Die Irischen Celtic/Folk Metaller CRUACHAN veröffentlichen morgen ihr neues Album "Blood On The Black Robe" bei uns kommt das Album via Candlelight Records in den Handel. Auf Facebook wurde der neue Song "I Am Warrior" zum probehören online gestellt und HIER könnt Ihr unser CD Review zum neuen Album "Blood On The Black Robe" lesen.

"Blood On The Black Robe" Track List:

01. To War [Intro]
02. I Am Warrior
03. The Column
04. Thy Kingdom Gone
05. An Bean Sidhe
06. Blood On The Black Robe
07. Primeval Odium
08. The Voyage Of Bran
09. Brian Boru's March
10. Pagan Hate
11. The Nine Year War

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metallers DELAIN have announced the addition of guitarist Timo Somers to the group's ranks. The band states, "Timo's been rehearsing with us for quite some time and we're very confident that we've found the best possible new DELAIN team member in him; this guy's got music in his blood.

"You'll be getting to know more about Timo in the upcoming weeks through our updated member profiles [on our official web site] and through the shows of our upcoming European tour, where he'll make his debut.

"We're looking forward to our first shows with Timo on tour."

DELAIN will release its third album later in the year via Roadrunner Records.

"Bergtagen", the new video from Swedish folk metal masters YGGDRASIL, can be viewed below. The song comes off the band's new album, "Irrbloss" (English translation: "Will-o-wisps"), which will be released on April 25 via Grand Master Music. The long-awaited follow up to 2008's "Vedergällning" was recorded, mixed and mastered at Grand Master Audio in Sweden.

"Irrbloss" track listing:

01. Höstmörkrets Natt
02. Bergtagen
03. Skaldefader
04. Irrbloss
05. Tokikvad
06. Norrland
07. Uppåkra
08. Kungabål

"Irrbloss" is now available for streaming in its entirety at this location.

The album cover artwork was created by Mellergardh Design and can be viewed below.

The song "Uppåkra" is available for free download at this location.

Today Uppåkra is a small town in southern Sweden but it was once one of the greatest cities in northern Europe. Archeological findings in recent years have proved Uppåkra to be one of the oldest and most long-lived cities in northern Europe, dating back to the 1st century BCE and surviving as a great centre of commerce until the
11th century CE.

On "Irrbloss" YGGDRASIL pays tribute to this old town, where the band's guitarist/vocalist Magnus Wohlfart was born. In return, Uppåkra's Archeological Centre supports YGGDRASIL by making the song "Uppåkra" available for free download on its web site.

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the band, the first two YGGDRASIL albums — "Kvällningsvindar Över Nordrönt Land" and "Vedergällning" — will be reissued on April 25. The new editions will include previously unreleased bonus material and expanded booklets including, for the very first time, all lyrics in both English and their original Swedish.

Vocalist Biff Byford of British heavy metal legends SAXON has revealed to RockAAA that the band's next project will see SAXON collaborating with Polish Philharmonic Orchestra to give some of the group's most popular songs an orchestral overhaul. The entire event will be filmed for a DVD and a documentary will be made featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the preparations for the big concert.

"We're going to do a show with an orchestra next year in Warsaw," Biff said. "The guy who runs the Philharmonic Orchestra asked us to do and we fancied it as we have a quite few songs which are scored to orchestra, like 'Call To Arms' on the new album and we've just done 'Crusader' with an orchestra which sounds fantastic, so it will be a bit unplugged and a bit orchestra and a bit if heavy metal, too. It will be filmed and we'll do a making-of too. We don't know exactly when that will be but we're trying to work it out now as it is a nightmare logistically."

During the same interview, Byford indicated that it is important for SAXON to keep trying new ideas and not relying on former glories helps keep the band motivated.

"I believe it is writing new songs which refresh the band," he said. "Every new album does that and gives us a burst of ideas and energy. I think it would be different if we were just touring the old songs. But we don't, and we always try and play songs off our most recent albums.

