Legendary doomers CANDLEMASS have issued a statement regarding the recent reports in the Swedish media that the group's guitarist, Mats "Mappe" Björkman, has been sentenced to two years in prison for grand theft. The musician was convicted of stealing CDs worth approximately $490,000 from the distribution warehouse of Entertainment Network Scandinavia AB, where he and an accomplice shipped the CDs to Stockholm retail outlets.

Stated the band: "CANDLEMASS answer to the crap that's been published lately is very simple: NOTHING HAS CHANGED!! The band will record the planned EP, 'Lucifer Rising', in April WITH MAPPE… CANDLEMASS will also tour the states WITH MAPPE in May and June and also record the follow-up to 'King of the Grey Islands' this coming autumn WITH MAPPE!!

"Despite what's been said in the press, the band is very optimistic about the future. 2008 and 2009 will be two great years for CANDLEMASS.

"Don't believe everything you read!!"

Suspicions were raised in November 2005 when a music company spotted a discrepancy in Björkman's reported sales. A subsequent investigation uncovered evidence that someone had manipulated the warehouse computer on 301 occasions.

Björkman initially denied the charges against him, but his accomplice, Stefan Håkansson, has admitted his role in the theft and has implicated his colleague.

The guitarist stated in court that he didn't understand why Håkansson "lied" about his involvement in the theft scheme, suggesting it might be because Håkansson was trying to protect others.

But, based on the evidence, the court concluded that Håkansson had no reason to lie about Björkman's role in the scheme and determined that prison was the appropriate punishment for both men.

The agreement between Mats and his accomplice was that they were to split the profits — which were estimated to be SEK 1.3 million (approximately $213,000) — equally.

Björkman's accomplice received a sentence of one year and nine months.

California metallers STEEL PROPHET — who were rejoined by vocalist Rick Mythiasin a year ago — have issued the following update:

"The band has finished all instrumental and vocal tracks for two songs. The songs are tentatively titled 'Transformation Staircase' and 'Trickery of the Scourge'. Sessions took place at Horacio's [Colmenares, guitar] studio in La Puente and the band was very pleased with the results.

"A preliminary mix of one of the songs will be made available on the band's Myspace site in the near future. The songs are similar in nature to material from 'The Goddess Principle' and 'Dark Hallucinations'. The band is also starting rehearsals for their appearance at the 2008 Swordbrothers Festival September 13th in Andernach, Germany. STEEL PROPHET is the headline act for the festival."

STEEL PROPHET's last singer, Bruce Hall (AGENT STEEL), joined the band following the departure of Nadir D'Priest, who sang on the group's "Beware" CD (2004, Massacre Records). D'Priest originally joined STEEL PROPHET as the replacement for Mythiasin, who also has a project called MYTHIASIN.

STEEL PROPHET had previously released five records through the Nuclear Blast label and three via Art of Music/Brainstorm.

Swedish thrashers THE HAUNTED are back on the map with some good news, as they have just finished pre-production for their highly anticipated, still-untitled new album. The band will soon enter PUK studio in Denmark to start working with producer Tue Madsen (HEAVEN SHALL BURN, DARK TRANQUILLITY, MOONSPELL, etc), who has already collaborated with THE HAUNTED on their two previous albums, "rEVOLVEr" and "The Dead Eye".

Bassist Jonas Björler comments: "Right now we're rehearsing like madmen. This is the final week before we enter the PUK studio in Denmark. Right now we have like 20+ songs, so we have a lot of material to choose from; I think we aim at putting 11 or 12 on the CD. This time around we worked 6 months on the songs, and I think that really paid off — none of the songs sound alike, and the material sounds really heavy and groovy."

As a special preview, THE HAUNTED have now posted a new video online which shows them during pre-production activities for the upcoming album. Watch the clip below.

