Chicago-based symphonic black metal band VENEFICUM will release its third album, "In Tranquil Absurd", on November 30 as a digipack CD directly through the band. The follow-up to 2003's critically acclaimed "Enigma Prognosis" can currently be downloaded on iTunes and includes former/current members of NACHTMYSTIUM and CENTAURUS. Featured among the 11 tracks are "The Absolute Surrender", "Trauma Vortex" and "Paradox Breed".

Despite many changes in the band's lineup over the last few years, VENEFICUM "still retains the remarkable balance of precision, aggression and atmosphere for which they are known," according to a press release. "In fact, this latest addition to the band's repertoire builds upon the success of their last two albums with a more diverse approach to songwriting and faster, tighter execution."

Brian Fischer-Giffin of Australia's Loud magazine recently conducted an interview with guitarist Silenoz (real name: Sven Atle Kopperud) of Norwegian symphonic black metallers DIMMU BORGIR. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On DIMMU BORGIR's new album, "Abrahadabra":

"It's a step forward for sure! Maybe more of a leap. I would consider this our most complete album to date. We have again incorporated a full orchestra, and a choir for the first time as well, so I think the combination of these elements comes together better now than in the past. 'Death Cult Armageddon' had a full orchestra as well, but I think this time it just has more impact I think and it just sounds bigger than before. We kept the elements we are known for, of course, but we've also experimented a bit."

"For each album we do something new. I think that it has been a much smoother album this time, but at the same time it's been more work. I wouldn't consider it hard work, but it's more work, for sure. We paid attention to small details and all the things we overlooked in the past. The previous album was spontaneous and direct, but this time we incorporated the idea that it was going to sound huge from the beginning. So we started thinking in a primitive way when we put the songs together. So we paid a lot more attention to dynamics and the flow of the songs."

On DIMMU BORGIR's eveolution from the primitive melodic black metal of the early '90s to the sophisticated, bombastic symphonic metal of today:

"Sometimes as a musician you get impatient and you want results right away. But it's also important to think ahead more than just three months. It's very difficult now in this industry to think more than three months ahead because such a lot can happen in such a short time, but we've always been a band that has been gambling. If you don't gamble, you certainly won't win. We've taken any challenge and any opportunity that's come our way and considered it heavily. But we've never been as reluctant to do stuff that many of our contemporaries in the so-called black metal scene have, and still do. They're so afraid of stepping out of the boundaries and, 'Oh, what will other people say if we do this or that, let's stick to the formula... blah, blah, blah.' The only formula we have is to not to stick to anything! I think that's what separates us from many other bands. We work harder, and that sees bigger results as well. And that of course is in combination [with being] in the right place at the right time. For sure we have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, so many times!"

On how he considers the term "black metal" to be no longer relevant to DIMMU BORGIR:

“I don't think it really ever had [any relevance], either. It's just a term. I think when you listen to music, it's still a subjective thing. If you call your music black metal, that doesn't decide if the music is good or not. It's always up to the ears to hear and it's subjective. At this time in our career, we don't take too much notice of it. We know where we come from, but at the same time we have taken several steps further. Bands from the same genre have stagnated either because they can't take it further or just because they want to stay there. We always look forward: full on, full ahead, forward."

On touring with KORN:

"There was some weird responses [from fans], and that was expected. For some fans it might be something really risky and dramatic, but for us it's not, really. We've always been about challenging ourselves and indirectly challenging the fans. It's not the first time we've been asked to support KORN, and this time the timing was OK and there's no restrictions on sound or stageshow or anything like that. If there was, we wouldn't do it. We feel that as much fun and pleasureable as it is to play in front of your dedicated fanbase, we as artists also want to branch out. It's again something we don't see the drama in. Because ever since '96-'97 we have played all these different alternative festivals all over the place, where one day you play with FAITHLESS and the next you play with fucking MEAT LOAF! For us it's nothing new, but I can understand that for the 15, 16-year old fans, it might be something not 'true' or whatever. You always have a certain percentage of your fan base who are very conservative... they stick to one thing. But the majority of KORN's and DIMMU's fans are open-minded enough to let some other impressions sink in. It's all about sharing our music with as many people as possible. Preaching to the converted all the time is not going to make that difference!"

