PANTHEON I, the Norwegian extreme metal band featuring vocalist/guitarist Andrè Kvebek (1349) and guitarist John Espen Sagstad (TROLLFEST, SARKOM), has set "The Wanderer and His Shadow" as the title of its upcoming CD, due on April 2 through Candlelight Records. Clocking in at just over 40 minutes, the album was recorded and mixed by Christian Wibe at Nye Losjen studios in Sofiemyr, Norway and features artwork by Kjell Åge Meland, who did the front cover to the band's debut release, "Atrocity Divine".

"The Wanderer and His Shadow" track listing:

01. Origin of Sin
02. The Wanderer and his Shadow
03. Cyanide Storm
04. Coming to an End
05. Shedim
06. Where Angels Burn
07. My Curse
08. Chaos Incarnate

"Coming to an End" features a guest appearance by SOLEFALD vocalist Lazare Nedland, while Nachtgarm from NEGATOR appears on "Chaos Incarnate". Former PANTHEON I member Gunhild contributes "her great violin skills" on "Where Angels Burn". A pre-production version of the song "Core of the Soul" has been made available for download in the "Media" section of the band's official homepage

Available on World Chaos Productions, PANTHEON I's debut album, "Atrocity Divine", was mixed at I.Y.F. Studios in Oslo, Norway by Martin Storm-Olsen and PANTHEON-I, and was mastered at Strype Audio by Tom Kvålsvoll.

PANTHEON I combine aspects of black, death, progressive and speed metal to create a unique sound that features violin and cello. "Atrocity Divine" is said to apeal to those "who have a fascination for brutal, extreme and melancholic music."

The live album from the TRIBUZY project (led by Brazilian musician Renato Tribuzy) — recorded at the Credicard Hall in São Paulo, Brazil in November 2005 and featuring special guest appearances by Bruce Dickinson (IRON MAIDEN), Mat Sinner (PRIMAL FEAR), Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR), Roy Z, Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN), Kiko Loureiro (ANGRA) and Chris Dale (BRUCE DICKINSON) — will be released in South America and Asia this month. Entitled "Execution – Live Reunion", the 11-song effort includes a song called "The Means", which was originally released only as a bonus track on the "Execution" album in Asia. The CD was produced by Roy Z and Renato Tribuzy, and mixed by Roy Z at Mountain View studio, in Los Angeles.

"Execution – Live Reunion" will be released in Europe, Canada and USA in March. A DVD of the same concerts will be released later in the year.

Floridian death metallers DEICIDE kicked off their European tour on Friday, January 5 without frontman Glen Benton, who reportedly was forced to stay home to take care of pressing legal matters (although this has not been officially confirmed). Replacing Benton for the first four dates of DEICIDE's tour is SEVERE TORTURE drummer Seth van Loo, who previously took care of vocals in CENTURIAN and NOX.

Seth van Loo apparently learned 17 songs in one afternoon and did "a great job" at the first show of the trek, which took place in Eindhoven, Holland. [NOTE: Seth van Loo is only singing in the band; he is NOT playing bass. There is currently no replacement bassist in the group.]

Finnish goth metallers THE 69 EYES will release their new album, "Angels", in Finland n March 5 via Virgin/EMI. The album was produced by Hiili Hiilesmaa and Johnny Lee Michaels — the same team that was responsible for 2004's "Devils". The video for the first single, "Perfect Skin", was directed by Ralf Strathmann and it was filmed in Hollywood in mid-October 2006. You can watch the clip here. The commercial release of the single will be in January/February, depending on your country. The additional tracks on the single will be live versions of "Devils", "Christina Death" and "I Just Want to Have Something to Do" (originally by THE RAMONES) recorded at Whisky a Go-Go in Hollywood in March 2006.

"Angels" track listing:

01. Angels
02. Never Say Die
03. Rocker
04. Ghost
05. Perfect Skin
06. Wings & Hearts
07. Star Of Fate
08. Los Angeles
09. In My Name
10. Shadow Of Your Love
11. Frankenhooker

The limited edition of "Angels" will include a bonus DVD containing the "Perfect Skin" video, a five-song live set from Hollywood’s Whisky a Go-Go in 2006 and "On The Route 69", a short film based on Ville Juurikkala's photos.

