Swedish death metallers NECROPHOBIC have posted the following stuio update on their official web site:

"Last Saturday, February the 12th, Fredrik Folkare started to mix the new album and yesterday, we all got the first basic mixdown to listen to. Now, we will decide what we want to change, sound-wise and level-wise to proceed for next mixdown, which hopefully will be the final."

As previously reported, NECROPHOBIC have inked a deal with Regain Records for the release of their fifth album, "Hrimthursum". The follow-up to 2002's "Bloodhymns" was recorded at the Dark Voodoo Studio with engineers Anders Bentell and Fredrik Folkare (guitarist and producer of UNLEASHED) and is tentatively due later in the year.

"Hrimthursum" (a word taken from the old Norse mythology which means "The Frost Giants") will feature the following track listing (in no particular order):

1. Slaughter of Baby Jesus
   
2. Branded by Light, Enlightened by Darkness
   
3. Eternal Winter
   
4. The Crossing
   
5. I Strike with Wrath
   
6. Vril
   
7. Sitra Ahra
   
8. Bitter Cold Blizzard
   
9. Serpents (Beneath the Forest of the Dead)
   
10. Age of Chaos
    
11. Death Immaculate
    
12. Black Hate
    

NECROPHOBIC had previously performed the track "Branded by Light, Enlightened by Darkness" at the Party.San Open Air festival in Germany.

Finland's NORTHER have posted an outtake from their latest album, "Till Death Unites Us", at their official web site. The instrumental track, entitled "Instru Mental", was written by guitarist Kristian Ranta and keyboardist Tuomas Planman and was originally was meant to appear on the band's new album, but was omiited from the LP's final track listing. Download the song at this location (MP3, 5.34 MB).

"Till Death Unites Us" entered the official Finnish chart at position No. 6 earlier in the month. The group's new single "Scream" recently entered the Finnish single chart at position No. 3. A sample of the album cut "Evil Ladies" is available at this location.

NORTHER recently announced the addition of drummer Heikki Saari (VIRTUOCITY) to the group's ranks.

Reactivated Swedish death metallers DISSECTION have finalized the track listing for their long-awaited third album, "Reinkaos", due on April 30 via the band's own label, Black Horizon Music. Black Horizon Music will also re-release the bands back catalogue, including the classic albums "The Somberlain" and "Storm of the Light's Bane".

"Reinkaos" track listing:

1. Nexion 218
   
2. Beyond The Horizon
   
3. Starless Aeon
   
4. Black Dragon
   
5. Dark Mother Divine
   
6. Xeper-I-Set
   
7. Chaosophia
   
8. God Of Forbidden Light
   
9. Reinkaos
   
10. Internal Fire
    
11. Maha Kali
    

DISSECTION entered the studio in February 2005 to begin recording the new CD, the group's first release since "Storm of the Light's Bane". Rough-mix versions of two new songs are available for download on their official web site. Check out the tracks "Xeper-I-Set" (mp3, lyrics) and "Starless Aeon" (mp3, lyrics).

As previously reported, DISSECTION are currently working on a DVD of their "already legendary" "Rebirth of Dissection" concert, which took place at Stockholm's Arenan on December 30, 2005. In addition to the live footage, the disc will contain a documentary about the "victorious path of DISSECTION!" More information will follow soon.

Long-running Swiss hard rockers KROKUS have posted the following mesage on their official web site:

"The long wait for KROKUS's next studio album since 'Rock the Block' will soon become history. 2003 seems like a decade ago in our fast paced modern world, and so much has happened in between! Most interesting of all was how the band covered new territories never visited in the '80s — for example Sweden, the land of the midnite sun, and Russia, where hard rock fans are so full of passion. The band even managed to re-visit all the other countries they were familiar with, like Austria, Germany, Holland and the USA.

"KROKUS's release of their best-known classics on the much praised double live album, 'Fire and Gasoline', earned them a very special warm place in the hearts of all their fans old and new who participated at the concerts.

"KROKUS has seen changes in its line-up all through its long existence and still lives to tell the tale. Last year saw the return of ex-member Mandy Meyer to provide pure lead guitar magic and only recently the doors opened to welcome Stefan Schwarzmann, formerly of ACCEPT and U.D.O. fame, to add weight to their sound with his precise and solid drumming.

