Longstanding Danish metal band MANTICORA has completed work on its seventh full-length album, "Safe", at Jailhouse Studios in Horsens, Denmark, once again produced and mixed by Tommy Hansen (JORN LANDE, HELLOWEEN, PRETTY MAIDS).

Following the successful two-part "Black Circus" albums (released in 2006 and 2007 on Locomotive Music), "Safe" will see the band exploring a darker and heavier side of its songwriting than in recent years, and contrary to the simplicity of the album cover (a black/white cover only showcasing the band-symbol) "Safe" is filled with high-octane technical power-thrash, including the 14-minute-long title track (MANTICORA's longest song to date).

"Safe" track listing:

01. In The Abyss Of Desperation
02. Silence The Freedom
03. Complete
04. From The Pain Of Loss (I Learned About The Truth)
05. A Lake That Drained
06. Carrion Eaters
07. Safe
08. Embryonic Man (bonus track for Japan)

Upon renewing its deal for Japan with Stay Gold/Art Union Records for the release of the album, MANTICORA has signed with U.S.-based label Nightmare Records for the rest of the world. The releases in Europe and North America have been set for September 21. An Asian release date has not yet been announced.

In other news, MANTICORA has signed with Burrn! Music/Shinko Music Publishing for sub-publishing in Japan and with Enorm Music for sub-publishing in the rest of the world.

In September 2010 MANTICORA will embark on a headlining tour, presented by Rock Hard magazine, throughout Europe. Support on the trek will come from Norwegian power/prog band DIVIDED MULTITUDE.

Southern California's AVENGED SEVENFOLD will release a special limited edition of its new album, "Nightmare", on July 27, the same day the band's fifth studio CD is due from Warner Bros. Records.

"Nightmare" was produced by Mike Elizondo (DR. DRE, EMINEM) and mixed by Andy Wallace (SEPULTURA, SLAYER, NIRVANA).

"Book of Nightmares" includes the full "Nightmare" album on CD, plus an expanded booklet featuring lyric sheets from the band and exclusive artwork — all packaged in a bound book with a silver-plated "Nightmare" crest. The package also includes a limited 24" x 36" lithograph entitled "Death Bat Anatomy" featuring original artwork on textured paper embossed, as well as an instant digital download of AVENGED SEVENFOLD's current single, "Nightmare".

"Book of Nightmares" is only for sale from the band's official web site, AvengedSevenfold.com, where it is currently available for pre-order for $49.99.

The album's first single and title track has enjoyed airplay at Active Rock, Mainstream, and Modern Rock radio stations across the country and was the No. 1 Rock Song on iTunes in the U.S. and the U.K. in its debut week. A lyric video of "Nightmare" that premiered via YouTube on the band's web site received more than 275,000 plays in 24 hours and has since racked up nearly 1.7 million views.

"Nightmare" track listing:

01. Nightmare
02. Welcome To The Family
03. Danger Line
04. Buried Alive
05. Natural Born Killer
06. So Far Away
07. God Hates Us
08. Victim
09. Tonight The World Dies
10. Fiction
11. Save Me

DREAM THEATER's Mike Portnoy was honored in the "Best Drummer" category at this year's Kawasaki Golden Gods Awards (formerly Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards), which was held last night (Monday, June 14) at the IndigO2 venue in South London, England. Portnoy was unable to accept the award in person since DREAM THEATER is currently on the road in North America as the support act for IRON MAIDEN, but managed to send in a videotaped message, which can be viewed below.

"Best Drummer" nominees at this year's Kawasaki Golden Gods Awards:

* Chris Adler (LAMB OF GOD)
* Dave McClain (MACHINE HEAD)
* Brann Dailor (MASTODON)
* Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER)
* Dave Lombardo (SLAYER)

Classic NWOBHM act PRAYING MANTIS have checked in with the following Sweden Rock Festival update:

"Heya people,

Just to let you know that we are all back on UK soil, tired and rocked out. We personally would like to thank you all for your support and for joining us for both sets, we really appreciate this.

