A mere 11 months after declaring to the world they would no longer be working together, Norwegian hard rockers FAITH CIRCUS have returned. Marc Farrano (vocals), Marius Morch (guitar), Baard Nordvik (drums) and new bassist Christer Ottesen (ex-POPIUM, FLARE) are in pre-production for a brand new studio album, to be released in the spring. Rehearsals have also begun in preparation for a series of gigs planned throughout the late summer and fall.

In other news, FAITH CIRCUS' debut album — which featured guest appearances by members of TNT, STAGE DOLLS, RETURN and JORN — will be remixed and repackaged. The new version of the CD will feature two bonus tracks — namely "Heroes" and a remake of the 1981 classic James Bond tune "For Your Eyes Only", this time sung as a duet with Robin Beck. Also in the works is the release of a new EP, "5 Live", featuring five songs recorded in concert last year in front of 200 of the band's closest friends and fans. Both releases can be expected in the fall.

In an exclusive interview with Gazeta.pl, Nergal, leader of BEHEMOTH says that he is taking his illness at face value.

Gazeta Wyborcza: Are you that strong or pretend to be?

Nergal: "Let's just say that the shit inflicted a very strong mother-fucker (laughs).Most serious illnesses like mine are healed by positive thinking. I don't rely on faith, but on strong belief in myself. I take my sickness at face value thanks to which I understand and learn more.
People ask themselves, what's next? What's the goal or reference? When they realize that it is the vermin in the ground, suddenly they're overcome with emptiness. I deal with this since the beginning. I don't care about the ideologies guaranteeing salvation and happiness after death. I live according to my own aspirations and needs. You can call it self-righteousness, I feel I am fair to myself and people around me. I try not to hurt anybody."

The entire interview will be published in Friday's edition of Polish national newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza.

Video footage of former SKID ROW frontman Sebastian Bach and his solo band performing a cover version of the BLACK SABBATH classic "Heaven And Hell" (as well as SKID ROW's "Monkey Business") as a tribute to Ronnie James Dio on what would have been Dio's 68th birthday on July 10, 2010 at the Norway Rock Festival in Kvinesdal, Norway can be viewed below.

Commented Bach: "Ronnie James Dio has always been one of my favorite singers since I was around 12 years old. I was fortunate enough to work with the man a couple of times and meet him on other occasions as well.

"We got to play Norway Rock last month and decided literally in the van on the way to the gig to do a tribute to the man that night at the show. We had no chance to rehearse the song — in fact, this was the gig where our gear didn't show up and we played on borrowed equipment. We had no soundcheck, so we just passed around my iPhone listening to the track before the show.

"I got to open for DIO at the Bronco Bowl in Texas with my band in 2000 and it was a great show. Backstage we talked about doing some touring together, which, unfortunately, never happened, but we did play together again at European festivals a couple of times.

"I asked Ronnie, 'Dude, do you think I should do 'Jekyll & Hyde' on Broadway?'

"My Broadway debut was coming up in a couple of months and I did not want to alienate the rockers. I figured I should ask the Man On The Silver Mountain myself. His answer surpirised me and I will never forget his advice.

"'Of course you should do Broadway, Sebastian. It will show people you can do more than one thing.'

"I took his advice. If it was good enough for Ronnie James Dio, it was good enough for me and rockers everywhere.

"So I asked him, 'Ronnie, would you ever do Broadway?' envisioning myself hearing that legendary voice on the Broadway stage. Once again, his answer surprised me. 'No,' came his reply. 'I am very happy doing this, it's all I ever wanted to do, it's still all I want to ever do,' Dio said.

"I guess Ronnie James Dio was happy with people 'knowing him for one thing.' Being the greatest hard rock singer ever was good enough for Dio. Which he was.

"We miss you, Ronnie James Dio. R.I.P. This one's for you."

TESTAMENT guitarist Alex Skolnick has posted the following message on his official web site:

"It's been nearly ten years since my first TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA winter tour. Each year it's been an incredible experience, traveling from arena to arena being an important part of the largest symphonic rock production in history. This year, however, I've decided to make the difficult decision of stepping out of the spotlight (and lasers, fog, fire and snow) and embarking upon new adventures.

"The reasons for this are twofold.

"As one might imagine, the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA winter tour is a demanding one — with long days and an action-packed show that calls for no less than 200% of yourself, often twice a day from the mid-October rehearsals to the final show in January.

"While the awesome response from fans and the collaboration with fellow performers make it beyond worth it, there comes a point, after so many years of annual grueling intensity, for some of us to draw upon that quarter of a year's worth of time and energy in order to launch a renewed focus on our own visions.

