"Hang Him High", a brand new track from HYPOCRISY — the Swedish extreme metal band led by guitarist/vocalist Peter Tägtgren (also of PAIN) — is available for streaming on the group's MySpace page. The song comes off HYPOCRISY's new album, "A Taste Of Extreme Divinity", which is scheduled for release in Europe on October 23 and in the U.S. on November 3 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The North American mail-order version of "A Taste of Extreme Divinity" will feature three exclusive bonus tracks. A pre-order for the album is now available at this location in various formats and bundle packages.

"A Taste Of Extreme Divinity" track listing:

01. Valley Of The Damned
02. Hang Him High
03. Solar Empire
04. Weed Out The Weak
05. No Tomorrow
06. Global Domination
07. Taste The Extreme Divinity
08. Alive
09. The Quest
10. Tamed "Filled With Fear"
11. Sky Is Falling Down

Bonus tracks:

12. The Sinner
13. Taste the Extreme Divinity (2008 Demo)
14. Valley of the Damned (2008 Demo)

"Axe To Fall", the new album from the Massachusetts-based hardcore/metal band CONVERGE, is available for streaming in its entirety on the group's MySpace page. The CD is scheduled for release on October 20 through Epitaph Records.

In August, CONVERGE released the first track from "Axe To Fall", "Dark Horse", which Stereogum praised as having "everything you could want from a CONVERGE song — knotty guitars, deep hardcore breakdowns, gnarled howls, and a triumphant blast of a finish — along with an updated dark-progressive feel you'll find threaded throughout." Since its release the Internet was set ablaze with swirling speculation of metal album of the year and mass critical acclaim.

Last month, CONVERGE unveiled the teeth-gnashing title track from "Axe To Fall" on SPIN.com, who said "this foursome smash, crash, and destroy with foot-stomping appeal: Like a dropping guillotine, a screeching guitar riff falls into a cacophony of heavy guitar distortion, swelling bass, breakneck drum fills, and the hardcore screams of frontman Jacob Bannon."

Produced by guitarist Kurt Ballou at his Godcity studios in Salem, Massachusetts, "Axe To Fall" features guest appearances from Steve Brodsky (CAVE IN), Adam McGrath (CAVE IN), J.R. Connors (CAVE IN, DOOMRIDERS), Uffe Cederlund (DISFEAR, ex-ENTOMBED), John Pettibone (THE VOWS, HIMSA), Steve Von Till (NEUROSIS) and Mookie Singerman (GENGHIS TRON).

"Axe To Fall" track listing:

01. Dark Horse
02. Reap What You Sow
03. Axe To Fall
04. Effigy
05. Worms Will Feed
06. Wishing Well
07. Damages
08. Losing Battle
09. Dead Beat
10. Cutter
11. Slave Driver
12. Cruel Bloom
13. Wretched World

Former REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE bassist Justin Biggs has released the following statement regarding his departure from the group:

"I'm writing this statement of course in regards to the latest news from REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE. It's only been a few days and already I can see a storm on the horizon. So, I figured before things go any further I could take the time to reflect and clarify a few things.

"Playing in REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE was a great time and we shared many laughs. Like most bands, we had our ups and downs. Initially, this has been pretty strange as I was a bit confused given the circumstances.

"I was unaware of things that were to happen but aware that something was wrong for the past few months. Perhaps amidst the chaos everything was lost in translation. At any rate, I can say that the split (at least on my part) was 'mutual,' as I, personally, am into other music at this time and I am much more focused on [Justin's other band] DESCEND.

"I am very proud of 'Age of Aquarius', and for the most part, it saw REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE come into light as an actual band. It was a step the band needed to survive, much like this is the next step in things to come. Every member played just as an important role as the next; the chemistry in the band was perfect, and we all had a lot of fun making the album. I am really glad they will continue as a touring, recording band.

"To the remaining members in REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE, I can only say that I hope and wish the best for you guys and that you guys achieve the goals you are striving for. You guys deserve it and I hope it does work out.

