According to a posting at the Polish music web site CGM.pl, former VADER drummer Krzysztof "Docent" Raczkowski (a.k.a. Doc) has passed away at age 35. No further details about his death are currently available. This has now been confirmed by VADER's official web site.

In a March 2005 statement announcing Doc's departure from the group, VADER frontman Peter said, "Doc pretty hard tried to 'fight' against his weaknesses, which were troubles for all of us. Finaly he had not prevailed over that battle... All in all, he attempted. . . VADER today is not just a friendship anymore — it's our life with armies of man involved in music, releases and — first of all — fans waiting for shows or new albums... This is a high responsibility, not too many know about. If a person, even the most talented one, cannot stand it — [he] has to leave... That was Doc's decision as well."

In an April 2005 interview with AbrasiveRock.com, VADER guitarist Mauser elaborated on Doc's "weaknesses," stating, "He had a problem with alcohol and this is the problem. Maybe in the future, if he will be alright, he may be back in the band. Maybe someday. We will see what happens."

World-renowned Dutch rock band THE GATHERING is set to release their double-DVD, "A Sound Relief", in the U.S./Canada on October 25, 2005 via The End Records. The DVD will be made available in Europe through the band's own label, Psychonaut Records, in mid-October.

The two-disc set features a wide array of items for fans of the band to enjoy. Disc One includes the live concert the band recorded on May 23, 2005 at the famous Paradiso in Amsterdam. The live recording was recorded in DTS 5.1, a truly remarkable sound quality, which enhances the already emotional and powerful flow of the band's musical delivery. Disc Two features great bonus extras like their own tour impressions caught on video, video interviews and a TV special about the 15-year career of THE GATHERING. The bonus disc also showcases a collection of beautiful 3-D animation clips, which were especially designed for the band by promising Dutch and Polish 3-D artists Michel de Klein and Marcin Pazera. Also of note, The End Records mail-order will be offering a very limited package for the DVD release. It will include the double-DVD, a shirt and poster style photo from the show signed by the band.

"A Sound Relief" DVD track listing:

Disc One:

Live concert at Paradiso, Amsterdam, May 23, 2005:

01. The Big Sleep
02. Broken Glass
03. Rescue Me
04. Alone
05. Travel
06. Red is a Slow Colour
07. A life All Mine
08. Golden Grounds
09. Amity
10. In Motion II
11. Marooned
12. Souvenirs
13. Like Fountains
14. Herbal Movement

Disc Two:

Tour Impression 2004
Bonus features:
Dutch TV special "15 Year The Gathering"
Italian video-interview
Animation Music Clips:
"Marooned"
"The Big Sleep"
"Alone"
"Broken Glass"
"A Life all Mine"
"Red is a Slow Colour"

German industrial metallers RAMMSTEIN have set "Rosenrot" as the title of their follow-up to to last year's "Reise Reise", tentatively due this fall. The group recently shot a video for the album's first single, "Benzin", which was aired live for the first time this past June. Several remixes are curerntly in the works, as is the artwork for the cover of the single and the album.

As previously reported, the band recorded several songs during the sessions for "Reise, Reise" which were omitted from the CD's final track listing. During a recent session at a Berlin studio, RAMMSTEIN recorded several more tracks and recently mixed the combined collection of new material for the "Rosenrot" album.

REBELLION, the German band that features in its ranks former GRAVE DIGGER members Uwe Lulis (guitar) and Tomi Göttlich (bass), have temporarily replaced guitarist Björn Eilen with Simone Wenzel. According to the group's official statement, "for reasons of health (hearing impairment) our guitar player Björn Eilen will not be able to play any REBELLION shows this year. He has been suffering for some time and this summer his hearing got so bad that he's taking time off 'till the end of this year. Of course we're hoping that he'll recover soon and wish him all the best. His place will be taken part-time by Simone Wenzel who will be swinging the axe! She's not only a good looker but also plays a pretty solid metal guitar. So, watch out for her!"

