Former NIGHTWISH singer TARJA TURUNEN has issued the following update:

"The summer shows are over and it’s time to relax a bit and wait anxiously the album release.

"Thank you guys for the great summer! We had a blast. I also want to thank you all who sent me birthday greetings and presents on my birthday. I just wish you to know that the best gift is knowing that you are there. I am working on the album promotion at the moment at home in Buenos Aires. Even though there is a lot of work to be done, it feels so nice to be in one place for a longer period!

Also it gives me a chance to get myself in good condition for the tours that are ahead of me. Actually I can’t wait for them to begin already! But first comes first; the new album. Next week is the time I have been waiting for many long months.

Finland will break the ice on September 1st followed by Germany, Austria and Switzerland on the 3rd. All the rest will wait until 6th, but I know there are always some countries that will not make it in time. US will finally have the album available on September 14th of.

So next couple of weeks will be a lot of fun… I hope you’ll love What Lies Beneath as much as I do. Thank you all for your support!! See you soon on tour!"

As previously reported, in November the prestigious all-star project AVANTASIA will set off on a world tour, kicking off on the 30th of November at Z7, Pratteln, Switzerland. First guests for the tour have been confirmed. Besides MAGNUM-voice Bob Catley, the infamous Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN), Amanda Somerville (HDK, KISKE/SOMERVILLE,), Olli Hartmann (AT VANCE) and main-man Tobias Sammet, legendary ex-HELLOWEEN vocalist Michael Kiske will hit the stage this time as well. The first dates have been confirmed below:

November
30 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7

December
1 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
3 - Lichtenfels, Germany - Stadthalle *
4 - Kaufbeuren, Germany - All Karthalle *
10 - Mexico City, Mexico - Circo Volador
15 - Buenos Aires, Argentina - venue tba
18 - Fulda, Germany - Esperantohalle *
19 - Essen, Germany, Grugahalle *

Guitar virtuoso Joe Stump (HOLYHELL, REIGN OF TERROR) has issued the following update:

"I've compiled quite a bit of high-quality concert video footage over the last several months, so some type of full-on concert DVD of my solo stuff will be released before the end of this year. It'll be a two-DVD package. DVD one will be me performing tracks from [Stump's latest solo album] 'Virtuostic Vendetta' in a combination performance/instructional type of thing, and the second DVD in the package will be a full concert with maybe some bonus clinic and bootleg concert footage in there as well."

Three-camera video footage of Joe Stump shredding the axe at a guitar showcase at Sam Ash in Cincinnati, Ohio in June 2010 can be viewed below.

Influential Greensburg, Pennsylvania-based heavy music act ZAO has commenced work on material for its next studio album, which the band plans on releasing through its own label. The group explains, "The music industry has made enough money off of bands and wasted it. Why not put it out ourselves and sink the 'profits' back into future releases?"

Regarding the progress of the songwriting sessions for the next CD, ZAO states, "We are writing, we have been exchanging songs. We have tossed songs that are 'too standard for ZAO,' we are trying new things. It's liberating. We are doing our best to get Russ [Cogdell, guitar] on the album (as we tried with [2009's] 'Awake?'). Needless to say, we are taking our time because we can.

"So as of right now, ZAO is writing, self-managing and planning on self-releasing."

"Awake?", the latest album from ZAO, sold around 2,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD debuted at No. 19 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.

Swiss melodic metallers EMERALD will release their fifth album, "Re-Forged", on November 20 through Pure Steel Records/Twilight. The CD was recorded at Little Creek studios in Gelterkinden (Baselland), Switzerland with producer V.O. Pulver (POLTERGEIST, DESTRUCTION, GURD). Guest musicians on the album include Sean Peck (CAGE), Mike Sifringer (DESTRUCTION), Mike Steel (STEELCLAD), Oromi and Damir Eskic (GONOREAS).

"Re-Forged" track listing:

01. The Wanderer
02. The Last Legion
03. Pipes Are Calling
04. Where's Your God
05. Alteration
06. Secret Agenda
07. The One
08. Witches Tower
09. Winterlude
10. Until My Winter Comes
11. Mark Of The Beast
12. Mutiny

"Unbreakable", the new video from Chicago-based metallers VEIL OF MAYA, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed with director Scott Hansen, who has previously worked with A DAY TO REMEMBER and BURY YOUR DEAD. The song comes off VEIL OF MAYA's new album, "[id]", which sold around 5,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD landed at position No. 1 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.

