Faroese Viking metallers TÝR have posted another new song, "Northern Gate", on their MySpace page. The track comes off the band's new album, "By the Light of the Northern Star", which is scheduled for release on May 29 in Europe via Napalm Records. A stream of the song "Hold the Heathen Hammer High", along with the CD artwork, is available below.

"By the Light of the Northern Star" was recorded in early 2009 on the band's native soil. Jacob Hansen mixed the new material and finishing touches were provided by the mastering experts at Finnvox.

On "By the Light of the Northern Star" the Faroese band delivers catchy yet technically brilliant tracks, and once again demonstrates how to impressively unite the contemporary present with the mythological past. Traditional homeland melodies, Viking choruses, and classic heavy metal songs, such as "Hold the Heathen Hammer High" or even the title track, offer fans new and powerful hymns. Responsible for the brilliance of this "Northern Star" is once again frontman and mastermind Heri Joensen, who provides an undisputed goosebump factor with his clean and majestic vocals.

"By the Light of the Northern Star" will be available as regular jewel case and a limited-edition deluxe digipack including two bonus tracks.

"By the Light of the Northern Star" track listing:

01. Hold the Heathen Hammer High
02. Tróndur í Gøtu
03. Into the Storm
04. Northern Gate
05. Turið Torkilsdóttir
06. By the Sword in My Hand
07. Ride
08. Hear the Heathen Call
09. By the Light of the Northern Star

TÝR is:

Heri Joensen - Vocals, Guitar
Terji Skibenæs - Guitar
Gunnar H. Thomsen - Bass
Kári Streymoy - Drums

The songwriting credits have been revealed for "Polaris", the new studio album from Finnish melodic metallers STRATOVARIUS. The CD — the group's first since the departure of guitar player and main composer Timo Tolkki — will be made available in Europe on May 21 via the band's new label partner Edel under the new imprint earMUSIC outside of Asia and the band's longtime record company in Asia, JVC.

"Polaris" track listing:

01. Deep Unknown (Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto)
02. Falling Star (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)
03. King of Nothing (Jens Johansson/Jens Johansson)
04. Blind (Jens Johansson/Jens Johansson)
05. Winter Skies (Jens Johansson/Jens Johansson)
06. Forever is Today (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)
07. Higher We Go (Timo Kotipelto, Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto)
07. Somehow Precious (Timo Kotipelto, Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto)
09. Emancipation Suite Part I: Dusk (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)
10. Emancipation Suite Part II: Dawn (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)
11. When Mountains Fall (Lauri Porra/Lauri Porra)
12. Second Sight (Matias Kupiainen/Timo Kotipelto)

Armoury Records (a division of Eagle Rock Entertainment) has set a May 26 U.S. release date for "Polaris".

The cover artwork for "Polaris" was created by Gyula Havancsák and can be viewed here.

Commented keyboardist Jens Johansson: "We are very happy to have found strong label partners for the new era of STRATOVARIUS who truly believe in the band and are as enthusiastic as we are. I can't wait to hit the road again and meet all fans who supported us through all our good and bad times."

In September 2008, freed from many burdens of negativity, the band found the freedom to go into seclusion for almost a month in a cottage by the sea in a Finnish forest to relax, laugh, write songs, be creative together, and record. And they found themselves being a band reborn. The result is a melodic, powerful, fresh, tight, and technically elaborate new album.

"Polaris" was recorded in the fall 2008 at Hästholmen and 5by5 studios in Helsinki, Finland. Mixed by the longtime confidant of the band Mikko Karmila the album became another shining polar star at the Northern sky. Powerful melodies mingle with sophisticated arrangements, strong anthems stand alongside heavy songs. 11 songs full of energy, musicianship, and a positive outlook.

Vocalist Timo Kotipelto explains: "'Polaris' is a positive, powerful album that STRATOVARIUS fans all over the world are certain to take to their hearts."

The band will support the release of their new studio album with live shows around the globe. The world tour will start in the U.K., followed by a number of dates in continental Europe. September will see STRATOVARIUS playing live shows in Asia, followed by a full North and South American tour in September/October. A European headlining tour is scheduled for January 2010.

STRATOVARIUS' latest addition is 25-year-old Finnish guitar phenomenon Matias Kupiainen. Drummer Jörg Michael said, "In Matias we found new character who fits perfectly with his way of melodic guitar shredding. He is a killer player, a 'wunderkind' from Finland!"

STRATOVARIUS 2009 is:

Timo Kotipelto - Vocals
Matias Kupiainen - Guitars
Lauri Porra - Bass
Jörg Michael - Drums
Jens Johansson - Keyboards

STRATOVARIUS has posted a five-minute clip (see below) featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the band's recent video shoot for the song "Deep Unknown".

LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT — the instrumental progressive rock/metal project featuring DREAM THEATER members Mike Portnoy (drums), John Petrucci (guitar) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards) alongside progressive rock icon Tony Levin (bass) of KING CRIMSON and PETER GABRIEL fame — will release a box set as the ultimate souvenir of the band's 10th anniversary reunion tour. Included in this deluxe package is both the New York City and Los Angeles shows in their entirety (on both CD and DVD), as well as the LIQUID TRIO EXPERIMENT 2 CD and two items that are exclusive to this set and will not be available separately: "Live In L.A." on Blu-ray disc and a bonus CD of all of the improv jams from the other LTE 2008 shows.

The box set (cover) includes:

* LTE Live In NYC (2 CD)
* LTE Live In NYC (1 DVD)
* LTE Live In LA (2 CD)
* LTE Live In LA (1 DVD)
* LTE Live In LA (1 Blu-ray)
* LTE Bonus Disc (1 CD)
* Liquid Trio Experiment 2 - When the Keyboard Breaks: Live In Chicago (1 CD)
* 24-Page Booklet

"Live In NYC"

01. Acid Rain (9:25)
02. Kindred Spirits (8:00)
03. Biaxident (7:39)
04. Freedom of Speech (9:00)
05. Improv Jam #1 (8:10)
06. Another Dimension (10:51)
07. State of Grace (6:20)
08. Universal Mind (9:36)
--------------------
09. When the Water Breaks (16:49)
10. Improv Jam #2 (11:31)
11. Rhapsody in Blue (13:49)
12. Osmosis (3:43)
13. Paradigm Shift (9:31)

"Live In L.A."