"The new songs are written, and the band just joined producer Dennis Ward in a studio in southern Germany to lay down the first tracks. A very exciting moment indeed... especially because of the quality and vibrant character spreading through the new collection of virgin songs."

KROKUS's current lineup includes new drummer Stefan Schwarzmann, Marc Storace (vocals), Mandy Meyer (guitar), Dominique Fave (guitar) and Tony Castell (bass).

Portuguese metallers MOONSPELL have uploaded an audio sample of their new single, "Finisterra", at their official web site, www.moonspell.com.

Commented frontman Fernando Ribeiro: "The demand to listen or to take a quick glimpse at what 'Memorial' is about has been overwhelming and we are very honored about it. The release date is still afar but Moonspell.com is proud to present you a small sampler of our first single 'Finisterra'. We know it is short and that won’t please anyone's hunger yet it is what we can provide now. If you feel like leave your comment here or at the forum. It will be important for MOONSPELL. See you at the end of the earth."

MOONSPELL's new album, 'Memorial', will be released on April 24 in Europe and April 25 in the U.S. The CD will be available in two editions: a luxury digipack with a bonus song and the regular jewel-case version.

"Memorial" (view cover here) was recorded at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany with producer Waldemar Sorychta (LACUNA COIL, TIAMAT, GRIP INC.). The track listing is as follows:

1. In Memoriam
   
2. Finisterra
   
3. Memento Mori
   
4. Sons Of Earth
   
5. Blood Tells
   
6. Upon The Blood Of Men
   
7. At The Image Of Pain
   
8. Sanguine
   
9. Proliferation
   
10. Once It Was Ours!
    
11. Mare Nostrum
    
12. Luna
    
13. Best Forgotten
    

A DVD, entitled "Lunar Still/13 Years of Doom", is expected to surface via Century Media later in the year.

Audio samples of three songs from IMPALED NAZARENE's forthcoming ninth studio album, "Pro Patria Finlandia", have been posted online at the Dynamic Arts web site. Check out the tracks "Goat Sodomy", "For Those Who Have Fallen" and "Psykosis" at this location.

"Pro Patria Finlandia" is scheduled for release in Europe on March 28 through Osmose Productions (March 22 in Finland on Dynamic Arts). The CD will be issued in North America on April 18 via The End Records.

"Pro Patria Finlandia" was recorded and mixed at Sonic Pump studio with producer Tapio Pennanen and was mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox studios. Cover artwork was handled by Ritual. The group had previously described the new material as "fast, brutal as fuck, in-your-face IMPALED NAZARENE."

"Pro Patria Finlandia" final track listing:

1. Weapons To Tame A Land
   
2. Something Sinister
   
3. Goat Sodomy
   
4. Neighbourcide
   
5. One Dead Nation Under Dead God
   
6. For Those Who Have Fallen
   
7. Leucorrhea
   
8. Kut
   
9. This Castrated World
   
10. Psykosis
    
11. Contempt
    
12. I Wage War
    
13. Cancer
    
14. Hate – Despise – Arrogance
    

Total playing time 38:11

IMPALED NAZARENE will be undertaking a 63-date, 10-week European tour covering no less than 22 countries. Exact cities and dates will be announced soon.

Norwegian black metallers SATYRICON have uploaded the cover artwork for their upcoming CD, "Now, Diabolical", and a one-minute audio sample of the album's title track at their official web site, www.satyricon.no (turn up the sound on your computer!).

"Now, Diabolical" is scheduled for release on April 24 in Europe (via Sony/BMG in Norway and Roadrunner Records in the rest of the continent). A U.S. release date has not yet been announced.

SATYRICON have been in Vancouver, Canada this month mixing their first new studio album since 2002 with Mike Frasier (METALLICA, AC/DC).

"Now, Diabolical" track listing:

1. Now, Diabolical
   
2. K.I.N.G
   
3. The Pentagram Burns
   
4. A New Enemy
   
5. The Rite Of Our Cross
   
6. That Darkness Shall Be Eternal
   
7. Delirium
   
8. To The Mountains
   

The vinyl version of the album will include a bonus track called "Storm (of the Destroyer)".

SATYRICON's last album, the acclaimed "Volcano" (2002), received the Norwegian Grammy for "Best Metal Album", the Alarm Award for "Song Of The Year" (for track "Fuel For Hatred") plus "Metal Album Of The Year", and also the Oslo Award for "Best Overall Album". "Volcano" debuted at #4 on the Norwegian national album chart.

