Colorado metallers SILENCER have issued the following update:

"Final stages! All tracking is done now on the new album and we're finally mixing it. We headed back to Firestorm studios last week to do all the re-amping, and captured some wickedly crunchy guitar tone, and our best bass tone to date! We're now doing final mixing and editing a few effects in. We're only a couple of weeks away from having everything done. The artwork is almost complete and we did photos last week as well. The home stretch has arrived. Stay tuned as we'll be announcing the album title and song names shortly.

"We're moving to a new rehearsal space soon too. As you can imagine we can't freaking wait to plug in and play at full volume, we've been couped up in the studio for wayyyy too long. We have a few interested parties, but are still courting bassists. If you're interested drop us a line [at silencermetal @ hotmail . com] and we'll get in contact with you [as soon as possible]. Lots more news coming soon, also including show dates and the like."

SILENCER's follow-up to "Death of Awe" is tentatively due later in the year.

"Death of Awe" is available in the U.S. through The End Records distribution and mail-order. The album was released in Europe through Mausoleum Records.

BATTLELORE guitarist Jyri Vahvanen has rejoined the band following a brief hiatus during which he was temporarily replaced by Tommi Lintunen (EVEMASTER).

"I'm back from my Asian trip and ready to join in BATTLELORE's active ranks again," Vahvanen writes in a statement. "Big thanks to Mr. Tommi Lintunen who replaced me on stage in FME, St. Petersburg, the 'Evernight' tour, and also appeared on our latest video, 'House Of Heroes'. My comeback/homecoming gig takes a place in Tuska evening club on June 29."

BATTLELORE released its fourth album, "Evernight", in North America on March 13, 2007 via Napalm Records. The CD was issued in Europe on February 26, except in Finland (February 14) and Germany/Austria/Switzerland (February 23).

The follow-up to 2005's "Third Age of the Sun", "Evernight" was recorded at MusicBros Studio and was produced by Miitri Aaltonen, who previously worked with the Finnish "fantasy metal" band on their first two CDs, "...Where The Shadows Lie" (2002) and "Sword's Song" (2003). The mastering duties were handled at Finnvox Studios.

Legendary bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) has issued the following update:

"I'm on my way to Europe to play a coupla shows in Norway. Wanna welcome back my 'lil brother J.J. Marsh (guitar). He is in great form, I have never seen him so happy and energized. He is a part of my family, and it's good to see and hear him beside me on stage. So please everyone, let's not get into any debates on who is better, or the right guitar player for me. Let's enjoy the journey that's in front of us and stay in the moment. Anders (Olinder; ex-PETER GABRIEL) is on keys, Matt Goom (mine and Chad's [Smith; RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS] buddy) is on drums. Thanks for the love. You make a difference!"

After three months of auditions, Nebraska extreme power metallers CELLADOR have announced the addition of drummer Rick Halverson to the group's ranks.

"Wow! I'm so excited about the new music and lineup!" commented Halverson. "We've all known each other for a while and it just seemed like a no-brainer decision for me to join the band. We're gonna blow some minds...that's for sure!!"

Guitarist Bill Hudson had this to say: "I feel happy and really surprised! Happy because [Rick] is an amazing drummer and a great guy to work and hang out with. Trust me, he will REALLY impress all of you! And surprised because after being contacted by over 70 candidates from all over the world, we found our guy right here in our hometown! That was a huge surprise for me and the other guys! He comes from the amazing thrash metal band NARCOTIC SELF. Besides being a great musician, he has a lot of touring experience, since he was the drummer for RATT singer Stephen Pearcy during his 2002/2003 U.S. tour.

"We're finally back and stronger than ever with Rick and our new bass shredder Mika Horiuchi! There will be a couple of surprises coming up REAL SOON, so stay tunned!"

Norwegian death metallers BLOOD RED THRONE have finalized the track listing for their new album, "Come Death", due on August 27 via Earache Records. The CD was recorded at Dub Studios in Norway and was mixed by Valle Adzic. Mastering duties were handled by Dragan T. According to a press release, the album contains nine songs of BLOOD RED THRONE's unique blend of groovy, aggressive and technical death metal.

"Come Death" track listing:

01. Slaying the Lamb
02. Deranged Assassin
03. Rebirth in Blood
04. Guttural Screams
05. Taste of God
06. No New Beginning
07. Come Death
08. Disincarnated (GORGUTS cover)
09. Another Kill

The song "Taste of God" is available for streaming on the group's MySpace.

