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14 июн 2007


THE KOVENANT's PSY COMA Says 'Life' Got In The Way Of New Album's CompletionAmund Svensson (a.k.a. Psy Coma) of Norway's THE KOVENANT has issued the following update on the band's long-awaited new album, "Aria Galactica":
"Just wanted to say a few things in regards to our work and its future. I only speak for myself in this blog, so it is still not to be regarded as official news of any sorts, just raw material from the chaos that has been my mind of late.
"In all regards to being honest and such, I must confess... I didn't touch the record for almost a year. But I did just recently start on it again. You see, there was, and is I guess, so much turmoil in my 'personal' life, that I just couldn't work. Really. And I made the project so ambitious, that I almost killed myself with it, metaphoricly speaking of course, but not too far from the truth either.
"But I realized, the music is such a gem, I am so proud of it, that it has to be completed, and the irony is that I know the impact it will have for the band and on the metal scene, so it just needs to get done and the band is revitalized. After all, that is what I do, what we do, so if some hardship blocks our path, then well, so be it.
"As time passes by, one treads through many variations of identety, but I keep coming back to the same old one: I really need to create music, I am completely lost without it, and have no hold on any other reality than the one I created, and always loved. So I guess what I'm saying is, that we shall indeed finish the record and more to come after that, but I view it on a different scale now, that it's a body of work that is crafted like the classical masters used to, and that the time it takes to fully complete it is not of relevance (it sounds arrogant perhaps, but I only said it was crafted in that manner, not that it could be compared by its actual contents and quality!).
"So I'm on the right track again, and we shall see how it progresses, I'm always known for kicking it up a notch or ten when im truly inspired, so perhaps it might be completely done by the end of this summer. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm working on it again...
The bottom line is this: We had some rough times behind us, and surely some are still to come, but we are still around and in our prime, (thank Satan we started very young, hehe) and our music is better then it ever was. Just some bullshit got in our way; I guess it was called life. Ha, it had to hit us sooner or later I guess, we just always sailed our own paths, so reality sort of cought up with us.
"And I thank you for all the support as well. It's easy to forget that we have something out there, and you all keep reminding me that it's not just an ego trip, somebody actualy cares as well. Same difference perhaps.
"So, there you are. No drama, just a reality check." 2
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14 июн 2007


NIGHTWISH: New Album Details RevealedFinnish/Swedish symphonic metal band NIGHTWISH has set "Dark Passion Play" as the title of its new album, due on September 28 via Nuclear Blast Records (most of Europe), September 26 via Spinefarm Records/Universal (Finland) and September 28 via Roadrunner Records (USA). The track listing for the effort is as follows:
01. The Poet And The Pendulum
02. Bye Bye Beautiful
03. Amaranth
04. Cadence Of Her Last Breath
05. Master Passion Greed
06. Eva
07. Sahara
08. Whoever Brings The Night
09. For The Heart I Once Had
10. The Islander
11. Last Of The Wilds
12. 7 Days To The Wolves
13. Meadows Of Heaven
Check out the cover artwork at this location.
A single, "Amaranth", will precede the album on August 24 (Nuclear Blast) and August 22 (Spinefarm/Universal). It will be available in several different versions, the details of which will be announced later.
To see the "Amaranth" cover artwork, click here9
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13 июн 2007


NOVEMBERS DOOM To Record Live DVDChicago's dark metal act NOVEMBERS DOOM will be recording its first live performance DVD on November 10, 2007 at Biebob Club in Vosselaar, Belgium. An early 2008 release through The End Records is expected.
Commented singer Paul Kuhr: "We chose to record [the DVD] at Biebob in Vosselaar, Belgium, simply because it was one of the greatest experiences we've had performing in the past. The crowd left a lasting impression on us, and we want to capture that, and share it with others on this DVD. We have been talking about recording for many years, and we always waited until the time when we could do this on our own terms, making it special for us, as well as the people who made us feel at home. Joining us for the first time is AJATTARA from Finland. We're very excited they accepted the invitation, as their sound is a perfect complement for the show. We're also being joined by old friends THURISAZ, who we have toured with in both Europe and The United States, making a special night for us even better!"
NOVEMBERS DOOM released its latest album, "The Novella Reservoir", in February through The End Records.
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13 июн 2007