01. Acid Rain (10:43)
02. Kindred Spirits (7:53)
03. Biaxident (7:34)
04. Freedom of Speech (8:54)
05. Improv Jam #1 (8:21)
06. Another Dimension (10:31)
07. State of Grace (6:00)
08. Universal Mind part 1 (3:36)
09. Keyboard Solo (5:19)
10. Universal Mind part 2 (3:46)
--
11. When the Water Breaks (17:52)
12. Improv Jam #2 (13:03)
13. Rhapsody in Blue (13:34)
14. Osmosis (5:52)
15. Paradigm Shift (9:17)

"When The Keyboard Breaks: Live In Chicago"

01. Universal Mind (When the Keyboard Broke) (2:21)
02. The Chicago Blue & Noodle Factory (7:03)
03. Fade Away or Keep Going? (5:03)
04. The Haunted Keyboard (9:34)
05. Close Encounters of the Liquid Kind (15:13)
06. Ten Minute Warning (5:55)
07. That 'Ol Broken Down Keyboard Blues (6:34)
08. Liquid Anthrax (4:55)
09. That's All Folks! (2:12)

LTE Bonus Disc

01. NYC (Early Show) Improv Jam #1 (6:54)
02. NYC (Early Show) Improv Jam #2 (7:41)
03. NEARfest Improv Jam #1 (3:42)
04. NEARfest Improv Jam #2 (5:43)
05. Chicago Improv Jam #1 (7:58)
06. San Francisco Improv Jam #1 (10:41)
07. San Francisco Improv Jam #2 (13:17)

To order the box set, go to this location.

Netherlands-based gothic/progressive metal band STREAM OF PASSION, which is fronted by Mexican female vocalist Marcela Bovio (AYREON), has parted ways with drummer Davy Mickers. The group says, "Due to personal reasons, Davy took this step as he needs to devote more of his time to his family. Thus, he could not longer give STREAM OF PASSION 100% of his energy. The band members wish him much happiness on this new journey in his life!

"STREAM OF PASSION is thrilled to present their fans with their new drummer: Martijn Peters. Martijn earned his extraordinary skills by playing and touring with bands like NOVACT, BACKWATER and STENTORIAN."

STREAM OF PASSION will release its sophomore album, "The Flame Within", via Napalm Records on the following dates:

May 27 - Finland, Spain
May 29 - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, France, Italy, Sweden
June 1 - Rest of Europe
June 2 - North America

According to a press release, "The Flame Within" "leaves its predecessor in the dust, thanks to more mature songwriting. Carried by Marcela Bovio's fantastic vocal lines, STREAM OF PASSION delivers the entire spectrum of human emotions — at times dreamy and melancholic, at others uninhibited and forward pressing. In this way, heavy riffs merge with romantic undertones in majestic unity. Jens Bogren's (Fascination Street Studios) mastering work allows the tracks' subtle nuances to come into play. 'The Flame Within' is more than a loosely arranged sequence of songs, but rather a holistic gothic metal masterpiece complete with mystic elements and sonorous symphonic romanticism."

"The Flame Within" track listing:

01. The Art Of Loss
02. In The End
03. Now Or Never
04. When You Hurt Me The Most
05. Run Away
06. Games We Play
07. This Endless Night
08. My Leader
09. Burn My Pain
10. Let Me In
11. Street Spirit
12. A Part Of You
13. All I Know
14. Far And Apart (bonus track; digipack only)

STREAM OF PASSION parted ways with founding members Arjen Lucassen (guitar), Lori Linstruth (guitar) and Alejandro Millán (piano), back in March 2007.

The band's debut album, "Embrace the Storm", was released in Holland in October 2005 via Sony/BMG Benelux. The CD was issued in the rest of Europe and the U.S./Canada via InsideOut Music.

Bassist Victor Brandt has left the Norwegian black metal band SATYRICON.

In addition to touring with SATYRICON for the past few years, Brandt has appeared on the band's "My Skin Is Cold" and "The Age Of Nero" recordings and is featured in the video for the song "Black Crow On A Tombstone" (see clip below).

Brandt is continuing to record and perform with TOTALT JÄVLA MÖRKER, which will release a new full-length album, "Söndra & Härska", this summer via Regain Records.

Bands who are looking for a new guitarist or bass player can contact
Victor Brandt through his MySpace page.

Sweden's Loudfarmer web site conducted an interview with drummer Kjetil-Vidar "Frost" Haraldstad of Norwegian black metallers SATYRICON prior to the band's April 13, 2009 concert in Gothenburg.

Regarding the group's split with bassist Victor Brandt, Frost said, "We had to [part ways with him]. Being in a live band means that you have to be a team player in addition to being an individual artist, and if you cannot really manage that talent and if you can't understand what it takes of you, then it's simply not possible to go on. You will, sooner or later, get into insolvable problems regarding atttude and how the band works together and eventually it will start to have a destructive impact on the music and the performance. You can only go so far with a very deconstructive air in the band, and we felt that we were getting there. If he comes to us and says, 'I don't really feel motivated to give my best now,' and 'I don't like the vibe in the band,' it's better that we just part ways, I think. And that's what he came to us and said. He was really at a point where he was telling us out straight that he couldn't really give us what we want. And, I mean, we're SATYRICON, and we cannot have an attitude like that, and I think that he cannot live with that either. So we have had a good co-operation; his style has been very suitable for SATYRICON. But sometimes when you work with musicians in a live band, you'll come to a point where the co-operation doesn't really work out anymore. And then you just have to end the co-operation and part ways, and that's what we did. Nothing very dramatic. We hoped to have a more stable lineup that would last for awhile, but we will move on and so will he."

SATYRICON's current session bassist is Anders Odden, whose experience includes stints with such bands as APOPTYGMA BERZERK and CADAVER, as well as touring with CELTIC FROST.

