Swedish metallers DESCEND have posted the songs "What Drives Us" and "Orders From Above" from their upcoming single on their official web site.

DESCEND's last release was a six-song EP, "Broken Pieces", which came out in 2006.

DESCEND recently announced the addition of bassist
Justin Biggs to the group's ranks.
web site

German death metallers GRIND INC. will enter Ezy Soundz Studio in Krefeld on September 22 to record their third album, tentatively due in early 2008. The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2006's "Inhale the Violence" will include such tracks as "Hole in the Ground", "Sudden State of Hate" and "Collateral Body Count".

GRIND INC. started out in 2001 as a side project of HATE FACTOR and NIGHT IN GALES members. The point was "to make the most brutal music possible without neglecting groove and having shitloads of fun," according to the band's official bio. The group's debut album, "Executed", was released in May 2005.

GNOSTIC, the Atlanta, Georgia-based band featuring original ATHEIST drummer Steve Flynn alongside Chris Baker and Sonny Carson (who handled the guitar duties on the ATHEIST reunion tour this past year), will record its debut CD at Ledbelly Studios in Atlanta September 22-29. The group, which is rounded out by Stephen Morley on bass, and Kevin Freeman on vocals, has enlisted ATHEIST/NEUROTICA frontman Kelly Shaefer to co-produce as well as make an appearance on the album. Starrfactory Entertainment (Shaefer's company) will begin evaluating offers from labels interested in releasing the as-yet-untitled record in various territories around the world.

According to a press release, GNOSTIC comes with a ferociously technical sound that is inspired by the same school of technicality that ATHEIST fans expect, "but GNOSTIC is an angrier animal for sure," says Shaefer. "I think people will be utterly blown away by the technical metal gem these guys have written. Kevin Freeman offers up a far more guttural approach then me, so it will be blazing with difficulty, but relentless in sheer brutality."

Shaefer adds, "While touring this past year with ATHEIST, we were able to set the stage for GNOSTIC to pick up where ATHEIST left off, and take it a bit further with their own unique style. This is going to set technical metal fans on their collective asses when they hear it; the drumming alone is so insane. I think, much like with ATHEIST, it will have even the most accomplished metal heads scratching their heads with amazement!" Shaefer also warns labels not to sleep on this like they did with ATHEIST back in the day. "This WILL be a landmark release without a doubt!" he said.

GNOSTIC's 2006 "Isolate Gravity" demo can be heard at this location

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE's most recent album, the acclaimed "As Daylight Dies", will be given the special-edition treatment on August 28. This special edition CD/DVD will contain three videos and four previously unreleased tracks. The complete track listing for the release is as follows:

01. Daylight Dies
02. This Is Absolution
03. The Arms Of Sorrow
04. Unbroken
05. My Curse
06. For You
07. Still Beats Your Name
08. Eye of the Storm
09. Break the Silence
10. Desperate Times
11. Reject Yourself

CD bonus tracks:

12. Be One
13. Let the Bridges Burn
14. This Fire
15. Holy Diver

DVD:

"My Curse" video
Making of "My Curse" video
"The Arms of Sorrow" video
Making of the "The Arms of Sorrow" video
"Holy Diver" video

Vocalist Andrew "Mac" McDermott has officially left U.K. progressive metallers THRESHOLD. His departure took place just a few days prior to the band's scheduled appearances at the Metalcamp and Earthshaker festivals in Slovenia and Germany, respectively, forcing the group to use its previous singer, Damian Wilson, as a last-minute replacement.

McDermott's statement on the matter reads as follows:

"Sorry it took so long to give this statement. But, I'm also sorry it took me so long to realise I had to get on with the rest of my life and eventually make a decent living. I know the timing was bad and I'm very grateful to Damian for standing in for me. Unfortunately it's absolutely impossible to live on fresh air alone. Next time you listen to a THRESHOLD album picture my girlfriend having to work overtime to make it possible for me to go on tour, not to mention all the jobs I chose to give up to continue with THRESHOLD. Once again, the timing was bad.... I was up all Friday night (July 13th) considering this and decided it was time to support my family 100%. For all the fans out there take what you have and enjoy it (I know I was devastated when LED ZEPPELIN came to an end). Thanks for all your support, all the best for THRESHOLD and THRESHOLD fans for the future."