Hungarian extreme metallers EKTOMORF will release their new album, "Redemption", on December 17 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Antfarm studios in Århus, Denmark with producer Tue Madsen, who has previously worked with DARK TRANQUILLITY, THE HAUNTED and HEAVEN SHALL BURN, among others.

"Redemption" track listing:

01. Last Fight
02. Redemption
03. I’m In Hate
04. God Will Cut You Down
05. Stay Away
06. Never Should
07. Sea Of My Misery
08. The One (feat. Danko Jones)
09. Revolution
10. Cigany
11. Stigmatized
12. Anger
13. Kill Me Now (limited-edition digipak bonus)

"Remains", the 1996 album from Canadian melodic thrash metal pioneers ANNIHILATOR, has been reissued and is out now in Europe.

Following the recent release of ANNIHILATOR's critically acclaimed, self-titled new album, Earache Records announced the "Total Annihilation" campaign, reissuing six albums from the band's illustrious back-catalogue. "Remains" is the sixth and final release in the series, following "Carnival Diablos", "Criteria For A Black Widow", "Waking The Fury", "King Of The Kill" and "Refresh The Demon".

"Remains" is available now on CD in a custom slipcase and includes three bonus tracks plus a guitar workshop video with ANNIHILATOR guitarist and mainman Jeff Waters.

The full track listing for "Remains" is as follows:

01. Tricks And Traps
02. Murder
03. Never Forget
04. Reaction
05. Human Remains
06. I Want
07. Dead Wrong
08. No Love
09. Sexecution
10. Wind
11. Bastiage
12. Words From Jeff Waters*
13. Back To The Palace (1999 Demo)*
14. Annihilator (1985 Radio Ottawa Demo)*

* bonus tracks

Dutch/Norwegian goth metal band IMPERIA — which is fronted by Norwegian singer Helena Iren Michaelsen (the original vocalist of the Holland-based band SAHARA DUST, which later changed its name to EPICA) — has entered Spacelab studio in Germany to begin recording its new album for a February 25, 2011 release via Massacre Records.

IMPERIA's sophomore album, "Queen of Light", was released in March 2007 via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2004's "The Ancient Dance of Qetesh" contains 13 tracks and was described in a a press release as "heavier and more varied" than its predecessor. "There are fast and powerful metal songs, slow ballads, heavy songs as well as a lot of serious guitar leads and oriental keyboards. It is a diverse album with crystal clear sound!"

Quebec City, Canada-based folk metal band NORDHEIM has released its debut album, "Lost In The North". The CD was produced at MGL Studio by Maxime and contains "10 tracks of pure energy and melodic riffs," according to a press release. The mastering was handled Jean-Francois Dagenais (KATAKLYSM). The album cover was designed by Nicolas Francoeur (KÄLTER, FARSIGHT) and can be viewed below.

"Lost In The North" track listing:

01. Lost In The North
02. Nightborn
03. Far Away
04. Beer, Metal, Trolls And Vomit
05. Promise To The Gods
06. Glorious March
07. Sailing The Drakkar
08. Old Crazy Man
09. Beyond The Howling North
10. Blessing From The Stars

PARKWAY DRIVE was honored in the "Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album" category at the 2010 ARIA Awards (an annual awards night celebrating the Australian music industry, put on by the Australian Record Industry Association [ARIA]).

The ARIA Awards took place earlier tonight (Sunday, November 7) at the Sydney Opera House and was broadcast on Australia's MTV and Network Ten.

"Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album" nominees were as follows:

* AIRBOURNE - "No Guts, No Glory" (EMI)
* DEAD LETTER CIRCUS - "This is the Warning" (Warner Music Australia)
* PARKWAY DRIVE - "Deep Blue" (Resist Records/Shock)
* THE AMITY AFFLICTION - "Youngbloods" (Boomtown/Shock)
* VIOLENT SOHO - "Violent Soho" (Liberation Music)

German folk metallers NACHTGESCHREI will release their third album, "Ardeo", on November 26 via Massacre Records.

