Several tracks from the upcoming IRON MAIDEN tribute album, "Numbers from the Beast: An All Star Salute to Iron Maiden", have been made available for streaming and download via Rykodisc-Media.com.

On October 11, IRON MAIDEN fans the world over will have something new to get excited about as the newly re-launched Restless Records releases "Numbers from the Beast: An All Star Salute to Iron Maiden", a tribute to the legendary band. The album, which features MAIDEN's own Paul Di'Anno and marks Restless' return to its metal and punk roots, is produced by Grammy award winner and tribute album pioneer Bob Kulick (KISS, METALLICA, AEROSMITH), along with Brett Chassen, and features appearances from current or former members of IRON MAIDEN, KISS, AC/DC, MOTÖRHEAD, ANTHRAX, DIO, JUDAS PRIEST, TESTAMENT, TWISTED SISTER, EXTREME, WHITESNAKE, SLAUGHTER, HELMET, DOKKEN and many others.

"It's a fitting salute to an awesome band and may be the best tribute I've ever produced. I really like what we've done to these amazing songs, and more importantly, the band approves," says Kulick of the album.

"Numbers from the Beast" features 11 classic IRON MAIDEN tunes revamped in honor of the band's 25th anniversary. The final track listing is as follows:

01. Run to the Hills
02. Wasted Years (mp3, streaming)
03. Wrathchild
04. Flight of Icarus
05. Fear of the Dark
06. The Trooper (mp3, streaming)
07. Aces High
08. 2 Minutes to Midnight
09. Can I Play With Madness? (mp3, streaming)
10. The Evil That Men Do
11. The Wickerman

"Wasted Years" recording lineup

Vocals: Dee Snider (TWISTED SISTER)
Lead Guitar: George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB)
Rhythm Guitar: Bob Kulick (PAUL STANLEY BAND, MEATLOAF)
Bass: Jeff Pilson (DOKKEN, FOREIGNER)
Drums: Jason Bonham (BONHAM, FOREIGNER)

"The Trooper" recording lineup:

Vocals: Lemmy Kilmister (MOTÖRHEAD)
Guitar: Phil Campbell (MOTÖRHEAD)
Guitar: Rocky George (FISHBONE, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES)
Bass: Chuck Wright (ALICE COOPER, QUIET RIOT)
Drums: Chris Slade (AC/DC)

"Can I Play With Madness?" recording lineup:

Vocals: Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER)
Guitar: Bruce Kulick (KISS, GRAND FUNK RAILROAD)
Bass: Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY, TED NUGENT)
Drums: Aynsley Dunbar (DAVID BOWIE, WHITESNAKE)

The cover of every official IRON MAIDEN album has featured a zombie called "Eddie." Eddie has been painted by artist Derek Riggs for 20 years. "Numbers from the Beast" cover art was naturally painted by Riggs and is a must-have for any MAIDEN fan.

Veteran Dutch thrashers DEAD HEAD will release their long-awaited fourth album, "Haatland", on October 18 via Extremity Records/GMR Music Group. The album will contain 10 songs with a total playing time of 43 minutes.

"Haatland" (view cover at this location) track listing:

01. Faust II
02. Montana
03. Phantom Palace
04. Supreme Forgery
05. Last Server Down
06. Serial Divorce
07. Mesfeken
08. Dog God
09. Desire
10. Nosferatu

Formed in 1989, DEAD HEAD recorded "Haatland" at Hansen studios in Ribe, Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, INVOCATOR). Check out the songs "Desire" and "Mesfeken" from the upcoming CD at DeadHead.nl. A 10-inch vinyl EP, "Dog God", featuring two songs from "Haatland", the IRON MAIDEN cover "Total Eclipse" and a re-recording of an older track, was released late last year via Fadeless Records.

Swedish death metallers VOMITORY have parted ways with guitarist Ulf Dalegren.

"We are very sorry to break the news that guitarist Ulf Dalegren has decided to leave VOMITORY after fifteen years in the band," the group write in a statement. "Life changes quite a lot during fifteen years and the priorities we need to make change as well along with it. We hate to see Ulf go, but we understand and respect his decision to 100%. We part our musical ways as the best of friends and continue as drinking companions just as usual. We wish him the best of luck with everything in the future!"

