German metallers CIRCLE OF SILENCE have inked a deal with Massacre Records. The band's new album, "The Blackened Halo", will be released on April 29. The CD was recorded at the Maranis Studios with Vagelis Maranis (FALLEN YGGDRASIL, NOCTE OBDUCTA, WINTER'S VERGE).

According to a press release, "The Blackened Halo" will contain "riff-orientated power metal with a touch of thrash and heavy metal."

CIRCLE OF SILENCE started out as a two-man project — featuring Tobias Pfahl (lead guitar) and Björn Böhm (bass) — but has since evolved into a "real" band. The group, which released two self-produced albums in 2006 and 2008, describes its sound as "aggressive (power) metal with catchy songs and melodies. Fast double-bass songs and mid-tempo smashers combined with catchy melodies and aggressive clean vocals are the unique trademark of CIRCLE OF SILENCE."

CIRCLE OF SILENCE is:

Nick Keim - Vocals
Tobias Pfahl - Lead Guitar
Christian Sommerfeld - Rhythm Guitar
Björn Böhm - Bass
Peter Suppinger - Drums

An audio sample of the new song "Haunting Me" from Australian metallers PEGAZUS is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's first studio album in nine years, "In Metal We Trust", which will be released on April 15 through Black Leather Records (with distribution from Twilight Vertrieb). According to a press release, the CD contains "11 brand new classic heavy metal songs with original singer Justin Fleming back on vocals! As a tribute to the great guitarists of the '80s, PEGAZUS has invited Ross The Boss (MANOWAR, ROSS THE BOSS, THE DICTATORS), Jeff Watson (NIGHT RANGER, MOTHER'S ARMY) and David Shankle (MANOWAR, DSG) to contribute a solo to the song "Old Skool Metal Dayz".

Southern California metallers WINDS OF PLAGUE have set "Against The World" as the title of their new album, due on April 19 via Century Media Records. The CD was recorded at a Los Angeles studio with renowned producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, HATEBREED) and will feature guest appearances by Jamey Jasta of HATEBREED, Drew York of STRAY FROM THE PATH, TERROR guitarist Martin Stewart and Mattie Montgomery from FOR TODAY.

Veteran Massachusetts metallers MELIAH RAGE have reunited with singer Paul Souza for the recording of a new full-length CD as well as the band's first-ever cover song, a version of ALICE COOPER's "Halo Of Flies". The track will be a bonus cut on the soon-to-be-re-released remix of 2004's "Barely Human", to be titled "Barely Human Remix".

MELIAH RAGE will enter the studio in February to begin recording its next album, "Dead To The World", for a July release.

Australian/Los Angeles tech-metal masters DEVOLVED will release their new full-length album, "Oblivion", on May 24 via Unique Leader Records. According to a press release, the CD will contain "10 songs of unrelenting modern metal which combines uncompromising intensity, chaotic timing signitures, insane musicianship and a futuristic soundscape blended to create an epic and totally crushing listening experience from start to stop! 'Oblivion' features the furious drumming of founding member John Sankey, who has also worked with DIVINE HERESY, FEAR FACTORY and contributed to the Roadrunner all-star sessions. The album also marks the recording debut of vocalist Kyle Zemanek, who previously fronted L.A. metal heavyweights DEADSETT, and has collaborated with members of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH."

"Oblivion" track listing :

01. Existential Crisis
02. Into Fire
03. Awakening
04. World In Denial
05. Virus
06. Wretched Eyes Of God
07. Transcendence
08. From The Ashes
09. Legions Rise
10. Divinity (cover song; bonus track)

Epic heathen metallers MOONSORROW — a five-strong outfit formed in Helsinki in 1995 — will release their new album on February 23 in Finland and March 21 in the U.K. through Spinefarm Records.

