German progressive black metallers SECRETS OF THE MOON have finished recording new album, entitled "Privilegivm". Around 80 minutes worth of music was laid down for the effort, including the following tracks:

* Privilegivm
* Black Halo
* Marionettes
* A Million Suns
* For They Know Not
* Queen Among Rats
* Shepherd
* I Maldoror
* Sulphur Pulse

The group also recorded a cover version of a song from "a well-known band."

SECRETS OF THE MOON last year announced the addition of guitarist K.S.A. to the group's ranks. According to the band, "His skills and his exigent nature just feel right for the band and he already contributed some extremely good ideas to what will become the new album."

SUSPERIA vocalist Athera (real name: Pal Mathieson) remains under close observation at Akershus Universitetssykehus Hospital in Lørenskog, Norway following his heart attack last week. The singer has been diagnosed with a previously undetected genetic disorder that will require the replacement of three narrowed arteries and three heart valves. He will undergo a triple heart bypass operation through open heart surgery on Monday, March 16. Meanwhile, he is being kept on heavy doses of medication to keep his blood thin and his heart rate down.

Though in a serious, but stable condition, a highly spirited and medicated Athera, speaking from his hospital bed, sent the following message: "Hey everyone out there in the metal universe — friends and strangers. Thanks for all your messages of support. I'm lying here in the hospital reading them all and it's really nice to see that so many of you have taken the time to send them — it's overwhelming. I've had a big shock and it's not something I would want anyone to experience. You know, I always wanted to hit the headlines — but not in this way!!! Looks like the SUSPERIA curse has hit again, a new album and tour on the way and one of us complicates it all. But damn it we will never let anything stop us — ever!! Even if death itself comes knocking and believe me it did. I am undergoing open heart surgery this Monday to replace some broken valves and veins, and then this metal heart will beat once again. The doc(tor) says I'll be back stronger than ever. I will have to spend a long time in the hospital, but it's not that bad. You should see the nurses taking care of me. Could be worse. Looking forward to getting back up and on the road again. Sorry for the shows that I'm not going to be able to do. I will make it up to you guys. You all make me stronger, I am truly grateful."

Future plans for SUSPERIA remain mixed. However, the band has confirmed the postponement of Norwegian dates, which were set for April. Their U.K. tour in May with BREED 77 will go ahead at the insistence of Athera himself. He has urged the band not to let their U.K. fans down and to look at finding a replacement vocalist.

The release of SUSPERIA's next studio album is still set for early summer, as planned, through the band's new label, Candlelight Records. Full details will be announced shortly.

"Fading Away", the new video from Finnish symphonic power metallers CELESTY, can be viewed below. The clip was shot in an isolated quarry 100 miles from the band's hometown of Seinäjoki and was directed by Markus Nieminen of Routafilmi, who has previously helmed dozens of music videos, as well as a number of short films and feature movies.

Commented drummer Jere Luokkamäki: "It required some Sisu to shoot the video for full twelve hours in sub-zero Finnish winter. But in the end it was definitely worth all the freezing — the video came out even cooler (heh) than I thought!"

"Fading Away" comes off CELESTY's has fourth full-length album, "Vendetta", which will be released in Finland on March 18 (via Spinefarm Records) and in Japan on March 20. The CD features eleven tracks and over sixty minutes of music.

Samu Oittinen began mixing the album in early December, which proved to be a daunting task: At times there are over 300 tracks playing. The epic soundscape is reinforced by an orchestra consisting of musicians from the Tampere City Orchestra, and a professional choir. The orchestration and the choir parts were arranged and produced by the conductor Kalevi Olli, renowned for his work with the Finnish National Opera.

