"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)."

Swedish female-fronted heavy rock band SISTER SIN will release its sophomore album, "True Sound Of The Underground", on June 8 via Victory Records in North America and on July 23 through Metal Heaven Records in Europe. The CD was produced by Henrik Edenhed (DEAD BY APRIL, ROBYN, LAMBRETTA, TEDDYBEARS, CHRISTIAN WALTZ, THE SOUNDS) in Stockholm at Studio 301 and Cosmos Studios.

"True Sound Of The Underground" track listing:

01. Sound Of The Underground
02. Nailbiter
03. The Devil I Know
04. 24/7
05. Built To Last
06. Heading For Hell
07. Outrage
08. I Stand Alone
09. Better Than Them
10. Times Aren't A-Changing
11. Beat 'Em Down

MAEL MÓRDHA — the world's only "Gaelic doom metal" band — will release its long-awaited third album, "Manannán", on May 14 via Grau Records. The CD was recorded at Apollo Studios in Dublin's world-famous cultural quarter, Temple Bar, and produced by MAEL MÓRDHA and Anders Bomberg.

"Manannán" track listing:

01. Through the Lungs of the Dead
02. The Summoning
03. The Doom of the Races of Éire
04. Our Ancestors Dwell Here
05. Manannán
06. A Nation in Ruins
07. The Gaelic Twilight
08. Back To Éire

A selection of audio clips from "Manannán" can be heard in the YouTube clip below.

MAEL MORDHA has been confirmed for the Doom Over Vienna 5 festival, which will take place in Vienna, Austria on November 6.

MAEL MÓRDHA is:

Roibéard Ó Bogail: Vocals, Whistles
Gerry Clince: Guitars
Anthony Lindsay: Guitars
Dave Murphy: Bass Guitar
Shane Cahill: Drums

CRY FOR LIBERTY is the new voice of angst and the dark sound of beauty. With lyrics covering topics of damaged relationships, political manipulation, and social injustice, they deliver memorable choruses with a knockout punch.

CRY FOR LIBERTY's personnel is made up of current and former members of ILL NINO, SOULFLY, PRO-PAIN, M.O.D., MEDIA LAB and AIZEN. The band was born after some old friends decided to take a couple of fun jams and tons of heavy riffs and turn it into a new infectious project.

"CRY FOR LIBERTY's sound is melodic, dominating and moving, all at the same time," says drummer and founder Dave Chavarri. The band's message is about giving a voice to the voiceless, and not conforming to the pressures of the masses.

The voice and frontman of the band Sean Nelson, has a growl that delivers raw emotion and a powerful message while maintaining a very unique voice. At the heart of the wall of distortion comes veteran rhythm guitarist Rob Moschetti and lead guitarist Diego Verduzco. While both guitarists come from very different musical backgrounds, they complement each other's playing like a well oiled machine.

CRY FOR LIBERTY's sound offers a different take on hard rock. They are not afraid to touch upon various strains of metal and rock within their diverse, energetic music.

The band will begin recording its debut release in June 2010.

CRY FOR LIBERTY is:

Sean Nelson - Lead Vocals
Dave Chavarri - Drums
Diego Verduzco - Guitar
Rob Moschetti - Guitar

Montreal-based death metallers NEURAXIS will enter Wildsound Studio on June 3 with producer Chris Donaldson (CRYPTOPSY, THE LAST FELONY, THE AGONIST) to begin recording their sixth album for a fall release through Prosthetic Records.

Commented vocalist Alex Leblanc: "Chris is an excellent producer. He's been a friend of mine for years, played in some bands with him and already worked with him in the studio on some other projects. He's also the most easy going guy around. Working with him is going to be a blast for sure.

"We are almost done with the writing process for the new album; maybe one or two more songs to go.

"It's going to be a powerful album. Dark, vicious, catchy, technical, melodic; everything you can expect from a NEURAXIS album with some unexpected twists.

"We have two more shows this weekend, then we will rehearse the new songs for a month, putting the final touches and get ready to shred in the studio.