"Ardeo" track listing:

01. An Mein Ende
02. Kein Reiner Ort
03. Herzschlag
04. Herbst
05. Ad Astra
06. Ardeo
07. Ich Hör Nichts Mehr
08. So Weit Wie Nötig
09. Lichtschimmer
10. Hinter Deinen Augen
11. Der Reisende

The song "An Mein Ende" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Mickey Finn, original vocalist for JETBOY, has officially announced his departure from the band. The split took place mid-September when Finn revealed he would not be able to take part in a planned European tour. JETBOY has chosen to continue without Finn and the European tour will take place November 12 through mid-December.

Commented Finn: "I wish the guys the best but from here on out they should start fresh and change there name because it's just not JETBOY anymore." He added, "I apologize to all the JETBOY fans who will be disappointed by this news and thank you for your support over the years."

Finn formed JETBOY with longtime friends Billy Rowe and Fernie Rod in 1983.

Twenty years after the release of the highly acclaimed "Damnednation", JETBOY's latest EP, "Off Your Rocker", was made available on March 2 via iTunes and Amazon.com.

According to a posting on the Polish-language version of BEHEMOTH's official web site, the band's 33-year-old leukemia-stricken guitarist/vocalist, Adam "Nergal" Darski, has found a bone marrow donor that is a genetic match. He will soon undergo radiation to destroy his old bone marrow — where blood is made but which also contains the leukemia cells — and replace it with healthy donor bone marrow, which will then — hopefully — go on to produce healthy blood.

Every year, more than 10,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma, and a bone-marrow transplant from an unrelated person is their best or only hope for survival. There is no data available on how many people die waiting for a match, but only four out of 10 patients receive the needed transplant.

Darski's fiancée, 26-year-old Polish pop singer Doda (real name: Dorota Rabczewska), was one of the people who donated her bone marrow but her tissue type was not a close enough match.

BEHEMOTH's "Evangelia Heretika" DVD will be released in the U.S. on November 9 via Metal Blade Records, in Poland via Mystic Records, and in the rest of Europe through Nuclear Blast. It contains three discs featuring two full shows ("Live In Paris 2008" and "Live In Warsaw 2009"); every BEHEMOTH music video ever made; "Evangelion" tour documentary featuring band interviews plus tons of backstage footage; and a bonus "Live in Warsaw" audio CD.

AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler has responded to Kid Rock after Rock called Tyler's decision to be a judge on "American Idol" "the stupidest thing he's ever done in his life. He's a sacred American institution of rock 'n' roll, and he just threw it all out the window. Just stomped on it and set it on fire."

Rock added: "I think whoever's advising him ... we should bring back the guillotine, or whatever they call that thing. And if it was himself, he needs some serious counseling. I love him to death, but I gotta speak the truth."

On Thursday, at an "Idol" press conference in Los Angeles, Tyler responded to Rock's comments (see video below) by saying, "He's just jealous, he's just jealous. And he's working his new record, so God bless him."

Tyler's move to "Idol" stunned his bandmates in AEROSMITH, who nearly split with the singer last year but regrouped for a tour this past summer. Tyler says he can juggle both.

Rock will release his new record, "Born Free", on November 16.

AEROSMITH drummer Joey Kramer said in a new interview he expects to see a new album from the band "within a year," adding, "My brothers and I are destined to make another record in the next year or so." He said that the album will be "an old-school AEROSMITH record. We're going to do it the old way with the whole band (in the same room) and it should be a good one. We're all anticipating." Kramer said that the band will begin recording over the winter and work around frontman Tyler's schedule on "Idol".

DEMONICAL, the Swedish death metal band featuring past and present members from CENTINEX, GRAVE, REGURGITATE, INTERMENT, AMARAN, WORLD BELOW and DELLAMORTE, has set "Death Infernal" as the title of its third album, due in April 2011 via Germany's Cyclone Empire Records. The CD is currently being recorded, mixed and mastered at Necromorbus Studio (WATAIN, UNANIMATED, DESTRÖYER 666) in Alvik, Sweden under the watchful eye of DEMONICAL frontman Sverker Widgren. Other individuals taking part in the creation of "Death Infernal" are Costin Chioreanu of Twilight 13 Media and photographer Soile Siirtola.