Despite the upcoming AT THE GATES reunion tourdates, which see Jonas and Anders Björler invade Japan, North American and several prestigious European Summer festivals with their former band, THE HAUNTED will be busy playing shows as well and they have in fact just been confirmed for Spain's Electric Weekend festival on May 31 as well as Germany's Wacken Open Air festival on August 1.

Upcoming THE HAUNTED shows:

May 22 - Copenhagen, Denmark - The Rock
May 31 - Madrid, Spain - Electric Weekend Festival
Jun. 27 - Borlänge, Sweden - Peace & Love Festival
Aug. 01 - Wacken, Germany - Wacken Open Air
Aug. 14 - Tel Aviv, Israel - Anthem Festival

Swedish "death-rockers" HELLTRAIN — whose members have spent time playing with such acclaimed outfits as SCHEITAN, THE EVERDAWN, GATES OF ISHTAR, DEFLESHED, BATTLELUST, THE MOANING, and RAISED FIST — will release their second album, "Rock 'n' Roll Devil", in May via Jimmy Franks Recording Company.

The Swedish radio show "Norrbotten", which is broadcast on the Sveriges Radio channel P4, recently aired the title track from the upcoming CD. The show is now available for streaming at this location. (HELLTRAIN is on about 26:20 minutes into the show. You have to allow pop-ups in your browser in order to listen. You might have to select your preferrable media player; just select either Real Player or Windows Media and klick the green "Spara" button.)

HELLTRAIN's debut album, "Route 666", was released in 2004 via Nuclear Blast Records.

The band's lineup includes Pierre Törnkvist (vocals, guitar), Oskar Karlsson (drums, guitars), and Patrik Törnkvist (guitars, organ, piano, bass).

Florida progressive metal act AGHORA has enlisted KING DIAMOND drummer Matt Thompson to accompany the group to the studio for the recording sessions for band's third full-length CD for Season of Mist.

Says AGHORA in a statement: "Matt is a drummer with a great history and skills and chops galore. He is a perfect match for AGHORA. We are all excited to hear what he does on this record. So far the demos he has done are fantastic.

"The new album is currently in pre-production. Actual tracking will start with in a few months.

"We want to thank everyone who sent in a submission for the drum slot. Everyone who auditioned was great. Best wishes to you all."

AGHORA's second album, "Formless" was produced in part by Neil Kernon (QUEENSRŸCHE, NEVERMORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, DEICIDE).

The band's self-titled first album (2000) was recorded in 1999 with the help of Sean Malone and Sean Reinert, both former/current members of CYNIC.

Original CRIMSON GLORY vocalist Midnight has released three new songs on his MySpace page. The tracks include a duet with none other than SAVATAGE/TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA mastermind Jon Oliva on the CRIMSON GLORY classic "Painted Skies", as well as a new-for-2008 version of the much-revered song "Lost Reflections", originally found on CG's 1986 debut, self-titled album. Also avalable is another new epic song, titled "The Deep".

Sessions for the new tracks were engineered by MONSTROSITY founder/drummer Lee Harrison at his private studio. Harrison also played guitar on "Lost Reflections '08".

Also onboard for the sessions were guitarist Matt LaPorte (JON OLIVA'S PAIN, ex-CIRCLE II CIRCLE). LaPorte played guitar, mandolin and fretless bass on two of the three tracks, and arranged "Painted Skies" for piano and string quartet.

Last week tracking was started at Tampa's famed Morrissound Studios for Midnight's forthcoming album, "Descending Into Madness".

Finnish folk/pagan metal band MOONSORROW will release its new EP, "Tulimyrsky" (Firestorm), on April 30 via Spikefarm Records. The CD will contain over 60 minutes of music, including a cover version of METALLICA's "For Whom The Bell Tolls".

