Portugese metal/goth rock band HEAVENWOOD has set "Redemption" as the title of its third album, due in September via Recital Records. The group has tapped Jens Bogren (OPETH, SOILWORK, AMON AMARTH) to mix and master the effort in April at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden. The initial recording sessions for the CD will take place at Ultrasound Studios with Daniel Cardoso and Ricardo Dias.

HEAVENWOOD's forthcoming album will feature a guest appearance by singer Tijs Vanneste of the Belgian progressive metallers OCEANS OF SADNESS.

After the departure in 2004 of main songwritter and guitarist Ricardo Dias, HEAVENWOOD went on a lengthy hiatus. Now Ricardo Dias has returned along with new drummer Luiz Ferreira (ex-SECRECY from Portugal).

HEAVENWOOD 2007 is:

Ernesto Guerra - Vocals
Ricardo Dias - Guitars and Vocals
Bruno Silva - Guitar
Luiz Ferreira - Drums

HEAVENWOOD previously relelased two albums — "Diva" and "Swallow" — and played shows with IN FLAMES, ATROCITY, THEATRE OF TRAGEDY and LAKE OF TEARS, among others.

Veteran German melodic hard rock band BONFIRE — led by singer Claus Lessmann and guitarist Hans Ziller — will release a new album, "The Räuber", on February 15 via LZ Records. The CD is a rock opera based on "Die Räuber", a play by Friedrich Schiller.

"The Räuber" track listing:

01. The Räuber
02. Bells of Freedom
03. Refugee Of Fate
04. The Oath
05. Blut und Tod
06. Love Don’t Lie
07. Black Night
08. Hip Hip Hurray
09. Do You Still Love Me
10. Let Me Be Your Water
11. Lass die Toten schlafen
12. The Good Die Young
13. Time
14. Father’s Return
15. Love Don’t Lie (Acoustic Mix)
16. Do You Still Love Me (Acoustic Mix)
17. Hip Hip Hurray (dt. Version)

BONFIRE is:

Claus Lessmann - Lead Vocals
Hans Ziller - Lead Guitar
Jürgen "Bam Bam" Wiehler – Drums
Uwe Köhler – Bass
Chris "Yps" Limburg - Rhythm Guitar

Lucem Fero recently published an exclusive email interview with AT THE GATES/THE HAUNTED guitarist Anders Björler, conducted by Welsh interviewer Anthony Morgan. Topics of discussion included how the AT THE GATES reunion became possible, whether erstwhile guitarist Alf Svensson would feature in the group's reunion shows, and why the group originally split. Several excerpts from the interview follow:

On the relationship between members immediately following AT THE GATES split:

"It wasn't just the split; it was also during the touring in support of 'Slaughter of the Soul'... Too much alcohol was the biggest factor. We were just kids back then, and were roughly in our early twenties. I guess we couldn't cope with touring that well. Following the split, I think the other guys were shocked about our decision to leave. Today though, I guess they understand why."

"THE HAUNTED felt like a relief, and a break from all the things that had happened in the past. Finally, I was back in the rehearsal room having fun. We never dreamt of taking THE HAUNTED to where we are today."

On the vibe within AT THE GATES compared to the early to mid-Nineties:

"Back in those days, we were close. For years, we rehearsed every day — we almost lived in the rehearsal room. Today, we have our other main groups and families that are our main priority. Actually, we haven't really met that much nowadays; so far this year, we have had one sit down. It's difficult to get everybody together as a result of our touring agenda, and the fact that Adrian (Erlandsson, drums) lives in the UK. When we met though, it was within a very relaxed (but determined) atmosphere."

On whether AT THE GATES have a lot to live up to with the reunion shows:

"After eleven years of silence, it's always difficult when you return. When we split up, AT THE GATES became an entity and continued growing on its own. I'm not worried about the live shows, and think we're pretty relaxed in terms of what we do. We can't control people's expectations (and everybody has different expectations too); we just play in our style, and hope people will appreciate it."