BLOOD RED THRONE's fourth studio album is the group's first to feature new members Anders Haave (drums) and Vald (vocals).

"This time, we aim for a more classic death metal sound, ala GORGUTS 'Considered Dead' / SUFFOCATION 'Despise the Sun' kind of sound," the band previously said. "We have grown tired with the over-produced and fully triggered drum kits that so many bands use today, besides we have taken a slightly new direction with our music and the analog and dynamic sound fits the music better. We have also chosen a different approach to the recording process of the instruments."

IRON MASK, the project led by guitarist Dushan Petrossi (also in MAGIC KINGDOM), has announced the addition of drummer Mike Terrana (MASTERPLAN, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, AXEL RUDI PELL, METALIUM, RAGE) to the group's ranks. "The production of the new album, 'Shadow of the Red Baron', will start with the drums recording in October in the famous Moliere studio in Brussels," reads a posting on Dushan's web site.

IRON MASK's last album, "Hordes of the Brave", was released in 2005 through Lion Music.

NEVERMORE frontman Warrel Dane is scheduled to enter the studio in early August to begin recording his solo debut, tentatively due in early 2008. "As of now I have written about eight [tracks] together [with Dane], and Warrel is also collaborating with Matt Wicklund [ex-HIMSA guitarist] for a few songs," former SOILWORK guitarist-turned-producer Peter Wichers says.

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.

U.K. extreme metal band GOREROTTED has parted ways with guitarist Matt "Robin Pants" Hoban.

Commented Hoban: "Well, people, after six long years of hangovers and vomiting I have decided to call it a day and part ways with GOREROTTED. I wish the boys great success for the future and would like to thank everyone I ever met at shows for being cool, especially the ones that let me smoke all their weed before being told to fuck off."

The band added: "We wish Matt all the best for the future and with his new band THE AGONYST. He'll always be our bro and as he said, to us he left on a high note having just played our first-ever show on American soil. We'll play the upcoming festival shows as a four-piece until a suitable replacement is found, when we'll continue the writing of our fourth album 'Get Dead Or Die Trying'. You can catch us at the Waldrock festival in Holland, Kaltenbach in Austria and Brutal Assault in Czech Republic playing alongside such greats as TESTAMENT, MESHUGGAH, NAPALM DEATH, THE HAUNTED, MADBALL, SATYRICON, DEICIDE and many more."

Portuguese metallers MOONSPELL will enter the studio in early July to record a very special project. The recording sessions will be held at the Denmark's Antfarm Studios with Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, DARK TRANQUILLITY, ROB HALFORD) co-producing with the band. This release will consist of re-recordings of the band's legendary "Under the Moonspell" (1994) but also going back as far as their first demo "Anno SatanÆ" and their sole track as MORBID GOD, "Serpent Angel". All the songs will be re-arranged and revamped in order to "underline their revered distinction as underground classics but now with a mature dark energy and class," according to a press release. "The full-length record (eight songs and around five instrumental compositions) will be released in early October via SPV worldwide.

The track listing is as follows (not in final order):

01. Halla alle halla al rabka halla (Praeludium/Incantatum Solistitium)
02. Tenebrarum Oratorium (Andamento I/Erudit Compendyum)
03. Interludium/Incantatum Oequinoctum
04. Tenebrarum Oratorium (Andamento II/Erotic Compendyum)
05. Opus Diabolicum (Andamento III/Instrumental Compendyum)
06. Chorai Lusitânia! (Epilogus/Incantatam Maresia)
07. Intro
08. Goat on Fire
09. Ancient Winter Goddess
10. Wolves From The Fog
11. Outro
12. Serpent Angel

The band is also in the process of writing material for the follow-up to "Memorial", which will go into production before the end of the year at the Woodhouse Studios with producer Waldemar Sorychta. A "best of" collection from MOONSPELL, entitled "The Great Silver Eye", will be released in July through Century Media.

Swedish/Danish metallers CRYSTAL EYES have issued the following update:

"Niclas [Karlsson, guitar] has after only a year in the band decided to leave to focus on other things in life. He told us he had lost his inspiration to play guitar and rehearse, and he felt it wasn't right to stay. Though [we are sad about it], we respect his decision and wish him all the best.

