution to the band will increase the quality in our music on many levels. A big thanks goes out to all the people that has auditioned for us or sent us vocal material.

"Secondly, we want to announce the departure of our bassist Lars Martinsson. Lars has decided to leave the band to continue with his studies. We wish him the best of luck and thank him for all the years of dedication to the band. Kristoffer Andersson from SARGATANAS REIGN will be filling in for Lars as a session member."

As previously reported, THE LEGION have uploaded a new song, entitled "Horror Vacui", at this location (MP3, 8.5 MB). The track comes off the group's sophomore album, tentatively due in late January via France's Listenable Records. The artwork was once again designed by Kris Verwimp (MARDUK, ABSU, IMMORTAL), who had previously worked with the group on their debut album, "Unseen to Creation".

"Revocation" (view cover here) track listing:

01. Grotesque Savior
02. Virtue of Sin
03. Annihilation Chaos
04. Horror Vacui
05. Impious Gathering
06. Bloodgate
07. Deadlight Afterglow
08. Carnal Harvest
09. Nocturnal Apparition

THE LEGION's debut album, "Unseen to Creation" was released in October 2003 through Listenable.

The track listing has been revealed for the new ACE FREHLEY (ex-KISS) compilation titled album, "Greatest Hits Live", due on January 24, 2006 via Megaforce Records. According to a press release, this CD "represents some of the best work from legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley during the period after his highly publicized departure from one of the greatest rock bands of all time." As with the previous Megaforce ACE FREHLEY releases "12 Picks" (1996) and "Loaded Deck" (1997), Ace himself had nothing to do with putting this package together.

"Greatest Hits Live" (view cover here) track listing:

01. Rip It Out (Live)
02. Breakout (Live)
03. Cold Gin (Live)
04. Shock Me (Live)
05. Rocket Ride (Live)
06. Deuce (Live)
07. Strangers In A Strange Land (Live)
08. Separate (Live)
09. NY Groove (Live)
10. Rock Soldiers (Live)
11. One Plus One
12. Give It To Me Anyway

"Greatest Hits Live" features members of ACE FREHLEY'S COMET: Anton Fig (drums), John Regan (bass), Tod Howarth (guitar/keyboards) and Richie Scarlett (guitar), and Jamie Oldaker on drums.

Danish metallers ILLDISPOSED have set "Burn Me Wicked" as the title of their new album, tentatively due in Europe in March/April 2006 via Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to last year's "1-800 Vindication" was recorded at Combi Sound Studio in Aarhus, Denmark with producer Ziggy.

"Burn Me Wicked" track listing (in no particular order):

01. Back To The Street
02. Shine Crazy
03. Fear The Gates
04. Case Of The Late Pig
05. Burn Me Wicked
06. The Widow Black
07. Our Herion Recess
08. Nothing To Fear... Do It
09. Master And Servant
10. Throw Your Bolts
11. Illdispunk'd

ILLDISPOSED recently announced the addition of guitarist Martin Thim (EXMORTEM) to the group's ranks.

Arlington Heights, Illinois-based death metallers ENFORSAKEN mastered their new album, "Sinner's Intuition", on Friday (Dec. 16) at The Bolier Room Studios in Chicago, IL. The session was engineered by Collin Jordan, who has previously worked with MINISTRY and GRAVITY KILLS. Check out pictures from the mastering session at this location.

The follow-up to 2004's "Forever Endeavor" (Olympic/Century Media) "Sinner's Intuition" is scheduled for release on March 7, 2006 via Crash Music Inc.. The CD recording sessions took place at Studio One in Racine, Wisconsin with engineer/owner Chris Djuricic and assistant Aaron Brigman.

"Sinner's Intuition" track listing:

01. Witness to the Fall
02. Words in Red
03. The Slain
04. Halo of Ruin
05. Enemy Angel
06. Sever the Ties
07. Blacklist Assassin
08. The Course to Oblivion

"Sinner's Intuition" will feature back-up vocals from Swedish multi-instrumentalist/producer Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH, PAN THY MONIUM).

German power metallers RAGE have finished shooting a video for the new track "No Fear" from their upcoming CD "Speak of the Dead". The song is featured on the soundtrack to the independent psycho thriller "Ludgers Fall" and the clip includes scenes from the original film as well as a band performance. The video was shot on the island of Föhr, located in the North Sea. Also scheduled to appear on the movie's soundtrack are fellow Germans CREMATORY.

