MANTRIC, the Norwegian metal band featuring former members of metal visionaries EXTOL, will release its debut album, "The Descent", on April 27 (one day earlier internationally) via Prosthetic Records. The CD was recorded in Norway, with Danish producer Tue Madsen (HALFORD, BEHEMOTH, KATAKLYSM, THE HAUNTED) handling mixing and mastering duties at his Antfarm facility in Århus, Denmark.

A song from "The Descent", entitled "The Invasion", is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

According to a press release, "The Descent" "fuses a unique, distinctly Scandinavian take on rich, challenging metal and modern punk with a powerful progressive edge."

Commented MANTRIC vocalist/guitarist Ole Sveen: "Our first album using the MANTRIC name does to our ears deserve to get out to lovers of hard music all over the world.

"Our music embraces creativity and originality outside the limits of narrow genres... This is a release that is both accessible and original, catchy and complex at the same time, and we can't wait to get it out!"

MANTRIC will showcase "The Descent" with a selection of gigs across Norway around the release date before embarking on European and North American tours to support the album throughout 2010.

MANTRIC is:

John Mjaaland - Bass, Vocal
Kim Akerholdt - Drums
Anders Salomon Lidal - Soundscapes
Tor Glidje - Guitar, Vocals, Percussion

"Shadow", a brand new track from the Ft. Lauderdale hard rock quartet NONPOINT, is available for streaming below. The song comes off the band's new album, also titled "Miracle", which will be released May 4 via the band's own 954 Records in partnership with Rocket Science Ventures / RED / Sony.

"We started writing the song at the very beginning of the recording, which happened to be one of the toughest times in the band's existence," NONPOINT vocalist Elias Soriano tells AOL's Noisecreep. "We were in management and label limbo. We had a new guitar player. We felt taxed and worried. Very alone. Then 'Shadow' was born. It tells the story of this band: years of bad decisions, money lost, career uncertainty ... it's been a tough road. But we do everything we can to stay alive. We fight through those storms. And we're still here."

Richmond, Virginia metallers LAMB OF GOD will issue a series of anthology releases, collecting the band's six studio LPs in a number of convenient packages. "Hourglass: The Ultimate Anthology", which drops June 1, will features 180-gram vinyl editions of the band's six records, including 2009's "Wrath", 2006's "Sacrament", 2004's "Ashes Of The Wake", 2003's "As The Palaces Burn", 2000's "New American Gospel" and 1999's "Burn the Priest". In addition, LAMB OF GOD will release two CD and digital versions of the aforementioned box, also on June 1. "Hourglass Volume I - The Underground Years" will include tracks from the band's pre-major label days, while "Hourglass Volume II - The Epic Years" will feature songs from the band's most recent releases. A fourth release, called "Hourglass: The CD Anthology", will also arrive on June 1 and feature both CD installments as a single double-disc set.

"Hourglass Volume I - The Underground Years" track listing:

01. Black Label
02. Ruin
03. Bloodletting
04. Pariah
05. Resurrection #9
06. 11th Hour
07. The Subtle Arts Of Murder And Persuasion
08. As The Palaces Burn
09. Terror And Hubris In The House Of Frank Pollard
10. Lies Of Autumn
11. O.D.H.G.A.B.F.E .
12. Suffering Bastard
13. Vigil

"Hourglass Volume II - The Epic Years" track listing:

01. The Passing
02. In Your Words
03. Hourglass
04. Walk with Me In Hell
05. Contractor
06. Now You’ve Got Something To Die For
07. Descending
08. Set To Fail
09. Blacken The Cursed Sun
10. The Faded Line
11. Dead Seeds
12. Redneck
13. Laid To Rest

Vocalist Zak Stevens (CIRCLE II CIRCLE, MACHINES OF GRACE, ex-SAVATAGE) has been added to the list of musicians who have recorded guest appearances on "Reborn in Fire", the upcoming album from EMPIRES OF EDEN — the brainchild of PAINDIVISION/ex-DUNGEON guitarist Stu Marshall.

Zak's vocals were recorded in Tampa, Florida by Mark Prator, who engineered the SAVATAGE albums "Edge Of Thorns" and "Handful of Rain".

"Reborn in Fire" was mixed and mastered at Frontiers Studio in Sydney, Australia.

Commented Zak: "It's an understatement to say that I had an amazing time working on the new EMPIRES OF EDEN CD.

