According to U.K.'s Daily Mail, LED ZEPPELIN's Robert Plant has topped a poll of the greatest voices in rock organized by digital radio station Planet Rock. QUEEN's Freddie Mercury came second, Paul Rodgers of FREE came next while THE WHO frontman Roger Daltrey came fifth.

The only female voice on the list was that of Janis Joplin.

"The Greatest Voice in Rock Top 40" was compiled by the station's DJs, presenters and listeners, plus musicians, rock critics and experts such as Tony Iommi from BLACK SABBATH, Phil Manzanera from ROXY MUSIC, Ian Anderson from YES and LED ZEPPELIN biographer Mick Wall.

Planet Rock Programming Director Trevor White said: "It's great to see Britain has produced the top three greatest rock vocalists of all time."

The "Top 40 Greatest Voices in Rock," according to Planet Rock:

01. Robert Plant (LED ZEPPELIN)
02. Freddie Mercury (QUEEN)
03. Paul Rodgers (FREE, BAD COMPANY)
04. Ian Gillan (DEEP PURPLE)
05. Roger Daltrey (THE WHO)
06. David Coverdale (WHITESNAKE)
07. Axl Rose (GUNS N' ROSES)
08. Bruce Dickinson (IRON MAIDEN)
09. Mick Jagger (THE ROLLING STONES)
10. Bon Scott (AC/DC)
11. David Bowie
12. Jon Bon Jovi (BON JOVI)
13. Steven Tyler (AEROSMITH)
14. Jon Anderson (YES)
15. Bruce Springsteen
16. Joe Cocker
17. Ozzy Osbourne
18. Bono (U2)
19. Peter Gabriel
20. James Hetfield (METALLICA)
21. Janis Joplin
22. Chris Cornell (AUDIOSLAVE / SOUNDGARDEN)
23. Roger Chapman (FAMILY)
24. Phil Lynott (THIN LIZZY)
25. Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE)
26. Steve Perry (JOURNEY)
27. Jim Morrison (THE DOORS)
28. Alex Harvey (THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND)
29. Rob Halford (JUDAS PRIEST)
30. Ronnie James Dio (DIO)
31. Sammy Hagar (VAN HALEN)
32. Meat Loaf
33. Alice Cooper
34. Geddy Lee (RUSH)
35. Brian Johnson (AC/DC)
36. David Gilmour (PINK FLOYD)
37. Fish (MARILLION)
38. Dave Lee Roth (VAN HALEN)
39. Biff Byford (SAXON)
40. Neil Young

AVA INFERI, the Portugal-based band whose lineup includes guitarist Rune Eriksen (a.k.a. ex-MAYHEM guitarist/songwriter Blasphemer), entered the studio in November to begin recording its third album, "Blood Of Bacchus", for a 2009 release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Fireflies", "A Witch She Was, The Witch I Am", "Lights", "Last Sign of Summer" and "All the Colours of the Dark".

Commented Rune Eriksen: "The studio session is done and finito. Out of our efforts came nine powerful and sad hymns, all showcasing AVA INFERI's refusal to stagnate and go the easy and throdden path of repetition.

"Allthough the final mix isn't done yet (I will head off to Norway in mid-January to do the finishing touches), we can see/hear the contours of something we are very, very proud of. And believe me, I can't wait for the worldwide release (sometime mid-April, I should think) and getting feedbacks from friends and followers abroad. Believe me, it was a hard nut to crack this one, and the trail of dramatic events occured while recording puts a strong singular 'flavour' to this album (we even managed two unexpected headlines in the local newspaper during our stay). But we sincerely hope/believe that there is bright things coming out of all this. It is a pure album, shining love for true and soulful musick.

"We are especially happy with the sound this time around, and I believe it sounds way heavier than our two previous albums, and also more 'metal,' as I'm sure some will utter. This goes for the actual songs as well, not just the sound.
"But despair not, there are enough tristesse and serenity to provoce the most saddened thoughts on here as well. We are not changing, merely evolving!

"I would also like to thank our guests on this album, for taking their time and showcasing good will: Kristoffer Rygg (ULVER), Live Kostöl (PANTHEON I), Fredrik Söderlind (PUISSENCE) and the amazing piano talent Arne Martinussen. You all gave the album a touch of warmth!

