Canadian death metallers KATAKLYSM will enter the studio this week with producer/guitarist Jean-Francois Dagenais to begin recording their new album, "Prevail". The recording process will last five weeks, with vocalist Maurizio Iacono scheduled to record his vocals in September.

Commented Maurizio: "The album is done and ready to go. Although it was a breeze to write this album as things came so naturally, on the lyrics end, I worked the hardest I have in years making sure everything is where it should be. At times it was real difficult but the end result will speak for itself. I'm truly convinced this album will take no prisoners. As you know we don't repeat the same record twice; this album stands on a league of its own. And I'm not saying it's our best album, because only the fans have the right to say whether it is or not. All I'm saying is I listen to the songs and I wanna punch the fucking wall. That means we are on to something good."

KATAKLYSM has recruited producer Jason Suecof (CHIMAIRA, TRIVIUM, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER) to mix the album in early January. "Prevail" will also feature some guest appearances to be announced at a later date.

The album is scheduled for May 23, 2008 release via Nuclear Blast Records.

On September 18, Eagle Rock Entertainment will re-release one of its most popular DVDs, DEEP PURPLE's "In Concert With The London Symphony Orchestra Conducted By Paul Mann". According to a press release, the disc "has this most classic of classic rock bands blowing the roof off the famed Royal Albert Hall in London, England a full 30 years after their first symphonic project. Keyboardist Jon Lord, singer Ian Gillan, drummer Ian Paice, guitarist Steve Morse and bassist Roger Glover perform 13 tracks in two hours, with heavy accents on improvisation and even a guest shot by the legendary Ronnie James Dio!"

Former HELLOWEEN frontman Michael Kiske has commented on his guest appearance on the third installment of EDGUY singer Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA project, entitled "Lost in Space Part 1 and Part 2".

Asked what the AVANTASIA project has been like this time around, Kiske replied, "I like it this time a lot more. Tobi gets better and better as a songwriter and also a little braver to break down barriers. All music scenes need that more than anything! Especially 'Lost in Space' is really good and my type of material..."

In addition to Kiske, the new AVANTASIA album will feature guest appearances by SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker, rock legend Alice Cooper, Sascha Paeth, Henjo Richter, Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER), Miro, Jorn Lande (ex-MASTERPLAN), Bob Catley and Amanda Somerville.

According to Black-Sabbath.com, the release date of the special-edition box version of HEAVEN AND HELL's upcoming "Live At Radio City Music Hall" has been pushed back to September 25. The limited set is available exclusively via Rhino.com and is being released in a divinely deluxe three-disc edition — two CDs and one DVD — for $66.66. Bonus features of this special, collectible set are a tour program, glossy photos of the band and HEAVEN AND HELL memorabilia, including a patch, concert ticket and backstage laminate.

HEAVEN AND HELL "Live From Radio City Music Hall" will be available at regular retail outlets on August 28 both as a two-disc CD set and as a DVD for a suggested list price of $19.98 and $19.99 respectively.

A brand new track from German black metal band ENDSTILLE, entitled "Endstilles Reich", has been made available for download at this location. The song is the title cut of the group's new album, due on October 15 via Regain Records. The CD was recorded at JAKs-Hell studio, like all previous ENDSTILLE albums, and it contains 10 tracks with a running time about 50 minutes.

"Endstilles Reich" (cover artwork) track listing:

01. Among Our Glorious Existence
02. Endstilles Reich
03. Der Ketzer
04. Vorwärts! (Sturmangriff II)
05. I Am God
06. No Heaven Over Germany
07. The One I Hate
08. Scars
09. Erase
10. Endstille (Realität)

ENDSTILLE's fourth full-length album, "Navigator", was released in August 2005 via Twilight-Vertrieb. The follow-up to 2004's "Dominanz" contained 10 tracks with a running time of 43 minutes.

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), has set "Absolute Design" as the title of its upcoming demo album, tentatively due this fall via SPV. 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".

Already touted as one of the "Best Unsigned Bands 2006" by the readers of Metal Hammer U.K. and crowned winners of Rock Hard Germany's "Demo Contest" 2006, ENGEL is set to take the metal world by storm. Hailing from Sweden's famous breeding ground for riffs and groundbreaking bands — Gothenburg — the members of ENGEL have years of combined experience and a uniquely mesmerizing heavy-as-hell melodic sound to take over the world's metallic hearts and minds.