Two songs from the forthcoming CANNIBAL CORPSE album, "Kill" — "Make Them Suffer" and "Necrosadistic Warning" — have been made available for listening at this location.

"Kill" is scheduled for release on March 27 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded at Mana Studios in St. Petersburg, Florida with producer Erik Rutan (MORBID ANGEL, HATE ETERNAL). The track listing is as follows:

01. The Time To Kill Is Now
02. Make Them Suffer
03. Murder Worship
04. Necrosadistic Warning
05. Five Nails Through The Neck
06. Purification By Fire
07. Death Walking Terror
08. Barbaric Bludgeonings
09. The Discipline Of Revenge
10. Brain Removal Device
11. Maniacal
12. Submerged in Boiling Flesh
13. Infinite Misery

CANNIBAL CORPSE recently announced the addition of guitarist Rob Barrett as a permanent replacement for guitarist Jack Owen, who left the band in 2004. Barrett, who played with the group from 1993 to 1997 and appeared on "The Bleeding" and "Vile" albums, has contributed one song to "Kill".

CANNIBAL CORPSE have been confirmed for the Sounds of the Underground tour, set to take place in July/August

Ivar (guitars and fx):
“Me and Grutle have worked out a concept I feel is related to both the “old” Enslaved sphere and our new universe; tradition and heresy, logic and metaphysics – side by side. The material is strong willed and seems to live a life of its own; it is out of our hands at this point. It is my hope and belief that old and new listeners will enjoy the album. I know we will. We are very grateful for working with Johnny Skalleberg during recording, Mike Hartung in the mix and for being backed and followed up by Roffe and Tabu Recordings every step of the way.”

Herbrand Larsen (keys and vocals):
””RUUN” is more extreme in all aspects; sound wise, the riffs, the melodies, harmonies and disharmonies. “RUUN” is all that and more!”

Grutle (vocals and bass):
””RUUN” contains the most successful and efficient lyrics seen in Enslaved ever. The concept is more developing and interesting. We spent a lot time pre producing vocal arrangement, which has resulted in a perfect integration with the sound landscape. Every instrument and voice has founds its own orbit within the sound. However, should you not be into newer Enslaved, feel free to put “Frost” once again.”

Arve (guitar):
”This is by far the best Enslaved record to date. The production is more powerful than before. We have put more effort into the recording sessions, and this shows. Some new instruments and techniques have been used, which gives this record a more colorful sound.”

Cato (drums):
“The recording was sooo smooth, and I must say thanx to Johnny for his work! And this time I also did some pre-prod in Portugal with my old pal from Re:aktor, NexionD which was very helpful for all of us.
Ivar’s gift as a songwriter never stops surprising me, and it’s a privilege to play in such a great band. Musically, we don't break rules, just invent new ones.
We didn’t have to rush anything during any process, so I’m confident about this one!"

Drummer Stet Howland has announced his departure from W.A.S.P.. I na posting on the band's official web site, Howland wrote, "I appreciate the kind words and I am sorry if some of you are sad about my departure. Out of respect to the band and the upcoming tour, I didn't send out a press release about this, as I didn't want to cause possible worry to you good people. I just got in from a long weekend and my ass is kicked, so I'll keep this short and to the point.

"In mid-January, Blackie [Lawless, W.A.S.P. mainman] and I had a phone conversation that resulted in our parting. It wasn't shitty, ugly, or disrespectful in any way. It was two old and dear friends being honest with each other. After 16 years as friends and bandmates, one thing you learn is how to be honest with each other.

"So the bottom line is, I will not be part of the upcoming tour, and I'm not sure who the drummer will be as its really none of my business. If it's the guy that they were going to use before I came back, he is excellent. I don't know him but I have heard his work on Darrell's [Roberts, W.A.S.P. guitarist] solo stuff and I think he's great. Keep in mind Im just guessing from the other side of the country. [Laughs]

"I will be out doing shows with my band TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY, if you have the chance come out and say hello. You people are the most kick-ass fans in the world. I wish you all the very best."