"To end this short update I have some bad news regarding our scheduled appearance at the Algarve em Chamas VII Festival taking place the 30th of January 2009 [n Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal]. Due to our mixing schedule we are sorry to announce our cancellation. We certainly hope for a re-scheduled date later in the New Year."

AVA INFERI last year released the video for the opening track of the group's second full-length album, "The Silhouette". The "A Dança das Ondas" clip was masterminded and directed by Rui Veiga who has previously worked with Robert Trujillo (METALLICA), among others.

The concert included appearances by such renowned hard rock and heavy metal artists as Doro Pesch, Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT), Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X), Mats Levén (THERION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN), Johan Edlund (TIAMAT), Ian Parry (CONSORTIUM PROJECT, ELEGY), Marcela Bovio (STREAM OF PASSION, AYREON), Floor Jansen (AFTER FOREVER) and George Oosthoek (ORPHANAGE). They were backed by a six-piece band and a 30-piece classical orchestra as they performed the finest metal songs of all time. This unique show contained songs from all metal genres — from prog-metal to rock, from death to speed and from industrial to symphonic.

The backing band consisted of the following musicians:

Koen Herfst (EPICA) - Drums
Marcel Coenen (SUN CAGED) - Guitar
Johan Van Stratum (STREAM OF PASSION) - Bass
Frank Schiphorst (CONTROL HUMAN DELETE) - Guitar
Jeffrey Revet (STREAM OF PASSION) - Keyboards
Joost van den Broek (AFTER FOREVER) – Keyboards

The complete setlist was as follows:

01. Blood Of Kingu (THERION) (feat. Mats Levén, Marcela Bovio)
02. Victim Of Changes (JUDAS PRIEST) (feat. Mats Levén)
03. Son Of The Staves Of Time (THERION) (feat. Mats Levén, Marcela Bovio)
04. Passion (STREAM OF PASSION) (feat. Marcela Bovio)
05. Out In The Real World (STREAM OF PASSION) (feat. Marcela Bovio)
06. Enter Sandman (METALLICA) (feat. Ian Parry)
07. Paranoid (BLACK SABBATH) (feat. Ian Parry)
08. Breaking The Law (JUDAS PRIEST) (feat. Doro Pesch, Ian Parry)
09. All We Are (DORO) (feat. Doro Pesch, Floor Jansen)
10. I Rule The Ruins (DORO) (feat. Doro)
11. Souls Of Black (TESTAMENT) (feat. Chuck Billy)
12. Return To Serenity (TESTAMENT) (feat. Chuck Billy, Mats Levén)
13. More Than Meets The Eye (TESTAMENT) (feat. Chuck Billy, George Oosthoek)
14. Arise (SEPULTURA) (feat. George Oosthoek)
15. Mountains Of Madness (ORPHANAGE) (feat. George Oosthoek, Floor Jansen)
16. A New Level (PANTERA) (feat. George Oosthoek)
17. Cain (TIAMAT) (feat. Johan Edlund)
18. Brighter Than The Sun (TIAMAT) (feat. Johan Edlund, Marcela Bovio)
19. When The Smoke Is Going Down (SCORPIONS) (feat. Johan Edlund)
20. My Pledge Of Allegiance No. 1 (AFTER FOREVER) (feat. George Oosthoek, Floor Jansen)
21. Equally Destructive (AFTER FOREVER) (feat. Floor Jansen)
22. The Evil That Man Do (IRON MAIDEN) (feat. Floor Jansen)
23. Intro Based on "The Odyssey" (SYMPHONY X) (orchestra only)
24. Evolution (The Grand Design) (SYMPHONY X) (feat. Russell Allen)
25. Paradise Lost (SYMPHONY X) (feat. Russell Allen)
26. Dawn Of A Million Souls (AYREON) (feat. Russell Allen)
27. Phantom Of The Opera (NIGHTWISH version) (feat. Russell Allen, Floor Jansen)

Drummer Marcus Losbjer of the Swedish progressive metal band WOLVERINE has issued the following update:

"I'm looking forward to FINALLY record the new album, after more than three (!) years of writing in a limbo! The absence of inspiration have been really severe this time. This album have been a struggle to write, by far the most difficult album to puzzle together out of all the WOLVERINE albums. It's the complete opposite to the last album ('Still') that was a dream to write. It was fast and actually quite easy!

