Portuguese metallers MOONSPELL have posted the new version of their song "Tenebrarum Oratorium (Andamento I/Erudit Compendyum)" on their MySpace page. The song comes off the band's upcoming CD "Under SatanÆ", which consists of re-recordings of the band's legendary EP "Under the Moonspell" (1994) as well as their first demo "Anno SatanÆ" and their sole track as MORBID GOD, "Serpent Angel". All the songs were re-arranged and revamped in order to "underline their revered distinction as underground classics but now with a mature dark energy and class," according to a press release. "The full-length CD (eight songs and around five instrumental compositions) was recorded at Denmark's Antfarm Studios with Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, DARK TRANQUILLITY, ROB HALFORD) and will be released in early October via SPV worldwide.

"Under SatanÆ" track listing (not in final order):

01. Halla alle halla al rabka halla (Praeludium/Incantatum Solistitium)
02. Tenebrarum Oratorium (Andamento I/Erudit Compendyum)
03. Interludium/Incantatum Oequinoctum
04. Tenebrarum Oratorium (Andamento II/Erotic Compendyum)
05. Opus Diabolicum (Andamento III/Instrumental Compendyum)
06. Chorai Lusitânia! (Epilogus/Incantatam Maresia)
07. Intro
08. Goat on Fire
09. Ancient Winter Goddess
10. Wolves From The Fog
11. Outro
12. Serpent Angel

The band is also in the process of writing material for the follow-up to "Memorial", which will go into production before the end of the year at the Woodhouse Studios with producer Waldemar Sorychta. A "best of" collection from MOONSPELL, entitled "The Great Silver Eye", was recently released through Century Media.

Italian folk/power metal band ELVENKING has released the video for its song "The Divided Heart". The clip was shot with director Mirco Andreis (ELDRITCH, MACBETH, DISARMONIA MUNDI). Watch the video below.

"The Divided Heart" comes off ELVENKING's new CD, "The Scythe", due in Europe on September 14 via AFM Records. The album was mixed at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Finland. The mastering took place on April 10 at Finnvox Studios with Mika Jussila and Nino Laurenne.

"The Scythe" track listing:

01. The Scythe
02. Lost Hill of Memories
03. Infection
04. Poison Tears
05. A Riddle of Stars
06. Romance & Wrath
07. The Divided Heart
08. Horns Ablaze (digipack bonus track)
09. Totentanz
10. Death and the Suffering
11. Dominhate

Former ANGRA/SHAAMAN frontman André Matos will release his debut solo album, "Time to be Free", in Japan on August 22 via Avalon/Marquee Inc. The CD was produced by Roy Z (BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD, JUDAS PRIEST) and Sascha Paeth (KAMELOT, EDGUY, RHAPSODY, FREEDOM CALL) between November 2006 and February 2007 at Ultra Sonica and Brainless Brothers Studios in São Paulo, Brazil and at Gate Studio in Wolfsburg, Germany.

"Time to be Free" (http://www.andrematos.net/news_fotos/news13.jpg) track listing:

01. Menuett
02. Letting Go
03. Rio
04. Remember Why
05. How Long (Unleashed Way)
06. Looking Back
07. Face The End
08. Time To Be Free
09. Rescue
10. A New Moonlight
11. Endeavour
12. Separate Ways (World Apart) (Japanese bonus track)

Paragon Records has announced its latest two signings: DARKESTRAH and AETHERIUS OBSCURITAS.

DARKESTRAH has been playing its brand of innovative black metal since 1999, releasing three acclaimed albums: "Sary Oy", "Embrace of Memory" and "Epos". While DARKESTRAH is now based in Germany, the band formed in the central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan.
Previous works have been described as a spiritual, almost pre-historic journey, using pagan themes in a very unique way, often paying homage to the bands Shaman roots. Great melodic parts were paired with traditional instruments like Kyl-kyjak, Komuz or Sygyt. Female black metal vocals and singing that created the atmosphere of the spiritual shamanic people.

DARKESTRAH's brand new album will be out in early 2008 through Paragon. More information, clips, and photos on can be found on the band's web site.

