HELLOWEEN have issued the following update:

"Thanks, Europe: the first part of the world tour was simply sensational.

After the amazing kick-off in Vienna, gigs in London (UK), Eindhoven (NL) and Oslo (NO), sold out shows in Zlin (CZ), Tallinn (EST), Tampere (FIN) and Helsinki (FIN), the expectations were even exceeded by the 2010 tour finale in Prague.

Last Sunday, more than 4,500 Czech fans partied without mercy and went sheer berserk in front of the stage!

Prague definitely is Metal - let's see if this can be topped in 2011... At any rate, overjoyed Helloween are going on their short break, just to challenge the French sinners on January 11th at the sold out Elysee Montmartre in Paris. Part 2 of the European tour can begin!

You can find a personal holiday salute from Weiki, Andi, Dani, Sascha and Markus below.

Party hard and get ready for a pretty sinful 2011!"

Brazilian prog power metal band ALMAH, featuring ANGRA's singer Edu Falaschi, have issued the following message:

"Our dear fans and partners, our dear FRIENDS!!!

Right now, when 2010 year is going to its end we would like to thank you so much for all your support and all your interest over this year and always!

Thanks for believing in us! We are very happy sharing our music, our energy and our feelings with you.

Next year you'll hear many important news from Almah. Stay with us and let's rock!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

British progressive metal act BEECHER have reformed almost five years after splitting up, with plans to play live shows in 2011.

The band has issued the following statement: "Summer 2011 sees the 10-year anniversary of the start of BEECHER. We disbanded suddenly, during our most active period, playing just one 'goodbye' gig, at which more than 100 fans of the band were rejected at the doors of the already over-capacity venue. Having had five years of reflection time, and considering the aforementioned fact that our tenth birthday is fast approaching, we have decided to reform, playing a handful of shows over the course of 2011 — the first of which will take place on April 29th at the Star & Garter, in our hometown of Manchester. The rest are as-of-yet unconfirmed.

"Not only are we excited to do this for ourselves, but we're also keen that any BEECHER fans that didn't manage to see us at the time, get the opportunity to witness what we do best!"

Formed in Manchester, England in 2001, BEECHER released two full-length albums during its career — 2003's "Breaking The Fourth Wall" and 2005's "This Elegy, His Autopsy" — garnering widespread critical acclaim. The band also toured the Europe with the likes of KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, NORMA JEAN, DARKEST HOUR, ISIS, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and more, building up a loyal fanbase in the process. The band announced its split in early 2006, shortly after the release of "This Elegy, His Autopsy".

BEECHER's first reunion concert will take place at The Star & Garter in the band's hometown of Manchester — the very same place in which the band played its last show before splitting up in February, 2006.

PRO-PAIN have announced their first two European live dates of 2011. They are as follows:





May
27 - Landshut, Germany - Rock An Der Isar

July
8 - Wegorzewo, Poland - Seven Festival

In addition, according to management the band will release a new DVD in the spring. Details will be revealed soon.

After an absence of more than twenty years, New Jersey-based traditional heavy metal act SLEEPY HOLLOW recently reunited with its original line-up; Bob Mitchell (vocals), Steve Stegg (guitars), Steve Brink (bass guitars) and Tommy Wassman (drums).

The band have just relaunched their MySpace Page at this location.

Sleepy Hollow are currently working on the albums pre-production and will eventually lay tracks in a "still to be determined" studio in Pennsylvania, while bassist Steve Brink is set to lay his tracks down at a studio near his home in California.

The completed songs are titled, ‘Death Of The Horseman’ and ‘Epic’. These songs are part of the forthcoming album Skull Thirteen which is set for release sometime in 2011 through German Vinyl specialists High Roller Records.