German guitar hero Axel Rudi Pell has issued the following update:

"Here's the first small mp3 sample from the upcoming 'Diamonds Unlocked' cover album. It is the opener and the fastest song on the record, titled 'Warrior'. The original version was done by RIOT from New York City. That band always was one of my favorite when it comes to pure metal style. They wrote a lot of good songs and 'Warrior' is one of them. Fits perfectly to all our other opening tracks... Enjoy!"

Download the "Warrior" one-minute sample at this location.

"Diamonds Unlocked" was recorded by the tried-and-tested lineup consisting of Axel Rudi Pell, vocalist Johnny Gioeli, keyboardist Ferdy Doernberg, bassist Volker Krawczak and drummer Mike Terrana. Pell produced the album single-handedly, and Charlie Bauerfeind took care of the mix.

"Diamonds Unlocked" track listing:

01. The Diamond Overture
02. Warrior (RIOT)
03. Beautiful Day (U2)
04. Stone (CHRIS REA/THE LAW)
05. Love Gun (KISS)
06. Fools Game (MICHAEL BOLTON)
07. Heartbreaker (FREE)
08. Rock The Nation (MONTROSE)
09. In The Air Tonight (PHIL COLLINS)
10. Like A Child Again (THE MISSION)
11. Won't Get Fooled Again (THE WHO)

Guitarist Riku Hopeakoski of the Finnish melodic black metal act CATAMENIA has revealed to Metalhead.ro that he is currently working on material for the band's new album. The group is tentatively scheduled to enter Mastervox studio in Helsinki early next year to begin recording the effort for a late 2008 release.

CATAMENIA recently announced the addition of drummer Mikko Nevanlahti to the group's ranks. The band will team up with Belgium's ANCIENT RITES for a North American tour between November 23 and December 22.

CATAMENIA recently uploaded the "Cataventures Part III" video clip, the most recent in a series of clip chronicling the band's adventures touring through Europe. You can check out all three parts on the group's official web site.

CATAMENIA's latest album, "Location: COLD", was released last August via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded, mixed and mastered at Mastervox Studios by Kakke Vähäkuopus and Immu Ilmarinen. The cover artwork was created by Anthony Clarkson.

APOCALYPTICA's Eicca Toppinen has issued the following update:

"I just hold the mastered version of our new album 'Worlds Collide' in my hands for the first time. I want to write you few lines as I think most of you are really looking forward to hear what have been happening in the APOCALYPTICA family during last year...

"I must say the creation of this album was an exciting journey, starting last August with band rehearsals for the very first new songs (any of those didn't get through to the finals...) working hard the entire autumn and winter on pre-production (writing, rehearsing, arranging etc...). Stepping into the studio in February, finishing recordings in early June and all this mixing and mastering since then drives us absolutely insane. And now having the feeling that it was all worth that as we are now able to present clearly the best APOCALYPTICA so far!!! (at least in our ears)

"I know some fans are scared on having so many vocals etc. on the album but from our perspective it brings more colours and emotional levels to the whole picture. But we'll let everyone to make their own experience and hope you beeing able to share the joy and excitement on creating this new music!!!!!!

"While you are waiting to hear this new stuff we are putting together all remaining power into the work on our upcoming tour as we are all hungry to get on road to perform new songs and see YOU again. As there are only European dates announced so far — don't worry — we are planning to tour our asses off for next two years... as usual. So please be patient. It's impossible to come to every country at the same time, yours will be in the tour schedule sooner or later!"

As previously reported, APOCALYPTICA's new song "SOS", featuring a guest appearance by LACUNA COIL frontwoman Cristina Scabbia, has been posted on the APOCALYPTICA MySpace page. The track comes off "Worlds Collide", due in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on September 14 via G.U.N. Records.