Chicago based multinational extreme-metal act AGAINST THE PLAGUES has commenced the songwriting process for its as-yet-untitled second album.

Commented co-founder Varyen Chylinski: "We have six songs almost finished and another two in progress. Next month we will start recording them as a pre-production material and as soon as we have them ready we will expose some of them on our website.

"We are working with new music in our practice room in Chicago and as I see after several rehearsals, new songs are much more faster and extreme than the previous album, 'Decoding The Mainframe'.

"New AGAINST THE PLAGUES material has a lot of absolutely amazing riffs and 'inhuman' blast beats which is completely new chapter for the band.

"All of our hard dying fans who were waiting for new music from our camp so long will be delighted, I guarantee that! Also we decided to invite few special guests to make this material even more unique. It will be big surprise for all of you!"

"Great Are The Eyed", the first official video from AGAINST THE PLAGUES, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed in February in Miami with directors Eduardo and Gregg Alvarez from Elephas Productions. The song comes off AGAINST THE PLAGUES' debut album, "Decoding The Mainframe", which was released in Europe on March 31 via Vic Records.

THE PROJECT HATE MCMXCIX — the Swedish band featuring Jörgen Sandström (vocals; VICIOUS ART, KRUX, ex-ENTOMBED, GRAVE), Lord K. Philipson (guitar; TORTURE DIVISION, ex-GOD AMONG INSECTS, HOUSE OF USHER, LEUKEMIA), Anders Bertilsson (guitar; COLDWORKER), Tobben Gustafsson (drums; TORTURE DIVISION, VOMITORY) and Portuguese vocalist Ms. Roque (a.k.a. Ruby Roque of WITCHBREED) — has inked a deal with Season of Mist. The band's seventh album will contain six songs with a running time of over 60 minutes and is tentatively scheduled for release in early 2011. The CD will be mixed and mastered by Swedish producer and multi-intrumentalist Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH, NIGHTINGALE).

Commented Lord K. Philipson: "Obviously there's a label in this world realizing there's some fuckin' potential in what we do, being ready to take the risk in today's illegal downloading dilemma, meaning they want to release the next album of THE PROJECT HATE MCMXCIX.

"The fact that there are still record companies around who try their hardest to get the best music out there absolutely astonishes me.

"To be able to do this album with a worldwide distribution, through a label who absolutely seem to know what they are doing, feels great.

"In the little time I have been in touch with the people of this label I have seen more professionalism than during my entire career. That says a lot. We can now concentrate on delivering the best damned recording we have ever done and leave the rest of the business to the record company in question.

"To be on the same roster as quality bands like MORBID ANGEL, WATAIN, MAYHEM and CYNIC feels great. And to know that this disc will see the physical light of day is exactly how we want it to be.

"We want the whole package to be more than a thing on your monitor, and hopefully a lot of you guys feel the same — meaning you will buy a real copy of it in these times of digital theft being the new black."

Bassist Simon Holzknecht has left Austrian symphonic melodic metallers SERENITY due to personal reasons.

Commented the band: "Within the last couple of years Simon was a constant and important part within the band and his bass playing completed our releases (2007's 'Words Untold & Dreams Unlived', 2008's 'Fallen Sanctuary') as well as our live performances.

"We have a lot of great memories to share from our weeks and weeks on tour, in studio, rehearsing or simply having fun with each other.

"We know how much effort and idealism is needed for a band such as SERENITY and so we fully understand and back up his decision. Of course, we wish him the best for his future career — no matter in which direction it may lead.

"Simon stated that he will not join another band immediately — what the future holds... we will see (or better hear)."

Added SERENITY: "Be assured that this will have absolutely no effect on our upcoming release or our live gigs! Bass guitars for our upcoming release, 'Death & Legacy', were already recorded by Tom Buchberger (guitar, songwriting).

"And here are the good news! Fabio D'Amore (PATHOSRAY, FAIRYLAND) will join SERENITY for all future live performances starting with our ProgPower Europe gig on the 1st of October 2010.

"Fabio plays in several bands and runs his own studio in Verona, Italy. The fact that his other bands only perform some single shows a year made it quite easy to get him on board our battleship cruiser. He is fully addicted to music and we are looking forward to a whole lot of new touring experiences as well as gorgeous 'Austrian-English-Italian-translations' (this will be pain in the ass ;-))!

"If Fabio will become a full SERENITY member is a decision to be made by all of us in the future to come."