As previously reported, Cleopatra Records is releasing THE 69 EYES' entire back catalogue in the U.S. "Framed In Blood - The Very Blessed Of…" compilation CD, the "Helsinki Vampires" live album and videos DVD, and the albums "Paris Kills" and "Blessed Be" are already out. More will follow during the year.

After four critically acclaimed albums, Swedish melodic death metal band ETERNAL OATH has decided to split up. According to a press release, the decision by the bandmembers to go their separate ways was "unanimous as all members of the band strongly feel that songwriting and recording sessions recently have taken them in a direction that honestly has little to do with what ETERNAL OATH has always been about. The band feels that as none of them any longer has an interest in writing or playing traditional death metal, it would only be unfair to release yet another album under that name. The future endeavours of the guys in the band as well as the fate of the new songs [are], as yet, undetermined."

ETERNAL OATH last year parted ways with original singer Joni Mäensivu and replaced him with Timo Hovinen. The band also announced plans to release their first two albums on one CD. The set, entitled "Re-Released Hatred", includes the band's debut mini-CD, "So Silent" (1996), as well as its follow-up, "Through the Eyes of Hatred" (1998), both of which have been hard to come by for several years. In addition, it features a bonus track: a "mind-blowing" cover of AT THE GATES' "The Fevered Circle". All tracks have been re-mastered with greatly enhanced sound and the CD also includes a completely new, re-designed booklet.

ETERNAL OATH's third full-length album, "Wither", was released in March 2005 via Black Lodge Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Righteous" was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg and was mastered at Polar studios in Stockholm.

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metal band WITHIN TEMPTATION has set "The Heart of Everything" as the title of its new album, due later in the year in the U.S. via Roadrunner Records. Check out the CD cover artwork at this location.

The album's first single, to be released this spring, "What Have You Done", features a duet with Keith Caputo of LIFE OF AGONY. Other songtitles from the forthcoming CD include "The Howling" and "Final Destination". The band filmed the video for "What Have You Done" on December 13, 2006 at Koko in London.

WITHIN TEMPTATION recently spent time in a Stockholm studio mixing with Stefan Glaumann, known for his work with RAMMSTEIN.

POISON has announced plans to go into the studio to record an album of classic rock songs and they want the fans' input. Post your cover-song suggestions in the comments section of the band's official Myspace by January 10 and it just might show up on their new record coming in late spring.

POISON released a new greatest-hits set back in April 2006 called "The Best Of Poison: 20 Years of Rock", which includes their cover version of GRAND FUNK RAILROAD's "We're An American Band". The CD, which which commemorates POISON's 20th anniversary, has sold more than 325,000 copies in the United States so far, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Danish power metallers MANTICORA recently entered the studio to begin recording their upcoming sixth full-length album, "The Black Circus, Part 2". The companion CD to last year's "The Black Circus, Part 1 – Letters" will be mixed at the Jailhouse studios in Horsens, Denmark between January 25, 2007 and February 1 with producer Tommy Hansen (HELLOWEEN, TNT, PRETTY MAIDS, FATE).

In other news, MANTICORA is currently recording a cover of TANKARD's "Total Addiction" ("a real thrash metal classic!!!" according to the band) for a TANKARD tribute album, to be released later in the year by AFM Records.

The two-album "The Black Circus" concept project tells the story of the horrific perils of a traveling circus in the 19th century.

Danish symphonic metallers EVIL MASQUERADE have posted their video for the song "Black Ravens Cry" at YouTube. The track comes off the group's third album, "Third Act", which was released last May in Japan and Southeast Asia via Marqee/Avalon. The CD was recorded at Stonelab (Copenhagen, Denmark), Lipton (Malmö, Sweden) Sonic Adventures (Princeton Junction, USA) and Digital Bitch (Copenhagen, Denmark) studios and features guest appearances by keyboardists David Rosenthal (RAINBOW, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, VINNIE MOORE, STEVE VAI) and Richard Andersson (TIME REQUIEM, SPACE ODYSSEY).

"Lullaby renditions" of songs by PANTERA, SLAYER, KISS, METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN, and OZZY OSBOURNE, among others, are featured on "Rockabye Baby!", a compilation album that aims to take "the best indie, metal and rock songs and [craft] them into radiant instrumental lullabies!" according to the official product description. "Your little one can now fall asleep to the sounds of METALLICA, LED ZEP, MAIDEN, NIRVANA, TOOL, KISS, PANTERA, SLAYER and more!"