REBELLION's latest album, "Sagas of Iceland", was released in May via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Born a Rebel" is the first part of a Viking trilogy based upon Ragnar Lodenhose ("Sons Of The Dragonslayer"), the Norwegian king Harald Harfager (who created the first united Norwegian kingdom), Eric the Red, and both Danish kings Sven Gabelbart ("Ruling The Waves") and Knut the Great. "Part 2" (estimated release in 2006) will deal with the Swedish and Russian Vikings and their glorious deeds. "Part 3" (estimated release in 2007) will be cover the "Edda" story collection where the listener will get more information about the mythology and the gods of the Vikings.

Locomotive Records has set an August 30 U.S. release date for the new album from CIRCLE II CIRCLE, the band founded by former SAVATAGE lead singer Zachary Stevens.

Stevens sang for SAVATAGE from 1992 to 2000, replacing Jon Oliva. CIRCLE II CIRCLE's debut solo album, "Watching in Silence", set the scene in 2003. Now, with compositional/instrumental help from Oliva, Stevens has upped the ante on his promising solo career with "The Middle of Nowhere", delivering "a work of art that was pains takenly constructed over a 10-month period of recording seclusion, devastating hurricanes, and many of life's trials and tribulations," according to a press release. "The record flows like a twisting tale of insanity, devastation, and illusion that takes you on a cynical roller coaster ride with a cleansing conclusion of triumph over diversity."

"The Middle of Nowhere" was produced by Stevens with Jim Morris and Dan Campbell and features the songwriting talents of Stevens, Oliva and Chris Caffery (both of SAVATAGE). Also contributing two tracks to the CD is new songwriting partner Bernd Aufermann of RUNNING WILD.

CIRCLE II CIRCLE lineup:

Zachary Stevens - Vocals
Paul Micheal Stewart – Bass, Vocals
Thomas Drennan – Drums, Vocals
Evan Christopher - Guitars, Vocals
Andrew Lee - Guitars, Vocals

QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS, featuring legendary rock icons Brian May and Roger Taylor of QUEEN, and Paul Rodgers of BAD COMPANY and FREE, will release a a live, two-CD set, entitled "Return of the Champions", on September 13 via Hollywood Records. A DVD set of the show, filmed by renowned director David Mallet, will follow on October 24. Both the CD and DVD were recorded and filmed, respectively, during the group's May 9, 2005 performance at the Sheffield Arena. The DVD set will contain extensive bonus material, including rehearsal and backstage footage, and highlights of their European shows.

"Return of the Champions" track listing:

Disc 1:

01. Reaching Out
02. Tie Your Mother Down
03. I Want To Break Free
04. Fat Bottomed Girls
05. Wishing Well
06. Another One Bites The Dust
07. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
08. Say It's Not True
09. '39
10. Love Of My Life
11. Hammer To Fall
12. Feel Like Making Love
13. Let There Be Drums
14. I'm In Love With My Car
15. Guitar Solo
16. Last Horizon

Disc 2:

01. These Are The Days Of Our Lives
02. Radio Ga Ga
03. Can't Get Enough
04. A Kind Of Magic
05. I Want It All
06. Bohemian Rhapsody
07. The Show Must Go On
08. All Right Now
09. We Will Rock You
10. We Are The Champions
11. God Save The Queen

At the end of the year, QUEEN will commemorate the 30th anniversary of their two-time hit, "Bohemian Rhapsody" (first released in the U.S. December 7, 1975), with a special anniversary DVD and CD of the band's classic album "A Night at the Opera".

Spitfire Records has set an October 4 release date for a double-disc compilation from BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, entitled "Kings of Damnation - Era '98-'04".