"Vendetta" track listing:

01. Prelude for Vendetta
02. Euphoric Dream
03. Greed & Vanity
04. Like Warriors
05. Autumn Leaves
06. Feared by Dawn
07. Lord (Of This Kingdom)
08. New Sin
09. Dark Emotions
10. Fading Away
11. Legacy of Hate Pt. 3
- Candlelight
- Shadow Land
- Chaos and Destruction (instrumental)
- Feelings
12. Gates of Tomorrow (Japanese bonus track)

"April Rain", the new video from DELAIN — the Dutch gothic rock/metal project founded by ex-WITHIN TEMPTATION keyboardist Martijn Westerholt (brother of WITHIN TEMPTATION's Robert Westerholt) — can be viewed below. The band says, "We recorded the video in Serbia and used a green screen. It turned out to be a pretty awesome video and we hope you like it."

scheduled for release in Benelux on March 20, the GAS countries, Scandinavia, France and Spain on March 27 and in Australia and Japan in early April (via Roadrunner Records). The single was also released as a limited-edition seven-inch picture disc. The CD follows DELAIN's acclaimed 2006 debut "Lucidity", which featured guest appearances by members of WITHIN TEMPTATION, NIGHTWISH and LEAVES' EYES.

"The new album is a real group effort, [and] that's what we're most proud of," says Westerholt.

DELAIN will launch the new album in Amsterdam on March 19 at a special event at the Melkweg venue. Westerholt says: "After that we'll tour Europe with KAMELOT and do multiple headline shows throughout Europe. I'd never intended DELAIN to be a real touring band… but now that we've become one, I'm definitely enjoying it to the fullest. We're looking forward to seeing our fans again real soon!"

"April Rain" track listing:

01. April Rain
02. Stay Forever
03. Invidia
04. Control The Storm
05. On The Other Side
06. Virtue And Vice
07. Go Away
08. Start Swimming
09. Lost
10. I'll Reach You
11. Nothing Left

Powerhouse American heavy metal vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) will release his first solo album, "Play My Game", in May via SPV/Steamhammer. The offering consists of around a dozen brand-new tracks that Owens composed himself or together with renowned friends, such as Bob Kulick, Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA), Mike Callahan (ex-EARSHOT) and John Comprix (BEYOND FEAR, RINGWORM).

The list of guest musicians featured on Owens' solo debut is even more spectacular:

Guitar:

Bob Kulick
Bruce Kulick (GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, ex-KISS)
Carlos Cavazo (RATT, ex-QUIET RIOT)
Craig Goldy (DIO)
Zeil Zaza
Chris Caffery (SAVATAGE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA)
Mike Callahan (ex-EARSHOT)
John Comprix (BEYOND FEAR, RINGWORM).
Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE)
Michael Wilton (QUEENSRŸCHE)
Jeff Loomis (NEVERMORE)
Steve Stevens (BILLY IDOL)

Bass:

Marco Mendoza (ex-WHITESNAKE)
Billy Sheehan (MR BIG, ex-DAVID LEE ROTH)
Dave Ellefson (ex-MEGADETH)
Rudy Sarzo (DIO, ex-OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT)
James Lomenzo (MEGADETH)
Tony Franklin (ex-BLUE MURDER)
Dennis Hayes (BEYOND FEAR)

Drums:

Simon Wright (DIO, ex-AC/DC)
Vinny Appice (HEAVEN AND HELL, BLACK SABBATH, DIO)
Ray Luzier (KORN, DAVID LEE ROTH)
Bobby Jarzombek (SEBASTIAN BACH, RIOT, HALFORD)
Brett Chassen

Fans and experts alike will love this sensational all-star lineup and may rest assured that the haunting songs will effortlessly live up to this illustrious cast of musicians: Tim "Ripper" Owens has never sounded more impressive, melodic and multi-faceted!

"I've gotten better as a songwriter," Owens explains. "And I also write songs that the fans can really get into and get their fist pounding in the air. I've always been a great fan of the BLACK SABBATH lineup featuring Ronnie James Dio, and I love JUDAS PRIEST. Both bands delivered records that are straightforward and go directly to the bloodstream — which also happens to be my compositional approach."

"Play My Game" will be released on the following dates:

Germany, Austria, Switzerland: May 15
Rest of Europe: May 18
USA, Canada: May 19

Check out the cover artwork below.

