Italian guitarist Marco Sfogli, who played on DREAM THEATER vocalist James LaBrie's "Elements of Persuasion" album in 2005, will release his solo debut, "There's Hope", early next year via Lion Music. More details will be revealed soon.

A teaser clip for "There's Hope" along with the album's cover art is available on Marco's MySpace page.

Russian underground production team Aspherical Asphyxia has just released an international tribute to ULVER called "My Own Wolf: A New Approach". The nearly three-hour long set, which commemorates ULVER's 15th anniversary, is being released in two ways: The first is the free Internet release, available now via the project's official web site. "My Own Wolf: A New Approach" will also be issued as a physical double-CD on May 15, 2008.

The cover artwork was created by the well-known Russian dark-art designer Oleg Paschenko (a.k.a. CMART).

"My Own Wolf: A New Approach" track listing:

CD 1:

01. UNFURL - Lost in Moments
02. AVATHAR - Utreise
03. MURA HACHIGU feat. NOKTURNES - Blinded by Blood
04. SMOHALLA - Le Trône de la Tragédie
05. ASMODÉE - Wolf and Hatred
06. SELVMORD - Wolf and Devil
07. SAEL - Wolf and Passion
08. OTZEPENEVSHIYE - Wolf and Destiny (Forest Fire version)
09. WARDAEMONIC - Nattens Madrigal
10. FB[FORCE] - Graablick Blew Hun Vaer
11. KARNA - Naturmystikk
12. FLUORYNE - Not Saved
13. YEAR ZERO - Nowhere / Catastrophe
14. SINESTESIA - Tomorrow Never Knows

CD 2:

01. PRYAPISME - In the Red
02. JOEY HOPKINS MIDGET FACTORY - Catalept
03. AIDAN BAKER - Eitttlane
04. PANACEA ENTERPAINMENT - Porn Piece or the Scars of Cold Kisses
05. PROJECT:A – Ulver (medley)
06. CATAPLUS – Høyfjeldsbilde
07. JÄÄPORTIT - Gnosis
08. WHEEL OF KNOWLEDGE - Lyckantropen Themes (medley)
09. ZWEIZZ - Kledt I Nattens Farger
10. BOSQUE - Utreise
11. NOISES OF RUSSIA - Darling, Didn't We Kill You?
12. ASHTAR - The Marriage of Heaven & Hell (medley) (bonus track)

MetalKult.com has just posted six MP3 audio files from a 1988 DEATH rehearsal.

In January 1988, the members of DEATH convened in Orlando, Florida, to rehearse six of the songs that would eventually wind up on the band’s second and highly influential album, "Leprosy".

The tracks captured during that rehearsal are as follows:

01. Left to Die
02. Open Casket
03. Pull the Plug
04. Choke on It
05. Born Dead
06. Forgotten Past

The DEATH lineup at the time included guitarist/vocalist Chuck Schuldiner, guitarist Rick Rozz, bassist Terry Butler and drummer Bill Andrews.


DEATH's classic 1995 album "Symbolic" will be reissued in March 2008 via Roadrunner Records. The remastered LP will include the original album tracks plus several previously unreleased, ultra-rare, mostly instrumental demo recordings that were completed in early 1994 with the lineup of Chuck Schuldiner (guitar), Gene Hoglan (drums) and Steve DiGiorgio (bass). The package will also come with brand new liner notes written by longtime metal journalist Don Kaye.

"Symbolic" has sold just under 50,000 copies in the United States in the 12 years since its release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

A special holiday video message from MANOWAR can be viewed at this location

As previously reported, MANOWAR recorded both German and English versions of "Stille Nacht" — known to English-speaking fans as the classic Christmas carol "Silent Night" — as a holiday gift to all of their loyal fans, the greatest fans in the world. The song was recorded in "Hell" and mixed by Ronald Prent of Galaxy Studios, Belgium.

To download the English and German MP3 versions of the song, click here.

On July 6 and July 7, 2007, 25,000 true metal fans gathered in Bad Arolsen, Germany to watch MANOWAR and a legion of other heavy metal warriors perform on the largest stage in the country. An incredible spectacle to behold at 40 meters wide, 16 meters deep, weighing 70 tons and requiring over 250,000 watts of power to run the PA systems and 442,000 watts of intense lighting.

