German modern melodic death hopefuls FEAR MY THOUGHTS have updated their MySpace page with their brand new video clip, "Blankness", off their Century Media Records debut, "Vulcanus".

"Vulcanus" was released in Europe on January 15. Helmed by acclaimed Danish producer Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, COMMUNIC, MAROON, HATESPHERE, MERCENARY), the CD contains 12 new tracks covering a wide variety of styles, incorporating influences from death and thrash metal to Seventies hard and progressive rock. A personal highlight for the band was the guest appearance on "Accelerate Or Die" by DESTRUCTION frontman Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer and guitarist Mike Sifringer.

Pat (guitars and back up vocals) commented: "FEAR MY THOUGHTS has always been about diversity, about combining our musical tastes that range from A like ANTHRAX to Z like ZAPPA. We think this is the first time we have succeeded in this self-applied mission: to worship the old heroes back from the days and to be conscious about the possibilities and advantages of modern technologies."

The first pressing of "Vulcanus" is a limited-edition digipak enriched by various video enhancements including an in-depth "making of" feature, photo gallery, wallpapers and more.

Drummer Jens Maluschka has left Leipzig, Germany-based prog-death band DISILLUSION.

Commented Jens: "After six years of intensive work with DISILLUSION, it is time for a break. There are various reasons. I want to concentrate more on my private life, meaning I will become a father in June of this year. At that time I wish to focus on my family. So, the decision has been made to leave the band. Of course, my musical endeavours will continue — but I can't decide yet exactly in which from.

"I wish Andy and Rajk all the best for their future and lots of success with DISILLUSION."

Jens' final appearance with DISILLUSION will take place on April 13 at Scheddelspalter in Leipzig. A replacement drummer has not yet been announced.

DISILLUSION's latest album, "Gloria", was released in October via Metal Blade Records. It is the follow-up to the group's full-length debut, "Back to Times of Splendor", which came out in April 2004.

Dutch "atmospheric doomsters" OFFICIUM TRISTE have issued the following update:

"Here we are with some more news for you about our upcoming album, which will be entitled 'Giving Yourself Away'. We have been in the Excess studio [in Rotterdam, Holland] from January 1st till 4th where we recorded the drums, synths, bass, rhythm guitars, vocals and some guitar melodies. We are currently recording some more guitar melodies and solos at our own El Pato studio and we'll start mixing the album on February 23rd, again at Excess studio over here in Rotterdam. The six songs we have recorded are called 'Your Eyes', 'My Charcoal Heart', 'Signals', 'On the Crossroad of Souls', 'Inside the Mind' and 'Master of your own Demise'. The CD will be around 50 minutes. The release will be in either April or May, depending on the way everything works out."

OFFICIUM TRISTE's third full-length album, "Reason", was released in 2004 via Displeased Records. The CD was recorded at the band's own El Pato studio.

Sweden's "thrashy dark metallers" MORGANA LEFAY have changed the projected title of their new album to "Aberrations of the Mind" from the previously announced "Primal Chaos". According to the band, the new title "better suits the feel of the record as a whole." Set to be released on March 19 on Black Mark, the CD will contain "a new level of aggression while still maintaining the traditional MORGANA LEFAY sound," according to a press release. The album will also feature the debut of the band's new skinbasher, Pelle Åkerlind (BLOODBOUND, LEDNOTE). Two sample tracks, "The Rush of Possession" and "Reflections of War", have been posted on the band's web site. Artwork for the new album will soon be released on the site as well, but will be released piece by piece, as if part of a puzzle, to keep the fans guessing.

"Aberrations of the Mind" track listing:

01. Delusions
02. Make a Wish
03. The Rush of Possession
04. Depression
05. Caught in the Tread Wheel
06. Reflections of War
07. Face of Fear
08. Where I Rule
09. In Shadows I Reign
10. Aberration of Mind
11. Vultures Devouring
12. Over and Over Again

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metal band EPICA has issued the following update regarding the recording sessions for its as-yet-untitled new album:

"We've just finished the drum recordings and we can only say that [session drummer] Ariën [van Weesenbeek; GOD DETHRONED] is one of the most talented drummers in the world. We are so happy to have him on the new album! At the moment, Ad [Sluijter] is finishing his guitars, Yves [Huts] is recording his bass, Mark [Jansen; guitar] is recording his grunts and next week Simone [Simons] will start with her vocal recordings. So as you can see the recordings are in full process.

