UK metallers MY DYING BRIDE have issued the following update:

"We feature a completely updated collection of My Dying Bride videos, hosted by Vimeo. This includes the new video clip for 'Bring Me Victory', (see below) as well as classic material such as 'The Thrash Of Naked Limbs', 'For You', and 'My Hope The Destroyer'.

You can find the videos in the Gallery section.

A previous update from the band reads: "Anyone intrigued by the artwork of Aaron Stainthorpe may be interested to learn that a small selection of Limited Edition prints are becoming available on his web site, www.azzron.com.

This ties in rather nicely with the news that My Dying Bride album covers will also be available as Limited Edition prints next year as part of the bands 20th anniversary celebrations.

These will be available from the new official web store which the band hope to launch early in 2010."

Further updates to follow.

October 26th saw the release of My Dying Bride's new EP, Bring Me Victory, featuring the track 'Bring Me Victory' from the colossal 'For Lies I Sire' album.

The EP includes cover versions of the traditional English medieval ballad 'Scarborough Fair' plus the SWANS classic, 'Failure', and a bonus live rendition of MDB's own 'Vast Choirs', plus the new video to the title track directed by Charlie Granberg.

Guitarist Paul Allender of British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH has issued the following update:

"I'm about half way through writing the material [for the new CRADLE OF FILTH album] and it's turning out just the way I wanted it. I've mentioned to a few people that it's a lot faster and heavier than [2008's 'Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder']. Well, to be honest, the new material has been taken up quite a few gears."

"Godspeed On The Devil's Thunder" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 37. The CD sold a little over 11,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 48 on The Billboard 200 chart.

THORNBOUND, the Norwegian band featuring former members of SPIRAL ARCHITECT, BORKNAGAR and SATYRICON, has posted a new song, entitled "Hatred", on the group's MySpace page.

THORNBOUND is:

* Asgeir Mickelson (BORKNAGAR, SPIRAL ARCHITECT, IHSAHN) - Drums
* Eirik (ex-SOURCE OF TIDE) - Guitar
* Øystein Hansen (FORTID) - Guitar
* Vidar - Vocals
* Lars Norberg (SATYRICON, SPIRAL ARCHITECT, IHSAHN) - Bass

Commented the band: "Time has come to finally show what we have been up to since we recorded the demo some years ago. The band lineup changed radically after that demo, so we have slowly changed and improved our style of death metal. The new stuff is a lot faster, a lot slower, more technical and just a lot more brutal! The 'new' members have certainly added a refreshing and much needed touch to the songwriting.

"We are currently recording a pre-production for an album and we will upload a couple of songs from this production to show you how we sound these days.

"The first song is called 'Hatred' and is a thrashy death metal monster."

Japanese metal veterans OUTRAGE will release their new, self-titled album on Japan on November 25. The CD was recorded with producer Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden.

"Outrage" (cover) track listing:

01. Rise
02. You Care? I Don't Care
03. Reign
04. Until You Are Dead
05. Fists Full Of Sand
06. Shells Rain Down
07. Landshark
08. Shine On
09. Tor
10. Terrorizer

OUTRAGE reunited with estranged vocalist Naoki Hashimoto, who had left the band in 1999, for the 20th anniversary tour in 2007. After completing the successful tour, Hashimoto officially rejoined the band in February 2008.

OUTRAGE released the limited-edition double live CD "Awakening 2008" in Japan in June 2008 through JVC Victor. Recorded during the three-night special show of the same name in Tokyo in March 2008, the first disc features the entire "The Final Day" album (1991) in live form and the entire "Life Until Deaf" album (1995) in live form on the second disc.

BURZUM mastermind Varg Vikernes (aka Count Grishnackh) has issued the following update:

"When I speak through www.burzum.org I always imagine that I speak only to Burzum fans. If not a Burzum fan, why would you visit this site? Judging from the response to the A Burzum Story: Part X - The White God, this is not the case. Or maybe it is, in which case I have a whole lot of fans in the media.

When these apparent Burzum fans in the media report the news that Burzum will release another album, the reaction is kind of weird. Most of them have been honourable enough to both print the whole article, or at least most of it, and tell their readers where they got the news from. This is correct and lawful journalism, when dealing with copyrighted material. Hurray to you for that.

