H.I.M. frontman Ville Valo has told the U.K.'s Kerrang! magazine that the Finnish goth metallers will begin work on their follow-up to "Dark Light" in the summer. "We're going to take some time off in July," explained Valo. "Then we'll work on a few demos. I've got ideas for melodies and riffs, but we'll decide together if they're good enough or if they're shit!"

As previously reported, H.I.M.'s new video for the song "Killing Loneliness" has been posted online at this location.

The new "Killing Loneliness" video was shot on April 2 in Los Angeles, California. H.I.M. were joined in the new clip — which was directed by Nathan Cox (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, MARILYN MANSON, KORN, LINKIN PARK, STAIND, DISTURBED) — by tattoo artist Kat Von D; she is one of the featured artists on the Discovery Channel's "Miami Ink" series and has made a name for herself as the go-to gal for H.I.M. fans who'd like to mark their bodies with the band's logo, the heartagram.

To view the original version of the "Killing Loneliness" video — which was reportedly scrapped due to a "poor American response," according to the group's frontman, Ville Valo — click here.

"Killing Loneliness" comes off H.I.M.'s latest album, "Dark Light", which has sold more than 419,000 copies in the United States since its late September release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The follow-up to 2003's "Love Metal" was recorded in Los Angeles and mixed at New York's Electric Lady studios with producer Tim Palmer (DAVID BOWIE, OZZY OSBOURNE).

Long-running German death metallers RESURRECTED have announced the addition of drummer Hazim Fouad to the group's ranks. Fouad, who has played with the German thrash metal band SKULLBREAKER for the past four years (and will continue to do so), said in a statement, "I want to thank the guys of RESURRECTED for this great opportunity and I'm gladly looking forward to our further cooperation. I hope I can follow my predecessor's [Michael Scholz] footsteps and won't disappoint any fan of the band!"

RESURRECTED have entered Soundlodge Studio in Germany to begin recording their fifth album, "Endless Sea of Loss", tentatively due in September via Morbid Records. "Ben [Bays, bass] and Thomas [Granzow, guitar] just returned from their bass and guitar recording session. The session turned out very well, the next one will be Adriano who's about to blast Catacomb Recordings with his drum session by next week. Carsten [Scholz] will record his vokills one or two weeks later. Mixing is scheduled for beginning of July at Soundlodge Recording again. Await nothing but a killer death metal record, that's all we can say right now!!!"

The follow-up to 2003's "Blood Spilled", "Endless Sea of Loss" will include the following tracks, among others: "An Obseding End", "Hidden by Disguise", "Bloodmarked", "…and She Loves it a…" and "Until You Kill Yourself". The artwork will be created by Juan Jose Castellano.

RESURRECTED's fourth album, "Blood Spilled" was recorded at Excess studios in Rotterdam, Holland with producer Hans Pieters.

PANTHEON I, the Norwegian extreme metal band featuring vocalist/guitarist Andrè Kvebek (1349) and guitarist John Espen Sagstad (TROLLFEST, SARKOM), recently completed a pre-production recording for the band's upcoming sophomore album. The three new songs laid down during the session — "Where Angels Burn", "Core of the Soul" and "Decent into Darkness" — along with a cover of EMPEROR's "Thus Spake The Nightspirit", have been made available for download in the "Media" section of the band's official web site, www.pantheon-i.com.

Available on World Chaos Productions, "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 KvГҐlsvoll. The front-cover artwork for the CD was done by Kjell Г…ge Meland.

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

Just a reminder that APOCALYPTICA released their "Best Of" package Amplified - A Decade Of Reinventing The Cello and the double DVD set, The Life Burns Tour, on Friday, May 26th. The track lists are as follows:

Amplified - A Decade of Reinventing The Cello:
CD 1: 'Enter Sandman', 'Harmageddon', 'Nothing Else Matters', 'Refuse/Resist', 'Somewhere Around Nothing', 'Betrayal', 'Farewell', 'Master Of Puppets', 'Hall Of The Mountain King', 'One', 'Heat', 'Cohkka', 'Kaamos', 'Deathzone', 'Angel Of Death'

CD 2: 'Repressed', 'Path Vol.2', 'Bittersweet', 'Hope Vol.2', 'En Vie', 'Faraway Vol.2', 'Life Burns', 'Seemann'

