Hreidmarr, vocalist for French symphonic black metallers ANOREXIA NERVOSA. has quit the band. His statement on the matter reads as follows: "Leaving ANOREXIA NERVOSA was definitely not the easiest thing to do as we've shared so much during our time together as this band had become a vivid part of my daily life. For seven years, the band has been giving me so many opportunities on a musical and human level and has heavily contributed to become the person I'm today. Still, I honestly thought I had reached the end of a personal era with the album 'Redemption Process' and I now feel the need to take a different path. I'm also absolutely proud of what I have been able to achieve with the rest of the band members who will always remain my best friends and I wish them the very best for the future."

ANOREXIA NERVOSA are currently looking for a new vocalist. Interested parties can contact: editions.hurlantes@wanadoo.fr and send demos to: Anorexia Nervosa, BP 1064, 87051 Limoges Cedex, France.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA recently released their latest record, "The September EP", in a limited-edition digipack.

Swedish black/death metallers THE LEGION, featuring current MARDUK drummer Emil Dragutinovic, have issued the following update:

"After a long search we have finally found a new vocalist for the LEGION. He's name is Kjetil Hektoen and he’s also known for his participation in CREST OF DARKNESS and ENTHRAL. We have already started to work on material for a third album together with Kjetil and we believe that his contribution to the band will increase the quality in our music on many levels. A big thanks goes out to all the people that has auditioned for us or sent us vocal material.

"Secondly, we want to announce the departure of our bassist Lars Martinsson. Lars has decided to leave the band to continue with his studies. We wish him the best of luck and thank him for all the years of dedication to the band. Kristoffer Andersson from SARGATANAS REIGN will be filling in for Lars as a session member."

As previously reported, THE LEGION have uploaded a new song, entitled "Horror Vacui", at this location (MP3, 8.5 MB). The track comes off the group's sophomore album, tentatively due in late January via France's Listenable Records. The artwork was once again designed by Kris Verwimp (MARDUK, ABSU, IMMORTAL), who had previously worked with the group on their debut album, "Unseen to Creation".

"Revocation" (view cover here) track listing:

01. Grotesque Savior
02. Virtue of Sin
03. Annihilation Chaos
04. Horror Vacui
05. Impious Gathering
06. Bloodgate
07. Deadlight Afterglow
08. Carnal Harvest
09. Nocturnal Apparition

THE LEGION's debut album, "Unseen to Creation" was released in October 2003 through Listenable.

The track listing has been revealed for the new ACE FREHLEY (ex-KISS) compilation titled album, "Greatest Hits Live", due on January 24, 2006 via Megaforce Records. According to a press release, this CD "represents some of the best work from legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley during the period after his highly publicized departure from one of the greatest rock bands of all time." As with the previous Megaforce ACE FREHLEY releases "12 Picks" (1996) and "Loaded Deck" (1997), Ace himself had nothing to do with putting this package together.

"Greatest Hits Live" (view cover here) track listing:

01. Rip It Out (Live)
02. Breakout (Live)
03. Cold Gin (Live)
04. Shock Me (Live)
05. Rocket Ride (Live)
06. Deuce (Live)
07. Strangers In A Strange Land (Live)
08. Separate (Live)
09. NY Groove (Live)
10. Rock Soldiers (Live)
11. One Plus One
12. Give It To Me Anyway

"Greatest Hits Live" features members of ACE FREHLEY'S COMET: Anton Fig (drums), John Regan (bass), Tod Howarth (guitar/keyboards) and Richie Scarlett (guitar), and Jamie Oldaker on drums.

Danish metallers ILLDISPOSED have set "Burn Me Wicked" as the title of their new album, tentatively due in Europe in March/April 2006 via Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to last year's "1-800 Vindication" was recorded at Combi Sound Studio in Aarhus, Denmark with producer Ziggy.