Hungary's AETHERIUS OBSCURITAS plays fast and raging black metal inspired by the old masters DISSECTION, RAGNAROK and countrymates TORMENTOR. Sole member Arkhorrl regards his band as a salute to the black metal ancestors, and edifying the Hungarian black metal scene. AETHERIUS OBSCURITAS previously released three full-length albums and has established itself as one of the standouts of the thriving Hungarian black metal scene. The group's fourth album, "Viziok", will be available in early autumn through Paragon. More information, soundclips, photos can be found on the AETHERIUS OBSCURITAS web site

EDGUY/AVANTASIA frontman Tobias Sammet recently underwent appendix surgery and is currently recovering in a German hospital.

Sammet has confirmed via his official web site that SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker and rock legend Alice Cooper will appear on the third installment of his AVANTASIA project, entitled "Lost in Space Part 1 and Part 2" (the "Scarecrow" working title has now apparently been scrapped). Other guests confirmed to appear on AVANTASIA's new CD include Sascha Paeth, Henjo Richter, Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER), Miro, Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN), Jorn Lande (ex-MASTERPLAN), Bob Catley and Amanda Somerville.

AVANTASIA will perform at next year's Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany. Also scheduled to appear are IRON MAIDEN (headliners), CHILDREN OF BODOM and KREATOR.

NIGHTWISH's video for the group's new single, "Amaranth", debuted on MTV Finland early this morning (Saturday, August 11) and has since gone into regular rotation. The clip will receive its official online premiere on Monday, August 13 at 8:00 a.m. CET via the Nuclear Blast Records web site. The video, which was shot in Los Angeles with director Antti Jokinen (BEYONCÉ, WYCLEF JEAN, KORN, MISSY ELLIOT, STRATOVARIUS, SHANIA TWAIN, CELINE DION), has surfaced on YouTube and can be viewed below.

NIGHTWISH shot two videos in Los Angeles with Antti Jokinen, reportedly at a cost of 270,000 euros (approximately $362,000). "We saved time and money by doing two videos in one session," NIGHTWISH leader Tuomas Holopainen told the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat.

Behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the new NIGHTWISH video, "Amaranth", has been posted at Nightwish.com.

Swedish black metal band VANMAKT has posted its video for the track "Förkastelse Av Jesu Tro" on YouTube. The song comes off the group's debut album, "Vredskapta Mörkersagor" (cover), which has just been released through Pulverised Records. The CD features guest appearances by Jonas Renvaktar (SPAWN OF POSSESSION) on the song entitled "Open the Gates" and Hebbe from SKALD on the track "En Mardröm, En Strid, Ett Helvete".

"Vredskapta Mörkersagor" track listing:

01. The First Key
02. Sanguine Craving
03. Förkastelse Av Jesu Tro
04. My Darkest Hate
05. Diaboli Iubeo
06. Para Vindicta
07. Open The Gates
08. Death Upon Death
09. En Mardröm, En Strid, Ett Helvete
10. Prince Mephisto
11. A New Satanic Era

Check out audio samples at the band's MySpace Page

German metalcore act MAROON has posted a three-minute video clip featuring footage from the recording sessions for the group's new album, "The Cold Heart of the Sun". Watch the video here.

"The Cold Heart of the Sun" is scheduled for release in Europe on October 22 via Century Media Records. The drums were recorded at the Hansen Studios in Denmark by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, HEAVEN SHALL BURN, NEAERA, FEAR MY THOUGHTS, VOLBEAT), who also handled the mixing and mastering duties. The other instruments and vocals were laid down at the Rape Of Harmonies studio in Germany with Ralf Müller, Patrick W. Engel and Alexander Dietz (HEAVEN SHALL BURN).

"The Cold Heart of the Sun" track listing:

1. [Reach] The Sun
   
2. Only The Sleeper Left The World
   
3. Steelbath Your Heart
   
4. My Funeral Song
   
5. Black Halo!
   
6. The Cold Heart Of The Sun
   
7. For Those Unseen
   
8. As Truth Becomes Vain
   
9. The Iron Council
   
10. Fear The Most Them Who Protect
    
11. Some Goodbyes Are Farewells
    

MAROON will embark on a European tour in September alongside AS I LAY DYING, DARKEST HOUR and HIMSA. The band will also play a few headlining shows, including a gig at Matrix in Bochum, Germany on September 13.