Magic Circle Festival will be held annually from now on, with next year's festival scheduled for July 9-12, 2008. On the first day of next year's gathering, MANOWAR will sign as much stuff as they can and will give away "thousands" of free beers and copies of their new single as well as four custom-built chopper bikes, each belonging to one of the bandmembers. On top of that, MANOWAR will play their first six albums in their entirety, from "Battle Hymns" to "Kings of Metal".

TYPE O NEGATIVE drummer Johnny Kelly and guitarist Kenny Hickey will take part in a signing session at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) on January 19, 2008 in Anaheim, California. The exact schedule will be announced soon. Kelly and Hickey will also perform with their SEVENTH VOID side project later that night as part of the Schecter Guitars showcase.

Rounded out by bassist Hank Hell (INHUMAN) and guitarist Matt Brown (ex-SUPERMASSIV), SEVENTH VOID contines TYPE O's tradition of slow, heavy riffs and existential lyrics, but with a slightly sludgier, "stonier" flavor.

The band's upcoming album will reportedly be co-mixed by Vinnie Paul (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN).

DEMONICAL, the new Swedish death metal band featuring past and present members from CENTINEX, GRAVE, REGURGITATE, INTERMENT, AMARAN, WORLD BELOW and DELLAMORTE, has parted ways with vocalist Ludvig Engellau due to "musical and personal reasons." According to the group, "DEMONICAL will continue on the marked out path with the help of a session vocalist so all booked and projected shows are going to happen as agreed. A new full-time vocalist will be announced during the first quarter of 2008."

DEMONICAL will support DISMEMBER on four dates in Finland in January.

The band's debut album, "Servants of the Unlight", was released in April via Germany's Cyclone Empire Records. The group toured Europe with NUNSLAUGHTER and NOMINON, and took part in Germany's Up From The Ground festival. They also supported GRAVE on select Scandinavian dates.

M.A.N, the group formed out of the ashes of Sweden's TRANSPORT LEAGUE (featuring former MNEMIC frontman Tony Jelencovich), has revealed the final track listing for its new album, "Peacenemy", tentatively due in early 2008. The CD was recorded at Grand Recordings in Gothenburg, Sweden with producer/engineer Svein Jensen and will be mastered by Göran Finnberg at Mastering Room.

Commented the band: "The sound has developed into something more technical, more MESHUGGAH kinda sounding, but it feels great, and we are very happy with the result."

"Peacenemy" features a guest appearance on vocals by Burton C. Bell from FEAR FACTORY/ASCENSION OF THE WATCHERS on the track "My Own Sickness". M.A.N members commented in a statement, "We are really excited to have Burton's vocals on our album. FEAR FACTORY has always been a great band and also an influence for us in the band, so this is awesome!"

"Peacenemy" final track listing:

01. Peacenemy
02. Worn Wings
03. Blood Vanish
04. My own Sickness (feat. Burton C. Bell)
05. Outnumbered
06. Body Sewer
07. Harness the Mind
08. Hacker Sapiens
09. 44 Teeth
10. Dead Universe
11. Peacenemy Epilogue

The artwork is being created by MARIONETTE mainman Axel Widén. M.A.N says, "The only thing we can reveal about it is it's a kind a pinkish. We are pretty tired of those generic/plain/boring metal album covers out there!"

German thrash/hardcore metal band HATE SQUAD has set "Degüello Wartunes" as the title of its fifth album, due in February via Dockyard 1. The CD was recorded at Rape Of Harmonies Studios (HEAVEN SHALL BURN, MAROON, NARZISS) in Triptis, Germany and will feature guest appearances by HEAVEN SHALL BURN's Marcus Bischoff and MAINTAIN's Timo Böhling.

HATE SQUAD's fourth album, "H8 for the Masses" came out in 2004 via Swellcreek Records. The CD was recorded at Horus Sound Studio (KREATOR, PARADISE LOST, GUANO APES) with producer Herman Frank (ACCEPT, VICTORY).