"Death Infernal" will feature the following songs, among others:

* "The Arrival of Armageddon"
* "All will Perish (The Final Liberation)"
* "March for Victory"
* "Darkness Awaits"
* "Return Flesh"
* "From Northern Shores"
* "Ravenous"

According to a press release, "Death Infernal" will be "a lethal dose of fast Stockholm-style old-school death metal mixed with more epic and cold elements, hence creating the most deadly and victorious soundtrack for the upcoming downfall of Mother Earth."

The album will be supported by a headlining tour across European soil during May 2011.

DEMONICAL's second full-length album, "Hellsworn", was released in May 2009. The follow-up to 2007's "Servants of the Unlight" was recorded at Necromorbus Studios (WATAIN, SETHERIAL) and was mastered at Black Lounge Studios.

DEMONICAL in 2008 announced the addition of Sverker "Widda" Widgren — also known for his guitar work with DIABOLICAL and as the co-owner of Necromorbus Studios — as the group's new full-time vocalist.

The band's debut album, "Servants of the Unlight", was released in April 2007 via Cyclone Empire.

VOODOO CIRCLE, the German/British band featuring members of PRIMAL FEAR and PINK CREAM 69, will release its sophomore album, "Broken Heart Syndrome", on February 25, 2011 via AFM Records. The CD, which was once again mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69, KROKUS), is described in a press release as "a huge step forward and shows the band's boundless musical possibilities."

Commented the group: "The album title is a very personal statement. 2009 has been a difficult year for many of us. Also for [VOODOO CIRCLE] mastermind Alex Beyrodt who hit a personal rock bottom in early 2009. After an eventful year, he is now dusting himself off."

Alex is well known throughout the rock and metal scene as the mastermind of SILENT FORCE, former guitarist of SINNER and touring guitarist of PRIMAL FEAR. His exceptional compositions and instrumental skills secured him highest respect from other musicians and a strong worldwide fan base. In Japan, where quality is still the most important aspect when it comes to music, he is hailed as a "guitar hero" and fills the venues.

According to a press release, "Alex chose to walk in huge footsteps with VOODOO CIRCLE, because the immense impact and influence that bands like RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE had are undeniable. But if there is just one German musician who can fill this big boots and arouse with new energy, we definitely talk about Alex Beyrodt."

VOODOO CIRCLE is:

Alex Beyrodt (PRIMAL FEAR, SILENT FORCE, SINNER) - guitar
David Readman (PINK CREAM 69) - vocals
Mat Sinner (SINNER, PRIMAL FEAR) - bass
Markus Kullmann (DEZPERADOZ) - drums
Zlatko "Jimmy" Kresic (LIQUID HOME) - keyboards

VOODOO CIRCLE's self-titled debut album was released in 2008.

The December issue of Germany's Rock Hard magazine will feature an exclusive KREATOR live CD which will not be available in stores. "Terror Prevails - Live At Rock Hard Festival" is an outstanding recording of an awesome, smashing live performance the thrash quartet delivered this past May at the Gelsenkirchen Amphitheater in Germany. "Now, KREATOR have reached the top of their career so far. Their last three albums were placed #1 in our readers’ charts, and internationally, KREATOR hold the fort, being second to none less than SLAYER in their genre," Rock Hard publisher Holger Stratmann said in a statement.

Rock Hard and KREATOR go back a long way, having been pals since their early years. This fact — and the band's 25th anniversary, of course — is celebrated by the mag with an extensive cover story (11 pages!), many exclusive, historical pics, and a fresh photo session done in the Ruhr Museum in Essen, a very prominent location of the current capital of culture, Ruhr.2010. In the story, guitarist/vocalist Mille Petrozza offers some insight into the early days of KREATOR and his private history.

"Mille is a typical immigrant kid of the Ruhr — who has come to make a living with his music and now is one of Germany's most impressive musical representatives," says Stratmann.

The digipak CD (which is the first part of a double live album) will feature the following track listing:

01. Choir Of The Damned (intro)
02. The Pestilence
03. Hordes Of Chaos
04. Phobia
05. Enemy Of God
06. Impossible Brutality
07. Endless Pain
08. Pleasure To Kill
09. Terrible Certainty

The second part will also be made available exclusively via Rock Hard — the release date to be announced later.

"The album is of outstanding quality and, in my humble opinion, a genre classic even now. It marks a highlight in the history of Rock Hard," Stratmann states.