"Play My Game" track listing and individual song credits:

* 01. Starting Over

Written by: Tim Owens, Bob Kulick

Guitar - Bob Kulick
Bass - Rudy Sarzo
Drums - Simon Wright

* 02. Believe

Written by: Tim Owens

Guitar - John Comprix
Bass - Rudy Sarzo
Drums - Simon Wright
Lead Guitar - Craig Goldy

* 03. The Cover Up

Written by: Tim Owens

Guitar - John Comprix
Bass - James Lomenzo
Drums - Brett Chassen
Lead Guitar - Jeff Loomis

* 04. Pick Yourself Up

Written by: Tim Owens, Mike Callahan

Guitar - Mike Callahan/Bob Kulick
Bass - Dennis Hayes
Drums - Ray Luzier
Lead Guitar - Steve Stevens

* 05. It Is Me

Written by: Tim Owens

Guitar - John Comprix
Bass - Rudy Sarzo
Drums - Simon Wright
Lead Guitar - Carlos Cavazo

* 06. No Good Goodbyes

Written by: Tim Owens, Bob Kulick, Brett Chassen

Guitar - Bob Kulick
Bass - Billy Sheehan
Drums - Brett Chassen
Lead Guitar - Bruce Kulick

* 07. The World Is Blind

Written by: Tim Owens

Guitar - John Comprix
Bass - Billy Sheehan
Drums - Simon Wright
Lead Guitar - Doug Aldrich

* 08. To Live Again

Written by: Tim Owens

Guitar - Michael Wilton/Bob Kulick
Bass - David Ellefson
Drums - Simon Wright
Lead Guitar - Michael Wilton

* 09. The Light

Written by: Tim Owens, Bob Kulick

Guitar - Bob Kulick
Bass - Tony Franklin
Drums - Bobby Jarzombek

* 10. Play My Game

Written by: Tim Owens, John Comprix

Guitar - John Comprix
Bass - Rudy Sarzo
Drums - Simon Wright
Lead Guitar - Neil Zaza

* 11. Death Race

Written by: Tim Owens, John Comprix

Guitar - John Comprix
Bass - James Lomenzo
Drums - Brett Chassen

* 12. The Shadows Are Alive

Written by: Tim Owens, Chris Caffery

Guitar - Chris Caffery
Bass - Marco Mendoza
Drums - Simon Wright

* 13. A Challenge (bonus track; iTunes exclusive)

Written by: Tim Owens, Bob Kulick

Guitar - Bob Kulick
Bass - Rudy Sarzo
Drums - Vinny Appice

Italian band TRICK OR TREAT's new album, "Tin Soldiers" — featuring a guest appearance on two songs ("Hello Moon" and "Tears Against Your Smile") by former HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske — will be released in Japan on April 22 through King Records. Also making an appearance on the CD is Michele Luppi (ex-VISION DIVINE), who can be heard on "Take Your Chance".

Check out the "Tin Soldiers" cover artwork below.

TRICK OR TREAT consists of Alessandro Conti (vocals), Luca Cabri (guitar), Guido Benedetti (guitar), Leone Villani Conti (bass) and Mirko Virdis (drums).

"Tin Soldiers" track listing:

01. A Night In The Toyshop (intro)
02. Paper Dragon
03. Take Your Chance
04. Freedom
05. Hello Moon
06. Elevator To The Sky
07. Loser Song
08. Tears Against Your Smile
09. Final Destination
10. Tin Soldiers Pt. 1 (instrumental)
11. Tin Soldiers Pt. 2

Finnish dark metallers AMORPHIS will release a new single, "Silver Bride", in Finland on April 22. The track comes off the band's new album, "Skyforger", which is scheduled for release on May 29 via Nuclear Blast Records (May 27 in Finland). The follow-up to the "Eclipse" and "Silent Waters" LPs, both of which were certified gold in the band's native Finland, was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Sampo
02. Silver Bride
03. From The Heaven Of My Heart
04. Sky Is Mine
05. Majestic Beast
06. My Sun
07. Highest Star
08. Skyforger
09. Course Of Fate
10. From Earth I Rose
11. Godlike Machine (bonus track; digipack only)

British gothic metal pioneers PARADISE LOST have enlisted Adrian Erlandsson (CRADLE OF FILTH, THE HAUNTED, AT THE GATES) as their new full-time drummer.