HATE SQUAD is:

Burkhard Schmitt (Vocals)
Mark Künnemann (Guitars)
Helge Dolgener (Drums)
Bauke De Groot (Bass)
Martin Blankenburg (Guitars)

Former NIGHTWISH frontwoman Tarja Turunen has posted an update on her official blog. An excerpt follows:

"I came back to Finland after magnificent tour just a couple of hours ago. It feels good to be back at home. The last concert in London gave us just amazing end for it.

"Everything worked perfect during the concert and we just had a lot of fun. It has been interesting for us to see that every concert has felt better than the previous one for us as musicians. Getting more and more into the spirit of the songs and being able to make a stronger connection with the fans every time.

"Anyway, the feeling was quite sad after the last concert because we truly are going to miss each other. There was something very special going on for 4 weeks among us. Everybody agrees on that.

"It has been very unusual for me to be saluted every day by everybody involved in the shows (production, crew, musicians) with hugs and kisses same way that every night after the day was over. No ass faces around, just smiles and laughter. No silence and indifference, but warmness, long chats and stories of every kind and true interest. Above all, respect within the group of people for everybody’s work and music. None of us needed to be dragged into a hotel room after alcohol overdoses

"Is very unique the feeling of looking into the eyes of the people working with you and finding there honesty."

Finnish gothic metallers THE 69 EYES will release their first-ever live album, "Hollywood Kills - Live At The Whisky A Go Go", on January 16 through Virgin Finland. The track listing is as follows:

01. Introduction by Bam Margera
02. Devils
03. Don't Turn Your Back On Fear
04. Betty Blue
05. Christina Death
06. Crashing High
07. The Chair
08. Hevioso
09. Feel Berlin
10. Gothic Girl
11. Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
12. Sister Of Charity
13. Dance d'Amour
14. Framed In Blood
15. Lost Boys
16. I Just Want To Have Something To Do
17. Brandon Lee

Caroline Records has released a deluxe limited-edition THE 69 EYES "Angels" and "Devils" double disc set plus DVD in the U.S.

STRATOVARIUS/KOTIPELTO frontman Timo Kotipelto performed three songs live with CHILDREN OF BODOM keyboardist Janne Wirman on MTV Finland's "Headbanger's Ball" on Sunday, December 23. The performance will be re-aired on December 26 at midnight Finnish time (GMT + 2).

KOTIPELTO's third album, "Serenity", entered the Finnish national chart at position No. 8. Released in Europe via AFM Records, the CD was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki, Finland and was mixed by Mikko Karmila. The album's first single, "Sleep Well", entered the Finnish chart at No. 5. The track is also included in the new Finnish movie "Vares 2", which had its premiere on January 12. "The song is a main theme and can be heard when the credits are scrolling at the end of the movie," said the band's leader, Timo Kotipelto. "The music video include[s] clips from the movie. Some of the actors who are playing the characters on these clips are my personal friends and are very well known in Finland."

MIDNATTSOL, the German-Norwegian band featuring vocalist Carmen Elise Espenaes (the younger sister of LEAVES' EYES singer Liv Kristine), has finished mastering its second album, entitled "Nordlys" (translated: Northern Light), at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland with Mika Jusilla. Due on March 28, 2008 via Napalm Records, the CD was mixed by Tue Madsen.

"Nordlys" track listing:

01. Open Your Eyes
02. Skogens Lengsel
03. Northern Light
04. Konkylie
05. Wintertimes
06. Race Of Time
07. New Horizon
08. River Of Virgin Soil
09. En Natt I Nord
10. Octobre (limited-edition bonus track)

International drumming sensation Marco Minnemann will join Italian experimental jazz metallers EPHEL DUATH during the recording sessions for the group's new album, "Through My Dog's Eyes".

Minnemann is recognized as one of the top drummers in the world, having performed with H-BLOCKX, Terry Bozzio, Chad Wackerman, Mike Keneally, Bryan Beller and the BUDDY RICH BIG BAND. He also took in part in this year's Summer Slaughter Tour as the drummer for NECROPHAGIST.

"Through My Dog's Eyes" will be a concept album in which a dog depicts his vision of various aspects of life, from casual things like nightmares or walks to deeper issues such as accepting death and the rules of nature that are unavoidable.