MEGADETH and Image Entertainment will release "That One Night: Live In Buenos Aires", a live double CD set on September 4, 2007.

The companion to the gold-certified DVD of the same name that was released earlier this year, the CD set contains 22 tracks, including three — "Skin Of My Teeth", "Die Dead Enough" and "Angry Again" — not included on the DVD.

This show was filmed live at Obras Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 9, 2005 before a rabid audience of over 25,000 fans. The disc features songs encompassing MEGADETH's career, ranging from their 1986 album "Peace Sells…But Who's Buying" through 2004's "The System Has Failed".

"This was one of the greatest nights of my life," says MEGADETH founder and frontman Dave Mustaine. "I am glad I was able to document it and share it with you."

MEGADETH — Mustaine, along with guitarist Glen Drover, drummer Shawn Drover and bassist James Lomenzo — just finished playing festivals overseas and will return to the U.S. for a headlining tour this fall.

"That One Night: Live In Buenos Aires" CD track listing:

01. Blackmail The Universe
02. Set The Word Afire
03. Skin Of My Teeth
04. Wake Up Dead
05. In My Darkest Hour
06. Die Dead Enough
07. She Wolf
08. Reckoning Day
09. Hangar 18/Return To Hangar
10. I'll Be There
11. Tornado Of Souls
12. Trust
13. Something That I'm Not
14. Kick The Chair
15. Coming Home To Argentina
16. Symphony Of Destruction
17. A Tout Le Monde
18. Angry Again
19. Peace Sells
20. Holy Wars

To celebrate his 30th anniversary as a professional drummer, acclaimed hard rock/heavy metal drummer Mike Terrana (MASTERPLAN, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, AXEL RUDI PELL, METALIUM, RAGE) will release a new DVD, entitled "The Rhythm Beast - In Session", on September 24.

Terrana explains: "My reason for making this latest DVD serves two purposes; the first was to give something back to young drummers and the drumming community in general with regard to education. The second reason was to mark my personal growth and evolution as a player and to celebrate my 30th anniversary as a professional drummer. This DVD showcases some of my best work as a drummer! Each track was written as a vehicle for me to demonstrate my skills and approach to playing complex grooves and soloing in odd meters."

"The Rhythm Beast – In Session" features Terrana performing in a recording studio environment. No computer tricks, no quantizing, just him and his drums in a live session. Power drumming in its purest and most primal form...

See and hear Terrana performing live and in person at Wacken Open Air, at The Metal Market Tent for two shows only — Friday, August 3 at 3:00 p.m., and Saturday, August 4 at 2:30 p.m.

This past Friday (July 27) a huge crowd gathered at the home of Nuclear Blast Records in Donzdorf, a small town near Göppingen, to attend the signing session of the Finnish symphonic metal band NIGHTWISH. Band leader Tuomas Holopainen and new vocalist Anette Olzon from Sweden originally planned to take part in a two-hour-long meet-and-greet, but it turned out that 1,000 people showed up to see the two bandmembers — with some fans having travelled from countries like Norway and Italy — which naturally caused the signing session to go far beyond its originally allotted time. During the event the delighted audience had the opportunity to listen to the group's new album, "Dark Passion Play", and to form an opinion about the new voice of NIGHTWISH.

NIGHTWISH's new CD, "Dark Passion Play" is scheduled for release on September 28 via Nuclear Blast Records (most of Europe), September 26 via Spinefarm Records/Universal (Finland) and October 2 via Roadrunner Records (USA).

ROTTING CHRIST's video for the song "Enuma Elish" has been posted on Youtube. The track comes off the Greek extreme metallers' latest album, "Theogonia", which came out in January via Season of Mist.

"Theogonia" was recorded at SCA Studios in Greece with bandleader Sakis Tolis handling the production and mixing and mastering duties. According to a press release, "the 10 new tracks see the band going back to their darker, more savage and faster musical roots and attitude, adopting an ancient Greek as well as ethnic presentation by inclusion of a large choir singing in the ancient Greek language throughout the album as well as the use of bizarre oriental samples and walls of keyboards."