Acclaimed Australian atmospheric/gothic/doom metal band THE ETERNAL has issued the following update:

"After an enjoyable and successful European tour we are back home! After the European tour, singer/guitarist Mark Kelson went on to do six weeks touring in the USA as a session guitarist for VIRGIN BLACK, so the rest of THE ETERNAL had a well earned break.

"We would like to thank all those that made our time in Europe very enjoyable, Musketeer of Death, Negative Art and Nemesis Promotions most of all for making all the shows happen, and of course all our fans that made it to the shows! With any luck you will see us again next year with a new album under our belts! To celebrate our return we will be doing a hometown show on August 17 at The Arthouse in Melbourne with TEARGAS, THRESHOLDS OF VENGEANCE and IMMERSION. We will not be doing to many shows for the rest of the year, so that we may focus on recording our new album. So please come down and spend an evening with us!

"Well, pre-production for the new album, with the working title 'Kartika' is almost complete. 16 songs are written and at this stage it looks if the band will be using Adelaide engineer Ian Miller alongside Mark Kelson to handle production duties. The band aim to head to Adelaide by November to lay down drums and should be tracking the rest of the album in Melbourne, Australia. At this stage we have not decided what label we will work with for 'Kartika'."

THE ETERNAL recently uploaded a new demo track to its MySpace Page. "Without Reason" was engineered late last year by Endel Rivers and Mark Kelson and was mixed by Endel. "Every one of the 16 tracks we have written [for the upcoming album, tentatively titled 'Kartika'] [is] quite different from each other, so what you will be hearing is just a small taste of what is to come!" the band previously said. Other songs set to appear on the CD include "Silence", "Brighter Day", "Blood", "I've Seen The Dream Through Someone Else's Eyes", "Sunshine" and "Inside The Grey".

THE ETERNAL released its sophomore album, "Sleep of Reason", in 2005 through Firebox Records to critical acclaim, with stunning artwork provided by renowned artist Travis Smith.

VIOLENT STORM, the new band formed by ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN/BLACKMORE'S NIGHT bassist Mick Cervino, has announced the addition of drummer Stet Howland (W.A.S.P., TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY) to the group's ranks.

Back in June, VIOLENT STORM cancelled the remaining dates on its European tour "due to unforseen circumstances beyond our control," according to a statement released by the group's management. No further details were provided.

VIOLENT STORM's latest album, "Storm Warning" was produced by JUDAS PRIEST guitarist K.K. Downing (his first production credit outside of PRIEST), and features guest appearances by Downing, Malmsteen and Roy Z (HALFORD, BRUCE DICKINSON). The CD was released in the U.S. on July 17 via Gold Storm Records. An October 2006 interview with Downing conducted by "Pandora's Rock Box" for U.K.'s Radio Caroline station about about his involvement with VIOLENT STORM is available for download in MP3 format at this locationn

Polish black/death metal band DARZAMAT will release its first-ever live DVD, entitled "Live Profanity (Visiting the Graves of Heretics)" (cover), in North America on August 28 via Metal Mind Productions (the DVD was released in Europe on July 30). The disc was recorded at the 21st edition of the Metalmania Festival, which took place on March 24 in Katowice, Poland, and contains material comprised mostly of songs from the band's latest album, "Transkarpatia". Also included is the group's surprise performance of the song "Diabelski Dom" by the cult Polish metal band KAT, featuring a guest appearance by KAT leader Roman Kostrzewski. The DVD also includes additional footage from the Winternachtstraum Festival, which took place in February 2007 in Arnsberg, Germany, two unreleased tracks, video clips, and an interview with Flauros and Nera.

"Live Profanity (Visiting the Graves of Heretics)" track listing:

Metalmania 2007:

1. Intro
   
2. Labyrinth of Anxiety
   
3. The Burning Times
   
4. Fistful of Ashes
   
5. Hallucinations
   
6. Blackward
   
7. Vampiric Prose
   
8. The Old Form of Worship
   
9. Recurring Yell
   
10. Demise
    
11. Diabelski Dom cz.II
    

Winternachtstraum Festival 2007:

1. Intro
   
2. Blackward
   
3. Vampiric Prose
   
4. Era Aggression
   
5. Labyrinth of Anxiety
   
6. Hallucinations
   
7. The Burning Times
   
8. Fistful of Ashes
   
9. The Old Form of Worship
   
10. Storm
    

Bonus video:

• The Burning Times
  
• Era Aggression
  
• In Red Iris
  

Bonus audio:

• Equinox
  
• Storm 2005
  

Also includes:

• Photo gallery
  
• Band history
  
• Discography
  
• Desktop images
  
• Weblinks
  
• Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
  

"Labyrinth of Anxiety" preview clip is available here.