"As for me, I will continue working with DESCEND. We have released an EP entitled 'The Reckoning', which I am very excited about! The new material is sounding great and we look forward to playing gigs and getting this machine rolling. 'The Reckoning' EP can be heard via our MySpace."

SHADOW GALLERY, widely considered a major and innovative force within the realms of progressive rock and metal, will release its sixth studio effort, "Digital Ghosts". on October 26 in Europe and November 3 in North America via InsideOut Music.

After the tragic passing of lead singer Mike Baker in October 2008, SHADOW GALLERY's new CD introduces new vocalist Brian Ashland and not only sees the entire band once again sharing additional vocal duties but also features guest vocal appearances by Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR) and Clay Barton (SUSPYRE) to complement the release. With "Digital Ghosts", SHADOW GALLERY's members Brendt Allman, Carl Cadden-James, Gary Wehrkamp, Ashland and returning drummer Joe Nevolo (who appears on two songs of the record) have focused their powerful energies on creating a seamless blend of progressive, metal, and symphonic rock as a transcendent work of musical art that advances the boundaries of these genres into new directions.

In addition to the to the regular CD and digital download version of "Digital Ghosts", there will be a very special limited edition digipack released in Europe with expanded and slightly modified artwork as well as four special bonus tracks:

"Digital Ghosts" limited European digipack track listing:

01. With Honor
02. Venom
03. Pain
04. Gold Dust
05. Strong
06. Digital Ghost
07. Haunted
08. Two Shadows *
09. Gold Dust (Demo) *
10. In Your Window *
11. World Of Fantasy (Demo) *

* Bonus tracks

"Two Shadows" is a partly upgraded version of the Japan bonus track from the previous album "Room V", featuring vocals by former vocalist Mike Baker, who tragically passed away in October 2008. "Gold Dust (Demo)" features vocals by Carl-Cadden James, "In Your Window" is an A capella version of vocal harmonies of the album song "Digital Ghost", and "World Of Fantasy (Demo)" is a non-album song, also featuring vocals by Mike Baker.

German metallers MOB RULES will release their sixth album, "Radical Peace", on November 13 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Bazement Studio with longtime engineer Markus Teske (VANDEN PLAS, SPOCK'S BEARD, OASIS). A single, "Astral Hand", preceded the full-length CD on October 9.

"Radical Peace" track listing:

01. Children Of The Flames
02. Trial By Fire
03. Warchild
04. Astral Hand

The Oswald File (Ethnolution II: A Matter Of Unnecessary Doubt)

05. Chapter I (Prologue)
06. Chapter II (Desperate Son)
07. Chapter III (11.30 a.m.)
08. Chapter IV (Unnecessary Doubt?)
09. Chapter V (A Dead Man..s Face)
10. Chapter VI (Did You Reach The Sun?)
11. Waiting For The Sun
12. The Glance Of Fame

The release date of "Starve For The Devil", the fourth studio album from Virginia's melodic/technical death metal band ARSIS, has been pushed back to February 9, 2010 (four days earlier in Germany) from the previously announced January 15, 2010 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Planet Z Studios in Hadley, Massachusetts with producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris, who has previously worked with MUNICIPAL WASTE, AGNOSTIC FRONT and HATEBREED, among others. Artist Mark Riddick will provide his trademark meticulous and grotesque artwork for the upcoming release.

"Starve For The Devil" track listing:

01. Forced to Rock
02. A March for the Sick
03. From Soulless to Shattered (Art in Dying)
04. Beyond Forlorn
05. The Ten of Swords
06. Closer to Cold
07. Sick Perfection
08. Half Past Corpse O'Clock
09. Escape Artist
10. Sable Rising
11. Pound Of Flesh (For The Hell Of It) (bonus track)

Swiss pagan horde ELUVEITIE has finished recording its third album, "Everything Remains", for an early 2010 release via Nuclear Blast Records. The band's mainman, Chrigel Glanzmann, is currently attending the mixing sessions at Nott-In Pill studios in Wales with Colin Richardson (SLIPKNOT, MACHINE HEAD, KREATOR, BEHEMOTH, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE) and Martyn "Ginge" Ford.