"Well, if you expect pyro technique and a laser light show, then you're on the wrong track. AT THE GATES was never about that; we're a death metal band, and the focus is the music. We'll pick up where we left off — people who saw us performing live in the old days will know what I mean."

On what personal favorite tracks will feature in the group's 2008 setlist:

"We all have different favorites, so we'll have a difficult time composing the setlist. We'll play songs from all the releases, and that's the only thing I know. Some of my favourite tracks are the following: 'The Swarm', 'Windows', and 'Primal Breath'. Every song has something unique, though it's hard to analyze further."

On whether former guitarist Alf Svensson will feature as part of the live shows:

"We all want Alf to be part of the reunion shows. Right now though, I can't talk more about it."

On whether AT THE GATES will play further shows after 2008's summer:

"It's just the initial statement, alongside the Blabbermouth interview, that left that 'uncertainty' vibe. It's definitely going to be the 'last-ever thing' with AT THE GATES."

On how he would like the legacy of AT THE GATES to be remembered:

"Hopefully with respect."

Ryszard Nowak, who heads the All-Polish Committee for Defence against Sects, has reportedly registered an official complaint with the authorities in Poland regarding a BEHEMOTH concert that took place in the Polish city of Gdynia in September 2007 that included the destruction of a Bible by the band's leader, vocalist/guitarist Adam "Nergal" Darski. During a break in the show, Nergal apparently called the Catholic Church "the most murderous cult on the planet" before tearing up the Bible, stating, "they call it the Holy Book, I call this the book of lies. Fuck the shit, fuck the hypocrisy."

Fan-filmed video footage of the incident can be viewed below (the Bible-tearing takes place around the 45-second mark).

Nowak is no stranger to controversy, having previously compiled a list of artists who allegedly "promote Satanism" through their music and distributed it to various Polish officials in an attempt to get the artists banned from performing in Poland.

It is not presently clear if any action will be taken against Nergal, who previously stated about Nowak's efforts to get BEHEMOTH banned from performing in the group's home country, "I am shocked; this must be some kind of joke. We've been touring around the whole world — United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Russia — and we've not had any problems anywhere. I am surprised that we are being judged by our appearance and that no one even took the time to contact us and ask us what our music is all about. Other than that, come on — there are enough serious matters to be dealt with in Poland! The authorities would be better off spending their time on things that really need to be improved and taken care of."

LINKIN PARK frontman Chester Bennington has posted the following message on his official web site:

"We are starting to shoot our new video for 'Given Up' and I think it's going to turn out really good. The band has decided to go with a live video and I think it's perfect for the song. We always do really big expensive videos and it's nice to take a break from that."

According to The Pulse of Radio, LINKIN PARK will offer fans attending its upcoming tour the chance to purchase a "Digital Souvenir Package" with their tickets, in which they will receive an audio download of the concert they attend, exclusive photos and a digital tour program. Co-frontman Mike Shinoda said in a recent conference call with reporters what makes the offering unique. "The best part about it, to me, is that our live mixer, our official mixer who mixes our show every night, you know, finishes his night with us, then goes back to his hotel or bus or backstage and mixes the show for you," he said. "It's intended to be played, you know, in your headphones and in your car, and it's done by our official guy."

Shinoda's partner on the mic, Chester Bennington, added that the recordings offer numerous possibilities for fans to trade and collect them. "For those who get this thing, you know, our sets change, we play songs maybe one night that we don't play the next, and so if you want to get those songs, you know, we encourage our fans to go on and trade them and kind of get to know each other and communicate and share and exchange things with each other, and this is one of those things that we would really like our fans to kind of do that with," he said.

LINKIN PARK will sport a brand new stage production when the band heads out on its North American tour, which begins on February 12 in Omaha, Nebraska.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA and CHIODOS will be the opening acts on the tour, which wraps up in mid-March.

LINKIN PARK's latest album, "Minutes to Midnight", was recently certified double platinum for sales of two million copies since its May 2007 release.