Available at HotTopic.com, "Rockabye Baby!" (view cover here) features the following track listing:

01. Heart-Shaped Box (Lullaby to NIRVANA)
02. Under The Bridge (Lullaby to RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS)
03. Schism (Lullaby to TOOL)
04. Hollow (Lullaby to PANTERA)
05. I Was Made For Lovin' You (Lullaby to KISS)
06. Nothing Else Matters (Lullaby to METALLICA)
07. Seasons In The Abyss (Lullaby to SLAYER)
08. Hallowed Be Thy Name (Lullaby to IRON MAIDEN)
09. No More Tears (Lullaby to OZZY OSBOURNE)
10. Buffalo Soldier (Lullaby to BOB MARLEY)
11. Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You (Lullaby to LED ZEPPELIN)
12. I Wanna Live (Lullabye to RAMONES)

Danish metallers RAUNCHY have issued the following update:

"2006 has been a great year for RAUNCHY with the release and great response [to] 'Death Pop Romance', great festival appearances, the SOULFLY tour, The Danish Dynamite tour, the prizes we won at the Danish Metal Awards and all the fans who appreciate what we do — thank you.

"2007 will start off with more songwriting for album number 4, which hopefully will see the light of day around autumn/winter 2007. Our old label Mighty Music/Drugs has decided to re-release the classic debut album 'Velvet Noise' in February/March. This re-release will be called 'Velvet Noise Extended' and features four bonus tracks and new artwork with liner notes... More info here.

"So far the first live appearance for 2007 will take RAUNCHY to Moscow, Russia... and more dates will soon be announced.

THE CURSED, the new band featuring vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth (OVERKILL) and former HADES guitarist Dan Lorenzo, has posted audio samples of the tracks "Leven Als God in Frankrijk" (Living like a God in France) and the single "Evil, In The Bag" on its MySpace.

THE CURSED, which also features bassist Job The Raver (MURDER 1) and drummer Mike Cristi (NON-FICTION), recently finished the recording of its Screaming Ferret Wreckords debut, tentatively titled "Room Full of Sinners". The CD was completed at Crystal Studios in New Jersey, before and after OVERKILL's successful stint on the Gigantour, which also featured MEGADETH and LAMB OF GOD. Mike Koenig from Crystal Studios engineered.

"Room Full of Sinners" tentative track listing:

01. Sweeter
02. Evil, in the Bag
03. Breaking Her Down
04. Best of the Worst
05. Native Tongue
06. Serpentine Slither
07. All's Right
08. Leven Als God in Frankrijk
09. One Time
10. Queen of the Down
11. Generate Her

"I can't wait for people to hear this CD," said Lorenzo. "People have never heard Blitz sing like this, he has some Bon Scott and Steven Tyler in him."

Lorenzo continued, "Our upcoming single, 'Evil, In The Bag', is real catchy and there are some really heavy songs on this CD, but there are a couple songs that will surprise people. The entire disc is solid."

Acclaimed Australian atmospheric/gothic/doom metal band THE ETERNAL has issued the following update:

"We have been busy writing material for the yet-to-be-named third album. Currently 16 tracks have been developed and about 10 being close to completion. Tracks so far include 'Silence', 'Without Reason', 'Brighter Day', 'Blood', 'I've Seen The Dream Through Someone Else's Eyes', 'Sunshine' and 'Inside The Grey'. At this stage it is unclear which of the tracks will make the final cut and we hope to hit the studio by mid 2007 at the latest.

"The last few years have been like a blur and it has been great to have some more time to reflect and spend on the writing process. We aim to do a few shows early in 2007 to remind you all that we are alive and we will no doubt be finally playing a few new tracks."

THE ETERNAL earlier in the year parted ways with bassist James Hunt. The band released its sophomore album, "Sleep of Reason", late last year through Firebox Records to critical acclaim, with stunning artwork provided by renowned artist Travis Smith.

EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet has tapped KISS/ALICE COOPER drummer Eric Singer to play on the upcoming third installment of his solo project AVANTASIA.

"We've recorded the drums in Hamburg at Vox Klangstudio, where we recorded the drums of EDGUY's 'Hellfire Club' too," says Sammet. "Great room, great equipment!

