Former BLIND GUARDIAN drummer Thomen Stauch will be unable to perform any shows this year with his new band, SAVAGE CIRCUS, due to an unspecified medical/psychological condition. The following is Stauch's official statement on the matter:

"Due to ongoing serious private problems in the past months my psychological and physical constitution is completely broken and makes me unable to play the upcoming shows planned for this year! I know you all have been waiting a long time already to see SAVAGE CIRCUS live for the first time and I have been really curious to meet you all again as well, but there is just nothing I can do to change this situation

"The doctors are convinced, that a long-term rest along with several psychological and physical treatments for the next months is the only way to make me feel better. After fighting this reality for a longer time I am ready now to take this road. It is the only way to get back on my feet. My entire body is totally power-drained and I am almost unable to concentrate on anything. Furthermore I am suffering from a chronic tonsillitis for almost 10 weeks by now which even with antibiotics is not getting better. According to the docs it seems that all is based on my stressed body and mind, which do not get a recovery if I go on like this. So I will take this advice and will give my body and soul a break to regain my powers and charge up my battery for the upcoming SAVAGE CIRCUS production in 2007.

"Please understand that I cannot give you any information about the nature of my private problems since they should stay private. I am not exaggerating in saying, having still some power left in me is already a miracle under this circumstances. I hope you all do understand this serious situation. It breaks my heart to post this message, but I see no alternative.

"But there also is some good news: all shows will happen as planned! For good luck Piet could manage to hire Thomas Nack once more for the upcoming gigs, so the shows will happen for sure and with a more than worthy stand-in for me! So don't be sad, friends! Kick ass, as Piet, Thomas, Jens, Emil will do as well! Make every show a big party for me and have fun! This will give me the strength to go through all this. Right now I am not in the position of giving. This time I need you and your support. I know that none of you will let me down and this makes me feel better already.

"I truly hope to see you all again soon!"

In a separate statement, the other members of SAVAGE CIRCUS — Jens Carlsson (lead vocals), Emil Norberg (guitar), and Piet Sielck (guitars, backing vocals) had the following to say regarding the matter:

"As you can imagine we are quite shocked by this truly bad news, though it does not take us by surprise completely. We have been aware, that Thomen was having a real hard time in the past but it seemed as if he would be strong enough to deal with all his strokes of fate. Unfortunately, we overestimated his powers… just as he did himself, too. Please understand, that we also cannot talk about the nature of his problems, but we can say for sure that they are massive.

"Of course, Thomen gets all the support we can give. The band is behind him AS ONE! Therefore, besides our personal feelings about the live shows, it is our duty to play all 2006 shows for Thomen. There is no good in cancelling the gigs since SAVAGE CIRCUS is the only way to give Thomen what he needs most in those times: Support. Support by us, by our friends and partners and by you, the fans! He needs you! For decades it has been Thomen who was giving his heart and his music to you. 2006 it is your chance to pay him back. Come to the shows to party and kick ass with us so we can tell Thomen, what all our great fans are doing for him. This will be the ultimate medicine!

"As Thomen already said, we know that you will not let us down. We will start rehearsing with Thomas Nack right away to guarantee for killer SAVAGE CIRCUS shows in 2006!"

CIRCLE II CIRCLE — who feature in their ranks former SAVATAGE frontman Zachary Stevens — will release a new EP, entitled "Revelations", on August 18 via AFM Records. The complete track listing for the effort is as follows:

01. Revelations
02. Who Am I
03. The Black
04. Burden of Truth (acoustically enhanced version EP only)

As previously reported, AFM Records has pushed back the projected release date of the new CIRCLE II CIRCLE album, "Burden of Truth" to October 13.

"Burden of Truth" track listing:

01. Who Am I To Be
02. Matter Of Time
03. Heal You
04. Revelations
05. This Is Your Reality
06. Evermore
07. The Black
08. Messiah
09. Sentenced
10. Burden of Truth
11. Live As One

Bonus Tracks (acoustically enhanced versions):

12. Into The Wind
13. Burden Of Truth

Arlington Heights, Illinois-based death metallers ENFORSAKEN have issued the following update:

"It's official. After eight years of existence, we have decided to lay ENFORSAKEN to rest. We will play our final show Saturday, August 19th in Chicago athe Metro. This wasn't the easiest decision to make, but in the end, we agree that ENFORSAKEN has now run its course. We've accomplished everything that we set out to do, and now it's time to move on. We're all very proud of our last album, 'Sinner's Intuition', and feel that now is a good time to end the band.