Talking about the concept behind "Through My Dog's Eyes", guitarist Davide previously stated, "Lyrics-wise, it is a first person narrative in the shape of various short novels. We are in no way attempting to prove any sort of superiority or draw a parallel between man and animal. All we intend to do is capture the essence of how we think dogs see life, hence the use of the first person, and all of this being speculation means that the texts deal with sheer fantasy. We'll push people to think about this concept as an ode to one of the animals with the most humanity in the eyes."

"Through My Dog's Eyes" will follow the release of the remix album, "Pain Remixes The Known", which came out on July 23.

Italian power metal band RHAPSODY OF FIRE (formerly known as RHAPSODY) has cancelled its previously announced dates in South America which were scheduled to take place this month.

Commented the group in a statement: "It was not at all the band's decision to cancel the South American tour planned for December 2007. We can not enter into further details right now. The band excuses itself from the problems created to all the people and RHAPSODY's fans that already bought tickets and that had to face a bad surprise when discovering that the tour was cancelled. The band was looking forward to performing in South America after many years of absence from the glorious continent and we hope to be able to play there as soon as possible. Peace and love to all of you."

RHAPSODY OF FIRE's first-ever DVD, "Visions from the Enchanted Lands", was released in July through MANOWAR's Magic Circle Music. The disc chronicles the 2005 tour and production for the albums "Symphony of Enchanted Lands, II" and "Triumph or Agony". Highlights of this double DVD are recordings from RHAPSODY OF FIRE's first tour through U.S. and Canada as well as their outstanding performance at the Eartshaker Fest 2005. A clip from the DVD can be viewed below.

Legendary Florida-based death metallers OBITUARY have issued the following update:

"We had a few busy days over the weekend to get the video for 'Evil Ways' done but, we did it. It was actually a pretty good time and not to painful. Shooting videos is not any of our favorite thing to do but, I think we got some good stuff!

"We shot at a couple of locations and really need to thank Eric and the guys from Etech, Mark Prator (RedRoom Recorders), Dan from Dan's Three Corners Bar and the guys from The Castle down in Ybor City for all their help. The director Hart [comic book stalwart and director Hart D. Fisher] and his crew did a great job and we really appreciate all their hard work."

Director Hart D. Fisher previously stated about the "Evil Ways" clip, "We're shooting in Florida, and I'm going to take this far further than just a bunch of assholes on stage playing their guitars. They want to go dark, go mean, and take this all to the horror movie level. There's going to be cameos from a ton of death metal guys also."

Check out the photos from the shoot at this location. (http://www.obituary.cc/photos/evilwaysshoot/ewvideo.html)

Florida-based death metallerss SIX FEET UNDER have issued the following update:

"We would like to wish all of our fans a happy holidays and a prosperous New Year for 2008! We would also like to thank all of you for making 2007 such a great year for SIX FEET UNDER. Also, a big thanks to all of our European fans for their dedication and support for making our headline appearances on the Metalfest tour such a huge success! It was one of the most memorable tours we have been involved with. A very big thank you goes out to Rock The Nation for putting the tour together and doing a kick-ass job promoting the tour, and to all the opening acts, FINNTROLL, BELPHEGOR and NILE. We had a great time and we will see all of you European SFU fans again real soon!

"On another note, we will be heading into the rehearsal space in a couple of weeks to begin writing the follow-up to our 2007 release 'Commandment'. We are really looking forward to getting started on some new material and entering the studio. A late 2008 release date is slated. More info on that to come..."

Finnish atmospheric doom/death metallers RAPTURE have announced the departure of vocalist Henri "HV" Villberg.

"I have decided to part ways with the band and give my full attention to other projects I feel more close to me," Villberg said in a statement "There is plenty of reasons (I leave unmentioned) to end up to this decision but for you to know our ways separated in good terms. I wish the band good luck, the very best for the future. Create more these amazing albums!"

RAPTURE's third album, "Silent Stage", was released in 2005 via Spikefarm Records.

Formed in 1997 by former members of BARATHRUM, DIABLERIE, ENSIFERUM, FINNTROLL, FRAGILE HOLLOW, THE MIST AND THE MORNING DEW, RAIN PAINT, SHAPE OF DESPAIR and THY SERPENT, RAPTURE issued its debut album, "Futile", in early 2000. The album was also licensed to Relapse Records for distribution outside of Finland. In early 2002, the band recorded its second effort, titled "Songs for the Withering".

