Finnish metallers CHILDREN OF BODOM recently entered Petrax Studio in Hollola, Finland to begin recording their new album, due in Europe on April 7, 2008 via Spinefarm Records. A new single will precede the full-length effort on March 3, 2008. The follow-up to 2005's "Are You Dead Yet?" is being produced by Mikko Karmila and will feature a guest appearance by Peter Tägtgren of HYPOCRISY and PAIN fame.

Commented bassist Henkka Blacksmith: "Yesterday was the second day Jaska [Raatikainen] was recording seriously, and again he managed to put three songs together. So it's quite a good pace I think. 'Eka', 'Toka', 'Hidas', 'Tiroli (Trioli)', 'Pekingin Kasvis' and 'Uusin' (working titles) are now done, so a couple of days of drumming ahead! We also tried to figure out some cover songs yesterday while rehearsing. We will definitely cover at least three songs."

NEMHAIN, the British band featuring ex-CRADLE OF FILTH/AT THE GATES drummer Adrian Erlandsson and his wife, fetish model Morrigan Hel (a.k.a. Amber England), has issued the following update:

"Well, here we are at Club A.K. in deepest darkest Belgium, and we've been working all hours in various states of consciousness to put down some tracks for a new EP.

This will include a few tracks that have made appearances in our set before, plus a shiny new track entitled 'Jane Doe #1'. Things are sounding pretty killer with everything in its raw state, so we're looking forward to unleashing the mixed version on the world before the end of the year.

"The newest additions to the NEMHAIN family, Stevie Lee and Samara — each assuming six-stringed shredding duty — have really completed the sound and feel to the band, and we can't wait to get back and play our next few gigs, the first of which is at Sin in London (opposite the Astoria) on October 19th."

Norwegian death metal machine BLOOD RED THRONE has released the video for the song "Taste of God". Watch it here. The track comes off the group's latest CD, "Come Death", which received a European release in August via Earache Records.

Guitarist Dod previously stated about the video shoot: "The filming was done quite fast at a venue located in our hometown. We're thinking of combining it with a story, but that's a matter of money, so I can't say anything, though the video will be cool. A lot of headbanging and some blood, hehe!"

BLOOD RED THRONE has been confirmed as main support to DIVINE HERESY on their upcoming European tour. Also scheduled to appear on the bill is HACRIDE.

This will be the first chance for BLOOD RED THRONE fans to check out material from the new "Come Death" album in a live setting, and will also mark BLOOD RED THRONE's first proper UK tour.

Guitarist Stéphan Forté of the French metallers ADAGIO has issued the following update:

"Well, that's it. Last week we played our last show for 'Dominate' album, and now it's time to finish 'Archangels in Black'. This tour has been awesome for ADAGIO, with very huge moments like touring in Japan for the first time and playing Tunisia again along with FIREWIND and AFTER FOREVER.

"A new chapter is starting now and that means next tour will be totally different, and will probably start around April/May 2008 for the release of 'Archangels in Black'.

"I would also like to take the opportunity of this message to thank Thomas and KAMELOT for their great kindness during the last shows we did together. They are incredible guys, awesome performers on stage and very talented musicians. They have treated us like very few bands does, and we sincerely wish them lots of fun for their actual Japanese tour with FIREWIND. Hope to share the stage with you guys again very soon!!"

ADAGIO recently entered the studio to record its fourth album, entitled "Archangels in Black". According to a posting on the group's official web site, the overall vibe of the tracks like "Archangels in Black", "Undead", "The Fear Circus" and "Twilight At Dawn" is "very dark and massive. The band came back to a more orchestral style of composition but kept the heaviness of songs like 'Dominate' or 'Children of the Dead Lake' from the previous album released in 2005 in Japan."

Commented Stéphan Forté: "This album is a sort of tribute to dark arts, including horror movies and gothic literature. It's our own musical representation of what darkness is. I think the song 'Archangels in Black' would be a cool hymn for all those of us who enjoy sinister arts."