PAIN, the Swedish band featuring HYPOCRISY mainman Peter Tägtgren, has issued the following update:

"We are sorry to anounce that PAIN has cancelled the Summer Rocks Open Air festival 2007 [in] Istanbul [Turkey on] 19th August due to the [fact that the] promoter didn't pay the deposit and didn't even contact our booking agency, Helter Skelter, [to explain] why this happened. Helter Skelter cancelled PAIN. We hope that we can come back on tour later this or next year and we hope the PAIN-heads in Istanbul will understand."

PAIN's fifth full-length album, "Psalms of Extinction", entered the national chart in the band's home country at position No. 21.

DEAD TO THIS WORLD, the speed/thrash/black metal project led by former IMMORTAL bassist Iscariah, has posted a new song, entitled "Shadows of the Cross", on its MySpace page. The track comes off the group's upcoming debut album, "First Strike for Spiritual Renewance", due on November 19 via Dark Essence Records. The CD was produced by Bjørnar E Nielsen at Nielsen's Conclave Media Studios in Bergen.

Nielsen, who has produced albums by bands such as HELHEIM, SULPHUR, DEATHCON, AMPERA and VULTURE INDUSTRIES (of whom he is also a member), recently built a new studio with ENSLAVED members Herbrand Larsen and Arve Isdal.

DEAD TO THIS WORLD was originally founded by Iscariah (NECROPHAGIA, ex-IMMORTAL) as a solo project, but was expanded to a full lineup, releasing a three-track demo in 2005. Following the departure of their drummer, Iscariah recently announced that former GORGOROTH member Kvitrafn (SIGFADER, WARDRUNA, JOTUNSPOR, ex-SAHG) would be joining the band to record the new album.

EMPIRE, the brainchild of German guitarist Rolf Munkes (MAJESTY, RAZORBACK, VANIZE), has finished recording its fourth album for a November release via Metal Heaven/Soulfood. More details will be made available soon.

EMPIRE's third CD, "Raven Ride", was released in May 2006. The follow-up to 2003's "Trading Souls" (Lion Music) featured guest appearances by singer Tony Martin (ex-BLACK SABBATH), drummer Andre Hilgers (AXXIS, SILENT FORCE, RAZORBACK) and bassist Neil Murray (WHITESNAKE, BLACK SABBATH, M3). Martin and Murray had both appeared on "Trading Souls", which featured additional contributions from DEEP PURPLE keyboardist Don Airey and current HAMMERFALL/ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN drummer Anders Johansson.

SAVAGE CIRCUS members Jens Karlsson (vocals), Emil Norberg (lead guitar) and Piet Sielck (guitar, bass, backing vocals) has issued the following statement:

"After the recent events at the Rengsdorf Rock & Blues Festival and the Rock Am Schloss Festival the band sees no perspective any more to go on with our drummer Thomen Stauch [ex-BLIND GUARDIAN]. Therefore we immediately release him from all duties.

"Even though we are aware of his personal situation we cannot ignore the fact anymore that he is still not able to carry out his duties for SAVAGE CIRCUS.

"Already in summer 2005 Thomen started to cancel most of his all planed out promotional activities. In 2006 he canceled the Japanese shows and wasn't part of any other activity for the whole year. We gave him this entire year to solve his situation because we deeply hoped that he would be able to recover and to get back into pace again. But instead in spring this year Thomen almost canceled the CIRCLE II CIRCLE tour. Now he canceled two festival shows with extremely short notice again...

"We are very sorry, but we cannot take this any more. We supported and backed Thomen up for over 2 1/2 years by now, but as sad as it is we must face that it is just not going anywhere. Even though we still do have a lot of understanding for his situation, we cannot allow the unintended but yet serious damage he is doing to the band in which all of us invest so much energy and work. We do want SAVAGE CIRCUS to happen, but we cannot see it happen with Thomen any more.

"We are not looking back in anger, we'd rather like to look into the future. The production of the 'Dreamland Manor' follow-up is not dramatically affected by this, but we will need some time to decide and work in a worthy replacement, who will be anounced shortly. Therefore the release date will move to early 2008.

"We wish Thomen well and hope, that he will find his way."

SAVAGE CIRCUS recently released a DVD, entitled "Live in Atlanta", through Dockyard 1. The live footage was filmed last year at the ProgPower USA VII festival in Atlanta, GA.