Apparently my comparing of black metallers with the stereotypical Negro and homosexuals is not taken lightly in "the real world". Because of my thoughtless remarks I am, according to them or their readers, both a vile racist and homophobic, and should ideally be stone to death for being intolerant. Naturally.

The problem is that my remarks aren't really homophobic. What I do is simply point at the obvious facts; some black metallers dress, walk, talk, look and act like stereotypical homosexuals. Both the black metallers in question and the stereotypical homosexuals obviously buy their clothes, their make-up and jewellery from the same 'laces & leather' shops. They wear the same clothes, the same make-up and the same jewellery. So they do dress and look like the stereotypical homosexual. End of discussion.

Cerebral Metalhead conducted an interview with NEVERMORE frontman Warrel Dane at the end of August 2009. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.

Cerebral Metalhead: What does it feel like to be back in the studio with NEVERMORE for the first time in — what must be almost five years now?

Warrel: This feels like the family's back together. We've been together a long time, and people are gonna be pleased with what they hear. I don't want to overstate anything, really, but obviously, I'm in a very good mood, because I'm very excited about these songs. We're in a beautiful place, and we're creating something that I think is going to surprise people. Maybe not shock people. But definitely, if somebody's disappointed with it, I'll be shocked.

Cerebral Metalhead: So then I'm hearing there must be some kind of change of direction.

Warrel: No no no, not really.

Cerebral Metalhead: So what kind of surprises are you talking about?

Warrel: I think there's no change in direction, but it's more of a progression of where we have been going over the years. It's finally come to a place where…it's just brutal dude. I mean last night I was listening back with Peter (Wichers, producer) to some of the tracks Jeff (Loomis, NEVERMORE guitarist) was doing, and I'm like, "Oh my god. This riff is so fucking brutal!" and he's like "What are you gonna sing over this?" and I said "…something really melodic?" And I'm like "NOBODY DOES THAT!!!"

Cerebral Metalhead: You know it's funny, I was reading some of the interviews with Jeff, just the little blurbs on Blabbermouth, where Jeff says it's a more wide-open album musically, and that will let you be more vocally free. Can you talk more about that? What does he mean by that?

Warrel: You know what the funny part about that is? After I read that, or after I heard that he said that, I had a talk with him. I'm like, "Dude, this is some of the most vicious, complicated, brutal stuff you've ever written." "Oh, but the choruses are big!"

Cerebral Metalhead: So there's a little bit of that brutal-verse, big-chorus switching dynamic.

Warrel: That's where that came from. I think.

Cerebral Metalhead: Since the last album, there've been a lot of setbacks with various illnesses, band members dropping out…but obviously you've rebounded, you guys are back together, both you and Jeff put out solo albums last year. Did any of that turmoil feed into what you're writing for this album?

Warrel: I don't feel that was really turmoil for us. I think that (recording a solo record) was something that we both had to do to get something out of our system. Jeff has always wanted to do an instrumental record, and I have always encouraged him to do that, because I knew when he did one that it was going to be amazing. I'm so proud of what he did with "Zero Order Phase". And at the same time, I always wanted to do something that was a little more rock-based. And you know, we were lucky enough that we both got to do what we wanted to do. And we got that out of the way, everything's…

Cerebral Metalhead: Hunky dory?

Warrel: Well, yeah, I guess, that's kind of a funny thing to say, but it's true.

Cerebral Metalhead: I guess I meant more the medical things that a few of you went through in 2006. I know with your diabetes, there was a complication or two that resulted in some show cancellations?

Warrel: That's all managed now, I'm doing very well. It's a difficult thing to go through, but I'm lucky enough that it was caught early on I guess. But you know, the booze — this is my favorite quote right now, "Satan lives in a bottle, you can find him at every 7-11." I basically drank myself into Type 2 Diabetes.

Cerebral Metalhead: I understand it ran in your family as well? Or a predisposition to it?

Warrel: It does, yes. And my sister recently just this past month was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes as well.

Cerebral Metalhead: I'm sorry to hear that.

Warrel: So I probably woulda got it anyway, but I just…kickstarted it.

Cerebral Metalhead: You might as well get it over with.