South German melodic metal outfit SAIDIAN will enter the studio on September 3 to begin recording its third, as-yet-untitled album for a March 2008 release via Metal Heaven/Soulfood in Europe. The Japanese version of the album, which is also due in March, will include a bonus track.

SAIDIAN recently posted its video for the song "Burn Down the Night" on Myspace. According to the band, the clip features, "besides live footage, some backstage impressions from our 2005 European tour with JON OLIVA'S PAIN."

Former SAVATAGE/current JON OLIVA'S PAIN frontman Jon Oliva and SINNER/ex-PRIMAL FEAR drummer Klaus Sperling made guest appearances on the sophomore album from SAIDIAN, entitled "Phoenix". Released in September 2006 via Metal Heaven, the disc was produced by former SANVOISEN singer Vagelis Maranis at Maranis Studios in Backnang (near Stuttgart), Germany. Sperling reportedly plays drums on the entire album, while Oliva joined the group to sing a verse in the song "Crown of Creation".

U.S. progressive rock label ProgRock Records has just released the debut CD by AMARAN'S PLIGHT, the new band featuring vocalist DC Cooper (ex-ROYAL HUNT, SILENT FORCE), guitarist Gary Wehrkamp (SHADOW GALLERY), drummer Nick D'Virgilio (SPOCK'S BEARD, KEVIN GILBERT, TEARS FOR FEARS, GENESIS) and bassist Kurt Barabas (UNDER THE SUN). Entitled "Voice in the Light", the CD has been receiving rave reviews from fans and music critics worldwide.

The album was recorded in 2006 at Gary Wehrkamp's New Horizon Studios and described as textbook symphonic progressive metal. It combines the soaring vocals of DC Cooper with the master riffs and melodies of Gary Wehrkamp, backed by the sonic, dynamic and explosive rhythm section of D'Virgilio and Barabas.

Gary Wehrkamp and DC Cooper are no strangers to working together. Gary is the keyboardist, guitarist and producer of veteran progressive rock ensemble SHADOW GALLERY. DC Cooper appeared on their 1999 conceptual piece "Tyranny" as a guest vocalist on the epic track "New World Order".

EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet has confirmed via his official web site that SCORPIONS guitarist Rudolf Schenker and rock legend Alice Cooper will appear on the third installment of his AVANTASIA project, entitled "Lost in Space Part 1 and Part 2" (the "Scarecrow" working title has now apparently been scrapped).

Commented Tobias: "I am really proud and grateful to have Rudolf and Alice as guests on the album. I am glad Rudolf finally managed to do it as the SCORPIONS have been so busy promoting their new album 'Humanity – Hour 1' which I think is their best since 1987. We had to re-schedule the session once and finally we worked things out catching up backstage in Slovakia during a SCORPIONS/EDGUY show. And what can I say about Alice Cooper? He is a unique American legend! Everybody knows him and all I can say is: I ain't worthy, I ain't worthy! The role he's sung suits him perfectly! Both Rudolf and Alice did great performances and I am truly blessed to have won them as special guests for my album!" Other guests confirmed to appear on AVANTASIA's new CD include Sascha Paeth, Henjo Richter, Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER), Miro, Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN), Jorn Lande (ex-MASTERPLAN), Bob Catley and Amanda Somerville.

EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet announced at a press conference at Wacken Open Air earlier today that his solo project AVANTASIA will perform at next year's installment of the festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany. Also scheduled to appear are IRON MAIDEN (headliners), CHILDREN OF BODOM and KREATOR.
Drummer Eric Singer (KISS, ALICE COOPER) revealed during a recent interview with rock and roll comic C.C. Banana at the 21st annual NY/NJ Kiss Expo that Alice Cooper has recorded a guest appearance on "The Scarecrow", the third full-length release from AVANTASIA. According to Singer, Michael Schenker (ex-UFO, SCORPIONS) and Michael's brother Rudolf (SCORPIONS) will also appear on the album, which features Eric on drums, Tobias on bass, and former MASTERPLAN/ARK frontman Jorn Lande and Amanda Somerville (the American singer-songwriter and vocal coach who is better known for her collaborations with various European metal bands, including EPICA, AFTER FOREVER and EDGUY) on additional vocals. More guest appearances are expected to be announced soon.