Guitarist/vocalist Martin Schirenc (a.k.a. Don Cochino) of the long-running Austrian extreme metallers PUNGENT STENCH has released the following statement:

"You probably have noticed that I didn't [release] any updates on our forthcoming album for the last four weeks and now I have a sad announcement to make:

"Due to band internal disputes, both personal and business-related, we came to the point where it's impossible to continue making music together. All upcoming shows have been cancelled and there won't be any further live activities in the future, at least not with the current lineup.

"This wasn't an easy decision and, speaking strictly for me, I wish we could have worked things out. Unfortunately, we couldn't come to a compromise settlement. However, I'll do everything in my power to release [the recently completed PUNGENT STENCH] album, since I believe it's too good to be trashed and mostly because we owe it to you, our loyal fans! I will also continue making music together with El Gore, who had a big bearing on the new album and is a great musician and friend.

"I hope you understand my position and I would be pleased to see you at a show of my future musical projects, because I ain't done rockin', yet!

"Thank you for your abiding support and sympathy, but the time has come for me to move on and break new ground."

PUNGENT STENCH's new album will tentatively feature the following track listing:

01. Opus Dei – Glorified Be Pain!
02. The King Of Smut
03. Devil's Work & Our Contribution
04. Aztec Holiday (Heartless In Tenochtitlán)
05. Planet Of The Dead
06. Persona Non Grata
07. Suicide Bombshell
08. Me, Gonzo
09. Brute
10. I Require Death Sentence (We Must Clean House!)

PUNGENT STENCH's latest album, "Ampeauty", was issued in September 2004 through Nuclear Blast Records.

Certainly one of the most electrifying performers of any decade, Sebastian Bach is set to release "Angel Down" on November 20, his first solo album in eight years. The 14-song "Angel Down" was produced by Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, ROB HALFORD, JUDAS PRIEST), and recorded in July and August 2006 at Sound City Studios in Hollywood, CA. The CD will be released via a joint venture between Merovingian Music, Ltd. (MRV) and Bach's Get Off My Bach Productions, and distributed worldwide through Caroline/EMI Music Group.

Joining Bach in the studio for "Angel Down" were guitarists "Metal" Mike Chlasciak and Johnny Chromatic, and Bobby Jarzombek on drums, all longtime members of Bach's touring band, as well as Steve DiGiorgio on bass. Rob DeLuca has been handling the bass duties for Bach during the past few months and will once again join the group on the road in support of the new CD.

Nine of the 14 songs on "Angel Down" were written or co-written by Bach including the first radio track, "(Love Is) A Bitchslap" (co-written with Roy Z). While more than two weeks away from its official "add" date (September 4), "Bitchslap" is already being played at powerhouse rock radio stations like KUPD in Phoenix and Boston's WAAF. Bach and Roy Z also co-wrote "You Don't Understand", "By Your Side", and "Our Love Is A Lie", while Bach teamed with Desmond Child for "Falling Into You". In addition, the band covered the Steven Tyler/Joe Perry classic "Back In The Saddle". Other tracks include "Stabbin' Daggers", "Take You Down with Me", "Negative Light", "Live & Die", "American Metalhead", "Stuck Inside" and "You Bring Me Down".

The cover art for "Angel Down" is an original painting by Bach's late father, the celebrated Canadian artist David Bierk who died in 2002. The painting, entitled "David Watching", was created in 1990 and is an emotional choice for Bach. Bierk also created the cover artwork for SKID ROW's 1991 album "Slave To The Grind", which Rolling Stone voted one of the top 5 album covers of the year. His paintings have been exhibited in art galleries all over North America.

"Angel Down" also represents a reunion of sorts — 20 years ago, Jack Ponti (then a successful songwriter and record producer, now MRV's CEO) worked with Jason Flom (then A&R rep at Atlantic Records, now Chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group) who signed the Sebastian Bach-fronted SKID ROW to Atlantic Records. With MRV dedicated to supporting and developing artist-owned, management-owned and independent labels, and Flom calling the shots from EMI, a dynamic triumvirate has realigned.

KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque recently moved his studio (formerly known as Los Angered Recording) to Varberg, Sweden (which is located 40 minutes south of Gothenburg) and has renamed it Sonic Train. Check out the studio's web site at this location. Artists scheduled to work at Sonic Train this summer/fall include GRIFFIN (Norway), TEARS OF GLORY (Colombia), IMAGIKA (USA), SOTHIS (USA), FALCONER (Sweden).