According to StayMetal.net, SHAMAN (formerly SHAAMAN), the revamped Brazilian band featuring drummer Ricardo Confessori alongside guitarist Leo Mancini, vocalist Thiago Bianchi and bassist Fernando Quesada, has finalized the track listing for its new album, "Immortal", due later in the year via AFM Records. It is as follows:

01. Renovatti
02. Inside Chains
03. Tribal By Blood
04. Immortal
05. One Life
06. In The Dark
07. Strenght
08. Freedom
09. Never Yield
10. The Yellow Brick Road

The song "One Life" can be streamed at this location.

SHAMAN (formerly SHAAMAN) will perform live on the Brasil 2000 107.3 FM radio channel on Wednesday, August 1 at 11:00 a.m. local time.

SHAAMAN (as the band was known prior to its split) released its sophomore album, "Reason", in May 2005 via AFM Records. The 10-song follow-up to 2002's "Ritual" was mixed and mastered at Heaven's Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producer Sascha Paeth, who previously worked with such acts as KAMELOT, EDGUY, RHAPSODY and FREEDOM CALL. A DVD, entitled "RituAlive", came out in 2003.

Former SHAAMAN frontman André Matos (also ex-ANGRA) will release his debut solo album later in the year.

U.K. epic progressive metallers BIOMECHANICAL have announced the addition of 18-year-old drummer Jonno Lodge to the group's ranks. Lodge joins the band as the replacement for Matt C., who left BIOMECHANICAL last week due to "personal reasons."

Commented BIOMECHANICAL frontman John K: "I can't quite believe that we got somebody in just a few days!

"The response for the drumming position has been overwhelming and I would like to thank all who contacted us.

"Jonno is an avid DREAM THEATER fan which makes it easier for us to gel with him in terms of time signature changes etc. Has been playing the drums since the age of four and is classically trained.

"After watching his solo, [we] realized the potential of this collaboration could be awesome and the only logical thing after hearing him play was to offer him the job!

"So [we] would like to welcome the dude in the band and to say that we are looking forward to working with him!"

German metalcore act MAROON has completed work on its new album, "The Cold Heart of the Sun", for an October 22 European release via Century Media Records. The drums were recorded at the Hansen Studios in Denmark by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, HEAVEN SHALL BURN, NEAERA, FEAR MY THOUGHTS, VOLBEAT), who also handled the mixing and mastering duties. The other instruments and vocals were laid down at the Rape Of Harmonies studio in Germany with Ralf Müller, Patrick W. Engel and Alexander Dietz (HEAVEN SHALL BURN).

"The Cold Heart of the Sun" track listing:

01. [Reach] The Sun
02. Only The Sleeper Left The World
03. Steelbath Your Heart
04. My Funeral Song
05. Black Halo!
06. The Cold Heart Of The Sun
07. For Those Unseen
08. As Truth Becomes Vain
09. The Iron Council
10. Fear The Most Them Who Protect
11. Some Goodbyes Are Farewells

MAROON will embark on a European tour in September alongside AS I LAY DYING, DARKEST HOUR and HIMSA.

A new CHILDREN OF BODOM track, entitled "Tie My Rope", has been posted on the group's MySpace page. The song comes off the forthcoming "Viva La Bands, Vol. 2" album, which is scheduled for release on September 4 via Ferret Music/Filthy Note Records/

"Viva La Bands, Volume 2" track listing:

