HELLOWEEN's long-awaited new album, "Keeper of the Seven Keys - The Legacy", will be issued by Steamhammer/SPV on October 31. The track listing for the double-CD is as follows:

CD 1:

01. The King for a 1000 Years
02. The Invisible Man
03. Born on Judgment Day
04. Pleasure Drone
05. Mrs. God
06. Silent Rain

The total playing time is 38:56.

CD 2:

01. Occasion Avenue
02. Light the Universe (feat. BLACKMORE'S NIGHT's Candice Night)
03. Do You Know What You're Fighting 4?
04. Come Alive
05. Shade in the Shadow
06. Get It Up
07. My Life 4 1 More Day

The total playing time is 38:45.

The lineup on the record includes singer Andi Deris, guitarists Michael Weikath and Sascha Gerstner, bassist Markus Großkopf and drummer Dani Löble (ex-RAWHEAD REXX). Produced by Charlie Bauerfeind (BLIND GUARDIAN, HALFORD, RAGE), "Keeper of the Seven Keys - The Legacy" will be released as a high-quality digipack with six flaps. The band are promising "awe-inspiring loads of double-bass madness and the trademark HELLOWEEN-style of songs and arrangements" on the follow-up to 2003's "Rabbit Don't Come Easy" (Nuclear Blast Records), according to a posting on the group's web site.

Sweden's CRYSTAL EYES have posted the following message on their official web site:

"Daniel Heiman will not be singing with CRYSTAL EYES in the future. Daniel's full attention has now for some time been on his own band HEED, and writing and recording their debut album. Of course we hoped to make more than one album and one gig with Daniel when we first decided to work together, but writing and recording his own music has been his goal for a long time now, and we wish him all the best.

"This opens up for an interesting future for CRYSTAL EYES, and we have decided that the first step into that future is start searching for a new singer. We're looking for a personal, diverse and powerful voice. Preferably belonging to a guy who's able to rehearse, record, perform and have a lot of fun. If you sound like a mix of Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson, Ronnie James Dio, Ralf Scheepers, Tony Martin and Eric Adams we'll surely lend you an ear or two :) If you're interested click here for more info.

"Since Sweden Rock Festival became the only gig this year Mikael has been busy writing new material for the fifth CRYSTAL EYES album. About 75% of the material is finished, and hopefully we'll have some more detailed news about that within a few months."

CRYSTAL EYES' fourth full-length album, "Confessions of the Maker", was issued earlier in the year. The group's first two albums, "World of Black and Silver" (1999) and "In Silence They March" (2000), were re-released at the same time.

Candlelight Records has confirmed October 4 as the American release date for the new studio album from Norway's GRIMFIST. Titled "Ten Steps to Hell", it is the second studio album from the rapidly growing extreme metal band. Recorded at Subsonic Society Studios (DISMEMBER, SUSPERIA) and mixed at Studio Fredman (IN FLAMES, THE HAUNTED), "Ten Steps to Hell" is said to be a "riff assault. . . guitars and vocals both firmly presented in-your-face style wrapped around an intense rhythm that recalls what made the initial thrash genre so energetic."

Formed in 2001, GRIMFIST's debut album, "Ghouls of Grandeur", featured original drummer Horgh (HYPOCRISY, ex-IMMORTAL). Returning with "Ten Steps to Hell", this three-piece — guitarist Ole Walaunet, vocalist Frediablo and new drummer, Christian Svendsen — further confirm their determination with a record that is "molten and metal to the bloody core," according to a press release.

"Ten Steps to Hell" track listing:Mp>

01. The Power
02. Separation of My Soul
03. Breed Apart
04. Unborn (Intro)
05. Unborn
06. The Ashes of the Gods
07. Reep the Fire
08. Touched by a Shadow of Evil
09. Tools of the Trade
10. Fight or Die

Norwegian black metallers MAYHEM have set "Ordo Ab Chao" as the title of their new album, tentatively due in late 2005/early 2006 via Season of Mist. The band's upcoming CD will mark their first release with vocalist Attila Csihar (TORMENTOR, ABORYM) since their 1993 album, "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas". "Expect nothing but viciousness!!" the group write on their web site.

Csihar joined MAYHEM last November as the replacement for departed singer Maniac (real name Sven Erik Kristiansen).