"We are really happy with the new material; this is definitely going to be our most heavy album by far! We can't wait to be playing these songs live for you guys!"

EPICA's new album is being recorded at Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany with producer Sascha Paeth. EPICA has yet to name a full-time drummer following the departure of Jeroen Simons in 2006.

EPICA's previously announced live DVD, which was filmed on May 4, 2006 at Paradiso in Amsterdam, Holland, has been delayed until later this year, according to a posting on the group's official web site. The band's latest album, "Consign to Oblivion", was recorded in early 2005 and features a guest contribution from KAMELOT vocalist Roy Khan.

After months of auditions it is now official who replaces Messiah Marcolin in Candlemass. Robert Lowe, well known for his work with Solitude Aeturnus, is the man who killed all the competition and showed that he beyond doubt is the most capable man for the job. A worthy successor!!

Robert will still be fronting SA, but since there’s a whole ocean between the bands, we/Candlemass, feel that this is a great solution that is very beneficial for everybody. The mighty voice from Dallas Texas, is thrown into the fire immediately and is starting the vocal work on the new Candlemass album in a matter of days. Candlemass are sure that the words “amazing” and “incredible” will be used to describe the result! Candlemass would also like to thank all the gifted singers who applied for the job. Many talents from all over the world have been heard. We are sure that they will continue to be heard for a long time, but not in Candlemass. The band have finally found the ideal replacement for Messiah Marcolin – Robert Lowe! The new album will KILL!!

Finnish death/thrash metallers DEATHCHAIN have issued the following update:

"We have considered the current state of the band for some time now and as a result DEATHCHAIN has made unanimous decision to change our singer. Therefore, Rotten will step aside and K.J. Khaos will take over as a full-time member of the band.

"With K.J. Khaos the things just work so much better both on and off stage and we feel that with him DEATHCHAIN can reach another level as a band.

"We have known K.J. Khaos for a few years now and the chemistry has always been great between us. He's a great singer and a great leader figure for DEATHCHAIN, a true reinforcement for us. He's an experienced performer and his self-confidence and charisma on stage are supreme.

"We want to thank Rotten for all the years with us and state the fact that there's no bad blood between any of us. We hope that this statement about the matter is not just an announcement, but a conclusion as well. This case is closed and we are not going to discuss or comment this any further in public.

"The recordings of our third album, 'Cult of Death', will start and the end of January, and with K.J. Khaos we are ready to deliver the goods."

Added K.J. Khaos: "After being a fan of the band from the start and promoting the shit out of them in every way possible, it feels great to be accepted into this horde of deathraceking maniacs! I want to thank Rotten for stepping aside and letting me join the forces. I guess I owe you a drink or six for that! All you others, we'll see you on tour!"

DEATHCHAIN recently re-signed with Dynamic Arts Records. According to a press release, the upcoming DEATHCHAIN album, "Cult of Death", will see the band delving into "the darker sound of death/thrash metal." Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Incantations Of Shub-Niggurath", "Serpent of the Deep", "Deathammer", "In the Crypt of Vengeance" and "Witchstorm".

Dynamic Arts Records released DEATHCHAIN's previous albums "Deadmeat Disciples" (2003) and "Deathrash Assault" (2005). During November and December 2005, DEATHCHAIN travelled through 13 countries and did 25 shows alongside DESTRUCTION and CANDLEMASS.

German metallers AXXIS have announced the addition of guitarist Marco Wriedt to the group's ranks.

Commented keyboardist Harry Oellers: "As Marco arrived in the studio, I thought Walter (original AXXIS guitar player) is back! We sent him all of our actual songs and he played everything perfectly!"

Added vocalist Bernhard Weiß: "This guy is 22 years old and very creative. We just let him play to our new production and it was ... awesome!"