01. CLUTCH - "King of Arizona" *
02. IN FLAMES - "Abnegation" *
03. CHILDREN OF BODOM - "Tie My Rope" *
04. CKY - "Rio Bravo" (Remix) *
05. THE SOUNDS - "Ego" (Alan Moulder UK Mix)
06. SHINY TOY GUNS - "Rocketship"
07. BLOODHOUND GANG - "Screwing You On The Beach At Night" *
08. GWAR - "War Is All We Know"
09. THE 69 EYES - "Shadow Of Your Love"
10. PRIESTESS - "Lay Down"
11. DIMMU BORGIR - "The Serpentine Offering"
12. KILL HANNAH - "Believer"
13. VIKING SKULL - "Blackened Sunrise" *
14. VAINS OF JENNA - "Enemy in Me" *
15. A LIFE ONCE LOST - "Firewater Joyride"
16. REVOLUTION MOTHER - "Come On"
17. MELODY CLUB - "Take Me Away"
18. THE THIEVES - "Vacant Thoughts"
19. MALEVOLENT CREATION - "Buried In A Nameless Grave"
20. GNARKILL - "Dico At The Piano Bar"

* Exclusive tracks

Norway's THEATRE OF TRAGEDY performed in front of 2,000 fans at the Peninsula Festival in in Tirgu Mures, Romania Friday night (July 27). Check out photos here.

THEATRE OF TRAGEDY has started rehearsing and writing new material for its upcoming seventh studio album. "As of now there are many ideas floating around and THEATRE OF TRAGEDY hope to have them all neatly arranged into some kick-ass material by the end of the year," reads a posting on the group's web site.

THEATRE OF TRAGEDY's latest album, "Storm", was released in March 2006 via AFM Records. The CD was produced by Rico Darum and mixed by Greg Reely (PARADISE LOST, FEAR FACTORY, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY, SKINNY PUPPY, etc.) at The Green Jacket studios in Richmond, B.C., Canada. The album is the group's first to feature singer Nell (THE CREST), who replaced Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull (currently in LEAVES' EYES) in early 2004.

APOCALYPTICA's new song "SOS", featuring a guest appearance by LACUNA COIL frontwoman Cristina Scabbia, has been posted on the APOCALYPTICA MySpace page. The track comes off the group's new album, "Worlds Collide", due in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on September 14 via G.U.N. Records.

Commented Scabbia: "That was fun to do. Great music, great guys..."

APOCALYPTICA's new video for the song "I'm Not Jesus", featuring a guest appearance by Corey Taylor (SLIPKNOT, STONE SOUR), has been posted at YouTube. The clip was filmed in in Los Angeles with director Tony Petrossian (AVENGED SEVENFOLD, RISE AGAINST, SLIPKNOT). The "I'm Not Jesus" single will precede the "Worlds Collide" album on August 31. Other confirmed guest musicians on the CD include Dave Lombardo (SLAYER), Tomoyasu Hotei (superstar Japanese composer, whose credits include the "Kill Bill" soundtrack), and Joseph Duplantier (GOJIRA). Backing vocals for the effort were laid down by Swedish singer Mats Levén (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, THERION, KRUX, TREAT, AT VANCE).

"I'm Not Jesus" video can be seen here.

SUBWAY TO SALLY, the Potsdam, Germany-based rock/metal band with folk and medieval influences, will release its new album, "Bastard", on October 26 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Horus studio in Hannover, Germany and Lundgaard studio in Denmark. The track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Meine Seele Brennt
02. Puppenspieler
03. Auf Kiel
04. Umbra
05. Voodoo
06. Wehe Stunde
07. Die Trommel
08. Unentdecktes Land
09. Hohelied
10. Canticum Satanae
11. Tanz auf dem Vulkan
12. Fatum
13. In der Stille

Check out the cover artwork at this location.

Based in Vancouver, BC, Canada; Left Spine Down (also known by the acronym LSD) plays a style of music they refer to as iPunk fusing the sounds of Industrial, Metal, Punk and Drum & Bass.

The band features Jeremy Inkel and Jared Slingerland of Front Line Assembly.

The band self released the "Smartbomb" EP in June, 2007, produced by FLA/Noise Unit's Chris Peterson and is currently for sale on the band's Myspace page. It will also be available on iTunes in the coming weeks.