According to a posting on NIGHTWISH's official web site, the band recently shot a video for the track "Sleeping Sun" in Prague, Czech Republic. The clip was directed by Jörn Heitmann, who has previously worked with such artists as RAMMSTEIN ("Keine Lust", "Amerika") and THE RASMUS ("No Fear"). Check out pictures from the video shoot at this location. The original version of "Sleeping Sun" appeared on NIGHTWISH's 1998 album, "Oceanborn".

As previously reported, the cover artwork for NIGHTWISH's upcoming CD collection, entitled "Highest Hopes - The Best Of Nightwish", has been posted online at this location. "Highest Hopes - The Best Of Nightwish", will be released on September 28 in two different formats: normal version, and limited edition, featuring a bonus disc containing three video clips filmed at the Mera Luna Festival in Hildesheim, Germany in 2003: "She Is My Sin", "Dead to the World" and "Kinslayer".

All 11,000 tickets for NIGHTWISH's special October 21, 2005 concert at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki were sold out in less than an hour after they went on sale last month. The Hartwall Arena show will be NIGHTWISH's last before they take a lengthy break, estimated to last for at least 18 months, during which they will compose and record the follow-up to their highly successful "Once" album.

According to TheHighwayStar.com, DEEP PURPLE have set the tentative track listing for their new album, "Rapture of the Deep", due on October 21 via Edel Records.

DEEP PURPLE spent five weeks at a Los Angeles studio earlier this year recording the follow-up to 2003's "Bananas" with producer Mike Bradford. The album is described by keyboardist Don Airey as "a lot heavier" than "Bananas". "We recorded it in the same studio that use to be used by KORN, and it's got a wonderful sound," Airey said. "It's got a real, immediate drum and organ sound. I was really happy working in there."

"Rapture of the Deep" (view cover here) track listing:

01. Back to Back
02. Before Time Began
03. Clearly Quite Absurd
04. Don’t Let Go
05. Girls Like That
06. Rapture of the Deep
07. MTV (European bonus track)
08. Money Talks
09. Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
10. Junkyard Blues (Japanese bonus track)
11. Things I Never Said
12. Wrong Man

Candlelight Records has confirmed October 4 as the American release date for the new studio album from Norway's 1349. Titled "Hellfire", it is the third studio album from the rapidly growing black metal band. Recorded at Studio Studio in Nyhagen, Norway, "Hellfire" will be supported with a European tour with Norwegian black metallers GORGOROTH.

Formed in 1997, 1349 features vocalist Ravn, guitarists Tjalve and Archaon, bassist Seidemann and drummer Frost (SATYRICON). Their Candlelight debut, "Liberation", was released in 2003. Returning in 2004, the band recorded "Beyond the Apocalypse". With "Hellfire", a priority for Candlelight through 2006, 1349 are sure to open their already respectable fanbase.

"Hellfire" track listing:

01. I Am Abomination
02. Nathicana
03. Sculptor of Flesh
04. Celestial Deconstruction
05. To Rottendom
06. From the Deeps
07. Slaves to Slaughter
08. Hellfire

NAPALM DEATH's video for the song "The Silence Is Deafening" has been posted online at CenturyMedia.de (Real Media). The clip was directed by Roger Johansson (THE HAUNTED, DARK TRANQUILLITY, IN FLAMES) and "captures the band’s high-energy live performance along with their trademark critical look at world politics," according to a press release.

"The Silence Is Deafening" comes off the group's latest CD, "The Code is Red...Long Live the Code", which came out in April via Century Media Records. The album was recorded at Foel Studios with producer Russ Russell and features guest appearances by Jello Biafra (ex-DEAD KENNEDYS), Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Jeff Walker (ex-CARCASS).

NAPALM DEATH will be embarking on a U.S. tour with OBITUARY and DEAD TO FALL beginning on September 1 in West Springfield, VA.

BLACKMORE'S NIGHT, the band featuring former DEEP PURPLE/RAINBOW guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and his fiancée Candice Night, have set "Village Lanterne" as the title of their new album, tentatively due in early 2006 via SPV Records. A single, "I'll Be There (Just Call My Name)", will precede the album on September 5. Check out a preview of "I'll Be There (Just Call My Name)" here and the B-side cut "Old Mill Inn" here.