"As you may have read on forums, MySpace and so on, we've had more difficulties to deal with this year than just the minor problems concerning the band. The heart problems with Stefan's [Zell, vocals] daughter has maybe been the toughest. A reminder of how fragile we are! Everything has been mixed into a big melting pot, just ready to explode! Thankfully, it didn't.

"After the ProgPower Europe gigs in October, we found a little spark to lighten the inspiration again. This time I hope it will never go as ice cold as it has been!"

Check out new photos from the rehearsal studio at this location.

German metallers MOB RULES have issued the following update:

"The band continues to work on the new (already sixth) album. No album title is confirmed yet, but a 'hint' to the previous album 'Ethnolution A.D.' is likely... The main part of songs is already composed, also the band has started to record the first songs in the studio. This time MOB RULES members work in legs to secure the best result possible. Beside the known MOB RULES qualities, the new album will hold some surprises and unexpected things in store. One secret can be revealed here now: the six Northern Germans have written the longest song of their career so far and will amaze you with a real melodic metal pamphlet that lyrically deals with a very exciting up-to-date subject.

"For 2009 we have the first shows confirmed now. Also we are working to realise some very interesting tour constellations. Details to follow soon."

MOB RULES' latest album, "Ethnolution A.D.", was released in Europe in October 2006. Produced once again by Markus Teske (VANDEN PLAS, SPOCK'S BEARD, OASIS), "Ethnolution A.D." marks the recording debut with the group of guitarist Sven Lüdke (ex-MURDER ONE) and bassist Markus Brinkmann.

Italian alternative/industrial rockers DOPE STARS INC. have signed deals with Trisol Music Group for Europe, Metropolis Records in USA/Canada and Subsound Records for Italy for the release of their third CD in each territory. The band says, "This means our new album will be supported by more than one label helping us to spread the name and music of DOPE STARS INC. worldwide and also giving us the opportunity of an intense album production in studio. This will open also more opportunites for us to set up an international tour. We will be touring intensively after the release of the album that is scheduled for this spring (April/May), If you are a promoter interested in booking a show for the upcoming tour please write to booking@dopestarsinc.com or. If you are a fan and want us to come and play at your city please request us on eventful.com."

DOPE STARS INC.'s latest CD, "Gigahearts", was released in November 2006. The CD was produced by Victor Love and includes "11 tracks to kick your ass very bad but also to satisfy your desire of melodies and electronic exploration," according to a posting on the group's web site.

Long-running Birmingham, U.K.-based extreme metallers BENEDICTION have issued the following update:

"We are going to be releasing a very limited seven-inch vinyl single for a friend on his small independent label. If any of you budding artists fancy a go at designing a cover for this, then feel free to have a go and submit your art to us via MySpace and we'll take it from there. White on black or black on white only please (just like those old DIY singles you used to get in the '80s). The track is called 'Hell's Gate'. You can take the title literally or if you have any other ideas for artwork then feel free to go for it. It does not literally have to be pencil/brush to paper/canvas, art is art be it collage, printing, photos, modelling, fucking anything!"

Dutch hard rockers VENGEANCE will take part in a CD-release party for their new album, "Soul Collector", on January 30 at Perron 55 in Venlo, Holland. Support at the show will come from SUN CAGED.

"Soul Collector" will be released on January 23, 2009 via Metal Heaven. Produced by Michael Voss (MAD MAX, BONFIRE), the CD features the following track listing:

01. Cross In The Rain
02. Wait Until The Sun Goes Down
03. Soul Collector
04. Samurai
05. What The Hell Is Going On
06. Myspace Freak
07. I Never Felt That Way Before
08. Dance Dance Dance
09. Rock And Roll Band
10. So Many Times
11. Lean On Me

NightOfTheVinylDead.com has released 350 limited-edition hand-numbered copies of the "Gorespattered Suicide" album from veteran Spanish death metallers AVULSED on bloodred vinyl.