Titled "Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa" (English translation: "As Shadows We Wander In The Land Of The Dead"), this 60-minute-plus opus sees the band taking an approach to its craft that borders on the cinematic, carving out truly monumental swathes of sound best enjoyed with a flagon of mead in one hand and a sharpened weapon of war in the other.

Whether pushing boundaries in the studio or bare-chested, blood-strewn and going for broke onstage, MOONSORROW — a band with an impressive discography straddling several studio albums, EPs and DVDs — requires absolutely no added motivation to pull down very hard indeed on the levers marked "over the top" and "heroic," although even by their own heady standards "Varjoina Kuljemma Kuolleiden Maasa" is a body of work designed to take away the breath and leave the listener emotionally fragile and in need of a lie down with a strong cup of tea…

Drawing influences from the folk, progressive, black metal and classic rock scenes, and favoring the Finnish language and culture, MOONSORROW is truly a force of nature to be reckoned with. Since releasing its debut album ("Suden Uni") in 2000, the five have chosen to pursue a path that has nothing to do with being obviously commercial or playing the corporate game; instead, their musical output has become increasingly challenging, conceived on the very grandest of scales with certain songs easily breasting the half-hour tape.

Coming on like Ennio Morricone if he'd been brought up by wolves on the frozen Tundra, this latest album has just seven individual interludes yet successfully brings the hammer down from first chest-beating note and rousin' choral passage to last, proving that true Viking power is very much alive an' well and ready to burn and pillage on command.

"Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa" track listing:

01. Tähdetön (Starless)
02. Hävitetty (Ravaged)
03. Muinaiset (The Ancient Ones)
04. Nälkä, väsymys ja epätoivo (Hunger, Weariness & Despair)
05. Huuto (The Scream)
06. Kuolleille (To The Dead)
07. Kuolleiden Maa (The Land Of The Dead)

MOTÖRHEAD frontman and rock icon Lemmy Kilmister recently spoke to Gary Graff of Billboard.com about the long-awaited documentary examining Lemmy's life and career, "Lemmy: 49% Motherf**ker, 51% Son Of A Bitch".

"Well, it's not too embarrassing," Lemmy told Billboard.com about the film. "I didn't have to leave the fucking theater before the lights came on, so it's OK. I learned I look a lot older than I thought I did, but it's... pretty good."

Regarding the DVD version of "Lemmy", whose three-plus hours of bonus footage will include a featurette called "The Sweet Side of Lemmy," Lemmy said, "It's quite good, actually. I think the extra bits are just as good as the movie."

On the topic of the film's coverage of his extensive collection of military and particularly Nazi paraphernalia from World War II, Lemmy said, "Let's face it, it isn't skinheads and shit collecting this stuff. It's too expensive. This is doctors and lawyers collecting it... And I didn't collect any of the ideology, believe me. I've got friends of all colors and religious persuasions. I ain't got a racist bone in my body."

VINTERSORG, the Swedish folk metal led by BORKNAGAR frontman Andreas Hedlund (a.k.a. Vintersorg), will release its eighth album, "Jordpuls" (English translation: "Earth's Pulse"), on March 25 via Napalm Records.

According to a press release, "The unrelenting visionary allows this particular album to glimpse back at the past. The result is an imposing symbiosis of traditional and modern elements taken from the Swedes' characteristic sound cosmos. Folk metal anthems meet icy black metal passages and Nordic melodies. The mix delivers multifaceted and memorable songs that carry the mastermind's unique signature.

"The album is completely sung in Swedish and its lyrics borrow from VINTERSORG's past themes: Revolving around man and nature, unique phenomena in the wild, and philosophical observations. Vintersorg's unmistakable and powerful vocals — from clean to extreme — reign over each track with resounding force, while his production prowess gives the songs a crystal-clear and potent sound. 'Jordpuls' impressively combines tradition with modernism, while showcasing the best of the Swedish visionary."