"Stu Marshall is a super-talented recording musician who really knows how to get the best performances out of the artists he works with.

"Stu asked me to write my own lyrics and vocal melodies to the song I appeared on ('Prognatus Ut Obscurum'). That's exactly how I like to do things, and that really allowed me to bring out more of myself on the composition. As a result, I was able to give an all-round stronger performance, there's no doubt about it.

"Working with Stu was a fantastic experience for me. His vision for the overall spectrum of the album was stunning. I learned a lot… and that's what it's all about in the world of music and artist collaboration."

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine recorded a special TheLiveLine "audioblog" last week regarding the passing of Peter Steele from TYPE O NEGATIVE.

"I'd like to say a very sentimental goodbye to a dear friend, Peter Steele from TYPE O NEGATIVE," Mustaine said. "Peter passed away [Wednesday] night [April 14] from a heart attack, although we don't know what's going on, how he passed away and what any of the causes were. I do know that a heart attack from Peter must have been an extremely big explosion because that guy had one of the biggest hearts of anybody that I know.

"Anyways, you'll be missed, brother. God bless you, and we'll see you in heavy metal heaven soon."

Founding bassist Mike Giordano and lead guitarist Anthony Wayne McGinnis recently left the San Diego metal band CAGE after many years of true metal madness, with Mike departing due to medical reasons and Anthony for family reasons.

Replacing Mike is monster bassist Steve Brogden, who is the lead guitarist/vocalist for the aggressive power thrash metal band HOWLER.

Replacing Anthony is shredding lead guitarist Garrett Peters of the melodic death metal band CLIMHAZZARD and punk metal band SAYAKA.

Comments CAGE vocalist Sean Peck: "All of us in CAGE would like to sincerely thank Mike G. and Anthony for the years of dedication and devotion to the band. There are lots of great memories that we shared as we rocked around the world together. They will always be a part of who we are as a band and they both will be sorely missed.

"As we move forward with Steve Brogden and Garrett Peters, there is a killer level of excitement and enthusiasm as with anything new and fresh. We have already been writing together with the new lineup and cannot wait to get to Largo, Florida on April 30 to unleash the beast at Swordfest."

Pure Steel Records from Germany has just released CAGE's 2009 CD "Science Of Annihilation" as a double gatefold vinyl LP.

The LPs are pressed on 180-gram vinyl and come in a double gatefold sleeve. It is a limited edition pressing of only 525 hand-numbered copies available worldwide, split up into 100 color and 425 black lps.

Side A:

01. The Power That Feeds
02. Planet Crusher
03. Scarlet Witch
04. Spirit Of Vengeance

Side B:

01. Black River Falls
02. Operation Overlord
03. Power Of A God

Side C:

01. Speed Kills
02. Stranger In Black
03. Die Glocke

Side D:

01. Spectre Of War
02. Science Of Annihilation
03. At The Edge Of The Infinite

CAGE has already entered into an agreement with Pure Steel Records to release the 2003 album, "Darker Than Black", and the 2007 punishing concept CD, "Hell Destroyer", on vinyl in late 2010.

"No Funeral", a brand new track from Illinois-based extreme metallers NACHTMYSTIUM, is available for streaming at Stereogum. The song comes off the band's new album, "Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. II", which is scheduled for release on June 8 via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded at Volume Studios (RWAKE, MINSK, LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR, PELICAN) in Chicago with producer Sanford Parker (MINSK). The band also enlisted the talents of Wrest (LEVIATHAN, LURKER OF CHALICE, TWILIGHT) to lay down all drum tracks, as well as Will Lindsay (WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM, MIDDIAN) to handle the bass duties on the CD.

"Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. II" track listing:

01. Cry For Help
02. High on Hate
03. Nightfall
04. No Funeral
05. Then Fires
06. Addicts
07. The End Is Eternal
08. Blood Trance Fusion
09. Ruined Life Continuum
10. Every Last Drop

There will also be a limited-edition, double gatefold vinyl featuring the bonus track "Macrocosmic" and an iTunes-exclusive bonus track, "Every Last Drop", remixed by James Plotkin (KHANATE, PHANTOMSMASHER). Artwork was created by Jimmy Hubbard and Seldon Hunt and the album features guest vocals by Bruce Lamont (YAKUZA) and guitar solos by Russ Strahan (PENTAGRAM) and Matt Johnson (PHARAOH).