Warrel: Yeah well, I think I'm a better person for the whole experience of going through that. Trying to be sober is a day-to-day thing. I used to mock people that went to AA, and these bumper stickers, "One day at a time." But seriously, it's true, that's all you can do. And I'm not a perfect person, and I never will be, and I'm okay with that. So I relapse sometimes, but now, I am much, much better than I was when I was a fat, bloated fucking idiot that could barely fucking sing on stage. I look at some of those old videos and I'm like, "Oh my god. And we still have fans?" I don't want to preach to people and say "alcohol is bad," but you know, everybody has to make their own decisions.

HELLOWEEN vocalist Michael Kiske's website recently announced that a new band is about to enter the rock world: UNISONIC marks the fusion of exceptional vocalist Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN) with Dennis Ward (bass) and Kosta Zafiriou (drums) of Germany's PINK CREAM 69. Swiss guitarist Mandy Meyer who is known for his work with ASIA, GOTTHARD and KROKUS completes the lineup.

Kosta Zafiriou has issued the following statement to the Michael Kiske Official Fanclub:

"Since the first PLACE VENDOME album, Michael and I (as well as Michael and Dennis) have been in loose contact with each other. We found out that we have a lot in common in regards of musical taste, which led after the second Place Vendome album to the idea of creating a band together.

The vision is to have a band consisting of grown up and experienced musicians with musical skills and feeling, creating great music that is not labeled or pushed in one direction from the beginning on: No matter if it's pop/rock, AOR, a ballad or hard rock: it has to be a great song, then we'll play it!

My wish is that people will accept and appreciate our intention of just making honest rock music!"

Unisonic features Michael Kiske joining a real band situation for the first time in almost 16 years: Since his departure from Helloween in late 1993, he participated in various projects and released several solo albums. In the project PLACE VENDOME four years ago he not only recorded with Ward and Zafiriou, he found two musical soul mates as well. After the sequel album of PV, the trio decided to join forces for a new band. Dennis Ward, who had previously produced a record for Krokus, suggested Mandy Meyer as the perfect addition for the vacant job on the guitar.

Sharing the vision of a rock band free from any musical corsets, the foursome already started writing songs for their debut album, which is scheduled for release in late spring of 2010.

Michael Kiske, one of the finest and most unique voices in contemporary rock music, explains his motivation of becoming a part of a band again: "Since the Place Vendome-productions I was impressed by Dennis Ward's skills as a songwriter and producer. We were occasionally fooling around since then via email that we should do more together in the future, so the idea came up to do a new band. I was generally getting a bit tired of doing everything on my own for so many years, so it just felt like the right thing to do now. We can all only benefit from working together. No matter how good you are solo, four people will always be better than one I think, if they manage to function together. And a real band is also a very good reason to finally go on tour again - after 17 years I can't wait to get back on stage and have some fun with the band and the fans!"

In summer 2010, Unisonic will hit the festival stages all over Europe, further territories will follow the rest of the year, so watch out for dates
in your area!

Stay tuned for further updates.

About.com's Justin M. Norton recently interviewed guitarist Paul Landers of German industrial metal act RAMMSTEIN. They discussed why the band decided to make an explicit video for the single 'Pussy'; if the band members were worried about their musical career being tranished by the video and the recording of the new album Liebe Ist Für Alle Da. Excerpts from the conversation follow:

About.com: When you wrote the song 'Pussy' why did you decide to shoot an explicit video to accompany it?

Landers: "The song was already done, and the video director proposed the idea of shooting a porno. We deliberated on it very shortly and said, 'let’s do it' without worrying about the consequences. We thought it was cool because there’s no need for MTV or video stations with the internet. Something we hadn’t planned was that YouTube cancelled it, so then it was a question of 'what now?' We found a way of showing it that was more private and hidden. It turned out that the exclusivity of the video made it a bit more complex and interesting."

About.com: Were you ever worried about being branded about the band that had done a porno video and nothing else?

Landers: "(Laughs) When the band gets together to work on a song, the last thing that occurs is what the general public will think or what the consequences will be. We’ve stirred up a lot of emotions over the years. But our starting point is Germany and German topics and ideas. We take that into the world, and that’s one of the most difficult places to start. We have such a bad reputation in Germany it can’t get any worse elsewhere."

About.com: Do you think the band will ever be able to replicate the mainstream success of the single 'Du Hast?'