BLACKMORE'S NIGHT will release their DVD, "Castles and Dreams", in North America on October 11. Featuring the entire beautifully-shot concert at Burg Veldenstein/Neuhaus in Germany, the program also includes over four and a half hours of material, including TV appearances, music videos, and movie archives from Ritchie Blackmore (DEEP PURPLE, RAINBOW) and Candice Night. A trailer can be viewed here.

Swedish black metallers DARK FUNERAL have finalized the track listing for their new album, "Attero Totus Sanctus", due in the U.S. on November 29 via Candlelight Records USA. The CD will be released in Europe on October 24 via Regain Records.

DARK FUNERAL's new album was recorded and mixed by Daniel Bergstrand (MESHUGGAH, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, IN FLAMES, BEHEMOTH) and Örjan Örnkloo (MISERY LOVES CO.) at Dug-Out studios in Uppsala, Sweden between May 23 and July 15, and August 8 and August 19, 2005. Mastering duties were handled by Tomas Eberger at the Cutting Room in Stockholm, Sweden. The CD will feature a guest appearance by former MESHUGGAH bassist Gustaf Hielm.

"Attero Totus Sanctus" track listing:

01. King Antichrist (04:39)
02. 666 Voices Inside (04:38)
03. Attero Totus Sanctus (05:37)
04. Godhate (05:06)
05. Atrium Regina (05:33)
06. Angel Flesh Impaled (05:53)
07. Feed on the Mortals (05:41)
08. Final Ritual (05:44)

Total Playing Time: 42:58

DARK FUNERAL's live album, "De Profundis Clamavi ad te Domine", was released in the U.S. on May 31 via Candlelight USA/Regain Records. The CD was recorded during the band's successful 2003 tour of South America (including stops in Brazil, Chile and Colombia) and features a selection of material that spans the band's decade-long career.

DARK FUNERAL currently features vocalist/bassist Emperor Magnus Caligula, guitarist Lord Ahriman, guitarist Chaq Mol, and drummer Matte Modin.

Finnish metallers DREAMTALE have announced the addition of singer Nils "Nisse" Nordling to the group's ranks. "Nisse has already sang two gigs with us and finally we chose to make it official," the band write on their web site.

Nordling joins the group as the replacement for Jarkko Ahola, who left DREAMTALE in April to concentrate on his other band, TERÄSBETONI.

DREAMTALE's third album, "Difference", was released in April via Spinefarm Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Ocean's Heart" was recorded at Timo Tolkki's (STRATOVARIUS) Goldenworks studio with Tolkki producing and was mixed at Finnvox studios by Mikko Karmila.

According to a posting at the Polish music web site CGM.pl, former VADER drummer Krzysztof "Docent" Raczkowski (a.k.a. Doc) has passed away at age 35. No further details about his death are currently available. This has now been confirmed by VADER's official web site.

In a March 2005 statement announcing Doc's departure from the group, VADER frontman Peter said, "Doc pretty hard tried to 'fight' against his weaknesses, which were troubles for all of us. Finaly he had not prevailed over that battle... All in all, he attempted. . . VADER today is not just a friendship anymore — it's our life with armies of man involved in music, releases and — first of all — fans waiting for shows or new albums... This is a high responsibility, not too many know about. If a person, even the most talented one, cannot stand it — [he] has to leave... That was Doc's decision as well."

In an April 2005 interview with AbrasiveRock.com, VADER guitarist Mauser elaborated on Doc's "weaknesses," stating, "He had a problem with alcohol and this is the problem. Maybe in the future, if he will be alright, he may be back in the band. Maybe someday. We will see what happens."

World-renowned Dutch rock band THE GATHERING is set to release their double-DVD, "A Sound Relief", in the U.S./Canada on October 25, 2005 via The End Records. The DVD will be made available in Europe through the band's own label, Psychonaut Records, in mid-October.

The two-disc set features a wide array of items for fans of the band to enjoy. Disc One includes the live concert the band recorded on May 23, 2005 at the famous Paradiso in Amsterdam. The live recording was recorded in DTS 5.1, a truly remarkable sound quality, which enhances the already emotional and powerful flow of the band's musical delivery. Disc Two features great bonus extras like their own tour impressions caught on video, video interviews and a TV special about the 15-year career of THE GATHERING. The bonus disc also showcases a collection of beautiful 3-D animation clips, which were especially designed for the band by promising Dutch and Polish 3-D artists Michel de Klein and Marcin Pazera. Also of note, The End Records mail-order will be offering a very limited package for the DVD release. It will include the double-DVD, a shirt and poster style photo from the show signed by the band.