The Life Burns Tour:
DVD 1: 'Intro - Apocalyptica', 'Path', 'Master Of Puppets', 'Somewhere Around Nothing', 'Fight Fire With Fire', 'Quutamo', 'Heat', 'Betrayal', 'Nothing Else Matters', 'Hope', 'Life Burns', 'Fisheye', 'Bittersweet', 'Seek & Destroy', 'Prologue', 'Creeping Death', 'Inquisition Symphony', 'Enter Sandman', 'Refuse/Resist', 'Hall Of The Mountain King'

DVD 2: US Tour Film (bonus material), EPK - 'Repressed' (bonus material), 'Bittersweet' (video), 'Life Burns' (video), 'How Far' (video), 'Wie Weit' (video), 'Faraway Vol.2', 'Somewhere Around Nothing', 'Seemann' (video), 'Repressed' (video)

As previously reported, Apocalyptica released the single 'Repressed', featuring Max Cavalera from SOULFLY and Matt Tuck from BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE on May 19th. The track list is as follows: 'Repressed' (single version), 'Path Vol. 2', 'Betrayal', 'Repressed' (video).

To view the artwork for all three releases go to this location.

Los Angeles melodic thrash/death metallers CERBERUS have uploaded two tracks from their upcoming "What Have We Become?" EP — "Obsidian" and "In Contempt" — to their MySpace.com page. The EP is slated for a July 15 release through Hell and Death Records.

"What Have We Become?" track listing:

01. Fallen Empire
02. Obsidian
03. What Have We Become?
04. In Contempt
05. The Answer

Following the EP release, CERBERUS will head out on a full U.S. tour with YEAR OF DESOLATION (Prosthetic Records) and FOREVER IN TERROR (Metal Blade), who recently changed their name from 7TH PLAGUE due to trademark issues. Confirmed dates are expected to be available in the coming weeks.

The cover artwork for GORGOROTH's new album, "Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam", has been posted online at this location. The CD is scheduled for release in Europe on June 19 via Regain Records and July 25 in the U.S. through Candlelight.

Splitting studio time between Lydriket and Earshot Studios, GORGOROTH's "Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam" is said to be "the logical next chapter for the highly decorated and controversial Norwegian black metal band; many already calling it their most accomplished work to date." The CD was mastered by guitarist Infernus (real name: Roger Tiegs) at the Cutting Room in Stockholm, Sweden.

"Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam" track listing:

01. Wound upon Wound
02. Carving a Giant
03. God Seed (Twilight of tha Idols)
04. Sign of an Open Eye
05. White Seed
06. Exit
07. Untamed Forces
08. Prosperity and Beauty

Check out the song "Wound upon Wound" at this location. "Carving a Giant" is available for streaming by clicking here.

GORGOROTH reportedly recorded several shows on their fall 2005 European tour with 1349 for an upcoming live album, entitled "True Norwegian Black Metal". Scheduled for a late autumn release in 2007, it will mark and celebrate GORGOROTH's 15-year anniversary.

GORGOROTH were most recently signed to Nuclear Blast Records, who released the band's last three efforts: "Twilight of the Idols" (2003), "Incipit Satan" (2000) and "Destroyer" (1998). The band's first three albums — "Pentagram" (1994), "Antichrist" (1996) and "Under the Sign of Hell" (1997) — were re-released last year in a remastered, digipack version via the French label Season of Mist.

ANTIMATTER, whose recording/touring lineup has included current and former members of ANATHEMA, will enter the studio on June 9 to begin recording their fourth album, "Leaving Eden", tentatively due before the end of the year via The End Records. Confirmed guest musicians for the follow-up to 2005's "Planetary Confinement" include Danny Cavanagh (lead guitar, piano), Ste Hughes (bass), Rachel Brewster (violin) and Chris Phillips (drums).

"Leaving Eden" projected track listing:

01. Another Face In A Window
02. Ghosts
03. Redemption
04. Landlocked
05. The Freak Show
06. Fighting For A Lost Cause
07. Leaving Eden
08. The Immaculate Misconception
09. Conspire

Artwork for the album will be handled by Adrian Owen.

ANTIMATTER recently licensed their live CD, "Live@K13" to the Greek label Sleaszy Rider. The CD, which was originally issued in 2003, will be re-released later this year with two bonus tracks. "Live@K13" was recorded live in Lille, France and features covers by classic ANATHEMA tracks such as "Lost Control", "Alternative 4" and more.