According to The News Tribune, Stephen Wesley Ungerbuehler — who was known as Steve Unger (MySpace page) when he played bass for METAL CHURCH from 2004 to 2009 — was arrested Monday (August 23) for allegedly leading a three-county marijuana-growing operation in the Washington state. He was charged Wednesday with leading organized crime, unlawfully manufacturing a controlled substance and money laundering. Pleas of not guilty were entered on his behalf.

He's being held in Pierce County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Ungerbuehler's attorney, Jay Berneburg, told The News Tribune his client "adamantly denies" the allegations against him. Berneburg said Ungerbuehler is a professional musician who travels and has earned his money legitimately through record sales, concerts and other contracts.

"This is another case of the war on drugs run amok," Berneburg said.

Legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio — best known for his work with BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW and his own band DIO — will be posthumously honored at the first-ever Classic Gold Music Awards (CGMA), set to take place August 27-30 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The four-day entertainment industry gala to benefit local school arts and music programs will include celebrity parties, music seminars and multicultural exhibits culminating in an August 30 ceremony hosted by actor/comedian Michael Winslow ("Police Academy") and showcasing musical performances from yesterday and today's most popular performers.

This year's "Living Legend" honoree is KC AND THE SUNSHINE BAND. Other honorees include:

* Connie Francis
* LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS
* THE BELLAMY BROTHERS
* THE 5TH DIMENSION (original members)
* Isaac Hayes (posthumous)
* Ronnie James Dio (posthumous)

The CGMA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization which is committed to support schools that have discontinued their music programs due to a lack of funding. The CGMA leverages star power to promote education, community development and diversity. Its signature program is the Hip Hop Meets Mainstream initiative that teaches inner-city youth social skills and instills self-esteem mainstream values and social skills.

Twin Cities Metal has posted several videos from DANGEROUS TOYS' recent one-off reunion show with BEATALLICA in Fridley, Minnesota on July 30 alongside pictures and a review of the show. Included are the classic Dangerous Toys numbers 'Sport'n A Woody', 'Gimme No Lip', 'Bones In The Gutter', and the hit single 'Scared' (see video below). Also captured is Beatallica playing the unreleased track 'Please Please Me (Or I'll Beat You)' (see video below), which the band announced has been prevented from release by lawyers, presumably by those representing the Beatles due to objectionable lyrical content. Additional Beatallica videos posted from this show include 'Hero Of The Day Tripper', 'Sgt. Hetfield's Motorbreath Pub Band', and 'The Battery Of Jamyz And Yoko'.

Vocalist Jason McMaster will hit the road again with his other main band, BROKEN TEETH, for a string a dates across the US, and Beatallica has announced another round of US dates for their Masterful Mystery Tour late this fall.

ALL THAT REMAINS' touring photographer Jeremy Saffer has put together a collection of images taken over the past five years in which the band's guitarist, Mike Martin, is flipping off the camera. The collection is available as a 2011 calendar at this location.

Commented Saffer: "Mike Martin is best known as the guitarist of the American metal band ALL THAT REMAINS.

"What some don't know about this western Massachusetts legend is that he has an affinity for flipping off my camera.

"Here is a collection of 'fuck-yous' straight from Mr. Mike Martin to the world.

"Here is your chance to own the definite Mike Martin middle-finger collection in the form of a calendar. What day is it? 'Fuck you.' What month is it? 'Fuck you.'

"Enjoy!"

Audio samples of four tracks ("Twofold", "Train to Somewhere", "The Rarest Flower" and "Love in Grey") from "Skintight", the new solo album from the Norwegian singer Liv Kristine (LEAVES' EYES, ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY), can be streamed on her MySpace page.

Kristine's track-by-track descriptions of the songs:

"Twofold":

"This is one of my own faves on 'Skintight'. My co-composer, Thorsten Bauer, left this guitar idea 'open' on our recording folder one late night about one and a half years ago, this being one of the first demo tracks written for the album. As I heard it, Johnny Cash immediately came into my mind — his honest and calm face, and his warm voice and excellent guitar tunes. I thought [to] myself, 'This is going to be a song about honesty, trust, and deep feelings,' moreover, 'the fear of being left alone.' I would like to dedicate this song to all Cash fans and friends in memory of one of the still brightest shining stars in music heaven ever. And least but last, thank you, Thorsten, for your 'spicy' solo — it is breathtaking!"