Guitarist Greg Mackintosh comments: "Adrian has been a friend and acquaintance for some time. After calling me to see if the drumming position was still vacant, we quickly arranged for an audition right before entering the studio to record our new album. We knew immediately that he was the man for the job. Playing the songs with him felt very natural. He is the same age as us and from a similar musical background. Unfortunately, it was too short notice to play on the new album, but everything we do from now on will have Adrian involved. We look forward to rehearsing with him when we leave the studio and to doing our first show with him in Norway on April 10th (Inferno Festival)."

Adrian Erlandsson adds: "PARADISE LOST has been one of my favourite bands since I first heard them in 1990. When my fellow BRUJERIA member Jeff Walker told me that PL were looking for a drummer, I got in contact with Greg straight away. After a few chats and e-mails, I was on my way to the audition. I had learnt 10 songs out of their last setlist, but after playing only four songs, Nick [Holmes, vocals] said, 'The job is yours if you want it.' Great success!! I look forward to growing even older with the lads and rocking hard with them live!!"

Swedish newspaper Nerikes Allehanda has released a five-minute video report (see below) from the Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden where PARADISE LOST is recording its new album with producer Jens Bogren. Due in late 2009 via Century Media Records, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2007's "In Requiem" will feature around 10 tracks, including "First Light", "As Horizons End", "Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us", "Frailty" and "My Last Regret".

Commented vocalist Nick Holmes: "We are very happy with [producer] Rhys Fulber's work on the last album ['In Requiem'], but after working on three albums together, we decided it was time to go for a different approach. After hearing the work he did with our 'Anatomy Of Melancholy' live DVD, we decided that Jens Bogren was the man for the job."

He continued, "Our approach this time has leaned even more towards the heavier side of things, even more so than the last. It is vital not to lose touch with our musical trip over the last 20 years. Our music may have had different facelifts, but it has always been 'dark' and the new album will be no exception. Musically and lyrically.

"Writing a new album is always exciting; we never get bored of writing music, and for me, it is the best part of being in a band. Each album is like a challenge to better ourselves, or at the very least, do something that's different to everyone else. We strive to make the ultimate modern gothic metal album, and for me that has nothing to do with the common trend of 'romance' and 'roses.' It should be music to be murdered by."

In 2008, PARADISE LOST celebrated its 20th anniversary and to properly commemorate this event performed several special anniversary shows with fellow British doom/goth pioneers MY DYING BRIDE and ANATHEMA. The band also released the stunning "The Anatomy Of Melancholy" live DVD/live album via Century Media Records last year.

METAL CHURCH vocalist Ronny Munroe's cover version of the RAINBOW classic "Man On A Silver Mountain" is available for streaming at this location. The song is expected to appear on the singer's first solo album, "The Fire Within", which is tentatively due this spring via Rat Pak Records.

Munroe previously stated about the upcoming CD, "'The Fire Within' will undoubtedly be my best work to date and I look forward to sharing it with you all."

Several demo tracks which are expected to appear on the album are available for streaming on Munroe's MySpace page.

During an appearance on the March 6 edition of "The Jim Rome Show" (one of the nation's premiere sports radio talk shows), DOWN/ex-PANTERA bassist Rex Brown confirmed that a PANTERA box set is in the works. According to Rex, the set will consist of much more than a simple repackaging of the existing CDs.

PANTERA's career overview CD, "The Best of Pantera: Far Beyond the Great Southern Cowboys' Vulgar Hits!" (Elektra/Rhino), was certified platinum on January 13, 2006 by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments in excess of one million copies in the U.S. The band's classic "Vulgar Display of Power" (Elektra) album was certified double-platinum in 2004, signifying shipments of more than 2,000,000 units in the U.S. since its February 25, 1992 release.