Adds Mille Petrozza: "After 25 years, I want to give something back to the fans, especially the Rock Hard readers. This CD is meant as a 'thank you' for all their great support. Rock Hard Festival was one of our best performances this year, and we had planned to do something with the recordings anyway — the reactions to the gig were simply too enthusiastic."

The December issue of Rock Hard will be made available on November 17 in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with a circulation of 75,000 copies.

To order the magazine, write to oversand@rockhard.de.

Germany's DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER will release its new album, "Moral & Wahnsinn" (English translation: Morality & Insanity) on February 25, 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Commented the band: "Now that we are finished in the studio, we have the fantastic feeling that we have created something very unique, something that has never been done before. The album unifies all of our musical extremes and strengths with a brutal lyrical intensity that reflects all the highs and lows of human insanity. But the album also speaks to the morality that hides in each and everyone of us. Insanity is a fantasy, morality is hard, dry reality."

"Moral & Wahnsinn" track listing:

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

A trailer for the album can be viewed below.

Paralell to the album's release, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER will embark on a headlining tour. For each of the shows, 300 strictly limited and collectible hardcover tickets will be made available exclusively via the band's web site at www.reitermania.com. Regular tickets will be sold through normal ticketing outlets.

DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER had its latest album, "Licht", released in the U.S. in November 2009 via The End Records. The U.S. version of the LP comes with six bonus tracks (two studio, four live) and "stunning" new album art, including an alternate cover.

U.K-based metallers POWER QUEST have finished recording their new album, "Blood Alliance", at Foel Studios (PAUL RODGERS, NAPALM DEATH, THE WILDHEARTS) in Wales next for an early 2011 release via Napalm Records. Ten songs were laid down for the follow-up to 2008's "Master Of Illusion", including one bonus track. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Rising Anew" and "Time To Burn".

Commented POWER QUEST mainman/keyboardist Steve Williams: "Big thanks to Chris Fielding and Dave Anderson for all their hard work over the month we spent [at Foel]. We worked 14 hours per day most days and everyone was pretty much destroyed by the end of the session but we are all extremely pleased with the results!

"Mixing was due to commence at Remaster Studio in Vicenza on November 2nd. Nick Savio, who mixed 'Master Of Illusion', [is] again in the hot seat for this. However, the recent flooding disaster in Vicenza also affected the studio and this means that there will be now be a 3-4 week delay while the studio is re-floored and re-wired.

"Release dates are currently being discussed with Napalm and everything is on course for a March 2011 release. Felipe Machado has completed another awesome job with the artwork and booklet and Dijana Capan has provided us with some excellent photos for the booklet and the promotional campaign."

POWER QUEST in May announced the addition of vocalist Chitral "Chity" Somapala and guitarist Gavin Owen (of Welsh metallers TRIAXIS) to the group's ranks. The band stated at the time, "Chity is well known and highly regarded worldwide in the rock and metal scene and has recorded, toured and made guest appearances with the likes of AVALON, FARO, FIREWIND and RED CIRCUIT, as well as fronting his own band CIVILIZATION ONE. His unmistakable style has been compared favorably with Ronnie James Dio, Klaus Meine and Johnny Gioeli."

POWER QUEST in March parted ways with singer Pete Morten and guitarist Ben Randall due to "musical differences."

POWER QUEST's last album, "Master of Illusion", was released in 2008 via Napalm Records/Avalon Marquee (Japan). Guest musicians on the CD include keyboardist Richard West from the U.K. progressive metal band THRESHOLD, Jorn Viggo Lofstad from the Norwegian power metal act PAGAN'S MIND and FOURWAYKILL singer Chris Neighbour.

POWER QUEST is:

Chity Somapala - Vocals
Steve Williams - Keyboards
Andy Midgley - Guitars
Gavin Owen - Guitars
Paul Finnie - Bass
Rich Smith - Drums

"Highland", the new video from BLACKMORE'S NIGHT, the renaissance-inspired rock band formed by Ritchie Blackmore and his wife Candice Night, can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's new album, "Autumn Sky", which will be released in the USA in January 2011 (the CD was made available in Europe in September).