Former EMPEROR vocalist/guitarist Ihsahn has set "angL" as the title of his second solo album, tentatively due mid-spring via Mnemosyne Productions/Candlelight Records. "I'm currently doing the final mixes for this album, and hope to have everything ready for mastering within a couple of weeks", says Ihsahn. "Musically this album can be seen as a natural progression from 'The Adversary' [2006], but with a somewhat heavier touch."

"The Adversary" entered the Norwegian album chart at position No. 33. The CD was written and recorded over a one-year period at Symphonique Studios in Norway and features a guest appearance by Garm from ULVER on one song. All music and lyrics for "The Adversary" were written and performed by Ihsahn with exception of drums, which were played by Asgeir Mickelson (BORKNAGAR, SPIRAL ARCHITECT). A video for "Invocation", the opening track from "The Adversary", can be viewed below. The clip was shot and produced in Notodden, Norway by a local production company. "I think the video reflects both the direct and solitary expression of the album," Ihsahn said. "It was my intention to keep everything as pure and intense as possible, yet staying true to metal tradition."

APOCALYPTICA's Eicca Toppinen was honored with the Finnish movie award Jussi in the "Best Music" category for his work on the soundtrack to the Finnish movie "Black Ice".

As previously reported, APOCALYPTICA has had the U.S. release date of its new album, "Worlds Collide", pushed back once again — this time to April 15. The CD, which entered the Finnish chart at position No. 8 and also landed on both the German and Swiss charts at No. 10, was made available in standard and "deluxe" versions, the latter of which is described as "truly a work of art both in its artwork and its content." The "deluxe" edition contains two bonus tracks — "Ural" and "Dreamer" — as well as a DVD. The DVD contains the "I'm Not Jesus" video along with the "making of" footage, plus an interview from the listening session in Berlin and a photo gallery.

APOCALYPTICA is in the process of booking a U.S. tour, to take place in the spring. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.

In other news, APOCALYPTICA has been nominated in the following categories at the Emma Gaala (Finnish Grammy equivalent):

* Metal Album Of The Year
* Band Of The Year
* Song Of The Year ("I'm Not Jesus")

LAMB OF GOD frontman Randy Blythe recently checked in with MTV.com's Metal File about the Virginia metallers' next studio effort, which he said they'll begin work on this year. "We're going to be writing a new record," he confirmed of the yet-untitled LP, adding that he's going to jet to Japan in February to "kick it with the wife" before putting his nose to the grindstone. "[I'm going to] try and take a deep breath for a few months before we start writing a new record," he said. "I figure we'll start heading into the ... practice space in late March or something." Blythe also revealed that he's been working on a side project with Steve Zing, a founding member of Glenn Danzig's SAMHAIN act. "I saw him and Danzig recently, and I'm going to do something kinda creepy with [Zing]," Blythe said.

Veteran San Francisco Bay Area metallers TESTAMENT have scheduled two dates in Russia in June:

June 01 - Moscow, Russia - Shadow Club
June 03 - Saint-Petersburgh, Russia - Port Club

In other news, fellow Bay Area metallers DEATH ANGEL, who were scheduled to perform with TESTAMENT on their Southern California/Las Vegas dates, have dropped off the bill. The following dates will go ahead with TESTAMENT and LAAZ ROCKIT:

April 10 - Santa Ana, CA - The Coach House
April 11 - Las Vegas, NV - The Canyon Club
April 12 - Hollywood, CA - The Key Club

TESTAMENT guitarist Eric Peterson recently spoke to Decibel magazine about the group's forthcoming album, "The Formation of Damnation", due in North America on April 29 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The band recorded the effort in part with producer Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS, ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE) at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California.

"The album is very traditional-sounding," Peterson told Decibel. "The ideology of what we're doing is like 'The Legacy' [1987]. But the musicianship's a lot better, so it's like 'The Gathering' [1999]. As most bands record their first, second and third albums, they're developing, developing, developing… until they've got their sound. Then they get worse. As a rule, you get good when you're starving and start slipping as soon as you're eating well. We never really made it to the big time. But, then again, we didn't fail. Because we've always been on that borderline, we've never had to make the kinds of compromises that end up killing so many bands. As we see it, we're better off doing what we do best, especially since things seem to have turned full circle. Kids even have long hair again."