Commented Frost: "[Anders is] a very skilled musician. He has a very profound musical understanding and a very solid platform. He has, anyway, been working with a band — he's actually teching for a band after having done this tour with us. It's a temporary solution, but we have been rehearsing with him and it sounds very, very good; it's tight and he goes into this with everything he's got and the band has never sounded better, really, so it's good to have him there."

"The Age Of Nero", the latest album from SATYRICON, has sold more than 6,000 copies in the United States since its January release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD debuted at No. 18 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"The Age Of Nero" entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 73. It also landed on the national chart in the band's home country at position No. 5. This is SATYRICON's lowest chart entry in Norway since "Rebel Extravaganza", which premiered at No. 32 in 1999. "Volcano" (2002) entered the chart at No. 4, while 2006's "Now, Diabolical" came in at No. 2.

Long-running Finnish doomsters SPIRITUS MORTIS will release their third album, "The God Behind The God", on May 13 through Firebox Records.

The entire CD is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

SPIRITUS MORTIS released a new single, featuring the tracks "When The Wind Howled With A Human Voice" and "Waiting For The Sun", on March 18.

SPIRITUS MORTIS in January announced the addition of singer Sami Hynninen (a.k.a. Albert Witchfinder; REVEREND BIZARRE, THE PURITAN) to the group's ranks.

SPIRITUS MORTIS is the oldest doom metal band from Finland. The band was formed in 1987 as RIGOR MORTIS, featuring founding members Teemu Maijala (bass, vocals), Jussi Maijala (guitars) and VP Rapo (drums).

The group's self-titled debut album was released in 2004 through Rage Of Achilles. A follow-up effort, "Fallen", came out in 2006 via Black Lotus Records.

An e-card for "Attitude", the fifth album from Norway's SUSPERIA, can be accessed at this location. Due on May 19 via Candlelight Records (one day earlier internationally), the follow-up to 2007's "Cut From Stone" was recorded in Norway and was mixed at Studio Fredman in Sweden. It features guest appearances by Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT) and Shagrath (DIMMU BORGIR).

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Urge
02. Live My Dream
03. Attitude
04. Elegy And Suffering
05. Sick Bastard
06. Another Turn
07. Mr. Stranger
08. Character Flaw
09. The One After All

Check out the cover artwork here.

"Ten years and still the same five guys," exclaims vocalist Athera of the band's long commitment to their music. "We have worked nearly two years on this material, perfecting it for your pleasure and our devoted fans. It will take you back to the early days with melancholic riffing and dark emotional vocals. It's a perfect blend of everything SUSPERIA has been and become."

Formed in 1998 by drummer Tjodalv (then of DIMMU BORGIR) and guitarist Cyrus (then of SATYRICON/OLD MAN'S CHILD), SUSPERIA released its debut, "Predominance", via Nuclear Blast in 2001. The band's much-acclaimed second album, "Vindication", followed in 2003. After signing with Norwegian label Tabu Records (with release in the U.S. via Candlelight Records) in 2004, the band released its third album, "Unlimited", later that year.

A powerful live act, the band has consistently remained focused to the live arena. With numerous high profile support, headline and festival appearances, one of the band's most cherished experiences thus far remains supporting the newly reformed TESTAMENT in late 2005. The dates would culminate in the release of the band's Norwegian charting mini-album "Devil May Care", followed by the group's fourth album, "Cut From Stone", in 2007. Unfortunately due to financial constraints two tries to visit the U.S. to support the Daniel Bergstrand-produced album during 2007/08 would set back the album's overall sales target but the band remained committed. Touring Europe, including numerous dates with W.A.S.P., the band's ambitions stayed and continue to remain in tact. "We now have the backing of one label worldwide and this is going to make life easier for us," says bassist Memnock. "We hope that finally we get to play to our American fans."

SUSPERIA currently includes guitarists Cyrus and Elvorn, bassist Memnock, with drummer Tjodalv and vocalist Athera.

Finnish metal outfit NORTHER has issued the following update:

"After a hard search for a new vocalist, we are honoured to announce Aleksi Sihvonen [MEDICATED] as our new lead singer. He's a creative and diverse vocalist with loads of experience. He will surely add new input to the band with his talent and variable singing styles, and most importantly: his personality fits to the band perfectly.

"Besides this, we have recruited our old friend Daniel Freyberg as live guitarist to complete our team. We also want to thank all of you worldwide who applied for the new vocalist spot!

"We hereby welcome our great new guys, Aleksi and Daniel, to the band and we will present you the fresh NORTHER lineup live soon!"

Commented Aleksi Sihvonen: "Sometimes life can take you to places you wouldn't even imagine going to. So, here I am and I'm very grateful and humbly honoured to be part of the NORTHER family. I feel I've met the band I've always wanted to be in. Like every musician, I want to make the very effort to improve my skills as much as possible and push myself to the limits and in NORTHER I feel that I'm able to use my voice as full and diverse as I've always wanted to. I'm very excited on working on new material, practicing and playing shows everywhere possible!!"

A version of the song "Frozen Angel" (taken from NORTHER's current album, "N") featuring Aleksi's vocals has been posted at www.norther.net.

NORTHER explained its split with longtime singer/guitarist Petri Lindroos by saying in a statement, "NORTHER was forced to let Petri go to be able to continue. Petri's full-time engagement in ENSIFERUM increasingly prevented NORTHER from functioning as an active band."

NORTHER was founded in 2000 and has thus far released five full-length albums, two EPs, a DVD, four singles and the soundtrack to the Finnish film "V2". The band has done extensive touring with such acts as DIMMU BORGIR, HYPOCRISY, TURISAS and FINNTROLL.

NORTHER is currently signed to Century Media Records (Europe and USA) and Marquee Avalon (Japan).

NORTHER released its latest album, "N", in North America on September 30, 2008. The record marked the band's Century Media debut and featured two bonus tracks from the "No Way Back" EP, "No Way Back" and "C.U.S.", along with a video for the song "We Rock" (which can be viewed here).

"N" entered the Finnish national chart at position No. 5 back in February 2008. The CD was recorded and produced by longtime partner Anssi Kippo (CHILDREN OF BODOM) at Astia Studios and mixed by Fredrik Nordström (DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, IN FLAMES) at Studio Fredman in Sweden.