"Burn Me Wicked" track listing (in no particular order):

01. Back To The Street
02. Shine Crazy
03. Fear The Gates
04. Case Of The Late Pig
05. Burn Me Wicked
06. The Widow Black
07. Our Herion Recess
08. Nothing To Fear... Do It
09. Master And Servant
10. Throw Your Bolts
11. Illdispunk'd

ILLDISPOSED recently announced the addition of guitarist Martin Thim (EXMORTEM) to the group's ranks.

Arlington Heights, Illinois-based death metallers ENFORSAKEN mastered their new album, "Sinner's Intuition", on Friday (Dec. 16) at The Bolier Room Studios in Chicago, IL. The session was engineered by Collin Jordan, who has previously worked with MINISTRY and GRAVITY KILLS. Check out pictures from the mastering session at this location.

The follow-up to 2004's "Forever Endeavor" (Olympic/Century Media) "Sinner's Intuition" is scheduled for release on March 7, 2006 via Crash Music Inc.. The CD recording sessions took place at Studio One in Racine, Wisconsin with engineer/owner Chris Djuricic and assistant Aaron Brigman.

"Sinner's Intuition" track listing:

01. Witness to the Fall
02. Words in Red
03. The Slain
04. Halo of Ruin
05. Enemy Angel
06. Sever the Ties
07. Blacklist Assassin
08. The Course to Oblivion

"Sinner's Intuition" will feature back-up vocals from Swedish multi-instrumentalist/producer Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH, PAN THY MONIUM).

German power metallers RAGE have finished shooting a video for the new track "No Fear" from their upcoming CD "Speak of the Dead". The song is featured on the soundtrack to the independent psycho thriller "Ludgers Fall" and the clip includes scenes from the original film as well as a band performance. The video was shot on the island of Föhr, located in the North Sea. Also scheduled to appear on the movie's soundtrack are fellow Germans CREMATORY.

RAGE are currently completing work on "Speak of the Dead" at the VPS studios in Hamm, Germany. The band's last studio album, "Soundchaser", was released in 2003 through SPV/Steamhammer.

STRATOVARIUS frontman Timo Kotipelto has posted the following message on his official web site:

"I had lots of fun while touring around the world. Even though it has been a bit tough to travel and to play that many gigs the feedback and the support from the fans have been excellent! I thank you all!

"Right now I have been composing some new material for the next possible KOTIPELTO album. I already have almost all the songs needed for the album. I am about to meet the guys from my band (Lauri, Tuomas, Janne and Mirka) and arrange the songs and to settle the possible time to start the actual recording. Right now I can't give you any exact date yet but I will keep you posted about what is going on."

KOTIPELTO's sophomore solo album, "Coldness", was released in Europe in April 2004 through Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Waiting for the Dawn" was recorded by CHILDREN OF BODOM keyboardist Janne Wirman at his Beyond Abilities Studios as well as by Tero Kostermaa at High and Loud's ELK Studios and Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, where the mixing (Mikko Karmila) and the mastering (Mika Jussila) also took place. Matthias Norén, who has previously worked with bands like INTO ETERNITY, LOST HORIZON and EVERGREY, designed the album's artwork.

Swedish metallers STEEL ATTACK entered Black Lounge Studio in Sweden on December 12 with engineer Jonas Kjellgren to record the follow-up to 2004's "Enslaved".

"The last three weeks we have been rehearsing the new material very intense pace," guitarist Johan Jalonen Penn writes on the band's web site. "We have done 12 tracks since the summer for our as-yet-untitled fifth full-length album and we are very satisfied with the way the new songs sound before we hit the studio. Expect hard riffs combined with rich melodies and brilliant metal."

"Enslaved" was issued in October 2004 via Arise Records. The album was supported by a 12-day European tour with Germany BLACK ABYSS and Canada's EXCITER.

Sweden's AMON AMARTH have posted the following message on their official web site:

"Well, the U.S. tour is over for this time. We've had a fucking great time during these six weeks, and we'd like to thank CHILDREN OF BODOM and their crew for a fantastic tour. Thanks also to TRIVIUM with crew, and good luck on the IN FLAMES tour. Last but not least, thanks to all you fans — old and new — who came to the shows and made every one of them a magical experiense! Special thanks to those of you who bought us beers and booze. We truly appreciate it, and we hope to see you all next time around!