Rhino Video in April 2006 released PANTERA's "3 Vulgar Videos From Hell" — a three-DVD set featuring all the band's videos as well as live footage shot during the Monsters of Rock gig in Moscow. Originally released on DVD in 1999, this version features the same content with improved menus and all-new Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. In fact, it is the first PANTERA release ever in 5.1 Surround Sound. It features: "Cowboys From Hell The Videos", "Vulgar Video", "3 Watch It Go", and "Pantera Live From Monsters of Rock In Moscow".

Dimebag Darrell was co-founder and lead guitarist for PANTERA. When PANTERA broke up in 2003, Dimebag and his brother Vinnie Paul formed DAMAGEPLAN. On Dec. 8, 2004, while performing with DAMAGEPLAN at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag was shot and killed onstage by Nathan Gale. He was 38 years old.

THE CLEANSING, the new Danish band featuring former members of USIPIAN, will release its debut album, "Poisoned Legacy", on June 9 — one month later than the previously announced May 4 — via Deepsend Records. Check out the cover artwork below.

"Poisoned Legacy" was produced by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, ABORTED, DAWN OF DEMISE, VOLBEAT) and is described in a press release as "an album of highest quality destined to be a favorite of fans of MORBID ANGEL, IMMOLATION, DAWN OF DEMISE or VADER."

The projected track listing for the album is as follows:

01. Architechtural Infinity
02. Flesh Recycled
03. Ghost Lights
04. Insects in the Void
05. Harnessed by the Shadows
06. The Prodigal Son
07. Deliverance
08. The Domino of Phantom Effects
09. Derelict
10. Awoken at Gunpoint

KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons has told RollingStone.com that the band's first studio album in more than a decade will include songs "about the obvious things, citing titles such as "Rotten To The Core". "No secret to life, no political messaging, nothing like that," he says of the lyrics.

Simmons confirmed KISS' first album since 1998's "Psycho Circus" will be produced by singer/guitarist Paul Stanley. "I don't have enough time to tie my shoelaces and there's nobody else I trust more than Paul," says Simmons.

Regarding the sound of the new material, Simmons says, "There's nothing to prove to anybody. We're not interested in musical trends or anything else. We're too long in the tooth for that. So it's going to be sort of a classic '70s rock and roll vibe. Meat and potatoes. You know, sometimes you just want to go out and have a meat and potatoes thing [and] forget the French dressing."

Holland's fusion metal act EXIVIOUS, whcih features members of legendary U.S. prog band CYNIC and Dutch metallers TEXTURES, will release its self-titled debut album on May 11 through the EXIVIOUS web site and MySpace page. The LP will be made available in a limited edition of 1,000 numbered copies, each copy bundled with its own unique artwork. Album number 1 to 10 will be sold through eBay auction starting May 1 and ending on May 10. This first batch of albums will be bundled with two guitar picks and a drum stick, all signed by the band.

"Exivious" track listing:

01. Ripple Of A Tear
02. Time And Its Changes
03. Asurim
04. All That Surrounds Pt. 1
05. Waves Of Thought
06. The Path
07. All That Surrounds Pt. 2
08. Embrace The Unknown (feat. Paul Masvidal of CYNIC)
09. An Elusive Need

With a jazz fusion backbone, EXIVIOUS uses freaky metal riffs to decorate their organic eruption of free improvisations and complex rhythms. Guitarist Tymon comments: "We finally managed to transform a vision I had a long time ago into nine intense and fiery songs. There's an immense amount of information in there that will definitely take more than one spin in your CD player to comprehend!"

EXIVIOUS is:

Tymon (CYNIC) - Guitar
Michel Nienhuis (ex-SENGAIA) - Guitar
Robin Zielhorst (CYNIC, ex-BLUE MAN GROUP) - Bass
Stef Broks (TEXTURES) - Drums

Spanish death/black metallers NOCTEM will release their debut album, "Divinity", via Austria's NoiseHead Records on the following dates:

Europe: April 20
USA: May 20

The CD will feature guest appearances by Christos Antoniou (SEPTICFLESH, CHAOSTAR) and Leal (FOREVER SLAVE). It will contain 11 tracks based on the story of the disappearance of Atlantis "from a dark and subjective point of view, speaking about its blood's desire in the battle, the darkest rituals for reaching the immortality or its society based in a polytheistic theocracy with longings of glory," according to a press release.