"We've chosen to burn out on a high note now, rather than just slowly fade into obscurity. Due to our many obligations outside the band, we cannot continue to put 100% of our time into ENFORSAKEN. We were basically kids when this band formed, and over the years, things just have to change. Whether you like it or not. It's as simple as that. Some bands linger on for years past their expiration date. ENFORSAKEN will not become one of those bands.

"We'd like to thank every one of our fans across the globe for their support throughout the years. You are the main reason why we stuck around for so long. Thank you. Thanks to everyone else that had a role in making ENFORSAKEN what it is today. You know who you are.

"So there it is. Not much more really needs to be said. We hope to see some of you at our last show in August. DEAD TO FALL, THE KILLER as well as a few other cool bands will be on the bill. It should definitely be a night to remember.

"Thanks again. We'll see you around..."

Legendary hard rock band UFO has set "The Monkey Puzzle" as the title of their new studio album, due in Europe on September 25 via SPV Records (one day later in North America). The follow-up to 2004's "You Are Here" was recorded at Area 51 Studios with producer Tommy Newton, who also worked with the band on their last CD and who recorded the material for the band's "Showtime" live album.

The original members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Pete Way (bass), Paul Raymond (guitar, keyboards) and recently returned drummer Andy Parker, are scheduled to start their extensive world tour in October 2006. Parker was part of the UFO lineup that performed the group's debut show in the late Sixties and has returned to replace Jason Bonham, who left to join FOREIGNER. Also on board is their accomplished guitarist Vinnie Moore, who has been part of the permanent lineup since the last studio album, "You Are Here".

UFO's "Showtime" live CD/DVD was recorded at Pumpwerk in Wilhelmshaven, Germany on May 13, 2005.

The cover artwork for IRON MAIDEN's upcoming album, "A Matter of Life and Death", has been posted online at this location.

"A Matter of Life and Death" is scheduled for release in early September via EMI. The album's first single, "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg", will precede the album on August 14.

Said bassist Steve Harris, "This is a very intense album in many ways, and we really wanted to go with a lead track that demonstrated that in the best way rather than going for a shorter track on the album just to please the chart rules. 'Benjamin Breeg' is a great example of the feel of the album in its really heavy riff and lyrically it's a very dark, atmospheric and powerful song which really epitomizes what the album is all about for us. So it made a natural choice for us."

In true MAIDEN style, the single will be released in two special limited-edition formats, which by content will not be eligible for the U.K. singles chart. EMI will also release a special 7" picture disc with collectable sticker of the "Crossed Guns" logo. B sides to both formats are from last year's amazing BBC Radio 1 "Legends" session recorded especially for the Zane Lowe show.

"The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg", which will be the first single to be taken from the record, is described by Kerrang! as "an intricate seven-minute epic that starts with a creepy, ominous intro before erupting into a crushing, almost LED ZEPPELIN-esque riff and a powerful, emotive chorus."

"It's very different for us." admitted Harris. "It's very riffy. The intro has an almost nursery rhyme eeriness. Sometimes you try to create a mood and sometimes it's just there. Everyone's going to ask who Benjamin Breeg is, but you'll just have to find out for yourself!"

The complete track listing for the single is as follows:

Limited-Edition Two-Track CD:

01. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
02. Hallowed be thy Name (Radio 1 "Legends" Session)

Limited-Edition 7" Picture Disc (To Include "Crossed Gun Logo" Sticker):

01. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
02. Run to the Hills (Radio 1 "Legends" Session)
03. The Trooper (Radio 1 "Legends" Session)

Veteran Polish death metallers VADER have revealed the track listing for their new album, "Impressions in Blood", due in Europe on September 4 via Regain Records. The CD was recorded at Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland and will feature artwork by Greek artist Seth (ROTTING CHRIST, PARADISE LOST).

"Impressions in Blood" track listing:

01. Between Day and Night
02. ShadowsFear
03. As Heavens Collide...
04. Helleluyah!!! (God is Dead)
05. Field of Heads
06. Predator
07. Warlords
08. Red Code
09. Amongst the Ruins
10. They Live!!!
11. The Book

Download an MP3 of the song "Warlords" at this location.