Germany's DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER has posted a new track, "Die Boten" (English translation: The Messengers), on the band's MySpace page. The song will open the group's forthcoming album, "Moral & Wahnsinn" (English translation: Morality & Insanity) will be released on February 25, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Die Boten
02. Gib Dich Hin
03. Hammer Oder Amboß
04. Dir Gehört Nichts
05. Dr. Pest
06. Moral & Wahnsinn
07. Erwache
08. Heimkehr
09. Wir Reiten
10. Hört Auf
11. Ein Liebes Lied

Helsinki, Finland-based death metal band FOUL CIRCLE is streaming its entire new three-song EP, "City Of Falls", on the group's MySpace page. The efffort was recorded at D-studio in Klaukkala, Finland during July and August 2010, mixed by Jonne Jauhiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila from Finnvox.

FOUL CIRCLE's official bio: "A group of old friends and talented musicians come together and challenge the metal scene with a fresh approach and unforgiving attitude in a way which connects unconditional composing and unprejudiced way of thinking that keeps the music of this six-headed ensemble interesting and compelling .. 'till the end.

"We are open-minded for possibilities with new affiliates, labels and organizers that are able to work together with us on our way to wider awareness."

FOUL CIRCLE is:

Teemu Riekki - Vocals
Seppo Nummela (DENIGRATE) - Guitar
Ville Marila - Guitar
Pekka Pyrhönen (DENIGRATE, TACERE) - Bass
Tea Dickman - Keyboards, Clean Vocals
Jarno Vanhanen (EMBREACH, TACERE) - Drums

"The Covering", the much-anticipated covers album from Christian hard rockers STRYPER, will tentatively be released on February 1, 2011 via Big3 Records. The band has already released its cover versions of BLACK SABBATH's "Heaven And Hell" and KANSAS' "Carry On Wayward Son", which are available for download from iTunes.

Produced by frontman Michael Sweet, "The Covering" will be unlike any previous STRYPER recording in that it's a collection of cover songs from bands that inspired them and helped to shape their sound and musical identity, including hits from JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, LED ZEPPELIN, KANSAS and many others. "The Covering" will also include "God", a new original recording from STRYPER.

"The Covering" cover artwork, which was recently described by Michael Sweet as "modern, powerful, edgy and thought-provoking," can be viewed below. (Note: The previously posted image was **not** the official cover. It has since been replaced with the actual album artwork, as provided by Michael Sweet.)

Commented Michael Sweet: "The concept for 'The Covering' is very powerful and rings true to the power of God's love upon our lives. God's covering is transforming and life-changing and we thought it would be very cool to visually portray that through the new artwork. Chris at Pale Horse Design has designed a character that represents the bad, or 'the evil' side, if you will, in us all. The booklet, (in comic-book style) will tell a story of good conquering evil and therefore leading to the transformation of the main character.

"Even though this has been a record to cause controversy and a select few to question our motives and reasons for covering the songs that we recorded, our faith and beliefs have never been more confirmed and our message is the same as it has always been. We'll go to the grave making a bold stand for Christ and we will never deny that. At the same time, we wanted to show a different side to the band and make everyone aware of the fact that we literally 'cut our teeth' on this music. Our history is what it is and there's no reason to avoid that or to say otherwise. These songs and bands have played a very important role in our own sound and musicianship and quite possibly we wouldn't be here today if it weren't for these bands. At the same time, we can play a cover song yet still remain faithful and present the message we've always presented. This record will show a whole new side to the band musically yet an even more powerful side to the band spiritually.

"I'm very proud (as we all are) to be a part of this record and a member of STRYPER. We've stayed true to our convictions and there are great things in store for the future!"

"The Covering" track listing:

01. SWEET - "Set Me Free"
02. SCORPIONS - "Blackout"
03. BLACK SABBATH - "Heaven and Hell"
04. UFO - "Lights Out"
05. KANSAS - "Carry On Wayward Son"
06. DEEP PURPLE - "Highway Star"
07. KISS - "Shout It Out Loud"
08. OZZY OSBOURNE - "Over The Mountain"
09. IRON MAIDEN - "The Trooper"
10. JUDAS PRIEST - "Breaking The Law"
11. VAN HALEN - "On Fire"
12. LED ZEPPELIN - "Immigrant Song"
13. God

German death metallers DISBELIEF have issued the following statement:

"Concerning the Christmas Metal Tour with SIX FEET UNDER, DISBELIEF would like to let you know that we are very sorry about the fact that this tour was cancelled in the last minute.