"Kings of Damnation - Era '98-'04" is a look at the evolution of Zakk Wylde's progression as a musician, beginning from his solo venture with PRIDE & GLORY and BOOK OF SHADOWS, leading up to his final album for Spitfire, "Hangover Music Volume VI". As a special treat for the die-hard fans, this package includes rare and previously unreleased acoustic versions of several Zakk Wylde favorites. Two tracks ("Spoke In The Wheel" and "Bridge To Cross") are acoustic takes that were recorded in the UK. The hit "Stillborn" and "The Blessed Hellride" both get the acoustic treatment from his mini Slightly Amped tour of radio stations, while in support of "The Blessed Hellride" album. Disc 2 features unique takes on a number of well-known songs, including PROCOL HARUM's "Whiter Shade of Pale", THE BEATLES' "Come Together", and NEIL YOUNG's "Heart of Gold".

"Kings of Damnation - Era '98-'04" (tracks marked with * are previously unreleased):

01. Losing Your Mind
02. Horse Called War
03. Between Heaven and Hell
04. Sold My Soul
05. Spoke In The Wheel (acoustic version recorded in UK)*
06. TAZ
07. Counterfeit God
08. Stronger Than Death
09. Bleed For Me
10. Demise Of Sanity
11. Bridge To Cross (acoustic version recorded in UK)*
12. We Live No More
13. Stillborn (Slightly Amped)*
14. The Blessed Hellride (Slightly Amped)*
15. Crazy Or High
16. House Of Doom

Bonus second disc:

01. No More Tears
02. Whiter Shade Of Pale
03. Heart Of Gold
04. Snowblind
05. The Wizard
06. In My Time Of Dyin'
07. Come Together

Eight years after retiring from the music scene, reformed cult German progressive metal band SIEGES EVEN have inked a deal with InsideOut Music. The group's sixth studio album, "The Art of Navigating by the Stars", is scheduled for release in September.

"The Art of Navigating by the Stars" was recorded at the Black Solaris Studio in Frankfurt with producer Uwe Lulis (REBELLION). The CD contains only one track with a running time of 45-50 minutes. The song is split into several movements that are interlinked by certain musical themes. "The Art of Navigating by the Stars" is SIEGES EVEN's first album with their new singer, Arno Menses.

"The Art of Navigating by the Stars" (view cover here ) track listing:

Intro: Navigating By The Stars (0:29)
Sequence 1: The Weight (10:13)
Sequence 2: The Lonely Views Of Condors (06:14)
Sequence 3: Unbreakable (08:59)
Sequence 4: Stigmata (08:22)
Sequence 5: Blue Wide Open (05:13)
Sequence 6: To The Ones Who Have Failed (07:26)
Sequence 7: Lighthouse (07:41)
Sequence 8: Styx (08:55)

SIEGES EVEN's current lineup consists of Menses, Oliver Holzwarth (bass), Markus Steffen (guitars) and Alex Holzwarth (drums, RHAPSODY).

According to a posting on SENTENCED's official web site, the Finnish metallers' "very last show" will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2005, at Club Teatria in Oulu, Finland. The concert will be filmed and recorded, and released in early 2006 as a live DVD (tentatively titled "Buried Alive").

SENTENCED are currently touring in support of their farewell album, "The Funeral Album" (Century Media), which entered the Finnish national chart at position No. 1.

The follow-up to 2002's "The Cold White Light", "The Funeral Album" was recorded primarily at Finnvox and Tonebox studios (both in Finland), and mixed and mastered at Finnvox. Producing the effort was Hiili Hiilesmaa, who also worked with the group on their last two albums, 2000's "Crimson" and "The Cold White Light".

CRADLE OF FILTH frontman Dani Filth has posted the following message on the group's official web site:

"Greetings fans, friends, fiends and boys and ghouls of all persuasions.

"Things have been going exceptionally well in the CRADLE OF FILTH camp of late, with the American airing of 'Viva La Bam' being shown for public consumption at the beginning of the month; (we're pursuing the European showing date even as this is being written... )

"And, more importantly we have over sixty per cent of the new album under our belts; including the following laments... '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', to name but a few. There will also be a band instrumental on this new musical opus, which, although remaining untitled as yet, will be a first for the band in its eleven year career. The initial start date for recording the album is scheduled for October 10th.