TESTAMENT recently recruited Paul Bostaph (SLAYER, EXODUS, FORBIDDEN, SYSTEMATIC) to play the drums on new CD. The group was previously rehearsing and writing new material with British drummer Nick Barker (CRADLE OF FILTH, DIMMU BORGIR), but Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and international work visa issues have prevented Barker from continuing to be involved in the project.

Bostaph, who was a member of TESTAMENT for a brief period starting around February 2004, had previously played several live dates with the group in 1992 and appeared on the band's 1993 live EP, "Return to the Apocalyptic City". He also toured with TESTAMENT in 2006.

"Endzeit", the new video from Germany's groundbreaking death metal and hardcore fusionists HEAVEN SHALL BURN, can be viewed below.

While filming the clip with director Philipp Hirsch, the band was temporarily arrested during their subversive activities. Guitarist Maik Weichert explains: "While we were shooting the video for 'Endzeit', me and Marcus were dressed as service technicians and installed several cameras in the pedestrian and other public areas of Leipzig’s city centre. Of course it was fake cameras, but they looked pretty real. While we were preparing the observation of the local branch office of a well-known fast food company, four police officers approached us and asked us what we were doing. Apparently worried citizens had called the cops telling them something suspicious was going on. I asked them if those 'worried citizens' really meant us as there are many suspicious people walking around in the city of Leipzig! One of the policemen thought this was funny, another was seriously pissed off and the remaining two cops did not seem to get the joke, I think. Afterwards they got a little rougher and threatened to take us into custody. We were basically left with two options: Either we could shoot them down and bail, or simply solve the situation by showing them the camera man's press card, what we eventually did. After the officers had contacted the police station and double-checked with their chief they let us go. Of course we were smart enough to secretly film the incident and it will always be a highly entertaining part of our private video collection. Unfortunately, we can not post it, but anyway once again we were almost arrested, but you have to take risks if you want to be metal!"

"Endzeit" comes off the band's new CD, "Iconoclast (Part 1: The Final Resistance)", which was released in Europe on January 28 through Century Media Records. Artist extraordinaire an up-and-coming visionary for cutting-edge art Bastian Sobtzick created the artwork for "Iconoclast".

Long-running UK extreme metallers BENEDICTION have issued the following update:

"The [new BENEDICTION] album ['Killing Music'] is coming along nicely.

"Here's a few songtitles: 'Killing Music', 'Dripping With Disgust', 'Rats In The Mask (Controlopolis)', 'They Bleed', 'I Am The Betrayer' and 'Dissembler'.

"As you can see, the subject matter of these songs are all nice and lovely sounding and about flowers in springtime and cooking!!! Or maybe not.

"At the moment, there will be a mini-tour of the Balkans in June and a full European tour in September and October to promote the 'Killing Music' album, with a few festival shows in between. Specific dates will follow shortly."

Polish extreme metal act BEHEMOTH will film its February 17, 2008 concert at La Locomotive in Paris, France for an upcoming DVD.

Commented vocalist/guitarist Adam "Nergal" Darski: "I've been thinking about this DVD for a long time now. Our last release, 'Crush.Fukk.Create', seems to be pretty outdated. We've released two records in new lineup since then, we've toured the world few times and definitely grew as a band and developed our stage show. It's time for something fresh and exciting! We've managed to collect over 100 tapes documenting all the touring for our last two records. Some of the most insane footage was caught there. Fall/winter release on Regain Records is planned.”

The cover artwork of "Inflikted", the debut album from CAVALERA CONSPIRACY — the new project featuring SEPULTURA founding members Max (guitar, vocals) and Igor Cavalera (drums) alongside vocalist Joe Duplantier (bass) of the French progressive death metallers GOJIRA and SOULFLY guitarist Marc Rizzo — has been posted online at tthis location. (Note: The previously circulated "artwork" for this album was used on the promotional CD only and was never intended for the finished product.)