Commented mastermind Blake Judd: "Our love for post-rock and industrial (a la MINISTRY, KILLING JOKE, etc.) is even more present this time around. We're hoping to make a record that will continue to push extreme music into uncharted territories."

NACHTMYSTIUM's latest full-length album, "Assassins: Black Meddle Part I", was released on June 10, 2008 via Century Media Records in North America and June 23, 2008 through Candlelight Records in Europe.

The "Assassins..." full-length was recorded in December 2007 at Sanford Parker's Volume Studios (RWAKE, MINSK, LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR, PELICAN) and showcases NACHTMYSTIUM's most prolific and expansive sounds to date. The record features Tony Laureano (ANGELCORPSE, NILE, DIMMU BORGIR) on drums, and guest appearances by members of PHARAOH and YAKUZA.

Audio samples from "Ashen Empire", the forthcoming second album from the Finnish metal band MORIAN, have been posted on the group's MySpace page.

MORIAN is currently seeking a suitable record label to release the CD< which was produced and engineered by Aksu Hanttu, best known as the drummer of Finnish gothic metal pioneers ENTWINE. According to MORIAN, "Mr. Hanttu is gracing the new MORIAN album with bolder, bigger and grittier sounds then ever; his previous producing efforts include POISONBLACK and KORPIKLAANI, among many others.

"To add some grandeur to the already massive soundscape of 'Ashen Empire', the album also features excellent orchestrations of Sami Boman from SILENTIUM.

"Have we gone too far? Is the album going to be too massive and epic? Well, it better be, goddamned; it's been in the making for three f*cking years. :) But worry not, we're not going to reinvent the wheel; the album consists of familiar raunchy guitar riffs and killer melodies that are the trademark of MORIAN."

Songtitles set to appear on "Ashen Empire" include "Bloodwork", "Nemesis Rising", "This Mortal Coil" and "Sacrifice".

Epitaph Records has announced plans to release a deluxe edition of one of the most influential hardcore albums of all time, "The Shape of Punk to Come" from groundbreaking Swedish band REFUSED, on June 8.

The deluxe edition of "The Shape of Punk to Come" will be released as a three-disc collection that will include the essential full-length CD, a never-before-released mind-blowing live album and the classic-yet-bittersweet documentary "Refused Are Fucking Dead" on DVD.

Originally released in 1998, "The Shape of Punk to Come" "blurs the lines that separate punk, metal and hardcore, while peppering this brutal fusion with bits of techno percussion, jazzy rhythmic change-ups and long, complex song structures that support politically-charged messages," (CMJ, 1998). REFUSED's most critically acclaimed and final album exploded on the scene with the jaw-dropping hardcore anthem "New Noise", which RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE guitarist Tom Morello once described as "one of the great rock jams of all time" (Filter, 2006), and helped change the game forever influencing a range of genres still to this day.

In addition to "The Shape of Punk to Come", the bundle also includes the long-rumored-about unreleased, incendiary live album that was recorded at the Umeå Open festival in their hometown Umeå, Sweden on April 3, 1998 and the 80-minute DVD documentary "Refused Are Fucking Dead" that includes interviews, backstage footage and live performances that chronicle the rise and fall of one of hardcore's most revered bands.

"The Shape of Punk To Come" (Deluxe Edition) CD Track Listing:

Disc 1: CD Track Listing

01. Worms of the Senses / Faculties of the Skull - 7:05
02. Liberation Frequency - 4:08
03. The Deadly Rhythm - 3:34
04. Summerholidays Vs. Punkroutine - 4:01
05. Bruitist Pome #5 - 1:25
06. New Noise - 5:08
07. The Refused Party Program - 2:38
08. Protest Song '68 - 4:32
09. Refused Are Fucking Dead - 5:08
10. The Shape of Punk to Come - 5:31
11. Tannhäuser / Derivè - 8:07
12. The Apollo Programme Was a Hoax - 4:13

Disc 2: "Live" Bonus Disc Track Listing

01. Shape Of Punk To Come - 4:38
02. Refused Party Program - 1:28
03. Circle Pit - 2:48
04. Worms Of The Senses / Faculties Of The Skull - 5:31
05. Hook, Line And Sinker - 2:51
06. Summer Holidays vs. Punk Routine - 3:54
07. Rather Be Dead - 3:42
08. Burn It - 2:33
09. The Deadly Rhythm - 4:05
10. Coup d'Etat - 5:10
11. New Noise - 4:48
12. Tannhäuser - 7:30