Howland rejoined W.A.S.P. in April 2004 after spending a couple of years at home in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida constructing the Bad Dogs recording studios and assembling a band called THE HOWLIN' DOGS, which recently played a couple of reunion shows in the Southwest Florida area. He was also a member of the modern metal rock band CARNIVAL OF SOULS before exiting the group in February 2005. More recently, Howland has been recording and performing with TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY, the new band also featuring former MEGADETH/current F5 bassist David Ellefson, guitarist Peter Scheithauer (BELLADONNA, KILLING MACHINE) and vocalist Todd Barnes (13-A). TEMPLE OF BRUTALITY's debut album, "Lethal Agenda", will be issued on March 17.

TWISTED SISTER have been forced to cancel their appearance at this year's edition of the Atarfe Vega Rock festival, set to take place March 10-11 at Nave Medina Elvira in Atarfe, Granada, Spain. According to a band statement, "Dee Snider [TWISTED SISTER frontman] will go 'under the blade' and have throat surgery on March 1st 2006. This was scheduled after exhaustive tests by Dee's specialist when the singer lost his voice following a performance at the NAMM convention in Los Angeles on January 20th."

Commented Snider: "I hate canceling shows and disappointing fans for any reason, but I have been advised that this surgery should not wait. My VH1 and 'House of Hair' shows will be taped, but some live performance events will have to be re-scheduled, and this particularly impacts one TWISTED SISTER spring festival in Spain. I have been told by my doctors that the recovery period will be about eight weeks so TWISTED SISTER will be performing again early in May, so our summer tour plans will not be affected."

Founding TWISTED SISTER member and co-manager Jay Jay French said, "We all wish Dee the very best with this surgery. I have been trying to get him to shut up for the best part of thirty years, but now I am faced with a silent partner for the next eight weeks, I think I should just sit back, pour myself a drink, and enjoy it!"

Guitarist Gus G. (ex-DREAM EVIL, ARCH ENEMY) of the Greek/Swedish power metallers FIREWIND has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"We're in cold, snowy Sweden for a week now and recordings have been going great so far. The studio we're recording at is very comfortable with top-notch equipment and its owner, Martin Kronlund, is an amazing guy and has been taking care of us really well. Drums are already done; Mr. [Mark] Cross [ex-HELLOWEEN, METALIUM] managed to break four cymbals the first three days of the recordings! He sure did beat the hell out of those drums and this album will be another proof on why he is a world elite drummer.

"Outside it's snowing, it must be -10 Celsius degrees, but I'm inside already laying down the rhythm guitar parts. Massive tone provided by Mr. Nordström [Fredrik Nordström, producer] …and my hands, of course! ;-) Next week Bob [Katsionis, keyboards] and Petros [Christo, bass] are arriving from Greece to record their parts."

FIREWIND are recording the new album at GM Recordings and will mix the effort at Studio Fredman with Fredrik Nordström and Patrik J. Sten. The mastering will take place early March in Stockholm with Peter in de Betou at Tailor Maid Productions. A late May/early June release is expected.

FIREWIND recently announced the addition of singer Apollo Papathanasio (ex-MAJESTIC, TIME REQUIEM) and drummer Mark Cross. The band plan to make their live debut with the new lineup at ProgPower UK festival on March 25.

METALLICA have finally confirmed that they are working with producer Rick Rubin (SYSTEM OF A DOWN, AUDIOSLAVE, SLAYER, SLIPKNOT) on their new studio album. In a posting on their official web site, METALLICA write, "We just wanted to let our friends know that we have been jamming, writing, just plain messing around and having fun in the studio for the last few weeks.

"Oh, and by the way, this up-and-coming producer guy named Rick something-or-other has been coming by the studio every now and again to listen to some of our new stuff and throw his two/three cents in. Since this Rick dude is new to all of this, we thought it would be a nice gesture to help break him into the music business by asking him to produce our next record. We're very happy he said yes! In other words, we are psyched to share with you that Rick Rubin is producing the next METALLICA album! FUCK YEAH!"

Check out pictures of METALLICA and Rick Rubin in the band's rehearsal/recording studio at Metallica.com.

METALLICA officially began the songwriting process for their new album late last year and are expected to spend the next few months compiling ideas before entering the final recording stage. A late 2006/early 2007 release via Warner Bros. is expected.

Swedish technical death metal outfit SPAWN OF POSSESSION have entered Pama Studios in Kristianopel, Sweden with with producer Magnus Sedenberg to begin recording their sophomore album, "Noctambulant", for an April/May release via Neurotic Records.