Two songs from "Inflikted" are currently available for free download:

"Sanctuary": MP3
"Inflikted": MP3

"Inflikted" will be released in North America on March 25, 2008 via Roadrunner Records (one day earlier internationally). Rex Brown (PANTERA, DOWN) makes a cameo bass appearance on one track. Another song is a collaboration between Max, Joe and Richie Cavalera (INCITE) on vocals.

Italian progressive-aggressive metal band ELDRITCH will film its first DVD on March 22 at Music Street Club in Lugnano, Pisa, Italy. According to the group, former ELDRITCH keyboardist Oleg Smirnoff will rejoin his former bandmates during the shoot to perform songs from the group's first three albums. Additional guests may also make an appearance.

ELDRITCH released its seventh album, "Blackenday", in April 2007 via Inside Out Music. The CD features guest appearances by Ray Alder (FATES WARNING, REDEMPTION, ENGINE) and Nicholas Van Dyk (REDEMPTION) on the song "Broken Road". On all the other tracks you can hear Laura Scappini (IN MEMORY) doing the backup vocals. The CD was mixed by R.D. Liapakis at Music Factory studios in Germany and was mastered by Christian Schmid. A video for the song "The Blackened Day" was shot in February 2007 with director Mirco Andreis and can be viewed below.

MALPRACTICE, the Finnish band featuring members of TO/DIE/FOR, MANITOU, OMNIUM GATHERUM and REVERSION, has completed work on its third album, "Triangular", for a March 19 release through Spinefarm Records. The CD was recorded at Astia studio with producer Anssi Kippo and Southeast Sounds in Karhula with Teemu Aalto. The album was mixed by Anssi Kippo.

"Triangular" track listing:

01. Maze Of Inequity (7:35)
02. Symmetry (4:11)
03. Deception (4:31)
04. Deadline (5:52)
05. Platform (4:36)
06. Triangular (8:37)
07. Waves (4:02)
08. Fragments (10:42)

MALPRACTICE last year announced the addition of vocalist Aleksi Parviainen (REVERSION, SOULCAGE) to the group's ranks.

FOLKEARTH, an international music project created by musicians playing folk and Viking metal, is preparing to release its fourth album, "Father of Victory" (cover artwork), via Stygian Crypt Productions. The track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. The Forlorn Knight (3:34)
02. The Purest Breed (4:26)
03. Sleipnir (4:45)
04. What Glory Remains (3:57)
05. Dawn in Tir Na N'Og (4:07)
06. The Will of Odin (5:52)
07. Father of Victory (3:08)
08. Charles Martel (5:17)
09. Wallachian Warlord (4:28)
10. The Iron Wolf (4:12)
11. Heroes in the Sky (4:01)
12. Carmina Bellica (3:32)

Check out audio samples at the band's MySpace page.

UK melodic power metallers POWER QUEST have finished mixing their new album, "Master of Illusion", for a March 26 Japanese release. The CD, which will be mastered on February 13, will feature a guest appearance by keyboardist Richard West from the UK progressive metal band THRESHOLD on the track "Human Machine". Other songtitles set to appear on the album include "Hearts and Voices", "The Vigil", "The Right Place and the Wrong Time", "Count My Sins" and "The Tragedy Suite".

POWER QUEST last year had their first two albums re-released as double-disc sets with bonus DVD material. These twin re-releases have been repackaged with extended sleeve notes and new artwork. They are available through Majestic Rock and their European distribution channels or the POWER QUEST online store.

Swedish metallers OPETH recorded four extra songs during the sessions for their new album, "Watershed":

01. Derelict Herds (original song)
02. Bridge of Sighs (ROBIN TROWER cover)
03. Den Ständiga Resan (MARIE FREDRIKSSON cover)
04. Would? (ALICE IN CHAINS cover)

It is not presently clear which versions of the "Watershed" CD will contain the above-listed cuts, but all the extra songs are expected to surface at one point or another.

"Watershed" is scheduled for release on June 3 via Roadrunner Records (one day earlier internationally). The CD was recorded in the band's native Sweden and produced by frontman/guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt and Jens Bogren.