"In my case, this process begins with the release of a brand new album (ALEX SKOLNICK TRIO's 'Veritas', due October 15) to be followed by heavy touring, including winter dates in support of RODRIGO Y GABRIELA.

"There are many other endeavors in the works, the information of which will be continually updated online at AlexSkolnick.com. Furthermore, as someone who has been on tour with multiple projects and running on all cylinders during the entire calendar year since 2006, reclaiming this three-month period will open up the option to take breaks once in a while, remember what home looks like, lessen the constant separation from friends and loved ones and recharge my own batteries as needed.

"Of course, I'll miss doing the TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA tour. The stage time, friendships and overall experience has been invaluable.

"I'm grateful to Paul O'Neil and Nightcastle Management for the opportunity, to all the musicians and singers for the good times and to all the fans for the unyielding support; you guys are the best! I look forward to seeing many of you out there in different configurations."

Polish death metal veterans VADER have set "Return To The Morbid Reich" as the tentative title of their next studio album. According to guitarist/vocalist Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek, the CD will be recorded in March/April 2011 at Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland and it will be released in August/September 2011 via Nuclear Blast Records.

A short question-and-answer session with Wiwczarek regarding the forthcoming album follows below.

Q: What do you mean by changes in the band's image which you mentioned on one of discussion sites?

Piotr: By image I mean the way the band is promoted, together with the new album, photo session, image itself and type of stage design. Suffice to mention photo sessions to "Black To The Blind" or "Impressions"… Of course I didn't mean any changes in hairstyle or dressing up in very popular lately leather armor. VADER doesn't need to take such steps. We will make the band's death metal nature more visible, though. I don't want to get into details too early. Recording session is planned not until March/April... but it's worth visiting our website during this period. Plenty of news will appear then and we will reveal a few details about the content of the newest album.

Q: Is a draft title of the newest album indicating a comeback to the classic "Morbid Reich" sounds or is it just an initial idea?

Piotr: It's impossible and useless to record the same album once again. I'm sure that even if we recorded a second "Morbid Reich" or previously mentioned "De Profundis", the album wouldn't get similar feedback. Times have changed, people have changed and metal has changed itself. What can be done is to try to capture the feeling of those days just to remind the roots of the band. I don't intend to revive "Morbid Reich" after 20 years. Today nobody — including me — would receive this material as at the beginning of the '90s. Moreover, how could I go back in the guitar playing techniques or forget about my rich musical experience? "Return To Morbid Reich" will be my attempt to revive the gloom of those days accompanying the creation of music and expressionist aesthetics of the 30s. The outcome? I'm curious myself. The difference would be the time devoted to the album even before entering the studio. I'll try to return to the way of working on music from before the times of "The Ultimate..." I also hope to create something together with Marek [Pajak, guitar] and Pawel [Jaroszewicz, drums].

Q: How do you assess the new band lineup? How is Marek Pajak doing? Is there any chance that he will stay there for some time?

Piotr: This decision belongs not only to me but to Marek himself as well. We're getting on really good and after a decent number of gigs played together we both know what the work in VADER looks like. I believe that we'll record more albums together. So far Pajak has confirmed that working with a professionalist and realist is a real pleasure.

Q: The idea of playing the whole album "De Profundis" is wonderful. Will you repeat it during upcoming gigs over in the USA too?

Piotr: The idea had several sources. Over a year ago Wacek came up with idea of playing "De Profundis" at concerts. However it seemed a bit inflated idea to me. A few weeks ago, however, I had an interview during which it got mentioned that it had been 15 years since the album release. Performing "legendary" albums as a whole during gigs has already been practiced by SLAYER, JUDAS PRIEST and METALLICA... so why not VADER? It's not only a classic in our discography but also an important album in the history of Polish metal (I say it not out of pure vanity; it's our fans' opinion). What's more, it will be a great diversification to the whole concert set. If it'll work out — we'll return to other albums in the future. A premiere would be the August tour across Poland. We're going to carry it on over to the USA during the tour with IMMOLATION. Not to mention the fact that the American division of Nuclear Blast particularly liked the whole idea. I wonder myself how the album will sound after so many years... and what will be the feedback of our maniacs.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based old-school metallers MANTIC RITUAL have parted ways with drummer Adam Haritan. The band states, "This was a mutual decision and we all agree that it's best for everyone involved.

"It's been obvious to us for some time that Adam was not as interested in making music as he once was, and we all thought this would be a good time for him to pursue other things while we found another drummer who can be fully dedicated to MANTIC RITUAL. There are no hard feelings between us, and we're grateful for all the time and effort Adam has put into this band over the last five years. We wish him the best and we're sure he'll be successful in whatever path he chooses.