"Eric is a killer drummer and a cool guy to work with. It is really exciting to hear his interpretation of European-style metal. It definitely adds something fresh and unique to the sound, mainly because he's got a different approach to that kind of music. And although he doesn't do it with ALICE COOPER, KISS and SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS' solo band: There IS fast double-bass shit on AVANTASIA, and Eric did a great job!!! You'll hear it, it's fantastic.

"Anyway, listening to the material so far I can really say that even though the new AVANTASIA will be a different conceptual story, the ambition remains the same: To create something epic and big! Or how Eric put it, 'Let's make some kewl music!' No doubt, the spirit of AVANTASIA is there — in every note."

BLABBERMOUTH.NET can reveal the track listing and artwork for the forthcoming TYPE O NEGATIVE album, entitled "Dead Again". The follow-up to 2003's "Life Is Killing Me" will include a guest appearance by LYCIA vocalist Tara VanFlower and is scheduled for release on the following dates:

March 13 - USA/Canada
March 16 - Germany
March 19 - Europe

"Dead Again" (view cover at this location) track listing:

01. Dead Again
02. Tripping a Blind Man
03. The Profits of Doom
04. September Sun
05. Halloween in Heaven
06. These Three Things
07. She Burned Me Down
08. Some Stupid Tomorrow
09. An Ode to Locksmiths
10. Hail and Farewell to Britain
this location

TESTAMENT's classic late '80s/early '90s period has been well documented over the years by several compilations. However, the group's latter era has thus far slipped through the cracks as far as compilations go. On February 13, this will change, as "The Spitfire Collection" will be issued.

Consisting of tracks from such Spitfire/Testament titles as "The Gathering", "Demonic", "Live at the Fillmore", "First Strike Still Deadly" and "Live in London", the 14-track set chronicles an era that ultimately saw the original TESTAMENT reunite for a successful 2005 tour.

As a result, "The Spitfire Collection" features both live versions of such TESTAMENT classics as "Practice What You Preach", "Over the Wall", and "Souls of Black", as well as such oft-overlooked studio tracks as "Careful What You Wish For" and "The Burning Times".

01. The New Order
02. Souls of Black
03. Practice What You Preach
04. Hatred's Rise
05. The Burning Times
06. John Doe
07. Careful What You Wish For
08. Down for Life
09. Riding the Snake
10. Over the Wall
11. The Preacher
12. Into the Pit
13. Trial by Fire
14. Disciples of the Watch

A video clip of Swedish "gothic metallers" BESEECH performing the ABBA cover "Gimme Gimme Gimme" last year at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg, Sweden has been made available for download at this location (Windows Media, 172 MB!). The clip comes off the band's upcoming DVD, "The Drama Ends…", which will feature live performance footage, backstage material, studio recordings, clips from tours, festivals and other "crazy things that happened through the years," according to a posting on the group's web site. A 2007 release is expected.

BESEECH recently announced its decision to split up after over 15 years in the business. The band played its final gig on December 15 at Trägårn in its hometown of Borås, Sweden.

BESEECH's final release was their fifth album, "Sunless Days", which came out in September 2005 through Napalm Records.

The follow-up to 2004's "Drama", "Sunless Days" was recorded at StudioMega in Varberg, Sweden and included a a cover of the DANZIG track "Devil's Plaything" as well as a re-recording of the song "Manmade Dreams" (on the digipack version only) from BESEECH's second album, "Black Emotions".

Progressive metal act SYMPHONY X is continuing work on its follow-up to 2002's "The Odyssey", entitled "Paradise Lost", tentatively due in early 2007. The following message has been issued by the group's official webmaster:

"Spoke to [guitarist Michael James Romeo] for a while this afternoon, and here's what he had to say: They had planned to start the mix on the CD this week, but were delayed a bit overall by the holiday earlier this week, so mixing has been rescheduled for January. Russ [Allen, vocals] has three songs to finish (and was on his way to The Dungeon as Mike and I spoke) and hopes to be done with his recording by the weekend, and MJR has a couple more solos that he wants to record, as well as getting some loose ends tied up and polishing things up overall. They are still aiming for a spring '07 release, and Mike had some pretty exciting things to say about the material, saying that it has something for old fans and new fans alike, so I'm confident more than ever in saying that the CD will be well worth the wait. So there IS light at the end of the tunnel, and the band appreciates your patience greatly; stay tuned for more info soon!"