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

"The Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp and European shows were some of the best in the last couple of years. Seems we've all found a higher gear. The musicianship has been raised, and the vibe on and off stage is ecstatic.

"Wanna thank all my fans for comin' out to see me. 30,000 of you in Sofia, that was a real high for me. I can still hear the roar!

"This week I am finishing all the lyrics for the new studio album. It's takin' up most of my time, along with all the interviews I'm doin' this week with the Argentina/ Uruguay/ Brazil media. I am SO lookin' forward to my tour there in a few days."

Finnish metal band EXSECRATUS will have its debut album, "Tainted Dreams", released in Japan on January 23, 2008 through Spiritual Beast (via a licensing deal with Violent Journey Records). The Japanese pressing of the album will contain new artwork and two bonus tracks: "For You" and "Death Brings Me Joy".

"Tainted Dreams" was released on September 3 via Violent Journey Records. The CD features a guest appearance by NORTHER frontman Petri Lindroos in the track Under the Winter Moon. According to a press release, "These young masters of melodic metal combine influences from band like CHILDREN OF BODOM, SONATA ARCTICA, NIGHTWISH, DIMMU BORGIR and lots and lots of other big names. The male-female vocal combos work together like a machine, as well as the melodies and heart pounding riffs compel the listeners to bang their heads."

EXSECRATUS lineup:

Emmi Silvennoinen - Keyboards
Leeni-Maria Hovila - Vocals
Timo Kauhajärvi - Bass
Tony Hentilä - Guitars
Olli Mattila - Guitars
J. Raatikainen - Drums

METALLICA's official web site has been updated with the following message:

"The big update is... that there is nothing new to report. Things are as you would call it, status quo, consistent, constant, invariable, unaltered, unchanged, unfailing, uniform, unvarying. Pretty much what we are trying to say is: work is continuing and all is good in the METALLICA hood. As soon as we do have something new to report, you will be the first to know of course! OK, enough of this chit chat... back to work!"

Check out new photos at here

German dark/symphonic gothic metal band ATARGATIS has issued the following update:

"As of today, we are searching for an ambitious and commited lead guitarist.

"Our present guitarist Azmo will stay with ATARGATIS only until the end of the year for time and professional reasons as he wants to withdraw from the semi-professional sector and to consecrate himself to his side-projects. So, if you are interested in the job, you should immediately contact us: band@atargatis.de . [We are located in Regensburg (Germany).]"

ATARGATIS will release its new album, "Nova", on November 16 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded and produced at the Helion Studios (DARKSEED, EQUILIBRIUM) in Munich, Germany. The complete layout and design was created by Katja Piolka (PRIMAL FEAR, RAGE, LEAVES' EYES, DESTRUCTION). In addition to the cover design, the band worked with Katja Piolka on their newest promo pictures.

"Nova" contains ten songs, including a cover of ARMY OF LOVERS' "Crucified". The album includes a guest appearance by Matthias Hechler (Matze) from the German gothic metal heroes CREMATORY. The CD will also be available in digipack format (including two exclusive bonus tracks).

"Nova" track listing:

01. Intro
02. Ebon Queen
03. Frozen Innocence
04. Riven Inside *
05. Stars are Falling
06. Crucified **
07. Green Lake's Ground
08. Fever of Temptation *
09. When the Ice breaks
10. Marching of the Fey
11. Firebird
12. Deliverance

Bonus tracks (only on limited digipack version):

13. Comets (Nova Part I) *
14. Watermight (Nova Part II)

* featuring Matthias "Matze" Hechler (CREMATORY)
** cover version (original by ARMY OF LOVERS)

Austrian symphonic metal band EDENBRIDGE has set "MyEarthDream" as the title of its new album, due in April 2008 via Napalm Records. The orchestra recordings for the CD will take place in Prague on October 12. EDENBRIDGE will be supported by the 65-piece Czech Film Orchestra (consisting of musicians from the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and the Czech State Opera Orchestra). The orchestra, which was previously involved with recordings for renowned Hollywood productions, will be heard on nine out of ten songs plus the intro. Lanvall's (guitar, keyboards) orchestral arrangements were recently put into the final score by famous conductor/composer/accordion virtuoso Enrique Ugarte.