"Tulimyrsky" (cover artwork) track listing:

01. Tulimyrsky (new song)
02. For Whom The Bell Tolls (METALLICA cover)
03. Taistelu Pohjolasta (from the "Tämä Ikuinen Talvi" demo)
04. Hvergelmir (from the "Metsä" demo)
05. Back To North (MERCILESS cover)

Finnish female-fronted metal band AMBERIAN DAWN will have its debut album, "River of Tuoni", released in European territories outside of Finland on June 16 via Ascendance Records. Two tracks from the CD — "Valkyries" and "River Of Tuoni" — can currently be streamed on the group's MySpace page.

The band previously stated: "Our [Finnish] label, Suomen Musiikki, has defined AMBERIAN DAWN's music as fantasy metal, but as always, the genre borders are very thin and hard to define. Our music has definitely fantasy in its lyrics... but melody and rhythm are the key components."

AMBERIAN DAWN is:

Heidi Parviainen - Vocals
Tuomas Seppälä - Guitar and Keyboards
Kasperi Heikkinen - Rhythm Guitar
Tommi Kuri - Bass
Tom Sagar - Keyboards
Joonas Pykälä-Aho - Drums

Bob Katsionis, keyboard wizard from Greek power metallers FIREWIND, has recorded a guest appearance on the track "Save the World" from the new POWER QUEST album, "Master of Illusion". Other guest musicians on the CD include keyboardist Richard West from the UK progressive metal band THRESHOLD, Jorn Viggo Lofstad from the Norwegian power metal act PAGAN'S MIND, Bill Hudson (ex-CELLADOR) and FOURWAYKILL singer Chris Neighbour.

Audio samples of the entire "Master of Illusion" album are available on Play.com.

"Master of Illusion" will be issued on the following dates:

March 26 - Japan/Southeast Asia (via Marquee/Avalon)
April 25 - Europe (via Napalm)
May 13 - USA (via Napalm)

"Master of Illusion" track listing:

01. Cemetery Gates
02. Human Machine
03. Civilised?
04. Kings of Eternity
05. Master of Illusion
06. The Vigil
07. Save the World
08. Hearts and Voices
09. I Don't Believe in Friends Forever
10. Never Again
11. Reckoning Day

BLIND GUARDIAN frontman Hansi Kürsch has issued the following update:

"We will be attending the upcoming role-playing game convention in Münster [Germany]. The role-playing game convention is something like an Eldorado for fans of these kinds of games. And, because we are such game fans ourselves, it is a privilege to be able to introduce the song we have recorded for 'Sacred 2 - Fallen Angel' (aptly named 'Sacred') to this like-minded crowd. Because for us the song shows a perfect mix of mystical pathos and orchestral bombast we are sure that the presentation of the song in combination with selected visual sequences from the game with be a highlight of the convention. See you there."

EMI last year re-released BLIND GUARDIAN's early albums in remastered form. The remasters include bonus tracks, new booklets, liner notes, rare band photos and videos. In addition, the first two LPs, "Battalions of Fear" (1988) and "Follow the Blind" (1989), have been remixed.

To view details of the remasters, click here.

"Son Of Perdition", the new video from Austrian symphonic extreme metal outfit HOLLENTHON, can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's new full-length album, entitled "Opus Magnum", due on May 30 via the Austrian record label Napalm Records. The CD will feature eight songs and a cover version, plus a video.

"Opus Magnum" tentative track listing (in no particular order):

01. Ars Moriendi
02. Of Splendid Worlds
03. Once We Were Kings
04. To Fabled Lands
05. Dying Embers
06. Misterium Babel
07. On The Wings Of A Dove
08. Son Of Perdition
09. The Bazaar (THE TEA PARTY cover) (limited edition only)
10. Son Of Perdition (video) (limited edition only)

A 14-minute audio interview with NAPALM DEATH frontman Mark "Barney" Greenway can be heard in two parts below (courtesy of Caustic Truths!).