According to the official BLAZE fan site, Blazefans.com, the band won't be releasing a new album until 2007. With the exception of playing the Z7 Metal Days Festival and possibly the Big Bash, they will be lying low for the rest of 2006. The webmasters have filed the following "update" on Blaze's plans:

"Today, we webmasters have been granted the outstanding opportunity to speak to the band, both by phone and by email. Some of you have been asking for updates on the website for a long time, and we can assure you that we are and have been taking precautions to give you accurate and correct news, theres only a time and place for everything –and now is one of them, and there will be more further on in the future.

"Blaze is still as strong as always. There will be a gig on Z7 in Switzerland this year, and currently Mr. Bayley is involved in so many things, judging from my telephone convo with him that I personally wonder how these people actually have time to sit down and eat. The man is very open and professional in everything he does, and he assured me that the band is planning very thoroughly every action they take, in every little detail, whatever it might be.

"This year the band is occupied on all directions due to different obligations in the lineup. 2007, however, will be something completelly different and I will not say more in this matter no matter who asks me. That story is to be told directly from management level themselves when it is time to do so."

Singer Ferdy Doernberg of the German epic/melodic metallers ROUGH SILK has posted the following message on the group's official web site:

"Unfortunately I have some very sad news. Hilmer Staacke, the original guitar player of ROUGH SILK died yesterday He had asthma from birth and unfortunately didn't survive the last episode. I don't know any details yet. Ralf [Schwertner, ex-bassist] just called me and informed me about Hilmer's death.

"I'm in L.A. at the moment and ironically playing four shows with Hilmer's favorite guitar player, Warren DeMartini from RATT. I'm shocked at the moment and really don't know what to write. Hilmer, Ralf and I went to school together and founded ROUGH SILK. Hilmer leaves his wife and his four-year-old daughter behind.

"I'll be back in Germany on Monday and write some more news then."

Nuclear Blast Records is has announced the signing of one of the most innovative metal bands in the world: NILE! Mixing Egyptian tunes with technical death metal elements and thus creating a very unique style, NILE rank among the elite of the brutal riff league, as masterpieces like "In Their Darkened Shrines" or last year's "Annihilation of the Wicked" impressively show.

Commented NILE mainman Karl Sanders: "NILE is pleased to announce the recent signing of its new record deal with Nuclear Blast. We are excited about the possibilities and potential of this new partnership with the wonderful people at Nuclear Blast. We are most certainly eagerly looking forward to working on the next NILE album and to fearlessly continue bringing NILE's unique brand of Ithyphallic brutal death metal to our fans. We also would like to thank Matt and Gordon and all the team at Relapse for many years of happiness working with them, we count them as our friends and comrades still and wish them all the best."

Check out a photo of Karl Sanders signing the new contract at this location.

A new NILE album is scheduled for release in 2007.

Earache Records has pushed back the release date of the new DEICIDE album, "The Stench of Redemption", to August 22 from the previously announced June 6. However, fans will still be able to check out two songs from the upcoming CD — "Homage For Satan" (666 mix) and "Crucified For The Innocence" (666 mix) — via the iTunes music store on Tuesday, June 6 (06/06/06).

This exclusive online EP offers fans the first advance taste of two brand new DEICIDE tracks. These digital download-only songs are still red hot, recently forged by the band with co-producer Jim Morris, in the satanic depths of Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Fl., and mark the devastating DEICIDE debuts of new axemen Jack Owen (formerly of CANNIBAL CORPSE) and Ralph Santolla (ex-DEATH, ICED EARTH). The EP also offers a glimpse of the disturbing album imagery which will accompany the retail release.

To view the video trailer for the EP, click here.

A photo of Joey Jordison (drums; also in SLIPKNOT) and mainman Al Jourgensen, taken at the video shoot for the MINISTRY song "Lies Lies Lies", has been posted online at this location. The clip was directed by Zach Passero at the 13th Planet Studios and The Pershing Theatre in El Paso, Texas and features the following lineup:

Tommy Victor (PRONG) - Guitar
Al Jourgensen - Vocals, Guitar
John Bechdel (FEAR FACTORY, KILLING JOKE) - Keyboards
Mike Scaccia (RIGOR MORTIS) – Guitar
Joey Jordison (SLIPKNOT) - Drums
Paul Raven (KILLING JOKE) – Bass

The clip is expected to debut on various outlets mid-June.