The live set on the DIO stage which took place June 11th was dubious due to the weather, but the sun soon came out and we had so much fun rocking. For the Saturday acoustic set on the Rockklassiker Stage, we were outstanded by the amount of people who came out and supported us and also joined in with the singing. We really appreciate you all, thank you again and look forward to seeing you very shortly.

Here's leaving you with a memory from the live set - 'Captured City' - enjoy..."

Sludge metal legends CROWBAR have signed a worldwide deal with E1 Music. The band will be releasing a new full-length album later this fall.

"Crowbar is very excited to have landed this deal with E1 Music! We have always been very proud of what we do and the new record will not disappoint and of our die hard fans", says front man and guitar player Kirk Windstein.

The forthcoming album will be the follow up to the band’s last album, Lifesblood For The Downtrodden, which was released in 2005.

Windstein continues, "Big thanks to Jamey Jasta, Steve Ross and the legal team at E1 Music. Get ready, with a real label behind us we will crush!"

E1 Music Vice President of Metal Scott Givens adds, "Crowbar have influenced a generation of great bands and E1 is fully committed to making this the band’s biggest selling record of its long and storied career."

Kirk Windstein formed Crowbar in 1991. Since that time, the band's sound has profoundly influenced a new generation of metal acts the world over. Weinstein is also a key member of KINGDOM OF SORROW (with HATEBREED front man Jamey Jasta) and DOWN.

Dutch female-fronted progressive metallers ALERION have announced the addition of keyboardist Nathalia Hoogkamer to the group's ranks.

Commented the band: "After auditioning several keyboardists, Nathalia was asked to join the band on May 17th. Formerly, Nathalia was a member of folk metal band THRONAR from Arnhem, The Netherlands, with whom she performed on many gigs. With THRONAR, Nathalia released two albums: 2008's 'Unleash The Fire' and 2005's 'For Death And Glory'.

"We are happy to have her in ALERION and look forward to creating new music with her. Furthermore, we are now able to finish the writing process of the new songs 'A Life Less Ordinary', 'Colourblind' and 'Chains Of The Collective'. We'll add them to our live set as soon as they're done."

Added Nathalia: "After THRONAR broke up, I've been busy giving piano lessons. But my my, did I miss the stage and a good band around me! Then ALERION came on my path: great musicians, great people. I'm glad to have the honour to be part of the band. Let's make some music!"

ALERION parted ways with keyboardist Paul Bouman late last year due to "musical differences."

Santa Cruz, CA natives SON OF AURELIUS have announced the release of a deluxe edition of their recent Good Fight Music debut, The Farthest Reaches, set to include 5 brand new, never before heard tracks. This ‘digital only’ release, as well as the individual tracks, will be available starting July 6th, 2010, with a special low pricing of $9.99.

The band’s new material picks up where they left off on The Farthest Reaches with their progressive mix of blazing technical death metal, while showcasing a strong sense of development and cohesiveness in their songwriting. These new songs are a clear indication that Son Of Aurelius is distinguishing themselves and taking their place amongst the leaders of a new generation of extreme metal bands.

The Farthest Reaches deluxe edition includes the following new tracks:

'They Have Fallen'
'Slaughter The Immortals'
'Throne Of Broken Gods'
'Feast Of Feminine Flesh'
'Divine Are Slain'

The charismatic and complex singer/songwriter Glenn Danzig will unleash his first new DANZIG studio album in six years, "Deth Red Sabaoth", on June 22 via Evilive/The End Records. Produced by Glenn, the CD Was recorded in Los Angeles over the course of 2009.

The 11-track collection, penned by Danzig, is laced with Glenn's lycanthropic growls and blues-infected wailing. Tracks including "Black Candy", "The Revengeful" and "On A Wicked Night" emit a spectral glow to rival the highest points in Danzig's colossal discography. Part I of the exquisite two-part "Pyre of Souls" opens with acoustic guitar, haunting piano, Glenn's plainsong vocal, and an almost dirge-like feel; Part II explodes with electric guitars and a driving, mesmerizing cadence.