"The plan now is to take a couple of weeks off, before we start working on the new album in January. The recording is scheduled for May/June this year.

"We wish you all the best for the end of this year, and a great 2006!"

AMON AMARTH's latest album, "Fate of Norns", is available on Metal Blade Records.

Italian symphonic power metallers SKYLARK have just come back from New York where they mastered two acoustic songs (voice, orchestra, acoustic guitar) with George Marino at the Sterling Sound. These two new songs will be included in a special section of the band's upcoming record, entitled "Divine Gates Part 3 - The Last Gate". No further information is currently available.

SKYLARK earlier in the year issued a compilation, entitled "In the Heart of the Princess", through Scarlet Records. Conceived to celebrate the band's 10-year anniversary, this double "best of" includes all the major SKYLARK hits chosen by Japanese fans after a web poll. There are also two brand-new songs, "Mt. Fuji" (edit version) and "Last Battle", plus three remakes, "Little Girl", "The Princess' Day" (this one fully revisited) and "Dream".

SOILWORK vocalist Björn "Speed" Strid has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"I wanna thank everybody for their strong support and their faith in the band. You guys always stay with us through thick and thin, this makes me and the band confident and eager once again to show the world that we will kick ass like never before!

"On the behalf of [recently departed guitarist] Peter [Wichers], I can say that you guys gave him such a strong support and many kind words of encouragement to be able to proceed with his 'new life.' He will never forget those words, I can tell you that. THANK YOU!

"Right now I'm down in Italy to record the second DISARMONIA MUNDI album. I've just finished the vocals and will return home to Sweden tomorrow. I've got a lot of positive response about the first MUNDI album and I can assure you that the second one will not make you disappointed..

"Man, this year has been the busiest year in my life, so many months on the road with SOILWORK and then recording three albums in between.. I think I need a break to recharge the batteries.

"I wanna take the time to thank all the people for coming out to the shows and the people who hung out with us during the tours. This year will for sure not be forgotten."

NASUM drummer Anders Jakobson has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"Only one week left until Christmas so I decided to give you all a little early Christmas gift from the ex-members of NASUM.

"As you might know (or at least read in this blog) Urban, Jon and I got together in October to write and record some new grind shit. It's not a new band, but a project in the very true sense of the word. We will get together when we have time and continue, hopefully with the addition of Jesper and Rickard so it really is all the ex-NASUM members in a new musical outfit.

"Anyway, we wrote and recorded six songs on my recording equipment and close there after I did a mix that was sent to the other guys. I wasn't really satisfied with this mix (it was more or less the first 'real' recording I did) so I wasn't really up for sharing a track or two. But now I've made a new mix that sounds much better, so as an early Christmas gift I give you the complete recording as high quality mp3's!

Track 1 (mp3)
Track 2 (mp3)
Track 3 (mp3)
Track 4 (mp3)
Track 5 (mp3)
Track 6 (mp3)

"The project hasn't got a name yet and should be identified as 'EX-NASUM' until further notice. How this was recorded:

"I used my recording equipment which is a Laptop with Cubase SX and an external harddrive, an EMU-1616 soundcard, a mic preamp and a set of nice mics.

"The drums were recorded with just six mics (kick, snare, tomtoms (2), overhead (2). We miced the guitars with some vocal mics from the rehearsal room, and since the room is pretty small there was a lot of drums leaking into the guitar mics. The bass was lined into Cubase and I used GuitarRig to get a decent distorted sound.

"In general we didn't do much soundchecking, it's was just a matter of getting sound into Cubase and get cracking, so it's more of a multitrack rehearsal than a proper recording.

"And, as you've probably heard by now, there are no vocals on this recording.

"Hope you like the demo. Merry Christmas in advance!"