"Divinity" track listing:

01. Atlas Death
02. In The Path Of Heleim
03. Realms In Decay
04. The Sanctuary
05. The Call Of Oricalco's Horn
06. Across Heracles Towards
07. In The Aeons Of Time
08. Necropolis Of Esthar's Ruins
09. Divinity
10. Religious Plagues
11. Under Seas Of Silence

Dayton, Ohio Christian metalcore band THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA has posted a new song, "Dez Moines", on its MySpace page. The track comes off the group's new album, "With Roots Above and Branches Below", which is scheduled for release on May 5 via Ferret Music.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA has just launched a headlining tour with A DAY TO REMEMBER, SKYEATSAIRPLANE, and EMAROSA. On the trek, the band is offering an exclusive pre-order incentive that is only available at the shows. Upon purchase of the new record, the buyer will receive a download card at the concert which allows him/her to download two songs off the forthcoming album.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA has been riding high over the last couple of years with the band's msot recent album, "Plagues" (Rise Records, 2007), which was reissued in late 2008 in a "deluxe" version featuring a DVD with two hours of footage shot during the band's 2008 spring tour and the Warped Tour.

According to Queen Online, there will be a limited-edition re-release of QUEEN's first EP on CD to celebrate this year's Record Store Day. Hollywood Records has set an April 14 release date for the EP, only 3,000 numbered units of which will be produced. The EP will only to be available in the participating traditional record stores.

The tracklisting for the original QUEEN EP was as follows:

U.K. Issue:

01. Good Old Fashioned Loverboy
02. Death On Two Legs
03. Tenement Funster (single version)
04. White Queen

Japanese Issue:

01. Good Old Fashioned Loverboy
02. Death On Two Legs
03. Tenement Funster (3" CD version)
04. White Queen

Finnish industrial death/thrash metal act SCORNGRAIN has entered the studio to begin recording its third album for a late 2009 release via Dynamic Arts Records. The recording/mixing sessions will last throughout the spring, with the CD slated to be completed by the end of April.

Commented guitarist Dr. Mike: "There's nine tracks ready and we are very excited to do the album. Most of the recordings are done by ourselves without an external help. Just drums and final mixing is planned to do in studio with sound engineer Rane Paananen. Actually, it feels a bit strange we didn't come up with this solution before since there's so much experience on engineering the sound within the band. Working this way feels much more relaxed and we are able to polish some parts right 'till the end. We hope that everything will go fine and the result gratifies everyone of us."

SCORNGRAIN's second full-length album, "0,05%", was released in Finland in October 2006 via Dynamic Arts.

A one-minute teaser for "Sehnsucht", the new album from Swiss gothic metallers LACRIMOSA, is available on the band's MySpace page.

"Sehnsucht" is scheduled for release on May 8 via Hall Of Sermon.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Die Sehnsucht In Mir
02. Mandira Nabula
03. A.U.S.
04. Feuer
05. A Prayer For Your Heart
06. I Lost My Star In Krasnodar
07. Die Taube
08. Call Me With The Voice Of Love
09. Der Tote Winkel
10. Koma

Commented the band: "Four years ago, we released 'Lichtgestalt', our latest studio album, followed by our 18-month tour across the globe where we had so many engraving and unforgettable moments with our audience, from Berlin to Moscow and from Peking to Buenos Aires. A lot of these impressions were featured in the concert movie 'Lichtjahre'. After all, these people, their emotions and fascination for our music, left their marks which led to a strong relation with them and became an exciting source of inspiration for us. Therefore we are delighted, that on May 8 we will release our new studio album, whose musical and emotional content is centered in one word, which, in the diversity of the individual perception, always stays unequivocal in its basis and therefore represents the perfect title for this album: 'Sehnsucht' (= Yearning)."