Regarding Kiske's contribution to the new AVANTASIA CD, Sammet said, "I love Michael's voice, he is the singer that made me want to become a singer myself twenty years ago. I am happy and proud that he is part of AVANTASIA again."

AVANTASIA will perform at next year's Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place July 31 - August 2, 2008 in Wacken, Germany. Also scheduled to appear are IRON MAIDEN (headliners), CHILDREN OF BODOM and KREATOR.

In a recent interview, Sammet described the music on the new AVANTASIA CD as "diversified, pomp metal with some classic rock elements, Classic orchestrated moments and Celtic stuff, a big timeless production and so on and so forth. It's going to consist of many different elements. Bombastic kick-ass music with a lot of heart and depth."

Check out photos from the recording sessions at this location.

The new AVANTASIA album will be a concept album featuring different singers singing different characters in a story. But the concept itself won't be a sequel to the first two AVANTASIA albums.

"Lost in Space Part 1 and Part 2" is scheduled for release on October 19.

AVANTASIA's last release was the two-part epic called "The Metal Opera" (issued in 2001 and 2002), which featured an impressive array of guest vocalists playing the various characters of the opera, including Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN), David DeFeis (VIRGIN STEELE), Sharon Den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION), Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY), André Matos (ANGRA, SHAAMAN), Timo Tolkki (STRATOVARIUS), Rob Rock (WARRIOR), and others.

DEATH ANGEL guitarist Rob Cavestany has issued the following update:

"Just finished an awesome mastering session with Ken Lee at his studio in Oakland. He is a master masterer for damn sure! The disc sounds great! Scheduled for release on September 4, 2007. I'll keep ya posted as the date draws near. For now, let me interest you with this...

"The full-length CD includes 10 songs and will be initially released as a limited-edition digipack for the first 1,000 units. The record features my bros Andy Galeon on drums and Gus Pepa on guitar. Just us vibing out and getting deep. Here is the track listing:

01. Heal In Time
02. Bittersweet
03. Lines On The Road
04. This Life
05. Slip Away
06. Winter Welcome
07. Stuck On a Stepping Stone
08. Comet
09. Won't Stop
10. Naturally

"I posted five of them for your listening pleasure but something is screwed up and they are not loading correctly as of now. Hopefully by the time you read this they are up and running and making their way into your lives.

"By the way, DEATH ANGEL is in the thick of pre production for our upcoming record and we will be in the studio laying down tracks very soon!"

Long-running Italian black-thrash metal heroes NECRODEATH will release their new album, "Draculea", in October via Scarlet Records. Artwork duties will be handled by renowed artist/director Chad Michael Ward (who previously worked with MARILYN MANSON, FEAR FACTORY, BILLY IDOL, ALLHELLUJA among others). The final track listing is as follows:

1. V.T.1431
   
2. Smell Of Blood
   
3. Party In Tirgoviste
   
4. Draculea
   
5. Fragments Of Insanity
   
6. Countess Bathory
   
7. The Golden Cup
   
8. Impaler Prince
   
9. V.T.1476
   

NECRODEATH drummer Peso previously stated: "Immediately after the recording sessions for '100% Hell' [2006] I began composing some new material, but it was in November 2006 that I realized that NECRODEATH had to come back with a new record, some new material capable to improve our sound without losing our typical trademark. That's why I had the idea to write a concept based on Vlad Tepes' life, finding the inspiration on some books I've been reading recently. Every song will have its particular meaning and there will be a wide range of influences upon this new record. Pier from LABYRINTH will be handling the guitar duties, with us being still in search for a permanent guitar player, and, of course, this means that the whole record will be influenced by Pier's extraordinary style, with lots of great solos, for the first time in the band's career. Flegias and John are also putting a lot of efforts in this record, you can be sure that everybody will notice that."