SYMPHONY X was forced to cancel a couple of European festival appearances this past summer after bassist Michael LePond was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease (an inflammatory bowel disorder). He has since underegone surgery and has been released from the hospital.

RIOT/THE LIZARDS vocalist Mike DiMeo, who recently replaced Jorn Lande as the singer of MASTERPLAN, has issued the following statement:

"In response to all the mail I have been receiving about my status with RIOT.... I have had many great years with the band, and I am tremendously proud of all the work I have done with them, especially [the latest CD] 'Army of One', but at this point in my life and career, I prefer to forge ahead with a new path musically. I look forward to a new creative beginning with MASTERPLAN, who are an incredibly talented and motivated group of guys!! I wish RIOT the best of luck in the future and will always consider them brothers."

RIOT's latest album, "Army of One", was released in Europe in October via Metal Heaven. The CD was issued in Japan on July 17 via the Toshiba-EMI label.

RIOT's current touring lineup includes singer Mike Tirelli (MESSIAH'S KISS, HOLY MOTHER, BURNING STARR), who has been filling in for DiMeo due to DiMeo's previous commitments with THE LIZARDS (also featuring drummer Bobby Rondinelli of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT/BLACK SABBATH/RAINBOW fame).

Launch Radio Networks reports: BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has announced the bonus tracks for two album reissues coming out February 13.

The Legacy Edition of the 1978 live album "Some Enchanted Evening" will double from seven to 14 tracks, with previously unreleased performances of "ME 262", "Harvester of Eyes", "Hot Rails To Hell", "Summer Of Love", "5 Guitars", STEPPENWOLF's "Born To Be Wild", and an alternate version of the ANIMALS' "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place". The album will also come with a bonus 11-track DVD recorded in 1978 at the Capitol Center in Landover, Maryland, and new liner notes by PATTI SMITH GROUP guitarist Lenny Kaye.

The 1977 album "Spectres" — which featured the hits "Godzilla" and "Goin' Through the Motions" — comes with four bonus tracks from the recording sessions, including the originals "Night Flyer", "M For Murder", "Please Hold", and a cover of the RONETTES' "Be My Baby". Kaye wrote liner notes for this reissue as well.

"Spectres" was certified gold, while "Some Enchanted Evening" hit the platinum mark.

SAXON's manager Thomas Jensen has posted the following message on the group's official web site:

"The band has just finished the new album. The album is called 'The Inner Sanctum', released 5th of March. There will be a single released of the album in late January [or] early February. As you know, we been filming for three months in association with Harvey Goldsmith. As part of this, we are playing a gig at Sheffield City Hall on 26th of January. the band are bringing the eagle and the full European production and the band will be playing some of the new songs. There's also going to be some special t-shirts for the event. Watch out for a radio for a radio show Biff [Byford, vocals] did on www.totalrock.com. The dates for Biff's show are 4th January at midday and 7th January at 11pm (GMT)."

SAXON vocalist Biff Byford had the following to say about the band's upcoming single:

"We are going to release a new single soon off the new album, called 'If I Was You'. I wrote the lyrics based on gun and knife crime having seen so many tragic stories of somebody getting knifed to death for a mobile phone and three quid or some young mother caught in the crossfire between two idiots with guns. 'If I was you and you were me, would you live your life differently?'"

Old-school thrashers SPEED\KILL/HATE have announced the addition of singer Bob Barnack to the group's ranks. "Bob stepped up and delivered big time," guitarist Dave Linsk (also in OVERKILL) writes on the band's web site. "He is a great new addition to SPEED\KILL/HATE."

SPEED\KILL/HATE's follow-up to its Escapi Music debut, "Acts of Insanity", tentatively titled "No Remorse, No Regrets", has been recorded and is scheduled for release in early 2007. "[The new CD] is ready for mixdown," says Linsk. "Everyone did an excellent job and the product speaks for itself."

SPEED\KILL/HATE's debut album, "Acts of Insanity", which was released in June, features Linsk and Mario Frasca on vocals (of note, OVERKILL drummer Tim Mallare and OVERKILL guitarist Derek Tailer play on the album as well).