Landers: "It’s something the band has been trying to do since that point, but it’s not something you can force.

About.com: What do you want people to take away from the experience of seeing Rammstein live?

Landers: "Live shows are our forte. That’s what made us famous. When we get to North America in 2010 we want the fans to come see us…beer bellies, wrinkles and all."

BraveWords.com has received the following press release:

Get Your Sting And Blackout Scorpions World Tour 2010!

The Scorpions will be launching their spectacular world tour with seven concerts in Germany. Tickets are on sale now.

2009 was the year of the Scorpions: they received the German lifetime achievement ECHO, collected many other awards, and undertook a grand tour through Russia, the U.S. and Europe. However, it is 2010 that will set a milestone for the career of the most successful international rock band from Germany. The Scorpions will be touring the world for the next 2 years and performing in the largest venues and stadiums that cross their path. The mammoth tour will be launched for the first time in many years in Germany.

“It was important for us to give our fans a chance to celebrate a never-to-forget party with us”, said band founder Rudolf Schenker.

Klaus Meine stated, “2010 is going to be a very special year for the Scorpions, so it is an especially good feeling to be able to start this tour at home”.

To top it all off, the Scorpions are planning on releasing a sensational statement this January at a press conference.

The performances in Germany will be followed by concerts in the US, South America, Asia, Russia and various countries in Europe.

Matthias Jabs remarked about the tour, “we are very excited to be touring the globe for the next two years. The Scorpions want to rock the world once again!”

Momentarily, the band is in the recording studio working on their upcoming album, Sting In The Tail, that will also be released in 2010. The brand new DVD Amazonia - a live recording of the Scorpions concerts in Manaus and Recife, Brazil - is in stores now.

Dates in Germany:

May
7 - Leipzig, Germany - Arena
8 - Munich, Germany - Olympiahalle
12 - Frankfurt, Germany - Festhalle
14 - Stuttgart, Germany - Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle
29 - Berlin, Germany - O2 World
30 - Zwickau, Germany - Stadthalle

June
1 - Hannover, Germany - TUI Arena


Buy Your Metal Here

Finnish "love" metallers HIM will release their new album, "Screamworks: Love In Theory And Practice", in the U.S. on February 9, 2010. The CD was recorded at a Los Angeles studio with producer Matt Squire (TAKING BACK SUNDAY, THE USED, PANIC AT THE DISCO, BOYS LIKE GIRLS, THRICE).

"Screamworks: Love In Theory And Practice" track listing:

01. In Venere Veritas
02. Scared To Death
03. Heartkiller
04. Dying Song
05. Disarm Me (With Your Loneliness)
06. Love, The Hardest Way
07. Katherine Wheel
08. In The Arms Of Rain
09. Ode To Solitude
10. Shatter Me With Hope
11. Acoustic Funeral (For Love In Limbo)
12. Like St. Valentine
13. The Foreboding Sense Of Impending Happiness

The images you see before you are the new album cover and HIM frontman Ville Valo wearing the new album cover t-shirt.

Swedish metallers SABATON have inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Records.

Commented Nuclear Blast A&R representative Jaap Wagemaker: "Although [SABATON have] already released four great albums, they are still unknown to the majority of the metal legions — which is a shame!

"We noticed the band's potential to become one of the leaders of nowadays metal scene — especially by visiting their festival appearances and club shows.

"Together Nuclear Blast and SABATON are prepared for the next step to bring the band on a much higher level! Watch out for their new album in spring 2010!"

Added SABATON bassist Pär Sundström: "After ten years as a band and four albums, we have decided what the next step in the evolution of SABATON will be. A contract with the biggest heavy metal label in the world has been signed and the next album will be released by Nuclear Blast in the spring of 2010.

"The last album, 'The Art of War', touched the hearts of thousands and thousands of metal fans around the world, and with their help we are now ready to hit the studio and record our new album.

"What way could we better end our 10th year?"

German death metallers GRIND INC. have inked a deal with Bastardized Recordings. The band recently entered the Catacomb Productions studio to begin recording its fourth album for an early 2010 release.

Commented the group: "We are looking forward to the new collaboration and are glad about this decision for the new team deathmatch and being part of this brilliant rooster."

The band recently parted ways with Thomas Strater (one of GRIND INC.'s two vocalists) due to "musical differences and circumstances of life."