"So here we are searching for a new guitarist. If you love CRYSTAL EYES' music, have the geographical possibility to rehearse, perform and record with the band, and are willing to give 100%, then you could be the one. But remember that CRYSTAL EYES is a twin guitar band so we're not looking for any Yngwie Malmsteen copycats.

"If you're interested please send mp3 samples and/or links (both rhythm and solo guitar), a few notes about yourself and a picture to mikael@crystaleyes.net. Use that address for any questions you might have as well."

CRYSTAL EYES guitarist Mikael Dahl has written writing seven new songs and has about eight more in the works for inclusion on the group's next album, which is tentatively scheduled to be recorded before the end of the year. "The band will spend the summer rehearsing and completing the new material," reads a posting on the group's web site.

CRYSTAL EYES's fifth album, "Dead City Dreaming", was released last November. The CD was recorded at Crystal Sounds studio with producer Fredrik Nordström.

Swedish melodic thrash metal band DECADENCE, which is fronted by 21-year-old female singer who goes by the name Kitty (photo), has issued the following update:

"We have some great news for the fans out there! Prepare for a thrashing and bashing guest appearance by the great vocalist Chris Astley of one of the greatest thrash acts from the '80s XENTRIX for our bonus track of the Japanese edition of our latest album, '3rd Stage of Decay'. We are proud to have him on our album and we hope all of you out there will enjoy this as much as we do! The Japanese edition will be released during this summer!

"3rd Stage of Decay" was released in Europe in November 2006 via HTI Records. The CD was recorded, mixed and mastered by Kenneth Lantz.

For more information, visit here

AYREON, the brainchild of Dutch guitarist/composer Arjen Lucassen, has revealed the identity of the first singer who will guest on the band's upcoming album, tentatively due late 2007/early 2008: Magali Luyten (VIRUS IV, BEAUTIFUL SIN).

Twelve vocalists have been confirmed so far, with a number of singers still to be added over the next few weeks.

AYREON's last CD, "Ayreon: The Human Equation", was released in 2004. It contained guest appearances by a number of acclaimed vocalists, including James LaBrie (DREAM THEATER), Mike Baker (SHADOW GALLERY), Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH), Eric Clayton (SAVIOUR MACHINE), Devon Graves (DEADSOUL TRIBE, ex-PSYCHOTIC WALTZ) and Devin Townsend (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD).

An audio sample of a brand new EPICA track, entitled "Menace of Vanity", has been posted on the group's MySpace page. The song comes off the Dutch female-fronted symphonic metal band's new album, "The Divine Conspiracy", due in Europe on September 10 via Nuclear Blast Records (September 7 in Germany). Check out the CD cover artwork at this location.

According to a posting on the band's web site, "The Divine Conspiracy" "will be EPICA's first full length concept album. This concept deals with the theory that, as a test, God created all kinds of different religions and released those upon humanity to see if they would be able to find the true nature of them, realizing that in all religions it is actually the same. But there's more to it; it also concludes the 'Embrace That Smothers' concept that could already be found on 'The Phantom Agony'."

"The Divine Conspiracy" was mixed by Sascha Paeth and features a session appearance by GOD DETHRONED drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek. EPICA has yet to name a full-time drummer following the departure of Jeroen Simons in 2006.

EPICA's June 21, 2007 concert at The Underground in Cologne (Köln), Germany was filmed as part of the WDR TV network's "Rockpalast" series. The footage will air at a later date.

As previously reported, EPICA has been confirmed as the support act for SONATA ARCTICA on their upcoming European tour in November.

SOILWORK guitarist Ola Frenning and drummer Peter Wildoer have finished mixing the group's new album, due later in the year via Nuclear Blast Records. "All I can say, it sounds excellent... great sound, great playing and a good mix of songs," Ola writes on the band's web site. "I'm very happy to have an album in my CD collection that no one else has... yet!"

The vocals for the new CD were recorded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with the help of STRAPPING YOUNG LAD mastermind Devin Townsend. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Your Beloved Scapegoat", "Light Discovering Darkness", "The Snare Broken" and "The Pittsburgh Syndrome".

SOILWORK recently announced the addition of guitarist Daniel Antonsson (DIMENSION ZERO, PATHOS) to the group's ranks.

SOILWORK's last CD, "Stabbing the Drama", is available on Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Figure Number Five" was recorded at Fascination Street studios in Örebro and Dug-Out Productions in Uppsala, Sweden with producer Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, IN FLAMES, STUCK MOJO).