NAPALM DEATH's current six-week-plus trek will mark the end of the "Smear Campaign" touring cycle. Barney previously stated about the current tour and upcoming recording plans, "I think we'll be bringing back 'Greed Killing' and 'Necessary Evil' (well, that's the plan at this point) and otherwise it's going to be breathless, fast, heavy and spontaneous. The setlist will feature some 'Scum' stuff to 'Smear Campaign' and something of everything else — all in a pleasant 45-minute package. Yummy! Otherwise, we are finally discussing and planning the nucleus of the next album. Don't have any finished songs yet and not really any lyrics that I want to mention — in case they end up not being used. If this all sounds vague, it doesn't mean that we won't have an album ready to go by August. We don't fuck around when the prospect of progress dawns. I did get a tiny sneak listen of one or two of Shane's [Embury, bass] songs he's working on — and they are crazy chaotic-fast-hardcore-mongous. I think we may also further develop the SWANS-esque/avant garde angle a little more too in places."

Finnish metallers OMNIUM GATHERUM have issued the following update:

"OMNIUM GATHERUM have been confirmed to take part to the last leg of the 'Ithyphallic' Europe Tour in September/October 2008 with NILE, GRAVE and BELPHEGOR. We'll be doing the last leg of the tour and visit UK, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. We'll be adding few shows more to the tour soon, so keep checking the live section...

"We've been doing a lot of pre-production for the coming fourth album during last few weeks, and the stuff is starting to kick some serious ass and ear! The actual album recording session will begin next Sunday, at Easter Sunday, what could be more evil metal date to start the studio sessions! It seems that OG will be returning to more melodic approach on this album, back to the glory days, hehe. But no worries, the stuff will still be as heavy as a really heavy thing!"

OMNIUM GATHERUM will complete the new CD in three different studios; all the tracks will be laid down at Sound Supreme Studios by Janne Saksa and at SouthEastSounds by Teemu Aalto and the mixing and mastering will be done at legendary Unisound Studio at Örebro, Sweden by Dan Swanö (NIGHTINGALE, ex-EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH, etc.).

OMNIUM GATHERUM last year parted ways with bassist Janne Markkanen and replaced him with Eerik Purdon (CRYSTAL BLAZE, AMORAL).

An e-card for "Aeons", the debut album from GODHATECODE — the project featuring Pelle Ekegren (ex-GRAVE, COERCION), Wolfgang Rothbauer (THIRDMOON, IN SLUMBER), Armin Schweiger and Tana (a.k.a. Antonio Carlos Rodriguez Espigares; AVULSED) — is available at this location.

"Aeons" is scheduled for release on April 4 via Maintain Records.

According to a press release, GODHATECODE's sound can be described as "old-school death metal meets modern and straight-in-the-face brutality."

"Aeons" track listing:

01. Crawl Down To Zero
02. Deathlike God Complex
03. Slumbering Sickness
04. Seelenkalt
05. The Odium Inside
06. Hypnagogic State
07. Survive Pain To Survive Hate
08. Incinerated
09. Torrent Of Hatred
10. Narcoleptic Wrath

Download a free MP3 of the song "Crawl Down To Zero" at this location.

GODHATECODE is:

Armin Schweiger: Vocals
Pelle Ekegren: Drums
Wolfgang Rothbauer: Guitars & Vocals
Tana (Antonio Carlos Rodriguez Espigares): Bass

UK doom legends MY DYING BRIDE have entered the studio to begin recording their next album. Pre-production started last week and the band has since gone into full studio mode at Futureworks in Manchester, with Mags once again at the helm.

According to guitarist Andrew Craighan, there are no song or album titles yet, but the feel of the album is, in his words, "heading for empty and bleak with flashes of rage."

MY DYING BRIDE last year announced the addition of bassist Lena Abé and drummer Dan Mullins (THINE, BAL-SAGOTH, SERMON OF HYPOCRISY) to the group's ranks.

The band's ninth studio effort, "A Line of Deathless Kings", was released in October 2006 via Peaceville/Snapper Music.