GRIND INC. is not seeking a replacement singer and will continue as a four-piece.

"I Am Heathen", the new video from cult black/death metal act ACHERON, can be viewed below.

This is the first professionally filmed music video the band has done in its 20-plus years of existence.

Commented frontman Vincent Crowley: "The video is about embracing the life of being a heathen. Many people struggle with what is wrong or right, good or evil. When they go against the norm, the guilt eats away at them. Heathens don't have negative feeling about embracing their true nature. Temptation doesn't weaken us because in the end we control it! Lots of the symbolism in the video shows just that."

The "I Am Heathen" video was filmed with Werner Videos Services and was directed by Aaron Werner. The clip features the band lineup of Vincent Crowley, Kyle Severn, Max Otworth and Ash Thomas, and includes a special appearance by actress Madison Riley.

This video will be featured on a free promotional DVD put out by the band. The disc is over 90 minutes long and will also contain in-depth band video documentary on "Making Final Conflict" (rare footage!), video footage from the band's 2008 "December Damnation" mini-tour in Brazil and the complete "Satanic Supremacy" three-song demo. This DVD is being given out for free to people who are buying the new "The Final Conflict: Last Days Of God" CD from the band or Ibex Moon Records.

ACHERON will play a DVD/video release show in Columbus, Ohio, on December 4. The concert will be held at The Summit (2210 Summit St.) and will include additional performances by DEAD SEA, INFERNAL DEATH and CARDIAC ARREST.

"The Final Conflict: Last Days of God", was released on April 30 via Displeased Records. The CD was once again recorded at Mars Recording Compound with Bill Korecky and was mastered at West West Side Music in New Windsor, New York. The follow-up to 2003's "Rebirth: Metamorphosing into Godhood" is a concept album based on the fall of the three major white light religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

German Viking horde VARG willreleas its highly anticipated sophomore album, "Blutaar", on January 22, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Wolfsmond
02. Viel Feind Viel Ehr
03. Invictus
04. Sieg oder Niedergang
05. Blutaar
06. Seele
07. Nebelleben
08. Zeichen der Zeit
09. Wilde Jagd
10. Alter Feind
11. Blutdienst II

Norwegian act SHINING (not to be confused with the Swedish black metal band of the same name) will release its new album, "Blackjazz", on January 25 via Indie Recordings.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Madness And The Damage Done
02. Fisheye
03. Exit Sun
04. Exit Sun
05. Healter Skelter
06. The Madness And The Damage Done
07. Blackjazz Deathtrance
08. Omen
09. 21st Century Schizoid Man

QUEEN drummer ROGER TAYLOR's new single, 'The Unblinking Eye (Everything Is Broken)', will be released in the UK on Monday, November 23rd via QOL.

In an interview with BBC Breakfast on November 6th, Roger Taylor talked about American Idol runner-up ADAM LAMBERT and the possibility of a future colaboration with him.

BBC: American Idol - Queen played effectively and... did you discover a replacement for Freddie Mercury during this show? There were a lot of speculations about one of the contestants.

Roger Taylor: "Well, you are very well informed. No, we didn’t discover a replacement for Freddie, never we could do that. We did play in the finale of American Idol with the two final guys, one of whom is called Adam. He didn’t actually win, he only got 49 millions of votes, I think but he is one of the most phenomenal singers and I think at some point in the future we’d love to – Brian and I (who are basically Queen – you know... what’s left) would like to do something with him maybe. It may happen – we might do something with him in the future. He is phenomenally talented. He has one of the greatest voices I’ve ever heard."

Swedish progressive/experimental metallers THERION have issued the following update:

"It has been a long time since you have heard anything new from THERION now, so I thought I should give a few updates.

"As you may or may not know, THERION is in progress of recording a new album. As usual, THERION is being very secretive about the entire process, but I will reveal some details:

"A new studio has been built for most of the recording of this album. The mix, and a few recordings, will be done at another studio — 'A truly legendary studio!' according to Chris [mainman Christofer Johnsson]. Expect something spectacular, even by THERION's standards!

"The recording will continue for the rest of the year, and probably also through January."

Christofer Johnsson announced in May that vocalist Thomas Vikström (ex-CANDLEMASS) had become a permanent member of THERION.