NECRODEATH's sixth studio album, "100% Hate" was recorded at Outer Sound studios in Rome and features a guest appearance by VENOM frontman Conrad" Cronos" Lant. The CD was described in a press release as "the most diverse NECRODEATH album to date, containing 10 furious tracks spanning from the fast thrashing assault of the mid-eighties to the groove-oriented sonic holocaust displayed with the latest efforts."

German dark/symphonic gothic metal band ATARGATIS has revealed the cover artwork of its upcoming 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).

Former THE GATHERING singer Anneke van Giersbergen will release the debut album from her new band AGUA DE ANNIQUE, entitled "Air", on October 30 via The End Records. Currently available for streaming on the band's official web site (in the "Listen" section) are two full-length tracks — "Day after Yesterday" and "Beautiful One". A "beautiful" animated music video for the song "Day after Yesterday" is also in the works.

"Over the last 10 years I have turned many dreams and experiences into songs," Anneke previously said in a statement. "I started recording a selection of the very personal ones during the past six months. We've laid down the basic tracks at the Waterfront Studios in Rotterdam and recorded overdubs at The Void in Eindhoven, as well as in the comfort of my own home studio. I'm excited to send these songs off into the world and share them with [everyone]!

"I have formed a band called AGUA DE ANNIQUE to help me voice these songs. We will release an album called 'Air' in the fall of 2007.

"Besides the wonderfully talented people in the band, a few of my friends will make appearances on this album. The lovely Kristin Fjellseth will sing additional vocals, Jeffrey Fayman has made a string arrangement for a song called 'Ice Water'. Heleen de Witte plays the flute and Timothy Conroy provided some killer trumpet work. The album is mixed by Jon Anders Narum."

AGUA DE ANNIQUE is:

Anneke van Giersbergen - Vocals/Piano
Joris Dirks - Guitars/Vocals
Jacques de Haard - Bass
Rob Snijders - Drums

Anneke van Giersbergen's final appearance with THE GATHERING took place on August 4 at the Ankkarock festival in Finland.

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's enigmatic guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz has been forced to leave the band in the middle of its successful run as stand-out performers on the Vans Warped Tour due to health reasons. Adam underwent back surgery in early 2007. In order to fully recover, his doctors have advised leaving the tour and continuing with daily physical therapy. The group will continue on as a four-piece, with their guitar tech Josh Mihlek filling in for Adam on select songs. After playing with this lineup on the July 31 Milwaukee and August 1 Cincinnati Warped dates, the band feels confident that this solution works well and will allow them to finish the tour.

According to TAAKE's record company, Dark Essence Records, the group's frontman, Hoest, is currently serving a prison sentence for undisclosed offenses. A statement from the label says, "He will be out in a couple of months, and will then finish the work on the new TAAKE release."

Hoest (photo#1, photo#2, photo#3) found himself at the center of controversy in March after he appeared on stage in Essen, Germany with a swastika symbol drawn on his chest. According to an article published in the March 26 edition of the Norwegian newspaper Bergens Tidende, TAAKE's record label, Dark Essence Records, has indicated that it may terminate its relationship with the band as a result of TAAKE's behavior at the Essen concert.

TAAKE's third album, "Doedskvad", was released in 2005 via Dark Essence Records. The band had previously released two albums on the Wounded Love label: "Nattestid..." (1999) and "Bjoergvin" (2002). "Doedskvad" is the last installment in this trilogy.

Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA have issued the following update:

"As many already know, our guitarist Jani Liimatainen has been absent from the lineup this spring and summer. The reason was his messing around with his compulsory military/civil/prison duty, or rather, complete failure to take care of it.

"This matter, and everything that goes with it, caused a split between Jani and the other band members. This split was impossible to mend without Jani's help and co-operation.

"Therefore we would like to make known the following: During fall of '06 and spring of '07, Jani's personal matters and actions drove us to a situation where we had no option but to ask Jani to leave the band.

"Jani was notified of this in May, and the separation was amicable. We wanted to give Jani the chance to get his life together before making this public, which is why we didn't make this announcement earlier. We wish Jani well on his chosen path.

"'Show must go on,' so, facing the facts, we hereby humbly announce that Elias Viljanen is from this day forward a full and official member of SONATA ARCTICA.

"Throughout this summer, on many occasions, Elias has shown himself to be able to fill the big boots Jani left behind.