"Deth Red Sabaoth" track listing:

01. Hammer of the Gods (5:20)
02. The Revengeful (4:10)
03. Rebel Spirits (3:58)
04. Black Candy (4:08)
05. On a Wicked Night (4:02)
06. Deth Red Moon (3:58)
07. Ju Ju Bone (4:45)
08. Night Star Hel (6:42)
09. Pyre of Souls (Incanticle) (3:18)
10. Pyre of Souls (Seasons of Pain) (7:17)
11. Left Hand Rise Above (4:22)

This year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival is scheduled for August 5th - 7th in Wacken, Germany.

Organizers have issued the following update:

"In the night from Thursday to Friday there will be a movie night in honour of RONNIE JAMES DIO. The pioneering singer of ELF, BLACK SABBATH and HEAVEN & HELL died due to stomach cancer on May 16th this year and left a void in many hearts and minds. As a tribute to him, we will show you amongst others some live recordings on the movie field."

Acts confirmed for W:O:A 2010 include: AMORPHIS, ANVIL, ARCH ENEMY, ASTRAL DOORS, ATROCITY, THE BOSSHOSS, BROILERS, BRUTUS, CALIBAN, CANDLEMASS, CANNIBAL CORPSE, ALICE COOPER, CORVUS CORAX, CRUCIFIED BARBARA, DEAD MEANS NOTHING, DEBAUCHERY, DEGRADEAD, DELAIN, DEMOLISHED, DESPISED ICON, THE DEVIL'S BLOOD, DEW-SCENTED, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, DIE KASSIERER, EDGUY, END OF GREEN, ENDSTILLE, EQUILIBRIUM, ETERNAL LEGACY, EVILE, FEAR FACTORY, FREI.WILD, FRONTAL, GHOST BRIGADE, GOJIRA, GRAVE DIGGER, HACKNEYED, HANGGAI, HATHORS, HELLS BELLES, HOLY GRAIL, IHSAHN, ILL NINO, IMMORTAL, IMPERIUM DEKADENZ, IRON MAIDEN, JOB FOR A COWBOY, KAMELOT, KAMPFAR, KATANA, THE KELTICS, KILLING MACHINE, LAKE OF TEARS, LETZTE INSTANZ, LIZZY BORDEN, LOCK UP, MAD MAX, MAMBO KURT, MAROON, METSATÖLL, MÖTLEY CRÜE, THE NEW BLACK, NIGHTMARE, ORDEN OGAN, ORPHANED LAND, THE OTHER, OVERKILL, RAVEN, ROTTING CHRIST, SCHELMISH, SECRET OF THE MOON, SKANNERS, SLAYER, SMOKE BLOW, SÓLSTAFIR, SOULFLY, SPIT LIKE THIS, STRATOVARIUS, SUICIDAL ANGELS, SVARTSOT, 1349, TIAMAT, TOTAL RIOT, TARJA TURUNEN, TÝR, U.D.O., UNLEASHED, VARG, VICTIMS OF MADNESS, VITA IMANA, VOIVOD, W.A.S.P., WISTARIA.

"The Call Of The Dancing Waters", the new video from SOULGRIND, the Finnish band featuring former LULLACRY frontwoman Tanja "Whisper Lilith" Kemppainen (a.k.a. Tanya), can be viewed below. Shot and edited by Toni Salminen, the clip was filmed in October 2009 at Tanskansaari, Leppävirta, Finland. The group states, "The weather was quite extreme during the 24-hour shootings. COLD was the name of the game."

"The Call Of The Dancing Waters" comes off SOULGRIND's ninth album, "The Tuoni Pathway", which was released in May via U.K.'s Femme Metal Records. The CD features a guest appearance by Roope Latvala of CHILDREN OF BODOM.

Commented SOULGRIND guitarist Lord Heikkinen: "We have done the best album to date. Nine tracks of beauty, heaviness and darkness. . . Overall, it is one helluva album."