Disc 3: "Refused Are Fucking Dead" DVD

"The Shape of Punk To Come" (Deluxe Edition) Digital Track Listing:

01. Worms of the Senses / Faculties of the Skull - 7:05
02. Liberation Frequency - 4:08
03. The Deadly Rhythm - 3:34
04. Summerholidays Vs. Punkroutine - 4:01
05. Bruitist Pome #5 - 1:25
06. New Noise - 5:08
07. The Refused Party Program - 2:38
08. Protest Song '68 - 4:32
09. Refused Are Fucking Dead - 5:08
10. The Shape of Punk to Come - 5:31
11. Tannhäuser / Derivè - 8:07
12. The Apollo Programme Was a Hoax - 4:13
13. Shape Of Punk To Come (live) - 4:38
14. Refused Party Program (live) - 1:28
15. Circle Pit (live) - 2:48
16. Worms Of The Senses / Faculties Of The Skull (live) - 5:31
17. Hook, Line And Sinker (live) - 2:51
18. Summer Holidays vs. Punk Routine (live) - 3:54
19. Rather Be Dead (live) - 3:42
20. Burn It (live) - 2:33
21. The Deadly Rhythm (live) - 4:05
22. Coup d'Etat (live) - 5:10
23. New Noise (live) - 4:48
24. Tannhäuser (live) - 7:30

"The Shape of Punk To Come" (Deluxe Edition) LP Track Listing:

Side A - 14:47

01. Worms of the Senses / Faculties of the Skull - 7:05
02. Liberation Frequency - 4:08
03. The Deadly Rhythm - 3:34

Side B - 10:34

01. Summerholidays Vs. Punkroutine - 4:01
02. Bruitist Pome #5 - 1:25
03. New Noise - 5:08

Side C - 12:18

01. The Refused Party Program - 2:38
02. Protest Song '68 - 4:32
03. Refused Are Fucking Dead - 5:08

Side D - 17:25

01. The Shape of Punk to Come - 5:31
02. Tannhäuser / Derivè - 8:07
03. The Apollo Programme Was a Hoax - 4:13

"The Letter", the new video from German gothic rockers LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE, can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's new album, "The Grandios Nowhere", due in Europe on April 30 via Napalm Records. The five-piece once again worked with producer John Fryer (HIM, NINE INCH NAILS), who previously handled the production on the band's last two albums. The CD artwork was created by Niklas Sundin of DARK TRANQUILLITY and can be viewed below.

"The Grandios Nowhere" track listing

01. Be Mine In Tears
02. The Letter
03. Lips
04. I Don't Care
05. Her Occasion Of Sin
06. A Plea
07. Not for Love
08. The Fear Of Being Alone
09. My Little Fear
10. Side
11. Dead Heart Serenade
12. No Matter Where You Shoot Me

Bonus tracks (digipack only):

13. All Is Suffering
14. Of Words And Rain

LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE recently parted ways with bassist Peter Kafka. According to the band, "Peter is too busy with his side projects to focus completely on LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE, so we decided to part ways." The group added, "For the next shows to come the band will work with a session bassist and then see what the future brings."

"Caedium" (cover), the second album from from ENEMY OF THE SUN, the German band featuring guitarist Waldemar Sorychta — former member of GRIP INC./DESPAIR and producer for such bands as LACUNA COIL and MOONSPELL — will be released in North America on June 22 via The End Records and in Europe on May 28 through Massacre Records.

A song from "Caedium" entitled "Another End Of The Rainbow" is available for streaming at this location.

ENEMY OF THE SUN vocalist Jules Näveri (also in PROFANE OMEN) recently stated about the forthcoming CD, "We recorded 14 songs plus intro and outro. Most likely we're putting 12 songs on the album and it's not going to be an easy pick. I like all of 'em and it's going to be a battle of choosing the best ones 'cause they're all the best ones.

"I have to say what we're doing at the moment is very spectacular. So much emotions in this album. As you probably agree with me, we have never done things the most ordinary way — ordinary equals boring.

"This album is definately going to be much heavier than the debut. It has parts for you to scream for, it has parts for you to cry for. We also have a very strong working title for the album which we're most probably going to keep."

ENEMY OF THE SUN's last album, "Shadows", was released in North America via The End Records on January 22, 2008 with an exclusive bonus track called "Enemigo del Sol".