VICIOUS ART, the new Swedish death/thrash band featuring former DARK FUNERAL members Matias Mäkelä and Robert Lundin, along with Jörgen Sandström (THE PROJECT HATE, ex-ENTOMBED, GRAVE) on bass, have posted the following message on their official web site:

"OK, the bad news first. As we stated before here on the site we planned to record the follow-up to 'Fire Falls and the Waiting Waters' in February 2006 with a release in June 2006. Unfortunately, those plans have now been cancelled for various reasons.

"The good news on this matter is that we have decided not to wait until we will be able to put out the next record. So we will enter the studio as planned in February to record a demo. Three or four of the now-written eight songs will be recorded in the same studio as we used before, Off Beat Studio, with Linus and Anders behind the wheels!! The demo will of course, be available for everyone that is interested in our band. What format it will be in is not final, but we are thinking of bringing the good old tapes back in the picture, as well as CD of course. You will be able to order your copy from here eventually!

"No gigs are planned at the moment, but there is a slight chance that we get to do a pretty big gig in Stockholm in February. More on that later when we get the final yes/no from the promoters."

VICIOUS ART's debut album, "Fire Falls and the Waiting Waters", is now available via Threeman Recordings (Europe) and Candlelight Records (U.S.).

Denmark's highly acclaimed modern metallers RAUNCHY have finalized the track listing for their third full-length album, "Death Pop Romance", due in Europe on February 20, 2006 (February 17 in Germany) via Lifeforce Records. The CD was recorded during the summer by Jacob Hansen (MERCENARY, FEAR MY THOUGHTS, COMMUNIC) at Hansen studio in Robe, Denmark and was mixed by Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studios (HATESPHERE, THE HAUNTED, MNEMIC) in Aarhus, Denmark. The upcoming album marks the recording debut with the group of new singer Kasper Thomsen, who replaced Lars Vognstrup last year.

"Death Pop Romance" (view cover here) track listing:

01. This Legend Forever
02. Abandon Your Hope
03. Phantoms
04. The Curse Of Bravery
05. Remembrance
06. Live The Myth
07. City Of Hurt
08. Persistence
09. The Velvet Remains
10. Farewell To Devotion

Download a full-length MP3 of the stunning new track "Remembrance" at this location(5 MB).

According to a press release, RAUNCHY "take the necessary steps to propel their sound forward by mixing intensely abrasive thrash riffs and dynamic drumming in the vein of STRAPPING YOUNG LAD and FEAR FACTORY with their signature sound, while subliminally incorporating elements of pop music and melodic death metal in the vein of SOILWORK or IN FLAMES."

RAUNCHY split with Nuclear Blast Records in January after releasing two albums through the label (2002's "Velvet Noise" and 2004's "Confusion Bay").

Finnish melodic metallers ALTARIA have posted the cover artwork for their third album, "The Fallen Empire", at this location. The follow-up to 2004's "Divinity" was mixed the Black Lounge Studios in Sweden and is scheduled for release on March 24, 2006. Former DIO guitarist Rowan Robertson makes a guest appearance on a track called "The Lion" and keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg (SONATA ARCTICA, SILENT VOICES) is featured on a song called "The Dying Flame", which is an 8-minute epic. Other tracks set to appear on the CD include "Crucifix", "Abyss of Twilight", "Frozen Hearts" and "Disciples".

ALTARIA recently announced the addition of guitarist J-P Alanen to the group's ranks.

Swedish melodic power metal band INSANIA have entered Studio Underground in Västerås, Sweden for a three-week recording that will culminate in the creation of the band's fourth album. Entitled "Agony - Gift of Life", the CD is being produced by Pelle Saether and is tentatively set for an April/May 2006 release through Black Lodge Records. Check out the band's online studio diary at this location.

Like its predecessor, 2003's "Fantasy - A New Dimension", "Agony - Gift of Life" will be mixed by Mikko Karmila at Finnvox Studios.