NOCTURNAL BREED: Two More Tracks From 'Fields Of Rot' Posted OnlineNorwegian metallers NOCTURNAL BREED have posted two more songs from their new album "Fields of Rot", due later this month via Agonia Records. Check out the tracks "In Sickness and In Hell" and "Wicked, Vicious & Violent" at this location. The cover art for "Fields of Rot" was created specifically for this release by Norwegian artist Kjetil Nystuen, who is an art director in the gaming industry. The PS2 first-person shooter game Killzone is among his credits. Other songtitles set to appear on the album include "Iron Bitch" and "Invasion of the Bodythrashers".
NOCTURNAL BREED will support Chicago's USURPER on a two-week European tour in the fall. The trek, which will also include THE STONE (Serbia) and DECAYED (Portugal), will kick off October 25 in Hamburg, Germany and will run through November 10 in Berlin. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.
NOCTURNAL BREED has re-released its "Tools of the Trade" and "No Retreat... No Surrender" CDs through Brazil's Kill Again Records.
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13 июн 2007


METAL HAMMER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS Video Diary AvailableA video diary from this year's Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards gala, which was held last night (Monday, June 11) at Koko in London, England, is available at Metal Hammer TV.
The Sun Online reported earlier today that Welsh metallers BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE were booed last night when they collected their award for "Best UK Band".
LAMB OF GOD walked away with just one gong, despite an impressive five nominations.
The complete list of winners is as follows:
Best U.K. Band: BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE
Best Live Band: LAMB OF GOD
Best International Band: KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
Best Underground Band: JOB FOR A COWBOY
Best Newcomer: DEATHSTARS
Best Video: AVENGED SEVENFOLD - "Seize The Day"
Riff Lord: Slash (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER)
Shredder: Bill Kelliher and Brent Hinds (MASTODON)
Best Metal Label: Roadrunner
Album Of The Year: MACHINE HEAD - "The Blackening"
Spirit of Hammer: NAPALM DEATH
Golden God: Robb Flynn
Icon Award: SLAYER
Best Viral Campaign: BUCKCHERRY
Best Comeback: HEAVEN AND HELL
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12 июн 2007


Swedish Black Metallers DARK FUNERAL Recruit New DrummerDARK FUNERAL mainman Lord Ahriman has issued the following update:
"I guess by now most of you, if not all, have realised that Matte Modin [drums] is no longer in the band. I won't go into any details as why at this point, but I guess if you read the statement Caligula [DARK FUNERAL vocalist/bassist Emperor Magus Caligula] made a couple of weeks ago it should be quite obvious...
"Anyway, we have for the past few weeks been busy rehearsing with a new AMAZING drummer. And all I can say is WOW! He totally nails the songs exactly as they are played on the albums, with every single hit on the snare, kick, cymbals, etc, just a little bit better. Might sound a bit weird to you, but now with a new maniac behind the kit one realise that a lot of things have actually been missing from the drum department when we've played the songs live. Not anymore though. And I'm sure things will just get better.
"With a new drummer onboard we have also come to realise another important thing. And that is how much we have destroyed some of our songs when we have performed them live. Nothing wrong with hyper speed, but apparently we have been blinded by the speed factor and brought it to a level where it, unfortunately, have ruined the genuine atmosphere, the melodies, and the heaviness of the songs. Now that's in the past. With the new drummer we play the songs in perfect harmony with the speed (perhaps a little bit faster than on the records, but now with total control) and it sounds phenomenal!!!
"Anyway, our new drummer actually made his live debut with us in Germany a couple of weeks ago (Hellraiser Open Air and Rock Hard Festival). And considering the very short time we had to rehearse with him before these shows, it went pretty damn fine I must say.
"Now I guess you're curious to know who the new guy is, right!? Well, I won't hold your breath any longer. Let's raise the horns high and welcome Nils Fjällström (AEON, SANCTIFICATION etc) to DARK FUNERAL! Since this guy totally dominate on drums, he will from now on go under the pseudonym 'Dominator.'"
Commented Dominator: "I am deeply honoured to play the music of DARK FUNERAL and inspired by the challenge! I would like to thank Lord Ahriman, Emperor Magus Caligula, Chaq Mol and B-Force for their confidence in me! Now I can't wait to hit the road and eventually start working on new material with the band! See you on the road!" 1
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12 июн 2007