"MANTIC RITUAL will be looking for a new drummer immediately to continue writing, recording, and touring. We'll be back in action as soon as possible!"

States Haritan: "The time has come for me to part ways with MANTIC RITUAL.

"Over the past few months, my heart has been pulling me in a different direction, and it has been hard to fight the urge to follow my passion.

"Although I will no longer be the drummer of MANTIC RITUAL, I'll always be a strong supporter of the band and remain great friends with Ben, Jeff, and Dave. Some of my most cherished memories in life involve this band, and I'll never forget them.

"Emerson stated it perfectly when he said, 'We change, whether we like it or not.'

"One year ago I had no idea that I'd be returning to school, immersed in a non-musical field, but that's the way the universe works.

"I wish nothing but the best for the band, and hope the guys thrive in everything they do."

"Push The Venom", the new video from Canadian extreme metallers KATAKLYSM, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed last month in Belgrade, Serbia with director Ivan Colic (TYPE O NEGATIVE, UNLEASHED, DEATHSTARS, EX DEO).

"Push The Venom" comes off KATAKLYSM's new album, "Heaven's Venom", which will be released on August 13 in Europe and August 24 in North America via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2008's "Prevail" was produced by KATAKLYSM guitarist Jean-Francois Dagenais (MALEVOLENT CREATION, MISERY INDEX) and was mixed by Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, MNEMIC, DARK TRANQUILLITY).

Commented vocalist Maurizio Iacono: "After the crazy videos we did with EX DEO, it was only natural for us to upgrade the KATAKLYSM visuals as well.

"We decided to try to recreate the underworld fantasy atmosphere depicted in the artwork with some great visual effects.

"The song is about surviving the judgment that others cast upon you, and that which is important and feels right to you. Spread your venom and not the lies of your enemies!

"Ivan did another fantastic job and we are super-happy with it and hopefully you guys dig it too."

"Heaven's Venom" track listing:

01. A Soulless God
02. Determined (Vows Of Vengeance)
03. Faith Made Of Shrapnel
04. Push The Venom
05. Hail The Renegade
06. As The Walls Collapse
07. Numb & Intoxicated
08. At The Edge Of The World
09. Suicide River
10. Blind Savior

Dagenais previously stated about the new CD, "Everything you wish for in a KATAKLYSM album is here and some unexpected musical adventures as well. Everyone here has given 150% of themselves!

"As KATAKLYSM turns twenty next year, we want to be remembered as the band who never gave up and faced the odds. This explosive slab of metal will lead scene for future conquests and not be forgotten ever. The music, the vocals and the production are all top notch."

Seattle progressive rockers QUEENSRŸCHE have partnered with Capitol/EMI for the September 28 release of an expanded 20th-anniversary edition of the band's triple platinum-certified breakout album "Empire". The new 2CD and digital packages both include the remastered album, featuring six hit singles, including the #1 smash "Silent Lucidity", as well as 13 bonus tracks, among them 10 previously unreleased live performances recorded in 1990 at London's Hammersmith Odeon. The 2CD package is presented in a lift-top box with five postcards, a fold-out poster and a booklet featuring rare photos from the band's personal archive.

After building a devoted fan base with album and EP releases throughout the 1980s, including 1988's critically acclaimed "Operation: Mindcrime", QUEENSRŸCHE broke into the mainstream across North America and abroad with the 1990 release of "Empire". In the U.S., the album peaked at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and its hit ballad "Silent Lucidity" quickly became a heavy rotation staple at rock radio and on MTV, topping Billboard's Modern Rock singles chart and earning QUEENSRŸCHE the coveted MTV Viewers Choice Award for the song's music video. "Empire" also made the U.K.'s Top 10, and the album's international success led to QUEENSRŸCHE's 18-month headlining "Building Empires" world tour, the band's longest trek to date.

"Empire" also features the Billboard Top 10 Modern Rock hits "Jet City Woman" and "Another Rainy Night", the Top 20 single "Anybody Listening?", and the Top 30 singles "Best I Can" and "Empire". In addition to the aforementioned live recordings, "Empire (20th Anniversary Edition)"'s bonus tracks include "Last Time in Paris" from the "The Adventures of Ford Fairlane" soundtrack, "Dirty Lil' Secret" and the band's cover of SIMON & GARFUNKEL's "Scarborough Fair".

Since forming in Bellevue, Washington in 1981, QUEENSRŸCHE has sold more than 20 million albums around the world. The band continues to tour and record; "American Soldier" was released last year.