To get a taste of the band, all four EP tracks have been made available to listen to in their entirety at

www.myspace.com/leftspinedown

NEVERMORE frontman Warrel Dane has issued an update on his upcoming debut solo album, which is tentatively due in early 2008. Dane has written about eight tracks with former SOILWORK guitarist-turned-producer Peter Wichers and has also collaborated with ex-HIMSA guitarist Matt Wicklund on a few songs.

Stated Dane: "The recording will start pretty soon, but since I have NEVERMORE shows coming up in August Pete [Peter Wichers] can get this thing going and I'll end up doing vocals on my off time from NEVERMORE shows. Matt's songs are killer as well...I just have to take a step back sometimes and say to myself, 'Fuck, I'm lucky to get to jam with these killer songwriters.

"On another note, Jeff [Loomis, NEVERMORE guitarist] just gave me a new song to work on and it fucking crushes! Since all my solo songs have been pretty much finished for some time, I'm working hard on the new NEVERMORE stuff, and man, Jeff is kicking some major ass!"

In a September 2006 interview with Metal-Rules.com, Dane stated about the upcoming solo CD, "I've been working on it for like the last year off and on, just writing songs with Peter Wichers, and at some point we'll finish them then go in the studio . . . It doesn't sound like NEVERMORE, and I think, you know, if it did, there wouldn't be much point in doing a side project. If it sounded like NEVERMORE I think it would be a little redundant . . . Of course it's metal! Kind of like metal-infused hard rock, I think. It's different and it's a chance for me to explore myself — explore myself in other ways! [laughs] Well, for me, and for Peter from SOILWORK as well, it was kind of a chance for us both to 'step outside the box,' because people expect a certain thing from both those bands and with this we don't have to fulfill any expectations. We can do whatever we want."

Dane stated a year ago that his solo debut would include an appearance by Warrel's former SANCTUARY (pre-NEVERMORE) bandmate Dave Budbill (currently in ZEROCREEP) on drums.

Boston metallers MELIAH RAGE will have their latest CD, "The Deep and Dreamless Sleep" (2006), released in Europe on July 27 via Locomotive Music. The band's seventh release overall, and third for Screaming Ferret Wreckords, the CD was recorded at Danger Multitrack Studios in Providence, RI, and Sherwood Forest Studios in Bedford, MA.

MELIAH RAGE guitarist Anthony Nichols has been busy writing music for the band's next record, tentatively due early next year. According to the group, "the music thus far is heavier and more riff-oriented than the last two releases, but has all the elements of classic MELIAH RAGE." A remastered release of the 1996 classic "Death Valley Dream" is also in the works.

Originally formed in 1985, MELIAH RAGE was often associated with the then-burgeoning thrash metal scene, which resulted in a major label contract and their 1988 metal classic, "Kill to Survive". In the ensuing years, the group played with some of metal's most renowned names — SLAYER, MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, MANOWAR, MORBID ANGEL, METAL CHURCH, and NUCLEAR ASSAULT. The group also included GODSMACK frontman Sully Erna in their ranks (as a drummer) during the early '90s.

Century Media Records has announced the signing of Swedish melodic death/black metallers DEVIAN.

DEVIAN was originally founded by Legion (vocals) and Emil Dragutinovic (dums) after their departure from MARDUK. Together with Joinus, Markus Lundberg (both guitarists in SARGATHANAS REIGN) and bass player Tomas Nilsson, they form an unstoppable organic extreme Metal machine driven by a raving hunger and deadset determination.

Commented Legion: "Speaking for the whole band, I want to say that we're psyched, to say the least, about initiating the DEVIAN onslaught on such a killer label as Century Media. We are all fans of the label and the music they've put out during the years. Having worked with them for some releases during the MARDUK years, I know they always did a job well done to a fault. We couldn't have found ourselves a better label home."

DEVIAN has finished tracking its debut album, "Ninewinged Serpent", at Sweden's Art Decay Studio. Mixing duties were handled by Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman (AT THE GATES, ARCH ENEMY, DIMMU BORGIR). An October release is expected.