"On the DVD front, a cover representation will be posted shortly with the title of 'Peace Through Superior Firepower' and pending the documentary of backstage shenanigans, being completed over the next few weeks, by Dani and guitarist Paul Allender, a release date of late October/early November is to be expected.

"Last but not least, some other strange occurrences have been happening to the band line-up since last I put severed wrist to paper; in the form of a further departure, a turnaround and a come-back! It has been known to the select few that this band is a sum of it's parts and sometimes more than just a band, sometimes more a lifestyle, so it is not often surprising that, (as magazines and other creative workplaces do all the time), people unfortunately come and go; yet the entity that is the band remains the same. The plan has always been to deliver on the musical front for at least another five to ten years, regardless of what and whom are in the line-up.

"Anyway, the departure is that of James McIlroy a.k.a 'Germs Warfare' who has left to pursue a Masters degree and other things musical; in the wake of his last appearance with the band on 'Viva La Bam'. As always in these situations, our best wishes and hopes for the future go out to him on his new journey through this abysmal farce called life.

"His replacement is none other than Charles Hedger (who people would have seen fulfilling bass duties on our last European tour...; his primary function being that of playing and tutoring in the guitar, along with maintaining another high level of blondness). Bass duties resume being manhandled by Dave Pybus a.k.a 'Herr Pubis', who returns after a short sojourn from the live circuit and all the vile machinations of the music industry. These changes having been secretly implemented before the main bulk of the writing process started.

"As yet a suitable keyboard replacement has yet to be found, (please keep those demo ceedees winging their way in... ), but this offers the band little concern as the parts are being written and being further expanded upon by Daniel Presley, who has arranged and orchestrated for the band over the last two albums. So absolutely no worries there at all."

Swedish neo-classical metallers NARNIA have announced the departure of keyboardist Linus Kåse. "For different reasons we have decided to go separate ways and we wish Linus all the best with his music and projects," the band write on their web site. "Andreas Lindahl, who played keyboards with us at Flevo, will also play at Metalfest in Germany and then we will see..."

With regards to the recording process for the group's fifth full-length CD, NARNIA write, "The recording of the new album is almost finished and Mats Leven (THERION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, AT VANCE, etc.) is now doing the backing vocals. It will be mixed in October. Release date is still not set but keep youself updated at our webpage."

NARNIA's fourth full-length album, "The Great Fall", was released in April 2003 through Nuclear Blast Records. The CD, which was produced at The Dream Factory in Jönköping, Sweden by Carl-Johan Grimmark, featured guest appearances from former YNGWIE MALMSTEEN/current HAMMERFALL drummer Anders Johansson and SAVIOUR MACHINE singer Eric Clayton

In other news, Christian Rivel, Andreas Olsson and Andreas Johansson of NARNIA will be touring Japan with DIVINEFIRE in October.

Hot off their successful world tour in support of their fan and critically acclaimed album "Silent Nation", ASIA have parted amicably with drummer Chris Slade (THE FIRM, AC/DC). Replacing Slade in the group's lineup is Jay Schellen (BADFINGER, HURRICANE). "Jay was always our first choice as a replacement drummer for ASIA," vocalist John Payne revealed. "He played on the demos for some of the 'Silent Nation' tracks and we just clicked right from the start!"

Jay is a very well respect drummer in both the studio and on the stage. He has graced the ranks of such notable acts as BADFINGER and HURRICANE. Most recently, Jay participated in the Chris Squire/Billy Sherwood project, CONSPIRACY. ASIA founding member Geoff Downes added, "We are very happy to welcome Jay to the ASIA family and look forward to creating some of our best work to date with him behind the drum kit. We would just like to add that we wish Chris all the best and he will always remain a friend of ASIA."