VADER will play no less than five new songs during their upcoming Blitzkrieg 4 tour, which is scheduled to kick off September 17 in Waraw, Poland.

Faroe Islands metallers TYR are putting the finishing touches on their third album, "Ragnarok", at Hansen studios in Ribe, Denmark for a September 22 European release via Napalm Records (October 10 in the U.S.). According to the band, the follow-up to 2003's "Eric the Red" will contain "more of the same, only better."

TYR's sophomore album, "Eric the Red", received a "proper" release earlier this year via Napalm Records. The CD was originally issued three years ago via a record company known as Tutl. The new version of the album contains two bonus tracks

TYR will be teaming up with DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER and HÄMATOM for a European tour beginning on September 6 in Berlin, Germany.

Bassist Robert "Ozzy" Frese of the long-running German thrashers HOLY MOSES is reportedly very ill and will be unable to perform with the band for the foreseeable future. As a result, the group — which has been forced to cancel its July 8 appearance at Italy's Badia Rocks festival — will enlist "old friend" Maurer (WARPATH, TEMPLE OF THE ABSURD) to take over the bass duties until Ozzy can return to HOLY MOSES.

HOLY MOSES' latest CD, "Strength Power Will Passion", was released in the U.S. last September via Crash Music Inc. The group's tenth album was the follow-up to 2002's "Disorder of the Order", which came out through Century Media.

Nuclear Blast Records has set a July 14 release date for the "deluxe edition" reissue of DIMMU BORGIR's "Godless Savage Garden" EP, which originally came out in 1998. Along with the eight cuts that appeared on the original CD, the new version of the album will include two bonus cuts: live versions of "Spellbound (By The Devil)" and "Mourning Palace".

"Godless Savage Garden" EP (Deluxe Edition) track listing:

01. Moonchild Domain
02. Hunnerkongen
03. Chaos Without Prophecy
04. Raabjorn Speiler Draugenheimens Skodde
05. Metal Heart
06. Stormblast (live)
07. Master Of Disharmony (live)
08. In Death's Embrace
09. Spellbound (By The Devil) (live)
10. Mourning Palace (live)

For more information, click here.

DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND drummer Ryan Van Poederooyen has posted the following message on his official web site:

"The studio dates are set for recording my drum tracks for the still-yet-to-be-named solo/side project I am doing. We will be entering the Armoury Studios on August 20th/22nd to do my drumtracks. I will be recording 12 songs in total and there will be 2 instrumentals. One of the instrumental songs will have Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT) and Trevor Dunn (FANTOMAS, MR. BUNGLE) guesting. The other instrumental will have Devin Townsend (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND) and Michael Manring showing their stuff. There will also be one cover song recorded and nine other originals that I have written, which will have other special guests like Gustaf Hielm (ex-MESHUGGAH), Byron Stroud (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, FEAR FACTORY), Christofer Malmström (DARKANE, NON-HUMAN LEVEL) among others. Jeremy Glen (ex-GOD AWAKENS PETRIFIED) is still on board to do all the vocals which he will be writing. I am not a singer so I have left all the writing for melodies to Jeremy, who is an amazing songwriter in his own right. We both are writing the lyrics for the album, which is working out really well. The vibe of the album is pretty damn heavy with some screaming catchy vocals.

"I have recorded more than half the album in pre-production form and am producing the hell out of it. I will be producing the whole record as well. Dave Young (10 WAYS FROM SUNDAY, DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND) is kicking ass on guitar. This guy is truly amazing and is pulling off some crazy guitar stuff, you'll all hear soon. I am also recording video footage of this project from start to finish, as we go along. Hopefully I'll be able to release a making-of video when the album is released, to show how it was put together. The time has come to finally get this album under way and I am really excited about it. Expect some heavy-ass music.

"The last bit of news I have is session related: I will be recording a couple songs for engineer Ken Burke (BARENAKED LADIES, SARAH MCLAUGHLIN, MOIST). He has a punk project and decided to get me to guest on a couple of his songs. I will be going in on Tuesday, June 27th at the Pacific Audio Visual Studios here in Vancouver to record these songs with him. When the songs are completely done and recorded, I will try and sneak some RVP punk-style drumming on an MP3 for you all."