Reactivated San Francisco Bay Area metallers HEATHEN have issued the following update:

"Over the past few years, this page has been an inspiration for the band and has kept us going, knowing we had a huge following out there who want to see a new album in the stores.

"After a long hard slog, we can finally reveal some details!

"Firstly, longtime drummer and metal brother Darren Minter and guitar virtuoso Terry Lauderdale have left HEATHEN. To replace them, we have been searching long and hard and have finally found a couple of guys to carry on the HEATHEN legend.

"As of this moment, I can tell you that we've been working with Kragen Lum — guitarist from PROTOTYPE. He's a great guy and an even better guitar player! CRUNCH AND ALL.... You may have heard PROTOTYPE on Guitar Hero III, where they have a song included in the game.

"Filling in on the drum stool is the very awesome Mark Hernandez. He has played with VIO-LENCE and currently is the drummer for RE-IGNITION, SOCIAL UNREST and many more!

"With the lineup fully restored, We are proud to say that we have a new deal with Mascot Records and will be entering the studio soon to record the new HEATHEN album!

"We couldn't have done this without you guys sending us such a huge amount of praise and respect. We love every one of you for it and we hope you'll stick with us in 2008 for the new album."

DEMIURG — the Sweden-based band featuring Rogga Johansson (RIBSPREADER, PAGANIZER) on vocals and guitars, Johan Berglund (THIS HAVEN) on bass, Pär Johansson (SATARIEL) on clean vocals, Ed Warby (GOREFEST, AYREON, HAIL OF BULLETS) on drums and Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, NIGHTINGALE, BLOODBATH) on lead guitar and keyboards — has posted another new song, entitled "The Trror Before Sleep", on its MySpace page. The track comes off the group's sophomore album, "The Hate Chamber", due on January 25, 2008 via Holland's Mascot Records.

DEMIURG's debut CD, "Breath of the Demiurg", came out in February 2007 via Mascot.

On January 1, 2008, AYREON's official web site, Ayreon.com, will premiere "Beneath The Waves", a stunning CGI film produced by Simon van Vegten. The film was made to accompany the song of the same name from the upcoming AYREON album, "01011001", which is scheduled for release on January 28, 2008 via InsideOut Music. The "Beneath The Waves" movie with 5.1 mix will be included as one of many bonus DVD features on "01011001".

AYREON is the brainchild of Dutch guitarist/composer Arjen Lucassen. The group will make its new rock opera, entitled "01011001", available in three editions:

* a regular two-CD edition with a 28 page booklet.
* a Special Edition: a box containing the regular 2CD edition and a bonus DVD.
* a Deluxe Limited Edition, a DVD size fold-out case with embossed silver lettering on the slipcase. This edition contains the 2 CDs and a bonus DVD* plus a 36 page booklet with additional artwork.

Ornamentation with a symbolic character

When QNTAL released their debut album back in 1992, a light-flooded pattern which brought to mind the magnificent window rosettes of Gothic cathedrals graced the cover. This graphic element has featured on every one of their releases – always in new variations. If the form had consolidated to a clasp on "Silver Swan", it is now dissolving again, becoming transparent – all in line with QNTAL VI's title, "Translucida".

"Silver Swan" lures its audience into a sonically opulent parallel world. In QNTAL VI, Michael Popp, Syrah (née: Sigrid Hausen) and Philipp Groth have produced the matching counterpart to that opus. While it was the aim of their previous release to have the electronic elements of their music sound as organic as possible, this time the medieval sounds converge with the sound of the electronics. "QNTAL VI – Translucida" with its clear sonic language has turned its attention to our times again. Which doesn't exclude a reflection of the past. Like a window, QNTAL's music remains transparent in both directions.