Former CRADLE OF FILTH guitarist James McIroy — who left the band in 2005 — has issued the following update on his new project:

"So far, there are now nine tracks demoed with vocals and another 2-3 waiting in the wings, and we've started work on laying down the initial drum ideas and have been happily ploughing forwards with this getting all the ideas down, finalizing tracks, and putting them all together! The vocals are starting to shape up to be interesting and eclectic, and is making me really quite excited about all this! I could describe it, but would prefer it to be a surprise, even though surprises do get a bit boring if you have to wait for the secrets to leak out!

"In another twist, a band name has been decided upon, and once we've actually managed to get a logo together. We'll be putting together a myspace and a website and announce the lineup of the band, so it is all coming together (and is also the reason why I am not on MySpace much; sorry to anyone about that, just have to put the priorities into writing and finishing works of molten metal)."

Finnish band EMBRAZE, which features in its ranks FOR MY PAIN… guitarist Lauri Tuohimaa, has issued the following update:

"Small break is now behind us and we have started to work on new songs. There are five raw versions at the moment and I might say that they sound new and fresh EMBRAZE.

"Vibe has not been the best possible this winter, and to be honest, the end has never been as close as it has been this year… But after today’s rehearsal it feels really good and continuation is definitely to be expected. All the shit will be erupted together into music: the work name of the new album is 'Hekla', which should tell what kind of eruption is coming.

"At the moment we are working on new songs and recording demos. We are taking our time to work on the material during spring and summer."

EMBRAZE's latest effort, "The Last Embrace" (2006), entered the Finnish album chart at position No. 29.

ANTHRAX drummer Charlie Benante recently launched his own line of coffee and coffee products via Legends Cup Coffee, which is reportedly owned by MEGADETH mainman Dave Mustaine's wife Pam.

ANTHRAX's official web site has now been updated with the following message:

"Legends Cup Coffee would like to thank you for the overwhelming response to Charlie Benante's Coffee. We are excited to provide you with this Dark Organic French Roast coffee that Charlie selected.

"Now you can enjoy your coffee in a 'Cupajoe Mug' designed and approved by Charlie, we think you will agree that this tall, 16-ounce mug with Charlie's logo will add a unique flavor to your personal mug collection. We will be notifying you of other merchandise as it becomes available too.

"Check out Charlie's Monthly Coffee Crew. Becoming a member, offers you two bags of Charlie's coffee, shipped monthly at a discounted price. Monthly members also have exclusive access to Charlie's offers and promotions through Legends Cup. And remember, a portion of every sale will go to help our friends at The Door of Faith Orphanage in Mexico."

Finnish "love metallers" HIM have pushed back the release date of their new CD/DVD, "Digital Versatile Doom: Live at the Orpheum Theatre", to April 29 from the previously announced April 1. The live portion of the DVD was recorded/filmed at the band's November 14-15, 2007 concerts at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. According to the HIM newsletter, "you'll go on stage and behind the scenes with Ville [Valo, HIM frontman] and the band as they give one of their most heartfelt shows to date. Also featured on the DVD, watch the journey of HIM's biggest fans as they go to Seattle to meet the band, see the heartagram photo gallery and watch as Ville recounts the journey that was 'Venus Doom'." "Digital Versatile Doom" also features a second disc, with the full live performance from The Orpheum Theater and a 16-page booklet of original art and images.

"Digital Versatile Doom: Live at the Orpheum Theatre" track listing:

01. Passion's Killing Floor
02. (Rip Out) the Wings of a Butterfly
03. Buried Alive By Love
04. Wicked Game
05. The Kiss of Dawn
06. Vampire Heart
07. Poison Girl
08. Dead Lovers' Lane
09. Join Me in Death
10. It's All Tears
11. Sleepwalking Past Hope
12. Killing Loneliness
13. Soul On Fire
14. Your Sweet Six Six Six
15. Bleed Well
16. The Funeral of Hearts

STRATOVARIUS mainman Timo Tolkki has issued the following update on his recently released classical rock opera, "Saana - Warrior of Light Part 1: Journey to Crystal Island":