"I think it is a big mistake for bands to do that because you just become known for your old songs. There is nothing in itself wrong with that as songs like 'Wheels Of Steel', 'Crusader' and '747', are all fantastic songs, but I think bands have to write new songs and not be afraid of not selling as many. I think some bands are worried they won't sell as many records as they did in the 1980s, so that means they are a bit scared of writing new albums. Bands like ourselves, MOTÖRHEAD and JUDAS PRIEST are doing it and I think it is important."

ARTISTdirect.com editor Rick Florino recently conducted an interview with ANTHRAX guitarist Scott Ian. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

ARTISTdirect.com: What is the significance of the "Big Four" to you personally?

Scott Ian: For me, it's the culmination of many years of work. It feels really great to know that people all over this planet still care so much about what these four bands do after all these years. In all modesty, the four of us are at the top of our game. We're better than we've ever been as bands. Many great heavy metal bands have come along over the years. It seems like every generation gets its own crop of bands. Since METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, and ANTHRAX started thrash metal back in the '80s, nothing really ever came along to — for lack of a better word — usurp what we did. Other than maybe the grunge movement and some of the nu metal in the '90s, I still think there's never been anything that's better as far as the music we make goes. Sure there are a ton of great bands out there that you could put under the same umbrella as us, but there will never be METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, and ANTHRAX again in the scene we started and created. With grunge, you could obviously look at NIRVANA, SOUNDGARDEN, ALICE IN CHAINS, and PEARL JAM. They were four giant bands, and they're all great in their own way. What we did was really special back then and it stands up and holds true today. There's a whole new generation of kids who are coming with their older brothers, their dads, or by themselves. Whatever it is we did really connects with people in a big way.

ARTISTdirect.com: This is the first show in America, too. Does that heighten anticipation since you're all from the U.S.?

Scott Ian: In a way, this definitely has the vibe of being even more special than the first show we did in Poland. That was obviously the first gig we were doing as the "Big Four," so there was a crazy energy ramping up into that show. With the Indio date, it's definitely even more so. Even though we played seven shows last year, this is the first show in America. The fact that we're doing it in Southern California makes sense because, outside of ANTHRAX, the other three bands got their start in Southern California. I couldn't be more excited about getting to do this at home. It's an incredible feeling.

ARTISTdirect.com: Where are you at on the new ANTHRAX album?

Scott Ian: The record is almost done. Joey's [Belladonna, vocals] been singing. He's got about seven or eight songs pretty much finished at this point. We've got some other tracking to do — some guitars and lead breaks. Overall, I would think the record will be finished and mixed before the summer and we're looking at a fall release.

Guitarist Christian Muenzner (OBSCURA) has revealed the cover artwork and track listing for his upcoming, all-instrumental solo album, "Timewarp". The CD features Hannes Grossmann (OBSCURA, BLOTTED SCIENCE) on drums and Daniel Galmarini (MERCURY FALLING) on keyboards, with bass duties split between Steve DiGiorgio (DEATH, SADUS, ex-TESTAMENT, ex-ICED EARTH) and Jacob Schmidt (DEFEATED SANITY). Due by the end of April, it features guest appearances by Shrapnel recording artists Derek Taylor, Per Nilsson (SCAR SYMMETRY, KAIPA), Ryan Knight (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, ex-ARSIS), Bob Katsionis (FIREWIND) and Alex Guth (STORMWARRIOR).

"Timewarp" track listing:

01. Maybe Tomorrow
02. Confusion
03. The Tell-Tale Heart
04. Timewarp
05. Victory
06. Rocket Shop
07. Soulmates
08. Over The Mountains
09. Wastelands
10. Dawn Of The Shred
11. The Gunslinger
12. Endless Caravan

The cover artwork was created by Anestis Goudas and can be seen below.

"Omnivium", the new album from OBSCURA, sold around 2,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 11 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

OBSCURA's previous album, "Cosmogenesis", opened with 900 units to debut at No. 71 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart.