"From the booking agency of the tour we got the message that the tour was cancelled two days before tour start! DISBELIEF contacted SIX FEET UNDER and they sent us their point of view. We cannot tell any details, but we have now two oppositional statements which we have to live with. Those who suffered the most are the fans, who already bought their tickets and the bands as well as the venues, who had efforts and costs! This fact is unacceptable and leaves a foul taste of disappointment for all participators!

"However, the fact of this cancellation (after overcoming the shock) cannot stop the path of DISBELIEF.

"With this statement we want to show our fans why we can't come to your city to play for you. And by the way, we also want to let you know what ugly things are sometimes going on in this business. At the same time, DISBELIEF can also announce some good things. We were successful in looking for our new constant lineup! In addition to our new drummer Corny Althammer (AHAB, DEADEYEDSLEEPER) and new guitar player Wolfgang Rothbauer (IN SLUMBER, THIRDMOON), Alex Hagenauer (SOUL DEMISE) on guitar will help us out in early 2011 and will then join as a permanent band member! Welcome to the band!

"This short-term cancellation of the tour actually resulted in the fact that DISBELIEF (as a new formed band) verified themselves by extensive rehearsing and at the same time by starting the songwriting process for the new DISBELIEF output. The first song lets us suspect that many big things will happen with this new spirit in the band!

"To all our fans, this is not the end of DISBELIEF, this is the beginning of a new chapter!

"DISBELIEF will arrange a headlining tour in April/May 2011 to make up for the cancelled shows. More details will follow soon!"

Former DIMMU BORGIR bassist/clean vocalist I.C.S. Vortex (real name: Simen Hestnæs) has completed work on his debut solo album. Entitled "Storm Seeker", it contains 11 tracks and 45 minutes of "groovy hooks and signature clean vocals," according to the musician. "Brewed in a dirty metal pot, ingrediens included are stoner rock mashed with black metal, '70s prog-spiked pagan and alternative roots fried Norwegian style. Some of the song titles are 'Skoal!', 'Dogsmacked', 'Oil in Water' and 'Odin's Tree'."

He added, "It's been a year of sporadic work at Toproom Studio with engineer Børge Finstad. My good old teammate from BORKNAGAR, Asgeir Mickelson (SARKE, SPIRAL ARCHITECT), handles the drums, and Terje 'Cyrus' Andersen (SUSPERIA, DIMMU BORGIR) added some solos. Mix was done by Børge, Asgeir and me. A record deal is in the works and we're looking at a release in good time before summer 2011.

"The solo project has pretty much evolved into a band, and on future live appearances the recording lineup will be joined by Jens F. Ryland (BORKNAGAR) on guitar and Steinar Gundersen (SPIRAL ARCHITECT, SARKE) on bass."

I.C.S. Vortex and keyboardist Mustis (real name: Øyvind Mustaparta) were fired from DIMMU BORGIR in August 2009. The remaining members of the band issued a statement at the time downplaying the impact that I.C.S. Vortex and Mustis' departures would have on the sound of DIMMU BORGIR's next album, insisting that "the creative force in the band is highly intact, perhaps even more so than ever."

Finnish dark metal masters BEFORE THE DAWN have inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The band's sixth album, "Deathstar Rising", is scheduled for release on February 25, 2011. The CD's cover artwork can be viewed below.

Founded in 1999 and led by Tuomas Saukkonen, BEFORE THE DAWN has "managed to pave their way to uniqueness by combining the heaviness of melodic death metal, the gloom of dark metal and the frostbitten cold of finnish winters with beautiful melodies and epic hymnody like no other band out there," according to a press release.

Commented Saukkonen: "After 10 years and five albums, the very best that could have happened to BEFORE THE DAWN was to get under the wings of one of the most powerful metal machineries ever.

"The new alliance between Nuclear Blast and BEFORE THE DAWN is an fine example of determination, devotion, motivation and a true northern 'through the thickest stone wall' attitude."