The track listing is as follows:

Disc 1 (original CD remastered with bonus tracks from 2003 reissue):

01. Best I Can
02. The Thin Line
03. Jet City Woman
04. Della Brown
05. Another Rainy Night (Without You)
06. Empire
07. Resistance
08. Silent Lucidity
09. Hand On Heart
10. One And Only
11. Anybody Listening?

Bonus tracks:

12. Last Time In Paris
13. Scarborough Fair
14. Dirty Lil Secret

Disc 2 (live tracks recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon, London on November 15, 1990):

01. Resistance
02. Walk In The Shadows
03. Best I Can
04. The Thin Line
05. Jet City Woman
06. Empire
07. Roads To Madness
08. Take Hold Of The Flame
09. Silent Lucidity
10. Hand On Heart

"Year Of The Rat", the new video from Norwegian gothic metallers TRISTANIA, can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's sixth album, "Rubicon", which will be released via Austria's Napalm Records on the following dates:

Aug. 25 - Spain
Aug. 27 - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italy, Sweden
Aug. 30 - Rest of Europe
Aug. 31 - USA/Canada

Commented the band: "We think the result has turned out amazing, and we're extremely eager to get this album released."

"Rubicon" track listing:

01. Year Of The Rat
02. Protection
03. Patriot Games
04. The Passing
05. Exile
06. Sirens
07. The Emerald Piper (bonus track)
08. Vulture
09. Amnesia
10. Magical Fix
11. Illumination

Altsounds.com recently conducted an interview with keyboardist Per Wiberg of Swedish progressive metallers OPETH. An excerpt from the chat follows below.

Altsounds.com: You guys have been around for 20 years yourselves now, How do you feel about being considered a legendary act in your own right?

Per: Legendary is maybe a bit too much. Call us a band that's been around for 20 years. (laughs) I don't know... I think there's a few bands from our generation who have been around for a long time and I guess people enjoy continuity because it means everyone is enjoying what they are doing if they do it for a long time. Music is everything to everyone in this band so I hope that has something to do with it. You can only write and play the music you do; you can never count on people coming to the shows and buying the albums.

Altsounds.com: How was playing the Royal Albert Hall?

Per: It was different but very cool, also a classic venue as well. We've seen loads of live DVDs filmed there and the venue showcased on Swedish TV so its kind of mindblowing to walk into that venue during the day when none of the audience were there, but then it's a busy day so you forget it and get into the groove.

Altsounds.com: The show is being released on DVD as OPETH live at the Royal Albert Hall. When you put that package together did you at all discuss releasing all the other shows from the mini tour on DVD?

Per: It's a cost thing, especially if you are going to film every show, depending on what type of filming you want. This was filmed like all our other DVDs so that's pretty costly. I don't think it was ever considered but we have recordings of every show, but since it's a "Live At The Albert Hall" DVD that's what's being released now. I don't know if, or how, any of the other stuff is ever going to be released.

Altsounds.com: The "Evolution XX" shows you did worldwide to celebrate the anniversary of the band and release of "Blackwater Park" were a special treat for the fans. How did the idea for those shows come about?

Per: Firstly, Mikael [Åkerfeldt, guitar/vocals] said last year, "We turn 20 years next year. What should we do?" Maybe we could go to a pub in Stockholm somewhere and bring some gear and if any of our friends wanna play a song or two they can and we'll drink beer. (Laughs) And it escalated from there to "Let's do a show at Royal Albert Hall." And then it was, "Well, let's do more shows in L.A. and New York if we can fit them in as well. When we had the Royal Albert Hall date confirmed. we booked the rest."

"Shake Your Grave", a brand new track from the Danish modern metal combo RAUNCHY, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The song comes off the group's new album, "A Discord Electric", which will be released through Lifeforce Records on September 20 in Denmark; October 8 in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland; October 11 in the rest of Europe; and on October 12 in the U.S.

"A Discord Electric" track listing:

01. Dim the Lights and Run
02. Rumors of Worship
03. Blueprints For Lost Sounds
04. NGHT PRTY
05. Street Emperor
06. Shake Your Grave
07. Tiger Crown
08. Big Truth
09. The Great Depression
10. The Yeah Thing
11. Ire Vampire
12. Gunslingers and Tombstones

Electronic Arts Inc. has unveiled the music track listing for Madden NFL 11. This year's soundtrack features 23 tracks that recreate the ultimate live gameday experience via a collection of crowd favorites, stadium classics, and official NFL team fight songs.