Canadian metal legends ANVIL will release their new album, "Juggernaut Of Justice" on May 10 via The End Records. The CD was recorded at Dave Grohl's (NIRVANA, FOO FIGHTERS) Studio 606 in Northridge, California with famed producer Bob Marlette (BLACK SABBATH, AIRBOURNE, FILTER, ATREYU, ALICE COOPER). A special-edition two-song single featuring the tracks "Juggernaut Of Justice" and "FukenEh!" will precede the full-length CD on April 19 at select indie retail stores.

The iTunes version of "Juggernaut Of Justice" contains a bonus track, "What I Want To Be".

Audio samples of all the songs that appear on "Juggernaut Of Justice" can be heard at iTunes.

ANVIL threw an intimate, invite-only advance listening party for "Juggernaut Of Justice", at Toronto, Ontario's new Noble Street Studios during the Canadian Music Week. Several press outlets were given the chance to listen to the CD in its entirety in the studio's state-of-the-art master control room and Hellbound.ca was there to soak it all in, shoot some photos, shoot a couple of quick videos and enjoy a few tasty Steam Whistle beers as well. Check out the report at this location.

"Juggernaut Of Justice" track listing:

01. Juggernaut Of Justice
02. When Hell Breaks Loose
03. New Orleans Voodoo
04. On Fire
05. FukenEh!
06. Turn It Up
07. The Ride
08. Not Afraid
09. Conspiracy
10. Running
11. Paranormal
12. Swing Thing

A brand new metal "supergroup" featuring Chris Impellitteri on lead guitar, Scott Travis (JUDAS PRIEST) on drums, Rudy Sarzo (DIO, QUIET RIOT, OZZY OSBOURNE) on bass, and Mike Vescera (LOUDNESS, OBSESSION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on vocals is currently being recorded in a Los Angeles Studio for Sony. Chris said that he is getting along splendidly with Scott and Rudy and looks forward to their future collaboration. "I think the three of us seem to have a great chemistry," he said. "The music we are playing is definitely metal, loaded with lots of shredding guitar solos, screaming vocals, thunderous bass, and amazing drumming; mixed with a lot of SPINAL TAP… ha ha! Looking forward to playing live dates with my new mates."

Former BLACK SABBATH singer Tony Martin will make a guest appearance on "Ira Imperium", the new album from Cyprus-based metallers ARRAYAN PATH (formerly ARRYAN PATH), to be released in September through Pitch Black Records. Martin will share vocals on the album's title track with ARRAYAN PATH frontman Nicholas Leptos.

Commented ARRAYAN PATH: "We are truly humbled to have worked with this amazing singer, one of our all-time favorites! His singing has always been (and still is) out of this world and of course this is also evident in his performance on the song 'Ira Imperium' (The Damned). This is a great pleasure and honor for us and THANK YOU, Tony!"

Following the release of "Ira Imperium", a new ARRAYAN PATH album will come out in early 2012. It will be titled "Stigmata" and will also be made available via Pitch Black Records.

ARRAYAN PATH recently slightly modified its name "for obvious reasons and the fact that it became extremely annoying for all band members trying to convince others on the meaning of their band's name," according to a press release. "It was decided to simply add an extra 'A' in 'arryan,' thus changing the pronunciation and of course obliterating even the tiniest concern that ARRAYAN PATH is in any way related to Nazism or any kind of racism or other extreme political views."

Commented Leptos: "[It] was always evident through our lyrics and live shows but despite our best efforts to try to convince people otherwise, some still chose to look at it differently. What does the new name mean…? Absolutely nothing! The decision to modify our name wasn't easy but we felt it was needed so there you have it. ARRAYAN PATH's music will remain in the same style and 'Road To Macedonia' and 'Terra Incognita' will still be played live and will still be mentioned in our discography."

"Circle Regenerated", NORTHERS sechstes Studioalbum, wird am 15. April 2011 via Century Media Records veröffentlicht. Die neuen Bandmitglieder Aleksi und Daniel haben einen großen Teil zum neuen Album beigesteuert. Die Band beschreibt das neue Album als Bestes ihrer bisherigen Karriere, als großen Schritt vorwärts! Das "Circle Regenerated" Artwork wurde vom Cover Artwork Competition Gewinner Fabio Bonetti aus Italien erstellt. Jetzt wurden der Bonus Song "Bimbo" (Lambretta Cover Song) und der Instrumental Bonus Song "New Beginning" zum probehören online gestellt.