"A Sound Relief" DVD track listing:

Disc One:

Live concert at Paradiso, Amsterdam, May 23, 2005:

01. The Big Sleep
02. Broken Glass
03. Rescue Me
04. Alone
05. Travel
06. Red is a Slow Colour
07. A life All Mine
08. Golden Grounds
09. Amity
10. In Motion II
11. Marooned
12. Souvenirs
13. Like Fountains
14. Herbal Movement

Disc Two:

Tour Impression 2004
Bonus features:
Dutch TV special "15 Year The Gathering"
Italian video-interview
Animation Music Clips:
"Marooned"
"The Big Sleep"
"Alone"
"Broken Glass"
"A Life all Mine"
"Red is a Slow Colour"

German industrial metallers RAMMSTEIN have set "Rosenrot" as the title of their follow-up to to last year's "Reise Reise", tentatively due this fall. The group recently shot a video for the album's first single, "Benzin", which was aired live for the first time this past June. Several remixes are curerntly in the works, as is the artwork for the cover of the single and the album.

As previously reported, the band recorded several songs during the sessions for "Reise, Reise" which were omitted from the CD's final track listing. During a recent session at a Berlin studio, RAMMSTEIN recorded several more tracks and recently mixed the combined collection of new material for the "Rosenrot" album.

REBELLION, the German band that features in its ranks former GRAVE DIGGER members Uwe Lulis (guitar) and Tomi Göttlich (bass), have temporarily replaced guitarist Björn Eilen with Simone Wenzel. According to the group's official statement, "for reasons of health (hearing impairment) our guitar player Björn Eilen will not be able to play any REBELLION shows this year. He has been suffering for some time and this summer his hearing got so bad that he's taking time off 'till the end of this year. Of course we're hoping that he'll recover soon and wish him all the best. His place will be taken part-time by Simone Wenzel who will be swinging the axe! She's not only a good looker but also plays a pretty solid metal guitar. So, watch out for her!"

REBELLION's latest album, "Sagas of Iceland", was released in May via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Born a Rebel" is the first part of a Viking trilogy based upon Ragnar Lodenhose ("Sons Of The Dragonslayer"), the Norwegian king Harald Harfager (who created the first united Norwegian kingdom), Eric the Red, and both Danish kings Sven Gabelbart ("Ruling The Waves") and Knut the Great. "Part 2" (estimated release in 2006) will deal with the Swedish and Russian Vikings and their glorious deeds. "Part 3" (estimated release in 2007) will be cover the "Edda" story collection where the listener will get more information about the mythology and the gods of the Vikings.

Locomotive Records has set an August 30 U.S. release date for the new album from CIRCLE II CIRCLE, the band founded by former SAVATAGE lead singer Zachary Stevens.

Stevens sang for SAVATAGE from 1992 to 2000, replacing Jon Oliva. CIRCLE II CIRCLE's debut solo album, "Watching in Silence", set the scene in 2003. Now, with compositional/instrumental help from Oliva, Stevens has upped the ante on his promising solo career with "The Middle of Nowhere", delivering "a work of art that was pains takenly constructed over a 10-month period of recording seclusion, devastating hurricanes, and many of life's trials and tribulations," according to a press release. "The record flows like a twisting tale of insanity, devastation, and illusion that takes you on a cynical roller coaster ride with a cleansing conclusion of triumph over diversity."

"The Middle of Nowhere" was produced by Stevens with Jim Morris and Dan Campbell and features the songwriting talents of Stevens, Oliva and Chris Caffery (both of SAVATAGE). Also contributing two tracks to the CD is new songwriting partner Bernd Aufermann of RUNNING WILD.