Finnish melodic metallers STRATOVARIUS have revealed the final track listing for their new album, "Polaris", which is scheduled for release on May 21. The CD — the group's first since the departure of guitar player and main composer Timo Tolkki — will be made available 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
02. Falling Star
03. King of Nothing
04. Blind
05. Winter Skies
06. Forever Is Today
07. Higher We Go
08. Somehow Precious
09. Emancipation suite: I Dusk
10. Emancipation suite: II Dawn
11. When Mountains Fall


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

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

Israel's progressive folk metal masters ORPHANED LAND are currently recording the highly anticipated follow-up to 2004's "Mabool". "ORwarriOr" will be mixed by legendary musician/producer Steven Wilson (PORCUPINE TREE, OPETH) and is tentatively due in the fall via Century Media Records.

Commented vocalist Kobi Farhi: "The album is going to be more than 70 minutes long, and, as usual, many traditional instruments and languages will be involved in the process. In my opinion, this is the best ORPHANED LAND album ever! We can't wait for you to put your hands on it and we look forward to tour and meet you all on the road!"

You can read ORPHANED LAND's regularly updated studio diary at this location.

Steven Wilson added: "Finally! I am very happy and look forward to mix ORPHANED LAND's new album. I'm sure this will be one of the greatest and most original albums in the metal scene!"

Legendary rockers NEW YORK DOLLS will release their new album, "Cause I Sez So", on May 5 via the Atco label (which has been specially re-launched) through Warner Brothers.

Check out the CD artwork below.

After working together on the NEW YORK DOLLS' influential debut in 1973, the group reunited this winter with producer Todd Rundgren to record the new LP at Rundgren's studio on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.

"Cause I Sez So" features 11 original compositions and a new version of "Trash", which was on the band's 1973 debut album. "It was amazing working with Todd again, and I think we were able to evoke the special sound of our first album and drag it by the hair into the present," says frontman David Johansen.

Prior to the album's release, the NEW YORK DOLLS — David Johansen (vocals); Sylvain Sylvain (guitar); Steve Conte (guitar); Brian Delaney (drums); and Sami Yaffa (bass) — will appear at the South By Southwest (SXSW) music conference and festival in Austin, Texas.

The NEW YORK DOLLS swaggered onto the New York music scene in the early '70s, influencing a generation with its subversive mix of high-decibel rock and high-heeled androgyny. The original band recorded a pair of milestone records — "New York Dolls" (1973) and "Too Much Too Soon" (1974) — before breaking up in 1977. The surviving members reformed the group in 2004 to much acclaim, but soon lost bassist Arthur Kane to leukemia. Two years later, Johansen and Sylvain reunited again to record the NEW YORK DOLLS' third studio album, "One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This".

"Cause I Sez So" track listing:

01. Cause I Sez So
02. Muddy Bones
03. Better Than
04. Lonely So Long
05. My World
06. Ridiculous
07. Temptation To Exist
08. Making Rain
09. Drowning
10. Nobody Got No Bizness
11. Trash
12. Exorcism Of Despair

According to a posting on the DEEP PURPLE fan site The Highway Star, seven reels of silent 8mm footage filmed at PURPLE's famous August 1972 Japanese concerts have been found. Rumors of such film have persisted for years, and now their existence has been verified. Audio recordings of these three concerts formed the basis of the "Made In Japan" album released in 1973 and the "Live In Japan" three-CD released in 1993.

The good news is that a 90-second portion of "Highway Star" from the silent film has been synced to audio and will be included on the upcoming "History, Hits & Highlights" two-DVD set, to be released on June 1 2009. The bad news is that the rest of the 26-minute film is made up of many short excerpts from different songs, and for that reason will not make it onto the "History, Hits & Highlights" DVD. Later, it is hoped that a "Made In Japan" documentary DVD featuring the full film can be put together and styled after the "Classic Albums" series.

Reunited seminal grindcore/extreme metal outfit BRUTAL TRUTH has posted another preview track from its brand-new album and first full-length in 10 years, "Evolution Through Revolution". "Sugar Daddy" can be heard now via the band's MySpace page.