Commented Glanzmann: "Right now I'm with Colin and Martyn working on the mix of the album. And believe me, the mix will be mind-blowing! Well, what can I say… Colin is just a pure genius!

"We can look back at two extremely intense months of working our asses off recording the album. It has been an intense, exhausting, but also satisfying time with all of us giving 150% in. Many things developed very spontaneously and songs became very authentic, pure and genuine.

"Speaking of the recording, I have to mention the amazing job of Tommy Vetterli [CORONER, KREATOR], for sure, who really worked his balls off for the album! Once again he assured his position among the world’s best engineers. That's what Colin Richardson stated about his work: 'One of the best drum and guitar trackings I've ever heard!' Furthermore, we can already give you a first glimpse of the artwork, which has again been done by famous artist Travis Smith, who already did the cover for 'Spirit'.

"Lyrically, the album consists of diverse stories and narrations from ancient Gallia: Historical occurrences and fates of individuals as well as myths and legends bequeathed throughout the centuries. Yet the lyrics pretty much focus on the 'human' aspects of those historical happenings and also behold them with some questioning and probably also with a slightly bittersweet smile, being well aware of the fact that today we simply cannot tell how things exactly have been back then."

EVEMASTER — which features in its ranks BATTLELORE's Tomi Mykkänen — is continuing work on its new album, "III: Newtopia", for an early 2010 release via an as-yet-undetermined record label.

Commented Mykkänen: "[Swedish producer and multi-instrumentalist] Dan [Swanö; EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH] has been working on the mix of two songs for a week or so now and finally today we've come to conclusion that everything sounds fuckin' awesome. So, now Dan knows which way to go with the rest of the tracks and I think that the album mix and master will be ready towards the end of this week.

"First two songs Dan has been working on are 'Enter' and 'New Age Dawns'. Dan added his vocals on 'New Age Dawns' and I must say that he sounds brilliant and I feel so frigging honored to have him perform on a song composed by myself. Can't wait to hear the album closer 'Absolution' with his vocals.

"The hunt for a record label will start soon. I have such strong faith on this album that I don't think finding a good label to work with should be too big a problem. We'll live and see."

The fourth in a series of video clips documenting the recording sessions for "III: Newtopia" can be viewed below. According to Mykkänen, "It is a concept album revolving around a dystopian dream or a fall of this one pitiful man... Musically this album is the third part of the trilogy. Next album will be musically different going deeper in the emotions and darker side of human mind."

"III: Newtopia" working songtitles:

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

Rising Realm Records released a re-recorded version of EVEMASTER's debut album, re-titled "MMIV Lacrimae Mundi", in early 2005. Drums on "MMIV Lacrimae Mundi" were handled by CHILDREN OF BODOM's Jaska Raatikainen. According to the band, the idea behind the re-recording was to make it "as punk as possible … a lot harsher sounding and heavier than the original version."

Bassist Neissu has left the Finnish thrash metal outfit DEAD SHAPE FIGURE.

Commented vocalist Galzi: "It is truly the most devastating thing an old friend can say to another: I'll be leaving. Being friends in a band is something totally different than being friends otherwise. It's more like a good marriage, right?

"Anyhow, Neissu has found himself in a situation where no bass playing or music in general raises any interest. For fifteen years of playing in the same bands this is the very first time I'll have to accept the fact that there's no 80 inch of knowledge and power at our presence."

DEAD SHAPE FIGURE as yet to announce a replacement bassist.