Old music and avant-garde

Transporting modern times to the middle ages and the middle ages to modern times – this approach has marked QNTAL's work since Michael Popp and Syrah, both alumni of the Mozarteum University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Salzburg, Austria, founded the band together with Ernst Horn in 1991. Both had delved deeply into old music during their studies. Michael Popp subsequently worked for the Burgtheater in Vienna and the Kammerspiele in Munich as a free-lance theatre musician and composer. In both venues and on the independent theatre scene, he was involved in a number of productions, and – alongside Ernst Horn – played as a live guitarist and medieval instrumentalist with DEINE LAKAIEN. Together with Syrah and ESTAMPIE, Popp worked on his own interpretation of medieval music.

And now there is QNTAL. An arc between history and avant-garde. It did not take long for the band's first success to arrive, "Ad Mortem Festinamus" from their debut album, "QNTAL I", being their first club hit. "QNTAL II" went one step further with Walter von der Vogelweide's "Palästinalied". The trio were not satisfied with simply pepping up medieval sounds with contemporary beats. QNTAL transport worlds of emotion and thought that apply to the 12th just as much as to the 21st century: love, mourning, longing, beauty, transcendence. Like those glass ornaments in Gothic architecture, QNTAL's music forms a focus with great suggestive power. In the end, stepping out of everyday life is just as easy for the listener as a reflection of their own reality.


The journey to the silver swan

Together with producer and keyboardist Philipp Groth, who has joined the band to replace Ernst Horn, QNTAL devoted themselves to the group of sagas surrounding Tristan and Iseult in 2003. An increase in sonic detail and the consolidation of the individual songs in a concept album set new standards – also in terms of commercial success: "QNTAL III" made no. 2 inf the German alternative charts. The magic of QNTAL's live shows was captured on their first DVD release, featuring footage from the Leipzig Playhouse.

"QNTAL IV – Ozymandias" saw the band expand the temporal horizon of their musical universe, setting to music a poem by the English romantic poet, Percy Shelley, including the renaissance with the lute song, "Flow", and the baroque era with Henry Purcell's aria, "Remember Me". The heart of QNTAL's style, however, has remained unaffected. Innovations have been accompanied by a refinement of old strengths, with the result that the single, "Cupido" went to no. 1 in the German alternative charts.

"QNTAL V – Silver Swan", at last, is an epic journey through another reality. A film score without a film, unless you count the atmospheric "Von den Elben" video clip. QNTAL have come very close to their target of newly created old music. But the other, the electronic side, always remains but a shoulder check away.

"Translucida" – between present and future

Now QNTAL have turned their backs on the world of fairies. Bright-as-bells sounds bring back the band's roots on "Translucida". Instead of great gestures, the album is dominated by unadorned elegance. Translucent arrangements focus the attention on Syrah's multi-faceted vocals, which are not accompanied by choral passages this time around. From the iridescent opener, "Sleeping", to "Passacaglia", which reveals Antonio Vivaldi's melancholy side, the exceptional voice of this classically trained vocalist explores the most diverse sonic spaces. Next to measured moments, the sixth QNTAL release includes a number of candidates for the club circus, such as "Sumer", "Ludus" or indeed "Glacies", a medieval dancing song, which was synthesized consistently without taking away any of its inherent joie de vivre.

"QNTAL VI – Translucida" brings together past and present in two respects: Both in historical terms and in terms of the band's biography. The album with its balanced mix of reflection and innovation opens an opportunity of looking ahead or back, whichever you prefer: QNTAL continue to operate on both sides of the timeline in 2008.

Translucida is out 29.2.2008 via Drakkar.

German metal act MACHINEMADE GOD has issued the following update:

"For those who were wondering why we were playing with a stand-in bass player the last months: After his marriage, Sven figured that he had to focus more on his job and family life and that he couldn't spend enough time with and for the band.

"Within the last months our stand-in David Dattler did an outstanding job. He also turned out to fit perfectly in the band and became a really good friend for all of us. When Sven told us his decision, we knew that there could be only one person to join the band full-time.

"We wanna thank Sven for all the good times we had over the last four years and we all wish him the best for his future life and family! We also want to thank David for jumping in and officially welcome him as our new bass player."

The Associated Press reports that Marilyn Manson has struck back against his former bandmate by countersuing for breach-of-contract.

The rocker claims in court papers filed yesterday in Los Angeles that keyboardist Stephen Bier did not carry out obligations to take part in master recordings, concerts and the selling of band merchandise.