A brand new interview with ICED EARTH guitarist/mainman Jon Schaffer conducted on March 13, 2009 is available for download as an MP3 audio file at this location (8.4 MB).

Regarding the immediate plans for ICED EARTH, Schaffer says, "Well, right now I'm wrapping up the post-production for the 'Festivals Of The Wicked', DVD which I expect will come out late summer or fall of this year. I don't know that for sure, it depends on when we wrap things up, but that's the plan. That's the next project.

He continues, "ICED EARTH is going to be taking some downtime. I've been very, very busy. I haven't taken any kind of vacation in six years and I have been non-stop ICED EARTH for three-and-a-half years — from the beginning of the writing of both of these records through the recording, the touring — and there has been a lot of touring... it's just time. I need to step back from it a little bit. And I've got other things planned for this year which I'll be announcing in due course, but my goals are for right now are to get the DVD finished and (then) to get away completely — no cell phones, no e-mail, no contact with the outside world, just me and my family at a very nice isolated place, no music business, no nothing, and it's going to be awesome. That's going to be cool and I plan to come back completely recharged and ready to kill."

Regarding the kind of projects Jon will be working on after returning from vacation, he says, "You're going to have to wait and find out, my man. I mean, I'm just not ready to divulge yet. I've got a few irons in the fire and some things I'm very excited about. Hansi [Kürsch; BLIND GUARDIAN] and I have planned late in 2009 to get together to do DEMONS & WIZARDS stuff so that's going to be cool. We saw each other in Cologne (earlier this year) and made plans and I think it's realistic to say that there will be a third DEMONS & WIZARDS album probably mid-to-late 2010. We're going to have two songwriting sessions. We are committed to doing the bulk of this in person. One of the things I felt like from the last DEMONS album was that we had this window of opportunity where we had to get it done and we kind of let time dictate the schedule instead of our feelings, and that was probably a mistake. I mean, I'm proud of that record ('Touched By The Crimson King', 2005) and it sold killer and it's a good album but I think Hansi and I are capable of a lot more especially when we get back to the root reasons of why we did this thing together.

"We are not going to be bogged down by schedules — we're going to do this as we see fit and we're not going to let a particular window of opportunity dictate that this is when we have to do it. We're going to do it as it feels natural — and if we feel that in spring of 2010 that we don't have the songs yet, then we'll push it back. I mean, we don't have to do it on any specific schedule. We had a really long talk about it and I'm really looking forward to it because I always enjoy working with Hansi and just spending time with him. So, our first get-together is going to be late in the year, but before that I've got a few things going on and like I said, we'll announce it in due course."

Regarding the name and content of the forthcoming ICED EARTH live DVD, Schaffer says, "It's going to be called 'Festivals Of The Wicked'. It is going to be (include) Wacken 2007 (with Tim Owens). The four headliners that particular year were SAXON, ICED EARTH, BLIND GUARDIAN, and IN FLAMES — at that point the most successful Wacken ever — 70,000 people. It was a massive show. We're (also) including Rock Hard 2008 and Metalcamp 2008, and there will be some extras like a behind-the-scenes kind of documentary, videos from 'Framing Armageddon' and 'The Glorious Burden' era, the EPK — the electronic press kit. I think it will be interesting for the fans to see. It's kind of a video biography that was done for industry people. It's something that the fans would not typically see. It's going to have a Ross Halfin photo gallery. Rudy De Doncker from Belgium, who's done a lot of photos of the band through the years — we're going to have his photo gallery there too. There's going to be a lot of stuff. I think we're looking at a three-DVD set. I guess it's possible it could end up being four, but I think the plan right now is to squeeze all the stuff on three, so we should be able to do that.

"The DVD thing is new to me — we haven't done one before with the exception of the 'Gettysburg' thing, but that doesn't really count. That was just a Surround Sound version of that song that sorta snowballed into a little documentary about the battle. This is an actual concert release. When we hand in a CD master there is a three-month turnaround time — that's what the labels like to have to prep things up and get press in order. It also depends on whether we can reach the goal of getting this thing wrapped up before I leave, but I would expect the latest release day would be fall of this year."

German metallers DOMAIN have posted a new song "Circle Of Give And Take", on their MySpace page. The track comes off the group's ninth album, a concept effort entitled "The Chronicles of Love, Hate and Sorrow", which was released on March 13. The CD artwork was created by famous Brazilian metal artist Gustavo Sazes, who "bridged between the traditional DOMAIN artwork concept and the requirements of the album story," according to a press release.

Completed at Meadow Studios in Darmstadt, Germany with producer and guitarist Axel Ritt at the helm, "The Chronicles of Love, Hate and Sorrow" is a metal opera based on the novel "Die Leiden des jungen Werther" by the famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Released for the first time in 1774, the story "Die Leiden des jungen Werther" became a key work in German literature regarding the "Storm And Stress" period and describes an impossible love against all moral concepts, which provokes extreme emotional reactions up to the point of a spate of suicides among young readers of the novel.

"The Chronicles of Love, Hate and Sorrow" contains 10 tracks, with a bonus track included with the limited-edition version of the album.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Picture The Beauty
02. Sweeping Scars
03. Angel Above
04. Circle Of Give And Take
05. He Is Back
06. Inner Rage
07. Digging Their Graves
08. Haunting Sorrows
09. The Last Dance
10. 12 O'Clock

Bonus track:

11. Two Brothers & The Sinners Chess

Polish death metallers VADER have inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Records.

Commented the band: "We are very glad that after so many years VADER finally joined one of the biggest metal labels in the world. We really believe in their potential, experience and famous German reliability. We are pretty confident that the cooperation will be successful both for the band and the record label. Now VADER is ready to explode! We have been waiting for such a solid record deal for sooo long so it's safe to say that the new era in VADER's career has just begun!"

Added guitarist/vocalist Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek: "This is absolutely amazing, that VADER is now a part of Nuclear Blast family!!! Can't find words how proud we are!!! Only great things may happen when traditions meet together... I so much believe, that VADER will give one more Blast to this Nuclear history of metal!!! Let start the fire — TOGETHER!!!"