CIRCLE II CIRCLE lineup:

Zachary Stevens - Vocals
Paul Micheal Stewart – Bass, Vocals
Thomas Drennan – Drums, Vocals
Evan Christopher - Guitars, Vocals
Andrew Lee - Guitars, Vocals

QUEEN + PAUL RODGERS, featuring legendary rock icons Brian May and Roger Taylor of QUEEN, and Paul Rodgers of BAD COMPANY and FREE, will release a a live, two-CD set, entitled "Return of the Champions", on September 13 via Hollywood Records. A DVD set of the show, filmed by renowned director David Mallet, will follow on October 24. Both the CD and DVD were recorded and filmed, respectively, during the group's May 9, 2005 performance at the Sheffield Arena. The DVD set will contain extensive bonus material, including rehearsal and backstage footage, and highlights of their European shows.

"Return of the Champions" track listing:

Disc 1:

01. Reaching Out
02. Tie Your Mother Down
03. I Want To Break Free
04. Fat Bottomed Girls
05. Wishing Well
06. Another One Bites The Dust
07. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
08. Say It's Not True
09. '39
10. Love Of My Life
11. Hammer To Fall
12. Feel Like Making Love
13. Let There Be Drums
14. I'm In Love With My Car
15. Guitar Solo
16. Last Horizon

Disc 2:

01. These Are The Days Of Our Lives
02. Radio Ga Ga
03. Can't Get Enough
04. A Kind Of Magic
05. I Want It All
06. Bohemian Rhapsody
07. The Show Must Go On
08. All Right Now
09. We Will Rock You
10. We Are The Champions
11. God Save The Queen

At the end of the year, QUEEN will commemorate the 30th anniversary of their two-time hit, "Bohemian Rhapsody" (first released in the U.S. December 7, 1975), with a special anniversary DVD and CD of the band's classic album "A Night at the Opera".

Spitfire Records has set an October 4 release date for a double-disc compilation from BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, entitled "Kings of Damnation - Era '98-'04".

"Kings of Damnation - Era '98-'04" is a look at the evolution of Zakk Wylde's progression as a musician, beginning from his solo venture with PRIDE & GLORY and BOOK OF SHADOWS, leading up to his final album for Spitfire, "Hangover Music Volume VI". As a special treat for the die-hard fans, this package includes rare and previously unreleased acoustic versions of several Zakk Wylde favorites. Two tracks ("Spoke In The Wheel" and "Bridge To Cross") are acoustic takes that were recorded in the UK. The hit "Stillborn" and "The Blessed Hellride" both get the acoustic treatment from his mini Slightly Amped tour of radio stations, while in support of "The Blessed Hellride" album. Disc 2 features unique takes on a number of well-known songs, including PROCOL HARUM's "Whiter Shade of Pale", THE BEATLES' "Come Together", and NEIL YOUNG's "Heart of Gold".

"Kings of Damnation - Era '98-'04" (tracks marked with * are previously unreleased):

01. Losing Your Mind
02. Horse Called War
03. Between Heaven and Hell
04. Sold My Soul
05. Spoke In The Wheel (acoustic version recorded in UK)*
06. TAZ
07. Counterfeit God
08. Stronger Than Death
09. Bleed For Me
10. Demise Of Sanity
11. Bridge To Cross (acoustic version recorded in UK)*
12. We Live No More
13. Stillborn (Slightly Amped)*
14. The Blessed Hellride (Slightly Amped)*
15. Crazy Or High
16. House Of Doom

Bonus second disc:

01. No More Tears
02. Whiter Shade Of Pale
03. Heart Of Gold
04. Snowblind
05. The Wizard
06. In My Time Of Dyin'
07. Come Together

Eight years after retiring from the music scene, reformed cult German progressive metal band SIEGES EVEN have inked a deal with InsideOut Music. The group's sixth studio album, "The Art of Navigating by the Stars", is scheduled for release in September.

"The Art of Navigating by the Stars" was recorded at the Black Solaris Studio in Frankfurt with producer Uwe Lulis (REBELLION). The CD contains only one track with a running time of 45-50 minutes. The song is split into several movements that are interlinked by certain musical themes. "The Art of Navigating by the Stars" is SIEGES EVEN's first album with their new singer, Arno Menses.

"The Art of Navigating by the Stars" (view cover here ) track listing:

Intro: Navigating By The Stars (0:29)
Sequence 1: The Weight (10:13)
Sequence 2: The Lonely Views Of Condors (06:14)
Sequence 3: Unbreakable (08:59)
Sequence 4: Stigmata (08:22)
Sequence 5: Blue Wide Open (05:13)
Sequence 6: To The Ones Who Have Failed (07:26)
Sequence 7: Lighthouse (07:41)
Sequence 8: Styx (08:55)

SIEGES EVEN's current lineup consists of Menses, Oliver Holzwarth (bass), Markus Steffen (guitars) and Alex Holzwarth (drums, RHAPSODY).