"Train to Somewhere":

"This is more of an up-beat rock song which has a quite different mood than most other songs on 'Skintight'. If you liked the title track, you will enjoy this one, too! The lyrics are based on a personal experience I had back in 1998: My best friend and I jumped on the next train to Prague, just like that, because all lessons had been cancelled at the university that day, and we had a fantastic trip! 'Train to Somewhere' is the perfect song to start your day off, leaving stress and hard work at a distance; the sun is shining, your friends are waiting, the world is yours! Just catch the next train to 'somewhere' — forget your sorrows, and have a wonderful time!"

"The Rarest Flower":

"'The Rarest Flower' is the final song of the album, and my friends and fans who have already heard it have told me that it goes immediately under your skin, and stays there. It is longer than all other tracks on 'Skintight' and based on only the piano and the cello. As our great friend and guest piano player, Oliver Palotai, added his personal note on this song by playing and recording our demo idea one afternoon, I really felt that this is a true musical pearl. Only one 'spice' was missing: Christoph Kutzer and his amazing cello solo! The vocals were recorded in only ONE complete go, to be able to underline the direct and intense emotional expression throughout the whole song. I owe a great thank you to Tori Amos, who gave me this brilliant idea."

"Love in Grey":

"'Love in Grey' is based on one of Thorsten Bauer's brilliant guitar ideas, composed in cold and snowy February 2009. Lyric-wise, it unveils an important and tricky issue: what happens to love when it has become 'everyday-like?' What happens to passion, all memories, honesty, and communication in a relationship when love is not anymore like it used to be in the very 'beginning?' In my booklet you will find eleven wonderful pictures painted by my friend Katja, who actually is able to paint my dreams. Her painting to 'Love in Grey' is a direct visualization of what I had in mind when I wrote this song's lyrics. The visual and auditory effect of 'Love in Grey' will catch your heart and senses. Have a short break, lean back and enjoy!"

Ben Jones of U.K.'s Absolute Radio recently conducted an interview with LINKIN PARK rapper, songwriter, keyboardist, vocalist and rhythm guitarist Mike Shinoda. You can now watch the chat below.

LINKIN PARK's video for the song "The Catalyst" premiered on MTV on August 26 and can now be viewed below. The clip was directed by LINKIN PARK's Joe Hahn. "When coming up with the idea of the visual piece to accompany the song, I thought of the end," Hahn says. "What would it look like and feel like if someone pushed the button to decide our fate? What would it feel like if we accepted our fate in the moment of devastation? If we had a final moment to celebrate our final living moments, how would that feel? When J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, described the first test detonation of the atomic bomb, he famously recalled the Bhagavad Ghita, which says, 'If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the mighty one.'"

"The Catalyst", which went to radio on August 2, became the first song to debut at No. 1 in the 14-month history of the Billboard Rock Songs chart. The radio airplay survey measures the most–heard titles on alternative, mainstream rock and triple A radio. "The Catalyst" launched with 12.2 million audience impressions in its first week. The song is also featured in a trailer for EA Games' highly anticipated title Medal of Honor, which launched along with the single and quickly went to No. 1 on YouTube.

"A Thousand Suns" (Machine Shop Recordings/Warner Bros.) will be released September 14. The album is co-produced by Rick Rubin (U2, JOHNNY CASH) and LINKIN PARK vocalist Mike Shinoda.

"Methods To End It All", the debut album from Northern Ireland's melodic melancholy metallers CREATION'S TEARS, will finally see the light of day on October 4 via the Cure For Poison label through Code 7 (via Plastic Head). Initially due to be released in the spring of 2010, the CD saw its release date postponed after frontman Brian Eddie Reynolds contracted serious food poisoning during final recording sessions in Sweden with producers David Castillo and Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, SOILWORK).

"Methods To End It All" features a guest appearance by former PARADISE LOST/MARSHALL LAW drummer Lee Morris.

Following his departure from PARADISE LOST in 2004, the sticksman — who appeared on such classics as PARADISE LOST's "Draconian Times" and "One Second" — has been involved in teaching drums to aspiring young musicians as well as keeping active on the session circuit.

Stated Lee Morris: "When I was first contacted by CREATION'S TEARS about playing on their album, I'll be honest and say that I didn't really have any great desire to re-visit this style of playing again, as after nearly a decade of touring and recording with PARADISE LOST, I'd kinda just about exhausted my enthusiasm for this scene. However, after hearing this band's demos and being really impressed by the new fresh ideas they had, plus their incredible ambition, it became a bit of a no-brainer, really, on my involvement on this record."