French/Canadian avantgarde metallers VOIVOD performed a brand new song during their appearance at the Roadburn Festival appearance on April 15, 2011 in Tilburg, Netherlands. Fan-filmed footage of the performance can be viewed below.

VOIVOD is currently working on material for a new studio album. The CD will contain the band's first music to be written with new guitarist Dan Mongrain (MARTYR) following the passing of Denis "Piggy" D'Amour in 2005.

"Monster On The Radio", a brand new song from Stockholm, Sweden's BLINDSIDE, can be streamed at this location. The track comes off the band's long-awaited new album, "With Shivering Hearts We Wait", which will receive an "underground release" on May 6, with a "worldwide release" to follow on June 7. The CD was produced by Howard Benson, Mike Plotnikoff and BLINDSIDE and was recorded at Bay 7 studios in Valley Village, California and Stockholm, Sweden.

New York-based progressive/gothic metallers DESDEMON have announced the addition of female singer Chelsea Knaack to the group's ranks.

After a series of auditions, this Minnesota native flew out to New York and recorded DESDEMON's soon-to-be-released album, "Through The Gates", "like no other could" according to a press release. "Her vocal prowess is impressive, through years of training with renowned vocal instructor Diana Grasselli out in Minneapolis.

Commented DESDEMON lead guitarist Frank Tosi: "It's refreshing to have such an enthusiastic feel here in the band again.

"This album process really threw some unexpected curveballs for us all here in the group. Through snow storm after snowstorm, members leaving, members returning, new members coming in...it has been quite the stressful circus! Thankfully, our Japanese label (Radtone Music) was extremely patient as we worked things out. In retrospect, it was definitely the best decision we could have made for us all.

"I can honestly say that I've never been happier in this band. It's a real pleasure to play with such a great group of high-powered musicians, especially our new drummer Mike Marrone and our incredible new vocalist, Chelsea Knaack! What an amazing range and demeanor. Such a pro! Now it's onto getting some live dates together and hitting the road!"

This May, DESDEMON will get back to the live stage when it supports the KING DIAMOND tribute band THEM.

NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon has decided to push back the tentative release date of her debut solo album to after the band has completed touring in support of its new studio album, "Imaginarium".

"I had planned to release my solo album now when we have had a break from NIGHTWISH," Olzon writes on her official blog. "The solo was meant to be a fun thing and a thing for me to start doing my own songs since that is something I feel I want to learn more about. When I got pregnant with Nemo [Anette's second son and first with current boyfriend, bassist Johan Husgafvel of the Swedish metal band PAIN], I felt that I didn't want to stress during the pregnancy since my pregnancy with Seth [Anette's older son] was hard and I had to take it very easy. So to not 'jump in' and promise things I couldn't keep, I put the solo down.

"When Nemo came, and I felt that he was healthy and I also felt good, I started to feel that I could put the album out and still had time to do that. We started to discuss with different labels, but the progress took so much time and things happened along the way — the biggest thing being a producer who suddenly couldn't do it due to personal problems — and all of a sudden it was April and my time is running out. So I pulled the break yesterday and just said 'thanks, but no thanks' to the record label 'cause it can't be done at this time.

"My autumn is quite full with 'Imaginarium', so the solo [album] will have to wait to be released. I will work with the production of the songs when I have the time and if I get a song ready, I will put it out for you all to listen, but there won't be an album out. Then, after 'Imaginarium' and the tour — if I still feel like releasing it — I will do that then."

Bassist Tomas "Obeast" Koefoed has left Danish/French "future fusion metallers" MNEMIC. He explains in a statement, "It's time for changes and towards fans of MNEMIC I'm sad to announce that I have played my last shows with MNEMIC in Spain in March.