After 10-plus years of being a foremost showcase for introducing new artists, the Madden NFL 11 soundtrack focuses on stadium authenticity with classic fan-favorites by AC/DC, QUEEN, KISS, OZZY OSBOURNE (including his new hit "Let Me Hear You Scream"), GUNS N' ROSES, THE HIVES, GARY GLITTER, BLUR, YING YANG TWINS and TODD RUNDGREN. Adding to the unprecedented authenticity are official team fight songs of the Green Bay Packers, Washington Redskins, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and more.

"The term 'Madden Music' has come to mean music that matches the intensity of the video game," says said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Marketing for EA. "This year, we wanted the music to not only define the game, but also the stadium experience. These are the classics that consistently bring NFL crowds to their feet. It's an exciting new audio direction for Madden NFL, one that we know all fans will respond to. There is nothing like the experience of live football in a packed stadium, and the Madden NFL 11 soundtrack absolutely brings that excitement home."

The complete in-game soundtrack for Madden NFL 11 includes:

Original Recordings:

* AC/DC - Thunderstruck
* ARCHIE EVERSOLE - We Ready
* BLUR - Song 2
* BUSH - Machinehead
* GUNS N' ROSES - Welcome to the Jungle
* KEVIN RUDOLF featuring LIL' WAYNE - Let It Rock
* KISS - Rock and Roll All Nite
* OZZY OSBOURNE - Let Me Hear You Scream
* OZZY OSBOURNE - Crazy Train
* THE HIVES - Tick Tick Boom
* TODD RUNDGREN - Bang the Drum
* YING YANG TWINS featuring HOMEBWOI - Halftime

Cover Versions:

* Rock N Roll Part 2 - as made famous by GARY GLITTER
* We Will Rock You - as made famous by QUEEN
* Crowd Chant - as made famous by JOE SATRIANI
* Kernkraft 400 - as made famous by ZOMBIE NATION

Team Fight Songs:

* Chicago Bears - Bear Down Chicago Bears
* Detroit Lions - Gridiron Heroes
* Green Bay Packers - Go Packers Go!
* Miami Dolphins - Miami Dolphins #1
* Minnesota Vikings - Skol Vikings
* Philadelphia Eagles - Fly Eagles Fly
* Washington Redskins - Hail to the Redskins

Madden NFL 11 will be available on August 10 for the Xbox 360 video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation2 and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment systems, Wii, and PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld entertainment system. Madden NFL 11 will also be available for download globally on mobile platforms including iPod touch and feature phones.

Sheffield, U.K. metallers BRING ME THE HORIZON have set "There Is A Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let's Keep It A Secret" as the title of their third album, which will be released on the following dates:

Oct. 8 - Germany, Austria, Switzerland
Oct. 4 - Rest Of Europe
Oct. 5 - USA
Oct. 6 - Japan
Oct. 8 - Australia

From the progressive opening riff and digital manipulation of choristers in the epic "Crucify Me" to the violins of "Don't Go" to instrumental track "Memorial", it quickly becomes clear that this is an album like no other.

The band locked itself away in a lochside mansion deep in rural Scotland for the majority of the writing period, and, free from distractions, was able to push its writing further than ever. Yet the album still includes the trademark elements that have become staples of BRING ME THE HORIZON's sound since 2006 — precision guitar riffs, venomously dark lyrics, massive beatdowns and gang vocals destined to be chants at the band's incendiary live shows.

The team at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden (where BRING ME THE HORIZON recorded 2008's "Suicide Season") was again at the helm of the recording, this time bringing in electronic and programming authority KC Blitz to assist with the instrumental aspects of the album. The CD also includes appearances from various special guests, including Josh Franceschi of YOU ME AT SIX (on "Fuck") who stated, "I'm really excited to be part of this record as it's going to turn some heads, and that's what music is all about." Also featured on the album are Josh Scogin of THE CHARIOT (on "The Fox And The Wolf"), Sonny Moore (a.k.a. Skrillex) with electronica contributions and Canadian electro-pop starlet Lights (on "Crucify Me" and "Don't Go").

"There Is A Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let's Keep It A Secret" is, in many ways, a concept album. Frontman Oli Sykes vividly explores humanity's collective good nature and the celestial euphoria associated with love, lust, truth and desire; this is balanced by the darkness and evil that is buried deep inside all of us. Lyrically and musically, the album is the band's most honest work to date as Sykes lays bare his fears, weaknesses and anger, which is just one layer on this truly progressive and advanced third album.