"Jordpuls" track listing:

01. Världsalltets Fanfar
02. Klippor Och Skär
03. Till Dånet Av Forsar Och Fall
04. Mörk Nebulosa
05. Stjärndyrkan
06. Skogen Sover
07. Vindögat
08. Palissader
09. Eld Och Lågor

ENSLAVED, SHINING, IHSAHN and SOLEFALD have been nominated in the "Metal" category at the 39th annual Spellemann awards (the Norwegian equivalent to the Grammy Awards). The largest and oldest Norwegian music awards show will be held Saturday, March 5 at the Spektrum in Oslo, Norway and will be broadcast live on the Norwegian channel TV2.

The nominees in the "Metal" category are as follows:

* ENSLAVED - "Axioma Ethica Odini"
* SHINING - "Blackjazz"
* IHSAHN - "After"
* SOLEFALD - "Norrøn Livskunst"

U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine has announced the launch of its latest "Fan Pack," dedicated to David Coverdale and WHITESNAKE.

The WHITESNAKE Fan Pack follows hard on the heels of Classic Rock's acclaimed Slash and MOTÖRHEAD packs. It includes a 132-page magazine along with "Forevermore", WHITESNAKE's brand spanking new studio album. There's also an official WHITESNAKE pin badge and a giant-size poster.

Fans who buy the WHITESNAKE Fan Pack will be able to hear "Forevermore" three weeks before it goes on sale in the record stores. What's more, the Fan Pack version of "Forevermore" comes with two bonus live tracks — "Slide it In" and "Cheap An' Nasty" — recorded live at WHITESNAKE's headline set at the Castle Donington Monsters Of Rock festival in 1990. So that's 13 brand new studio tracks plus two bonus ones — a lot of WHITESNAKE music to sink your fangs into!

The bonus live tracks will not be on the record-store version of "Forevermore". In addition, the CD cover for the Fan Pack WHITESNAKE album will feature exclusive artwork that will not be used on the record store equivalent.

The bonus live tracks will serve as an appetizer for WHITESNAKE's forthcoming "Live @ Donington 1990" DVD and double CD, to be released in summer 2011.

The Fan Pack magazine — which is being edited by Geoff Barton — contains a major, all-new interview with WHITESNAKE mainman David Coverdale, conducted at his home in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

"Forevermore" was recorded at Coverdale's home studio and Classic Rock was there while it was being made. Coverdale also talks the magazine through the new album, track by track. Additionally, Classic Rock has new interviews with the other WHITESNAKE band members: guitarists Doug Aldrich and Reb Beach, bassist Michael Devin and drummer Brian Tichy.

There's a wealth of exclusive, never-before-seen pictures of Coverdale and his band, taken by top U.S. photographer Travis Shinn while "Forevermore" was being made in Tahoe.

Elsewhere in the Fan Pack magazine, Classic Rock talks to the musicians who knew Coverdale when he started out as a club singer in Northeast England. The magazine analyzes the multi-platinum success of the band's legendary "1987" album and also reviews WHITESNAKE's entire back catalogue of albums. All this — and Classic Rock lists Coverdale's Top 20 Friskiest Lyrics.

Commented David Coverdale: "After such a rewarding love affair with Classic Rock and its readers these last few years, we are honored beyond words to be given our very own very special 'SNAKE edition.

"We hope you all enjoy the action-packed, high-octane hissstory [sic] and especially our new 'Forevermore' album, and are inspired to come out and play with us this summer on the U.K. tour.

"We remain your obedient serpents…"

Classic Rock's WHITESNAKE Fan Pack goes on sale on March 25. It can pre-ordered at www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk.

Swiss death metallers REQUIEM will release their new album, "Within Darkened Disorder", on May 6 in Europe via Twilight Vertrieb. The CD was recorded this past December at Stage One studio in Buehne/Borgentreich, Germany with acclaimed producer Andy Classen (LEGION OF THE DAMNED, DEW-SCENTED, DISBELIEF, KRISIUN). The cover artwork was once again created by the highly acclaimed artist Dan Seagrave (SUFFOCATION, MORBID ANGEL, DISMEMBER, MALEVOLENT CREATION).