"Because of my forever-continued dedication to music and metal, it has not been easy to make my decision to leave a great and innovative band like MNEMIC after eight successful years with four releases.

"Personally, I don't feel my ambitions are fulfilled in MNEMIC anymore and I wish my brothers and friends in band and crew all the best for the future. It has been some amazing years in many ways and I've learned a lot about myself and the music business, about what to do and what not to do. We have moved fast and achieved a lot in a short time with our music and concepts, toured and become friends with some of the greatest bands in metal, but I feel my cooperation with the band has peaked.

"This is NOT the end for me in metal and hopefully soon I can announce myself in another ambitious project. I have good people working with me and I have now officially signed up and put myself available as live/touring and studio/session bassist, so see you out there, anywhere, everywhere. My very own new website will be announced soon, so stay tuned.

"Thanks to all my fans for your support over the years and in the future!"

Added the remaining members of MNEMIC: "Sadly and unfortunately, all things do come to an end.

"Compared to others, our lineup has been quite stabile for some time, but now it is time to part ways with our friend and brother, and take a step into a new direction.

"It was awesome jamming with the Beast, as always, and our split is totally mutual as friends and compadres. We wish him the best for his future endeavor and hope to see him on stage again!

"To complete the group's lineup, we are as of now seeking a replacement.

"If you are interested in taking over the bass duties, throw us an email with your info (age, experience, gear, photo etc) at: neurotic@mnemic.com. In the meantime, we have commenced composing the fifth album, to be released in a not-so-distant future.

"Thanks for your patience and looking forward to be seeing y'all out there!"

Ozzy Osbourne and his wife/manager Sharon have paid off their $1.7 million U.S. tax debts.

It was reported last week that the IRS placed a lien on the house belonging to Sharon and Ozzy — who reportedly owed $718,948 from 2008 and $1.024 million from 2009.

"At 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon I received a phone call from my publicist who had a reporter on the other line informing her that the IRS had just put a lien on one of our properties," Osbourne said in a statement released to gossip writer Perez Hilton. "I then contacted my accountant who said they knew nothing about any lien. The lien has been paid. I do intend to find out how this lien happened without the knowledge of myself or my accountants. I hope none of this reflects negatively on mine and Ozzy's moral character."

Sharon had a tax lien issue in 2009 when she owed $23,000 to the State of California for the 2007 tax year.

Ozzy and Sharon recently listed their Malibu beach house on the market for $10 million.

The 4,500-square-foot, three-story oceanfront residence has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, along with a library, office, hot tub, walk-in closets and a backyard with a view of the Pacific Ocean.

The couple bought the house in March of 2003 for $5.1 million and first placed it on the market in 2006 for $14 million, with the place going on and off sale several times since then.

It's also available for rent starting at $40,000 per month.

Los Angeles thrashers WARBRINGER will enter the studio on Monday, April 18 with producer Steve Evetts (THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, SYMPHONY X, SEPULTURA, HATEBREED) to begin recording their third album for a late 2011 release via Century Media Records.

"Our goal with this record is to make something beyond a run-of-the-mill metal CD," explains guitarist John Laux.

"The most difficult challenge is always finding just the right balance between a raw, aggressive sound and modern production standards. We chose Evetts to produce, aside from his extensive resume, because he aims for very organic and bold sounds. His experience in bringing the best out from a wide variety from musicians across different genres of music can be seen in his credits and this speaks for itself."

WARBRINGER's follow-up to 2009's "Waking Into Nightmares" will mark the recording debut of the band's new drummer Carlos Cruz (HEXEN), who has "had a lot of input into the new material," according to a press release.

"Musically and thematically I feel confident that this will be respected as our most mature offering to date," states John Laux. "I am really proud of all the elements of extreme metal we have been able to incorporate into the songs. There is weight and purpose behind the lyrics and most importantly we have had time to put a lot of thought and care into the music."

Tom Hess, the guitar virtuoso well known worldwide for his unique guitar skills and for being the creator of the famous online guitar courses, is now officially a new member of Rhapsody Of Fire!