THERION's new rhythm section is comprised of Johan Koleberg (ANIMAL, ZAN CLAN, LION'S SHARE) on drums and Nalle "Grizzly" Påhlsson (TREAT, ZAN CLAN, VINDICTIV) on bass guitar.

THERION's latest CD/DVD, "The Miskolc Experience", was released in June via Nuclear Blast Records.

Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE have issued the following update:

"We are almost in the final stages of recording [the third BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE album]. It has been another long road but it's been this long for a reason! There have been many obstacles along the way, lots of hard work and long hours in the studio. However, we think that we will produce BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's finest album to date!!!

"We have written lots of material and we have narrowed down these songs to what we think are the best of the bunch! There are eight tracks recorded and finished so far, from some of the best stuff we've ever written. They have all the qualities that you would expect from BULLET but with 'something' else. A twist! We are all blown away so far with how everything is going. Don Gilmore [LINKIN PARK, LACUNA COIL] is an incredible producer and has really helped us develop our sound.

"We do apologise for how long the album is taking but we need this to be right, and we certainly don't want to rush things and spoil it for your guys. We will get the album out as soon as possible. We will hit the road as soon as possible, and we will see all you crazy fuckers as soon as possible!"

Regarding how the new BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE song — which the band has been played at some of its shows this past summer (see video below) — compares to the group's previous material, guitarist/vocalist Matt Tuck told the German edition of Metal Hammer magazine, "It's kind of completely new. I don't think it's like anything on 'Poison' [2005] or 'Scream Aim Fire' [2008], is it?" Drummer Michael "Moose" Thomas concurred, "It's kind of more classic, if you ask me. It's not speedy, it's not thrashy." Tuck added, "It's not thrashy or really intense metal or anything. It's just like a mid-tempo kind of really nice, hard rock song. I don't even class it as metal, really. It's got metal influences and a really cool metal riff, but the song, as a vibe, is more hard rock."

According to Tuck, the as-yet-untitled effort will mark a slight departure from the more aggressive sounds of "Scream Aim Fire", which has sold 321,000 copies in the United States since its January 2008 release. "On the last [album], we tried to be a bit more thrashy, and that was cool, but we just wanna go back to more kind of classic sound now," he said. "We want people to [think] it's a good blend of what we've done in the past.

He continued, "It's a lot more mature-sounding. The record, as a whole, is a lot more mature-sounding, it's a lot more classic. It'll stand the test of time [more] than both the previous things we've done.

"I haven't done the vocal session yet, but it's something I'm really gonna put everything I have into. The last record was what it was 'cause I had loads of problems with my throat — I had an operation and all that shit. So that's why it kind of sounds a bit weird compared to the first one — 'cause I wasn't doing good. But this time, the voice is back, it's firing, it sounds like me again, and I'm really gonna make it a great vocal rock/metal album."

Italian metal heroes RHAPSODY OF FIRE return with a fantastic new album that will be released on March 5th, 2010 by their new label NUCLEAR BLAST, which is known for acts like Nightwish, Edguy or Blind Guardian.

“We are finally proud to announce to the world that Rhapsody Of Fire are stronger than ever and finally ready for their glorious come-back! We just signed a worldwide-level agreement with the legendary label ‘Nuclear Blast’, at this time the greatest choice we could have ever done. Wonderful people, a great business vision and the best organization possible, for a relationship that can be anything else but successful for the years to come. In the last months we worked very hard and now all we can say is that a great new album, a real masterpiece of power/speed/symphonic metal, is finally ready!
It’s title is ‘THE FROZEN TEARS OF ANGELS’, it is produced by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli and it was mixed and mastered by our valorous friend Sascha Paeth at the Gate Studio in Wolfsburg (Avantasia, Epica and others).
This is not just a new album for us, but pure emotion carved in music.

Lyrically it’s based on the 3rd chapter of ‘THE DARK SECRET SAGA’ and the long journey of five bravehearts to the frozen northern lands at the unexplored borders of the known world in order to find a way to stop the demonknight’s prophecy. This album and its music will underline the feelings, hopes and fear of the main characters in this new epic adventure. All the drama of this new part of the saga will be as always enchanted by the soundtrack oriented orchestral arrangements and the majesty of opera choirs, real trademark of Rhapsody of Fire’s music, but surely this album will sound more powerful, speed and guitar oriented than in the recent past, in order to underline the dark and romantic rage of the lyrics too.