"After I wrote the story over two years ago, I knew immediately that it would be a story that would divide people. I have followed a few the disputes, and God knows what that has been happening in the past month, with a certain sense of disbelief and after that with detachment. I happened to come across a review, although I haven't sent any press copies or MP3's, that was done by some 20-year-old black metal guy:) You can guess what he wrote about 'Saana'. For some strange (insert a touch of irony here) reason he forgot to mention anything about the actual story of 'Saana'. That story includes virtues such as love, respect, tolerance, empathy and kindness that I believe are largely forgotten in today's world. And in record reviews it seems (or maybe because it was downloaded from torrents) indeed many people are laughing to these values. I think it shows something about how far we have gone and how violent the present circumstances are.

"At this point of my life and career, I do not care about what people write or say about my music neither I care about praising or idolizing. Still you would not believe how much hate mail I receive daily :) I have often thought why that is the case. I mostly write about peace and love and I receive so much hate. That cannot be a coincidence. I have been blamed of lot of things lately, like leaking my own songs to the net (and of course the people who accuse me don't accuse the person(s) who easily can falsify for example MP3 metadata), threatening to sue my fans because they badmouth me (some guy registered to a forum and claimed to be my publicist and that I will sue the fans who badmouth me and my music), writing a rock opera that is not rock opera (I call it classical rock opera but I leave the debate gladly to those who need it), that I have deliberately made 'Saana' sound 'bad' and quickly (it took a year of my life and cost me a 100 000? that I paid back to Frontiers and same amount with production costs), the 'whole thing' has been some publicity thing with Frontiers etc. Some people think that I agree with these people simply because I refuse to comment the rumours. It seems to piss them off because all they actually want to do is to fight. It's hard to fight with someone who refuses to fight. I don't usually comment the nonsense that is written about me because I don't want to have anything to do with evil, but I decided to write a few words to my fans that might be confused.

"These are all so absurd accusations to me and I am accustomed that I receive a lot of bad stuff, but with this album it's been the worst. You know what it tells me? It tells me that I have done something really important. And that this album is for sure not for everyone. I would say this album is for the people who still have a heart. And there are many still, thank God.

"And to close this I can gladly tell you that you people have downloaded 'Saana' during eight days 9253 times which grosses $112,354.56 U.S. I cannot say how much this means to me and the message that I am spreading with 'Saana'. Large portion of the money 'Saana' generates will go to a foundation I will establish later this year that will be dealing with spiritual and environmental issues of our times.

"It seems there are lots of Warriors Of Light out there and you are needed in these dark times. We will keep in touch. Thank you."

"Enemies Of God", a new song from the forthcoming DOMINICI album, entitled "O3: A Trilogy - Part 3", is available for streaming at this location.

DOMINICI is the band led by former DREAM THEATER vocalist Charlie Dominici.

"O3: A Trilogy - Part 3" will be released on the following dates:

Japan: March 26 - Marquee/Avalon
Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: April 18 - InsideOut Music
Europe: April 21 - InsideOut Music
North America: April 22 - InsideOut Music

Check out the cover artwork at this location.

"O3: A Trilogy - Part 3" track listing:

01. King Of Terror
02. March Into Hell
03. So Help Me God
04. Liquid Lightning
05. Enemies Of God
06. Revelation
07. Hell On Earth
08. Genesis

"The Islander", the new single from Finnish/Swedish symphonic metal band NIGHTWISH, will be released on May 21 and will include the following tracks:

01. The Islander
02. Escapist (instrumental version)
03. Meadows Of Heaven (orchestral version)

Additionally, it will include the videos for "The Islander" and "Bye Bye Beautiful".

Check out the "The Islander" single artwork at this location.

The video for "The Islander" was shot last autumn in Rovaniemi, Finland and was directed by Stobe Harju. The clip will premiere on April 14 at 7:00 p.m. (Finnish time) on MTV Finland's show "Spanking New".