The lawsuit claims the pair's business partnership was dissolved in 1996 after the singer became the clear leader of the band.

Manson is seeking unspecified general and special damages.

Bier — known by his stage name Madonna Wayne Gacy — filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Manson in August seeking more than 20 million dollars.

Bier claims Manson stiffed him on salary and medical support while using band profits to live a lavish lifestyle. He claims Manson used the funds to buy a mansion, pay for drug treatment, produce a movie, buy Nazi memorabilia and hold a fancy wedding.

Singer Tim "Ripper" Owens has released a statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET regarding his surprising departure from ICED EARTH three months after the release of the group's latest album, "Framing Armageddon - Something Wicked Part I".

ICED EARTH mainman/guitarist Jon Schaffer issued a press release last week (Statement#1, Statement#2) announcing that the band was parting ways with Owens and was once again working with Tim's predecessor, Matt Barlow, who originally left ICED EARTH in 2003.

In a written statement that was sent to BLABBERMOUTH.NET earlier tonight (Wednesday, December 19), Owens says, "First off I would like to wish Jon Schaffer and the guys in ICED EARTH much success.

"Yes, this [Owens' dismissal from ICED EARTH] all was just horrible timing, and I don't think it was handled in the best way, coming two weeks before Christmas! But it is the best for me and ICED EARTH.

"I really need to move on and do other things. I really want to get BEYOND FEAR out there and I'm working on some other projects as well.

"Things happen for a reason, and yes, the winds of change are upon us and that is what I needed!

"The one thing I ask is to just leave it all alone.

"I would like from this moment on to leave ICED EARTH in the past and move forward, so I will no longer discuss IE!

"Like I said, I wish Jon and his family and the guys in IE the best of luck and a merry Christmas... Now let's move on and talk about the future!

"Thank you and keep it heavy."

Long-running German metallers ATROCITY will release a new two-song download single on January 11. According to vocalist Alex Krull, "'Smalltown Boy' turned out to be hymn-like, catchy and melodic wheras 'Relax' has become a real monster song!"

"Smalltown Boy" and "Relax" come off ATROCITY's long-awaited new album, "Werk 80 II", which is scheduled for release on February 29, 2008. Like the first "Werk 80" release, which came out in 1997, "Werk 80 II" features ATROCITY's interpretations of hit songs from the '80s.

"Werk 80 II" track listing:

01. People Are People (DEPECHE MODE)
02. Smalltown Boy (BRONSKI BEAT)
03. Relax (FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD)
04. Don't You (Forget About Me) (SIMPLE MINDS)
05. The Sun Always Shines on TV (A-HA)
06. Hey Little Girl (ICEHOUSE)
07. Fade To Grey (VISAGE)
08. Such A Shame (TALK TALK)
09. Keine Heimat (IDEAL)
10. Here Comes The Rain Again (EURYTHMICS)
11. Forever Young (ALPHAVILLE)
12. Feels Like Heaven (FICTION FACTORY) (bonus track for special edition)

Fans will get a chance to preview the songs on "Werk 80 II" one track at a time every single day on ATROCITY's homepage beginning on January 1, 2008 and ending on the single's release date.

World-famous burlesque dancer and Marilyn Manson's estranged wife Dita Von Teese is the cover model on "Werk 80 II". Check out the cover at this location.

Commented frontman Alex Krull: "We took a lot of time for the production to get the best result. All fans of the first 'Werk 80' will like the second one too. This time we have worked together with an orchestra and a choir. So the whole album has gained a bit more of a classical touch, which I personally like a lot. Everything sounds very harmonic and organic. The work on this album has been intense and thrilling. On the first 'Werk 80' album we also used classical elements but we enforced this on the new one. Thus the electronic parts got moved a little bit into the background. We didn't want to do the same on this successive album but including new elements and developing our style. I promise you 'Werk 80 II' is gonna be a class of its own worth waiting for it."

Watch ATROCITY's video for the song "Cold Black Days" (taken from the 2004 album "Atlantis") here.