Jaap Wagemaker, A&R Nuclear Blast, stated: "VADER have a history of almost 25 years of releasing death metal highlights and have built up a reputation of being one of the hardest touring bands in the scene! After many attempts both parties have finally come together and VADER have found a new home at Nuclear Blast! This summer VADER will release their new album 'Necropolis', which will not only be their debut for Nuclear Blast, but also another chapter in the history of the band with a totally renewed line up! Watch out for the new VADER as they will only return stronger than ever! VADER is still improving after all these years, so it is safe to say that the best of these death metal kings is still to come, so we, at Nuclear Blast are looking forward to start the propaganda machine!"

"Left To Disintegrate", the new video from Finnish metallers PROFANE OMEN, can be viewed here. This clip was shot by Timo Honkanen, Maria Jaskari, Jere Kilpinen, Petri Koivunen, Toni Salminen and PROFANE OMEN. It was directed and edited by Toni Salminen. The song comes off the band's sophomore full-length album, "Inherit The Void", which recently entered the national chart in the band's home country at position No. 9. The CD was recorded with producer Ville Sorvali of MOONSORROW and Aleksanteri Kuosa.

"Inherit The Void" track listing:

01. Seconds (intro)
02. Base
03. Information
04. Superpowertrip
05. I Have Seen
06. Left To Disintegrate
07. In The Middle I Breathe
08. Right To Retaliate
09. Generation Doom (Count Me Out)
10. Dealers Of Guilt
11. Dodge

Based in Lahti, Finland, PROFANE OMEN was formed in 1999 and released its debut album, "Beaten into Submission", in 2006. An EP, "Disconnected", followed in 2007.

PROFANE OMEN is:

Jules Näveri (ENEMY OF THE SUN) - Vocals
Antti Kokkonen (Andy J. Bonfire) - Guitar
Williami Kurki - Guitar
Tuomas Saarenketo - Bass
Samuli Mikkonen - Drums

Boston, Massachusetts-based hardcore/metal band BURY YOUR DEAD will release its new album, "It's Nothing Personal", on May 26 via Victory Records.

Guitarist Brendan "Slim" MacDonald previously stated about the group's new material: "I say it every time we go into the studio: 'This is the best thing ever that we have ever written ever and it's meaningful because and ever and stuff,' but let's be honest — [2008] for us hasn't been anything short of a shitty coin toss. Between the awesome tours and heading overseas twice, there were a fair amount of remedial bullshit to have to get over, and I promise you will hear about most of it somehow or another on the record.

"This record has it all. You will be able to circle pit in your bedroom and make out with your girlfriend/boyfriend to it! Best of both worlds, I know. I mean, if you're into that kind of thing, then you'll like it, I guess."

BURY YOUR DEAD's self-titled album was released in March 2008 via Victory Records. The CD was recorded at Florida's Audiohammer Studios, the exact facility where their previous release, "Beauty and the Breakdown", was conceived. BURY YOUR DEAD also brought back producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, GOD FORBID), continuing with the theme of tradition.

Drummer Steve Bolognese of Canadian extreme progressive metallers INTO ETERNITY has issued the following update:

"I'm psyched to be able to say that the Berklee College Of Music has invited me back to teach at the World Percussion Festival for the third year in a row. This is a tremendous honor for me, especially considering I was denied acceptance to attend 10 years ago, based on academics without an audition. Now, here I am being invited to teach. Needless to say, I'm incredibly excited. I love teaching and I have had such a good time the past two years. I know this year won't be any different."

"Time Immemorial", the new video from INTO ETERNITY, can be viewed below. The track appears on the group's concept album, "The Incurable Tragedy", which sold 1,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The clip, which features vocalist Stu Block in a prominent role, was filmed in Montreal in August, just before the group embarked on the Summer Slaughter Canada tour. That trek was followed by a run alongside the legendary ICED EARTH, which capped off a year that also saw the band tour with SYMPHONY X, AT THE GATES and THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, among others.

Springfield, Massachusetts grindcore act AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED has made its fourth full-length album, "Agorapocalypse", available for streaming in its entirety at www.agorapocalypse.com. Due on April 14 in North America (April 20 internationally) via Relapse Records, the CD was recorded by the band's own Scott Hull at his Visceral Sound studios and contains 13 tracks, including"Question Of Integrity", "Trauma Queen", "Agorapocalypse Now" and "Flamingo Snuff". The artwork was created by AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED visualist Florian Bertmer.

"Agorapocalypse" will be issued on CD, a limited-edition LP packaged with a 12"x12" full-color, 28-page booklet, and a mailorder-only long-box CD set that includes a full-color poster, four-piece pin set and an embroidered patch.

AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED's J. Randall and Florian Bertmer recently teamed up to design AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED-related skate-decks, including those with "Agorapocalypse" artwork. These decks and more are available now at this location.

"Agorapocalypse" marks the full-length recording debut of new vocalist Kat (SALOME), who joined the band in 2007.

Influential heavy music act ZAO has posted a new song, "What Will You Find?", on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's new album, "Awake?", which is scheduled for release on May 5 via Ferret Music. The follow-up to 2006's "The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here" was recorded in Latrobe, Pennsylvania (near Greensburg); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Encinitas, California; and San Marcos, California. AS I LAY DYING frontman Tim Lambesis and Daniel Castleman headed up the proceedings, along with ZAO's Scott Mellinger, for what is shaping up to be another monumental ZAO album.

According to a posting on ZAO's MySpace page, "Awake?" features a brand new version of "Romance of the Southern Spirit", which "has finally been given the sonic quality it deserves with a brand new recording that smashes the basement b-side version you've heard."

"Awake?" track listing:

01. 1,000,000 Outstretched Arms Of Nothing
02. Entropica
03. The Eyes Behind The Throne
04. Human Cattle Masses Marching Forward
05. Romance Of The Southern Spirit
06. What Will You Find?
07. Awake?
08. Quiet Passenger Pt. 1
09. Reveal
10. Quiet Passenger Pt. 2/The World Caved In

Commented the band: "We can't wait for you guys to hear this album! We are very proud of it, and in our humble opinions, it is very reminiscent of what you have come to know and love about ZAO over the years. Every band likes to say, 'This new album is our best yet,' so we won't say that to you. We know that albums like 'Blood & Fire' and 'Liberate' will always be fan favorites and they are special to us as well. But with that being said, believe us when we say that we strongly feel 'Awake?' is a more than worthy addition to our catalog."