"There Is A Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is A Heaven, Let's Keep It A Secret" track listing:

01. Crucify Me
02. Anthem
03. It Never Ends
04. Fuck
05. Don't Go
06. Home Sweet Hole
07. Alligator Blood
08. Visions
09. Blacklist
10. Memorial
11. Blessed With A Curse
12. The Fox And The Wolf

When DOWN performed at this year's High Voltage festival at the end of July in London, England (see video below), the U.K. branch of Roadrunner Records sat down with guitarist Kirk Windstein for a quick chat regarding the group's current and upcoming activities. On the topic of the songwriting sessions for DOWN's next album, Kirk stated, "[We've written] two songs and we're really happy with them; kinda getting in that [songwriting] groove now.

"We're at different points in our lives because of our age... We're all in our forties. I have a daughter... and a girl at home... Jimmy's [Bower, drums] got the same thing, Phil's [Anselmo, vocals] got the same thing, Rex [Brown, bass] is married and has twins — a boy and a girl, Pepper [Keenan, guitar] just had his first child...

"Like Phil was just saying, we basically recorded and toured for two and a half years and that's a long time! I think now we're up to 36 countries we played, including twice in Australia, Japan, we did METALLICA summer tour, we hit over in Europe, we did METALLICA first leg of 'Death Magnetic' U.S. tour, we did a bunch of Sonisphere stuff last year with METALLICA, we played with SLIPKNOT, ANTHRAX, SAXON — you name it, so it was like when we got home, we needed a break. We'll email [each other], but nobody will call anybody. Basically, when we get off the plane from the last show on the last tour, we'll get off the plane and it's like (laughs), 'I hate all you motherfuckers, fuck you! Do not call me. Goodbye!' But it's all in fun.

"When you're stuck up each other's ass 24/7 for two and a half years, it's pretty difficult, you need a break, and now everyone feels rejuvenated, fresh, now's the time [to get back into writing].

"We know when the time is right — everyone's got that spark now. But we didn't want to force ourselves to do it if we didn't feel it. I mean, music is emotion. It's got to be real; it's got to be from the heart. We didn't want to force ourselves to do it if we didn't feel the time was right, and now, we've had two great jams, three great jams, wrote two songs, and at the end of the third night it was like, 'Dude! I had fuckin' fun today, it was great!' The spark's back, the desire's back, and it's time to be DOWN."

DOWN's "movie" "Diary Of A Mad Band" has been delayed "due to recent legal issues" and is now expected to surface sometime next year. The set will feature footage of DOWN members "tearing up Europe" — literally and figuratively — on their first European tour. This special DVD/CD collection contains over 130 minutes of live video material and a full, never-before-released concert. (Note: The CD is different from the DVD.)

Metal Mind Productions reports:

BOULEVARD is considered as one of the most important arena rock bands in the history of Canadian music. Their two classic albums – the self-titled Blvd and Into The Street – brought a fantastic mixture of 80’s pop and rock, similar to what bands such as TOTO, MR. MISTER and GLASS TIGER had to offer. Sadly, their career ended with the birth of the grunge movement, which pretty much dominated the entire rock scene in the 1990s.

The band’s story began around 1983, when Mark Holden (saxophone/vocals) started working at the Thunderhead recording studios in Calgary, Alberta. There he met guitarist Randy Gould and together they joined forces with vocalist David Forbes, forming a group which they called BLVD.

In 1985 the studio was closed and the band moved to Vancouver, where they recruited Jerry Adolphe (drums), Randy Burgess (bass) and Andrew Johns (keyboard) and recorded their first demos. The effort paid off in 1987, when Blvd was offered a recording deal by MCA. The band released their debut self-titled album in 1988. Blvd was recorded with producer Pierre ‘Baz’ Bazinet at Ocean Sound studios and mixed by legendary rock producers Bob Rock (known from working with METALLICA, AEROSMITH, BON JOVI, THE CULT) and Mike Fraser (AC/DC, DIO, JOE SATRIANI, POISON). The LP spawned four singles and two videos, and got a bunch of very promising opinions from the critics. With a majestic combination of old-school riffage with clear, crisp vocals and the overwhelming saxophone and keyboard sound, the group managed to gather a loyal following and soon toured all over Canada supporting Glass Tiger.

Before releasing their second album, the band extended their name to Boulevard and experienced some lineup changes, with Thom Christiansen replacing Bugess on bass and Randall Stoll replacing Adolphe on drums. The group recorded Into The Streets at Venture Studios in Vancouver and eventually released it through MCA in 1990. Two singles were released in Canada, where the group was most successful.

Unfortunately, Boulevard’s music did not survive the confrontation with the wave of grunge bands coming from the US. In 1991 the five-piece officially called it quits.