AVULSED's fourth full-length effort, "Gorespattered Suicide" was recorded in Madrid, Spain at VRS Studios and the masters were sent to Erik Rutan (HATE ETERNAL, ex-MORBID ANGEL) who mixed and mastered the LP at his own Mana Recording studios in Florida. This album was issued in January 2005 via Metal Age Productions.

For more information, go to this location.

AVULSED recently finished recording a brand new track entitled "Breaking Hymens" which was included on the ten-CD mega-compilation box set devoted exclusively to Spanish extreme metal bands. The compilation includes over 150 bands and was released in November through Xtreem Music. The song is an exclusive recording for this compilation although it was re-recorded for AVULSED's upcoming fifth album.

A rough pre-mixed and unmastered version of "Breaking Hymens" is available for streaming at the band's MySpace page.

AVULSED's new album, "Nullo (The Pleasure Of Self-Mutilation)", was recorded this past fall and is scheduled for release early next year via Metal Age Productions. Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "She's Hot Tonight (In My Oven)" and "Chestblood". According to the group, "the style of the new compositions follow the band's trademarked style brutal and heavy yet catchy and somewhat melodic death metal with an even heavier sound this time." The LP's artwork, which is said to be "one of the most bizarre, disturbing and blasphemous covers" the band has ever had, was created by American artist Mike Hrubovcak, who has previously worked with GRAVE, MONSTROSITY, CATTLE DECAPITATION, MORTICIAN and XXX MANIAK, among others.

Massachusetts-based metallers HELL WITHIN have issued the following update:

"Our bass player Jason is no longer performing with HELL WITHIN and we are now in the market for a new bass player. Anyone interested in auditioning for the position, e-mail djay310@yahoo.com."

Requirements:

* Must be over 21 years of age
* Must have pro gear
* Must have prior band experience
* Must be able to rehearse three times a week
* Must be able to tour
* Must be able to figure songs out by ear (HELL WITHIN does not use tab!)

HELL WITHIN last year parted ways singer Matt McChesney, who left to front Daytona Beach, Florida's THE AUTUMN OFFERING. The group has since found a replacement vocalist in the shape of J.J. Long.

HELL WITHIN's latest album, "Shadows of Vanity", was released in May 2007 on Lifeforce Records. The CD was tracked with longtime producer John Ellis and diligently mixed by Mark Lewis of AudioHammer Studios (TRIVIUM, BURY YOUR DEAD, GOD FORBID). Cover artwork was handled by acclaimed graphic designer and artist Paul Romano (MASTODON, TRIVIUM, THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD).

Norwegian "ompa-party-trollish" metallers TROLLFEST, featuring members of PANTHEON I and SARKOM, have posted three new songs from their forthcoming third album, "Villanden", on their MySpace page. Check out the tracks "Wo Bin Ich Jetz Aufgewacht?", "Der Jegermeister" and "Uraltes Elemente" at this location.

"Villanden" is scheduled for release on January 9, 2009 via Twilight Vertrieb.

The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Wo Bin Ich Jetz Aufgewacht?
02. Der JegerMeister
03. Uraltes Elemente
04. Villanden
05. Per, Pål Og Brakebeins Abenteuer
06. Der Uhr Ist Skandaløst Schändlich
07. God Fart
08. Festival
09. En Ny Erfaring
10. Trinkenvisen
11. Die Kirche Undt Der Mache

The band has posted behind-the-scenes and performance footage from the band's appearance at the Riedfest Open Air festival, which was held July 25-27, 2007 in Rohr, Germany. Watch the nine-minute clip below.

DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy has revealed his favorite albums, movies and TV shows from 2008 via the band's official web site. They are as follows:

Favorite Albums of 2008 (in no particular order)

01. METALLICA - Death Magnetic
02. PROTEST THE HERO - Fortress
03. THE MARS VOLTA - The Bedlam In Goliath
04. BEARDFISH - Sleeping In Traffic Part 2
05. SLIPKNOT - All Hope Is Gone
06. OPETH - Watershed
07. BLOODBATH - Unblessing The Purity / The Fathomless Mastery
08. FROST - Experiments In Mass Appeal
09. TRIVIUM - Shogun
10. STEVEN WILSON - Insurgentes

A few honorable mentions:

DIR EN GREY - Uroboros
CYNIC - Traced In Air
EXTREME - Saudades de Rock
GOJIRA - The Way Of All Flesh

Favorite Films of 2008 (in no particular order)

01. The Wrestler
02. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
03. Milk
04. Rachel Getting Married
05. Cloverfield
06. Vicky Cristina Barcelona
07. The Dark Knight

Favorite TV of 2008 (in no particular order)

01. True Blood
02. Brotherhood
03. The Shield
04. Californication
05. Mad Men
06. Dexter
07. Tim & Eric Awesome Show
08. Entourage
09. Z Rock
10. In Treatment

U.K. gothic metal icons PARADISE LOST are currently preparing the recordings for their highly anticipated follow-up to 2007's "In Requiem". Vocalist Nick Holmes comments: "The as-yet-untitled album will feature around 10 tracks. Among the titles are 'First Light', 'As Horizons End', 'Faith Divides Us, Death Unites Us', 'Frailty' and 'My Last Regret'; these are subject to change without notice!

"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. In February we will venture to Sweden to begin recording the album in Fascination Street Studios, Örebro, Sweden.

"There is no full-time replacement for [drummer] Jeff [Singer] as yet, but as far as the album is concerned, the drum stool will be occupied by another Swede — Peter Damin. Sweden hails some of the best metal musicians in the world and Peter is no exception. We really look forward to working with him and his input on the album.

"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 loose 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 this year.

Holland's FaceCulture has posted a short interview clip with vocalist Gaahl of the Norwegian black metal band GORGOROTH. Gaahl discusses the legal battle between him and bassist King ov Hell on one side and the group's estranged guitarist Infernus on the other side over the rights to the band's name. Both sides want to continue using the name GORGOROTH and have done so, albeit with different members. A court will decide in January who has the legal rights to the name. Gaahl is confident about the outcome of the trial. "Me and King have been the ones that have shaped this creature in the last eight years," he told FaceCulture. "Otherwise it would have been dead and buried." He hasn't spoken to Infernus since the split. "I never had any special, close relationship with him," he explained. "We are two different worlds. He has a lot of idols, and that's the opposite of me."

The Gaahl-fronted version of GORGOROTH entered the studio on August 25 in the band's hometown of Bergen, Norway to begin recording eight new tracks composed by bassist King ov Hell for an as-yet-untitled new album. Along with Gaahl, King and Frost (SATYRICON) on drums, the full recording lineup includes Teloch (guitar) and Ice Dale (guitar). ENSLAVED's Herbrand Larsen once again produced GORGOROTH in the studio. A late spring release is expected.

The cover artwork for "The Perdition", the recently completed EP from the Norwegian melodic black metal duo ENSLAVEMENT OF BEAUTY, can be found here. The CD was produced and mixed by Henrik Ryösä at VoxHouse Studio in Sweden and features a guest appearance by Lisa Johnson. It will be released on January 15, 2009 via INRI Unlimited.

"The Perdition" EP track listing:

01. A Kodak Kiss
02. I Treasure the Sadness
03. Lush
04. Severely Flawed
05. Mirror Souls
06. I Descend to Perdition...

"Lush", the first official music video in the 14-year career of ENSLAVEMENT OF BEAUTY, can be viewed here. The clip was shot in Bergen, Norway on March 29-30 with director Sten Brian Tunheim.

LEAVES' EYES/ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull is putting the finishing touches on a new solo CD for a 2009 release via Napalm Records. Liv says, "I will present a couple of special guests, who are also friends of mine and mean a lot to me. It is a deep and emotional album which tells a personal story."

Kristine released her sophomore solo album, "Enter My Religion", in March 2006 via Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to 1998's "Deus ex Machina" was produced by Alexander Krull (ATROCITY, LEAVES' EYES) at Mastersound Studio in Stuttgart/Fellbach, Germany. The album artwork was handled by Meran Karanitant. A video for the track "Fake a Smile", taken from "Enter My Religion", can be viewed here. The clip was produced by AVA Studios (who has previously worked with SARAH CONNOR and JEANNETTE) and was directed by Alexander Diezinger.