Guitarist/vocalist Tim Roth of Canadian extreme progressive metallers INTO ETERNITY has issued the following update:

"The band has been rehearsing at our sub-freezing jam spot for two weeks solid. We have no heat in the place, so we're trying to rip scales with fingers that won't move. If we can play these songs, in these temperatures, then we should just fine on a heated stage!

"There are some Canadian and USA headlining shows coming up, so we want to be prepared. Also, we are throwing in a few old songs that have never been done before. One of the songs we haven't played since 2001. Hopefully that will make our long time fans happy on this tour. I think we will also be testing three new tracks from our new unreleased album. We get to hang out with SACRIFICE at the Winnipeg Metal Festival, so that is going to be a highlight of the year for me. SACRIFICE was one of the first thrash shows that I ever went to as a 14-year-old kid and that's what inspired me to play metal.

"So we'll be headlining in Canada and out to the East Coast. We'll hook up with the SYMPHONY X tour and tour the USA (a few Canadian shows too!). Then we'll jump on a plane in Boston and tour in Japan, then fly back home to Canada and start a full Canadian tour with our brothers in KATAKLYSM!"

TODESBONDEN, the atmospheric doom band founded by Laurie Ann Haus (AUTUMN TEARS, EPHEMERAL SUN, NEST, RAIN FELL WITHIN, GARDEN OF SHADOWS), will release its new album, "Sleep Now, Quiet Forest", on June 24 via Prophecy North America.

According to a press release, TODESBONDEN is an exotic blend of world music, symphonic classical music, and epic metal, fronted by versatile female vocals reminiscent of Celtic, folk, operatic and modern styles. Produced by Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA, DAYLIGHT DIES, PAIN OF SALVATION), "Sleep Now, Quiet Forest" is a diverse album that touches on different time periods yet is held together by a uniformly epic, fantasy feeling. Appealing to fans of THERION and DEAD CAN DANCE, this American band features members of AUTUMN TEARS and AURORA BOREALIS and ex-members of RAIN FELL WITHIN.

"Sleep Now, Quiet Forest" track listing:

01. Surrender to the Sea
02. Surya Namaskara
03. Trianon
04. Aengus Óg fiddle
05. Fading Empire
06. Ghost of the Crescent Moon
07. Flow My Tears
08. Sailing Alone
09. Lullaby
10. Battle of Kadesh
11. Sleep now, Quiet Forest

Northern hyperblasters KATAKLYSM were at LAX (Los Angeles) airport last night (Thursday, March 20) ready to catch their flights directly to Australia for their first-ever headlining tour of the country, only to find out that their flights had been cancelled due to mechanical problems. Unfortunately, this meant that the band had to wait an additional day for their next flight to the country.

Safe to say, KATAKLYSM are now on their next flight and will fly nearly 15 hours to Australia (with an 18-hour time difference!) to headline Metalstock Festival in Sydney, along with four additional headlining dates after the fest. This will be KATAKLYSM's first time in Australia, and nothing will stop them from getting there!

As the saying goes, there is no rest for the wicked!

A video message from KATAKLYSM (in Australian lingo) to their Aussie fans can be seen below.

KATAKLYSM held a listening party for its new album, "Prevail", this past Monday (March 17) at The Plush Lounge at the Key Club in Hollywood, California. Among the attendees were Francine Boucher (ECHOES OF ETERNTY), Dino Cazares (DIVINE HERESY, FEAR FACTORY) and Nadja Peulen (COAL CHAMBER).

Relapse Records has launched its first official ringtones store.

U.S. residents and current cellular phone subscribers can now text "Relapse" to 32852 for an array of ring tones and wallpapers from a number of Relapse artists, including BARONESS, CEPHALIC CARNAGE, COLISEUM, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, MASTODON, PIG DESTROYER, THE END, HIGH ON FIRE, NECROPHAGIST, and many more. Additional ring tones and wallpapers will also be made available shortly.