Ulf has issued the following statement regarding his departure from the group:

"It's with great sadness in my worm-infested death metal heart that I have to announce my departure from VOMITORY. I feel that there's no need for details. It's on a personal level, that's it. All I can say is that there are no hard feelings between me and the other guys. I wish them all the luck and hope that the band will be out there spreading high-quality death metal for many years to come. I'll return, don't know where — don't know when. Death is meant to last forever."

VOMITORY will be playing their scheduled shows in the U.K., Ireland, The Netherlands and Sweden in November as planned. The band's good friend, Lord K Philipsson (THE PROJECT HATE, GOD AMONG INSECTS), will be helping out on second guitar until a full-time replacement has been found.

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.

THERION mainman Christofer Johnsson (guitar/vocals) revealed during an interview with Metal Temple magazine's Ian Kaatz at this year's ProgPower USA (Sept. 15-17 at Eartlink Live, Atlanta, GE) festival that the band are planning a multi-disc DVD release, tentatively due in March 2006. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow:

Metal Temple: Have you started writing any new material?

Christofer Johnsson: "We have all the songs for the next record finished. We recorded enough material for three albums but only released two albums, so we have to catch up."

Metal Temple: Does the new material sound similar to the double disc ("Lemuria" and "Sirius B"; Nuclear Blast Records, 2004)?

Christofer Johnsson: "It's not a double disc, not to be picky. It is two different records but they were sold together as a double disc because not many people have that much money. It was way over-stocked by distributors in the U.S, so that's why they still have it. We didn't limit in numbers. For three months people can buy as much as they like. The third one was recorded in the same time frame, so it will be closer to these ones than to our previous records. That doesn't mean it will sound the same. We divided the three records upon different solo songs. We saved the more progressive ones for the third one."

Metal Temple: Oh, okay, that sounds really sweet. Do you have a release date for the DVD? Because I know that in the previous interview you did with Metal Temple, you said you were working on a live DVD.

Christofer Johnsson: "I am not going to say how many discs, but it will contain multiple discs and it will be out in March of next year."

Germany's MAJESTY have completed work on their third album with producer Stefan Kaufmann (former ACCEPT drummer, current U.D.O. guitarist) for a January 20, 2006 release. An EP release will precede the album later in the year.

MAJESTY's second full-length album, "Reign in Glory", was released in October 2003 through Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Keep It True" was recorded at Roxx studios in Pulheim, Germany under the watchful eye of Stefan Kaufmann and marked the recording debut with the group of former VANIZE guitarist Rolf Munkes.

As previously reported, DAWNRIDER, the side project of MAJESTY mastermind Tarek "MS" Maghary, will release their first album, "Fate Is Calling", on October 21 via Massacre Records. The concept album, which tells a great epic fantasy story taking place in the kingdom of Riandra, will feature guest appearances by some of the best singers of today's heavy metal scene, including Rob Rock (ex-IMPELLITTERI) and James Rivera (HELSTAR, SEVEN WITCHES). Other guest musicians include Mark Shelton and Hellroadie (MANILLA ROAD), Ross The Boss (ex-MANOWAR), Gianluca and Daniele from BATTLE RAM, Charlie Steinhauer (PARADOX), Sven from WIZARD, Andreas from PARAGON, and many more. The song "They Conquer", featuring members of MANILLA ROAD, is available for download at this location.

KINGDOME COME's webmaster Marko (brother of KINGDOM COME mainman Lenny Wolf) has posted the following message on the group's official web site:

"Regarding the new record: If Lenny would not have been forced to take some time out, due to a tendonitis, it would be done already. But things are in progress, and that means in a positive way. Lenny must have heard about the need for KINGDOM COME to take out the axe again, because he did!! Loads of heavy guitar work is coming your way! But for all the KINGDOM COME soldiers who are more into the 'spacy or mellow' KINGDOM COME approach, you will not be forgotten. Lenny, now even more than before, built a bridge between 'the nice and the mean.' Eric [Foerster] has laid down some solos and can't wait to 'spread his legs' on stage again."