SAVAGE CIRCUS, the German/Swedish band featuring former BLIND GUARDIAN drummer Thomen Stauch and PERSUADER members Jens Karlsson (vocals, guitar) and Emil Norberg (lead guitar), has issued the following update:

"After taking [most] of 2006 off to recuperate, Thomen is back in the limelight with SAVAGE CIRCUS! He will play all future shows with the band, starting off in February with the House of Metal festival in Umeå, Sweden."

German guitarist Rolf Munkes (RAZORBACK, ex-MAJESTY, VANIZE) has tapped drummer Mike Terrana (MASTERPLAN, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, AXEL RUDI PELL, METALIUM, RAGE) to play on the third RAZORBACK album, tentatively due in April via the Munich, Germany-based label Metal Heaven. "I just came back from the drum session and must say [Mike] played like HELL!" says Rolf. "We had major fun and the material kicks ass."

RAZORBACK is the band consisting of Munkes, Stefan Berggren (vocals, ex-COMPANY OF SNAKES), Marcus Bielenberg (bass, ex-VANIZE), Chris Heun (guitar, ex-SHYLOCK) and Andre Hilgers (drums, ex-AXXIS, SILENT FORCE).

RAZORBACK's sophomore album, "Criminal Justice" was released in November 2005 via Massacre Records. The group's debut CD, "Animal Anger", came out in April 2004 through Massacre.

Veteran Florida-based extreme metallers MALEVOLENT CREATION have commenced the recording sessions for their tenth full-length album, "Doomsday X". "Dave [Culross] finished tracking the drums and arrived home this evening," the band writes in an update. "They recorded 12 songs and Dave is very happy with the natural feel they achieved, without sounding overly mechanical. The ProTools at their disposal were not used to alter the drum sounds. Dave wanted to give everone a real feel for his power and style, without the over use of recording technology. They are taking about a week break and then the guitar tracking starts. Dave and the band are very pleased with the progress so far and can't wait for the upcoming tours."

MALEVOLENT CREATION previously stated about the new material, "We're very happy with the direction the music has taken for this new album with songwriting credits by each of the bandmembers, and each song having its own identity but retaining the classic MALEVOLENT CREATION sound. It is truly amazing to have everyone writing for this album and brings a lot of new ideas to the songs. Fear not, each song is extremely brutal and covers a lot of territory as far as extreme metal is concerned."

MALEVOLENT CREATION's current recording and touring lineup is:

Jon Rubin - Guitars
Phil Fasciana - Guitars
Dave Culross - Drums
Jason Blachowicz - Bass
Brett Hoffmann - Vocals

MALEVOLENT CREATION will team up with ROTTING CHRIST, INCANTATION, NEURAXIS, MYSTIC CIRCLE and HARM for "The Domination Tour 2007" beginning next month in Germany.

OBITUARY frontman John Tardy has posted the following message on the group's official web site:

"The new DVD is out worldwide and we have been getting nothing but good e-mails from everyone and we really appreciate the suppport! I told [you] it was heavy!

"We had a great weekend of practice and have a new album just about finished. We have studio timed booked in March and we are working on having it ready for a release in mid-July!

"Along with the No Mercy Festivals in Tilburg, Holland and Antwerpen, Belgium, we will be playing the Los Angeles Murderfest version 3.0 March 24, 2007 at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood, California!"

The English version of NIGHTWISH's official biography, "Once upon a Nightwish - The Official Biography 1996-2006", is tentatively scheduled for release in late February.

The book, which was written by veteran music journalist Mape Ollila, is said to be "thorough, dramatic and beautifully illustrated," featuring extensive interviews with bandmembers, co-workers, family members, friends, fans and colleagues. It can be pre-ordered for 24.90 euros at this location.

To read a review of the Finnish version of the book, which was originally publisahed last May in Finland's Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, go to this location

Madrid, Spain-based power metallers DARK MOOR will release their new album, "Tarot", on February 21 via Italy's Scarlet Records. The CD is said to be "an intriguing" conceptual effort about the major arcanes of the tarot, covering in depth the meaning of each arcane and the esoteric halo that surrounds it. Production duties were once again handled by renowed producer Luigi Stefanini (RHAPSODY, LABIRYNTH, VISION DIVINE). The impressive artwork was created by Derek Gores (EDGUY, KAMELOT).