With a career spanning nearly two decades, the band of minstrels has gained crossover success all over the world with its fantastic medieval and renaissance inspired tunes.

In addition to being known for its unique sound combining traditional instruments, guitars and Candice's enchanting lyrics and vocals, BLACKMORE'S NIGHT is also known for its fabulous live shows, many of which have been performed at castles and other exceptional venues that add to the mystique and warmth of its performance.

"Autumn Sky" brings us 15 new BLACKMORE'S NIGHT songs, full of emotion with a touch of past times and magical atmospheres. From the glorious wanderlust-feelings of "....Highland...." all the way to the sweetness of "Strawberry Girl" and the upbeat "Journeyman", the album is again a powerful proof of the versatility of Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night's repertoire and the talents of BLACKMORE'S NIGHT band.

Recorded during Candice's pregnancy, Candice and Ritchie have dedicated the "Autumn Sky" album to their newly born daughter Autumn Esmerelda Blackmore.

"Autumn Sky" track listing:

01. Highland
02. Vagabond (Make A Princess Of Me)
03. Journeyman (Vandraren)
04. Believe In Me
05. Sake Of The Song
06. Song And Dance (Pt. 2)
07. Celluloid Heroes
08. Keeper Of The Flame
09. Night At Eggersberg
10. Strawberry Girl
11. All The Fun Of The Fayre
12. Darkness
13. Dance Of The Darkness
14. Health To The Company
15. Barbara Allen

BLACKMORE'S NIGHT features in its ranks Blackmore, Night, Bard David of Larchmont (keyboards/vocals), Earl Grey of Chimay (bass/rhythm guitar/vocals), Squire Malcolm of Lumley (percussionist), and Gypsy Rose (violin/vocals).

"Secret Voyage", the last album from BLACKMORE'S NIGHT, entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 14 and Finnish chart at No. 38.

Ritchie, 65, and Candice, 39, were married on October 5, 2008 at a small gathering of friends and family at Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, New York.

HYDROGYN frontwoman Julie Westlake told The Charleston Gazette in a new interview that while she feels she "can hang with the guy vocalists out there," there is pressure on her to keep her weight down. "Which kind of sucks that is has to be that way," she said. "And I like to eat."

"But it's not just pressure on me because I'm the front for a rock band; the pressure is on women in general," she continued. "It doesn't help that I'm the focal point of the band."

She added. "Nobody wants to see a fat chick waddling on the stage."

HYDROGYN is planning on hitting the road to promote its new album, "Judgement", including taking a third trip overseas where the band has established a decent following.

"I love singing over there," Julie told The Charleston Gazette. "Everyone is super-nice. The fans come out with wine and cheese, and they sing along — which is impressive, especially in places where they don't speak the language."

HYDROGEN is also hoping to land a support slot on a prominent metal tour.

"We're talking to some people, but aren't ready to make any announcements yet," Westlake said. "Maybe by the end of the month."

"Judgement" sold around 1,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 10 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Judgement" was released on October 25 in Europe and October 26 in the rest of the world. The CD was made available via Bad Reputation out of Paris, France for Europe and Rapid Fire Global Music in the States and rest of the world. Each of the two versions of the album contains different artwork and different bonus tracks.

HYDROGEN's previous CD, "Deadly Passions", came out in 2008. The effort, which was recorded in Huntington, West Virginia's Smash Hits Studio, included a cover version of ALANIS MORISSETTE's mega-smash "You Oughta Know".

ARKAN — the band led by ex-THE OLD DEAD TREE drummer Foued Moukid — will enter Studio Fredman in Västra Frölunda, Sweden on Monday, November 8 to begin recording its sophomore album, "Salam", for an early 2011 release via Season Of Mist.

ARKAN's debut CD, "Hilal", was released in June 2008 via Season of Mist. The effort was recorded at Studio Fredman with producer Fredrik Nordström (IN FLAMES, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCH ENEMY, SOILWORK, DARK TRANQUILLITY, SEPTICFLESH, AT THE GATES) and was mastered at Hansen Studio in Ribe, Denmark by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, HATESPHERE, ABORTED, VOLBEAT).

ARKAN was formed in May 2005 by Abder (ex-DAWN OF DECLINE) and Foued with a common goal: to mix "metal" in the broadest sense and oriental music, a harmonious musical journey between the south and north.