SCARVE Drummer Says Vocalist's Departure Will Mark Band's 'RebirthDrummer Dirk Verbeuren of the French metal band SCARVE has issued a statement reassuring fans that the group will not split up following the recent departure of vocalist Pierrick Valence.
As previously reported, Valence left SCARVE to focus on his other band PHAZM.
In an interview with Hard Rock magazine published this past winter, Pierrick indicated that PHAZM became his priority when SCARVE faced various obstacles over the course of the past couple of years, including other vocalist Guillaume Bideau's departure for MNEMIC and drummer Dirk Verbeuren's commitment to SOILWORK.
Commented Verbeuren: "In regards to the recent news about Pierrick's departure, I'd like to reassure our fans: SCARVE is still alive and a stronger creative force than ever! We will actively pursue promoting 'The Undercurrent', and our upcoming shows at France's Hellfest and Belgium's Graspop festivals are maintained. A new vocalist will be announced soon. This is a rebirth for SCARVE!!!"
SCARVE will reportedly recruit only one singer to replace both Valence and Bideau (as former DARKANE singer Lawrence Mackrory did on the song "Rebirth", on SCARVE's latest CD, "The Undercurrent").
Released in April through Listenable Records, "The Undercurrent" was recorded in part at the Dug-Out facility in Uppsala, Sweden with renowned Swedish producer Daniel Bergstrand, whose previous credits include MESHUGGAH, IN FLAMES, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and STUCK MOJO.
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10 июн 2007


ACCEPT Guitarist WOLF HOFFMANN Guests On New SKEW SISKIN AlbumLegendary ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffmann makes a guest appearance in the track "Who The Hell Are You" on the new album from German female-fronted rockers SKEW SISKIN, entitled "Peace Breaker". The CD is scheduled for release via the Internet on May 22.
Commented SKEW SISKIN singer Nina C. Alice: "We've recorded a great song from Ivan Kral, with lyrics written by his wife Cindy Hudson (who's a great light designer, too), adding a 'THE STOOGES' feel! Ivan was a band member of singer Patti Smith, guitarist for the one and only Iggy Pop, and he's also a truly blessed songwriter!
"The name 'Peace Breaker' fits just too well with what's going on our planet these days. Though it's not a pure political CD, of course, it boldly tells everyone who wants to know and those who don't wanna know (but still oughta know!), what's on my mind about the mistreatment of people and all those psychopaths shooting around in real life as if in a video game. Besides all those infuriating stories about the tough reality on earth, I have again written lyrics about bold rocker feelings, like always, in my very own Ninalicious style with the help of Lemmy as my wonderful work-checker + sentence-contributor + one of the best lyric writer of all times (in my eyes) and my personal lyrics co-writer + one of my rare friends (sending kisses his way!)! 'We're so bad baby, we don't care!'
"Of course, the title 'Peace Breaker' also depicts the vibes given off by SKEW SISKIN — uneasy for certain individuals because we're not those perfect, happy-smiling people serving the trendies with their visions, nor are we ass-kissers to people who think they're better. We're evil kids who'll keep making a lot of noise for other loud, mean kids (until we diiieeee!), and those who know us will always understand, we're having a lot of fun being the way we are. Keep it REAL and I am sorry to announce: reality bites and it's ugly...muhhaha, but rock 'n' roll is gonna save yer ass, baby."
"Peace Breaker" track listing:
01. Metal In Your Face
02. We're An Institution
03. Ridin' With The Devil
04. Trouble Shooter
05. Hit You Harder
06. Who The Hell Are You (feat. Wolf Hoffmann)
07. War, Fire, Guns & Blood
08. I Wanna Be Me
09. Eva Braun Is Back In Town
10. I Don't Care (feat. Ivan Kral)
11. Loser
12. Can't Hear You
13. Shoot The Rats
Check out the song "Metal In Your Face" at the band's MySpace
SKEW SISKIN's last CD, "Album of the Year", was released in November 2003 through ulfTone Music.
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10 июн 2007