After 7 years of hard work MZ. 412 finally deliver their swan-song "Infernal Affairs".
After the prelude "Domine Rex Inferum" this is the ultimate new album of MZ.412, nothing but pure bombastic evil manifested in explicit sounds; and it is terrifyingly beautiful! As always, based on the dark arts, the sound is classic MZ.412 taken to the extreme and beyond. Whatever dark fetishism you're into, it's all here; from abysmal ambient parts, heavy pounding industrial dance hits, to grand orchestral maneuvers. The Swedish Legion returns to dominate the scene once again, with an album that clearly defines what true black industrial music is all about.... After inventing the style that degenerated an entire genre in the early 90?s, they show once again that they are here to lead the way for future generations....Yes, you may think you've heard it before - but never ever this powerful! No, we're not here to convince you - We're telling you!

MZ.412 are the original home for members of many wellknown projects in the electronic scene. The CD comes in an extremely dark and very MZ-stylished deluxe embossed 6-panel digipak.


Track list:
01 Preludiumh
02 Infernal affairs I
03 Vredens Skvadron
04 Point of presence
05 Lord, make me an instrument of your wrath
06 Epilogh
07 Inkant 12 SLE
08 Unhealing wounds
09 Mourning star
10 Infernal affairs II
11 Postludiumh

Feel free to abuse these soundlinks:
http://www.coldmeat.se/sounds/audio/mz412/mz_internal.mp3
http://www.coldmeat.se/sounds/audio/mz412/mz_point.mp3

Guitar shredder Paul Gilbert (RACER X, ex-MR.BIG) will release his new all-guitar instrumental CD, "Get Out Of My Yard" in Japan on July 26 via WHD Entertainment. The album will be released in America on August 29, while the European release is slated for September 14.

Commented Gilbert: "There is more concentrated guitar power on this CD than any I have done. More screaming solos, more thunderous riffs, more wall-shaking chords, more imagination, more passion, more, more, more!

"'Get Out Of My Yard' was recorded in Los Angeles. I played electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and bass. Jeff Bowders played drums. Mike Szuter played bass on tracks 8, 10, and 11. My wife Emi played piano on track 6 and Hammond organ on track 8. Tom Size engineered and mixed.

"The first 38 seconds of 'Get Out Of My Yard' are impossible to play. But I played them.'

"Get Out Of My Yard" track listing:

01. Get Out of My Yard
02. Hurry Up
03. The Curse of Castle Dragon
04. Radiator
05. Straight Through the Telephone Pole
06. Marine Layer
07. Twelve Twelve
08. Rusty Old Boat
09. The Echo Song
10. Full Tank
11. My Teeth are a Drumset
12. Haydn Symphony No. 88 Finale
13. Three E's for Edward
14. You Kids

Gilbert recently teamed up with DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, DAVID LEE ROTH, TALAS) and Gary Cherone (VAN HALEN, EXTREME) to pay tribute to THE WHO by playing three very special shows across America.

FATES WARNING drummer Mark Zonder has posted the following update on his new band featuring Zonder, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP guitarist/keyboardist Wayne Findlay and ex-TRIBE OF GYPSIES singer Gregg Analla:

"We have been under going a few changes but things are moving in a very positive direction. We have decided to change the name of the band from TEMPLEWITHIN to SLAVIOR. We feel that SLAVIOR better represents the style and image of the band.

"After being released from our record contract with Black Lotus a few weeks ago, we are in the process of securing a new deal. Details of the release along with the new official SLAVIOR website will be announced shortly. The second half of the year 2006 will be a very exciting one for us."

SLAVIOR's debut album will contain the following track listing:

01. Shatter
02. Altar
03. Another Planet
04. Dove
05. Origin
06. Red Road
07. Swept Away
08. Deeper
09. Give it Up
10. Slavior
11. Renegade

If you order LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE's new single, "Again It's Over", or pre-order the German gothic rockers' new ablum, "Filthy Notes for Frozen Hearts", via Amazon, you will get the link to a free download of a new acoustic/unplugged version of one of the songs. Just send the confirmation mail to mail@lacrimas.com. More information is available at www.lacrimas.com.

LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE's seventh album, "Filthy Notes for Frozen Hearts" is scheduled for release on July 7 via Napalm Records. The CD was produced by John Fryer (H.I.M., PARADISE LOST, NINE INCH NAILS, DEPECHE MODE). The six-track mini-CD jewel-case edition of the "Filthy Notes for Frozen Hearts" single includes three non-album tracks. A video for "Again It's Over" was recently filmed and can be viewed at this location (Windows Media).

Norwegian doom band SYRACH have finished recording the drum tracks for their new album with producer Herbrand Larsen from ENSLAVED. "Adam [Suleiman, drums] did a great job, and the result was very satisfying," the band write in a press release. "Now we are having a short break before recording the rest."

Formed in 1993 in Kalandseidet (near Bergen, Norway — a region known to have spawned bands like IMMORTAL and BURZUM, to name a few), SYRACH's current lineup includes two new members: Suleiman on drums and Noralf Venås on guitar. The band's next live appearance will take place on Friday, July 28 at the at Garage in Bergen. They will also perform at the Fantasyfestival in Kristiansand on August 25.

For more information, visit www.syrach.com .

Norway's TRAIL OF TEARS entered Soundsuite Studio in Marseille, France with producer Terje Refsnes on June 24 to begin recording their fifth album, entitled "Existentia". A late 2006 release via Napalm Records is expected.

Commented vocalist Ronny Thorsen: "The recordings are well underway. We already finished the drums and started tracking the guitars. We're poolside in Soundsuite at the moment. The sun is merciless and quite heavy for frozen Norwegian metallers to handle! Everything [is going] according to plan and it's a great relief to start the recordings without any problems for once."

TRAIL OF TEARS' last CD, "Free Fall Into Fear", is available now on Napalm Records. The follow-up to "A New Dimension of Might" was recorded at Dub Studio with producer Endre Kirkesola (GREEN CARNATION, BLOOD RED THRONE).

Swedish gothic doom metal band DRACONIAN will release their special "bonus" album, titled "The Burning Halo", on September 29 through Napalm Records (October 10 in the U.S.). The CD will feature three new songs, new versions of several demo songs and three covers.

"The Burning Halo" track listing (playing time 54:09):

01. She Dies
02. Through Infectious Waters (A Sickness Elegy)
03. The Dying
04. Serenade of Sorrow
05. The Morningstar
06. The Gothic Embrace
07. On Sunday They Will Kill the World
08. Forever My Queen

In other news, DOOM:VS — the long-awaited doom project of DRACONIAN lead guitarist and main songwriter, Johan Ericson — will release their debut album, "Aeternum Vale", on July 10 through Firedoom Records. The CD is said to be "filled with emotional, dark and melodic doom metal [that] will surely add some extra darkness to your already miserable existence."

"Aeternum Vale" track listing (playing time 50:10):

01. The Light That Would Fade
02. Empire of the Fallen
03. The Faded Earth
04. Oblivion Upon Us
05. The Crawling Insects
06. Aeternus

German power metallers RAGE filmed their recent show in St. Petersburg, Russia in front of 15,000 fans for an upcoming live DVD, tentatively due in early 2007 via Nuclear Blast. According to a posting on the band's official web site, the band used a "specially designed laser and light show" during the concert and performed highlights from their latest CD, "Speak of the Dead", along with selections from their earlier albums which were not covered on their previous DVD. The band is currently editing and mixing the footage and is in the process of compiling "some interesting bonus material," to be included on the set.

"Speak of the Dead" entered the German national chart at position No. 58 back in early April. The follow-up to 2003's "Soundchaser" (SPV) was recorded at the VPS studios in Hamm, Germany and is available on Nuclear Blast Records.

RAGE shot a video for the track "No Fear" off "Speak of the Dead". The song is featured on the soundtrack to the independent psycho thriller "Ludgers Fall" and the clip includes scenes from the original film as well as a band performance. The video was shot on the island of Föhr, located in the North Sea.

Swedish/German extreme metallers ARCH ENEMY will release their first DVD, "Live Apocalypse", on August 8 via Century Media (July 24 in Europe). The disc is "chock-full of phenomenal live footage, in-depth interviews and promotional video clips," according to a press release.