"Lies Lies Lies" comes off the group's latest CD, "Rio Grande Blood", which was released in early May. The CD sold just under 7,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at No. 134 on The Billboard 200 chart. The follow-up to 2004's "Houses Of The Molé" was produced by MINISTRY mainman Al Jourgensen at 13th Planet Studios in El Paso, TX, mixed at The Saltmine in Mesa, AZ, and mastered at DNA Mastering in Studio City, CA. The album features guitarist Victor, Raven and drummer Mark Baker, with guest appearances by Jello Biafra (ex-DEAD KENNEDYS) and Sgt. Major.

Swedish power metallers AXENSTAR have finished recording their fourth album, "The Final Requiem", due in September via Germany's Massacre Records. According to the band, "it is by far the heaviest release in the history of AXENSTAR. We are all extremely happy with the result. The European version will contain 12 songs and the Japanese bonus version 13 songs." Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Pagan Ritual", "Seeds of Evil", "Condemnation", "Final Requiem", "The Hide" and "End of the Line".

AXENSTAR recently parted ways with guitarists Peter Johansson and Thomas Eriksson due to "personal reasons." The three remaining members will continue with the help of new lead guitarist Joakim Jonsson (SKYFIRE, THE MIST OF AVALON).

AXENSTAR were previously signed to the Arise label.

CHROME DIVISION, the Norwegian five-piece featuring DIMMU BORGIR frontman Shagrath (a.k.a. Stian Thoresen) on guitar, will head over from Oslo to Gothenburg June 3-4 to shoot a video for the song "Serial Killer" with director Patric Ullaeus (IN FLAMES, DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, SOILWORK).

"Serial Killer" comes off CHROME DIVISION's debut album, "Doomsday Rock 'N Roll", due in North America on August 8 via Nuclear Blast Records (July 27 in Germany). The disc was recorded in Oslo, Norway, last winter and contains a musical direction described by the band as "stripped down groovy rock 'n' roll with a primitive attitude." A tour will follow the album's release before the end of the year.

"Doomsday Rock 'N Roll" (view cover here) track listing:

01. Doomsday Overture
02. Serial Killer
03. Hate
04. Trouble With The Law
05. Chrome Division
06. Here Comes Another One
07. 1st Regiment
08. Breathe Easy
09. The Angel Falls
10. Till The Break Of Dawn
11. We Want More
12. When The Shit Hits The Fan

CHROME DIVISION lineup:

Shagrath - Guitar
Luna - Bass
Eddie Guz - Vocals
Ricky Doom - Guitar
Tony White - Drums

CHROME DIVISION have uploaded full-length MP3s of three unmastered tracks on their official web site. The songs available for download at this location are "Serial Killer", "Breathe Easy" and "The Angel Falls".

Ari Bendersky of The Associated Press recently conducted a short interview with SLAYER guitarist Kerry King. Read on:

AP: Since the new record isn't done yet, tell me about the new music — what's the lyrical content?

KK: "It's pretty much SLAYER '06. There's war songs, religious songs, satanic songs — it's what you'd expect the next chapter of SLAYER's life to be."

AP: This is the first album you're doing as the original lineup since 1990. How are things different now?

KK: "Everybody has grown up. Whatever childhood issues we had is water under the bridge. I think we're better because we separated. I think we probably would've killed each other. Now it's like, you go on and be SLAYER like we're supposed to be."

AP: SLAYER has had its share of controversy over the years with some people accusing the band of being Nazi sympathizers and white supremacists.

KK: "I think that's another case where people are taking on a position without getting all the facts. When people called us Nazis, we have a Chilean guy singing the lyrics. People make an opinion before they're completely informed. It's never a fair fight that way. They think that's how something is and you can't argue with irrationality."

AP: What's life like on the road for you now?

KK: "Pretty much the same as it ever was. This is our tour in a nutshell: we soundcheck, sleep until 3, play and stay up all night watching movies."

AP: So it's really not as exciting as your fans might expect it to be?

KK: "Nah. We learned the more things you break the more things you pay for. I like my money a lot more than paying for (stuff) we broke."

SLAYER's still-untitled follow-up to "God Hates Us All", which was released on Sept. 11, 2001, is due July 25 via American Recordings. For the project, the group reteamed with longtime collaborator Rick Rubin to executive produce their first new album with their four original members since 1990's "Seasons in the Abyss".

