Norwegian black metallers GORGOROTH have posted the following update on their official web site:

"The recordings of the upcoming album, 'Ad Majorem Satanhas Gloriam', progress steadily. Infernus [guitar] and King [bass] have been in a studio in Spydeberg (Norway) for the past weeks where they have recorded bass and guitar. They have brought the tapes back to Bergen and will continue their work in Earshot Studios during this summer."

"Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam" is tentatively scheduled for release before the end of the year via Sweden's Regain Records. The band 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).

GORGOROTH last year inked a deal with the French label Season of Mist for the reissues of their first three albums: "Pentagram" (1994), "Antichrist" (1996) and "Under the Sign of Hell" (1997). All three were re-released earlier this year in a remastered, digipack version.

According to a post at CHILDREN OF BODOM fan site Scythes-Of-Bodom.com, CHILDREN OF BODOM have selected the track "In Your Face" as the first single off their upcoming album, "Are You Dead Yet?". The single is scheduled for release on August 17 via Spinefarm Records.

As previously reported, CHILDREN OF BODOM mastered their new album, "Are You Dead Yet?", on June 6 at Finnvox studios in Helsinki following a six-week recording/mixing session with producer Mikko Karmila.

CHILDREN OF BODOM mainman Alexi Laiho recently told Finland's Soundi magazine that "Are You Dead Yet?" will feature some completely new influences. The follow-up to 2003's "Hate Crew Deathroll" will apparently be even more straight-forward than its predecessor and will contain some industrial elements while retaining COB's trademark sound, including the super-fast guitar and keyboard solos.

In other news, the deluxe edition of CHILDREN OF BODOM's "Hatebreeder" album is scheduled for release on July 18 via Nuclear Blast Records. The bonus track on the CD will be a cover of the song "No Commands" by the legendary Finnish band STONE (the former band of current CHILDREN OF BODOM guitarist Roope Latvala) which was recorded during the "Hatebreeder" sesions.

MORBID ANGEL bassist/vocalist David Vincent and GENITORTURERS frontwoman Gen have issued the following plea for help in the case of missing MORBID ANGEL guitarist Tony Norman (ex-MONSTROSITY):

"MORBID ANGEL are scheduled to fly to Portugal this Wednesday for a huge festival. As of today, no one has seen or heard from Tony Norman, MORBID ANGEL's rhythm guitarist, who also used to play in the band MONSTROSITY.

"He was last seen by us at our friends wedding when him and his girlfriend were seated at our table. This was well over a month ago and no one has had contact with him since that we can determine.

"We have contacted many of his friends, parents etc... no one has heard from him We think that he has recently moved within Tampa to a new place… No one seems to know where and none of his phone numbers are working…. so no one at this point is able to reach him.

"At this point David and the rest of the MORBID ANGEL crew are really worried about him as it is not like him to be out of touch. A missing person's report has been filed.

"If you know him or anyone that has contact with him… please help us contact anyone you know who might also know him or his girlfriend."

Sweden's HYPOCRISY have finalized the track listing for their as-yet-untitled new album, due on September 5 via Nuclear Blast Records. "Even though the album is still untitled, we can guarantee you that it sounds killer!" the band write on their web site. The complete track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Intro (not named yet)
02. Warpath
03. Scrutinized
04. Fearless
05. Craving for Another Killing
06. Let the Knife Do the Talking
07. A Thousand Lies
08. Incised Before I've Ceased
09. Blooddrenched
10. Compulsive Psychosis
11. Living to Die

HYPOCRISY's most recent album, "The Arrival", was released in February 2004 through Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Catch-22" was recorded at frontman Peter Tägtgren's Abyss studios.

Los Angeles-based cyber-metallers FEAR FACTORY have finalized the track listing for their new album, "Transgression", due on August 23 via Trillion Records. Trillion is the new imprint from Liquid 8 Records and Entertainment founder and CEO, Mike Cattain, who has created Trillion as a home for FEAR FACTORY and new bands seeking a creative haven grounded in growth.

FEAR FACTORY entered Track Record Studios in North Hollywood, California on May 5 with producer Toby Wright (ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN, SOULFLY) to begin recording the follow-up to last year's "Archetype". In addition to Toby Wright, there is a list of guest musicians collaborating on "Transgression", including bass player Billy Gould of FAITH NO MORE fame. Billy contributes to two songs: "Echo of My Scream" and "Super Nova". Also included on "Transgression" is "New Promise", which was co-written with Mark Morton of LAMB OF GOD.

"Transgression" track listing:

01. Transgression
02. Contagion Empire
03. Empty Vision
04. New Promise
05. Supernova
06. 540,000 Degrees Fahrenheit
07. Spinal Contagion
08. Moment of Impact
09. Ammunition
10. Echo of My Scream
11. Anthem (GODFLESH)
12. Millenium (KILLING JOKE)

Australian psychedelic metal band ALCHEMIST will be releasing a compilation CD, "Embryonics", featuring 13 tracks covering the group's output between 1993's "Jar of Kingdom" and 1997's "Spiritech". This release will be accompanied by a DVD featuring new video clips, band history and touring antics. "We are putting the finishing touches on the release due later this year for an international release," the group write on their web site. More information will be made available soon.