ASIA have just entered the studio to begin recording their follow-up to 2004's "Silent Nation". The album, tentatively called "Architect of Time", will be released sometime in the first half of 2006 on InsideOut Music.

German "dark Satanic metal band" MYSTIC CIRCLE have announced the addition of drummer Dementum to the group's ranks. Dementum joins the band as the replacement for Necrodemon who left the group to concentrate on his recording studio work. Check out a picture of Dementum at this location.

MYSTIC CIRCLE have set "The Bloody Path of God" as the title of their seventh full-length album, tentatively due in early 2006 via Dockyard 1, the new company formed by Dirk Putzke, Christine Stephan (both ex-Sanctuary/Noise Records) and Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR). The new CD will be recorded this fall with Necrodemon at the production helm.

MYSTIC CIRCLE issued a "best of" album, entitled "Mystic Circle Unholy Chronicles 1992–2004", last November via Massacre Records. The CD, which contains 18 songs spanning the group's entire career, includes a bonus DVD, featuring concert and backstage footage, as well as interviews and a video clip.

SAVAGE CIRCUS, the new band featuring former BLIND GUARDIAN drummer Thomen Stauch and PERSUADER members Jens Karlsson (vocals, guitar) and Emil Norberg (lead guitar), have uploaded an online single, featuring the entire songs "Evil Eyes" and "Ghost Story" as high quality (192Kbps) MP3s, plus full artwork and cover, at SavageCircus.com.

SAVAGE CIRCUS' debut album, "Dreamland Manor", will be released on August 29 via Dockyard 1, the new company formed by Dirk Putzke, Christine Stephan (both ex-Sanctuary/Noise Records) and Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR).

Swedish rap/metal combo CLAWFINGER have finalized the track listing for their new album, due this fall via Nuclear Blast Records. It is as follows:

01. The Faggot In You
02. Hate Yourself With Style
03. Dirty Lies
04. The Best & the Worst
05. Breakout (Embrace The Child Inside You)
06. Right To Rape
07. What We’ve Got Is What You’re Getting
08. Sick Of Myself
09. Hypocrite
10. Without A Case
11. God Is Dead

Commented frontman Zak Tell: "I feel like a kid in a candy store and proud as a god as I know how much work we have put into these songs. All the same, they are very raw and basic and less filled up with loops and samples!"

CLAWFINGER's last album, "Zeros & Heros", was released in May 2003 via G.U.N./Supersonic Records.

Veteran San Francisco Bay Area thrashers EXODUS have finalized the track listing for their new album, "Shovel Headed Kill Machine", due on October 5 via Nuclear Blast Records. Recorded at Trident studios in Pacheco, California and mixed by Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, ARCH ENEMY), the follow-up to 2004's "Tempo of the Damned" is the band's first to feature new members Lee Altus (guitar; HEATHEN, ex-DIE KRUPPS), Paul Bostaph (drums; ex-SLAYER, FORBIDDEN) and Rob Dukes (vocals).

"Shovel Headed Kill Machine" track listing:

01. Raze
02. Deathamphetamine
03. Kharma's Messenger
04. Shudder To Think
05. I Am Abomination
06. Altered Boy
07. Going Going Gone
08. Now Thy Death Day Come
09. 44 Magnum Opus
10. Shoevel Headed Kill Machine

Check out the album artwork at Rockdetector.com.

EXODUS recently parted ways with longtime guitarist Rick Hunolt due to Rick's desire to concentrate on his family life.

Swedish black metal titans NAGLFAR have uploaded their video for the track "The Perpetual Horrors" at their official web site. Download it at Naglfar.net. The clip, which was directed by Roger Johansson (DARK TRANQUILLITY, NAPALM DEATH, SAMAEL, HAMMERFALL, THE HAUNTED), can also be found at CenturyMedia.com.