"Evolution Through Revolution" is scheduled for an April 14 North American release (April 20 internationally) via Relapse Records. The CD was recorded at Watchman Studios in Lockport, New York with engineer Doug White (PSYOPUS). Other songtitles set to appear on the album include "Sugardaddy", "Get A Therapist… Spare The World", "Detached", "Global Good Guy", "Lifer", "Bob Dylan Wrote Propaganda Songs", and "Grind Fidelity".

BRUTAL TRUTH bassist Danny Lilker commented: "BRUTAL TRUTH has worked our asses off to write and arrange some of the sickest, most inhuman grindcore ever created. With Jason PC from BLOOD DUSTER handling the mix, we're positive that the music and production on 'Evolution Through Revolution' will satisfy the cravings of the sickest bastards out there."

Drummer Richard Hoak added: "I think 'Evolution Through Revolution' is the best BRUTAL TRUTH record by far! We are all totally psyched about the songs and the production and can't wait to start bringing our grinding soundtrack to the end of history live and direct to the people! Hell yeah!"

THE BLACK LEAGUE, the Finnish band featuring former SENTENCED frontman Taneli Jarva, will release its fifth album, "Ghost Brothel", on April 15 through the newly established Brainbomber Records (via Edel).

"Ghost Brothel" has been in the works for the last three years — two years in the studio, no less — morphing and twisting beyond belief as the LEAGUE navigated once again to unchartered territories with the lead of producer extraordinaire Hannu Leidén. What was originally conceived as a straight-forward follow-up to their 2005 rocker "A Place Called Bad" turned out as the band's most complex and challenging work since their debut "Ichor" (2000).

"Ghost Brothel" track listing:

01. Zero Providence (Intro)
02. Southern Scars & Curse
03. Malabarista
04. Bones 'N' Thangs
05. Misfortune
06. The Beast Is A Riddle
07. Bipolar Meltdown
08. No Parole
09. Ghost Brothel
10. Until We Sail
11. Vin Mariani
12. Joke's Over
13. Heavy Downer

Finnish female-fronted symphonic metallers AMBERIAN DAWN have set "The Clouds of Northland Thunder" as the title of their second album, tentatively due late spring/early summer.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. He Sleeps in a Grove (3:20)
02. Incubus (5:03)
03. Kokko - Eagle of Fire (3.17)
04. Willow of Tears (4:10)
05. Shallow Waters (3:38)
06. Lost Soul (3:43)
07. Sons of Seven Stars (3.43)
08. Saga (4:06)
09. Snowmaiden (3:45)
10. Lionheart (3:43)
11. Morning Star (4:36)
12. Birth of the Harp (4:06)

Dutch rock outfit THE GATHERING will release its long-awaited new album, "The West Pole", on May 4 via the band's own label, Psychonaut Records. More information is available on THE GATHERING's official webshop.

"The West Pole" will mark the recording debut of THE GATHERING's new singer, Silje Wergeland from the Norwegian band OCTAVIA SPERATI. Drummer Hans Rutten says, "Silje has been the singer of OCTAVIA SPERATI for eight years, including several other projects. She did a superb job [on 'The West Pole']. This album also includes two very talented guest singers: the Dutch Anne van den Hoogen and Mexican Marcela Bovio (from STREAM OF PASSION), and some other guest musicians."

Hans continued, "What can we say about 'The West Pole'? It's a very vital, atmospheric and extravert rock orientated album, with all the quality and power THE GATHERING is so famous for, also with many new elements. The sound is guitar driven, alive and urgent; a strong and beautifully coloured album with haunting female vocals. It's produced by guitar player René Rutten and mixed and mastered by Zlaya Hadzich (who also did the production of 'Souvenirs') and René."

"The West Pole" track listing:

01. When Trust Becomes Sound
02. Treasure
03. All You Are
04. You Promised Me A Symphony
05. The West Pole
06. Capital Of Nowhere
07. No Bird Call
08. Pale Traces
09. No One Spoke
10. Constant Run

The songs "All You Are", "Treasure" and "The West Pole" are available for streaming on THE GATHERING's MySpace page.