SLAYER will preview their first album in five years with an EP exclusively available at Hot Topic stores. The album will include "Cult", the lone new song the band plans to play live on the upcoming Unholy Alliance Tour.

Swiss metal pioneers CELTIC FROST have announced the addition of Norwegian guitar player Anders Odden to their touring lineup.

Odden, who has played with APOPTYGMA BERZERK, SATYRICON, CADAVER, and MAYHEM, auditioned for the group in April, and returned to Zurich, Switzerland (CELTIC FROST's base) last week for dedicated tour rehearsals. A life-long CELTIC FROST devotee, Odden will be performing with the band for their summer festival performances.

Commenting on the forthcoming performances, the group's frontman, Tom Gabriel Fischer, quipped, "Satan will be pleased."

As previously reported, a CELTIC FROST "Monotheist" microsite has been launched at this location. You will find the songs "Progeny" and "Ground" as streams, band photos, release dates and tour dates.

SINNER have inked a new record deal with MTM Music. The band's current lineup — which includes PRIMAL FEAR bassist Mat Sinner, his FEAR bandmate Tom Naumann (guitars), Frank Rössler (keyboards), METALIUM's Matte Lange (guitars) and former PRIMAL FEAR drummer Klaus Sperling — will enter a studio near Stuttgart in September with producer Achim Köhler to record a new album, entitled "Mask Of Sanity", for a January 19, 2007 release.

Commented MTM president Mario Lehmann: "I'm really pround and especially happy about this signing and that a metal legend like Mat Sinner decided to release his next SINNER album on MTM Music. With 'Mask Of Sanity', we will not only please the traditional friends of hardrock, but also a lot of metal fans!"

Regarding the prospect of working with Klaus Sperling again, Sinner said in a statement, "It's really fantastic to have Klaus back on board and with MTM Music, we found a great trustfully partner for the band's future! I can promise that 'Mask Of Sanity' will be a 100% SINNER album, with a lot of harmony guitars and all trademarks of the SINNER history!"

Klaus Sperling is no stranger to the SINNER songs, as he helped out the band on their Japan tour 1999, their European tour with DIO in 2000 and some open-air performances in Europe. Sperling also played drums on the SINNER version of ACCEPT's classic "Balls to the Wall".

Added Sinner: "We've finished the pre-production for the first bunch of tracks and we're excited. Here are some of the songtitles: 'The Sign', 'Revenge', 'Last Men Standing', 'Thunderroar', 'Mask Of Sanity' and 'Black'."

KINGDOM COME's webmaster Marko Wolf (brother of KINGDOM COME mainman Lenny Wolf) has posted the following message on the group's official web site:

"Lenny just got back from Berlin where he finalized the [new KINGDOM COME] record with [mastering engineer] Marc Einstmann. So far so good. We are not happy about having to wait with the release until September 15th, but again: Due to the upcoming soccer world championships the record labels don't even wanna think about releasing anything until the soccer craziness is over.

"To be honest, I don't think that anyone of the band would be available for anything sensible anyhow. Especially Yenz [Leonhardt, rhythm guitar] and Lenny will be 'out of order' during the games! Please forgive them in advance. Even I just got digital cable, ensuring I can watch as many games as possible here in the States. [Lenny's brother reportedly lives in the Seattle area — Ed.] Also: [production manager] Frank Trzaskowski just returned from his trip to Russia, where he finalized the record-deal with CD-Maximum. Warm greetings to our russian soldiers! Hope to you see all soon!"

KINGDOM COME's upcoming CD will be the follow-up to "Perpetual", which came out in 2004. The band cancelled their U.S. tour in early 2005 due to problems in obtaining correct work permits in time for the trek.

A high-quality video clip of OZZY OSBOURNE performing his classic song "Crazy Train" in front of the Prince of Wales and an audience of 2,000 in the historic grounds of the Tower of London on May 20 has been posted online at this location.

Charles, president and founder of the Prince's Trust, was joined by the Duchess of Cornwall and Princes William and Harry at the special concert, according to UTV. During the show viewers were asked to pledge money to the Prince's Trust, established by Charles in 1976, which offers support by training, mentoring and financial assistance to help people achieve their potential.

Charles along with his wife Camilla and his sons later met the stars of the show, including Ozzy, his wife Sharon and daughter Kelly.