"All drums and one guitar are tracked and the pre-mix result of this already sounds astonishing," the band write on their web site. "Second guitars are being put on tape as we speak and bass and vocals will follow after. The album is set to be mixed at the end of February, and a release date will be set after mastering." Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Lash by Lash", "Render my Prey" and "Eve of Contempt". The artwork will be created by Pär Olofsson (PSYCROPTIC). Check out pictures from the studio at this location.

SPAWN OF POSSESSION's debut album, "Cabinet", was released in 2003.

Rhino Video has set an April 4 release date for PANTERA's "3 Vulgar Videos From Hell" three-DVD set featuring all the band's videos as well as live footage shot during the Monsters of Rock gig in Moscow.

Originally released on DVD in 1999, this version features the same content with improved menus and all-new Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. In fact, it is the first PANTERA release ever in 5.1 Surround Sound. It features: "Cowboys From Hell The Videos", "Vulgar Video", "3 Watch It Go", and "Pantera Live From Monsters of Rock In Moscow".

"When you pop this disc in your or your friend's DVD player, expect to see the most honest jammin', ballz-out hell-raisin' flick . . . it's the safest way to let us in your house! This DVD contains the scene, the whole scene and everything in-between! We're talkin' band, crew, and anyone who got in the way of our camera eye. This instructional party DVD is for you — the spirited raging PANTERA fans, the best fans in the world!! Thank you. Y'all kick everyone's ass!! So dammit — kick back, drink up, light up, and watch it go . . . We love ya." — Dimebag, Philip, Rex, Vinnie Paul (1999)

"3 Vulgar Videos From Hell" track listing:

"Cowboys From Hell The Videos":

1. Cowboys From Hell
   
2. Psycho Holiday
   
3. Cemetary Gates
   
4. Heresy (Live!)
   
5. Art of Shredding (Live!)
   

"Vulgar Video":

1. Mouth For War
   
2. This Love
   
3. Walk
   
4. Domination (Live!)
   
5. Primal Concrete Sledge
   

"3 Watch It Go":

1. Planet Caravan
   
2. I'm Broken
   
3. 5 Minutes Alone
   
4. Drag the Waters
   

Bonus Footage:

"Pantera Live From Monsters Of Rock In Moscow":

1. Cowboys From Hell
   
2. Primal Concrete Sledge
   
3. Psycho Holiday
   

Also includes interviews and the band's personal footage filmed on the road.

Quebec City's progressive dark metallers MOONLYGHT will enter Nokturn Studio on March 10 to begin recording their second album, tentatively entitled "Two". This will coincide with the return of Caps [Guillaume Côté; drums], [who is] touring the western part of Canada with his other band MAUVAIS SORT," the band write on their web site. "He will then be able to record his drum/percussion parts. As for now, Roby [Sébastien Robitaille; guitar/vocals] is recording the 'shit tracks' of the songs with his computer, it will be the guide along the studio time for all the musicians!"

As previously reported, "Two" will be mixed by mastermind Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, NIGHTINGALE, BLOODBATH) at his legendary Unisound studio in Sweden. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Middle", "Hazard" and "Parallels". A late 2006 release is expected.

MOONLYGHT re-released their first album, "Progressive Darkness" (originally issued in 2002 on the now-defunct Metal Disk Records), in 2004 via Sweden's Escapi Records.

CHILDREN OF BODOM filmed their February 5 show in Stockholm, Sweden for a future DVD release. The show was recorded by acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus of the Sweden's Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR and LACUNA COIL, among many others.

The group's setlist for the show was as follows:

01. Intro ("Drink It Up" by NWA)
02. Living Dead Beat
03. Sixpounder
04. Silent Night, Bodom Night
05. Hate Me!
06. We're Not Gonna Fall
07. Angels Don't Kill
08. Drum Solo
09. Bodom After Midnight
10. Beach Terror Mix
11. Needled 24/7
12. Alexi/Janne Solo Battle
13. In Your Face
14. Hate Crew Deathroll
15. Are You Dead Yet?
16. Roope Solo
17. Lake Bodom
18. Everytime I Die
19. Downfall
20. Outro ("Fight for Your Right (To Party)" by the BEASTIE BOYS)

The DVD shoot was said to be "a massive" 14-camera production, with six cameras positioned on stage. Drummer Jaska Raatikainen played the show in spite of a broken rib, which he sustained a few days prior to the gig.