ZAO's "Where Blood & Fire Bring Rest" was hailed as "one of the most the most influential albums of 1998" by Alternative Press magazine. That album, which introduced frontman Dan Weyandt to the heavy music scene, and follow-up "Liberate te ex Inferis", which introduced guitarist and songwriter Mellinger, continue to be cornerstone albums to a new generation of bands drawing influence from ZAO's dark, passionate and creative music.

"ZAO is a band that has influenced all types of bands in the heavy music genre, from the DEFTONES and to my band," offers Lambesis. "I'm very excited be a part of bringing them the production their band has always deserved. This record will be the ZAO sound that fans and musicians like myself have been waiting to hear for a long time."

The lineup for this ZAO album is the same as "The Fear...": Longtime co-conspirators Weyandt and Mellinger alongside bass player Martin Lunn and drummer Jeff Gretz (FROM AUTUMN TO ASHES). "Recording Jeff Gretz's drums was the most relaxing and professional studio experience I've ever been a part of," boasts Lambesis. "That guy is a true pro and the standard by which I will judge every other drummer I record at Lambesis Studios in the future."

ZAO's two Ferret Music albums, "The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here" (2006) and "The Funeral Of God" (2004), are among the biggest selling and most important in the band's impressive catalog. "Funeral" was produced by Erik Rachel (EVERY TIME I DIE) and "The Fear..." was recorded by Steve Albini (NIRVANA). The band has toured with IN FLAMES, TRIVIUM, SHADOWS FALL and in the past took bands like UNDEROATH and UNEARTH on tour as their opening acts.

Finnish gothic metallers TO/DIE/FOR have officially disbanded.

Commented singer Jape Peratalo: "My nerves, stress level and life came to the point that I really need to get some rest and say goodbye for these stressful and still nice days with TO/DIE/FOR.

"Since 2005, we have been through so many shitty things. We have been unlucky to meet so many shitty promoters etc. FUCK YOU ALL (this is for all of those socalled promoters who ruined some of our tours, and are also one of TO/DIE/FOR's killers). Also, I have to thank some promoters, like AYU from Mexico! And, of course, we met other great and friendly promoters too around the world! But...a few assholes really can kill you!?

"Italy visit a couple of years ago,and U.S tour 2007 really sucked a huge part of my/our energy and motivation. It was a miracle that I continued after U.S tour until these days!

"Now, one booking agency tried to handle our first South American tour and also things with this did not work. Local promoters here and there did not pay their part
for the main promoters in time etc. They just could not handle things, which had to be clear. I am so sad and pissed off this tour did not happen... AGAIN! We are so sorry for our fans there.

"There was only nine shows totally confirmed for almost five weeks? And many more not that 'handled' things. They seemed to be working very hard for us, but still... Again, I felt like 'we have been through this shit before.' Also, all these lineup changes always stressed me a lot and made me sad, but still everyone who played with me in TO/DIE/FOR were great persons! Every lineup change killed a little part of me...well, except one!

"With our latest lineup, we tried to write new songs, and we had some 'raw' songs, but there was one big problem! No one seemed to like same kind of songs. Latest album came out in 2006 and after that we had only one new song? And we are not satisfied with it either. Some things must be wrong, I think!? Also, I felt like 'something is trying to drive TO/DIE/FOR's music to wrong direction.' I am gothic and that's it.I do not like heavy metal riffs (actually, I hate it!) and too many hooks here and there. I want it more simple! I want people to remember TO/DIE/FOR as it was on 'All Eternity' [1999], 'Epilogue' [2001] and 'IV' [2005] days.

"I could write many lovely words about every TO/DIE/FOR members I ever played with, but biggest thanks I HAVE TO give for Tonmi Lillman. He is my soulmate what comes to writing music.

"So... as you understand, i am not gonna continue anymore this TO/DIE/FOR suffering, hassle and chaos. It is my time to relax and get new things into my life. We had a lot of fun, we met interesting people here and there. We got new friends etc. Many great things also happened.

"Other members are having their bands. Joonas is playing with MALPRACTICE, Antza is playing in I.D. EXORCIST (and Antza is the guitarist who fucking rocks!), Josey plays punk somewhere, Santtu still plays drums in a couple of local bands here (with Miikka Kuisma). Newest and latest TO/DIE/FOR member Toni is also having a lot of different kind of music projects. Tonmi Lillman (one of my heroes) is working at the studio in Helsinki and also he is still playing drums in VANGUARD and AJATTARA. Alli is playing his guitars at home, Juska is studying something weird things somewhere.

"And believe or not, also we had a lot of fans around the world and all I can say for them is 'I am not sorry at all, and still I am very sorry. This just had to happen right now, and BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU. And we will meet again anyway somewhere, somehow, someday.'

"I am singing and writing songs in a band called SUNDOWN SINDROME. We just recorded our first promo CD in Germany, and we are trying to find a great label for us soon as possible. One thing is sure... I am gonna hit the road very soon with new plans and with my new band.

"I am feeling so fresh and happy with SUNDOWN SINDROME. It feels so great to start from the clean table. Every member of this band are in a same boat! We already feel like brothers. No stress, just rocking!

"After all... Some may be pissed off because of my decision, and some may be happy But this is my life. Do we continue someday? Who knows? Personally, I am listening my heart as always."

TO/DIE/FOR's fifth album, "Wounds Wide Open", was released in Finland in October 2006. The follow-up to 2005's "IV" was recorded by Samu Oittinen at Fantom Studios and by Jari-Jukka Nippala at Sonic Image, and was mixed at Sweden's Abyss Studios by Peter Tägtgren (DIMMU BORGIR, CELTIC FROST).