Guitarist Peter Wichers left SOILWORK in December 2005 to pursue a career in producing.

SVARTSOT, one of Denmark's most promising bands, has inked a deal with Napalm Records. The group will enter the studio in July 2007 with producer Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, INVOCATOR) to record its as-yet-untitled debut album for a tentative November release. According to a press release, "fans of bands such as TYR, AMON AMARTH, or ENSIFERUM will not be disappointed."

SVARTSOT has made a name for itself in the underground scene with its unique brand of Nordic folk metal that combines black metal influences and lyrics inspired by Scandinavian folklore and mythology.

Swedish band ISOLE has inked a deal with Napalm Records. The group's new album will be recorded in July at their own Studio Apocalypse for a January 2008 release.

According to a press release, ISOLE is "working with clean vocals, slo-mo grooves, and melodies in the minor keys to achieve a dark atmosphere. ISOLE is sure to appeal to fans of bands such as CANDLEMASS, SOLITUDE AETERNUS, or early ANATHEMA and MY DYING BRIDE."

ISOLE's sophomore album, "Throne of Void", was released in June 2006 via I Hate Records. The follow-up to 2005's "Forevermore" featured "a slightly rawer and heavier sound" (both production- and music-wise) than its predecessor, according to a press release.

MIDNATTSOL, the band featuring vocalist Carmen Elise Espenaes (the younger sister of LEAVES' EYES singer Liv Kristine), will enter the studio in November to begin recording its second album for an early 2008 release. "We are just about to write our sixth, seventh and eighth song," guitarist Christian Hector writes on the group's MySpace page. "Five are (let's say 99%) finished already. In the meantime we're discussing possible album titles, cover and layout artworks and so on. At the moment everybody's very busy!'

MIDNATTSOL's debut album, "Where Twilight Dwells", was released in 2005 via Napalm Records.

German black metal band ENDSTILLE has inked a deal with Sweden's Regain Records. The group's new album, "Endstilles Reich", contains 10 tracks with a running time about 50 minutes. The CD was recorded at JAKs-Hell studio, like all previous ENDSTILLE albums. A late September release is expected.

ENDSTILLE's fourth full-length album, "Navigator", was released in August 2005 via Twilight-Vertrieb. The follow-up to 2004's "Dominanz" contained 10 tracks with a running time of 43 minutes.

NME.COM reports that AEROSMITH returned to the U.K. for their first full live show in nine years last night (June 24), headlining the second day of Hard Rock Cafe's London Calling event in Hyde Park.

Launching into a hit-laden set with "Love In an Elevator", Steven Tyler's men proceeded to prove over the course of an hour that they've still got what it takes, with "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" and "Cryin'" proving to be particularly popular with the crowd.

The encore saw the band joined onstage by DMC from 1980s rap trio RUN DMC, for the 80's rock-rap classic "Walk This Way" which ensured that everyone went home with a smile on their face.

Aerosmith played:

'Elevator'
'Same Old Song'
'Cryin'
'Eat The Rich'
'Miss A Thing'
'Jaded'
'Baby Please'
'Seasons'
'Dream On'
'Edge'
'Stop Messin''
'Sweet E'
'Draw The Line'
'Walk This Way'

A brand new THE ABSENCE track, entitled "Dead and Gone", has been posted on the band's MySpace Page. The song comes off the Tampa-based group's sophomore CD, "Riders of the Plague", due on August 7 via Metal Blade Records. The album was recorded at Mana Studios in Florida with Swedish producer Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CARNAL FORGE). Mixing duties were handled by Jonas at his Black Lounge studios in Avesta, Sweden. The CD features guest appearances by guitarists James Murphy (DEATH, TESTAMENT), Jonas Kjellgren, Per Nilsson (SCAR SYMMETRY) and Santiago Dobles (AGHORA) as well as guest vocals by Jonas Granvik (WITHOUT GRIEF, EDGE OF SANITY).

"The guys from SONATA ARCTICA have 'Sopranos' fever, and nothing makes them happier than visiting New York City," writes Brian Stillman of Revolver magazine. And so starts the story of how two of Finland's favorite sons stopped in on the Revolver offices, stumbled over a portable recording unit, and recorded "Da Best Song Ever". To read the rest of the adventure, pick up the August 2007 issue and turn to Page 42!

For exclusive, behind-the-scenes shots of the SONATA ARCTICA recording session while at Revolver, click here.