REDEMPTION's primary songwriter and guitarist/keyboardist Nicolas van Dyk has posted the following message on the group's official web site:

"I am excited to introduce you to Sean Andrews, REDEMPTION's newest member. Sean is an exceptionally gifted bassist and he replaces the departing James Sherwood, who remains a friend of the REDEMPTION family as he explores other musical interests.

"Sean's major influences include Geddy Lee, Stuart Hamm, Victor Wooten and John Myung. Sean has known our drummer, Chris Quirarte, for many years and was in fact the original bassist of Chris' band PRYMARY, circa 1996. He played in a variety of bands in the late 1990s and in 2004, he performed as a guest musician on the CHAIN.EXE project from Henning Pauly (FRAMESHIFT). For the last ten years, he has been teaching bass and guitar.

"It was not easy to find a bass player that could live up to the high bar that James set during his time with us. James is an amazingly talented player and contributed a great deal to REDEMPTION's sound. I can say, however, that in Sean Andrews, we have someone every bit as talented and unique, and someone who is going to play an even more integral role in our band. He is the perfect choice to fill the very demanding position of REDEMPTION's bass player.

"As for James, we wish him well and thank him very much for his contribution. We look forward to hearing about his next musical projects, even as we prepare to work very closely with Sean in the immediate future. More information on this front to follow in the next few days..."

REDEMPTION's sophomore album, "The Fullness of Time", featuring FATES WARNING frontman Ray Alder, was released last June via Sensory Records. Alder was a guest musician for one track on REDEMPTION's self-titled debut (released on Sensory in 2003), and he joined the group on-stage at Atlanta's ProgPower festival in September of that year to perform this song. Alder and van Dyk also collaborated previously on a track on the first ENGINE CD.

Reactivated Finnish melodic extreme metal band ETERNAL TEARS OF SORROW have begun mixing their fifth album, "Before the Bleeding Sun", with Mikko Karmila at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland. "So far, the mixed songs sound exactly what they should sound like," the band write on their web site. "The mixing sessions are going to be finished by the end of next week, after which it's time to master the whole album. . . Travis Smith has been working on the graphics side for some time now. So far so good!"

"Before the Bleeding Sun" is tentatively scheduled for release April 26 via Spinefarm Records. The CD was recorded at Tico-Tico Studios in Kemi and at Note-On Studios in Kuopio and marks the group's first release to feature lead guitarist Risto Ruuth (also in SCYRON) and keyboardist Janne Tolsa (also in TAROT).

Commented the band: "The album is damn heavy but still more diverse and more melodic than any of our previous albums. The whole process has rarely been so easy and rewarding for us before, all the pieces really clicked together this time."

"Before the Bleeding Sun" track listing:

01. Sweet Lilith of My Dreams
02. Another Me
03. Red Dawn Rising
04. Upon the Moors
05. Sakura No Rei
06. Sinister Rain
07. Lost Rune of Thunder
08. Tar Still Flows
09. Angelheart, Ravenheart (Act I: Before the Bleeding Sun)

Launch Radio Networks repors: DEEP PURPLE is re-releasing their new album "Rapture of the Deep" in expanded form. The new edition has live versions of some "Rapture" songs, as well as a few DEEP PURPLE classics. Bassist Roger Glover told Launch how those tracks came about. "We opened the Hard Rock Cafe in London a few months back [on October 10, 2005]," he said. "It was recorded, and I think there's three or four of those songs — including some of the new ones — are gonna be put out on a kind of special LP that's coming out. It's the 'Rapture' 25-minute anniversary — usually it's 25 years, this is 25 minutes."

The new "Rapture of the Deep" is being rolled out across Europe and in Japan in the next month or so, to coincide with the band's tour dates abroad. There's no word yet on whether it will also come out here when they play North America later this year. DEEP PURPLE and ALICE COOPER are in the midst of a tour of Germany.

"Rapture of the Deep" limited tour edition bonus disc track listing:

1. Clearly Quite Absurd (new version)
   
2. Things I Never Said (Japanese bonus track)
   
3. The Well Dressed Guitar (unreleased)
   
4. Rapture Of The Deep (live)
   
5. Wrong Man (live)
   
6. Highway Star (live)
   
7. Smoke On The Water (live)
   
8. Perfect Strangers (live)
   

According to Rockdetector.com, veteran Dutch metal outfit VENGEANCE have signed a deal with Germany's MTM Music. The band, fronted by original vocalist Leon Goewie, will release a new studio album, entitled "Back in the Ring", in April.