According to a posting on SENTENCED's official web site, the Finnish metallers' "very last show" will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2005, at Club Teatria in Oulu, Finland. The concert will be filmed and recorded, and released in early 2006 as a live DVD (tentatively titled "Buried Alive").

SENTENCED are currently touring in support of their farewell album, "The Funeral Album" (Century Media), which entered the Finnish national chart at position No. 1.

The follow-up to 2002's "The Cold White Light", "The Funeral Album" was recorded primarily at Finnvox and Tonebox studios (both in Finland), and mixed and mastered at Finnvox. Producing the effort was Hiili Hiilesmaa, who also worked with the group on their last two albums, 2000's "Crimson" and "The Cold White Light".

CRADLE OF FILTH frontman Dani Filth has posted the following message on the group's official web site:

"Greetings fans, friends, fiends and boys and ghouls of all persuasions.

"Things have been going exceptionally well in the CRADLE OF FILTH camp of late, with the American airing of 'Viva La Bam' being shown for public consumption at the beginning of the month; (we're pursuing the European showing date even as this is being written... )

"And, more importantly we have over sixty per cent of the new album under our belts; including the following laments... 'I Am The Thorn', 'Lovesick For Mina', 'The Byronic Man', 'Cemetery And Sundown', 'Libertina Grimm', 'The Flora Of Nightfall, The Fauna Of War' and 'Dirge Inferno', to name but a few. There will also be a band instrumental on this new musical opus, which, although remaining untitled as yet, will be a first for the band in its eleven year career. The initial start date for recording the album is scheduled for October 10th.

"On the DVD front, a cover representation will be posted shortly with the title of 'Peace Through Superior Firepower' and pending the documentary of backstage shenanigans, being completed over the next few weeks, by Dani and guitarist Paul Allender, a release date of late October/early November is to be expected.

"Last but not least, some other strange occurrences have been happening to the band line-up since last I put severed wrist to paper; in the form of a further departure, a turnaround and a come-back! It has been known to the select few that this band is a sum of it's parts and sometimes more than just a band, sometimes more a lifestyle, so it is not often surprising that, (as magazines and other creative workplaces do all the time), people unfortunately come and go; yet the entity that is the band remains the same. The plan has always been to deliver on the musical front for at least another five to ten years, regardless of what and whom are in the line-up.

"Anyway, the departure is that of James McIlroy a.k.a 'Germs Warfare' who has left to pursue a Masters degree and other things musical; in the wake of his last appearance with the band on 'Viva La Bam'. As always in these situations, our best wishes and hopes for the future go out to him on his new journey through this abysmal farce called life.

"His replacement is none other than Charles Hedger (who people would have seen fulfilling bass duties on our last European tour...; his primary function being that of playing and tutoring in the guitar, along with maintaining another high level of blondness). Bass duties resume being manhandled by Dave Pybus a.k.a 'Herr Pubis', who returns after a short sojourn from the live circuit and all the vile machinations of the music industry. These changes having been secretly implemented before the main bulk of the writing process started.

"As yet a suitable keyboard replacement has yet to be found, (please keep those demo ceedees winging their way in... ), but this offers the band little concern as the parts are being written and being further expanded upon by Daniel Presley, who has arranged and orchestrated for the band over the last two albums. So absolutely no worries there at all."

Swedish neo-classical metallers NARNIA have announced the departure of keyboardist Linus Kåse. "For different reasons we have decided to go separate ways and we wish Linus all the best with his music and projects," the band write on their web site. "Andreas Lindahl, who played keyboards with us at Flevo, will also play at Metalfest in Germany and then we will see..."

With regards to the recording process for the group's fifth full-length CD, NARNIA write, "The recording of the new album is almost finished and Mats Leven (THERION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, AT VANCE, etc.) is now doing the backing vocals. It will be mixed in October. Release date is still not set but keep youself updated at our webpage."