He recorded most of the rhythmic parts of the new upcoming album “From Chaos To Eternity” (out on June, 17th) and also two guitar solos!

Alex says: “I saw Tom Hess playing on stage several times and always got impressed by his great stage presence and his way of playing. When I have heard the rhythmic and the solo guitars he recorded for Rhapsody Of Fire I was blown away, I could feel that strong presence in between every single note”.

Luca adds: “I know Tom since many years. He is a great person, a good friend of mine and I am not surprised of the success he’s having teaching his guitar techniques all around the world. I am really proud to have built a strong partnership with him and I will always thank him for the support he gave me when I decided to create my Neoclassical Revelation Guitar Course. Therefore I am really honored to present Tom to all the fans of Rhapsody Of Fire as I am sure he will be the one who, through his artistic talent and unique skills, will make the difference in this band for the years to come!”

And now a true gift from Rhapsody Of Fire to all their fans around the world.

"12:34", the new video from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada-based traditional metallers 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Tom MacLeod.

"12:34" comes off 3 INCHES OF BLOOD's latest album, "Here Waits Thy Doom", which was reissued on June 29, 2010 as a Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem edition with four exclusive new tracks along with a bonus DVD featuring the video for "Battles and Brotherhood", 3 INCHES OF BLOOD's performance on Fuel TV and more.

"Here Waits Thy Doom" sold around 2,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 8 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

Bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee of Canadian rock legends RUSH spoke to The Plain Dealer about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the band's upcoming 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels", for which a release date has not yet been set.

"We've got about seven songs written," Lee said. He added, "When you hear the first two songs ['BU2B' and 'Caravan'], which we're playing live now, they definitely have a heavier sound. It's the heavier side of RUSH in the early going. But when I think of all the songs that we've written already, there's quite a lot of diversity there. I think — I hope — RUSH fans will like it. We're certainly going to work hard to make it a great record, as we always try."

As a tribute to the U.S. city that first played the band's music, RUSH has confirmed that the Cleveland performance of its "Time Machine" show on April 15 at the Quicken Loans Arena will be filmed for a full-length release.

Cleveland is remarkable for being one of the very first U.S. cities where RUSH performed, in addition to being the first city to provide American airplay.

This will be a must-see event for RUSH fans in Cleveland — and for everyone able to make the road trip as it is will also mark the first live full-length filming on U.S. soil.

The "Time Machine" tour is an evening with RUSH, where they will perform their classics, give a taste of the future and will — for the first time ever in the U.K. — feature the "Moving Pictures" album live in its entirety.

"'Moving Pictures' is our most popular album and it's the one that seems to have passed the test of time most gracefully," observes singer/bassist Geddy Lee. "We're playing better than ever, and I'm not sure we're quite ready to put that tour away," he adds.

Norwegian metallers COMMUNIC will release their new album, "The Bottom Deep", in Europe on July 22 via Nuclear Blast Records. According to a press release, the band's music "includes many elements from various metal genres. Their grasp for variety of power, melody, and intelligent lyrics with a highly progressive musical approach made COMMUNIC one of the best newcomers for years!"

"The Bottom Deep" track listing:

01. Facing Tomorrow
02. Denial
03. Flood River Blood
04. Voyage Of Discovery
05. In Silence With My Scars
06. My Fallen
07. Destroyer Of Bloodlines
08. Wayward Soul
09. The Bottom Deep
10. In Union We Stand (bonus track)

Commented guitarist/mainman Oddleif Stensland: "Writing and recording this album has been an amazing — but strange experience. This time we took control over the production ourselves, resulting in a more honest- and organic-sounding album. Never before have I put so much of my own personal influence and privacy into the lyrics and songs as this time.

"Right now I have a mixed feeling of fear and total excitement as we release the artwork and track listing for this new album. Now there is no return. To open myself this way, exposing my deepest and inner thoughts, in a way I have never done before. It's kinda strange, as it feels like these words and songs came from a part of me that I didn't know about. This is 'The Bottom Deep'. This is the album that I never in my life thought I had to write — but now I know, this will be a totem in my life — forever!"