Sorychta previously stated about the band, "I call ENEMY OF THE SUN my family because in a family you have to feel comfortable. If not, it's not a good family. ENEMY is a good one. It's the way I wake up and feel the excitment about this band. It's the way I go to bed and want to stay awake because of this band. Music without limits, pure power saved in every note, deepest emotions bound in tones, burning pleasure in each single tune."

ENEMY OF THE SUN is:

Waldemar Sorychta - guitar
Jules Näveri - vocals
Daniel Zeman - drums
Alla Fedynitch – bass

French black metallers GLORIOR BELLI have unveiled the cover artwork and lyrics for their new single, "Agitation In The Glorious Theme". The track will appear on the band's new album, "The Full Intrepid Experience Of Light", to be released later this year.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Full Intrepid Experience Of Light
02. Agitation In The Glorious Theme
03. The Night Scalp Challenger *
04. Reckless Beacons Attraction
05. Verses From Which To Whirl

*Featuring SHINING's Niklas "Kvarforth" Olsson on guest vocals.

"Agitation In The Glorious Theme" lyrics:

Can you tell the difference by looking at this scene?
Of shooting stars and fiends that sprightly tease and beam
Careless about the rules, they constantly dispute
The conformist shepherd whose burden overwhelms

Staring at the abyss he finds himself immerged
Into gallons of hymns and unaltered secrets
His thirst for truth growing he proudly seeks revenge
Over the sun that shines and holds the cosmic fate

But now that he has glimpsed into the rival’s plan
It barely even glows enough to light his grave!
How tempting is the fall for this genuine concept
Of illumination beyond all lies and sense

Can you heed the revolt by peaking at this scheme?
Of floating stars and fiends that loudly mock and scream
Regardless of prestige, they intently challenge
The conformist shepherd whose burden overwhelms

Agitation in the glorious theme
Spill the poison in the orthodox stream
Unrestrained, the clandestine spark unfolds
Initiating fires of the fiercest nature [End Of Lyrics]

Described as an alternative and experimental record by founding member Julien (a.k.a. Infestvvs), GLORIOR BELLI is "one of the most unconventional bands around, once again messing around with the codes, mixing extreme metal and surprising indie tunes together in a massively demented new album!" according to a press release.

"'The Full Intrepid Experience Of Light' is an honest and liberating experience for the sake of Truth, exploring the very essence of 'Light' defined by the Demiurge's most virulent adversary!"

GLORIOR BELLI recruited G. (FROSTMOON ECLIPSE, DEATHROW, MACABRE OMEN) to lay down the drum tracks on "The Full Intrepid Experience of Light".

GLORIOR BELLI's third full-length album, "Meet Us Of The Southern Sign", was released in North America on June 2, 2009 via Candlelight Records.

"A Song For My Funeral", the video from Finland's BLACK SUN AEON, can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's first album, "Darkness Walks Beside Me", which was released in March 2009 via Cyclone Empire. The CD featured guest vocals by Tomi Koivusaari of AMORPHIS, Ville Sorvali of MOONSORROW, Mynni Luukkainen of SOTAJUMALA and Mikko Heikkilä of SINAMORE.

BLACK SUN AEON's second album, "Routa", entered the official chart in the band's home country at position No. 8. The follow-up to "Darkness Walks Beside Me" is a double album featuring a Finish-winter theme and consisting of two parts — "Side A", called "Talviaamu" ["Wintermorning"], and "Side B", dubbed "Talviyö" ["Winternight"].

"Routa" track listing:

01. Core of Winter
02. Frozen
03. Sorrowsong
04. Routa
05. Wreath of Ice
06. Dead Sun Aeon
07. Cold
08. Funeral of World
09. River
10. Frozen Kingdom
11. Wanderer
12. The Beast
13. Silence
14. Apocalyptic Reveries

Vocalist John Tardy of Florida death metallers OBITUARY has issued the following update:

"We are enjoying some time off and it has given us a chance to finally work on some new music. Trevor [Peres; guitar] was in town and we got some new OBITUARY songs down. Heavy as balls! Donald [Tardy; drums] and I also have been working on some new TARDY BROTHERS 'Bloodline' material... Just having a blast jamming!!!!

"We are getting closer and closer to the start of our U.S. tour! It starts off in Orlando and the Club Firestone! This place is awesome and we have not played in Orlando in a long, long time, so we are hoping for a killer show!!"

"Demonoir", the fifth full-length album from Norwegian black metallers 1349, is available for streaming in its entirety on Stereogum.