VENOM Is 'Very Excited' About New MaterialBritish black metal pioneers VENOM are preparing for their Scandinavian tour, which is scheduled to kick off May 23 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Opening acts on the trek will definitely be Scandinavian bands, according to frontman Conrad "Cronos" Lant.
"I asked our agents in Scandinavia to select some local talent to open the shows," he explained. "There's certainly no shortage of metal bands over there, so I've chosen a few that I thought would be ideal, but I've left the final decision to the agency".
Although there has been no official announcement on the matter, several web sites and ticketing agencies are reporting that Swedish cult act NIFELHEIM will provide support on several of the dates.
VENOM and its management are currently discussing other live plans with their agents for later this year. An American tour and some dates in Australia are on the cards, and there is talk of some shows in Japan and across Europe.
The recording schedule for the new VENOM album is well underway. The band has already laid the majority of the backing tracks and "everyone is very excited by the results," according to a posting on the band's web site. "It's a very dark-sounding album following on in the footsteps of last year's release, 'Metal Black'."
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10 июн 2007


EMPEROR Frontman, Wife Collaborate With Norwegian Folk MusicianMnemosyne Productions has announced a brand new musical collaboration between EMPEROR frontman Ihsahn, Starofash (a.k.a. Ihsahn's wife Heidi S. Tveitan, a.k.a. Ihriel) and one of Norway's most well known folk musicians, Knut Buen. The project is called HARDINGROCK and the album is titled "Grimen".
According to a press release, "Grimen" presents folk tunes on the Norwegian national instrument, harding fiddle, text and melodies based on Norwegian mythical tradition, arranged and recomposed in modern form with influences from heavy metal and classical inspired electronica. It is said to be an experimental project where folk tunes are thematically broken down and expressed in a new rhythmic and harmonic form with guitars, piano, keyboards, percussion, recitation and song.
"It has been a great experience to work with such a fine musician as Knut Buen," says Tveitan. "The process has been challenging in terms of us having to work within the tonality of Norwegian folk music, and to make non-rhythmic music into 'rock 'n' roll rhythms.'"
"Even though the elements the three of us brought to the table were very contrasting, I think we're all very pleased with how it came together," says Ihsahn. "The material provided to us by Knut is a huge part of Norway's cultural treasure, and I think the album definitely is a worthy development that rocks!"
This album is set for release on June 11 via Nyrenning Forlag, and is distributed by Musikkoperatørene AS.
For more information, including audio samples, go to this location1
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10 июн 2007


Exclusive: First SLAYER Biography On The WayBritish author Joel McIver has revealed to BLABBERMOUTH.NET that he is currently writing the world's first biography of American thrash titans SLAYER.
McIver, the author of the best-selling 2004 biography "Justice for All: The Truth About Metallica" and the recent BLACK SABBATH book "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" (hailed by the Telegraph as "excellent" and the Sun as "brilliant") said, "An all-encompassing biography of SLAYER is long overdue. With their profile at an all-time high thanks to their recent Grammy win and a run of critically acclaimed DVDs and albums, there's never been a better time to tell their shocking story in full detail."
The author, who has interviewed members of SLAYER on several occasions in recent years, as well as dozens of musicians and industry personnel crucial to the band’s career, added, "Whether you're a fan of the classic early SLAYER albums or their later, equally vicious material, this book is for you. I've unearthed a ton of previously unheard stories from people close to the band and examined phenomena such as the enduring legend of 'Reign in Blood' in enormous detail. You won't be disappointed."
The book, tentatively titled "Slayer: The Bloody Reign of the Planet's Heaviest Band", will be published in hardback and softback with an extensive picture section and will be available for pre-order on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. The publisher is Omnibus Press, the largest specialist in rock biographies in the world, which will be distributing the book in all territories. 1
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