Every song will have its own character, as you will be able to fly with the angels of the crystal realms through the cold skies of the north on the notes of hit-songs like ‘SEA OF FATE’ (song written for the first time together by Luca Turilli, Alex Staropoli and Fabio Lione), ‘RAGING STARFIRE’ or ‘THE FROZEN TEARS OF ANGELS’, and at the same time you will have a taste of the angels’ holy rage listening to ‘REIGN OF TERROR’, real gem of this new production. The energy of more extreme metal applied to positive lyrics hymning to the victory of hope, truth and respect over the inner demons lying in the depths of our conscience for a unique contrast never heard before and that made us really excited while composing this song.

This new CD will include a great looking cover artwork, created this time by a new and incredibly talented artist able to turn the drama of our fantasy world into a serious, cinematic and realistic representation, and a complete booklet including all the details of the saga’s new chapter. The album will be released as a special limited deluxe digipak (first edition) including two bonus tracks and an incredible 32-pages booklet, as well as a standard jewelcase and of course on vinyl.

We are looking forward to inviting you to the unexplored snowy and icy majestic landscapes of the north, that mystical dark frozen world where even the tears of our beloved angels can't be anything else but frozen!”

Greek extreme metallers ROTTING CHRIST will release their new album on February 15 in Europe and February 23 in the U.S. via Season Of Mist. The CD was recorded at Lunatach Studios in Katerini, Greece and will feature guerst appearances by Greek-American vocalist Diamanda Galas and PRIMORDIAL frontman Alan A. Nemtheanga.

Commented Alan: "'Satanas Tedeum' was one of the very first black metal demos I got in 1989. I have been a fan since then so it was with pleasure and honour to sing with a band that I have been a fan of for 20 years and friends with from the old tape-trading 'zine network since 1991. We have toured together and I have visited Hellas many times over the years. Somewhere around the late '90s, the scene became fixated with Nordic metal and forgot that great music was still being made in South America, Canada, Australia, Asia, in Eastern Europe and that the Greek scene is one of the oldest. Some of us, however, do not forget so my contribution is to honour 20 years of great music and friendship."

Regarding the musical direction of the new ROTTING CHRIST material, Alan said, "It sounds classic ROTTING CHRIST although it sees them continue where they left off with 'Theogonia', further away from the older 'satanic' feel and more into the realm of the ancient Greek gods, mythology and folklore. I think and feel it is this influence that has in many ways unchained the band, giving them more freedom to explore their own heritage and culture. It invokes the proud spirit of history, just as PRIMORDIAL tries to do! In this respect we are like brothers!"

Added ROTTING CHRIST mainman Sakis Tolis: "Collaborating with Alan from PRIMORDIAL on a song from the new album was an honour for our band. By including his great voice in our album, we believe he brought the mood we were seeking for this specific song: a Celtic mood that has so many similarities with the ancient Greek culture and atmosphere that this album exhales. Alan definitely lifted up the specific song because his voice is great and, most importantly, unique. We are honoured to work with the voice of Ireland!"

Diamanda Galas makes an appearances on ROTTING CHRIST's cover version of "Orders from the Dead", from Galas' "Defixiones, Will and Testament" album, for which Sakis wrote new music.

"It is a huge honour for our band to have Mrs. Diamanda Galas on our new album", Sakis stated. "Getting her approval to use her voice as it can be originally heard in her 'Orders from the Dead' song feels like we did the most successful cover in our career, with one of the most soulful songs in the history of music. The dead are still waiting for their justification..."

Swedish progressive metallers OPETH have issued the following update:

"Djurens Rätt, Sweden's largest non-profit animal rights organisation, asked if [OPETH drummer Martin 'Axe' Axenrot] and his cat Max would be interested in being photographed for a very special calendar of rock stars and their pets. Axe being a big animal lover didn't hesitate one second, which resulted in Max and Axe being Misters July! Members of AMON AMARTH, CRUCIFIED BARBARA, DEAD BY APRIL, DIA PSALMA, HAMMERFALL, MANDO DIAO, MILLENCOLIN, MOTÖRHEAD, SONIC SYNDICATE, THE HIVES and THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES all had their pics taken with their pets as well, so if you want to see a slightly different side of your favourite rock band, we suggest you order one of these beauties right away.