Swedish band SHOT INJECTION have announced the addition of bassist Filip Svensson (ex-ROACH) to the group's ranks. The band will enter Division One Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden on June 12 to begin recording their new, as-yet-untitled CD. Songtitles set to appear on the effort include "Follow My Chaos" and "Suicide Scenario".

SHOT INJECTION's most recent CD, "Fear Comes Full Circle", was mixed and engineered by Arnold Lindberg (EVERGREY, DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES) and co-produced by Tom S Englund (EVERGREY). The three-song release can be downloaded at band's official website.

British extreme metal pioneers NAPALM DEATH have entered Foel Studios in Wales, England to begin recording the follow-up to last year's "The Code Is Red… Long Live The Code", tentatively due before the end of 2006 via Century Media Records.

Commented NAPALM DEATH vocalist: "After working our arses off on new stuff for the last couple of months, we kind of slipped into the studio when no one was looking. This thing is already sounding totally immense — even better than 'Code...', from where I'm standing. It's fast and furious, as you'd expect, but we're also throwing a few curveballs in, in true ND tradition. Can't wait for everyone to hear it."

NAPALM DEATH's new CD, tentatively titled "Smear Campaign", will include the following working songtitles, among others: "Persona Nongrata", "Smear Campaign" and "Call That an Option?"

NAPALM DEATH toured North America earlier this year with KREATOR, and in fall 2005 supporting SUFFOCATION. The band recently recorded a cover of SICK OF IT ALL's "Who Sets the Rules" for a 20th anniversary tribute album that will be released later this through Century Media Records.

Finnish melodic deathsters ENTER MY SILENCE are label shopping — again. Just months after their long-awaited second album, "Coordinate: D1SA5T3R", was released by via JMT-Music, the label has suddenly called it a day, apparently due to some unreceived license payments from JMT's former business associates.

To the band this comes as a surprise, even though there was some warning signs. "It's fucked up, yes, but what can you do," guitarist Tuomas Jäppinen said in a statement. "We've had some label issues before, and looks like we now got two strikes in a row. We started expecting something like this over a month ago, when we suddenly couldn't get a hold of them anymore. Let's see how this all turns out, though one thing's for sure; this is not it. We're open for business."

To "celebrate" the occation, the band has posted three more full-length songs from "Coordinate: D1SA5T3R" on their web site at www.entermysilence.com. Their next live show is on July 1 at the Tuska Open Air festival in Helsinki.

DYING FETUS have posted the following message on their official web site:

"DYING FETUS are glad to announce Duane Timlin as the new drummer. It's been a long year of searching, but we wanted to move forward in the certainty of having the right person for the group. Duane joins Mike Kimball [guitar], Sean Beasley [bass and vocals], and original member John Gallagher [guitar and vocals], to complete our four-piece lineup.

"The band were already friends with Duane, and even toured with him when he played drums for DIVINE EMPIRE, who supported DYING FETUS on our 2003 summer headlining tour.

"Duane submitted an impressive video audition as well as auditioning in person the weekend of May 13, and has demonstrated to us that he has the skills and dedication we were looking for!

"We want to thank everyone who auditioned or contacted us about the spot — we appreciate your consideration, talent, and hard work! We will announce further details about our recording and touring schedule soon. Keep checking back for recording dates in mid-summer and tour dates in late winter of this year!" Songtitles set to appear on the upcoming CD include "Parasites of Catastrophe", "Unadulterated Hatred", "Raping the System" and "The Ancient Rivalry".

U.K. progressive metallers THRESHOLD are currently working on material for a new studio album. No firm details are available at the moment, but the band hope to record sometime over the summer. Meanwhile guitarist Karl Groom is currently completing production on a new album for GALAHAD at Thin Ice Studios (England) entitled "Empires Never Last", including a guest guitar solo performance on the track "Sidewinder". He has also recently finished production on the new INTENSE album, which includes guest keyboards by Richard West, and is currently working on a new album for SHADOWKEEP. Meanwhile in Germany, vocalist Andrew "Mac" McDermott is writing and singing on a new album with the power metal band GALLOGLASS, and he's also half way through making a new YARGOS album.

Finnish death metallers TOTAL DEVASTATION have set an August 23 release date for their third album, entitled "Wreck". The 11-song follow-up to last year's "Reclusion" was recorded at Supreme studio and is currently being mixed by Janne Saksa.