A one-and-a-half-minue trailer for "ReUnation - A Tribute To Running Wild" — the upcoming tribute to German metal legends RUNNING WILD which will contain cover versions of songs exclusively from the albums "The Rivalry" (1998), "Victory" (2000), "The Brotherhood" (2002) and "Rogues En Vogue" (2005) — can be viewed here.

Tentatively due in the fall as a limited-edition double CD (sold for the price of a single album), "ReUnation - A Tribute To Running Wild" will feature artwork (see below) by Romanian graphic artist Costin Chioreanu, who has previously worked with such bands as ABSU, CENTINEX, DEMONICAL, NEGURA BUNGET and THUNDERSTORM.

So far the following bands/tracks are confirmed to appear on the set:

CRYSTAL VIPER - "Libertalia"
MAGICA - "Victory"
ORDEN OGAN - "Skull & Bones"
SATANOCHIO - "Siberian Winter"
SKILTRON - "Ballad Of William Kidd"
THUNDERSTORM - "Welcome To Hell"
5TH SONIC BRIGADE - "Angel Of Mercy"
SUIDAKRA - to be announced
WARHEAD - "Faceless"
WILD KNIGHT - "Tsar"
MOTORJESUS - "The Rivalry"

RUNNING WILD released a "best of" compilation, entitled "Best of Adrian", in November 2006 via G.U.N. Records. The set includes selections covering the previous nine years of the band's recording history (while they've been signed to the G.U.N. label).

RUNNING WILD's last collection of new material, "Rogues En Vogue" (2005), entered the German album charts at position No. 39. The CD was produced by RUNNING WILD mainman Rolf "Rock'n'Rolf" Kasparek and features the lineup of Kasparek (vocals, all guitars), Peter Pichl (bass) and Matthias Liebetruth (drums).

BORKNAGAR mainman Øystein G. Brun has issued the following update:

"The title of the new BORKNAGAR album will be nothing less than: 'Universal'.

"As the musical and lyrical approach of the album has shaped up during the production of the new album, the title 'Universal' is the title that shines through and mirrors the essence of the album. 'Universal' is a title that is broad enough and huge enough to project the giant character of this album, both musically and lyrically.

"The production of the new album is going as planned and the album will be mixed at Toproom studios by the end of April. We can assure you that the new album will come with a massive, energetic and vital production that few can match, by far the best production we have had so far. The album is planned to be released through Indie Recordings in September, later this year, an actual date will be issued later!"

The band announced in March 2008 that Jens Ryland (guitar) and Erik Tiwaz (a.k.a. Tyr; bass) had returned as permanent members of the band.

Jens Ryland was a longtime member of BORKNAGAR and contributed to "The Archaic Course", "Quintessence" and "Empiricism" albums before he quit in 2003 due to other priorities in life.

Erik Tiwaz joined the band in 2000 and participated on "Empiricism" as a regular member. In 2004 he quit the band due to personal reasons but contributed as a session musician to "Origin" in 2006.

Norway's MADDER MORTEM will release its new album, "Eight Ways", in Europe on May 18, and in North America on June 16 via Peaceville Records.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Formaldehyde
02. The Little Things
03. Armour
04. Resolution
05. A Different Kind Of Hell
06. Riddle Wants To Be
07. Where Dream And Day Collide
08. The Flesh, The Blood And The Man
09. Get That Monster Out Of Here
10. Life, Lust & Liberty
11. All I Know
12. The Eighth Wave

Check out the cover artwork here.

Audio samples are available at this location.

The band says, "We're also working on two music videos for the new album. The release dates and details for these will be published later."

MADDER MORTEM's last album, entitled "Desiderata", came out in March 2006 via Peaceville Records. The CD was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden and at Space Valley Studios. Mastering duties were handled at Strype Audio in Oslo.

MADDER MORTEM was previously signed to Century Media Records.

According to an article in the Japanese magazine Burrn!!, STRATOVARIUS singer Timo Kotipelto and former SONATA ARCTICA guitarist Jani Liimatainen have joined forces in a new band called CAIN'S OFFERING. The group's debut album, "Gather The Faithful", will be released in July. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "13th Disciple", "Stolen Waters", "More Than Friends" and "Morpheus In a Masquerade".

Commented Jani, "The drums [for 'Gather The Faithful'] were recorded at Drumforest Studios last November/December, the bass at Astia Studios during February, the basic guitar tracks were laid down in the beginning of March at Studio 57, and last couple of weeks we've been camping out in the woods with Timo recording the lead vocals. We still have two more songs to record, but all in all, things are going smoothly."

CAIN'S OFFERING is:

Timo Kotipelto (STRATOVARIUS, KOTIPELTO) - Vocals
Jani Liimatainen (ex-SONATA ARCTICA) - Guitar
Mikko Harkin (ex-SONATA ARCTICA) - Keyboards
Jukka Koskinen (ex-NORTHER, WINTERSUN) - Bass
Jani Hurula - Drums

More information will be made available at www.cainsoffering.com.

CIVILIZATION ONE, the band led by singer Chitral "Chity" Somapala (ex-FIREWIND, FARO, AVALON) and bassist Pierre-Emmanuel Pélisson (MALADAPTIVE, ex-HEAVENLY), is preparing to enter Pelissound Studio in France to begin recording its sophomore album for a late 2009 release. The CD will be mixed by Markus Teske (VANDEN PLAS, AMASEFFER, DOMINICI).

Commented Somapala: "It was already recorded earlier with the old band members. Due to [the lack of] interest of the old members towards the band, myself and the bassist decided to go searching for replacements with a professional attitude! I was quite disappointed but now I personally feel all happened for the best. We have killer songs and I guarantee this will be a brilliant album with versatility."

CIVILIZATION ONE in December announced the addition of British guitarist Tim Mills (ex-ICED EARTH, ELKIE BROOKS) to the group's ranks.

Victory Records has signed Los Angeles recording artist OTEP. The first release under the new alliance is OTEP's highly anticipated fourth full-length studio album, "Smash the Control Machine", due on August 18, 2009. Singer, songwriter, renegade Otep Shamaya says of the album, "The economic crisis is hitting every working family in this country. The album and its title track, 'Smash The Control Machine', will lay bare the greed and corruption that fostered this calamity, but will also focus on the undying spirit of the working class that always fights the good fight. The title is a line from a William S. Burroughs poem. It is my intention to create an album that serves every head of the hydra that is OTEP. From poetry, to politics, to shock and awe, to sex and righteousness, to standing up and fighting back. Like the mystical symbol of the Ouroboros (the sacred serpent swallowing its tail) all things will be brought back to circle."