Songtitles set to appear on the new EDENBRIDGE CD include "Undying Devotion", "Fallen from Grace", "Place of Higher Power", "Whale Rider" and "Remember Me".

In addition to his newly formed project with Jason Blachowicz (bass; MALEVOLENT CREATION), Rob Barret (guitar; CANNIBAL CORPSE), Chris Basile (guitar; PYREXIA), and Kyle Symons (vocals; MALEVOLENT CREATION, HATEPLOW), drummer Dave Culross (MALEVOLENT CREATION, HATEPLOW, SUFFOCATION) has confirmed that he will participate in the recording process for the long-awaited second album from DISINCARNATE (the band led by former TESTAMENT/DEATH guitarist-turned-producer James Murphy). Culross will also record an EP with MALEBOLGIA, a full-length CD with DEATH SENTENCE (which includes members of SUFFOCATION, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, CATASTROPHIC and MALEVOLENT CREATION), and an LP with SADISTIC.

Says Dave: "I am going to be busy, busy, busy in '08!"

As previously reported, MALEVOLENT CREATION has recruited drummer Fabian Aguirre (SYNAPTICIDE, ex-GRINDCRUSHER, MISTY FATE, ANGEL NEGRO) as the replacement for Dave Culross. Handling the bass duties for the group on the road will reportedly be Marco Martell, who has already previously toured with the band.

MALEVOLENT CREATION's new album, "Doomsday X", was released in the U.S. on July 17 via Nuclear Blast Records and in Europe on August 24 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded and engineered at Mercury Recording Studios in Pompano Beach, Florida by longtime friend and producer (and sometimes session member) Gus Rios.

AFM Records has announced the signing Polish metallers MADE OF HATE. The group will release its debut album, "Bullet in your Head", on January 4, 2008.

Commented Markus Wosgien," A&R Manager of AFM, "When we heard their songs on their old MySpace page we were just blown away. Their sound is fresh and unique, like a perfect mixture between CHILDREN OF BODOM and IN FLAMES."

Added MADE OF HATE's 22-year-old guitarist and band founder Michal, "The record combines expressive and intense melodies with really aggressive and heavy sounding guitar riffs. It's all I feel in my heart and definitely what I'm looking for in the music. It just the way to express myself! 'Bullet in your Head' is something that kicks ass and you cannot stop listening to it. You do it again and you find more, always new cool stuff."

ENGEL, the Gothenburg, Sweden-based quintet featuring guitarists Marcus Sunesson (ex-THE CROWN) and Niclas Engelin (PASSENGER, ex-GARDENIAN, IN FLAMES), drummer Mojjo (RELEVANT FEW, DRACENA), vocalist Mangan Klavborn, and bassist Michael Håkansson (ex-EVERGREY), will release its debut album, "Absolute Design", via SPV/Steamhammer on the following dates:

Sweden: October 31
Germany, Austria, Switzerland: November 2
Rest of Europe: November 5

IN FLAMES frontman Anders Fridén helped his old friend Niclas (both played together in PASSENGER) record demos and assisted in the production of the CD at Dug-Out Studios in Uppsala with Daniel Bergstrand (producer of IN FLAMES, MESHUGGAH). Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Casket Closing", "In Splendour", "The Paraclet", "Propaganda" and "Seven Ends".