Today, Boulevard is yet another group of lost rock ‘n’ roll heroes, whose albums were truly appreciated only after their demise. These exclusive reissues of Blvd and Into the Streets bring back two absolute AOR classics, filled with prime melodic rock ‘n’ roll straight from the Canadian soil. Both albums will be available in new digipak editions, each limited to 2,000 copies. The material was remastered using tube technology, digitally edited on a golden disc. Metal Mind Productions set up the release date for September 6th in Europe and November 9th November in North America (via MVD).

Blvd (remastered) tracklist:

'Dream On'
'Far From Over'
'Western Skies'
'Never Give Up'
'In The Twilight'
'When The Light Go Down'
'Under The Moonlight'
'You And I'
'Missing Persons'
'You're For Me'




Into The Street (remastered) tracklist:

'Talk To Me'
'Where Is The Love'
'Lead Me On'
'Eye Of The Hurricane'
'Light Of Day'
'Crazy Life'
'Rainy Day In London'
'Where Are You Now'
'Need You Tonight'
'Eye To Eye'

September 3 will see three releases by German progressive black metallers SECRETS OF THE MOON pressed on black gold vinyl.

1. "Them Bones / This Inner Soil" gatefold vinyl single

This seven-inch single contains two previously unreleased songs: the ALICE IN CHAINS cover version "Them Bones", recorded during the "Privilegivm" sessions, and the original track "This Inner Soil" from the "Antithesis" sessions. This single is released in a noble, elaborate gatefold cover and is limited to 500 copies.

2. "Antithesis" gatefold 2LP

SECRETS OF THE MOON's third studio album "Antithesis" (2006) will be available on vinyl for the first time. This album will be released as a double LP in gatefold format and will contain the previously unreleased bonus track "Father". Limited to 500 copies!

3. "The Ambience Of A Dead Star" 12-inch mini-album

Another first-time release on vinyl will be the mini-album "The Ambience Of A Dead Star", thus far only available as bonus CD to the deluxe edition of "Carved In Stigmata Wounds" (2004). The artwork is designed specifically for this re-release on vinyl to visually highlight the stand-alone character of the mini album. Limited to 500 copies!

U.S. gore legends AUTOPSY have completed the recording of their first tracks since officially reforming last year. "The Tomb Within" was recorded mid-July 2010 at Fantasy Studios with Adam Munoz and sees the original trio of Chris Reifert, Danny Coralles and Eric Cutler joined on bass by Joe Trevisano (ex-ABSCESS).

"The Tomb Within" consists of five new tunes of gore and depravity and will be released on September 13 through Peaceville Records on CD and 12-inch vinyl, with general release set for September 27. Cover art is supplied by renowned fantasy/horror artist Matt Cavotta.

AUTOPSY had previously decided to make an official comeback after working together on two songs for the special 20th-anniversary edition of debut album, "Severed Survival", in late 2008; the band having originally split before the release of its fourth album, "Shitfun", in 1995.

The 12-inch vinyl edition of "The Tomb Within" comes with a free poster of the stunning cover artwork and is limited to just 1,000 numbered copies. The CD edition comes with a special limited postcard for pre-orders.

The track listing is as follows:

01. The Tomb Within
02. My Corpse Shall Rise
03. Seven Skulls
04. Human Genocide
05. Mutant Village

Commented the band: "As many of you know, for years it has been repeatedly stated that AUTOPSY was over with and done for good. While that was indeed true for a long span of time, it is no longer the case. AUTOPSY has come to the solid realization that the time is now right to resume their mission of gore-soaked death metal brutality and to fulfill this mission with maximum intensity. Make no mistake about it, AUTOPSY is not about reliving the past, basking in nostalgia or riding on efforts from years long gone. The band is hungry to devour fresh minds and souls and has been amassing an arsenal of new and deathly material to unleash upon those who also hunger for such brutality. The surgical instruments are being sharpened and a pure death metal assault of the most horrific order is underway as you read these very words.

"On behalf of the band, thanks goes out to all who relented and simply would not allow this beast to remain in the grave. Your persistence will be met with unspeakable and unapologetic sonic atrocities."

AUTOPSY will be infest European shores in August with two special and exclusive headlining shows, at Germany's Party.San Open Air and Norway's Hole In The Sky festivals.

Gothenburg, Sweden-based metal sextet MARIONETTE recently entered Studio Fredman with producer Fredrik Nordström (IN FLAMES, BRING ME THE HORIZON) to begin recording its as-yet-untitled third album for a tentative early 2011 release via Listenable Records.