A demo version of the song "Farewell To Misery" appeared on the "Demonic and Divine" compilation, which was released through Femme Metal Records. The track is described as "a tale of an old couple still in love after 50, heading to death, so enjoy the dark ride."

SOULGRIND's previous CD, "Pakana", was released in February 2007 via Holy Records.

SOULGRIND's current lineup:

Azhemin (THY SERPENT) - Vocals
Ms W Lilith (ex-LULLACRY) - Vocals
Lord Heikkinen (TWILIGHT OPHERA, GLOOMY GRIM, FIERCE) – Guitar
Tapio Wilska (ex-FINNTROLL) - Bass
Agathon The Beast (GLOOMY GRIM) - Drums
TByte (TWILIGHT OPHERA) – Guitar

According to NME.com, Slash was joined on stage by Lemmy from MOTÖRHEAD for a rendition of "Doctor Alibi" during the former GUNS N' ROSES guitarist's performance Sunday afternoon (June 13) at the Download festival at Donington Park, United Kingdom.

Introduced by Slash as "a really good friend of mine", Lemmy walked on to massive cheers from the audience, who soon began chanting his name.

"Good evening," said Lemmy to the crowd, despite it only being 3.40 p.m.

Slash's setlist was as follows:

01. Ghost
01. Back From Cali
01. Nightrain
01. Rocket Queen
01. Starlight
01. By The Sword
01. Sweet Child o' Mine
01. Doctor Alibi
01. Slither
01. Paradise City

Extreme metal legends have united as INSIDIOUS DISEASE to unleash the most violent death metal album in 2010.

The evil breed consisting of DIMMU BORGIR’s main songwriter Silenoz, Shane Embury of NAPALM DEATH, OLD MANS CHILD’s Jardar, drummer Tony Laureano (ANGELCORPSE, NILE) and vocalist Marc Grewe (from German death metal legend MORGOTH) will release its debut album, Shadowcast, via Century Media Records on July 12th in Europe and July 27th in the US.

Now, the band has premiered its brand-new video clip, for the devastating track 'Rituals Of Bloodshed'. Check it out below.

The bloodsoaked cover artwork for Shadowcast (pictured at left, click to enlarge) was created by Kjell Ivar Lund and will be censored by a nice CD slip-case to avoid any trouble with the shops. Apart from an equally gory booklet, the Limited Edition first-pressing CD will include 2 bonus tracks ('Insomaniac' plus a blistering cover of DEATH’s classic 'Leprosy').

Canadian extreme metallers KATAKLYSM have unveiled the artwork for Heaven’s Venom - the follow-up to 2008’s Prevail – which will be released on August 20th in Europe and August 24th in North America via Nuclear Blast. Click image at right to enlarge the new artwork.

Heaven’s Venom was recorded by Kataklysm guitarist J-F Dagenais (MALEVOLENT CREATION, MISERY INDEX) and is currently being mixed by Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, MNEMIC, DARK TRANQUILLITY).

"It’s done!”, commented Jean-François Dagenais. “The recording for our new album Heaven’s Venom is complete. 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. The mix is the hands of Tue Madsen as we speak and we have full confidence in him. He did a wonderful job on our In The Arms of Devastation album so be prepared! Heaven’s Venom will be out August 20th in Europe and August 24th in North America and the band will be promoting the new album with OZZFest and dates with DEVILDRIVER this August/ September. PUSH THE VENOM!"

Some tentative song titles appearing on the album include: 'Soul Made Of Shrapnel', 'Blind Savior', 'Hail The Renegade' and 'Push The Venom'.

B
ad times just got worse.

For the week ending May 30, the U.S. music industry sold a total of 4,984,000 albums, according to Nielsen Soundscan. This figure, which includes new and catalog releases, represents the fewest number of albums sold in one week since Soundscan began compiling this data in 1994.