Regarding the upcoming CD, Legion said, "It's a pummeling blackened death thrasher, where we really tried to challenge ourselves and bring fresh elements to the music compared to our efforts in previous projects, and I'd say we managed to achieve that. What at first looked to be mine and Emil's continuation of 'World Funeral' grew into a much more multifaceted sound and we loved taking it in that direction and really making it all it could be. It's no-bullshit raving metal straight from the heart charged with uncontrollable anger, haunting melodies and bone crushing heaviness. It's got a lot of power and soul and we are all extremely proud of what we’ve managed to achieve."

DEVIAN lineup:

Legion - Vocals
Joinus - Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Markus Lundberg - Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Tomas Nilsson - Bass Guitar
Emil Dragutinovic - Drums

German melodic metallers DOMAIN have ended their collaboration with singer Chity Somapala (ex-FIREWIND, AVALON, FARO) a little more than six months after he joined the group.

Commented the band: "Unfortunately, because of appointment and contract-related differences, the intended cooperation between DOMAIN and Chity Somapala on the upcoming album, which will be released in spring 2008, had to be canceled in the short term. After two conjoint shows, the parties separated amicably, which [means] that DOMAIN is still looking for an adequate singer. For those of you, who are interested in the DOMAIN frontman position, please send your application documents (demo, photo, short [bio]) to the following address:

Humbucker Music GmbH
Wiesenstrasse 7
64331 Weiterstadt
Germany

According to the band, "The songwriting [for a new studio album] has already started."

DOMAIN released its 20th anniversary album, "Stardawn", on October 13, 2006 in Europe and November 7, 2006 in the United States via Limb Music Products. A limited-edition version (limited to 4,000 copies) contains a double-CD plus an additional DVD, containing various special features.

French power metallers NIGHTMARE are currently at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden recording their brand new studio album, entitled "Genetic Disorder". The CD is being produced and mixed by Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd (IN FLAMES, HAMMERFALL, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCH ENEMY) and will feature 12 songs. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Leader of the Masquerade", "Final Procession", "Battleground for Suicide", "A Thrill of Death", "Conspiracy", "Wicked White Demon", "Dawn of Darkness". A late October release via Regain Records is expected.

Sharon Osbourne's father Don Arden (born Harry Levy), the English music manager, agent and businessman best known for overseeing the careers of rock groups THE SMALL FACES, ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA and BLACK SABBATH, died on Saturday (July 21) at the age of 81.

According to Telegraph.co.uk, Arden became best known for his fiercely uncompromising business methods, which were alleged to include beatings, kneecappings, threats of defenestration and the frequent deployment of muscular assistants, sometimes with firearms. In later years he also achieved a sort of reflected fame as the father of Sharon Osbourne, whose similarly forthright demeanour led her own brother once to describe her as "Don in a skirt".

Finnish metallers KALMAH are currently writing material for their fifth studio album, tentatively due next spring. "Right now we have about seven songs ready and will enter studios in October to record the next swamp metal masterpiece. I guess the new material will represent heavier and even more riff-oriented KALMAH but the melodies and basic KALMAH sound has not been forgotten. The writing process has been firm and there has been no 'run-and-piss' hurry. There was a compulsory month break in the beginning of summer since Antti [Kokko, guitar] broke his wrist. The wrist has shaped up well and it seems there will be no permanent injury."

KALMAH's latest CD, "The Black Waltz", entered the Finnish national album chart in March 2006 at position No. 38.

The follow-up to 2003's "Swampsong", "The Black Waltz" marked the group's recording debut with keyboardist Marco Sneck (POISONBLACK).

Italian experimental jazz metallers EPHEL DUATH have begun work on a new album to be released in 2008. The CD, entitled "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.

Guitarist Davide commented: "The pre-production is very promising, and we'll abuse it to grasp and magnify the potential of each track. We are sure that the album will not only please the fans but that it will also bring us new ones."

Talking about the concept behind "Through My Dog's Eyes", Davide 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 upcoming remix album, entitled "Pain Remixes The Known", which is due on July 23.