Austrian melodic death metal band LOST DREAMS has commenced the songwriting process for its fourth album, tentatively due next summer. The follow-up to this year's "End of Time" will contain nine songs and will be mixed and mastered in the at the Rape of Harmonies studio (HEAVEN SHALL BURN, MAROON, NEAERA) in Triptis, Germany.

LOST DREAMS's video for the song "I Curse You" can be viewed here. The song comes off the band's third album, "End of Time", which was released in Europe on February 22 via Reartone Music/Twilight Distribution. The CD was recorded between September 2006 and January 2007 at the group's own SMT studio and was mixed at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with Fredrik Nordström. Mastering duties were handled by Peter in de Betou at Tailor Maid Production in Stockholm.

Finnish melodic metallers MASTERSTROKE are currently recording their new full-length album at MSTR Studios in Tampere, Finland for a tentative late spring release via Dynamic Arts Records. The drum tracks for the as-yet-untitled effort were laid down at Fantom Studios (KORPIKLAANI, MACHINE MEN) with the help of Samu Oittinen. The recording sessions for the new CD are expected to last through the end of January.

MASTERSTROKE's sophomore album, "Sleep", was released in Japan on March 19. The CD was issued in Europe via Dynamic Arts Records.

MASTERSTROKE was formed in 2002. After a few lineup changes and several gigs, the band received a well-earned recording deal. The group's debut album, "Apocalypse", was supposed to receive a worldwide release through their previous record label JMT Music. Unfortunately it didn't happen. In the end "Apocalypse" was issued only in Japan, Russia and CIS countries due to the label going out of business.

Swiss death metallers REQUIEM have completed work on their new album, "Infiltrate... Obliterate... Dominate", at Stage One studio in Borgentreich, Germany with producer Andy Classen (LEGION OF THE DAMNED, DEW-SCENTED, TANKARD, HOLY MOSES, DISBELIEF, KRISIUN, CALLENISH CIRCLE). The follow-up to 2007's "Premier Killing League" was recorded and mixed between December 8 and December 26 and features 11 tracks with "some musical and lyrical surprises." The artwork was created by Thomas Ewerhard, who has previously worked with suchs bands as HAMMERFALL, KATAKLYSM, DESTRUCTION, DARKANE, DISBELIEF, GRAVEWORM and IMPIOUS.

"Infiltrate... Obliterate... Dominate" final track listing:

01. Marked By The Signs Of Chaos
02. Killing Cell
03. Final Conflict
04. Infiltrate To Obliterate
05. Obliterate To Dominate
06. The Die Is Cast
07. Perish In Open Fire
08. Hate Driven Heretic Deceit
09. A Haunting Warfare
10. The Last Campaign

REQUIEM will celebrate the new album release with a full European co-headlining tour with LIVIDITY.

REQUIEM last year released its first-ever video clip — for the title track of the band's "Premier Killing League" CD. The clip was shot on August 25, 2007 with director Sandro Klopfstein and can be viewed here.

Madrid, Spain-based power metallers DARK MOOR have parted ways with bassist Daniel Fernández. He explained in a statement, "In the last few months, my head was not with DARK MOOR and this situation could have been damaging for the band and for my personal relation with Alfred [Romero, vocals], Enrik [Garcia, guitar] and Roberto [Cappa, drums] in a near future. Therefore after some conversations with the guys I have made this decision, which I think is the right thing to do.

"I have spent almost five years in the family, almost five years in which I do not regret of anything, in which I have learned to be a good professional, both in studio and stage, in which I have recorded three works of art ('Beyond The Sea', 'Tarot' and 'Autumnal'), in which I have shared lots of memories with the guys, good and bad, in which I have met lots of good and bad people. Five years of concerts in which I worked my fingers to the bone in order that YOU, the fans, could enjoy DARK MOOR."

He added, "I will keep playing with INNTRANCE, my main band from this moment, in which I will give 100%."

Guitarist/vocalist Peter Tägtgren of Swedish extreme metallers HYPOCRISY has issued the following update:

"Mikael [Hedlund; bass] came to the Abyss [Peter's recording studio] the other day and between me and him we have 13 songs done [for the next HYPOCRISY album], and Horgh [drums; also in IMMORTAL] will come to studio beginning of January and crack the drums on it."