BEFORE THE DAWN's "End Of Days" video can be viewed below. The footage in the clip was shot during the band's mini-tour of Asia, which the group called "the coolest trip ever."

"End Of Days" is taken from BEFORE THE DAWN's 10th-anniversary EP, "Decade Of Darkness", which was released in Finland and the rest of Scandinavia via Stay Heavy Records on March 31, 2010. The rest of Europe received the effort in September via Cyclone Empire in a special package that included a bonus DVD, "Live At Summer Breeze 2009".

BEFORE THE DAWN's fifth album, "Soundscape of Silence", was released in Scandinavia in October 2008 via Stay Heavy Records.

BEFORE THE DAWN is:

Tuomas Saukkonen (BLACK SUN AEON) - Vocals, Guitar
Lars Eikind (WINDS, JACK IN THE BOX) - Vocals, Bass
Juho Räihä (GLORIA MORTI, RIVERSIDE SYNDICATE) - Guitar
Atte Palokangas - Drums

Finnish epic power metallers THAUROROD have parted ways with vocalist Markku Kuikka and have replaced him with former VISION DIVINE singer Michele Luppi (pictured below).

Commented THAUROROD in a statement: "Markku left the band during our last tour we did with SABATON and ALESTORM and we had to finish the tour with a replacement singer.

"The reasons why Markku is not in the band anymore is his lack of abilities to perform and to make the show that we absolutely want to give to the audiences that comes to see us on stage. We need to continue with a guy who can make audience go crazy every single night!!!

"We are looking very much forward to our future shows and Power Of Metal tour with Michele! Come to give this Italian gentleman a warm welcome! We already played a show in Nosturi, Helsinki with him and it felt absolutely great to share stage with him!

"Sorry for it took so long to make this announcement about the vocalist situation as there have been a lot of speculation because we finished the last tour with a different vocalist than who is singing on the album. We just wanted to take the time to find the best possible singer for the band first and then announce the news.

"At the moment THAUROROD is composing new material for the second studio album. More updates on this will be posted in coming months."

THAUROROD's "Warrior's Heart" video can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's debut album, "Upon Haunted Battlefields", which was released in Europe on September 24 via NoiseArt Records and Rock The Nation.

THAUROROD is:

Michele Luppi - Vocals
Emil Pohjalainen - Guitar
Lasse Nyman - Guitar
Pasi Tanskanen - Bass
Emmi Taipale - Keyboard
Joonas Pykälä-aho - Drums

A five-minute promotional video for "Substratum", the forthcoming debut album from ANATOMY OF I — the project featuring vocalist/guitarist Michael Dorrian, drummer Dirk Verbeuren (SCARVE, SOILWORK) and bassist Steve DiGiorgio (SADUS, DEATH, TESTAMENT) — can be viewed below..

Commented Dorrian: "For the mix, we went with engineer extraordinaire Simone Mularoni at Fear Studio (Italy), who was recommended to me by my good friend Sym (MODERN AGE SLAVERY, EMPYRIOS).

"Over the course of the last decade, Simone has recorded/mixed numerous bands, ranging from rock and prog to power metal, death metal, etc... he understood the balance that we were aiming for, finding the right compromise between heaviness and subtle dynamics."

ANATOMY OF I is :

Michael Dorrian - Vocals, Guitar, Guitar Synth
Steve Di Giorgio - Fretless Bass
Dirk Verbeuren - Drums

Reactivated legendary New Orleans metallers EXHORDER played the first concert with their new drummer Seth Davis on Friday, December 10 at The Hangar in the band's hometown. Video footage of the performance can be viewed below.

Seth has been working closely with longtime EXHORDER sticksman Chris Nail in preparation for taking over drum duties for the band's live performances as well as the upcoming recordings.

EXHORDER's current lineup is as follows:

Kyle Thomas - Vocals
Vinnie Labella - Guitar
Jay Ceravolo - Guitar
Seth Davis - Drums
Frankie Sparcello - Bass

German technical death metal outfit WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH has uploaded its cover version of DEFTONES' "Hexagram" to the official WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH Facebook page. The song appears on the iTunes deluxe edition of WAR FROM A HARLOTS MOUTH's third album, "MMX", which was released last month through Lifeforce Records.