EXODUS frontman Rob Dukes has posted the following update on the progress of the recording sessions for the band's new album:

"Just checking in to let you know where we are at... Paul [Bostaph, drums; ex-SLAYER, FORBIDDEN] is done — fucking killed it. Gary [Holt, guitar] — rhythm tracks done...fucking awesome. Jack [Gibson, bass] — has one song left ...fucking sick... Gary's done a few leads and just shredded them. I'm done with three tracks and everyone is stoked. Me and Jack will get back to it [Saturday, June 18]."

EXODUS are currently recording their new album at Trident studios in Pacheco, California. The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2004's "Tempo of the Damned" will mark the band's first release with Dukes. Mixing duties will be handled by Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY, KREATOR). Among the tracks set to appear on the CD is "Shovel Headed Kill Machine" (working title), which Holt has described as "one of the fastest EXODUS songs of all time."

EXODUS recently parted ways with longtime drummer Tom Hunting after Hunting was taken ill and had to be hospitalized several times.

EXODUS have yet to comment on reports that guitarist Rick Hunolt has left the group. All guitar work on the upcoming CD is being handled by Holt.

Finnish melodic metallers STRATOVARIUS have parted ways with longtime bassist Jari Kainulainen. In a posting to the band's official forum, STRATOVARIUS mainman/guitarist Timo Tolkki writes, "Some of you have heard rumors that Jari Kainulainen has left STRATOVARIUS. Unfortunately I have to tell you that they are true. This is due to personal reasons. We will release official statement regarding that soon."

STRATOVARIUS' new self-titled album is scheduled for release on September 5 via Sanctuary Records. A video for the album's first single, "Maniac Dance", was shot on April 15 in Helsinki by director and guitarist Timo Tolkki's old schoolmate Antti Jokinen (BEYONCÉ, WYCLEF JEAN, KORN, MISSY ELLIOT, NIGHTWISH, SHANIA TWAIN, CELINE DION).

STRATOVARIUS will be teaming up with INTO ETERNITY for a North American tour beginning in mid-September.

Guitarist Ronny Tyssen of the Dutch melodic death metallers CALLENISH CIRCLE has posted the following recording update on the band's official web site:

"After playing guide guitar in order to help Gav [Gavin Harte] getting the drums on tape, it was up to Gail (producer) to do some editing on the recorded tracks. After that I was the chosen victim to show my abilities on the six-stringed axe. The first day we spent a couple of hours trying to find the guitar sound we had in mind. After trying some different set-ups and guitars, we definitely succeeded finding exactly what we wanted. I started recording the first of the 36 guitar tracks (nine songs with four basic guitars per song). I must say this went pretty smooth, so after three days of a little blood, minor sweat and just a few teardrops I finished the basic tracks of one guitar. For the other guitar's basic tracks we had to find another sound fitting to the already recorded one. Again we tried several set-ups before we were satisfied. And satisfied we were! The sounds match perfectly and are causing a big smile on my face every time I hear it. Playing the other guitar parts again took three looooong days. Respect to Gail and Rene (assistent studio engineer) for making such an amount of studio hours a day. Now it was time to play the clean, acoustic, melodic and solo guitars. The solo guitars were partly recorded by Muuk [guitarist Remy Dieteren]. After three (again long) days of experimenting with sounds, riffs, little extra’s and listening the songs over and over again we finally got to see some daylight again. With all guitars on tape, knowing it shreds big-time, I can get some decent sleep for the first time in weeks. But hearing the result, it must say it was definitely worth it. Next up is Maurice (Engine of Pain) recording the basslines. Maurice replaces Rocco [Rene 'Rocco' Rokx] (who is not a member of CALLENISH CIRCLE anymore) in the studio. More news about that soon..."

CALLENISH CIRCLE are recording their fifth album at a studio in The Netherlands with producer Gail Liebling (mastermind behind GAIL OF GOD). The mix will be done at Antfarm Studio in Denmark with Tue Madsen (THE HAUNTED, ILLDISPOSED, MNEMIC). Mastering duties will be handled by Peter Neuber at Mega Wimp Sound in Germany. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Sweet Cyanide", "This Day You Regret" and "As You Speak". The album will include a bonus DVD, featuring a professionally recorded (audio & visual) live show (filmed at the 013 venue in Tilburg), a home video of the band's trip to the Piorno Rock Festival in Spain, and a studio report of the recordings of their upcoming album. A November release via Metal Blade Records is expected.

DEVILDRIVER's video for the track "Hold Back the Day" has been posted online here.

"Hold Back the Day" comes off the group's upcoming sophomore album, "The Fury of Our Maker's Hand" album, due on June 28 via Roadrunner Records.

The follow-up to DEVILDRIVER's 2002 critically-acclaimed self-titled debut, "The Fury of Our Maker's Hand" was produced by Colin Richardson (MACHINE HEAD, FEAR FACTORY, NAPALM DEATH) at Sonic Ranch Studios in El Paso, TX and is "way heavier and much faster" than its predecessor, according to Fafara.

DEVILDRIVER is Fafara, Jon Miller (bass), John Boecklin (drums) and Jeff Kendrick and Mike Spreitzer on guitar.