HYPOCRISY reissued its 2002 album "Catch 22" under the title "Catch 22 V2.0.08" on May 9. Peter Tägtgren re-recorded the guitar parts, his vocals and remixed and remastered the LP for the new version of the album, which featured bonus material.

The band previously stated about its decision to re-release the CD, "We still think it is a great fucking album but it got slammed and misunderstood because of the vocal style and the drum sound and so on."

HYPOCRISY's latest album, "Virus", came out in September 2005 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Fan-filmed video footage of Swedish melodic death metallers SCAR SYMMETRY performing the song "The Illusionist" on December 5, 2008 at Sala Zero in Tarragona, Spain can be viewed below.

Commented the band: "A big thank you to Jordi/STIGIA and José/Doomed Events for making our mini-tour in Spain a wonderful time, and cheers to everyone that came to the shows! We will come back to Spain for sure!

"It was a pleasure sharing the stage with [new SCAR SYMMETRY singers] Rob [Roberth Karlsson] and Lars [Palmqvist] for the first time. These guys really know how to put on a show! We did some songs we've never done live before, like 'Holographic Universe', 'Pitch Black Progress', 'Deviate From The Form', 'Prism And Gate' and 'Artificial Sun Projection'."

SCAR SYMMETRY parted ways with singer Christian Älvestam earlier in the year due to "business and creative differences and lack of interpersonal chemistry." The band explained at the time, "We came to a point where the band's existence was in jeopardy because of these differences, and the only way for us to continue with an inspired state of mind was to go through with this change in the lineup."

Oakland, California extreme metallers ALL SHALL PERISH are seeking a temporary replacement for guitarist Chris Storey for upcoming touring commitments. The band has released the following statement:

"Our lead guitarist Chris Storey will be taking some time off to deal with some family issues and will be missing out on a few tours.

"We are looking for a touring replacement for a handful of upcoming tours, one fest run in Europe and one fest tour in the states. Please only apply if you are:

1. Over 18
2. Have all pro gear
3. Able to perform all lead guitar parts to 'Black Gold Reign', 'Never Again' and 'When Life Meant More'
4. Drama- and hard-drug-free
5. In possession of a valid driver's license and passport

"If you meet all these requirements, please email us a link to a video of you playing any of the songs mentioned. If you can do a good enough job by ear, we will send you a response e-mail with tabs and videos."

E-mail all tryout videos to tryout@allshallperish.com.

The band recently wrapped up a North American tour with HATE ETERNAL, JOB FOR A COWBOY, ANIMOSITY and ANNOTATIONS OF AN AUTOPSY.

ALL SHALL PERISH's third full-length album, "Awaken the Dreamers", sold just under 5,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to enter The Billboard 200 chart at position No. 126. The follow-up to "The Price of Existence" was recorded at Castle Ultimate Studios in Oakland with producer Zack Ohren.

Anglo-Chilean thrash masters CRIMINAL have unveiled the cover artwork for their new album, "White Hell". The piece was created by Chilean designer / tattoo artist / drummer Fran Muñoz.

"The original idea we were pursuing didn't really work out," comments vocalist/guitarist Anton Reisenegger, "so we basically decided to start from scratch. Then Fran approached us with this idea and we all really liked it, so we just went for it."

"White Hell" (cover) track listing:

01. 21st Century Paranoia
02. Crime and Punishment
03. Incubus
04. Black Light
05. The Deluge
06. Strange Ways
07. Mobrule
08. The Infidel
09. Invasion
10. Eyes of Temptation
11. Bastardom
12. Sons of Cain

In Europe the album will be released in a limited edition including a bonus DVD, the contents of which will be announced shortly, while the South American version of the album will contain the bonus track "Hermanos Dementes".

A brand new track off "White Hell" will be made available via the band's MySpace page on January 1, 2009. The page is currently hosting demo versions of two tracks, "The Infidel" and "Eyes of Temptation".

Regarding the direction of the new songs, CRIMINAL guitarist/singer Anton Reisenegger previously said, "the material for the record is incredibly varied, ranging from really technical stuff with odd time signatures, to crushing groove monsters, to all-out death metal and everything in between, so be prepared for one hell of a rollercoaster ride!"

"White Hell" will be released on February 27, 2009 via Massacre Records.