"The Perpetual Horrors" comes off NAGLFAR's new album, "Pariah", available now on Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Sheol", "Pariah" is described in a Century Media press release as "a flawless work of iniquitous hell-spawned art filled with raging guitar riffs, bludgeoning drums, demonic vocals, that combine with haunting melodies to capture hell's eternal depravity."

Polish black metal masters VESANIA, featuring Orion (BEHEMOTH) and Daray (VADER), have posted the following message on their official web site:

"After a month of everyday work, we've finally finished the rehearsals with new guitarist. Now we can easily and surely inform you all, that the new musician is Valeo, known from the bands SAMMATH NAUR and MORTIS DEI. He'll be with us on upcoming tours, which we start in January 2006. Working with him, preparing the material for live performances, was really smooth. We can now say, that he's a skilled musician and a person, with which we're having good relation. There's a few months break in rehearsals coming at the moment, but in December we're meeting again, to arrange the very last details before the tours."

VESANIA released their sophomore album, "God the Lux", on July 25 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Firefrost Arcanum" was recorded between September 2004 and January 2005. Drums, guitars and vocals were laid down at Hendrix studio in Lublin with engineer Arkadiusz "Malta" Malczewski, while the bass tracks were recorded at Kokszoman studio in Warsaw with engineer Marecki. The keyboards were tracked at Siegmar's home studio.

"God the Lux" was mixed and mastered in February 2005 at Hertz studio in Bialystok, Poland by Slawek and Wojtek Wieslawski and VESANIA.

Danish metallers ILLDISPOSED have announced the addition of guitarist Martin Thim to the group's ranks. "Martin is known for his longtime work with the Danish death metallers EXMORTEM, and he has been a friend of ILLDISPOSED for many years," ILLDISPOSED write on their web site.

"Martin begins in the band immediately, both playing live and participating in creating the next album. Therefore we are aiming to give some of the new songs a more hard and brutal twist. The next album will be out on Roadrunner Records early 2006."

As previously reported, ILLDISPOSED will enter the studio in November to begin recording the follow-up to last year's "1-800 Vindication". "1-800 Vindication" was produced by Ziggy and was mixed at Antfarm Studio in Aarhus, Denmark with Tue Madsen.

Long-running German thrashers DESTRUCTION have announced the following worldwide release dates for their new album, "Inventor of Evil":

Europe – August 22 via AFM Records
Japan – August 24 via King Records
South America – September 30 via Laser
North America – October 25 via Candlelight Records

DESTRUCTION recorded "Inventor of Evil" with producer Peter Tätgtren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN), V.O. Pulver (GURD) and their live engineer Franky Winkelmann at studios in Germany and Switzerland. The mix was done by Tätgtren at the Abyss Studios in Sweden. A "making of" studio clip, featuring an unmastered rough-mix recording of the song "Soulcollector", is available at this location.

"Inventor of Evil" (view cover here ) track listing:

01. Soul Collector
02. The Defiance Will Remain
03. The Alliance of Helloundz
04. No Man's Land
05. The Calm Before the Storm
06. The Chosen Ones
07. Dealer of Hostility
08. Under Surveillance
09. Seeds of Hate
10. Twist of Fate
11. Killing Machine
12. Memories of Nothingness

Bonus tracks (digipack):

13. We are the Road Crew (MOTÖRHEAD cover)
14. The Alliance of Hellhoundz (Schmier vocals only)
video clip + wallpapers

Japanese version bonus tracks:

13. Eternal Ban (re-recording)
14. The Alliance of Hellhoundz (karaoke version)

DESTRUCTION tapped nine diferent world-renowned metal singers from all different heavy metal styles to make a guest appearance in their track "The Alliance of Hellhoundz", to be included on "Inventor of Evil". The confirmed guest musicians are as follows:

Biff Byford (SAXON)
Doro Pesch
Shagrath (DIMMU BORGIR)
Björn "Speed" Strid (SOILWORK)
Paul Di'Anno (ex-IRON MAIDEN, KILLERS)
Messiah Marcolin (CANDLEMASS)
Mark Osegueda (DEATH ANGEL)
Peter "Peavy" Wagner (RAGE)
Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN)

Commented DESTRUCTION bassist/vocalist Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer, "The all-star song 'The Alliance of Hellhoundz' will make metal history: from Paul Di'Anno to Messiah, we'll have the best metal singers in ONE fuckin' song!"