KINGDOM COME's follow-up the last year's "Perpetual" is tentatively scheduled for release in early 2006. The band cancelled their U.S. tour earlier in the year due to problems in obtaining correct work permits in time for the trek.

Eagle Rock Entertainment has set a November 1 release date for the new DVD from TESTAMENT, entitled "Live In London".

"Live In London" is the documentation of a dream that long-time die-hard TESTAMENT fans have been waiting for: the reuniting of the band’s "classic" lineup. Featuring vocalist Chuck Billy, guitar virtuosos Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick, bassist Greg Christian, and original drummer Louie Clemente (along with TESTAMENT and WHITE ZOMBIE alumnus John Tempesta as a second drummer), the band rips through classic TESTAMENT fan favorites in this show, shot in London earlier in 2005.

Among the leaders of heavy metal over the past twenty years, TESTAMENT have always provided the rock solid proof that great song writing, regardless of genre, will always transcend time. Their crucial contributions to the early thrash metal surge of the mid to late 1980s helped to develop a sound that forever changed the face of heavy music and resonates just as loudly today. With all of their Bay Area peers either calling it a day or drastically altering their sound, TESTAMENT has remained a worldwide metal ambassador throughout the 1990s and into the new century.

"Live In London" DVD track listing:

01. The Preacher
02. The New Order
03. The Haunting
04. Electric Crown
05. Sins Of Omission
06. Souls Of Black
07. Into The Pit
08. Trial By Fire
09. Practice What You Preach
10. Let Go Of My World
11. The Legacy
12. Over The Wall
13. Raging Waters
14. Disciples Of The Watch

German power metallers RAGE have commenced the recording sessions for their new album, tentatively titled "Speak of the Dead", at the VPS studios in Hamm, Germany.

Commented frontman Peter "Peavy" Wagner: "As you all know, we’ve worked on our next album for some time, and that’s gonna be recorded by our technician Charlie Czajkowski during the next weeks at the VPS studios in Hamm. Victor [Smolski, guitar] already recorded the orchestral passages for some songs together with conductor Andrei Zybrich and the Inspector Symphonic Orchestra in Minsk. In December Charlie Bauerfeind [producer] will lend a hand to the endmix."

Read about the 25-minute song "Suite Lingua Mortis", which is scheduled to appear on the upcoming album, at this location.

RAGE's last studio album, "Soundchaser", was released in 2003 through SPV/Steamhammer.

Finland's NORTHER have parted ways with drummer Toni Hallio. "The decision was totally [made by] Toni [and] there are no hard feelings!" the band write on their web site. "Toni wants to focus on other things in the future. Toni wishes all the best for the band and the fans! He will [still] play the two [scheduled] gigs this week, so if you want to see him (or the band) come to the gigs!!"

As a result of Toni's departure, NORTHER are currently looking for a replacement drummer. Interested parties can contact the band at rumpali@norther.net. Only "very experienced drummers" need apply.

NORTHER recently entered Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden to begin recording their fourth full-length album, tentatively due before the end of the year. The band's most recent release was the "Solution 7" EP, which was mixed and mastered at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki. Recording sessions for the disc began on December 24 at Astia Studios in Lappeenranta, Finland.

NORTHER's third full-length album, "Death Unlimited", was released last year through Spinefarm Records.

DREAM THEATER's Mike Portnoy (drums) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards) are among the guest musicians on former SPOCK'S BEARD/TRANSATLANTIC frontman Neal Morse's new progressive rock masterpiece, "?" (The Question Mark Album). The album will be released in the U.S. on November 1 through Metal Blade Records and in Europe on October 24 through InsideOut Music. Other guest musicians include saxophonist Mark Leniger, Alan Morse (SPOCK'S BEARD), legendary guitarist Steve Hackett (formerly of GENESIS) and Roine Stolt of THE FLOWER KINGS.