MANES, the Norwegian band featuring members of THIRD AND THE MORTAL, ATROX and CHTON, has issued the following update:

"Well, we've actually started a little recording now. We have no planned releasedate or much more to share about this, apart from the fact that it isn't for a new album. An EP maybe, or something similar. We'll again be collaborating with new people on different things for this, among others two vocalists. The way things seem right now it's likely to be a blast (from the past). Grim reality unveils!

"Anyway, if things go the way we envisage this; we'll also record some other stuff at the same time (a re-recording and a cover maybe), but more about that later. We're also working on our next album, 'Be All End All', now, but we will finish the stuff we're working on right now before we continue with that. We've also contemplating doing some live shows, but we're not out hunting opportunities. It's more of a case where we don't bother going to the mountain, the mountain must come to us."

A new MACBETH track, entitled "Without You", has been posted on the group's MySpace page. The song comes off the Italian band's new album, "Superangelic Hate Bringers" (cover arrtwork), due on November 16 via Dragonheart Records. The CD was recorded in two different studios, including a private studio in Reykjavik, Iceland and New Sin studios in Italy, where the band also mixed and mastered the album.

According to a press release, "Superangelic Hate Bringers" is "the brilliant new and ambitious album by MACBETH that features ten pieces which go well beyond the confines of pure gothic metal." The album's first single, "Without You", and "To My Falling Star" are said to "offer a new interpretation of gothic metal" while tracks like "Watch Us Die" and "H.A.T.E." are "evidence of how much more aggressive the new sound is." The digipack version of "Superangelic Hate Bringers" will also include the video clip for the song "Without You" (shot with Italian director Mirco Andreis).

"Superangelic Hate Bringers" track listing:

01. Don't Pretend
02. To My Falling Star
03. Without You
04. Watch Us Die
05. Don't Include Me In Your Dreams
06. Veils
07. H.A.T.E.
08. Grey Skies
09. Break the Circle
10. (The World) In My Mind
11. Without You (video) (extended version)

Soundhouse Records, the new London-based label started by Cliff Evans, guitarist for the UK bands TANK and KILLERS, has set an October 15 release date for the new TANK collection entitled "Live and Rare". The CD will include nine tracks from the band's 1981 tour supporting MOTÖRHEAD, four 1981 studio demos (containing material that was later included on the "Filth Hounds of Hades" album), two songs from TANK's 1984 tour with METALLICA, and two live tracks recorded in 1999 in Japan.

"Live and Rare" track listing:

1981 MOTÖRHEAD "Ace of Spades" tour:

01. Shellshock
02. Steppin' On a Landmine
03. Blood, Guts and Beer
04. Run Like Hell
05. Don't Walk Away
06. Filth Hounds of Hades
07. He Fell In Love with a (Stormtrooper)
08. The Snake

1984 METALLICA "Ride the Lightning"tour:

09. This Means War
10. Echoes Of A Distant Battle

1999 Japan NWOBHM festival:

11. T.W.D.A.M.O.
12. Don't Walk Away

Studio Demos:

13. Shellshock
14. Run Like Hell
15. Blood, Guts and Beer

Swedish metallers IN FLAMES are currently at their own IF Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden working on the follow-up to last year's "Come Clarity". The band's studio video diary is online now with Episode 5. Watch it below.

A new IN FLAMES track, entitled "Abnegation", is featured on the "Viva La Bands, Vol. 2" album, which was released on September 4 via Ferret Music and Filthy Note Records. The CD features exclusive tracks, written and recorded for the CD/DVD combo from some of Bam's favorite acts like CLUTCH, CKY, CHILDREN OF BODOM, VIKING SKULL and VAINS OF JENNA. A U.S.-exclusive track from SHINY TOY GUNS and music from other faves like GWAR, THE SOUNDS, DIMMU BORGIR and KILL HANNAH also appears on the killer compilation.

Ex-THE GATHERING singer Anneke van Giersbergen, who now fronts her newly formed band AGUA DE ANNIQUE, has posted the video for the song "Day After Yesterday" from the forthcoming debut album "Air". Watch it below.