"Acts of Insanity" was originally released in Europe in February 2005 via Listenable Records. A video for the song "Face the Pain" was filmed on April 6, 2005 with director Anthony M. Bongiovi of TBJ Entertainment, Inc., who has previously worked with SLAYER ("War at the Warfield" DVD), MARILYN MANSON ("Guns, God & Government" DVD), AC/DC and GODSMACK, among others.

Finnish melodic metallers SONATA ARCTICA are currently recording their new studio album for a tentative late spring release. The group's keyboardist Henkka Klingenberg has issued the following update (taken from the band's online studio diary):

"From the 20 songs we started recording we've now more or less decided to drop a few ones and concentrate on the ones that fit together best. Obviously we can't put all of the rest on the album either, but rest assured that the upcoming record will be pretty long with a lot of stuff for you to digest. So far we're on schedule and the record will be out before the summer.

"Touring-wise, we just announced some dates for the fall tour in the U.S. There will be more to come as soon as we get them confirmed. We're doing some summer festivals as well. Those will be announced as soon as the festivals release their programs. In addition to this, there will be some shows in Finland this spring, also [to be announced] in the near future."

The new single from SONATA ARCTICA, "Replica" — containing a new version of the title cut, which originally appeared on the band's 1999 debut, "Ecliptica", plus the songs "Draw Me" (instrumental) and "Respect the Wilderness" — entered the Finnish single chart in November at position No. 1.

The new version of "Replica" is included on SONATA ARCTICA's "best of" collection, entitled "The Collection 1999-2006", which entered the Finnish album chart at No. 16. In addition to material from the band's studio albums, the CD contains a new version of the song "My Land", which also originally appeared on "Ecliptica".

German power metallers RAGE have announced the addition of drummer André Hilgers (AXXIS, SILENT FORCE) to the group's ranks. "During [the recording sessions for] the Nuclear Blast anniversary album, we were very surprised how perfectly André's style matched our new song, 'Terrified'," the group writes on its web site. "So it was obvious that we jammed through the RAGE classics and the sparks flew immediately. André had a lot of new ideas that fitted perfectly our style and the understanding among us was harmonically. He brings a lot of fresh blood and power to the band and we have loads of fun again playing our music.

"Andre's 32 and he's from our area, what makes work a lot easier. With him he brings meanwhile 16 years of experience in studio and live work. He, as a metal fan from the beginning, followed the career of RAGE from its start, so he's perfectly into our material (even the old stuff). Though he's got extraordinary musical abilities, he never lost touch and stayed based in all his musical projects he focused more on playing for the songs and bands than to boost his ego."

RAGE's latest addition, André Hilgers, commented: "Surely I was very happy regarding the request of the guys [to join the band], and it's a great honor, belonging to RAGE now after drummers like Jörg Michael, Efti or Mike Terrana, lambasting the kettles. The studio job for the anniversary sampler for Nuclear Blast was so much fun, that I really look forward for the teamwork with Victor and Peavy, as it's also a challenge for me to work with such versed blooded musicians like Vic or an inherent part of the German metal scene... namely Peavy. Meanwhile, we've started rehearsal and we will present you a great show in Illingen with some real highlights out of the RAGE history.

"I would like to wish Mike good luck with MASTERPLAN and his next projects, as for me, he's still a great drummer, putting an levelling bar for me! I also would like to clarify that I remain part of AXXIS and SILENT FORCE."

Check out a photo of the new RAGE lineup at this location

Danish/American hard rockers ROYAL HUNT have issued the following update:

"A new album is in the works. Recordings will start during the summer, so we're expecting it to be released in October/November 2007. Fans of the 'large format bombastic soundscapes' — rejoice!

"We've started to review the video footage for the future re-packaging/re-release of the two of our live concerts: '1996' and 'Closing the Chapter'. No release dates as of yet, but we'll keep you posted.

"We'll be playing some shows this early spring, so keep an eye on [the group's official web site]."