"Swedish fans can buy it here, and if you live abroad you can go to this location (PayPal only).

"All profit goes straight into the important work these nice people at Djurens Rätt do."

Former HANOI ROCKS frontman Michael Monroe has issued the following update:

"I'm still working away on new material and it's coming along quite good. I'd rather take my time as there's really no point rushing the creative process. Like I often say, better to wait than to have nothing much to wait for.

There's been some speculation amongst people about Sami Yaffa [ex-HANOI ROCKS bassist] and me working together and I'm very happy to confirm that yes, Sami Yaffa will indeed be the bass player in my new band and on the new record. We're also writing some songs together and so on.

"We're both really excited about this new project, especially because it's definitely coming together as a band, as opposed to me and some backing musicians, even though the name is Michael Monroe.

"The rest of the guys will be revealed to you in time. All I can say right now is that it's gonna be a really cool band with a great bunch of guys."

A preview of "Buried Alive", the forthcoming DVD from HANOI ROCKS, can be viewed below. (Note: The song featured in the clip is "Motorvatin"). Due on November 18, the disc was filmed at the band's final show on April 12, 2009 at Tavastia in Helsinki, Finland. Monroe previously stated about the effort, "It's sounding pretty good. Surely it's got some rough spots, but what the hell, it's live — no overdubs! Considering that it was the eighth show in six days, my voice was holding up quite well..."

MUSICA DIABLO — the São Paulo, Brazil-based thrash metal project featuring SEPULTURA singer Derrick Green, guitarist André NM (NITROMINDS) and bassist Ricardo Brigas — has parted ways with drummer Marcão (AÇÃO DIRETA, DEAD FISH) and has replaced him with Edu Nicollini (NITROMINDS).

The band will enter the studio in December to begin recording its debut album for an early 2010 release via an as-yet-undetermined record label. 13 songs will be laid down during the sessions, including "Live To Buy", "Twisted Hate", "Work Out" and "The Flame Of Anger".

Commented André: "All plans have been delayed because we are adding a second guitar player and the auditions are taking a lot of time. Some really cool guys are being tested for the band making the choice much harder than we expected!"

Regarding MUSICA DIABLO's upcoming touring plans, Derrick said: "I believe we should start out by doing major cities and festivals. I know that each new band has to start somewhere! It's not going to be easy but nothing is easy in this world! I know we will do our best and I will do the same with the music and the performance!"

Behind-the-scenes footage from MUSICA DIABLO's first photo session, which took place in May in São Paulo, can be viewed below. The session was held at the CBB bar and was overseen by photographer Charline Messa, who has previously taken studio pictures of such acts as THE CULT, JOHN LORD, SEPULTURA, DEFTONES and the MISFITS.

MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine has posted the following message in the "Forums" section of the band's official web site:

"It has been harder thank drinking a twelve-pack of Meisterbrau and not going pee than to keep this tour info [referring to the upcoming 'American Carnage' tour featuring MEGADETH, SLAYER and TESTAMENT] inside. And now you know and I can relax!

"It is true, as I said in my posts and columns, and as you can see . . . all of the clues were there. All that is left is sending positive vibes Tom's [Araya, SLAYER bassist/vocalist] way to assist in his rehabilitating his back, and then, as I like to say, this one ain't over till the fat lady dies!

"Let us remember also that we are out with a very exciting package for just this short, very short run, and we are specifically coming to these less traveled cities to bring MEGADETH metal everywhere we can, and we wanted to see you and you to see us before the end of the year. We have Bay Area heroes MACHINE HEAD out with us, and this tour is really intense. As you can hear at Megadeth Radio, MACHINE HEAD has some fantastic metal songs and some of the heaviest stuff we play on Megs Radio.

"I hope you are digging on all of this great news, and if you can believe it . . . there is more to come. I have some massive news about a music project for me and MEGS, and then we are going to be announcing our plans for South America and for Europe.

"So, now is the time to stay tuned into Megadeth Radio, and to come back here often to see what has happened since you were last here. Call me and the band guys and tell us what is on your minds and your hearts."