"It's going to be a blast...We can't wait to play the new songs on the road for you guys."

Fan-filmed video footage of BLAZE BAYLEY's entire April 8, 2010 concert at the Manifesto Bar in São Paulo, Brazil can be found at this location. A couple of the clips are available below.

Due to illness, drummer Lawrence "Larry" Paterson wasunable to make the South American leg of BLAZE BAYLEY's "Promise and Terror Tour", which kicked off on April 1 in Teresina, Brazil.

Blaze's new album, "Promise and Terror", was released on February 1.

The singer's double live album and live DVD, "The Night That Will Not Die" — recorded on December 13, 2008 at Z7 in Pratteln, Switzerland — were released on Blaze Bayley Recordings; the concert was filmed by director Kris McManus and all audio mixed and mastered by producer Jase Edwards.

Spanish "doom thrashers" RHINO have completed work on their third album, "Weight Of Coronation", for a summer release via Doomentia Records. The CD was recorded in March at Koba studios in Bilbao with producer Xanpe and will once again feature artwork by renowed artist Rafa Garrés, who previously worked with the band on its second album, "Dead Throne Monarch".

"Weight Of Coronation" track listing:

01. Weight Of Coronation
02. Speaking In Tongues
03. Brimstone Breath
04. Crushed And Dragged To The Swamp
05. Southern Beast
06. Throats In Blood
07. Mass Burial Punishment
08. Sovereign

According to a press release, RHINO's forthcoming LP will be its "heaviest without a doubt, but sure will follow the path marked by their two previous records, 'Breed The Chosen One' (2007, 7th Gate) and the above-mentioned 'Dead Throne Monarch' (2008, Arctic Music)."

San Francisco Bay Area metallers MACHINE HEAD have released the following statement regarding the passing of TYPE O NEGATIVE frontman Peter Steele:

"Our sincerest condolences go out to the family, friends and bandmates of Peter Steele.

"MACHINE HEAD shared many a stage with Peter and TYPE O NEGATIVE over the last 15 years, including the Dynamo '95, Ozzfest '97, Dynamo '97, Le Zenith in '99, and a number of festivals in 2007 and 2008. He was an incredible musician and an extremely funny person, with one of the dryest senses of humor of anyone we've ever met.

"You will be sorely missed, Pete."

"The Great Unrest", a brand new track from EVEMASTER — the Finnish "dark metal" band which features in its ranks BATTLELORE's Tomi Mykkänen — is available for streaming on the group's MySpace page. The song comes off EVEMASTER's new album, "III", which will be released later in the year via Supernova Records, a division of Bonnier Amigo. A single release will precede the full-length effort.

"III" track listing:

01. Enter
02. New Age Dawns
03. Humanimals
04. Losing Ground
05. The Great Unrest
06. Sweet Poison
07. Harvester of Souls
08. Fevered Dreams
09. Absolution

DIRTY LITTLE RABBITS — the band featuring SLIPKNOT percussionist M. Shawn "Clown" Crahan — will release its self-titled debut album on July 6 via The End Records (the digital single will be released on May 11).

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Simon
02. You Say
03. Put It In The Rock
04. Hello
05. Happy
06. I Love You
07. Professional Hit
08. If
09. Leave Me Alone
10. The Didn'ts
11. Rabbit Holes

Swedish death metallers AEON will release their third album, "Path Of Fire", on May 25 (one day earlier internationally) via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded in September 2009 at Empire Studio in Östersund, Sweden and was mixed the following month at Mana Recording Studios in St, Petersburg, Florida by Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL, MORBID ANGEL, CANNIBAL CORPSE). The mastering was handled by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (CONVERGE, HATEBREED, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN) in New Windsor, New York. All artwork and layout was made by Daniel Dlimi.

"Path Of Fire" track listing:

01. Forgiveness Denied
02. Kill Them All
03. Inheritance
04. Abomination To God
05. Total Kristus Inversus
06. Of Fire
07. I Will Burn
08. Suffer The Soul
09. The Sacrament
10. Liar In The Name Of God
11. God Of War