King Ov Hell (real name: Tom Cato Visnes) and Gaahl (real name: Kristian Eivind Espedal) from the Norwegian black metal band GORGOROTH have issued the following statement:

"Norwegian authorities at Patentstyret (Norwegian patent office) have made the verdict on the dispute over the further use of the trademark and logo 'GORGOROTH.' It has been legally determined that King and Gaahl retain the rightful ownership and use of the name and logo, now and in the future.

"King and Gaahl will not give a detailed public statement on this verdict however they have both remained confident this result would indeed be the final conclusion.

"Any third parties who use the name GORGOROTH will from now on be met with legal prosecution.

"GORGOROTH, King and Gaahl, will not continue to work with Regain Records given their disloyal acts concerning GORGOROTH and are currently carefully choosing a new label for the release of their next full-length album.

"King and Gaahl are now focused on making music for the next album and with planning some very special shows for 2008. As previously announced, GORGOROTH will headline at Wacken Open Air."

GORGOROTH's current touring lineup includes Gaahl on vocals, King ov Hell on bass, Nick Barker (ex-DIMMU BORGIR, CRADLE OF FILTH) on drums, and Teloch (NIDINGR, UMORAL, 1349) and Sykelig on guitars.

Шведский мульти-инструменталист и продюсер Dan Swanö запишет партии вокала для нового альбома шведских мелодик дэт/трэш металлистов THE BEREAVED, получившего название "Reborn Rebuild Reconstruct". Согласно сообщению от музыкантов группы, "вокал будет записан в январе 2008 года. Микширование и мастеринг альбома также выполнит Mr. Swano!". Релиз планируется весной или летом на лейбле Vic Records.

Дебютный альбом THE BEREAVED, "Darkened Silhouette", вышел в 2005 году на ныне несуществуем греческом лейбле Black Lotus Records.

Drummer Marcus Losbjer of the Swedish metallers WOLVERINE has issued the following update:

"A couple of weekends ago I went down to Stockholm to continue writing songs for the next album. Me, Per [Henriksson, keyboards] and Thomas [Jansson, bass] gathered in a small rehearsal room in Nacka. I must say it was a kind of new experience for us all, writing songs with only keys, bass and drums. In the end we came up with quite a few new interesting ideas and we feel that we're really getting closer completing the basic tracks for the album.

"Generally, the way the songwriting process goes at the moment, is me and Per recording and sending ideas to eachother at home. This way of songwriting is much more now that it was for the 'Still' album, and with Per, as a new member of the band, writing songs works very well. It sends a new fresh and different vibe to it all, I really think you'll notice that!

"Another thing we've been working on is the artwork for the album, which will be based on Thomas Jansson's (yes, he is a very talented photographer as well :) ) outstandingly beautiful photos!

"We'll get together again between Christmas and New Year to hammer out more new ideas."

WOLVERINE's latest album, "Still", was released in the U.S. in July 2006 via Candlelight Records. The CD was recorded in part at Spacelab studio in Tönisvorst, Germany. The follow-up to 2003's "Cold Light of Monday" was produced by Oliver Philipps, Christian "Moschus" Moos and WOLVERINE and was mixed at the end of August 2005.

MEHIDA, the Finnish/Swedish melodic metal band featuring former CANDLEMASS/current THERION singer Thomas Vikström, has issued the following update:

"The recording of the second MEHIDA album is going on full steam and all the people who liked the approach of the first one can expect the follow up album to be even stronger and more powerful. We'll be working with the album during the spring 2008, and the second album should be out in next year or so — still depending on schedules and such."

In other news, MEHIDA has posted the Christmas song "O Holy Night" ("O Helga Natt"), performed in Swedish, on the band's MySpace page.

MEHIDA earlier in the year inked a deal with Napalm Records. The group's debut album, "Blood & Water", came out in August.

"Blood & Water" was recorded and mixed at Fantom Studio, co-produced and mixed by Samu Oittinen (DIABLO, SILENTIUM etc.). The CD contains "over fifty minutes of energetic modern metal," according to a press release.

MEHIDA is:

Thomas Vikström - Vocals
Jarno Raitio - Bass
Mikko Harkin (ex-SONTATA ARCTICA, KOTILPELTO) - Keys
Jani Stefanovic (ex-AM I BLOOD) - Guitar
Markus Niemispelto - Drums