Downloads are available from the following artists:

AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED
BARONESS
CEPHALIC CARNAGE
COLISEUM
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN
DYING FETUS
THE END
HIGH ON FIRE
MASTODON
MISERY INDEX
NECROPHAGIST
NILE
PIG DESTROYER

KISS guitarist/vocalist Paul Stanley has told Australia's The Daily Telegraph that his touring days with the band may soon be numbered.

"I really, firmly believe there will come a time when the band will continue without me," Stanley said.

"Some people can't imagine it without me, but I'm here to tell you, I can. There is somebody out there with the same amount of passion and the same amount of drive," he said. "Which is not to say I wouldn't want to have creative control."

In Stanley's eyes, KISS is bigger than any one member of the band. Bigger than just a band, KISS is a philosophy.

"I think KISS is more about a point of view, about a respect for fans and about a loyalty and a direction much more than it is the people in the band," he explained.

"We don't follow the same rules as other bands. I can't live within the boundaries people set for me. I believe KISS is founded on something so solid that it will continue to live on, the way a football team continues.

"There have been great players, but there will always be other players."

Regarding his relationship with KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons, Stanley said, "I think we think of ourselves as brothers. Brothers means you can never get rid of each other, even when you want to. We go about ourselves very differently. What we choose to put at the forefront or publicize is very different.

"Certainly, one of us spends quite a bit of time telling the world that he's the genius behind the band. This didn't happen because of a single person. It is the combustibility and the chemistry of people who don't necessarily view things from the same perspective which makes KISS.

"We tend to put our egos aside when it comes to making decisions for the band."

'80s hard rock queen Lita Ford has signed a deal with Coallier Entertainment, the New York-based company whose list of clients include such artists as TWISTED SISTER and SEBASTIAN BACH.

In a statement released to BLABBERMOUTH.NET today by Lita Ford regarding her comeback performance in July, she had this to say: "It's been way too long since I've rocked a crowd. Broke out my axe and turned it up loud. Always in my heart — forever in my soul. On July 11th I'm gonna rock 'n' roll. At Rocklahoma I'll hit the stage with thousands of you maniacs. Close My Eyes — Kiss Me Deadly — can't forget the leather pants!"

Rocklahoma festival will be held July 10-13, 2008 at the Catch The Fever Festival Grounds, four miles north of Pryor, Oklahoma. TRIUMPH and EXTREME are among the bands reuniting with all or most of their original lineups for this year's festival, which will also feature sets from NIGHT RANGER, CINDERELLA, Bret Michaels, TESLA, ARMORED SAINT, L.A. GUNS and many more. More than 85 bands in all will perform on three giant stages throughout the four days with several more big names to be added in the coming weeks.

MALPRACTICE, the Finnish progressive metal band featuring members of TO/DIE/FOR, MANITOU, OMNIUM GATHERUM and REVERSION, has uploaded two new songs — "Deception" and "Maze Of Inequity" — from their just-released third album, "Triangular", to the group's MySpace page.

While still progressive and melodic, "Triangular" also sees the return of some of the thrashier elements in MALPRACTICE and combined with the virtuoso skills of the new vocalist Aleksi Parviainen, "Triangular" takes MALPRACTICE to a whole new level of excellence, making the listener think about QUEENSRŸCHE meeting MEGADETH meeting DREAM THEATER. Much like their heroes, MALPRACTICE certainly know their way around different moods and atmospheres, ranging from "Waves"' fragile tranquility to "Triangular"'s instrumental extravaganza and "Symmetry"'s almost poppy choruses.

"Triangular" was released on March 19 through Spinefarm Records. The CD was recorded at Astia studio with producer Anssi Kippo and Southeast Sounds in Karhula with Teemu Aalto. The album was mixed by Anssi Kippo.

MALPRACTICE last year announced the addition of vocalist Aleksi Parviainen (REVERSION, SOULCAGE) to the group's ranks.