By comparison, album sales for the week ending May 31, 2009, totaled 5.76 million. The highest one-week tally recorded during the Soundscan era is 45.4 million albums, in late December, 2000.

This week's record low comes as the major record companies continue to reckon with a decade-long decline in sales, and as other prominent sectors of the industry, such as the touring business, go through sea changes of their own.

And that's not all: While there's no exact way to compare last week's total against imprecise, pre-Soundscan tallies, Billboard estimates that weekly album sales volume could, in fact, be at its lowest point since the early 1970s.

"We think this is the lowest week ever, or at least of the Soundscan era," says Universal Music Group Distribution president Jim Urie.

According to the RIAA, album shipments in 1973 totaled 388.2 million units, an average of 7.47 million per week. Because Soundscan measures albums sold (i.e. scanned) and not albums shipped, Billboard looked at the relationship between annual album shipments, as measured by the RIAA, and annual albums sold, as compiled by Soundscan, for the years 1992-2009. During that period, shipments exceeded scans by an average of 30%.

By applying that 30% figure to the 1973 RIAA album shipment data, Billboard estimates that weekly album sales volume for that year may have totaled about 5.5 million units. That exceeds this past week's tally by 600,000 copies. (The RIAA began keeping figures on album shipments in 1973.)

Veteran sales executives caution against putting too much stock into pre-Soundscan record keeping. "Who the hell knows what weekly sales were back then," says Lou Dennis, who retired as Warner Bros. Records head of sales in 1996.

Whatever the benchmark, industry executives agree that this week's album sales total of 4.98 million units is "pretty scary," in the words of Bruce Ogilvie, CEO of leading music wholesaler Super D.

Digital track sales for the week totaled 21.7 million, and are distinct from the album sales tally.

UMGD's Urie cites this week's album total as "all the more reason why everyone in the industry should be focused on getting the U.S. Congress to introduce legislation that makes the Internet service providers our allies in fighting piracy. Piracy is getting worse and worse and the government needs to focus on that."

Like Ogilvie, Urie thinks that the slow release schedule is the main reason for the drop-off. "This week is likely a major aberration with no big new releases out," he says. "June will be big. Look at all the big records coming out, including Sara McLachlan, Drake, Miley Cyrus, Eminem and Jack Johnson."

WHITESNAKE and Dennis de la Montanya are proud to present The Whitesnake Zinfandel 2010.

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Is This Love?... I believe it is..."

The Whitesnake Zinfandel 2010 wine will be available in most US states after July 1st and available internationally shortly thereafter. Click here for further details and/or to order.

Daniel Fischer, keyboardist for German folk metal band MIDNATTSOL, has checked in from the studio with the following update:

"Hey Folks,

Yesterday we finished the studio recordings - now all instruments are done. On Wednesday Alex and Birgit recorded a wonderful ballad with acoustic guitar and bass. After this, it was my time: the keyboard recordings started.

Since I try new sounds for a few months now, I was really excited to test the new ideas in the studio. It all went really well and it was amazing to play the keyboard on top of the awesome sounds we already had. Inspired by that and in cooperation with Markus and Alex the new material became exactly the tuneful sonority that spices up our songs. Now we have the fat metal sound together with the right atmosphere - I can tell, the songs sound even in the raw mix we have now just fucking great.

So as Alex and I left Mellrichstadt yesterday, we turned our music in the car on loud enough for the whole town to enjoy. Believe me, we had fun. For the next weeks, we and especially Carmen are working on the fine tuning of the vocals - from July 5th on the vocals will be recorded. Then we have to do the mix.

So - as you can see, still a lot of work ahead of us. But until now we are absolutely happy about the new material - we cannot wait to play it on stage for you.

Okay, that´s it so far - I post a few pics of the time in the studio. A video will follow. Metal on!"

As previously reported, Midnattsol have posted a picture gallery from their recent appearance at the Ragnarök Festival 2010, which took place in Rieden, Germany. Check it out here. They performed at the festival on May 1st. Video footage of the songs 'Lament' and 'Northern Lights' is available below.