NARNIA's fourth full-length album, "The Great Fall", was released in April 2003 through Nuclear Blast Records. The CD, which was produced at The Dream Factory in Jönköping, Sweden by Carl-Johan Grimmark, featured guest appearances from former YNGWIE MALMSTEEN/current HAMMERFALL drummer Anders Johansson and SAVIOUR MACHINE singer Eric Clayton

In other news, Christian Rivel, Andreas Olsson and Andreas Johansson of NARNIA will be touring Japan with DIVINEFIRE in October.

Hot off their successful world tour in support of their fan and critically acclaimed album "Silent Nation", ASIA have parted amicably with drummer Chris Slade (THE FIRM, AC/DC). Replacing Slade in the group's lineup is Jay Schellen (BADFINGER, HURRICANE). "Jay was always our first choice as a replacement drummer for ASIA," vocalist John Payne revealed. "He played on the demos for some of the 'Silent Nation' tracks and we just clicked right from the start!"

Jay is a very well respect drummer in both the studio and on the stage. He has graced the ranks of such notable acts as BADFINGER and HURRICANE. Most recently, Jay participated in the Chris Squire/Billy Sherwood project, CONSPIRACY. ASIA founding member Geoff Downes added, "We are very happy to welcome Jay to the ASIA family and look forward to creating some of our best work to date with him behind the drum kit. We would just like to add that we wish Chris all the best and he will always remain a friend of ASIA."

ASIA have just entered the studio to begin recording their follow-up to 2004's "Silent Nation". The album, tentatively called "Architect of Time", will be released sometime in the first half of 2006 on InsideOut Music.

German "dark Satanic metal band" MYSTIC CIRCLE have announced the addition of drummer Dementum to the group's ranks. Dementum joins the band as the replacement for Necrodemon who left the group to concentrate on his recording studio work. Check out a picture of Dementum at this location.

MYSTIC CIRCLE have set "The Bloody Path of God" as the title of their seventh full-length album, tentatively due in early 2006 via Dockyard 1, the new company formed by Dirk Putzke, Christine Stephan (both ex-Sanctuary/Noise Records) and Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR). The new CD will be recorded this fall with Necrodemon at the production helm.

MYSTIC CIRCLE issued a "best of" album, entitled "Mystic Circle Unholy Chronicles 1992–2004", last November via Massacre Records. The CD, which contains 18 songs spanning the group's entire career, includes a bonus DVD, featuring concert and backstage footage, as well as interviews and a video clip.

SAVAGE CIRCUS, the new band featuring former BLIND GUARDIAN drummer Thomen Stauch and PERSUADER members Jens Karlsson (vocals, guitar) and Emil Norberg (lead guitar), have uploaded an online single, featuring the entire songs "Evil Eyes" and "Ghost Story" as high quality (192Kbps) MP3s, plus full artwork and cover, at SavageCircus.com.

SAVAGE CIRCUS' debut album, "Dreamland Manor", will be released on August 29 via Dockyard 1, the new company formed by Dirk Putzke, Christine Stephan (both ex-Sanctuary/Noise Records) and Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR).

ACCEPT fan site Joe Schlared's Accept Home Page With U.D.O. has uploaded four short video clips of the reunited ACCEPT performing at the Sweden Rock Festival on June 9, 2005. Check out clips of the songs "Starlight", "Flash Rockin' Man", "Princess of the Dawn" and "Burning" at this location.

ACCEPT's current touring lineup features original members Udo Dirkschneider (vocals), Wolf Hoffmann and Herman Frank (both on guitar) and Peter Baltes (bass), along with drummer Stefan Schwarzmann.

Swedish rap/metal combo CLAWFINGER have finalized the track listing for their new album, due this fall via Nuclear Blast Records. It is as follows:

01. The Faggot In You
02. Hate Yourself With Style
03. Dirty Lies
04. The Best & the Worst
05. Breakout (Embrace The Child Inside You)
06. Right To Rape
07. What We’ve Got Is What You’re Getting
08. Sick Of Myself
09. Hypocrite
10. Without A Case
11. God Is Dead

Commented frontman Zak Tell: "I feel like a kid in a candy store and proud as a god as I know how much work we have put into these songs. All the same, they are very raw and basic and less filled up with loops and samples!"

CLAWFINGER's last album, "Zeros & Heros", was released in May 2003 via G.U.N./Supersonic Records.