RAGE are currently completing work on "Speak of the Dead" at the VPS studios in Hamm, Germany. The band's last studio album, "Soundchaser", was released in 2003 through SPV/Steamhammer.

STRATOVARIUS frontman Timo Kotipelto has posted the following message on his official web site:

"I had lots of fun while touring around the world. Even though it has been a bit tough to travel and to play that many gigs the feedback and the support from the fans have been excellent! I thank you all!

"Right now I have been composing some new material for the next possible KOTIPELTO album. I already have almost all the songs needed for the album. I am about to meet the guys from my band (Lauri, Tuomas, Janne and Mirka) and arrange the songs and to settle the possible time to start the actual recording. Right now I can't give you any exact date yet but I will keep you posted about what is going on."

KOTIPELTO's sophomore solo album, "Coldness", was released in Europe in April 2004 through Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Waiting for the Dawn" was recorded by CHILDREN OF BODOM keyboardist Janne Wirman at his Beyond Abilities Studios as well as by Tero Kostermaa at High and Loud's ELK Studios and Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, where the mixing (Mikko Karmila) and the mastering (Mika Jussila) also took place. Matthias Norén, who has previously worked with bands like INTO ETERNITY, LOST HORIZON and EVERGREY, designed the album's artwork.

Swedish metallers STEEL ATTACK entered Black Lounge Studio in Sweden on December 12 with engineer Jonas Kjellgren to record the follow-up to 2004's "Enslaved".

"The last three weeks we have been rehearsing the new material very intense pace," guitarist Johan Jalonen Penn writes on the band's web site. "We have done 12 tracks since the summer for our as-yet-untitled fifth full-length album and we are very satisfied with the way the new songs sound before we hit the studio. Expect hard riffs combined with rich melodies and brilliant metal."

"Enslaved" was issued in October 2004 via Arise Records. The album was supported by a 12-day European tour with Germany BLACK ABYSS and Canada's EXCITER.

Sweden's AMON AMARTH have posted the following message on their official web site:

"Well, the U.S. tour is over for this time. We've had a fucking great time during these six weeks, and we'd like to thank CHILDREN OF BODOM and their crew for a fantastic tour. Thanks also to TRIVIUM with crew, and good luck on the IN FLAMES tour. Last but not least, thanks to all you fans — old and new — who came to the shows and made every one of them a magical experiense! Special thanks to those of you who bought us beers and booze. We truly appreciate it, and we hope to see you all next time around!

"The plan now is to take a couple of weeks off, before we start working on the new album in January. The recording is scheduled for May/June this year.

"We wish you all the best for the end of this year, and a great 2006!"

AMON AMARTH's latest album, "Fate of Norns", is available on Metal Blade Records.

Italian symphonic power metallers SKYLARK have just come back from New York where they mastered two acoustic songs (voice, orchestra, acoustic guitar) with George Marino at the Sterling Sound. These two new songs will be included in a special section of the band's upcoming record, entitled "Divine Gates Part 3 - The Last Gate". No further information is currently available.

SKYLARK earlier in the year issued a compilation, entitled "In the Heart of the Princess", through Scarlet Records. Conceived to celebrate the band's 10-year anniversary, this double "best of" includes all the major SKYLARK hits chosen by Japanese fans after a web poll. There are also two brand-new songs, "Mt. Fuji" (edit version) and "Last Battle", plus three remakes, "Little Girl", "The Princess' Day" (this one fully revisited) and "Dream".

SOILWORK vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"I wanna thank everybody for their strong support and their faith in the band. You guys always stay with us through thick and thin, this makes me and the band confident and eager once again to show the world that we will kick ass like never before!

"On the behalf of [recently departed guitarist] Peter [Wichers], I can say that you guys gave him such a strong support and many kind words of encouragement to be able to proceed with his 'new life.' He will never forget those words, I can tell you that. THANK YOU!

"Right now I'm down in Italy to record the second DISARMONIA MUNDI album. I've just finished the vocals and will return home to Sweden tomorrow. I've got a lot of positive response about the first MUNDI album and I can assure you that the second one will not make you disappointed..

"Man, this year has been the busiest year in my life, so many months on the road with SOILWORK and then recording three albums in between.. I think I need a break to recharge the batteries.

"I wanna take the time to thank all the people for coming out to the shows and the people who hung out with us during the tours. This year will for sure not be forgotten."