Danish modern metallers MNEMIC recently entered the studio to begin recording their fourth studio album, "Sons Of The System", for a January 2010 release via Nuclear Blast Records. The band is recording at its own studio and at the Antfarm facility in Aarhus, Denmark with Danish producer Tue Madsen (HALFORD, BEHEMOTH, KATAKLYSM, THE HAUNTED), who previously helmed the group's "Mechanical Spin Phenomena" (2003) and "The Audio Injected Soul" (2004) CDs.

Commented guitarist/songwriter/founding member Mircea Gabriel Eftemie: "Finally we are done tracking all of our instruments, except for vocals, samples and keys.

"Since we all are into Pro Tools, we are all contributing more or less with ideas.

"Guillaume [Bideau] started tracking vocals today, He is a bit rusty since he didn't scream for the last couple of months, but I quite like it. His screaming vocals sound — and I am not sure if it's a good idea to say it, but I will say it — like Michael's [Bögballe; original MNEMIC singer, who appeared on 'Mechanical Spin Phenomena' and 'The Audio Injected Soul'] at some passages. That's exactly the first thing that came out of Rune's [Stigart; guitar] mouth when we heard the first tracked song. Kind of weird, if I may add, but as long as it sounds good to us, it doesn't really matter in the end.

"The main point of this recording is basically 'two brains are better than one.' It has been a more collaborative process; actually, it's been the most collaborative process we have ever undertaken. I guess that is how you learn over the years how to cooperate with your friends; you learn to respect other ideas and everyone takes the constructive criticism, if there is any. No hard feelings; we are all contributing for a greater cause, so to say.

"I can't wait for all of you to hear what's coming out of this monster!"

Songtitles set to appear on the new MNEMIC album include:

* "Orbiting"
* "Climbing Towards Stars"
* "Dreamjunkie"
* "The Erasing"
* "March Of The Tripods"
* "Diesel Uterus"

Finnish metallers PAIN CONFESSOR are preparing to enter the studio to record four new songs. The sessions will be engineered and helmed by the bandmembers themselves, with the mixing and mastering set to be overseen by Janne Saksa of Studio Sound Supreme. More information will be made available soon.

PAIN CONFESSOR last year uploaded two new demo tracks — "X9" and "Reality Of Now" — to the band's MySpace page. The songs were recorded at the group's home studio and were mixed by Saksa, who "really made this work by mixing the whole thing and adding his own unique and special touch that we really have missed," according to the band.

PAIN CONFESSOR parted ways with Megamania Records and is currently seeking a new label home.

A new DEFIANCE song, "Desert Sands", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the reunited Oakland, California thrashers' new album, "The Prophecy", which is scheduled for release on October 19 via Candlelight Records. The first collection of new music from DEFIANCE in over 15 years was recorded at Trident Studios and Greendot Studios in East Bay, California.

According to the band, "Desert Sands" is "a thrasher about the political and social issues that are going on with regards to the U.S. wars, and the horror they create. This song is highlighted by an intense guitar dual between Jim Adams and Glen Alvelais. The two go back and forth in what could only be described as an insane showcase of the two's six-string talents."

An e-card for "The Prophecy" can be accessed at this location.

The track listing for the album is as follows:

01. Prion
02. The Prophecy
03. Bastard Son
04. The War Inside
05. Fuel The Fire
06. Eschaton
07. Sloth
08. Desert Sands
09. Dissolving Around You
10. Asthmaphere
11. Eyes Of The Front

The cover artwork by Travis Smith (OPETH,

Former HELLOWEEN vocalist Michael Kiske is collaborating with American singer Amanda Somerville on a brand new melodic hard rock/metal project for Frontiers Records. Mat Sinner (PRIMAL FEAR, SINNER) and Magnus Karlsson (PLACE VENDOME, PRIMAL FEAR) are handling most of the songwriting for the CD, which is tentatively due in early 2010.

Commented Sinner: "We've finished the songwriting for 12 original new songs — no covers .... and a week ago, we started the final recordings! Everything looks cool and the song material is amazing!"