"We hope our friends and our fans understand that this was the only choice left for us to make so that our band could continue. SONATA ARCTICA has always been, and always will be, more than the sum of its parts. The band has become for us a way of life, a lifeline that simply can not be cut off.

"A long 'Unia' tour lies in front of us.

"We extend Elias a warm welcome to the SONATA family, and we hope the fans will, too. SONATA ARCTICA is whole again.

"See you on the road!"

Swedish metallers AMON AMARTH have issued the following update:

"We are happy to announce that our DVD, 'Wrath of the Norsemen', has officially sold gold in the USA. [This comes out to around 16,000 copies sold due to the fact that the set consists of three discs; gold certification for a single-disc release is 50,000 copies.]

"We want to thank Metal Blade Records, and especially Michael Trengert, for making this DVD happen. We also want to thank our friends 'Die Jomswikinger', our crew, and the Roax film team for an excellent job. Last but not least we want to thank all our American fans who have supported us and bought the DVD. You kick ass, America!"

Released in June 2006, "Wrath of the Norsemen" DVD entered the Swedish Music DVD chart at position No. 2. A three-disc set, it was released in a deluxe 10-page digipack with special gold-laminated slipcase. The main body of the DVD is the Cologne show from 2005 — filmed with 11 cameras, this was the longest show AMON AMARTH have ever played (23 songs!). Bonus footage includes interviews, behind-the-scenes of the DVD recording and other stuff filmed around the Cologne show. Discs 2 and 3 feature professionally filmed shows from Summer Breeze 2005, the Metal Blade Rrroooaaarrr 2005 (a show with a really unusual setlist!), Wacken Open Air 2004 and the release show for "Fate of Norns" in Ludwigsburg (Germany) in 2004.

Swedish "death-rockers" HELLTRAIN — whose members have spent time playing with such acclaimed outfits as SCHEITAN, THE EVERDAWN, GATES OF ISHTAR, DEFLESHED, BATTLELUST, THE MOANING, and RAISED FIST — have finished recording their second album, due later in the year via Jimmy Franks Recording Company. More information will be made available soon.

HELLTRAIN's debut album, "Route 666", was released in 2004 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The band's lineup includes Pierre Törnkvist (vocals, guitar), Oskar Karlsson (drums, guitars), and Patrik Törnkvist (guitars, organ, piano, bass).

Belgian death metallers FLESHMOULD have announced the addition of bassist Didier Vancampo to the group's ranks. "Until we find a great drummer to complete our ranks we gladly abuse the awesome skills of SUHRIM drummer Kevin Deleener, who is kind enough to help us out," the band writes on its web site. "Even now it feels like we're better than ever and we're very eager to show it."

FLESHMOULD's latest album, "The Lazarus Breed", was released in June 2006 via Shiver Records. The recordings took place at the ShumCot Soundlab and the mastering was done at the CCR Studio.

FLESHMOULD previously released an EP, entitled "Apocalyptus Rexx".

Danish extreme metallers ILLDISPOSED have issued the following update:

"We are no longer part of the Roadrunner family. Roadrunner didn't pick their third option with us — and honestly that was what we hoped for. We had a great time with Roadrunner, but it was a big problem to us that they refused to release our albums in the U.S. and other important territories. Their company structure and way of working doesn't fit a death metal band; we're not mainstream enough for that. But they did open a lot of doors for us and we're grateful for that.

"Anyway, we've spent the last months negotiating with other labels and we will present our new label within the next few weeks. I can tell that this time we will be priority and that the new album will be out everywhere."

ILLDISPOSED guitarist/songwriter Jakob Batten previously announced that the group's new album would be recordeded with longtime producer Ziggy and mixed at Studio Fredman in Sweden with Fredrik Nordström.

Regarding the new material, Batten said, "Heavy stuff, heavy sound, membrane-shredding tunes is what you can expect. It will be killer! . . . This time we're going in a more old-school direction, more heavy bass-drum parts and way less electronics."

ILLDISPOSED's latest CD, "Burn Me Wicked", entered the Danish album chart at position No. 58 in June 2006. The follow-up to 2004's "1-800 Vindication" was recorded at ZigZound Studio during November/December 2005 with producer Ziggy and was mastered by Tue Madsen at Antfarm studio.