"?" track listing:

01. The Temple of the Living God
02. Another World
03. The Outsider
04. Sweet Elation
05. In the Fire
06. Solid as the Sun
07. The Glory of the Lord
08. Outside Looking In
09. 12
10. Deliverance
11. Inside His Presence
12. The Temple of the Living God

More information has surfaced regarding the upcoming RAMMSTEIN CD, "Rosenrot", due in Europe on October 31 via Universal. A limited-edition version of the album will include a bonus DVD featuring three live video clips recorded earlier in the year.

"Rosenrot" final track listing:

01. Benzin
02. Mann gegen Mann
03. Rosenrot
04. Spring
05. Wo Bist Du
06. Stirb Nicht Vor Mir
07. Zerstören
08. Hilf Mir
09. Te Quiero Puta!
10. Feuer und Wasser
11. Ein Lied

"Rosenrot" bonus DVD (included with the limited edition):

01. Reise, Reise (Arenes de Nimes, Nimes France July 2005)
02. Mein Teil (Club Citta, Kangawa, Japan June 2005)
03. Sonne (Brixton Academy, London, UK February 2005)

As previously reported, Universal-rock.de has posted previews of all four tracks from the "Benzin" single, including remixes of the title cut by MESHUGGAH and APOCALYPTICA. Check it out at this location. The video for "Benzin" can be viewed by clicking here. The clip was was shot in August by Uwe Flade, who has also directed videos for DEPECHE MODE and FRANZ FERDINAND.

More information has emerged about the DVD side of OZZY OSBOURNE's upcoming collection "Under Covers", due November 1 as a DualDisc via Epic. The set will include newly completed covers of JOHN LENNON's "Woman", JOE WALSH's "Rocky Mountain Way" and the MOODY BLUES' "Go Now" along with 10 other cuts that were released earlier this year on the "Under Covers" disc of the Ozzy boxed set "Prince of Darkness".

On the DVD side, fans will be treated to the featurette "Dinner With Ozzy and Friends," which finds him regaling his son Jack and MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister with tales of rock 'n' roll excess, according to Billboard.com. A video for Ozzy's cover of THE BEATLES' "In My Life" is also included.

"Under Covers" track listing:

01. Rock Mountain Way (JOE WALSH)
02. In My Life (THE BEATLES)
03. Mississippi Queen (MOUNTAIN)
04. Go Now (MOODY BLUES)
05. Woman (JOHN LENNON)
06. 21st Century Schizoid Man (KING CRIMSON)
07. All the Young Dudes (MOTT THE HOPPLE)
08. For What It's Worth (BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD)
09. Good Times (ERIC BURDON)
10. Sunshine of Your Love (CREAM)
11. Fire (ARTHUR BROWN)
12. Working Class Hero (JOHN LENNON)
13. Sympathy for the Devil (ROLLING STONES)

GREEN CARNATION guitarist Tchort (a.k.a. Terje Vik Schei; CARPATHIAN FOREST, BLOOD RED THRONE) married his longtime girlfriend Paula Andrea on September 12 on the beautiful island of Santorini, Greece. Check out photos of the happy couple at this location.

GREEN CARNATION will make their North American live debut with their exclusive headlining show at Day of The Equinox in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on October 14. The band — who released their well-received fourth album, "The Quiet Offspring", on The End Records this year — plan to make the concert a special event for their fans, showcasing material from their current album and older material. The group also plan to release an exclusive edition all-acoustic EP at the event, titled "The Burden Is Mine… Alone", the first release through the band’s own production company Sublife Productions and Profound Lore Records. The acoustic EP will consist of four songs, two of which will not be included on the band's forthcoming full-length.

"The Burden Is Mine…Alone" track listing is as follows:

01. Burden Is Mine… Alone
02. Transparent Me
03. Sweet Leaf
04. Six Ribbons (JON ENGLISH cover)

InsideOut Music has set a November 11 release date for the FATES WARNING DVD, entitled "Live In Athens".
The DVD shot was on February 20, 2005 at Gagarin in Athens, Greece and was mixed by Bill Metoyer (SLAYER, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM). Check out the cover artwork at this location.