DESTRUCTION recently completed a video for 'The Alliance of Hellhoundz'.

The first sound clip from GREEN CARNATION's forthcoming album, "Acoustic Verses", is now available online.

The band has been working hard on the album all summer — in between multiple shows and festival appearances. The short, 45-second clip (still untitled) has been made available to the public for the first time. The material is so fresh it hasn't even been mixed or mastered yet.

The sample is short, but as GREEN CARNATION's singer Kjetil Nordhus points out, "You could see it as a teaser for those interested in the band."

"Acoustic Verses" is to be released later this year on newly launched label, SubLife Productions.

The GREEN CARNATION clip and accompanying artwork for the album, along with clips of other future SubLife releases can be found at www.sublifeproductions.com.

THE PROJECT HATE, the Swedish band featuring Jörgen Sandström of ENTOMBED/GRAVE fame on lead vocals, have uploaded one-minute audio samples of all the cuts from their upcoming album, "Armageddon March Eternal (Symphonies of Slit Wrists)", at their official web site. Check them out at this location. A full-length MP3 of the album cut "At the Entrance to Hell's Unholy Fire" is available for download here.

"Armageddon March Eternal (Symphonies of Slit Wrists)" is scheduled for release on October 5 via Threeman Recordings. The follow-up to 2003's "Hate, Dominate, Congregate, Eliminate" was produced by Dan Swanö and features a special guest appearance by EVERGREY bassist Michael Håkansson, who completed his tracks at his studio in Gothenburg before the entire recording was shipped off to Swanö to be mixed and mastered.

Commented the band in a posting on their web site: "We are so satisifed with what we have achieved together with Dan Swanö and Michael of EVERGREY and really look forward to have you fuckos understand the Domination that is this piece of coming plastic."

THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN's video for the song "Unretrofied" has been posted online at this location(Windows Media).

"Unretrofied" is the third music video from the group's sophomore full-length album, "Miss Machine", available now on Relapse Records. The band are asking fans to vote for the video on Fuse TV's web site.

The follow-up to 1999's "Calculating Infinity", "Miss Machine" was recorded at New York's Mission and Water recording studios with Steve Evetts (HATEBREED, THE CURE, SEPULTURA, etc) and was mixed at New York's Quad Recording Studios.

DILLINGER's last video, "Setting Fire to Sleeping Giants", was filmed on location in Union City, NJ with director Dale Resteghini (HATEBREED, SHADOWS FALL).

DEEP PURPLE frontman Ian Gillan recently spoke to Rockdetector.com's Garry Sharpe-Young about his upcoming album "Gillan's Inn" — a celebration of Ian's 40th year on the road, featuring remakes of tracks spanning Ian's entire career. An excerpt from the chat follows:

Rockdetector.com: Ex-SCORPIONS man Uli Jon Roth, a genius on the guitar but not one to usually step outside of his own bubble [makes an appearance on the album]. How did you come to work with Uli?

Ian Gillan: "That one was just down to good timing actually. Uli came down to see us playing in Plymouth and, as often happens, musicians say to each other, 'If ever you need me…' Most times these conversations don't go anywhere beyond the pleasantry, but this time I could fire straight back and say, 'Actually, Uli…' So, Uli gave me two marvelous solos for the record. Wait until you hear them, they are just wonderful."

Rockdetector.com: I was going to ask you if you considered any of the DEEP PURPLE catalogue too sacrosanct but that question became redundant as soon as I saw "Smoke on the Water", "Speed King" and "Demon's Eye" listed.