"Within Darkened Disorder" final track listing:

01. I Am Legion
02. Vicious Deception
03. Purified In Flames
04. Omnivore
05. The Plague Without A Face
06. Echoes Of War
07. Symbol Of Nine
08. Feed The Greed
09. Solemn Sacrifice
10. Within Darkened Disorder

Current TRIPTYKON and former HELLHAMMER/CELTIC FROST singer/guitarist Tom Gabriel Fischer is selling two unique "phallus sculptures" which were created for "display purposes only." Descriptions of the two items follow below.

* Phallus I/2011; metal Jesus mounted to wooden dildo cross; wood, white metal, steel, epoxy, and black enamel, $550. This phallus sculpture is a unique, individual piece of which only one exists world-wide, hand-made by the artist. Cross created from 3 German hand-crafted, spruce wood dildos. Crucified messiah figurine and INRI insignia in metal. Dimensions: height approx. 20 cm (7.9"), width approx. 13.5 cm (5.5"), dildo diameter approx. 2.6 cm (1"). Weight: approx. 160 g (5.5 oz).

* Phallus II/2011; resin Jesus mounted to wooden dildo; wood, resin, steel, epoxy, and enamel, $290. This phallus sculpture is a unique, individual piece of which only one exists world-wide, hand-made by the artist. Dildo base created from a German hand-crafted, spruce wood dildo. Messiah figurine in resin, secured by steel pin. Dimensions: height approx. 23 cm (9"), dildo diameter approx. 2.6 cm (1"). Weight: approx. 100 g (3.6 oz).

German melodic folk/death metallers SUIDAKRA have inked a deal with AFM Records. Due at the end of March, the band's tenth album, "Book Of Dowth", was recorded at Gernhart Studio in Siegburg, Germany with producer Martin Buchwalter. Famous Belgian graphic artist Kris Verwimp once again created the cover artwork and lyrical concept.

Commented the band: "The recordings for 'Book Of Dowth' went even better than expected. We shit you not! Never before have recordings gone as smooth as this time, because all people involved were well prepared and very focused."

A four-minute video clip featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the studio can be viewed below.

"Book Of Dowth" track listing:

01. Over Nine Waves
02. Dowth 2059
03. Battle-Cairns
04. Biróg’s Oath
05. Mag Mell
06. The Dark Mound
07. Balor
08. Stone Of The Seven Suns
09. Fury Fomoraigh
10. Otherworlds Collide

In addition to preparing for the upcoming recordings, SUIDAKRA spent the last few weeks filming a video for the song "Dowth 2059". The band said, "It's our first collaboration with director/producer David Thelen and even though the post-production has just started, one thing is for sure: it will kick some serious ass!"

Reactivated seminal technical metal pioneers ATHEIST will hit the road in support of their critically acclaimed new album, "Jupiter", the band's first studio CD in 17 years. The first show will take place on Saturday, February 12 at the Cabana Inn in Sarasota, Florida, on the 20th anniversary — to the day — of the loss of the band's original bass player Roger Patterson. The concert will mark the group's debut appearance with new bass player Travis Morgan.

ATHEIST singer and co-founding member Kelly Shaefer says of Patterson, who was killed in a van accident during he band's first American tour in 1991, "We thought this would be a fitting start to our upcoming tour of the world where it all started for ATHEIST in Sarasota, to honor our friend, and to also debut for the first time songs from our new album, 'Jupiter'."

Only 350 tickets will be available for this show in advance or at the door. Support at the gig will come from THE SOUTHERN INDUSTRIAL and BARRELHEAD.

The Cabana Inn is located at 2525 South Tamiami Trail. Call 941-955-0195 for more information.