Additional songwriting contributions on the CD will come from former AFTER FOREVER guitarist Sander Gommans, Amanda Somerville ("Arise", "A Thousand Suns", "Set Afire") and Sinner with keyboard maestro Jimmy Kresic ("End Of The Road" and "Devil In Her Heart", which are described as "two outstanding symphonic songs"). Other songtitles set to appear on the album include "Silence", "Don't Walk Away", "Rain", "Nothing Left To Say", "If I Had A Wish", "One Night Burning" and "Second Chance".

Added Sinner: "We're recording in two studios at the moment. Magnus is recording guitars at his own Stuntguitar studios in Sweden and I'm working at the Audiospezialist studio in Germany with drummer Martin Schmidt (ex-ATROCITY, RMC BAND) and keyboarder Jimmy Kresic (VOODOO CIRCLE).

"After the PRIMAL FEAR European tour, we will start with the vocal and choir recordings and I'm really looking forward to be a part of this progress.

"This album is a big challenge and it sounds already like something really special for me in a time we face a hundred metal releases every month.

"Sander Gommans will join the team and will add some lead guitars and we're talking to two more prominent musicians for a guest appearance."

Achim Köhler (PRIMAL FEAR, EDGUY) will mix and master the album at Indiscreet studios for a spring release.

A two-minute audio sample of the track "Origins Of Mourning" from THE 11TH HOUR — the doom metal collaboration between Ed Warby (drums, guitar, bass, vocals, programming; GOREFEST, DEMIURG, HAIL OF BULLETS) and Rogga Johansson (vocals, additional guitar; RIBSPREADER, PAGANIZER, DEMIURG) — is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The song comes off THE 11TH HOUR's debut album, "Burden Of Grief", which will be released via Napalm Records on the following dates:

Oct. 28 - Finland, Spain
Oct. 30 - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Benelux, France, Italy
Nov. 02 - Rest of Europe
Nov. 03 - USA, Canada

"Burden Of Grief" track listing:

01. One Last Smoke (6:44)
02. In The Silent Grave (8:22)
03. Origins Of Mourning (11:13)
04. Weep For Me (8:52)
05. Atonement (7:44)
06. Longing For Oblivion (9:40)

Check out the cover artwork here.

Don Decker, legendary lead singer and songwriter of ANAL BLAST and longtime Midwest promoter, died today (Sunday, October 11) at 2:17 a.m. According to his friends, the passing was "peaceful." He was 41 years old.

The cause of death has not been made public, but Decker reportedly received a liver transplant last year.

Decker will be remembered for his uncompromising adoration of heavy metal, his promotion business in Minnesota, which almost single-handedly jumpstarted the Minnesota metal scene, and his violently obscene lyrics for the group ANAL BLAST — which he said was "the most stupid band in the world."

Former REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE keyboardist Michael Khalilov has slammed the band's mainman, ex-STRATOVARIUS leader Timo Tolkki, for allegedly failing to inform Khalilov and bassist Justin Biggs that they were no longer members of the group.

Tolkki released a statement on Thursday (October 8) indicating that REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE had parted ways with Biggs and Khalilov due to musical differences. "During the recordings of [the second REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE album], 'Age of Aquarius', it became evident to everybody that REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE was not the right band for the guys," Tolkki wrote in the statement. "Justin is more of a thrash guy and Mike expected the music to be something totally different. Out of these reasons the decision has been made that it is better to go separate ways. Both are great guys and the remaining members — Timo Tolkki [guitar], Gus Monsanto [vocals] and Bruno Agra [drums] — wish them well and best of luck on their musical endeavors."

In a posting on the official STRATOVARIUS forum, Khalilov insisted that he learned that he learned he was no longer a member of REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE via the Internet and claimed that he was never directly informed of his dismissal from the group.

"You know, Tolkki sure has a great method of firing people," the keyboardist wrote. "He ignores Biggs and I for THREE MONTHS, cancels European SONATA ARCTICA tour, and now we read this statement (which we are as shocked to read as you all are). Great way to get fired, eh? It's very similar in a way to how Tarja [Turunen] found out she was thrown out [from NIGHTWISH]."