DARK MOOR recently completed work on the video for the song "The Chariot" with producer Dividi2

"Tarot" track listing:

01. The Magician
02. The Chariot
03. The Star
04. Wheel Of Fortune
05. The Emperor
06. Devil In The Tower
07. Death
08. Lovers
09. The Hanged Man
10. The Moon
11. The Fool (bonus track)

DARK MOOR recently parted ways with drummer Andy C. due to "scheduling conflicts" with his other musical projects. His replacement, Roberto Cappa, is "an experienced live and studio performer" who previously played in the Spanish metal band ANIMA SOLA.

Nearly a year since his last single (in fact one day earlier), Wumpscut presents his newest single, Goth Census. Featuring two tracks from the upcoming Body Census album and three remixes by Yendri, the five track single shows a culmination of the musical styles he exhibited on the Embryodead and Bone Peeler releases. Harsh vocals, dark electronics, orchestral sounds and abrasive beats are what Wumpscut is known for and that is exactly what he delivers with Goth Census.

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metal outfit AFTER FOREVER has revealed via its official web site that the release date of its new, self-titled album has been pushed back from the previously announced March 23 (release date for Germany; the rest of Europe was due to receive the CD on March 26). A new release date has not yet been announced. Consequently, the official release party for the album, which was previously scheduled to take place on March 23 at Tivoli in Utrecht, Holland, has also been postponed.

According to an article on the Dutch web site Metalfan.nl, the song "Discord" on AFTER FOREVER's new CD will feature the Prague Symphonic Orchestra, while vocalist Doro Pesch can be heard dueting with AFTER FOREVER frontwoman Floor Jansen in the track "Who I Am". ANNIHILATOR guitarist Jeff Waters reportedly makes an appearance on a song with a working title of "De-Energized". Other tracks set to appear on the CD include "Evoke", "Transitory", "Equally Destructive", "Withering Time", "Cry With A Smile", "Envision", "Who I Am" and "Empty Memories".

Long-running Italian metallers WHITE SKULL have finally confirmed that they have parted ways with singer Gus Gabarrò. Replacing Gabarrò in the group's current lineup is female vocalist Elisa "Over" De Palma.

WHITE SKULL released its latest album, "The Ring of the Ancients", last October via Dragonheart Records. The follow-up to 2004's "The XIII Skull" was recorded at Remaster Studio in Vicenza and is said to be a concept album about Celtic history and culture.

"The Ring of the Ancients" is WHITE SKULL's first album for Dragonheart following the group's split with Frontiers Records.

Underground Symphony recently released a WHITE SKULL double CD containing the Spanish version of "The Dark Age", called "La Era Oscura", which was previously available only in South America, plus a collection of unreleased and rare material, recorded during 1995-2005.

Finnish folk-influenced melodic death metal band ENSIFERUM has posted the following message on its official web site:

"For the last [few] years, Meiju Enho [synths] has been constantly balancing between the band, school and work and now we are granting her a little breather, so she can complete her schooling. That means that ENSIFERUM will be playing the [upcoming] concerts with Emmi Silvennoinen, the synth player from the band EXSECRATUS."

ENSIFERUM has finalized the track listing for its third album, "Victory Songs", due on February 21 via Spinefarm. The CD was recorded at Sonic Pump Studios in Helsinki with producer Janne Joutsenniemi.

"Victory Songs" (view cover) track listing:

01. Ad Victoriam
02. Blood Is the Prince of Glory
03. Deathbringer from the Sky
04. Ahti
05. One More Magic Potion
06. Wanderer
07. Raised by the Sword
08. The New Dawn
09. Victory Song

A limited-edition version of the album includes an extra track, "Lady in Black", and a bonus DVD. A CD single, "One More Magic Potion", will precede the album on February 7. Also included on the single will be "Lady in Black".

Launch Radio Networks reports: The members of QUEEN are really happy with the new material they recently recorded with Paul Rodgers. Guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor were interviewed on the CBC TV show "The Hour", which airs weeknights across Canada, and host George Stroumboulopoulos asked them how work was progressing on a new album. May said, "We went in the studio... to see what happens, 'cause we've already tested it pretty good on stage, and that works great... And we went in almost unprepared... and came up with some tracks, which I think are really great. They're very different, they're very unlike anything that we've done, or anything that Paul's done." Taylor added that the sessions "went spectacularly well."