Norwegian blackened thrashers BYFROST have inked a deal with Germany's AFM Records. The band's sophomore album, "Of Death", will be released before the summer. The CD will be recorded at the Conclave and Earshot Studios in the band's home town of Bergen, and will be produced by ENSLAVED's Herbrand Larsen and VULTURE INDUSTRIES' Bjornar Nilsen, who also worked on BYFROST's debut album. Mastering will be carried out by Knut Fug Prytz at Magica Mastering.

"Self, the new video from Finland's ROTTEN SOUND, can be viewed below. The clip was filmed by Rami Kallio at ROTTEN SOUND's show at Vastavirta in Tampere, Finland and it uses the album version of "Self" that features guest vocals from VICTIMS' Johan Eriksoon. The track comes off the group's new full-length album, "Cursed", which will be released on March 15 via Relapse Records (except in Finland, where it will arrive on March 16 through Fullsteam Records). The 16-track follow-up to 2008's "Cycles" was recorded at Nordic Audio Labs and is lyrically themed around the six curses of mankind.

"A Fragile Peace", a brand new track from the North Texas death metal outfit THE FAMINE, can heard in the YouTube clip below. The song comes off the band's new album, "The Architects Of Guilt", which will be released on February 15 via Solid State Records. The follow-up to 2008's "The Raven And The Reaping" was produced by D. Braxton Henry (ex-DEVOURMENT) and was mixed by Jason Suecof (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, TRIVIUM, DEVILDRIVER).

REVERENCE, the new power metal band featuring vocalist Todd Michael Hall (JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR, HARLET), guitarist Bryan Holland (TOKYO BLADE, ARREST), drummer Steve "Dr. Killdrums" Wacholz (SAVATAGE, CRIMSON GLORY) and bassist Frank Saparti (TOKYO BLADE, OVERLOADED, MINDCANDY), will enter Sight 16 Studios (TOKYO BLADE, TWOTHIRTYSEVEN, PARIS BLUE, COLDSNAP) in Albuquerque, New Mexico in April with producer Sid Garcia to begin recording its debut album for a tentative fall 2011 release through Razar Ice Records. Working songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Too Late", "Vengeance Is Mine", "Gatekeeper", "Revolution Rising", "Monster", "Lost Generation" and "Phantom Road".

Commented guitarist Bryan Holland: "Leaving my last project has been a blessing in disguise.

"Todd, Steve, Frank and I have all been on the same page with this project since day one. The songs just started flowing within just days of meeting vocalist Todd Hall and haven't stopped since.

"It'll be fantastic to finally playing with Doc (Steve Wacholz). We've been friends for 15 years and is my favorite drummer on the planet! And I absolutely love sharing the stages with Frank; he's a madman!!"

A fall European tour will follow.

REVERENCE has signed on with No-Nonsense Management and Booking.

Blackened death metal emperors mighty IMPIETY, who currently consist of Shyaithan on bass and vocals, Guh Lu (XEPER, DIVINE CODEX) on guitar, Eskathon on guitar and Atum (MALFEITOR, DIVINE CODEX) on drums, will release a new mini-CD, "Advent Of…", later in the year via Pulverised Records. The effort was recorded, mixed and mastered at Music City Studios in Montebelluna, Italy during January 2011. The cover artwork was designed by renowned Thai artist Lord Sickness. All songs were crafted and written by Shyaithan.

"Advent Of…" track listing:

01. Advent Of The Nuclear Baphomet
02. Ave Satanas
03. Blood Ritual Defamation

IMPIETY is:

Shyaithan - Vocals, Bass
Guh Lu - Guitar
Eskathon - Guitar
Atum - Drums

Norwegian old-school black metallers KAMPFAR will release their new album, "Mare", in Europe on March 25 and in the U.S. on April 5 via Napalm Records. The follow-up to 2008's "Heimgang" album was recorded at Abyss studios in Pärlby, outside Ludvika, Sweden with producer Peter Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY, PAIN).