"Demonoir" is scheduled for release on April 26 in Europe via Indie Recordings and one day later in North America through Prosthetic Records. The CD was recorded at Studio Nyhagen, deep in the woods in Norway with Tom G. Warrior (HELLHAMMER, CELTIC FROST), who showed the greatest respect for the task and played a key role as motivator and catalyst. His technical role of the recording was that of a co-producer, but far more important was his presence and understanding of what a challenging project "Demonoir" was.

Commented 1349 vocalist Ravn: "In hindsight, it is our belief that Tom was the missing piece of the puzzle, adding that element of heritage we needed. He represented the direct link to the Creators! We also need to mention three other contributors; Ronnie LeTekrö — one of the most acclaimed guitarists on the globe, wrenched his soul inside out as he recorded one of the leads for 'Psalm 7:77'; a truly breathtaking experience. We had some excellent, wicked grand piano play carried out by Canadian pianist Tony Caputo. And then there was Thorbjørn Benjaminsen of Hornorkesteret that recorded some spine chilling themes with his stringed reindeer horns, adding a touch of natural grimness to the electric inferno."

Los Angeles cyber metallers FEAR FACTORY are set to kick off the second leg of their American "Fear Campaign" tour on May 14 at The Rialto Theater in Tucson, Arizona. The trek, also featuring PRONG and THY WILL BE DONE, will visit twenty cities before it concludes at The Trocadero Theater in Philadelphia.

After a successful performance at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in Los Angeles on April 8, scheduled for television broadcast via VH1 on May 22, FEAR FACTORY flew to Oslo, Norway for a eight-show run with METALLICA. The band, like many others, is resorting to travel by land and sea, with more than 20,000 flights cancelled on the European continent last week due to the volcanic activity happening in Iceland. Guitarist Dino Cazares notes, "It took us over 24 hours to get from Oslo to Riga in Latvia with METALLICA and their crew of 50-plus people on a charter bus and ferry. All flights were cancelled because of the volcanic ash in the air." Vocalist Burton C. Bell adds, "We took a ferry from Oslo to get to Latvia. It was the METALLICA party boat; good times. We are basically taking buses and trains everywhere so if you can catch us, catch us."

FEAR FACTORY's new single, "Final Exit", follows the success of earlier metal radio singles "Powershifter" and "Fear Campaign". Two special edits of the eight-minute song are now playing via three of AOL Radio's online music channels. Rhys Fulber with Cazares and Bell realized the edits while the band was touring the U.S. in late March. The song has already received specialty airplay via Active Rock stations KUPD in Phoenix, Arizona and KEYJ in Abilene, Texas.

Lyrically, "Final Exit" draws attention to the much criticized and sensitive issue of self-deliverance as introduced in the 1992 book by Derek Humphry, founder of the Hemlock Society and past president of the World Federation of Right to Die Societies. Bell explains, "Dino and I have created the edits to condense the song into a time specific for radio. We are very happy fans are loving the song for it is one that touches upon the importance of the freedom of choice and personal liberty that all human beings should be allowed. The song hopefully will create awareness for the support group Final Exit Network," the song’s namesake. Passionately Bell continues, "The right to life extends beyond life itself. If the medical community cannot, and will not find a cure due to cost effectiveness, then humanity needs the choice of a dignified, self-deliverance from continual, painful treatments from debilitating disease. We have been contacted by many fans who connect with this song on many levels, and with 'Final Exit' being played on the radio, we hope others will also become aware, understand, and enjoy this song."

FEAR FACTORY's new album, "Mechanize", was released in the U.S. on February 9, 2010 via Candlelight Records. The CD, which was co-produced by the band with Rhys Fulber (FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, PARADISE LOST), was mixed by Greg Reely (PARADISE LOST, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, SKINNY PUPPY).

FEAR FACTORY's current lineup — featuring original FF members Dino Cazares (guitar) and Burton C. Bell (vocals) alongside bassist Byron Stroud (who was credited on the last two FEAR FACTORY albums in addition to touring and recording with STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and ZIMMERS HOLE) and legendary drummer Gene Hoglan (DETHKLOK, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DARK ANGEL, DEATH, TESTAMENT) — made its live debut on December 4, 2009 at Espaço Lux in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil.

Finnish melodic death metallers MYGRAIN will enter Seawolf Studios in Helsinki in early June with producer Janne Joutsenniemi (SUBURBAN TRIBE, STONE) to begin recording their third album for an early 2011 release via Spinefarm Records.