He added, "I've sent numerous emails to [Tolkki] for three months, [and had] not [gotten] one word [back] from him. Maybe he 'assumed' that we knew we were out, but why on earth would anyone assume that they were fired if they did absolutely nothing wrong?"

REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE recently signed a three-album deal with Napalm Records.

Canadian hard rockers HELIX will release their new album, "Vagabond Bones", in Canada on November 17 via Universal/Fontana. Singer Brian Vollmer has been collaborating with Sean Kelly (CRASH KELLY) on material for the CD, which was mixed by engineer Aaron Murray.

Two songs from the album — "Vagabond Bones" and "Hung Over But Still Hanging In" — are available for streaming in the YouTube clips below. Vollmer says, "The soundtrack for 'Hung Over' [in the YouTube clip below] is not the finished master track. The mastered version is the one that has Russ 'Killer Dwarf' Russell singing a duet with me on the track."

"Vagabond Bones" tentative track listing (not final sequence):

01. The Animal Inside (Won't Be Denied)
02. Go Hard or Go Home
03. Vagabond Bones
04. Monday Morning Meltdown
05. When The Bitter's Got The Better Of You
06. Hung Over But Still Hanging In
07. Best Mistake I Never Made
08. Make 'Em Dance
09. Jack It Up

Greek old-school thrashers SUICIDAL ANGELS will release their new album, "Sanctify The Darkness", on November 20 via Nuclear Blast Records. A video for the song "Apokathilosis" will make its online debut on October 16.

"Sanctify The Darkness" track listing:

01. Bloodthirsty
02. The Pestilence Of Saints
03. Inquisition
04. Apokathilosis
05. … Lies
06. No More Than Illusion
07. Atheist
08. Beyond The Laws Of Church
09. Mourning Of The Cursed
10. Dark Abyss (Your Fate Is Colored Black)
11. Child Molester
+ enhanced part (2 video clips)

Former STRATOVARIUS leader and current REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE mainman Timo Tolkki recently teamed up with fellow ex-STRATOVARIUS members Tuomo Lassila (drums), Anti Ikonen (keyboards) and Jari Kainulainen (current member of EVERGREY) to record a new album, titled "Return To Dreamspace". This means that the project's lineup is exactly the same as the one that recorded STRATOVARIUS' "Dreamspace" LP, originally released in 1994.

For legal reasons, the band's original name — PROJECT STRATO — had to be scrapped, although the album itself will still be called "Return To Dreamspace". 20 songs have been written for the project, including "Return to Dreamspace", "Digital Jesus", "Santiago", "Chevaliers De Sangreal", "Full Circle" and "Farewell No. 2". A spring 2010 release via JVC in Japan and Scarlet Records in Europe is expected.

"Return To Dreamspace" will see Timo Tolkki handling the vocals again and the fans of the "Twilight Time"/"Dreamspace" era will surely not be disappointed.

Finnish power metallers KIUAS will enter the studio in November to begin recording their fourth full-length album. Guitarist Mikko "Ilmarinen" Salovaara states, "There are about 10 new masterpieces almost completely written, which we are polishing and fine-tuning as I write these words.

He adds, "The album is set to be released in March 2010 in Finland, other areas to be announced. Naturally, this is and has been the reason for not doing gigs for a while, since the writing, arranging and practicing of the songs demands our full focus.

"After the release, we will start touring, the dates will be announced once confirmed (but hold your horses until next year, kids!).

"As to what can you expect: expect nothing and everything! After all, making a KIUAS record is like pouring dragon egg yolk, absinth and Tabasco into Frank Zappa's mouth while his asleep and asking him to write a symphony about the dreams he had when he wakes up... although, ...well anyway... OR, going out with the members of KIUAS: you never know what's gonna happen."