Ian Gillan: "Well, 'Smoke on the Water' is a big, big part of my history and a big part of why I'm here and able to do what I do. I couldn't really ignore that, but at the same time, you have to recognize that a lot of those songs, [like] 'Smoke…', 'Child In Time', 'Highway Star', etc. are snapshots in time and cannot be improved. They are what they are. It would be foolish to try and recapture that magic, because you can't. So, what I did with 'Smoke on the Water' was to treat it respectfully, it's a fairly regular version, but use it as a showcase for some of the guitarists to work with. On there you have Jeff Healey, Steve Morse, Joe Satriani… The talent there is incredible."

Rockdetector.com: Now, with BLACK SABBATH's "Trashed" I sense your wicked sense of humor coming out. I remember distinctly the 1983 "Born Again" version of BLACK SABBATH, which you fronted, quickly being branded "Black Purple" by a scathing media. Now, two decades later you’re having the last laugh by truly creating "Black Purple" with yourself, Tony Iommi, Roger Glover and Ian Paice.

Ian Gillan: "How could I resist? Look, I love that record and have nothing but great, great memories of my time with BLACK SABBATH. Tony was really busy but got his solos to me at the last minute as he promised and they are just fantastic. I think BLACK SABBATH fans will be over the moon when they hear what he's done. As for Roger and Ian, well, they just sound great on this song so it really did become 'Black Purple'. Personally, I love the irony of it all."

Read the entire interview at Rockdetector.com.

SPV Records has announced the signing of BEYOND FEAR, the brand new hard-hitting metal outfit founded by current ICED EARTH and former JUDAS PRIEST vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens. The band is preparing to enter the studio with producer Jim Morris (ICED EARTH, DEATH) to record their debut album for a 2006 release. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "I Don't Need This", "And You Will Die", "It Is Me", "Telling Lies", "The Faith", "The Human Race", "Your Time Has Come" and "My Last Words".

"It feels great to sign with SPV," Owens commented. "I have been with them for quite some time now with ICED EARTH, so I know what they can do. It is always nice to have a label that makes you feel like family, and that's what SPV does for you!"

The band is off to a fast start, having recently announced their participation in a series of American dates with SAVATAGE leader Jon Oliva (JON OLIVA'S PAIN) and SAVATAGE axeman Chris Caffery. The tour kicks off on September 9, 2005 in Cleveland OH, with remaining dates pending.

Never one to sit still for long, Owens began forming BEYOND FEAR last year during breaks in the ICED EARTH touring schedule. The band also features John Comprix (SPAWN, 13 FACES) on lead and rhythm guitar, Dennis Hayes (ex-WINTERS BANE, SEVEN WITCHES) on bass, Dwane Bihary (MISSING SKIN) on rhythm guitar, and drummer Eric Elkins (CRYPTKICKER, ALL YOU FEAR). "This band means a lot to me and I'm having the time of my life doing it," continued Owens. "It's fun when you finally get to do what you want. That being said, let's get this machine called BEYOND FEAR out there for the world to hear and see."

SPV Managing Director, Manfred Schuetz, explains, "Tim is one of the five best singers in metal. He will deliver an album that will convince everyone. SPV is excited about the worldwide commitment."

A radio-broadcast-quality MP3 of CHILDREN OF BODOM's cover of the BRITNEY SPEARS hit "Oops I Did It Again", which appears on CHILDREN OF BODOM's "In Your Face" single, is available for download at this location.

The "In Your Face" single, which is scheduled for release in Finland on August 17 via Spinefarm, will contain the following track listing:

01. In Your Face
02. Oops I Did It Again
03. In Your Face (censored version)

A total of two cover songs were recorded during the recording sessions for the group's new album, "Are You Dead Yet?". The second cover song, POISON's "Talk Dirty to Me", will be used as bonus track for the Japanese version of the album.

"Are You Dead Yet?" is scheduled for release on September 14 in Finland and September 19 in the rest of the world.