La Rocque's other band, X-WORLD/5 — which also features Magnus Rosén (HAMMERFALL) on bass, Nils K. Rue (PAGAN'S MIND) on vocals, Big Swede on drums and Reeves Gabrels (TIN MACHINE, DAVID BOWIE) on guitar — is expected to release its debut album in February.

KING DIAMOND's latest album, "Give Me Your Soul ... Please" recently entered the Swedish national chart at position No. 28. The CD also landed at No. 58 on the Danish chart (the second highest new entry on the chart behind VELVET REVOLVER).

"Give Me Your Soul ... Please" sold 4,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 174 on The Billboard 200 chart.

According to MTV.com, MINISTRY has set "Cover Up" as the title of its upcoming CD of covers — some new, some old. The disc will feature numerous guests, including STATIC-X's Wayne Static (singing "I Want You [She's So Heavy]" by THE BEATLES); CHEAP TRICK's Robin Zander (singing GOLDEN EARRING's "Radar Love"); FEAR FACTORY's Burton Bell (ROLLING STONES' "Under My Thumb"); and MINISTRY/PRONG guitarist Tommy Victor and MOUNTAIN guitarist Leslie West (MOUNTAIN's "Mississippi Queen"). "Cover Up" will also include previously released covers of BLACK SABBATH's "Supernaut", BOB DYLAN's "Lay Lady Lay", THE DOORS' "Roadhouse Blues" (which is on MINISTRY's upcoming all-new studio CD, "The Last Sucker") and MAGAZINE's "The Light That Pours Out of Me".

An unofficial biography of IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson, titled "Bruce Dickinson: Flashing Metal with Maiden and Flying Solo" (cover), was published in early June via Independent Music Press. A synopsis of the book reads as follows:

"Bruce Dickinson is best known as frontman for the multi-million selling giants of heavy metal, IRON MAIDEN, with whom he has enjoyed worldwide success for 25 years. However, his story outside of MAIDEN is equally remarkable. Prior to joining that band Dickinson enjoyed stardom with SAMSON, while his post-MAIDEN solo career has brought much critical success. Further away from his day job, Dickinson is a true renaissance man. A member of the British fencing team, he also hosts his own show on flagship digital radio station, BBC 6 Music, is a best-selling fiction author, and TV presenter for the Discovery Channel and Sky One. Dickinson is also employed by the commercial airline Astreus as a first officer, and even participated in a mercy mission to rescue British residents from Beirut during the summer of 2006. This book tells his story for the first time, through exclusive interviews with those who know him best: from his formative days to all his time in MAIDEN, through his solo years, right up to the present day, where IRON MAIDEN are rightly considered legends of music worldwide."

An audio clip of the new AVENGED SEVENFOLD song "Critical Acclaim" has been posted on the group's MySpace page. The full song will be made available via iTunes on August 28.

"Critical Acclaim" will be included on AVENGED SEVENFOLD new, self-titled album, which will follow up the band's breakthrough 2005 effort, "City of Evil". Due on October 16, the CD is the California metalcore act's first attempt at self-producing.

"Avenged Sevenfold" track listing:

01. Critical Acclaim
02. Almost Easy
03. Scream
04. Afterlife
05. Gunslinger
06. Unbound the Wild Ride
07. Brompton Cocktail
08. Lost
09. A Little Piece of Heaven
10. Dear God

Candlelight Records is looking for fan-taken photos of OPETH from the group's early years to be used in connection with the upcoming reissues of the band's "Orchid" (1995), "Morningrise" (1996) and "My Arms, Your Hearse" (1998) masterpieces. Send in any OPETH pictures you have from this period (1995-1998) and they may be featured in the reissue artwork. Fans whose photos are used will be immortalized with a credit in the album artwork, and will also receive a free copy of the album — complete with their name in it! All pictures should be sent to conord@plastichead.com (please note the pictures must be your originals for which you hold full copyright).

German dark/symphonic gothic metal band ATARGATIS has revealed the track listing for its new album, "Nova", which will be released on October 26 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)

Connecticut hardcore/metal legends HATEBREED have debuted their new video for "Destroy Everything" as a MySpace "Exclusive Video Premiere."

The "Destroy Everything" video was directed by Martin Kames and filmed during the band's With Full Force festival performance. The clip marks the second video from the band's 2006 Roadrunner Records release, "Supremacy".

Commented frontman Jamey Jasta: "We filmed this video in front of 30,000 raging German fans. It was a show we will never forget and we're very happy to have it captured on film for everyone to see!"