Dan Swanö, who mastered the album, said: "It was pure pleasure to work with these guys. The mix was excellent to start with, so I finally had the opportunity to work with gentle strokes rather than the big roller that I sometimes have to use to shape up not-so-good mixes. Musically, I enjoyed it very much. It's not easy to label their music (which is good). If I had to mention something, I get that amazing 'epic' vibe of QUEENSRŸCHE '84-'88. They definitely add something to the family of progressive metal"

The CD's artwork was created by Eliran Kantor, who had the following to say about the effort: "The first draft of the lyrics from Oddleif made it clear that this is going to be a very personal, dark and vulnerable record — and I wanted the cover to reflect that. The vulture, nature's version of the grim reaper, caresses the dying man, casting a shadow reveling its true intentions and reason for this last visit. I put a lot of myself into this artwork, and I think it turned out great"

COMMUNIC's last album, "Payment Of Existence", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 94. It was released on May 30, 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Norwegian melodic power metallers PAGAN'S MIND will release their sixth album, "Heavenly Ecstasy", on May 20 in Germany, May 23 in the rest of Europe and on May 31 in USA/Canada via SPV/Steamhammer. The follow-up to 2007's "God's Equation" was mixed last fall by Stefan Glaumann at Toytown Studios (RAMMSTEIN, MADONNA, WITHIN TEMPTATION) in Stockholm, Sweden. The effort will be made a available in four configurations: A limited-edition digipak with two bonus tracks, 28-page booklet and poster; a double gatefold LP with two bonus tracks on orange-colored vinyl; as a standard jewel case; and as a digital download.

Limited-edition digipak (incl. 2 bonus tracks, poster):

01. Contact (0:48)
02. Eyes Of Fire (5:48)
03. Intermission (5:41)
04. Into The Aftermath (5:18)
05. Walk Away In Silence (5:08)
06. Revelation To The End (8:32)
07. Follow Your Way (5:18)
08. Live Your Life Like A Dream (5:55)
09. The Master's Voice (5:16)
10. Never Walk Alone (6:09)
11. When Angels Unite (2:03)
12. Create Your Destiny (5:49) (bonus track)
13. Power Of Mindscape (4:16) (bonus track)

Jewel case version:

01. Contact (0:48)
02. Eyes Of Fire (5:48)
03. Intermission (5:41)
04. Into The Aftermath (5:18)
05. Walk Away In Silence (5:08)
06. Revelation To The End (8:32)
07. Follow Your Way (5:18)
08. Live Your Life Like A Dream (5:55)
09. The Master's Voice (5:16)
10. When Angels Unite (2:03)
11. Never Walk Alone (6:09)

Double-gatefold LP (incl. 2 bonus tracks, colored orange vinyl):

LP 1

Side 1:

01. Contact (0:48)
02. Eyes Of Fire (5:48)
03. Intermission (5:41)
04. Power Of Mindscape (4:16) (bonus track)

Side 2:

01. Into The Aftermath (5:18)
02. Walk Away In Silence (5:08)
03. Follow Your Way (5:18)

LP 2

Side 1:

01. Revelation To The End (8:32)
02. When Angels Unite (2:03)
03. Never Walk Alone (6:09)

Side 2:

01. The Master's Voice (5:16)
02. Create Your Destiny (5:49) (bonus track)
03. Live Your Life Like A Dream (5:55)

A brand new song from "Heavenly Ecstasy" entitled "Intermission" can be streamed in the YouTube clip below.

Commented PAGAN'S MIND guitarist and producer Jørn Viggo Lofstad: "After considering offers from various labels, we decided to be a part of the new SPV family. Signing with such a respected label gave us the spark to come up with what we think is the most cohesive album we have done, and probably our best offering so far. We can't wait to get back in action and present these songs to you all."

SPV/Steamhammer A&R representative Olly Hahn added:" I'm very happy that PAGAN'S MIND decided to join the SPV family. The band always delivered some of the best and most exciting metal music and with the new album they even put up a dash more!"