Appearing with Goewie on the record are Barend Courbois (bass; BISS, PERFECT STRANGERS), Hans In’T Zandt (drums; CHINAWHITE, COOPER INC.) Peter "Slash" Bourbon (guitar; GUNZ N' ROZES) and Michael Voss (guitar, keyboards; MAD MAX, SILVER, CASANOVA) who also produced the album. "Back in the Ring" also features guest appearances from STREAM OF PASSION guitarist and VENGEANCE founding member Arjen Lucassen, ex-ACCEPT guitarist Wolf Hoffmann, former WARLOCK and current CASANOVA drummer Michael Eurich and PRIMAL FEAR's Mat Sinner, who contributes backing vocals.

The band's last studio album was 1997's "Back from Flight 19", which featured Goewie, Courbois, guitarists Jan Somers and Peter Verschurren, keyboard player Roland Bakker and drummer Paul Thissen, who sadly died in his sleep on January 14, 2006, aged 32.

Arjen Lucassen will be performing with VENGEANCE once again when the band play at this year's Bang Your Head festival in Germany in June.

Former MORBID ANGEL bassist/vocalist Steve Tucker has confirmed to BLABBERMOUTH.NET that he is currently putting a new project together with fellow ex-MORBID ANGEL member Jared Anderson (also ex-HATE ETERNAL). "It is definitely death metal," Tucker said. "It is very early on, but we are both extremely excited about it. No name yet, a few songs written, varying in tempo etc."

Tucker was most recently involved with UNDERCURRENT, in which he plays guitar and sings. The group is rounded out by Tomaz Pilasiewicz (also of the band DISENTER) on drums, Anthony Gentry (Steve Tucker's brother from the band SUBVINYL) on bass, and Greg Reed (CEREMONY, DISASTERNAUT) on guitar. UNDERCURRENT's sound is is described as a departure from the death metal style of most of the group's bandmembers' past efforts.

KING DIAMOND will start recording their next album in early March in Dallas, Texas and at Los Angered Recording (owned by KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque) in Gothenburg, Sweden. The band will then begin rehearsals for their upcoming European tour, which will take place between April 14 and June 13. The recording and mixing of the new album will continue in August. A release date for the new effort has yet to be announced.

KING DIAMOND last year completed a U.S. tour with NILE, BEHEMOTH and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER. The band's latest studio album, "The Puppet Master", was released in 2003. A live CD, "Deadly Lullabyes Live", followed in 2004.

KING DIAMOND current lineup:

King Diamond - Vocals
Andy La Rocque - Guitar
Mike Wead - Guitar
Hal Patino - Bass
Matt Thompson - Drums

Portuguese metallers MOONSPELL have finalized the track listing and artwork for their new album, "Memorial". "As we speak, we are in train of finishing the artwork for the booklet, and for both editions of the DVD," the group's vocalist, Fernando Ribeiro, writes on their official blog. "This cover was chosen among countless projects because it symbolizes the deep nature of the band (South, blood, lunar side) and it is a strong and simple image just like the music contained on the record. We went for red as the main colour because of the strong blood element present on the album. We hope you will like it and identify with.

"The 'Memorial' album will be released on the 24th of April around Europe and on the 25th in the USA. We hope to have the dates for all other territories soon. There will be two editions: one in a luxury digipack with a bonus unreleased song. The other on jewel-case. We are trying to make the video clip available in one of the editions. The single pick was 'Finisterra', also the opener of the album. We hope to have it here as soon as possible for you to listen to it."