According to a press release, "Watershed" is truly one of those special records that cycles through a variety of moods, speeds and textures, complete with lots of subtleties and nuances of sound. Because of its expansive scope, "Watershed" is destined to land the album atop many "best-of" lists. Album opener "Coil" is a gorgeous acoustic number, featuring local folk vocalist Nathalie Lorichs, while "Heir Apparent" will knock listeners unconscious with its blunt force metal. Always one to defy the rules, OPETH posits sung vocals over artillery-like blast beats on "The Lotus Eater", cementing their reputation as innovators and redefiners.

"Watershed" combines elements of modern metal, prog rock, free jazz and hints of European folk music, all of which come together for a seamless, unique collection of songs that will leave an indelible mark upon all who listen.

The follow-up to 2005's "Ghost Reveries" is the first OPETH release to feature new guitarist Fredrik Åkesson and drummer Martin Axenrot and is the band's second effort for Roadrunner Records.

"Watershed" track listing:

01. Coil
02. Heir Apparent
03. The Lotus Eater
04. Burden
05. Porcelain Heart
06. Hessian Peel
07. Hex Omega

METALLICA will perform at the SKK Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia on July 18. The group's schedule is now shaping up as follows:

May 28 - Chorzow, Poland - Slaski Stadium
May 30 - Landgraaf, Netherlands - Pinkpop
May 31 - Madrid, Spain - Electric Weekend
Jun. 03 - Prague, Czech Republic - Slavia Stadium
Jun. 05 - Lisbon, Portugal - Rock In Rio Lisboa
Jun. 07 - Nürburgring, Germany - Rock Am Ring
Jun. 08 - Nürnberg, Germany - Rock Im Park
Jul. 16 - Bergen, Norway - Koengen
Jul. 18 - St. Petersburg, Russia - SKK Hall
Jul. 22 - Bologna, Italy - Parco Nord

Norwegian extreme metal four-piece KEEP OF KALESSIN recently entered the studio with producer Rune Stavnesli (NECROPHAGIA) to begin recording the follow-up to 2006's "Armada" for a spring release.

"We were supposed to deliver the final mix for mastering today (January 31) at 3:00 p.m., however, we decided to do some changes to the title track in the last minute," stated guitarist Obsidian C. "After a phone call with the mastering studio, we were able to postpone the upload of the files until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow. As we're moving close to the deadline, me and Rune had only two hours of sleep last night and we're in way over our heads by doing these changes so late..."

During an interview with Metal Injection conducted at this year's NAMM show in Anaheim, TRIVIUM vocalist and lead guitarist Matt Heafy revealed new details about about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the group's new album, tentatively due before the end of the year via Roadrunner Records.

"We started demoing after Family Values, like October," he said. "We started writing some songs, demoing them. The demo quality is so good it sounds like a real album, which is awesome, so it gives us a really good basis to compare and fix shit, so we've been revising and going back in and changing shit up. We're doing another set of demos. I think we're probably going to have 30 songs to pick from and we're working with Nick Raskulinecz [FOO FIGHTERS, RUSH, VELVET REVOLVER, SHADOWS FALL, STONE SOUR]."

Legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (ex-DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) has issued the following update:

"I am very happy to announce the world release of my new album: 'First Underground Nuclear Kitchen'. It will be available the first week of May.

"I am extremely proud of these songs. When I record songs, I never normally play them over and over, but this album is very addictive. I can't stop playin' it.

"It is a roots album, it is a true account of my musical heritage...it is an album, that is also fearless. Multi-dimensional. And remember, I never make the same album twice, I'm not one to bask in the past. It is an in the moment record, it's very emotional.

"I worked some long hours in my home studio. I believe that the hard work has been worth waitin' for. This is for all my fans, and beyond....this is a deep musical statement."

Hughes' new album was recorded with a lineup that included RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS' Chad Smith on drums and Luis Carlos Maldonado on guitar. Also, George Nastos, who played on the "Feel" and "Soulfully Live in the City of Angels" albums, is making his return.