As previously reported, TOTAL DEVASTATION's video for the track "Murderous", taken from their "Reclusion" album, has been posted online at this location.

"Reclusion" was released in February 2005 via Firebox Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Roadmap of Pain" was recorded at Sound Supreme studio with producer Janne Saksa and was mastered by Minerva Pappi at Finnvox Studios. A limited-edition version of the album contains a cover of AUTOPSY's "In the Grip of Winter" and a bonus music video.

MORDICHRIST, the Swedsh black metal band featuring DARK FUNERAL guitarist Chaq Mol, are currently seeking a new drummer. The group, who had previously issued a limited-edition (500 copies) 10-inch mini-LP via Danza Ipnotica, are planning on releasing a new seven-inch single.

For more information, visit www.mordichrist.com.

As previously reported, MORDICHRIST singer Nenia is going lend her diabolical voice to the German black metallers CAEDES on their new CD. No further information is currently available.

LAMB OF GOD have reportedly selected the track "Redneck" as the first single from their upcoming album, "Sacrament". Plans exist for the band to film a video for the song with director Bill Fishman (EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, GOOD CHARLOTTE).

LAMB OF GOD began recording "Sacrament" on April 3 in New York with producer Machine (BLOODSIMPLE, WHITE ZOMBIE), who also helmed the group's 2004 effort, "Ashes of the Wake".

In a recent interview with MTV.com, LAMB OF GOD guitarist Mark Morton had the following to say about the upcoming CD, "The music's influenced by what the five of us are listening to, what we're writing about, the context in which we're writing, our lives and our experiences," he explained. "We made a deliberate effort not to be so politically motivated this time. We still care about and think about those things, but at this point, creatively, we wanted to step out of that for a moment, and address some other things. So the lyrics are more introspective and more personal, and I think just about anybody will relate to them. Not everybody pays attention to the war or politics."

"Sacrament" is scheduled for an August 22 release through Epic Records.

Dutch black metallers SAURON will enter the Double Noise studio in July to record their third full-length album, tentatively due late 2006/early 2007 via the Swedish label Carnal Records (CRAFT, ARCKANUM, SHAARIMOTH). Eight songs have been written for the as-yet-untiteld CD, which will be mastered at the Necromorbus studio in Sweden. Cover art will be handled by Manuel Tinnemans.

SAURON's second full-length album, "For A Dead Race", was released in 2004 via Neurotic Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Universe of Filth" was recorded at Double Noise Studio and was described as "more mature, more diverse and most of all more angry" than its predecessor.

MOTÖRHEAD have set "Kiss of Death" as the title of their new album, tentatively due on August 29 via Sanctuary Records.

The follow-up to 2004's "Inferno" was produced by Cameron Webb, who also worked with the group on their last effort. A new MOTÖRHEAD track, entitled "Kingdom of the Worm", received its world premiere on Friday, May 19 during MOTÖRHEAD mainman Lemmy Kilmister's appearance on the "Jonesy's Jukebox" radio show. Lemmy also featured in the June 2006 issue of Maxim magazine as one of the top 10 "Living Legends of Sex." Also appearing in the issue are Jack Nicholson, Julio Iglesias, Gene Simmons, Charlie Sheen and Magic Johnson, among others.

BBC News is reporting that the Finnish city of Rovaniemi says it will name a square after monster rock band LORDI, its surprise Eurovision Song Contest winners.

The band was the first Finnish act to claim victory in the competition. It also made history as the first heavy metal group to win. Its song "Hard Rock Hallelujah" scored record points. The mayor of Rovaniemi — the band's hometown, located on the Arctic Circle — said the municipality wanted to honour its sons for their success.

Until now, Finland had one of the worst records in the history of the annual contest. But LORDI, whose members dress as monsters with horns and claws, pulled off a surprise win in Saturday's (May 20) competition in Athens. [Watch video of LORDI's performance at the Eurovision Song Contest at this location.]

The new square bearing LORDI's name will be part of the redevelopment of Rovaniemi's city centre. The town — the regional capital of Lapland — lies on the Arctic Circle and describes itself as the home of the real Santa Claus. In a statement issued to Finnish media the official Rovaniemi Santa Claus said: "LORDI's victory shows us that with hard work and belief in your own abilities even the greatest dreams come true."

Finland has embraced the band since its victory — despite earlier concerns it would tarnish the country's reputation. Both Finnish President Tarja Halonen and Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen have also congratulated the group.