Commented guitarist Mike Amott: "The 'Live Apocalypse' DVD is now finally complete. This shaped up to be an ultra cool two-disc affair, and I honestly couldn't be happier with it. The main show is from The Forum in London, U.K. (December '04), and we also have footage from Manchester, U.K. in December '05 (there'll be three songs included from that). There are tons of extras and special features, as there should be. The artwork was done by Niklas Sundin of Cabin Fever Media. Andy Sneap's audio mix (5.1 and stereo) is so heavy, it almost blew my speakers out! He really captured the live feel and power of the show; it's like you are right there in the audience. Brilliant! This DVD crushes some of my favourite metal DVDs from my own collection — and I have a sick collection. Once again, I am happy that we work with the best. They make us look and sound great."

"Live Apocalypse" (view cover here) track listing:

Disc 1:

01. Tear Down The Walls *
02. Enemy Within *
03. Silent Wars *
04. Burning Angel *
05. Dead Eyes See No Future *
06. Dead Bury Their Dead *
07. Bury Me An Angel *
08. Drum Solo *
09. Instinct *
10. Savage Messiah *
11. First Deadly Sin *
12. The Immortal *
13. Bridge Of Destiny *
14. We Will Rise *
15. Heart Of Darkness *
16. Snowbound *
17. Ravenous *
18. Fields Of Desolation *
19. Nemesis **
20. My Apocalypse **
21. Skeleton Dance **

* Live in London, England December 2004, Sound in 5.1, Mixing by Andy Sneap
** Live in Manchester, England 2005, Sound in Stereo, Mixing by Rickard Bengtsson

Disc 2:

01. Ravenous (video clip)
02. We Will Rise (video clip)
03. Nemesis (video clip)
04. My Apocalypse (video Clip)
05. Dead Eyes See No Future (multi-angle)
06. Bury Me An Angel (multi-angle)
07. Heart Of Darkness (multi-angle)

Bonus Material:

* Interviews
* Backstage footage
* On The road from 2004-2005 Tour

Check out a trailer for the DVD at this location.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD's epic music video for "Seize the Day", directed by Wayne Isham (ROLLING STONES, MÖTLEY CRÜE, METALLICA), has been posted online at YouTube.com.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD are one of the main-stage acts at this year's Ozzfest, which kicked off yesterday (June 29) in Auburn, Washington. The band recently completed a co-headlining U.S. tour with COHEED AND CAMBRIA and followed it up with several European festival appearances.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD are supporting their 2005 album, "City of Evil", which has sold 632,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Norwegian metallers NOCTURNAL BREED are inviting fans to design the cover art for their next album, "Fields of Rot", due later in the year via an as-yet-undetermined label. "If your art is chosen, you can win some great prizes!" reads a posting on the group's web site. More information is available at this location.

As previously reported, the projected title track of NOCTURNAL BREED's upcoming album, "Fields of Rot", has been posted online on the band's MySpace page.

NOCTURNAL BREED recently parted ways with Painkiller Records. The group's follow-up to "The Tools of the Trade" (Holycaust Records) will contain the following track listing:

01. Code of Conduct
02. Fields of Rot
03. Man-Skinner
04. The Dead
05. In Sickness and in Hell
06. Behind the Front
07. Scything Harrow
08. Too Damned to Conquer
09. Iron Bitch
10. Wicked, Vicious, Violent
11. Metal Church

Open Grave Records has announced the release of DOWNLORD's two demo sessions as a limited-edition (666 copies) EP to be released on August 15, 2006.

DOWNLORD consists of Dave Ingram (ex-BENEDICTION, BOLT THROWER) on vocals, Donovan Spenceley (ex-SACRIFICIAL, EXCESSIVE PAYBACK) on guitar, Rene Falther (ex-EXCESSIVE PAYBACK, INIQUITY) on guitar, Thomas Fagerlind (ex-INIQUITY, DAEMON) on bass, and are utilizing the talents of original drummer Rasmus Schmidt, who recently stepped in to play with the band during their first live shows in Denmark and Sweden, supporting BOLT THROWER.

The EP track listing will be as follows:

01. Loathe. Scorn. Detest.
02. Groin of God +++ Amen & Out +++
03. Hate Brace
04. Full Scale Hatred (previously unreleased)
05. Old World Chaos
06. Turn On, Tune In, Drop Dead (previously unreleased)
07. Nail You In

DOWNLORD are continuing to work hard on their debut album tentatively titled "Random Dictionary of the Damned", due out late 2006 on Open Grave Records.