"Memorial" (view cover here) was recorded at Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany with producer Waldemar Sorychta (LACUNA COIL, TIAMAT, GRIP INC.).
The track listing is as follows:
01. In Memoriam
02. Finisterra
03. Memento Mori
04. Sons Of Earth
05. Blood Tells
06. Upon The Blood Of Men
07. At The Image Of Pain
08. Sanguine
09. Proliferation
10. Once It Was Ours!
11. Mare Nostrum
12. Luna
13. Best Forgotten
A DVD, entitled "Lunar Still/13 Years of Doom", is expected to surface via Century Media later in the year.
Mar. 02 - Budapest, HUN @ Metalmania, Petofi Hall
Mar. 04 - Katowice, POL @ Metalmania, Spodek
Mar. 10 - St. Petersburg, RUS @ Port Club
Mar. 11 - Moscow, RUS @ Tochka Club
Mar. 12 - Kiev, UKR @ Ckm Nau
Apr. 15 - Amneville, FRA @ Metal Therapy Festival, Le Galaxie
May 01 - Viseu, Pavilhao MOR @ Multiusos
Jun. 03 - Casablanca, MOR @ CoC Stadium
Jun. 23 - Dessel, BEL @ Graspop Metal Meeting
Aug. 17-19 - Ostalbkreis, GER @ Summer Breeze Festival

MEGADETH have announced the addition of former BLACK LABEL SOCIETY/WHITE LION bassist James Lomenzo to the group's ranks. Lomenzo joins the band as the replacement for James MacDonough (ex-ICED EARTH), who was officially dismissed from the group on February 10, 2006.

"I want to thank Jimmy for everything and wish him the best in his future endeavors," MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine said in a statement. "He is knowledgable and a good enough bassist to run his own outfit, and I look forward to what he does musically."

Mustaine added, "It was recommeded I check out James Lomenzo by a friend, because I was uncertain which direction I wanted to take with the bassist prior to starting the next record, and everything just clicked."

Lomenzo will perform with MEGADETH at their next scheduled live appearance, which is set for March 16 at the Desert Rock 2006 festival in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For more information on Lomenzo, visit his official web site.

German melodic black/death metallers SUIDAKRA have posted the following update on their official web site:

"To kick off our first real update of 2006, the band would like to send out a big [thank you] to all SUIDAKRA fans in Russia! The two shows have been a blast, thanks very much especially to the promoters Ad and Mendor! They hope to come back soon — hopefully when the temperature is slightly warmer than minus 25°! Expect a big gallery with lots of live and backstage pictures from St. Petersburg and Moscow to appear on the site shortly.

"Some new live dates have been confirmed. At short notice, SUIDAKRA will make their first appearance in Poland at the Metalmania 2006 Festival on 4th March. Furthermore, at the end of the year some long expected SUIDAKRA acoustic shows will finally take place! The first confirmed unplugged date will take place on 1st Dec. in Kiel, Germany. At the moment the band is looking for some more locations to do a small unplugged tour.

"The songwriting for the new record, 'Caledonia', is coming to an end musically. Now it's time to concentrate on the lyrics and vocal lines, the keyboards and the planned bag-pipe tunes. Everything is coming together quite nicely, so be prepared for a full-on SUIDAKRA onslaught later on in the year!"

The follow-up to last year's "Command to Charge", "Caledonia" will be a concept album dealing with Scotland's ancient history.

Acclaimed late '80s/early '90s U.K. thrash metallers XENTRIX will reunite for two gigs with their original lineup of:
Dennis Gasser - Drums
Paul "Macka" MacKenzie - Bass
Kristian "Stan" Havard - Guitar
Chris Astley - Guitar/Vocals

XENTRIX will play The Bitter Suite in Preston on February 25 and the Engineers Club in Barrow-in-Furness on March 17. "We aren't reforming," said guitar player Stan Havard in a statement sent to BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "We just got back together to play a gig in Barrow for our bass player's birthday, and decided to add a Preston show as well."
XENTRIX released four albums on Roadrunner Records: "Shattered Existence" (1989), "For Whose Advantage" (1990), "Dilute to Taste" (1991) and "Kin" (1992). They also issued "Scourge" (1996) on Heavy Metal Records with Simon Gordon on vocals and Andy Rudd on guitar.

OSI (OFFICE OF STRATEGIC INFLUENCE), the project featuring FATES WARNING guitarist Jim Matheos, ex-DREAM THEATER keyboardist Kevin Moore, DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy and FATES WARNING/ARMORED SAINT bassist Joey Vera, have set "Free" as the tentative title of their sophomore album, due in Germany on March 31 via InsideOut Music.

The drums for "Free" were recorded November 18-20, 2005 at Carriage House Studios in Connecticut while the mixdown took place last month.

"Free" tentative track listing:

01. Sure You Will
02. Free
03. Go
04. All Gone Now
05. Home Was Good
06. Bigger Wave
07. Kicking
08. Better
09. Simple Life
10. Once
11. Our Town