In a recent interview with LetsRock.ro, PAGAN'S MIND singer Nils K. Rue stated about the band's forthcoming CD, "I'm really really excited. I have great belief in it, I think the material is extremely strong and that it represent sort of a 'comeback' (since it been over three years since 'God's Equation'). I am sure both fans of PAGAN'S MIND and people who haven't heard us before will appreciate it a lot."

Regarding the musical direction of the new album, Nils said, "There is no doubt it sounds like PAGAN'S MIND, as I believe we have a very distinct sound. It's heavy, melodic and at times intricate — but on the other hand we have shaken off some of the most extreme progressive elements, setting songwriting and melody in total focus. It's atmospheric, very catchy, very heavy, very good."

On the topic of the new CD's lyrical themes, Nils said, "We're inspired by mysticism and 'the unknown,' as always, but this time the lyrics also deal with stuff everyone can relate to. Our lyrics is often metaphorical, which allows the listener to make up their own opinion on the words and meaning — and make it their own personal 'story.' By making the music a little bit more 'straight in your face,' this time so is the lyrics. Nevertheless, the 'sworn PAGAN'S MIND fan' won't be disappointed — there are enough mystic stuff here to blow your mind. To give an example, on a lyric that deals with 'reality,' there are several, but some of the songs has a positive message that tells to believe in yourself and is upbuilding in terms of self-esteem and the power of will, and yourself."

PAGAN'S MIND's last album, "God's Equation", in 2007 entered the Norwegian domestic chart (featuring only Norwegian artists) at position No. 14. It also landed on the international chart (featuring all artists) at No. 35. The CD, which was released in the U.S. in January 2008, was recorded by Espen Mjøen at his Mediamaker Studio in Skien, Norway, and mixed at Toy Town Studios in Stockholm by Stefan Glaumann (RAMMSTEIN).

Jamey Jasta of HATEBREED and KINGDOM OF SORROW will release a solo album, simply titled "Jasta", on July 26, 2011 via eOne Music.

A record many years in the making, this is a very different project for Jasta.

A three-minute video clip in which Jasta explains his decision to release the CD can be viewed below.

"Jasta" will feature guest appearances by a number of artists, including Tim Lambesis (AS I LAY DYING), pro skater Mike Vallely, Philip Labonte (ALL THAT REMAINS), Randy Blythe and Mark Morton (LAMB OF GOD), and guitar legend Zakk Wylde.

Jamey will present and perform at this year’s Revolver Golden Gods Awards next week at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

Jamey will be tour with KINGDOM OF SORROW this summer on the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival.

Bei dieser Meldung werden ein paar Stornbringer Redakteure ein ganz Dickes Grinsen aufsetzen: Die Deutschen Thrash Metal Heros KREATOR arbeiten an einem bisher noch namenlosen neuen Album. Die Band hat bereits fünf neue Songs geschrieben und Frontmann Mille Petrozza sagte folgendes zum "Hordes Of Chaos" Nachfolger:

" I have 5 songs more or less ready and ideas for at least 5 more. We are really looking forward to get back into the creative process again. We know that our fans only expect the best from us and we, as a band, will make sure that none of you will be disappointed. I am very aware that some of you don`t like the fact that Kreator is releasing a new album only every 3-4 years, but let me tell you that it will be worth the wait!

"Keep an eye our Homepage, Facebook, and Myspace. We'll be posting some stuff from the rehearsals soon."

Hier noch ein Video von der Musik Messe Frankfurt und die neuen Festival Dates!

TORMENTED, the new Swedish death band featuring current and former members of SCAR SYMMETRY, MARDUK and DEVIAN, has inked a deal with Listenable Records. The group's debut album, "Rotten Death", will be re-released in the summer with a special limited packaging and a new layout.

According to a press release, the members of TORMENTED came together in 2008 with the intention of creating death metal that they themselves wanted to hear.

TORMENTED is:

Andreas "Drette" Axelson - Vocals And Guitar
Claes Holmberg - Guitar
Roberth Karlsson - Bass
Jocke Ölund - Drums