"Mare" track listing:

01. Mare
02. Ildstemmer
03. Huldreland
04. Bergtatt
05. Trolldomspakt
06. Volvevers
07. Blitzwitch
08. Nattgang
09. Altergang
10. Bergtatt (In D Major) (bonus track)

Chicago, Illinois bruisers DEMOLISHER have inked a worldwide deal with Century Media Records. The band's debut full-length offering, "Recognition", will be released this summer.

"Recognition" track listing:

01. Abomination
02. Two-Sided Coin
03. Corporal Punishment
04. Deliverance
05. Recognition
06. World Of Hatred
07. Repercussions
08. The Holding Pattern
09. The Free Fall
10. Condemned To The Vile
11. Bloodthirsty Ways

Powerhouse American vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, BEYOND FEAR, JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) will celebrate the 10th anniversary of JUDAS PRIEST's "Live In London" album with a special performance at Gillmanfest - Barquisimetal 2011 on March 26 in Venezuela. In addition to playing PRIEST classics, Ripper will perform solo material and will be joined at the gig by the following musicians:

* Simon Wright (DIO, AC/DC) - Drums
* Craig Goldy (DIO, ROUGH CUT, GIUFFRIA) - Guitar
* James Lomenzo (WHITE LION, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, MEGADETH) - Bass
* John Comprix (BEYOND FEAR, RINGWORM) - Guitar

Los Angeles, California-based death metallers EXMORTUS will enter the studio in February to record their new album, "Beyond The Fall Of Time", for a late 2011 release via Heavy Artillery Records.

To give fans a taste of what to expect from the follow-up to 2008's "In Hatred's Flame", EXMORTUS has posted a demo version of the track "Destroy" at the official Heavy Artillery Bandcamp page. Also available at the same location is another demo track from the forthcoming CD, "Entombed With The Pharaohs".

U.K. metal legends HELL have inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The band's new album, "Human Remains", will be released on May 13.

Cited as a huge indirect influence, and as one of the true founding fathers of occult metal, the band formed in 1982 from the carcasses of U.K. metal bands RACE AGAINST TIME and PARALEX, whose "White Lightning" EP was listed by METALLICA as a favorite, and which was subsequently included on the Lars Ulrich, Geoff Barton "NWOBHM '79 Revisited" sampler album.

Despite over five years of constant touring, the band was cruelly overlooked by the '80s music press, who just didn't get it. HELL were too different, too extreme, too musically intelligent and far too thought-provoking for all but the most enlightened to understand them. The final crushing blow came when their long-awaited 1986 album deal with Mausoleum collapsed as the label went bankrupt, followed by the tragic suicide of singer/guitarist Dave Halliday in 1987. The remaining members drew a line in the sand and stopped playing overnight.

A teenage Andy Sneap was a permanent fixture on the front row of almost every show HELL played and was also taught to play guitar by Halliday. He then went on to form SABBAT and become a renowned metal producer. Upon meeting again, the remaining members of HELL — Kev Bower (guitar/keyboards), Tony Speakman (bass) and Tim Bowler (drums) — talked with Andy about re-recording the old material to release in conjunction with the old demos. With Sneap replacing Halliday on guitar and David Bower on vocals, the band has recorded 10 HELL classics from the '80s.

One hugely respected European journal has already described "Human Remains" as one of the best things they have heard in the last 15 years and THE band to watch out for in 2011.

Commented Nuclear Blast A&R representative Jaap Wagemaker: "HELL are one of my all-time fave bands from the NWOBHM and I am really stoked to get the chance to work with an act I'd consider so groundbreaking! Back in the day I received the demos through tape trading and now years later with the music re-recorded by Andy Sneap, the band sounds even fresher than ever before! I am very proud that we at Nuclear Blast now have the chance to work with HELL and give you the chance to listen to some timeless music. It is about time that HELL got the international recognition that they deserve and that so many people who are unaware of this monster band finally get the chance to hear all these classics!"