The complete track listing is as follows:

01. One
02. A Pleasant Shade Of Gray Part 3
03. Life In Still Water
04. Simple Human
05. Heal Me
06. Pieces Of Me
07. Face The Fear
08. Quietus
09. Another Perfect Day
10. A Pleasant Shade Of Gray Part 11
11. The Eleventh Hour
12. Point Of View
13. Monument
14. Still Remains
15. Nothing Left To Say

DVD Extras:

- Bulgarian TV
- Athens rehearsal
- Athens soundcheck

2005 Holland Headway Festival featuring Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER) on drums:

- Another Perfect Day
- The Eleventh Hour

Italian folk/power metal band ELVENKING have set "The Winter Wake" as the title of their third album, due on January 27, 2006 via AFM Records. The follow-up to 2004's "Wyrd" was recorded at Sherpa Studios (Italy), mixed at Sonic Pump Studios by Nino Laurenne and mastered at Finnvox Studios by Mika Jussilla. According to a press release, "The Winter Wake" will "once again show the main features that made ELVENKING a unique band in the current metal scene: fresh and original sound that mixes enchanting melodies, heavy metal groove, catchy choruses and acoustic elements. . .

The band, encriched by their re-newed line-up, will follow their creative path bringing their sound much further, adding more than ever a personal and mature touch that leads 'The Winter Wake' to be an outstanding and surprising collection of songs which are the best manifesto of what ELVENKING is in 2005." Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Swallowtail", "The Wanderer" and "Neverending Nights". Cover artwork is being handled by Havancsak Gyula. This time the booklet will feature 11 different paintings — one for each song — and the cover "will be the best piece of art ELVENKING could ever ask for," accoridng to the press release. The band have also announced that the "The Winter Wake" title track will include a very special appearance by DESTRUCTION frontman Schmier, while album's opening cut will contain a "fabulous" guitar solo played by producer and guitarist Nino Laurenne.

ELVENKING recently announced the departure of guitarist Jarpen. For the time being, the group will go on as a five-piece.

German metal singer Doro Pesch (ex-WARLOCK) will release a new EP, "In Liebe Und Freundschaft" (For Love and Friendship), on November 4 via AFM Records. The EP's title cut will be a first taste of Doro's upcoming album, tentatively titled "Warrior Soul", which is due on March 24, 2006. The complete track listing for the EP is as follows:

01. In Liebe Und Freundschaft
02. For Love And Friendship (English Version)
03. Lonely Wolf
04. Never Get Out Of This Alive
Bonus track:
05. All We Are (live video from Bang Your Head 2005 festival)

On October 30, Doro will be a special guest on the German TV show "Hit Giants", which airs on SAT 1. The program will feature Doro talking to host Hugo Egon Balder on the topic of "rock classicals."

As previously reportedm Pesch recently finished shooting her very first movie in Switzerland. The film, entitled "Anuk - The Path of the Warrior", was produced by Swiss director Luke Gasser and set for a theatrical release in in Switzerland, Austria and Germany sometime in 2006. A DVD release is also possible but not yet confirmed. Pictures of the movie shoot are available in the "member area" of Doro's official web site.

Pesch has just released her "Classic Diamonds" collection in the U.S. in CD/DVD formats via Locomotive Music. The CD features nine revamped Doro classics newly recorded by Doro with the help of THE METAL CLASSIC NIGHT ORCHESTRA, including such favorites as "I Rule The Ruins", "Metal Tango", "All We Are", "Fur Immer", "Burn It Up", "Tausend Mal Gelebt", "I'm In Love With You", "Undying" and "Love Me In Black". Four new songs grace the groundbreaking collection: "Breaking the Law" (a cover of the JUDAS PRIEST standard done as a duet with ACCEPT's Udo Dirkschneider), "Let Love Rain on Me" (a beautiful soulful ballad; also the lead song on a simultaneously-released seven-song EP), the instant-anthem "Always Live to Win" and "She's Like Thunder" (dedicated to Doro's best friend, undefeated female boxing champion Regina Halmich).

SOULFLY's video for the track "Carved Inside" has been posted online at this location (Quicktime required). The song (mp3) is the first single off the group's new album, "Dark Ages", which is being released today (October 4) via Roadrunner Records. The clip, described as "dark" and full of "fire," was filmed at a 700-year-old fortress on the shores of the Danube river in Serbia. Later in the year, a video for "Frontlines", which was filmed during the same week as "Carved Inside", will premiere as the follow-up single to "Carved Inside".