"Agony - Gift of Life" projected track listing (not final order):

01. Facing My Destiny
02. Hope
03. Dreams
04. Gift of Life
05. Fight for Life
06. One Day
07. Time Passes By
08. To Live Another Day
09. Alive
10. Valley of Sunlight
11. Time of Glory
12. How Does It Feel

On www.spi-ritual.com you can find song samples and a videoclip of the new ethno metal project SpiRitual, formed by Darkseed vocalist and songwriter Stefan Hertrich (ex-Betray My Secrets). The first release "Pulse" features international guest musicians from bands such as Haggard, Equilibrium, Megaherz and Yana Veva of the Russian band Theodor Bastard. The video clip was done by the Russian video team Deviant Creations.

"Pulse" will be published by CD MAXIMUM in late December/early January.

By the way: Stefan Hertrich told us that he is always eager to cooperate with ethnic musicians (near/middle eastern/native american flutes, percussion, female vocals). If you would like to contribute your arts to one of Stefans ethnic projects (SpiRitual or the highly awarded soundtrack/new age project Shiva In Exile), send an email to stefan(at)spi-ritual.com

The first in a series of video clips of Finnish hard/glam rockers NEGATIVE in the studio recording their third album has been posted online at this location.

NEGATIVE's as-yet-untitled new CD is scheduled for release in late 2006. The group's sophomore album, "Sweet & Deceitful", was released in Europe (excluding Scandinavia, Italy and Russia) via Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to 2003's gold-certified (in Finland) "War of Love", which features a guest appearance by SENTENCED/POISONBLACK frontman Ville Laihiala, topped the Finnish album chart upon its release in September 2004.

NEGATIVE will be teaming up with H.I.M. and THE RASMUS for a European tour beginning on February 9, 2006 in Essen, Germany.

ANTIMATTER mainman/lyricist/singer Mick Moss has been working hard over the last few months on the group's follow-up to 2005's "Planetary Confinement", entitled "Leaving Eden" (to be released via The End Records).

Commented Moss: "The album is written in its entirety now. If anything, there's minor fine-tuning to be done. I can say that it contains both the heaviest and lightest parts from any previous ANTIMATTER release. There's certainly a sense of spreading the wings either side, going from what hopefully will turn out to be a ball-ripping segment to an almost country-and-western-style track, yet still retaining that sense of identity that is ANTIMATTER.

"The album will be recorded at an unspecified date in the first half of 2006."

"Leaving Eden" tentative track listing:

01. Leaving Eden
02. The Freak Show
03. Another Face In A Window
04. Ghosts
05. Fighting For A Lost Cause
06. Redemption
07. Conspire
08. The Immaculate Misconception
09. Too Late

Recording should take place at Studio 33 ("Planetary Confinement"). Confirmed guest musicians on the CD include Danny Cavanagh (ANATHEMA) and Chris Phillips (drums; "Planetary Confinement").

Finnish folk-influenced melodic death metal band ENSIFERUM, now featuring in its ranks NORTHER frontman Petri Lindroos, have completed work on their new EP, "Dragonheads", due on February 15, 2006 via Spinefarm Records. The mini-CD was recorded and mixed in November at Sonic Pump studios in Helsinki by Nino Laurenne (THUNDERSTONE) and was mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios. It will contain one new track, new studio recordings of several old demo songs, and a couple of traditional Finnish folk covers.

"Dragonheads" track listing:

01. Dragonheads
02. Warrior's Quest
03. Kalevala-Melody
04. White Storm
05. Into Hiding (AMORPHIS cover)
06. Finnish Medley (Karjalan Kunnailla - Myrskyluodon Maija - Metsämiehen Laulu)

Commented ENSIFERUM mainman Markus Toivonen: "I think the sound and musical contents on 'Dragonheads' are quite satisfactory. Everything went very smoothly, although I had my doubts as we now had three new members since we were at studio for the previous time."

The group's next full-length release is scheduled to be recorded in the summer of 2006. A European tour is tentatively slated to kick off in March 2006.

As previously reported, ENSIFERUM will film their New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) 10-year anniversary concert at the Nosturi in Helsinki, Finland for an upcoming DVD.

ENSIFERUM's sophomore album, "Iron", was released in April 2004 through Spinefarm Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Ensiferum" was recorded in the summer of 2003 at Sweet Silence studios in Copenhagen, Denmark with producer Flemming Rasmussen (METALLICA, ARTILLERY, MORBID ANGEL).