NASUM drummer Anders Jakobson has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"Only one week left until Christmas so I decided to give you all a little early Christmas gift from the ex-members of NASUM.

"As you might know (or at least read in this blog) Urban, Jon and I got together in October to write and record some new grind shit. It's not a new band, but a project in the very true sense of the word. We will get together when we have time and continue, hopefully with the addition of Jesper and Rickard so it really is all the ex-NASUM members in a new musical outfit.

"Anyway, we wrote and recorded six songs on my recording equipment and close there after I did a mix that was sent to the other guys. I wasn't really satisfied with this mix (it was more or less the first 'real' recording I did) so I wasn't really up for sharing a track or two. But now I've made a new mix that sounds much better, so as an early Christmas gift I give you the complete recording as high quality mp3's!

Track 1 (mp3)
Track 2 (mp3)
Track 3 (mp3)
Track 4 (mp3)
Track 5 (mp3)
Track 6 (mp3)

"The project hasn't got a name yet and should be identified as 'EX-NASUM' until further notice. How this was recorded:

"I used my recording equipment which is a Laptop with Cubase SX and an external harddrive, an EMU-1616 soundcard, a mic preamp and a set of nice mics.

"The drums were recorded with just six mics (kick, snare, tomtoms (2), overhead (2). We miced the guitars with some vocal mics from the rehearsal room, and since the room is pretty small there was a lot of drums leaking into the guitar mics. The bass was lined into Cubase and I used GuitarRig to get a decent distorted sound.

"In general we didn't do much soundchecking, it's was just a matter of getting sound into Cubase and get cracking, so it's more of a multitrack rehearsal than a proper recording.

"And, as you've probably heard by now, there are no vocals on this recording.

"Hope you like the demo. Merry Christmas in advance!"

VICIOUS ART, the new Swedish death/thrash band featuring former DARK FUNERAL members Matias Mäkelä and Robert Lundin, along with Jörgen Sandström (THE PROJECT HATE, ex-ENTOMBED, GRAVE) on bass, have posted the following message on their official web site:

"OK, the bad news first. As we stated before here on the site we planned to record the follow-up to 'Fire Falls and the Waiting Waters' in February 2006 with a release in June 2006. Unfortunately, those plans have now been cancelled for various reasons.

"The good news on this matter is that we have decided not to wait until we will be able to put out the next record. So we will enter the studio as planned in February to record a demo. Three or four of the now-written eight songs will be recorded in the same studio as we used before, Off Beat Studio, with Linus and Anders behind the wheels!! The demo will of course, be available for everyone that is interested in our band. What format it will be in is not final, but we are thinking of bringing the good old tapes back in the picture, as well as CD of course. You will be able to order your copy from here eventually!

"No gigs are planned at the moment, but there is a slight chance that we get to do a pretty big gig in Stockholm in February. More on that later when we get the final yes/no from the promoters."

VICIOUS ART's debut album, "Fire Falls and the Waiting Waters", is now available via Threeman Recordings (Europe) and Candlelight Records (U.S.).

Denmark's highly acclaimed modern metallers RAUNCHY have finalized the track listing for their third full-length album, "Death Pop Romance", due in Europe on February 20, 2006 (February 17 in Germany) via Lifeforce Records. The CD was recorded during the summer by Jacob Hansen (MERCENARY, FEAR MY THOUGHTS, COMMUNIC) at Hansen studio in Robe, Denmark and was mixed by Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studios (HATESPHERE, THE HAUNTED, MNEMIC) in Aarhus, Denmark. The upcoming album marks the recording debut with the group of new singer Kasper Thomsen, who replaced Lars Vognstrup last year.

"Death Pop Romance" (view cover here) track listing:

01. This Legend Forever
02. Abandon Your Hope
03. Phantoms
04. The Curse Of Bravery
05. Remembrance
06. Live The Myth
07. City Of Hurt
08. Persistence
09. The Velvet Remains
10. Farewell To Devotion

Download a full-length MP3 of the stunning new track "Remembrance" at this location(5 MB).

According to a press release, RAUNCHY "take the necessary steps to propel their sound forward by mixing intensely abrasive thrash riffs and dynamic drumming in the vein of STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and FEAR FACTORY with their signature sound, while subliminally incorporating elements of pop music and melodic death metal in the vein of SOILWORK or IN FLAMES."

RAUNCHY split with Nuclear Blast Records in January after releasing two albums through the label (2002's "Velvet Noise" and 2004's "Confusion Bay").