Listen to "Da Best Song Ever" at this location.

Sign up to win a CD-R of "Da Best Song Ever" and the one-of-a-kind autographed lyric sheet used in the two-hour recording session here

A new MUSHROOMHEAD video has surfaced online via the Precinct 13 Entertainment MySpace page. The clip for "Damage Done" (watch it at here) was produced by Precinct 13 during the shoot for their upcoming film "The Rage", directed by FX legend Robert Kurtzman ("From Dusk Til Dawn", "Wishmaster") and it features the fire-breathing burlesque of Miss Pussycat.

Danish extreme metallers KONKHRA recently finished re-recording their long-awaited new album after encountering technical difficulties which forced them to scrap some of the previously completed early tracks.

Commented guitarist/vocalist Anders Lundemark: "We are getting very close now. Tue [Madsen, producer/mixer] has sent the first testmix, which was cool, but called for a couple of changes. Tue has to work on another band for the next two weeks, so we have time to change the little details, so we can finish the record in about three weeks. We have also seen the first roughs for the cover, which was absolutely mindblowing. Fabio, who did the 'Reality Check' cover, got the lyrics and basic ideas and within 48 hours we had what will without a doubt be the coolest cover we had grace the packaging of our music."

A new KONKHRA instrumental demo track, which has the working title "Killswitch One", has been posted at the band's MySpace.

KONKHRA released its latest CD, "Reality Check", in May 2003 through Code666 Records. The album was recorded at guitarist/vocalist Anders Lundemark's own Starstruck Studio and was the group's first since their split with longtime label Diehard Records.

Swiss melodic metallers CRYSTAL BALL have inked a deal with AFM Records. The group's sixth album, tentatively titled "Secrets", will be produced by Michael Bormann (ex-JADED HEART, BLOODBOUND) and it will be mixed by Achim Köhler (PRIMAL FEAR, BRAINSTORM). An October 26 release is expected.

According to a press release, "the band is describing their new material as a mixture of melody and heaviness. Compared to the 'TimeWalker' album [2005], the new material will go a bit more back to the roots. The new [CD] will contain straight rockers and heavy tracks as well."

CRYSTAL BALL's latest effort, "TimeWalker", entered the Swiss national album chart at position No. 56 in September 2005. The follow-up to 2003's "Hellvetia" was once again produced by Stefan Kaufmann (ACCEPT, U.D.O.) and includes 12 tracks.

CRYSTAL BALL features in its ranks frontman Mark Sweeney, who recently released his first solo album.

The artwork and tracklisting for the upcoming album from Norway's classical/progressive metal supergroup WINDS, titled "Prominence and Demise" (out September 4, 2007 on The End Records), has been revealed.

The Cd Artwork and layout was created by renowned cover artist Travis Smith (OPETH, AMORPHIS, DEVIN TOWNSEND), who has collaborated with WINDS on all of their artwork since their first full-length album.

"Prominence and Demise" track listing:

01. Universal Creation Array
02. Distorted Dimensions
03. The Grand Design
04. When the Dream of Paradise Died
05. Fall and Rise
06. The Darkest Path
07. Convictions and Contradictions
08. Where the Cold Winds Blow
09. The Last Line

"Prominence and Demise", which took the band three years to write and record, is the follow-up to the band's well-received 2004 opus "The Imaginary Direction of Time". It features guest appearances by Agnete M. Kirkevaag (MADDER MORTEM), Lars Nedland (BORKNAGAR, SOLEFALD), Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY, NIGHTINGALE, ex-BLOODBATH) and Øystein Moe (ex-TRITONUS, ULVER).

MEHIDA, the Finnish/Swedish melodic metal band featuring former CANDLEMASS/current THERION singer Thomas Vikström, has inked a deal with Napalm Records. The group's debut album, "Blood & Water"] is tentatively scheduled for release on August 22.

"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 posting on the band's MySpace Page.

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

Night of the Vinyl Dead Records has announced its 16th vinyl release: "M-16" (2001) by SODOM. This classic album, limited to 500 hand numbered copies, comes in a stunning camouflage vinyl with a four-page color booklet. The track listing is as follows:

Side A:

01. Among the Weirdcong
02. I am the War
03. Napalm in the Morning
04. Minejumper
05. Genocide

Side B:

01. Little Boy
02. M-16
03. Lead Injection
04. Cannon Fodder
05. Marines
06. Surfin' Bird