Due to editorial rescheduling contingencies, Origami’s release, ThanatoSchizO’s fifth album, will be postponed to January, 2011. Therefore, the acceptance period for pre-orders of the exclusive promotional pack will be extended until the 17th December. To do so, pay a visit to www.thanatoschizo.com.

The group revealed its joy and appreciation for the numerous pre-orders already received and assures that the material will be sent as soon as it is available.

Moreover, it is also guaranteed that one of Origami’s themes will be accessible in the next month, as a sort of Christmas gift. In addition to this, the album’s set list, the promotional photos and the renewed site+myspace will also be disclosed.

At the moment, the band is handling the scheduling of concerts to 2011, thus being receptive to invitations.

"The End Of All There Is", the new video from the Norwegian industrial metal band DOMINANZ, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed by Feber Film in a place called Dale, deep in a valley of Fjords. It was shot in a huge factory, which was established in 1869, but is presently closed. All of the props used were found in the factory itself.

"The End Of All There Is" is the title track of DOMINANZ 's first single (also featuring the song "Infinity"), which was released on October 25. A full-length album, "As I Shine", will follow in early 2011.

According to a press release, DOMINANZ "plays dark, gloomy industrial metal, but at the same time trying to do it in an engaging way. There are also elements from genres such as death and black metal. The musical expression is a mix between the aforementioned genres, but there are also influences from the '80s heavy metal and 1990s and 2000s electro. The lyric deals with everything from depictions of erotic, male chauvinism further to social critical lyrics. The main theme is on the bleak and destructive. Inspirations for the texts are taken from books, movies, personal experience, as well as from-ancient and modern history, as well as newspapers, documentaries and news programs. In this context it must be understood that DOMINANZ in no way is a political band, but we are all very socially committed."

DOMINANZ is:

* Bjørn Nese - Synthesizer
* Jørn Inge Tunsberg (IMMORTAL, OLD FUNERAL, HADES ALMIGHTY, AMPUTATION, HADES) - Guitar
* Frode Gaustad (THY GRIEF) - Drums
* Roy Nordaas (CULT OF DECEPTION) - Vocals/bass

Veteran Christian metal act LIVING SACRIFICE has set a November 30 release date for a special iTunes-exclusive deluxe edition of the band's latest full-length album, "The Infinite Order" (Solid State Records). The newly expanded version of the CD will contain a 30-minute, eight-song DVD-quality video and three bonus tracks, including the unreleased song "Glasshouses".

"The Infinite Order" deluxe edition track listing:

01. Overkill Exposure
02. Rules of Engagement
03. Nietzsches Madness
04. Unfit To Live
05. The Training
06. Organized Lie
07. The Reckoning
08. Love Forgives
09. They Were One
10. God Is My Home
11. Apostasy
12. Glasshouses (bonus)
13. Flatline (live)
14. Symbiotic (live)

DVD

01. Bloodwork
02. Imminent War
03. Local Vengeance Killing
04. Flatline
05. Rules of Engagement
06. In Christ
07. Reborn Empowered
08. Reject

LIVING SACRIFICE will unleash the downloadable album as it begins a headlining run on the "Solid State Records: A Very Metal Christmas Tour" alongside labelmates THE SHOWDOWN, BECOMING THE ARCHETYPE, TO SPEAK OF WOLVES and AS THEY SLEEP.

"The Infinite Order" sold around 2,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 4 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Released on January 26 via Solid State Records, the band's first CD since reforming in 2008 and seventh studio album overall was produced in Nashville, Tennessee and Little Rock, Arkansas by the group's longtime friend Jeremiah Scott (THE SHOWDOWN, DESTROY DESTROY DESTROY). Mixing duties were once again handled by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, MACHINE HEAD, AS I LAY DYING), who worked on the band's last album, 2003's "Conceived in Fire".

LIVING SACRIFICE's influence runs deep throughout the scene. Former and current members of LIVING SACRIFICE went on to play in bands such as EVANESCENCE, P.O.D. and NORMA JEAN.

LIVING SACRIFICE broke up in 2002 but returned to the metal community with a vengeance in 2008, self-releasing the two song "Death Machine" digital-only EP.