MONSTER MAGNET have officially entered the recording phase for the follow-up to 2004's "Monolithic Baby". The as-yet-untitled album will be released in March 2006 via SPV and will coincide with the group's European tour. The CD is being produced by friend and veteran MAGNET producer/mixer Matt Hyde ("Powertrip" and "God Says No"). The band are currently in Los Angeles, laying down the new tracks at both Sound City and Paramount recording studios for what promises to be another rock milestone for the quartet.

With excitement building around the new studio album, the news that re-releases of their classic albums "Tab" and "Spine of God" will be coming as well have excited many longtime fans of the band. These re-issues will feature new artwork and liner notes, as well as bonus tracks, as part of SPV's SuPerValue re-issue series, and will again be available worldwide. A DVD is also in planning for late 2006.

The current lineup of POISONBLACK — Ville Laihiala (vocals, guitar, also in SENTENCED), Janne Markus (guitar), Marco Sneck (keyboards), Antti Remes (bass) and Tarmo Kanerva (drums) — are scheduled to return to the studio in early 2006 to complete the recordings for their sophomore album, tentatively due late spring/early summer via Century Media Records. The band are currently composing and rehearsing new songs.

Laihiala had previously stated about the new album's musical direction: "The new one has the same spirit and theme that was on [the debut album, 'Escapextacy'], but presented with a lot more dirtier and rougher sounds without forgetting the melodies," he said. "But if you are waiting for a soft goth-rock album you'll be surprised." Several photos from the studio sessions can be viewed at this location.

POISONBLACK's 2003 debut, "Escapextacy", featured the vocal talents of CHARON frontman Juha-Pekka Leppäluoto. Juha-Pekka's touring and recording commitments with his main band eventually forced him to quit POISONBLACK, but not before completing all the touring activities in support of the group's debut CD.

Swedish death metallers VOMITORY have announced the addition of guitarist Peter Östlund to the group's ranks. Östlund, who has previously played in the San Francisco Bay area-influenced thrash metal band THE LAW, has joined VOMITORY as a permanent guitarist after Ulf Dalegren's departure a couple of months ago.

Commented drummer Tobias Gustafsson: "I am really happy that Peter Östlund has joined VOMITORY! We in the band have known him for some years now and we knew that he's a kick-ass guitarist, a riff-machine and a really cool guy, so I'm sure he will fit perfectly! Peter's skills will add a new side to our sound in a very positive way and I am thrilled to start working on the new material for the next album with Peter in the band."

VOMITORY recently completed a European tour (covering the U.K., Ireland, Scotland, The Netherlands and Sweden) with good friend Lord K Philipsson (THE PROJECT HATE, GOD AMONG INSECTS) filling in on second guitar.

VOMITORY's fifth album, "Primal Massacre", was released in April 2004 through Metal Blade Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Blood Rapture" was recorded at Studio Kuling in Örebro, Sweden and was mixed at Berno Studio.

"The Ape of Naples" is to be the final musical word for Coil aka Jhonn Balance. To be released on Treshold House Records on January 10 2006 for the worldwide market, the album comes more than one year after Jhonn Balance’s sudden death on 13 November 2004. This album has been out since last week in the UK but as mentionned above, it will only be available outside the UK from January on. The release features songs recorded in the final days of Jhonn's life, as well as material originally recorded at Trent Reznor's studio in New Orleans, and now substantially re-arranged by Peter Christopherson. The CD comes in a white gatefold card wallet with a foldout poster style lyric sheet and cover art by Ian Johnstone. The album is available at an incredibly expensive, real rip-off, major-label kind of price only as with all Coil albums.

Tracklist:
01 Fire Of The Mind
02 The Last Amethyst Deceiver
03 Tattooed Man
04 Triple Sun
05 It's In My Blood
06 I Don't Get It
07 Heaven's Blade
08 Cold Cell
09 Teenage Lightning 2005
10 Amber Rain
11 Going Up