May also said, "It's gonna be good, 'cause next time we go out (on tour), we won't just be nostalgia, we will be 'This is what we are.'"

Neither May nor Taylor said when a new album might be released, or when a tour might begin.

Guitarist Boudewijn Vincent Bonebakker of the Dutch metallers GOREFEST has issued the following update:

"We're well into the writing sessions of our new album, due to be released mid-2007. We just finished the demo tapes with the foundations for 11 new songs. Drum tracks and rhythm guitars have been pre-recorded and some vocals as well. Of the 11 songs we're going to choose about 9 songs to be put on the album. So now we're in the stage of make up drum fills, guitar solos and what-not to give it all even more edge. Also vocal lines and lyrics are well on [their] way. We can honestly say this is going to be a brutal one. The frustration, anger and aggression that has been built up over the past year has really found its way to the songs. Blasts, speed picking and fast polkas are more common than spare.

"The same way we did with 'La Muerte', we're going to record in the Excess studios in Rotterdam with engineers Hans and Dennis. Tue Madsen will be doing mixing duty and the production will be more of a joint venture with him this time.

"We plan to go into the studio for actual recording this March but before that you'll get a few chances to see us live. On February the 3rd we'll play in The Rock in Copenhagen, Denmark and the 23rd we'll play in Simplon in Groningen, Netherlands. After a short resting period we'll be back with more shows in late April and May. Most likely there will be some festival appearances in June as well."

Rhino Records has set a January 23 release date for WHITE LION's "The Definitive Rock Collection", a two-disc collection featuring the band's hit 1987 single "Wait", plus "When Children Cry", "Tell Me", and several rare rehearsal recordings. The complete track listing is as follows:

01. Fight To Survive
02. El Salvador
03. Wait
04. Tell Me
05. When The Children Cry
06. Lonely Nights
07. Don't Give Up
08. Sweet Little Loving
09. Little Fighter
10. Radar Love
11. Goin' Home Tonight
12. Let's Get Crazy
13. Don't Say It's Over
14. Cry For Freedom
15. Love Don't Come Easy
16. Broken Heart
17. Lights And Thunder (Edit)
18. Farewell To You
19. Hungry (Live)
20. Don't Give Up (Live)
21. Lonely Nights (Live)
22. Sweet Little Loving (Live)
23. Broken Heart (Live)
24. Fight To Survive (Live)
25. Tell Me (Live)
26. All Join Our Hands (Live)
27. Wait (Live)
28. Lady Of The Valley (Live)
29. The Road To Valhalla (Live)
30. All You Need Is Rock n Roll (Live)

Legendary death metallers DYING FETUS have set "War of Attrition" as the title of their new album, due on March 6 via Relapse Records. Check out the cover artwork at this location. The follow-up to 2003's "Stop at Nothing" was recorded at Hit & Run Studios in Rockville, MD. Songtitles set to appear on the as-yet-untitled CD include "Parasites of Catastrophe", "Unadulterated Hatred", "Raping the System" and "The Ancient Rivalry".

DYING FETUS last year announced the addition of drummer Duane Timlin (ex-DIVINE EMPIRE) to the group's ranks.

German metal act MACHINEMADE GOD has parted ways with guitarist Holger Kiparski and has replaced him with Marc Niedersberg. "With this new and strong lineup we're hitting the road in February for a short headlining tour together with our friends in DEADSOIL and KORODED," the band writes in a statement. "Other dates for 2007, such as Summer Breeze festival are confirmed as well, and there is a lot more in the works. Besides that, we will be entering the studio again in March to record our second album, but more details about the record some other time. Those who can't wait for the new material should visit our upcoming shows, we might play new stuff."

MACHINEMADE GOD's last album, "The Infinity Complex", was released in February 2006 via Metal Blade Records. The CD was produced byJacob Bredahl of HATESPHERE and was mastered by Ziggy at ZigZound Studios.