ROYAL HUNT released a DVD and double live album, entitled "Royal Hunt 2006" in November. The set was recorded (and filmed) on the historic stage of St. Petersburg, Russia's Music Hall on November 2, 2005. The show, which was witnessed by some 1,500+ enthusiastic fans, lasted about two hours (the band played a wide selection of songs from all of their releases since 1991 and some tracks from the latest CD, "Paper Blood") and was captured by six cameras. The DVD package also includes backstage/pre-production footage as well as interviews with all the bandmembes and their roadcrew. All mixing duties on the double CD were handled by André Andersen at NorthPoint Productions in Copenhagen. The set was mastered by Jan Eliasson at Audio Planet.

ROYAL HUNT's last album, "Paper Blood" was recorded at NorthPoint Productions and was mixed at EMI/Medley Studio with André Andersen (keyboards) and Lars Overgaard behind the board.

DEF LEPPARD members Joe Elliott, Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen have revealed their New Year's resolutions via the following holiday messages on the band's web site:

Joe: "My New Year's resolutions? Phew! Guess you have to make them..... Stop biting my nails, don't drink as much, watch my football team win the premiership... No, seriously, it would be to try and make a fuckin' great record!"

Phil: "Merry Christmas, happy holidays and all the best for 2007 for everyone! And, here's a kind of resolution: we're going to try and get an album recorded and finished in 2007. That'll be a new one for us!"

Vivian: "Season's greetings and best wishes to all LEPPARD fans across the globe! Wherever you are, we wish you a peaceful holiday and a great new year ahead! And speaking of the New Year, here are my resolutions for 2007: firstly, I really, really want to unpack my suitcase and feel like I'm not traveling — at least for a little while. Secondly, I intend to keep the band beholding to our earlier agreement to finish a new album in the first half of 2007. The naysayers don't believe that we can do it, but we'll prove them wrong. There's much excitement and anticipation about the album, too, as I believe that we'll actually make a better record through working to a deadline rather than having the usual open-ended arrangement. Look forward to seeing you all next year!"

Finnish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH have uploaded a new video blog, featuring footage of the band at Abbey Road Studios in London, England working with arranger Pip Williams and conductor James Shearman on the orchestral parts for the group's new album, due later in the year. Check it out at this location. Photos from the sessions can be found here.

NIGHTWISH is accepting demo submissions until January 15, 2007 for its vacant singer position. More information is available at this location

Sweden's SOILWORK has posted the following message on its official web site:

"First of all, we wanna say thanks for a great 2006. We had a great year and a lot of great tours. It was fun to see you all out there.

"Since the release of 'Stabbing the Drama' in 2005, we made about 250 shows for that album. Now it's time to take a rest, but also to get focused on the upcoming album.

"Right now we're working on the new songs. We have about seven songs ready and so far it sounds great. It will be a killer album. We will enter the studio at the beginning of March and, hopefully, the album will be out at late summer. We will keep you updated of the recording progress.

"And... regarding the guitarist situation; Soon it will be decided who's gonna replace Peter [Wichers].

"So, once again... thanks for the great support and... see ya in 2007."

SOILWORK's latest CD, "Stabbing the Drama", is available now 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).

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

A brand new CHIMAIRA song, entitled "Resurrection", has been posted online on the band's MySpace. The track is the title cut of the Cleveland band's upcoming CD, which will be in stores in North American on March 6 via Ferret Music.

CHIMAIRA began recording "Resurrection" on October 2 with the production team of Jason Suecof and Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, ARCH ENEMY). The band filmed a video for the title track off "Resurrection" on December 6-7 in the Los Angeles area. The group will headline "Chimaira Christmas 7" on Wednesday, December 27 at the House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio. Also scheduled to appear are DEMIRICOUS, FOREVER IN TERROR and BOWEL.

URIAH HEEP have signed a new, exclusive worldwide recording deal with Sanctuary Records.

The band will be recording their first album since 1998's Sonic Origami in March/April of this year. The as yet untitled album - which will be HEEP's 21st official studio album - is scheduled for release during late summer and will feature at least ten new tracks, produced by Mike Paxman.

Comments Uriah Heep manager Simon Porter:

'We thought very carefully about the new deal before deciding that Sanctuary is the natural home for the band at this moment in time. They know the band well and have done an extremely good on marketing the back catalogue. More importantly, they are extremely enthusiastic about the band and can't wait to get their teeth into a new album. I also believe that Mike Paxman will add a 'back to basics with a 21st century twist' approach to the recording process which will result in a welcome return to the classic Heep sound from which the success of the band was originally built'.