The follow-up to 2004's "Prophecy", "Dark Ages" was produced by SOULFLY mainman Max Cavalera and was mixed by Terry Date, who has previously worked with PANTERA and DEFTONES, among others.

SOULFLY will be embarking on a U.S. tour beginning in mid-October. Support at all dates will come from THROWDOWN, BLOODSIMPLE and INCITE (a local Arizona band fronted by Richie Cavalera, (stepson of SOULFLY mainman Max Cavalera).

German heavy metal veteran Udo Dirkschneider (U.D.O., ACCEPT) will offer a special bonus to his Russian fans by recording two fantastic duets with hard rockers ANJ on the track "Pugachev" (from ANJ's new studio album, "100 Miles Straight Ahead") and pop stars FAKTOR-2 on the song "Cry Soldier Cry" (from the new U.D.O. full-length CD, "Mission X"). Both duets will be recorded in Russian.

Dirkschneider's collaborations with ANJ and FAKTOR-2 are not the first time Udo has worked with a Russian artist. Back in 2001, Dirkschneider contributed his vocals to the song "Shtil" by the Russian band ARIA. He followed it up with the track "Trainride In Russia", which appeared on U.D.O.'s album "Thunderball", released on AFM Records in 2004.

Dirkschneider will make a promotional appearance in Moscow, Russia between October 18 and October 22. The program will consist of a press conference, the recording of the aforementioned duets, a video shoot for ANJ's "Pugachev", a signing session, and an after-party at a local metal club and a fan meet-and-greet.

Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE) will reportedly be taking over the guitarist slot in DIO on the remainder of the band's current European tour beginning with the October 6 show in Eindhoven, Holland. A moderator for Aldrich's official message board has posted the following message on Doug's web site:

"Well, Doug was looking forward to a break after the WHITESNAKE tour but at the last minute, it seems he has been asked to fill in on the DIO tour in Europe. There aren't a lot of details on my end but Doug confirmed that he has gotten the call to come over to Europe [as soon as possible]. While currently a member of WHITESNAKE, Doug has informed David [Coverdale, WHITESNAKE frontman] of the situation and has been given the OK to go. Doug will be joining Ronnie on the tour starting October 6th in Eindhoven Holland. I have no details on the situation regarding the current DIO guitarist Craig [Goldy], but will let you know when I have more information."

Meanwhile, the following message was posted on the Dio Message Board by a fan who attended DIO's concert in Minsk, Belarus (former Soviet Union) on Sunday (October 2):

"They played 'Tarot Woman', of course... But no 'Stargazer' of 'Gates of Babylon' in Minsk! Yesterday there was only ONE encore!!!! ('Man on a Silver Mountain' and 'Long Live Rock 'n' Roll'). After that every person in group looked at [Craig] Goldy and [the show] soon finished. I saw that Goldy was not on the legs after the concert: two men [took] him away... And I read yesterday some reviews [in the] Russian [media] about two [other] concerts in Samara and in Moscow. And in every review there was a small [paragraph] about Goldy's behavior!!!! So, it is very strange. Maybe some problems with health? Or drunken [behavior]? Every gig??"

A representative at DIO's management company, Niji Management, Inc., has sent the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding reports that Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE) will be taking over the guitarist duties for DIO beginning with the October 6 show in Eindhoven, Holland:

"The Niji Management camp reports that Craig Goldy hurt his arm while touring Russia and has been trying to continue to play the shows on painkillers, but it has now become impossible for him to continue. Therefore, Doug Aldrich will be stepping in for him from Eindhoven and will play the rest of the tour, including the U.K. Wendy Dio states emphatically that, 'Craig has NOT been drinking, and has been a real trooper, trying to perform in pain with his arm. We are very pleased that Doug is able to perform with DIO and that we do not have to cancel any shows.'"