Long-running U.K. extreme metallers BENEDICTION have issued the following update:

"A lot of you are asking what is going on with BENEDICTION. Well, here goes:

"On the new album front, we are fine tuning the guitar fill and lyrics and trying to decide on the final track listing. We have way too many tracks for one album, so once we narrow them down, we will go straight into the studio and record the fucking thing. We are also waiting for the record producer to book us in. We have waited this long so we do not mind waiting a little longer until his current projects are fulfilled.

"In the meantime, some of BENEDICTION have been doing other music-related stuff:

* Nicholas Barker is helping out TESTAMENT on their live dates and more than likely the new TESTAMENT album as well.

* Dave Hunt is doing vocals with MISTRESS and ANAAL NATHRAKH and will record albums and do some live shows with both bands as well. ANAAL NATHRAKH will definately be assaulting your senses in a dangerous live environment this year.

* Frank Healy is playing bass in the reformed CEREBRAL FIX and will also play on their new album. He played on one of the John Peel sessions for ANAAL NATHRAKH which appears on the 'When Fire Rains Down from the Sky' reissue. On top of that, he is putting a band together called THE BURNING DEITIES. He has written all the music for this band and will showcase the songs live after BENEDICTION's album is completed.

* Daz is busy with Rewy on the fine tuning of the album for BENEDICTION. It's all about guitar riffs after all!!!"

BENEDICTION's new album, "Killing Music", will be released via Nuclear Blast Records, with whom the band recently re-signed. The CD will mark the recording debut with the group of Barker, who was most recently a member of BRUJERIA and who played with ex-FEAR FACTORY guitarist Dino Cazares in the short-lived DRIVEN BY SUFFERING (working name).

British heavy metal legends SAXON have finalized the track listing for their new album, "The Inner Sanctum", due in Europe on March 5 (Germany: March 2, U.S.: April 3) via SPV Records.

Commented frontman Biff Byford: "'The Inner Sanctum' is a typical SAXON recording that kicks off with gargatum heavy metal tracks, followed by classic rock 'n' roll numbers, returning to metal towards at the end. I'd say the album is in the style of 'Lionheart' and 'Metalhead'; a number of tracks have a 'Solid Ball of Rock' touch, but at the same time the production [by Charlie Bauerfeind] is very modern."

Five days before the album arrives in stores, SAXON will embark on an extensive European tour, scheduled to last until mid-May, which will take Biff Byford, Paul Quinn (guitar), Doug Scarratt (guitar), Nibbs Carter (bass) and Nigel Glockler (drums) to England, Ireland, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Poland, Russia, Austria, Sweden and Finland, among other countries. Byford has already hinted at his band's live show, which has been updated as usual: "All those who know us are aware that we always include six to seven new numbers in our track listing when we have a new album to promote," he said.

"The Inner Sanctum" will be available as a digipack with a bonus DVD and as a jewel case, featuring a bonus track.

"The Inner Sanctum" limited editon track listing:

01. State of Grace
02. Need for Speed
03. Let Me Feel Your Power
04. Red Star Falling
05. I've Got to Rock (To Stay Alive)
06. If I Was You (album version)
07. Going Nowhere Fast
08. Ashes to Ashes
09. Empire Rising
10. Atila the Hun

Bonus DVD (approximately 50 minutes long):

A Night Out with the Boys:

01. To Hell and Back Again
02. A Night Out with the Boys – The Idea
03. A Night Out with the Boys - Not Really
04. See the Light Shining
05. A Night Out with the Boys - Now It Started
06. Redline
07. Suzie Hold On
08. Stand Up and Be Counted
09. Frozen Rainbow
10. Never Surrender

Finnish modern metallers APRIL will release their debut album, "Tidelines", on February 7 via Spinefarm Records. An e-card for the CD, containing soundclips of all the songs from the CD plus a video for the song "First Blood", can be found at this location. Produced by Tero Kinnunen (NIGHTWISH), the album was previously described in a press relase as "a majestic, violent modern metal monster with depth like of which you thought you'd never hear again." The track listing is as follows:

01. The Power of One
02. First Blood
03. Stain
04. Soul of Elimination
05. Colourblind
06. Dead Man Walking
07. Weakened to Speak
08. Time Is Up
09. Two Steps (for a New Revolution)
10. Fading