Commented the band: "These versions ARE NOT final and they have been recorded at once but we're sure you'll have something out of them. Hopefully this will ease the long wait for the upcoming album."

MYGRAIN is:

Tommy (CYNTAX TERROR) - Vocals
Resistor (CYNTAX TERRO) - Rhythm Guitar
Mr. Downhill - Lead Guitar
Eve - Synths
Jonas - Bass
DJ Locomotive - Drums

MYGRAIN's second album, "Signs of Existence", entered the Finnish national chart at position No. 32. The CD was released in February 2008 via Spinefarm Records.

MYGRAIN's debut album, "Orbit Dance", came out in 2006. The CD was recorded and mixed in November 2005 and January 2006 at Sound Supreme studio by Janne Saksa. It was mastered in February 2006 at Finnvox studios by Mika Jussila.

"Simplify", the brand new video from Swedish thrashers THE LAW, can be viewed below. The clip was edited by THE LAW singer Tobias Jansson.

"Simplify" was recorded at THE LAW's own studio, Studio Bingoberra, and was mastered by Lawrence Mackory (F.K.Ü., ENEMY IS US). The track will appear on the group's upcoming EP and full-length album.

THE LAW's new EP will include two new songs plus a reworked version of the track "Distort" from the band's debut album and a few covers.

Guitarist Björn Larsson previously stated about the band's new material, "We've really tried to get away from the bogus '80s wannabe scene that frankly is getting a bit boring. We've taken the energy and the catchy stuff from the originators, but our main focus is to do something fresh and interesting. I think we're doing just that, but then again, that's what we've always tried to do. It's thrash, sure, but it's THE LAW — not 'Pleasures Of The Flesh' [EXODUS] or 'The New Order' [TESTAMENT]. We're not interested in dress codes such as stretch jeans and mullets, and we never were. I guess you could say that we ain't posers."

THE LAW last year parted ways with bassist Jimmie "Ninja" Frödin and replaced him with Kristian "Anti-Kristian" Karlsson from INFERIOR.

THE LAW 's debut album, "Distorted Anthems from the Suburbs", was released in August 2008 via Metalcentral Records. The artwork for the CD was created by the Polish artist Lukasz Jaszak (BLOOD RED THRONE, THE VISION BLEAK, BEHEMOTH).

THE LAW is:

Tobias Jansson (ANGEL BLAKE, TREASURE LAND, SUGARGLIDER) - Vocals
Björn Larsson (KARENSDAG) - Guitar
Peter Östlund (VOMITORY) - Guitar
Kristian "Anti-Kristian" Karlsson (INFERIOR) - Bass
Johan Rudberg (KARENSDAG) - Drums

"Fever", the third album from Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, is available for streaming in its entirety on the band's MySpace page. The CD will be released in the U.S. on April 27 (one day earlier internationally) via Jive/Zomba.

"Fever" pairs BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE with producer Don Gilmore, best known for his work with LINKIN PARK and GOOD CHARLOTTE.

The band — guitarist/vocalist Matt Tuck, guitarist Michael Paget, bassist Jason James and drummer Michael Thomas — recorded the CD in studios both in its native Wales and Los Angeles.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Your Betrayal
02. Fever
03. The Last Fight
04. A Place Where You Belong
05. Pleasure and Pain
06. Alone
07. Breaking Out Breaking Down
08. Bittersweet Memories
09. Dignity
10. Begging For Mercy
11. Pretty On The Outside

The cover artwork for "The Panic Broadcast", the new album from Swedish metallers SOILWORK, can be viewed here.

Commented SOILWORK vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid: "With the artwork for this album we wanted to capture the illusion of the mind, misconceptions and the state of panic. Bartosz Nalezinski has made a perfect job realizing this idea.

"The cover symbolizes the emperor of the illusion with two servants to assist the misconception. The background illustrates the abstract chaos that slowly takes over. Inside the booklet you can follow the psychological journey that brings you 'The Panic Broadcast'."

"The Panic Broadcast" was mixed at Fascination Street studio in Örebro, Sweden with Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, PARADISE LOST, BLOODBATH).