BLIND GUARDIAN frontman Hansi Kürsch has posted the following message at the band's web site:

"Although time keeps on ticking quickly, things go very well in the GUARDIAN camp. To be more precise: we are still on schedule, and even though everyone is totally busy and concentrated, the atmosphere is very lifely and still relaxed to a certain extent. The material for the single will be accomplished at the end of November. To make that happen, this particular stuff will get most of our attention for the next four weeks. Everyone is already involved in the recording process and we are really excited about the album's progression. It is too early to say when we will be finished exactly, but I would say a worldwide release in the first half of 2006 is very realistic. Things look (and sound, as well) very promising. At the moment we are also getting deeper into details such as album title, cover, etc. So, we are about to scratch the most important phase of the recording session and we do not intend to leave you out. Please, let us work on it a little longer, so we can fix things technically. You will be provided with footage, that is for sure."

BLIND GUARDIAN recently replaced drummer Thomen Stauch, who left the band in April after 20 years. The new man behind the kit is fellow German Frederik Ehmke, who is said to be "fairly unknown in the world of metal."

The production of BLIND GUARDIAN's debut album for Nuclear Blast Records is being handled by producer Charlie Bauerfeind. Working songtitles include "Carry the Blessed Home", "The Edge", "In Search for the Lionheart", "Market Square", "Another Stranger Me", and "Otherland".

Norway's THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, who recently inked a deal with AFM Records, have posted the following message on their official web site:

"At last we have entered the studio! Drums have been laid down on tape. Most bass and rhythm guitars have been recorded too and it is sounding GREAT!! We are exploring several musical approaches in order to make the best album possible. 15 new and fantastic songs will be brought to life, most of them will make to the album, and some won't. Time will tell."

Check out new pictures at this location.

THEATRE OF TRAGEDY's as-yet-untitled new album will be the group's first to feature singer Nell (THE CREST), who replaced Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull (currently in LEAVES' EYES) in early 2004. A March 24, 2006 release is expected. Download audio samples of two demo songs recorded last year: "Fade" (mp3), "Seven" (mp3).

More information has been released about CRADLE OF FILTH's debut DVD, "Peace Through Superior Firepower" (view cover here), due on November 1 via Roadrunner Records (one day earlier internationally).

Compiled by the band's frontman, Dani Filth and guitarist Paul Allender, the DVD features the band's theatrical show, shot in Paris at the Elysee Montmartre on April 2, 2005. Also included is an hour of documentary-style "behind-the-scenes" footage with the band spanning the last three years of the band's existence. It includes extensive band interviews and an insight into life on the road, shot on their recent tours. Special extras include six of the band's sumptuous promotional videos — "Her Ghost in the Fog", "Promise of Fever", "Babylon AD", "Mannequin", "No Time To Cry" and recent music channel favourite, "Nymphetamine", featuring guest vocalist Liv Kristine (LEAVES' EYES, ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY). Also included is a photo gallery and a hidden "Easter egg" piece for fans to hunt out.

"Peace Through Superior Firepower" track listing:

01. Gilded Cunt
02. Nemesis
03. Mannequin
04. Black Goddess Rises
05. Gothic Romance
06. Her Ghost in the Fog
07. Nymphetamine
08. Tortured Soul Asylum
09. The Forest Whispers My Name
10. Bruise Upon the Silent Moon
11. The Promise of Fever
12. 13 Autumns and a Widow
13. Mother of Abominations
14. Painting Flowers White Never Suited My Palette
15. From the Cradle to Enslave

Promo videos:

01. Nymphetamine
02. Mannequin
03. A Promise of Fever
04. Babylon AD
05. Her Ghost in the Fog
06. No Time to Cry (SISTERS OF MERCY cover)

Additional Features:

* Image Gallery
* Backstage Footage
* 45 minutes of backstage documentary and interview with Dani Filth
* 10 minutes of other documentary footage at a Virgin Megastore signing

CRADLE OF FILTH are scheduled to enter the studio October 10 to begin recording the follow-up to last year's "Nymphetamine", tentatively due in early 2006 via Roadrunner Records. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "I Am The Thorn", "Lovesick For Mina", "The Byronic Man", "Cemetery And Sundown", "Libertina Grimm", "The Flora Of Nightfall, The Fauna Of War" and "Dirge Inferno".