ILL NINO's new album, "Enigma" (Cement Shoes Records), has reportedly had its release date pushed back to October 9. A track from the CD, entitled "Alibi of Tyrants", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page

ILL NINO's last release was the "The Undercover Sessions" EP, which came out in November through Cement Shoes. The CD was comprised of three of ILL NINO's favorite cover songs from bands they loved growing up as fans, and two brand new songs — all overseen by legendary producer Andy Johns (LED ZEPPELIN, VAN HALEN, OZZY OSBOURNE), Dave Chavarri and Eddie Wohl (ANTHRAX, 36 CRAZYFISTS, MACHINE HEAD). The EP was the band's first release through Cement Shoes following their split with the Roadrunner label.

In a complete departure from what they have done before, Denis "Snake" Belanger (VOIVOD) and longtime friend Botcher (AGGRESSION) spent the last year working on a project called PARANOLAND. Experimenting with modern sounds and samples over knockout riffs and twisted arrangements, the group stepped up its game with the involvement of guitarist Frank Legendre (GROOVY AARDVARK) and drummer Peter Jackson (B.A.R.F., UNION MADE).

The first three songs from PARANOLAND — "Paranoland", "Leave U" and "Farewell" — are available for streaming on the band's Myspace page. The tracks were reportedly produced by Glen Robinson (VOIVOD, GWAR, ANNIHILATOR).

Swedish metallers THE DUSKFALL will release their fourth CD, entitled "The Dying Wonders of the World", on October 26 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded at Uppsala, Sweden's Dug-Out Studios (drums, vocals and the mix) by Daniel Bergstrand (IN FLAMES, DEFLESHED, DARK FUNERAL, BEHEMOTH, SOILWORK) and Promile Studios (guitars and bass) by Michael Hahne. It was mastered by Achim Köhler at Indiscreet Audio in Germany.

"The Dying Wonders of the World" (cover) track listing:

01. Paradises into Deserts
02. The Wheel and the Blacklight
03. Deep in Your World
04. Some More Sin on My Burden
05. Shadows and Cancer
06. Bring Us Your Infected
07. The Option and The Poison
08. Sealed with a Fist
09. I've Only Got Knives for You

A five-minute "teaser soundclip" containing parts of four different songs from "The Dying Wonders of the World" has been posted online at this location.

Vitamin Records has set a September 11 release date for "A String Quartet Tribute to H.I.M." According to the label. The CD is "a haunting and beautiful recreation" of HIM's unique sound. "Their pulsating riffs and lush melodies are the perfect template for these unbelievable pieces. This album is an essential for any HIM fan's collection."

"A String Quartet Tribute to H.I.M." track listing:

01. Wings of a Butterfly
02. Killing Loneliness
03. Lose You Tonight
04. Join Me
05. Vampire Heart
06. Right Here In My Arms
07. Buried Alive By Love
08. Your Sweet Six Six Six
09. Beyond Redemption
10. Razorblade Kiss
11. In Joy and Sorrow
12. J.I.M. (original composition inspired by the music of HIM)

Check out audio samples at this location.

Norwegian black metallers SATYRICON have issued the following update:

"We will return to Fredrikstad [Norway] Septemer 29. More shows scheduled for this coming fall will be announced in the next few weeks. The shows this [past] weekend at Brutal Assault [Czech Republic] and Sziget [Hungary] festivals wrap up the festival season for SATYRICON. Thank you for the support so far! [This] week we will return to our mountain resort to continue songwriting and record demos for the new album. All is going really well with that indeed! We have also extended our partnership with Roadrunner and next year will be a very exciting one for SATYRICON and our friends out there."

Guitarist Schoft of the brutal Dutch death metal band BRUTUS has reportedly been tapped by SATYRICON as the group's new touring guitarist.

SLAYER guitarist Jeff Hanneman has revealed that he has already started writing material for the follow-up to the group's "Christ Illusion" CD, which came out last year. Speaking to YeboTV, Jeff said, "I've got, like, probably about three songs started. I think we'll probably just take a couple of months off and then start writing."

Asked if he ever writes material that doesn't suit SLAYER, Hanneman said, "Oh, yeah, I write tons of shit like that. It's basically just for fun… because I've got a drum machine, a recorder — like a mini-studio at home. I'll just go in, throw down some drums, play some guitar riffs for fun… just to have fun. And once in a while, a riff will show up and I'll go, 'Hey, I can use that in SLAYER.' And I'll jus ttake that out and build a song around it."