OTEP's all-encompassing musical approach coupled with her shaman like artistic qualities and other creative musings have lead to over half a million albums sold over the course of three studio albums. Shamaya describes the band's music as "a total and complete mutiny on the senses. We are a fusion band by nature, inspired by many styles and tones from a variety of musical genres- rock, punk, metal, hip-hop, spoken word, jazz and classic rock. We never allow the antiquated limits of a genre confine or restrict us. Our music is universal and does not belong nor can it be contained in a nice, neat, little box."

OTEP was originally signed after only four shows, without a demo, strictly on the power of the band's live performance. Sharon Osbourne offered the unsigned act a spot on the 2001 Ozzfest tour, leading to three appearances on the festival.

Shamaya, is well respected for her lyrical content and dramatic live performances. She has also published two books of poetry, spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2008, is a gifted painter and Revolver magazine compared Otep to Woodie Guthrie and Zack de la Rocha (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE) for her fusing of political activism and music.

Otep had this to say about signing with Victory: "When I received the news of a possible OTEP/Victory alliance, I could swear I felt the sky tremble. This triumvirate (of myself, my manager Jack Ponti and Victory Records) is going to be a terrifying coalition for some and a righteous confederation for others. For me, this is exactly the kind of circumstance I have been waiting for. I believe my creative, intellectual and political instincts and inclinations will flourish alongside the fertile minds of Jack Ponti, Tony Brummel and the amazing staff at Victory."

Victory Records founder Tony Brummel said, "Signing an artist of OTEP's caliber, intelligence, work ethic and artistic diversity sensibly expands our diverse and formidable roster. I am personally enamored by her work and believe that she has yet to realize a fraction of her potential. More importantly, her art and music have crucial meaning in a time when people need change, hope and something to believe in. We have the tools, she has the material and together we will build a culturally formidable fortress."

Manager Jack Ponti had this to add, "It both thrills and honors me to be working with OTEP and Victory Records. In my thirty years in this business, it's always been about the proper 'marriage.' I cannot convey how excited I am about the possibilities of these daunting forces joining together in what promises to be a thunderous union."

In addition to lending her support to numerous groups and causes (some being the genocide in Darfur, women's and artists' rights, marriage equality, the war in the Congo and support of President Obama), Ms. Shamaya, an accomplished, captivating and astute technophile, has started the social networks All Shapes and Sizes and Girls Out Now. On December 21, 2008 she created a popular and highly trafficked blog entitled "I'm Not A Monster". The site was an instant success and a reliable source for current events and her latest musings. Her loyal and passionate fan base are active followers of her frequent Facebook and Twitter postings. Coupled with Victory's proprietary marketing and promotional platforms (VicTorV, VictorStream, VictoryMetal and VictorME) a truly interactive and real-time artist/fan/label fusion has been realized for selling music in 2009.

According to U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine, legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO) has begun writing his autobiography. It will "not be centered around myself so much as me telling my life story through the stories of those around me," he is quoted as saying.

Dio explained that he's fitting the writing around a hectic schedule with HEAVEN & HELL, which is scheduled to release its debut album, "The Devil You Know", later this month.

"Every time I feel I'm getting halfway there, another halfway comes along," he said. "But yes, I'm writing it and it's certainly going to be very, very interesting for people interested in the bands I've been in and the people I've played with.

"You have to have a focal point, and I guess that had to be me. It's an autobiography, but within it, I tell the stories that somehow explain a little bit what [former RAINBOW mastermind] Ritchie [Blackmore]'s like or [BLACK SABBATH's] Tony [Iommi]'s like or Geezer [Butler]'s like. I don't analyze them, but just in telling the tales I paint everyone in as good a light as possible. It's not a tell-all book."

According to Dio, anyone expecting to read about on-the-road debauchery and excesses will be disappointed. "I've tried to live my life on a very straight path,' he told Classic Rock. "I'm not Nikki Sixx [MÖTLEY CRÜE] or people who go over the edge. That's alluring to a lot of people, but I'm sure being a little bit different is alluring to some other people, too."

The as-yet-untitled book is tentatively due next year.

Long-running German death metallers RESURRECTED have completed work on their sixth album, "Fierce", at Soundlodge studios in Rhauderfehn, Germany with Jörk Uken (GOD DETHRONED, OBSCENITY). The band states, "We're overwhelmed by the result. Expect the most varied and vital RESURRECTED album so far embedded in an awesome production including some guest vocals of Christoph Mieves from GRIND INC. At the moment we're looking for a label to release the record but we'll keep you updated!"

The "Fierce" cover artwork (see below) was created by Plamen Kolev from Memories From Tomorrow. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Perverse Consecration", "Divine Masturbation" and a cover version of MORBID ANGEL's "Day Of Suffering".

America's first-ever hard rock and heavy metal music award show, the Epiphone Revolver Golden Gods Awards, was held Tuesday night (April 7) at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles.

The winners who were honored at the show were as follows:

* Most Awesomely Good Drummer: Vinnie Paul Abbott (HELLYEAH, PANTERA)
* Best Underground Metal Band: ISIS
* Metal Industry Award: Rainbow Bar & Grill
* Best Album: METALLICA
* Honorary Headbanger: Kat Von D
* Golden God: Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH)
* Best Riff: SLIPKNOT
* Most Viral Video: PROTEST THE HERO
* Most Metal Athlete: Shaun White
* Best Live Band: SLIPKNOT
* Best New Talent: SUICIDE SILENCE
* Lifetime Achievement: Ozzy Osbourne
* Best International Band: DETHKLOK
* MySpace Readers' Choice Award: THE ACACIA STRAIN
* Most Mind-Blowing Guitarist: Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King (SLAYER)
* Hottest Chick In Metal: Marta Peterson (BLEEDING THROUGH)