"MMX" track listing:

01. Insomnia (2:34)
02. To Age And Obsolete (3:43)
03. The Increased Sensation Of Dullness (2:30)
04. Sleep Is The Brother Of Death (1:35)
05. The Polyglutamine Pact (2:54)
06. Cancer Man (0:53)
07. C.G.B. Spender (3:52)
08. Sugarcoat (1:31)
09. Spineless (4:18)
10. Recluse MMX (2:58)
11. Inferno III/VI (5:34)

North Texas death metal outfit THE FAMINE has posted the first in a series of video blogs featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the band's new album, "The Architects Of Guilt". Check it out below.

"The Architects Of Guilt" will be released on February 15 via Solid State Records. The follow-up to 2008's "The Raven And The Reaping" was produced by D. Braxton Henry (ex-DEVOURMENT) and was mixed by Jason Suecof (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, TRIVIUM, DEVILDRIVER).

"The Architects Of Guilt" track listing:

01. The New Hell
02. Ad Mortem
03. We Are The Wolves
04. Turner Classic Diaries
05. Bigger Cages, Longer Chains!
06. The Crown and The Holy See
07. VII The Fraudulent
08. A Pavement Of Good Intentions
09. A Fragile Peace
10. Pyrithion House
11. To The Teeth

NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) legends TYGERS OF PAN TANG will enter the studio in January to record a special EP to celebrate 30 years since the release of their iconic album "Spellbound". Entitled "The Spellbound Sessions", the effort will include six songs from the original album re-recorded by the current TYGERS lineup:

01. Hellbound
02. Don't Stop By
03. Tyger Bay
04. Gangland
05. Take It
06. Mirror

2010 saw TYGERS OF PAN TANG record "The Wildcat Sessions" EP and the feedback was fantastic so the band wanted to continue with this concept. The group has always respected its past releases which form the majority of the live show set, so it is a fitting tribute.

"The Spellbound Sessions" should be available from the TYGERS OF PAN TANG webshop from early February. The CD will be priced the same as "The Wildcat Sessions" — £5.00 plus postage and handling. The EP will also be available at the live shows during 2011.

TYGERS OF PAN TANG is:

Rob Weir - Guitar
Dean Robertson - Guitar
Brian West - Bass
Craig Ellis - Drums
Jacopo Meille - Vocals

"Hand Of Darkness", the new video from the Dutch thrash metal band LEGION OF THE DAMNED, can be viewed at this location. The song comes off the group's new album, "Descent Into Chaos", which will be released on January 7 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded at Abyss Studios in Pärlby, Sweden with producer and PAIN/HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren, who also makes a guest appearance on the limited-edition bonus track "Legion Of The Damned".

"Descent Into Chaos" track listing:

01. Descent Into Chaos
02. Night Of The Sabbath
03. War In My Blood
04. Shrapnel Rain
05. Holy Blood, Holy War
06. Killzone
07. Lord Of The Files
08. Desolation Empire
09. Hand Of Darkness
10. Repossessed
11. Legion Of The Damned (feat. Peter Tägtgren)

LEGION OF THE DAMNED released a 2DVD+CD in April via Massacre. The set included footage from the group's performances at the Thrash Assault 4 festival on November 14, 2009 at Posthalle in Würzburg, Germany and at the Summer Breeze festival on August 13-15, 2009 in Dinkelsbühl, Germany. It also features a lot of interview clips and bonus material.

NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) legends BLITZKRIEG have began pre-production/writing for a new album, to be released in 2011. The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2007's "Theatre Of The Damned" will mark the band's 30th anniversary.

"Theatre Of The Damned" was released on August 10, 2007 via Germany's Armageddon Music. The CD was recorded at Absurd Studio in Hamburg with producer Schrödey and co-producer Biff Byford (SAXON). According to a posting on the Armageddon web site, "Theatre of the Damned" "offers the same authentic heavy metal of the '80s along with a super freshness and total attitude." Check out audio samples on the band's MySpace page.