VIRGIN STEELE have revealed the track listing for their eleventh album, "Visions of Eden - The Lilith Project - A Barbaric Romantic Movie of the Mind", due on September 8 via Sanctuary. Check out the album's cover artwork at this location.

"Visions of Eden - The Lilith Project - A Barbaric Romantic Movie of the Mind" track listing:

01. Immortal I Stand (The Birth of Adam)
02. Adorned With the Rising Cobra
03. The Inefable Name
04. Black Light on Black
05. Bonedust
06. Angel of Death
07. God Above God
08. The Hidden God
09. Childslayer
10. When Dusk Fell
11. Visions of Eden

VIRGIN STEELE's new album is said to be "quite epic," clocking in at 79 minutes and 57 seconds.

VIRGIN STEELE's last studio release, "Book of Burning", came out in 2002.

Italian doom metallers THUNDERSTORM have completed work on their as-yet-untitled fourth album at New Sin Studio in Loria (Italy), tentatively due this fall via Dragonheart Records.

Commented the band: "Finally we've finished recording new album and we're very very satisfied! Most of this album sounds different from others our works: It's doom-metal oriented, of course, but most songs have a different style from previous CDs. This album will be the best THUNDERSTORM work ever, that's for sure!"

THUNDERSTORM's last album, "Faithless Soul", was released in October 2004 via Dragonheart.

Finland's NIGHTWISH have finished writing the material for their next album and are now preparing to record pre-production versions of the songs so that they can be edited and arranged. The band are currently seeking a replacement for departed singer Tarja Turunen before entering the studio in September 2006 to begin recording the follow-up to 2004's "Once", tentatively due in mid-2007.

As previously reported, NIGHTWISH's "End of an Era" DVD and CD entered the German chart at a No. 3 and has already been certified gold for sales in excess of 25,000 copies. "End of an Era" was also certified gold in Finland the day after its release.

POISONBLACK — the Finnish band featuring Ville Laihiala (vocals, guitar, formerly of SENTENCED), Janne Markus (guitar), Marco Sneck (keyboards), Antti Remes (bass) and Tarmo Kanerva (drums) — will release a new single and video, "Rush", in early August. The single's title cut will be backed by the non-album track "Poison I Crave".

POISONBLACK have set "Lust Stained Despair" as the title of their long-awaited second album, due in Europe on August 28 via Century Media Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Escapextacy" was recorded in part at Tonebox studio in Oulu, Finland and was mixed and mastered at Antfarm studios in Aarhus, Denmark.

"Lust Stained Despair" track listing:

01. Nothing Else Remains
02. Hollow Be My Name
03. The Darkest Lie
04. Rush
05. Nail
06. Raivotar
07. Soul In Flames
08. Pain Becomes Me
09. Never Enough
10. Love Controlled Despair
11. The Living Dead

Laihiala had previously stated about the new album's musical direction: "The new one has the same spirit and theme that was on [the debut album, 'Escapextacy'], but presented with a lot more dirtier and rougher sounds without forgetting the melodies," he said. "But if you are waiting for a soft goth-rock album you'll be surprised."

POISONBLACK will be performing at the Qstock Festival in Oulu, Finland on July 29. Several new promotional pictures can be viewed at this location.

POISONBLACK's debut album, "Escapextacy", featured CHARON frontman Juha-Pekka Leppäluoto, who eventually left the group in order to concentrate on his touring and recording commitments with his main band.

Swedish black metallers MARDUK have set a September 4 release date for their new DVD, entitled "Blood Puke Salvation". The DVD will contain over 90 minutes of live material filmed in Tilburg, Holland and Antwerpen, Belgium during December 2004. Also included will be promotional videos for "Throne Of Rats", "Steel Inferno" and "The Hangman Of Prague", plus a photo gallery, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and a section entitled "Deathmarch" with exclusive hand-filmed live material from over 20 cities from the "Deathmarch" tour. Check out the DVD cover artwork at
this location.

As previously reported, limited-edition CD/DVD boxsets of MARDUK's classic "La Grande Danse Macabre" and "World Funeral" albums were released by Regain Records this month. More information is available at this location.

MARDUK have been confirmed for the Hellflame festival, set to take place September 2 at Eventcenter B51 in Osnabrück, Germany.