"Methods To End It All" track listing:

01. Another Collision
02. I Fail
03. Creation's Tears
04. Odyssey (Opus IX)
05. I'm Falling (You'll Never Know)
06. Parody Paradigm
07. The Last Tear Is Cried For Romance
08. No Saviour Here
09. Untimely Reminder

"Salope", a brand new song from French decadent metallers WORMFOOD, can be streamed in the YouTube clip below. The track comes off the band's new album, "Posthume", which is scheduled for release on September 27 via Deadlight Entertainment. According to a press release, the CD "comes like the best gift for your ex-girlfriend. It [contains] eight tracks in the vein of TYPE O NEGATIVE, ANGE and PARADISE LOST, including a cover of STEPHAN EICHER's 'Des Hauts et des Bas', and features guest appearance by Paul Bento (CARNIVORE, TYPE O NEGATIVE) on sitar and eletronic tempura."

"Posthume" track listing:

01. Les Noces sans Retour
02. Vanité des Amants
03. Troubles Alimentaires
04. Passage à Vide
05. Salope
06. Des Hauts et des Bas
07. Le Seul Amour
08. EWB28IF

2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the U.K. doom titans MY DYING BRIDE. To commemorate two decades of doom and gloom, the band embarked upon a project to re-work familiar melodies and themes from MY DYING BRIDE's extensive catalogue into long, flowing symphonic compositions, including new vocals and passages from vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe. These arrangements have been brought to life, in cooperation with keyboard maestro Johnny Maudling (of BAL-SAGOTH fame), and will be released as "Evinta" this fall on Peaceville Records.

"'Evinta', a project almost 15 years in the making, an idea that has sat smouldering and never really had a reason to burn alive until now," explains guitarist Andrew Craighan. "Nine albums worth of darkness recreated anew to mark 20 years of MY DYING BRIDE. Music arranged to the soundscapes of sorrows past. Finally the 20th anniversary allows us to release this music in a form it has been desperately, woefully waiting for. Enjoy the darkness."

"Evinta" will be available as both a two-disc and special three-disc set, each disc its own sprawling classical work spanning a large period of MY DYING BRIDE's album material. The three-disc set will also be accompanied by a specially limited 72-page hardback book, featuring rare images and photographs from the band's personal archive from over the years.

nternational music critics and rock gourmets agree: KING'S X is among the most unusual acts in the history of rock music. Their technical skills are above reproach, and their creativity has impressed fans and media alike. Next to RUSH, there is currently no other rock trio capable of producing such a dense and at the same time transparent sound. The much-anticipated double CD/DVD set, "Live Love in London", showcases prime examples of KING'S X's incredible live show of classic groove rock featuring great melodies with vocal harmonies, driving rhythms and tough guitars. The album is set for an October 26 release through InsideOut Music and will be available as a deluxe DVD+2CD edition in a special embossed package, as well as a 2CD set. A standard DVD-only version will also be available exclusively through CMDistro.com.

"Live Love in London" is the first official DVD release by a band renowned for just such a transcendent rock show! The KING'S X trio of Ty Tabor (guitar, vocals), Dug Pinnick (bass, vocals) and Jerry Gaskill (drums, vocals) have spanned continents and decades together, honing their craft, welcoming their fans in to experience inspired performances that come from their hearts.

"Live Love in London" was shot in January of 2009 at the Electric Ballroom in London, U.K., because, as Tabor states, "London was the first place that accepted KING'S X. It has always been my favorite place to play." Pinnick recalls, "We were touring the U.S., playing for very small crowds, then we went to London; it was the Marquee and it was sold out!" Gaskill agrees, "London was the first place to make me feel like we might actually be a valid band."

Canadian heavy metal heroes CAULDRON have entered Rogue Studios in the band's hometown of Toronto to begin recording their new album. Titled "Burning Fortune", the follow-up to CAULDRON's critically acclaimed 2009 debut album, "Chained To The Nite", is due to be released on Earache Records in early 2011.

CAULDRON frontman Jason Decay comments: "We finished up pre-production yesterday at the shit factory and now we're all packed up and ready to load into the Rogue Studios this morning a few blocks away, where we'll begin work on 'Burning Fortune'!

"It's about time, and the nice thing is that we're actually rehearsed for this album, so we're pretty excited to get this thing recorded and out there. We'll also try to do a studio blog update thing to keep you posted on the album progress."