"Air" is scheduled for release on October 30 via The End Records. The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Beautiful One
02. Witnesses
03. Yalin
04. Day After Yesterday
05. My Girl
06. Take Care of Me
07. Ice Water
08. You Are Nice
09. Trail of Grief
10. Come Wander
11. Sunken Soldiers
12. Lost and Found
13. Asleep

Liechtenstein-based gothic metallers ELIS will release a new single, "Show Me the Way", on November 2 in Europe and November 6 in North American via Napalm Records. The single's title cut, which originally appeared on last year's "Griefshire" album, will feature lead vocals by the group's new female singer Sandra Schleret (DREAMS OF SANITY, SIEGFRIED). Also included on the single will be several previously unreleased songs from the "Griefshire" recording sessions. The track listing is as follows:

01. Show me the Way (new single version)
02. Salvation (non-album track)
03. These Days are Gone (non-album track)
04. In Einem Verlassenen Zimmer (non-album track)
05. Show me the Way (new version)

The Associated Press reports that a 14-year-old suspended student, wearing a black MARILYN MANSON concert shirt, black jeans and black-painted finger nails, opened fire in his Cleveland, Ohio high school Wednesday, wounding four people as terrified schoolmates hid in closets and bathrooms and huddled under laboratory desks. He then killed himself.

A fellow student at SuccessTech Academy alternative school said Asa H. Coon, who was suspended for fighting two days earlier, had made threats in front of students and teachers last week.

"He's crazy. He threatened to blow up our school. He threatened to stab everybody," Doneisha LeVert said. "We didn't think nothing of it."

Coon was armed with two .38 caliber revolvers, and police found a duffel bag stocked with ammunition and three knives in a bathroom, officials said. Parents were angry that firearms got into a school equipped with metal detectors that students said were intermittently used.

Officials said two teachers and two students were shot, and that a 14-year-old girl fell and hurt her knee while running out of the school.

AYREON, the brainchild of Dutch guitarist/composer Arjen Lucassen, has set "01011001" as the title of its new album, tentatively due in January 2008. More information, including soundclips, is available at this location.

"01011001" will feature guest appearances by Daniel Gildenlöw (PAIN OF SALVATION), Hansi Kürsch (BLIND GUARDIAN), Steve Lee (GOTTHARD), Bob Catley (MAGNUM), Anneke van Giersbergen (THE GATHERING), Jonas P. Renske (KATATONIA), Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN), Tom S. Englund (EVERGREY), Ty Tabor (KING'S X), Magali Luyten (VIRUS IV), Simone Simons (EPICA), Liselotte Hegt (DIAL), Phideaux Xavier, Floor Jansen (AFTER FOREVER), Wudstik (a Dutch hip hop and soul artist), and Marjan Welman of the Dutch band ELISTER.

AYREON's last CD, "Ayreon: The Human Equation", was released in 2004. It contained guest appearances by a number of acclaimed vocalists, including James LaBrie (DREAM THEATER), Mike Baker (SHADOW GALLERY), Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH), Eric Clayton (SAVIOUR MACHINE), Devon Graves (DEADSOUL TRIBE, ex-PSYCHOTIC WALTZ) and Devin Townsend (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD).

A new NIGHTMARE track, entitled "Queen of Love & Pain", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The song comes off the French heavy metallers' new album, "Genetic Disorder", due on October 31 via Regain Records. The CD was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden with producers Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd (IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCH ENEMY).

"Genetic Disorder" track listing:

01. Nothing Left Behind
02. Battleground For Suicide
03. Queen Of Love & Pain
04. Conspiracy
05. Leader Of The Masquerade
06. Final Procession
07. The Dominion Gate (Part II)
08. The Winds Of Sin
09. Forsaken Child
10. A Thrill Of Death
11. Wicked White Demon
12. Dawn Of Darkness