Commented guitarist and backing vocalist Aron Parmerud: "We spent a great deal of time after our last [European] tour with BLESSTHEFALL working on new songs and ended up with over 14 songs. Last month Jimmy [Olausson, drums] came in and nailed each of the songs on drums and from there we began tracking the guitars and bass all at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg. Linus [Johansson, keyboards] and I are working with the ambiance of the music and the keyboards. Alexander [Andersson, vocals] is currently working hard on the lyrics and vocal lines.

"Fans of our 'Spite' [2008] and more so 'Enemies' [2009] albums will find some familiar elements in our new songs. Listeners will certainly hear contrasts between brutal and beautiful, progressive and catchy, and up-tempo and down-tempo. There are more elements that will be very new to our listeners.

"We're eager to perform a few of these new songs live on our upcoming 'The SlaughTour 2010' dates in the U.K. and Denmark, and our recently confirmed shows with fellow Gothenburgers DARK TRANQUILLITY in Sweden and Norway. So come out, see us live, and be the first to hear some new MARIONETTE songs this October and November!"

AVA INFERI, the Portugal-based band whose lineup includes Norwegian guitarist Rune Eriksen (a.k.a. ex-MAYHEM guitarist/songwriter Blasphemer), has announced the addition of guitarist André Sobral to the group's ranks.

Comments Eriksen: "André has been on stage with us a couple of times already, and has proved himself worthy (of membership). We now feel that the band is reinvigorated and most ready for bigger challenges, having found the important 'equilibrium' on all levels."

In other news, AVA INFERI recently entered TopRoom Studio in Norway to lay down the drums, bass and guitars for eight brand new songs. Eriksen states, "The [forthcoming AVA AINFERI] album, scheduled for a early 2011 release (on the one and only Season Of Mist), has actually been ready for a while, at least in terms of compositions. But instead of doing the usual 'rush,' we have now used time to our advantage, ensuring nothing slips our attention. I actually remember I made the first riff for 'By Candlelight & Mirror', one of the new songs, already back in March last year, giving the song more than a year to mature into what we feel is optimal.

"It might be a cliché to proclaim this these days, but we truly feel that this material is by far the most interesting and mature we have produced so far. And easily the most raw material as well. It's somewhat typical AVA INFERI, as I really believe we have our own brand of gothic doom by now, but it definitely has a few changes to it.

"The songs are more straight-forward, some of them a tad shorter than what's expected from these shores (set aside 'The Heathen Island', which closes inn at approximately 10 minutes), some downright spooky and dirty, others immeasurably dark even strangely beautiful, but most importantly, they all ooze of an all-consuming power.

"We really believe that with this album we have created the ultimate AVA INFERI record so far!"

On September 17, Finnish metallers AMORPHIS will celebrate their 20th anniversary by releasing a special retrospective, "Magic & Mayhem – Tales From The Early Years", featuring newly re-recorded versions of the songs from the band's first three albums (1992's "Karelian Isthmus", 1994's "Tales From The Thousand Lakes" and 1996's "Elegy") with slightly different arrangements, better audio quality and featuring the band's current lineup. AMORPHIS guitarist Esa Holopainen told Petri Silas of Finland's Soundi magazine in early June that he was especially happy with how "My Kantele" and "Song Of The Troubled One" turned out. The collection will also include such gems as "Vulgar Necrolatry" and the band's cover of THE DOORS' "Light My Fire". The latter song was previously recorded by the band and was included on the reissue of the "Tales from the Thousand Lakes" LP, but the new collection will feature a all-new version that was tracked in early 2010.

"Magic & Mayhem – Tales From The Early Years" track listing:

01. Magic And Mayhem
02. Vulgar Necrolatry
03. Into Hiding
04. Black Winter Day
05. On Rich And Poor
06. Exile Of The Sons Of Uisliu
07. The Castaway
08. Song Of The Troubled One
09. Sign From The North Side
10. Drowned Maid
11. Against Widows
12. My Kantele
13. Light My Fire (bonus track)

STONE SOUR's third album, "Audio Secrecy", is now available for pre-order in three different versions:

* Standard edition
* Limited-edition two-LP version which comes with the double LP in gatefold packaging and a special signed album cover lithograph that you can't get anywhere else. Hidden throughout 30 copies of the limited edition of "Audio Secrecy" are golden tickets that will give access to a special meet-and-greet with STONE SOUR.

Limited-edition bonus tracks:

* Hate Not Gone
* Anna
* Home Again

* Special edition of "Audio Secrecy" which includes the above-mentioned three bonus tracks and a DVD featuring a 45-minute in-studio documentary about the making of "Audio Secrecy" and video of three songs from STONE SOUR's performance at the U.K.'s Download festival in June 2010.

"Audio Secrecy" is scheduled for release on September 7 via Roadrunner Records.