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Late For The Kill, Early For The Slaughter
02. 2 Lives Worth Of Reckoning
03. The Thrill
04. Deliverance Is Mine
05. Night Comes Clean
06. King Of The Threshold
07. Let This River Flow
08. Epitome
09. The Akuma Afterglow
10. Enter Dog Of Pavlov

German melodic death/thrash metallers BURDEN OF GRIEF have completed work on their new album, "Follow The Flames", for a summer release via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2007's "Death End Road" will contain 10 new songs. The limited-edition version of the CD will include a bonus disc featuring cover versions of eight metal classics. The album was mixed and mastered by Swedish producer/multi-instrumentalist Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, OPETH, DISSECTION, BLOODBATH). The cover artwork was created by Gustavo Sazes (ARCH ENEMY, SONIC SYNDICATE, GOD FORBID).

"Follow The Flames" track listing:

01. Ignition (intro)
02. Follow The Flames
03. Born In Fire
04. The Arms Of Death
05. Disruption Of A Confused Mind
06. Doomed To Fail
07. No Way Out
08. Mirror Of Truth
09. Burning Red Eyes
10. Fallen
11. Rise Like A Phoenix

Bonus CD:

01. Aces High (IRON MAIDEN)
02. The Four Horsemen (METALLICA)
03. Break On Through (THE DOORS) (feat. Dan Swanö)
04. Mouth For War (PANTERA)
05. Fool For Your Loving (WHITESNAKE)
06. Refuse/ Resist (SEPULTURA) (feat. Sabina Classen)
07. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be (AC/DC)
08. Valhalla (BLIND GUARDIAN) (feat. Gerre)

In July 2009, BURDEN OF GRIEF's debut album, "Haunting Requiems", was re-released by the Polish label Metal Mind Productions. This remastered re-release comes in a limited, hand-numbered digipack with a new 16-page booklet and four previously unreleased bonus tracks from the band's 1996 demo tape, "My Blood".

BURDEN OF GRIEF released its fourth full-length album, "Death End Road", in March 2007 via Remedy Records. The follow-up to 2004's "Fields of Salvation" was recorded at Krachgarten Tonstudio in Kassel, Germany and was mixed at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark with producer Tommy Hansen (HELLOWEEN, PRETTY MAIDS, HATESPHERE).

French metallers DAGOBA have signed with the French label XIII Bis Records for the release of the band's fourth album, "Poseidon". Due in late summer, the CD is being recorded at Hyperion Studio in Marseille, France with "Brew" Varea. The CD will be mixed by Dave Chang at Philia Studio in the U.K.

"Face the Colossus", the third album from DAGOBA, was released in October 2008 via Season Of Mist. The CD was mixed by Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, HATESPHERE, MNEMIC) at Antfarm studios in Århus, Denmark.

Tue Madsen previously worked with DAGOBA on the band's sophomore album, "What Hell Is About…", which was released in February 2006 via Season of Mist. That CD featured a guest appearance on two songs by DIMMU BORGIR bassist/ARCTURUS frontman Simen Hestnaes (a.k.a. ICS Vortex, ex-BORKNAGAR, LAMENTED SOULS).

Former AFTER FOREVER vocalist Floor Jansen's new project called REVAMP will release its self-titled debut album on June 4 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Here's My Hell
02. Head Up High
03. Sweet Curse
04. Million
05. In Sickness 'Till Death Do Us Part: All Goodbyes Are Said
06. Break
07. In Sickness 'Till Death Do Us Part: Disdain
08. In Sickness 'Till Death Do Us Part: Disgraced
09. Fast Forward
10. Kill Me With Silence
11. The Trial Of Monsters
12. Under My Skin
13. I Lost Myself

Bonus track:

14. No Honey For The Damned

Check out the cover artwork here.

"Uprising", a brand new track from Swedish metallers SABATON, is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Commented the band, "['Uprising'] is a powerful and emotional tribute to those who lost their lives in the Warsaw uprising in 1944.

"The band will shoot a video clip for the song under just spectacular circumstances.

"[The filming] will take place in Warsaw during this and next week.

"Out of respect for the Polish mourning period we decided to postpone the video shoot last week, and now we will try again.

"As mentioned before, the song 'Uprising' is a powerful and emotional tribute to those who lost their lives in the Warsaw uprising in 1944, and so shall the video be!

"This will, by far, be the biggest SABATON video production ever, and dare we say: one of the biggest in heavy metal.

"The video will feature [Swedish actor] Peter Stormare ('Prison Break', '8MM', 'Fargo') as SS-Obergruppenführer von dem Bach and will be directed by Jacek Raginis (related to decorated WWII hero Wladyslav Raginis)."