Formed in the early '90s in Santiago, Chile by ex-PENTAGRAM mastermind Reisenegger and guitar virtuoso Rodrigo Contreras, CRIMINAL were combining elements of thrash, hardcore and death metal long before the term "metalcore" was even thought of. The band enjoyed a meteoric rise to the forefront of the South American metal scene, including five-digit album sales, shows with the likes of KREATOR, SEPULTURA and SLAYER and a nomination for Best Rock Video at the MTV Latino Video Music Awards, but was faced with severe personal and business problems around the turn of the decade. Reisenegger and Contreras then decided to relocate to the UK, regrouping in a half-Chilean, half-British lineup. Since then, the band has played on major European festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Summer Breeze, as well as support shows with bands such as CHIMAIRA, SIX FEET UNDER, BRUJERIA and LAMB OF GOD.

CRIMINAL's latest studio offering, "Sicario", was hailed by the press as one of the finest thrash metal releases of 2005 and was voted into the Top Ten Albums of the Year by the readers of Terrorizer magazine. At the same time, the band's status in their home country remains unbroken, as evidenced by a four-page feature in the Chilean edition of Rolling Stone magazine and a recent show supporting MEGADETH in front of over 14,000 metalheads.

CRIMINAL is:

Anton Reisenegger – vocals, guitar
Rodrigo Contreras – lead guitar
Zac O'Neil – drums
Dan Biggin – bass

Finnish metallers PAIN CONFESSOR have announced the addition of guitarist Tommi Kurki to the group's ranks. According to the band, Kurki "has been around since the first gigs of PAIN CONFESSOR. In fact, he has been our mainstay sound engineer for pretty much all these years. This made the transition from behind the mixer to the frontlines an easy one, and very natural."

The group continues, "He wasn't born yesterday as a guitarist either. Tommi 'Tommi Kurki' Kurki, or The Bullfinch, as we like to call him, played guitar in the old Finnish progressive metal band SANCNITY along with PAIN CONFESSOR producer Janne Saksa. SANCNITY's swansong was their excellent early '90s album 'Dew'.

"A multitude of musical paths were ventured after that, a few to mention were as a guitarist in WOODEN BONE (SANCNITY reincarnate as a more pop/rock-esque band) and as the vocalist for the Finnish punk band REHTORIT.

"We are proud to have such a rock-hard extra fist to smash into the collective behind of humanity. This will only make things worse for those against us and add even more spice for those who like what we dish out!"

PAIN CONFESSOR in June 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 Janne Saksa of Studio Sound Supreme, 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 recently parted ways with Megamania Records and is currently seeking a new label home.

The band's third album, "Purgatory of the Second Sun", entered the Finnish chart at position No. 15 back in March 2007.

"Purgatory of the Second Sun" was recorded at Fantom studio and was previously described by the band as "raw and furious."

BARREN EARTH is the name of a new Helsinki, Finland-based project featuring members of KREATOR, MOONSORROW, SWALLOW THE SUN and MANNHAI, among other bands. Formed in the fall of 2007, BARREN EARTH's music "combines elements of modern and traditional (death) metal with '70s prog rock and folk," according to the group's official bio. "Among the band's influences are artists like PARADISE LOST, OPETH, PINK FLOYD, JETHRO TULL and also some pioneers of Finnish prog.. The members' individual backgrounds in many internationally known and acclaimed outfits is a testament to the quality of the band's music. These same backgrounds are obviously also echoed in BARREN EARTH's music."

BARREN EARTH entered Jive Studios in Helsinki this past summer to record several tracks which can now be streamed via the band's MySpace page. Check out the songs "The Flame of Serenity", "Ere All Perish", "Forlorn Waves" and "The Floodred" at this location.

BARREN EARTH is:

Mikko Kotamäki (SWALLOW THE SUN, EMPYREAN BANE) - Vocals
Janne Perttilä (RYTMIHÄIRIÖ, MOONSORROW session) - Guitar
Sami Yli-Sirniö (KREATOR, WALTARI) - Guitar
Olli-Pekka Laine (MANNHAI, CHAOSBREED, ex-AMORPHIS) - Bass
Kasper Mårtenson (VENHO) - Keyboards
Marko Tarvonen (MOONSORROW) – Drums