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15 апр 2009
SPIRITUS MORTIS: New Album Available For Streaming
 Long-running Finnish doomsters SPIRITUS MORTIS will release their third album, "The God Behind The God", on May 13 through Firebox Records.
The entire CD is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.
SPIRITUS MORTIS released a new single, featuring the tracks "When The Wind Howled With A Human Voice" and "Waiting For The Sun", on March 18.
SPIRITUS MORTIS in January announced the addition of singer Sami Hynninen (a.k.a. Albert Witchfinder; REVEREND BIZARRE, THE PURITAN) to the group's ranks.
SPIRITUS MORTIS is the oldest doom metal band from Finland. The band was formed in 1987 as RIGOR MORTIS, featuring founding members Teemu Maijala (bass, vocals), Jussi Maijala (guitars) and VP Rapo (drums).
The group's self-titled debut album was released in 2004 through Rage Of Achilles. A follow-up effort, "Fallen", came out in 2006 via Black Lotus Records.  | 0 |  |
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15 апр 2009
CHIMAIRA: Teaser For \'The Infection\' Bonus DVD Available
 A teaser for the bonus DVD that will be featured in the limited-edition CD/DVD version of CHIMAIRA's forthcoming album, "The Infection", can be viewed here.
Audio samples of all 10 tracks that are set to appear on "The Infection" are available for streaming on Amazon.co.uk. | 0 | |
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15 апр 2009
SUSPERIA: \'Attitude\' E-Card Available
 An e-card for "Attitude", the fifth album from Norway's SUSPERIA, can be accessed at this location. Due on May 19 via Candlelight Records (one day earlier internationally), the follow-up to 2007's "Cut From Stone" was recorded in Norway and was mixed at Studio Fredman in Sweden. It features guest appearances by Chuck Billy (TESTAMENT) and Shagrath (DIMMU BORGIR).
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. The Urge
02. Live My Dream
03. Attitude
04. Elegy And Suffering
05. Sick Bastard
06. Another Turn
07. Mr. Stranger
08. Character Flaw
09. The One After All
Check out the cover artwork here.
"Ten years and still the same five guys," exclaims vocalist Athera of the band's long commitment to their music. "We have worked nearly two years on this material, perfecting it for your pleasure and our devoted fans. It will take you back to the early days with melancholic riffing and dark emotional vocals. It's a perfect blend of everything SUSPERIA has been and become."
Formed in 1998 by drummer Tjodalv (then of DIMMU BORGIR) and guitarist Cyrus (then of SATYRICON/OLD MAN'S CHILD), SUSPERIA released its debut, "Predominance", via Nuclear Blast in 2001. The band's much-acclaimed second album, "Vindication", followed in 2003. After signing with Norwegian label Tabu Records (with release in the U.S. via Candlelight Records) in 2004, the band released its third album, "Unlimited", later that year.
A powerful live act, the band has consistently remained focused to the live arena. With numerous high profile support, headline and festival appearances, one of the band's most cherished experiences thus far remains supporting the newly reformed TESTAMENT in late 2005. The dates would culminate in the release of the band's Norwegian charting mini-album "Devil May Care", followed by the group's fourth album, "Cut From Stone", in 2007. Unfortunately due to financial constraints two tries to visit the U.S. to support the Daniel Bergstrand-produced album during 2007/08 would set back the album's overall sales target but the band remained committed. Touring Europe, including numerous dates with W.A.S.P., the band's ambitions stayed and continue to remain in tact. "We now have the backing of one label worldwide and this is going to make life easier for us," says bassist Memnock. "We hope that finally we get to play to our American fans."
SUSPERIA currently includes guitarists Cyrus and Elvorn, bassist Memnock, with drummer Tjodalv and vocalist Athera.
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15 апр 2009
NORTHER Announces New Singer
 Finnish metal outfit NORTHER has issued the following update:
"After a hard search for a new vocalist, we are honoured to announce Aleksi Sihvonen [MEDICATED] as our new lead singer. He's a creative and diverse vocalist with loads of experience. He will surely add new input to the band with his talent and variable singing styles, and most importantly: his personality fits to the band perfectly.
"Besides this, we have recruited our old friend Daniel Freyberg as live guitarist to complete our team. We also want to thank all of you worldwide who applied for the new vocalist spot!
"We hereby welcome our great new guys, Aleksi and Daniel, to the band and we will present you the fresh NORTHER lineup live soon!"
Commented Aleksi Sihvonen: "Sometimes life can take you to places you wouldn't even imagine going to. So, here I am and I'm very grateful and humbly honoured to be part of the NORTHER family. I feel I've met the band I've always wanted to be in. Like every musician, I want to make the very effort to improve my skills as much as possible and push myself to the limits and in NORTHER I feel that I'm able to use my voice as full and diverse as I've always wanted to. I'm very excited on working on new material, practicing and playing shows everywhere possible!!"
A version of the song "Frozen Angel" (taken from NORTHER's current album, "N") featuring Aleksi's vocals has been posted at www.norther.net.
NORTHER explained its split with longtime singer/guitarist Petri Lindroos by saying in a statement, "NORTHER was forced to let Petri go to be able to continue. Petri's full-time engagement in ENSIFERUM increasingly prevented NORTHER from functioning as an active band."
NORTHER was founded in 2000 and has thus far released five full-length albums, two EPs, a DVD, four singles and the soundtrack to the Finnish film "V2". The band has done extensive touring with such acts as DIMMU BORGIR, HYPOCRISY, TURISAS and FINNTROLL.
NORTHER is currently signed to Century Media Records (Europe and USA) and Marquee Avalon (Japan).
NORTHER released its latest album, "N", in North America on September 30, 2008. The record marked the band's Century Media debut and featured two bonus tracks from the "No Way Back" EP, "No Way Back" and "C.U.S.", along with a video for the song "We Rock" (which can be viewed here).
"N" entered the Finnish national chart at position No. 5 back in February 2008. The CD was recorded and produced by longtime partner Anssi Kippo (CHILDREN OF BODOM) at Astia Studios and mixed by Fredrik Nordström (DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, IN FLAMES) at Studio Fredman in Sweden.
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15 апр 2009
ICED EARTH: New DVD Details Revealed
 A brand new interview with ICED EARTH guitarist/mainman Jon Schaffer conducted on March 13, 2009 is available for download as an MP3 audio file at this location (8.4 MB).
Regarding the immediate plans for ICED EARTH, Schaffer says, "Well, right now I'm wrapping up the post-production for the 'Festivals Of The Wicked', DVD which I expect will come out late summer or fall of this year. I don't know that for sure, it depends on when we wrap things up, but that's the plan. That's the next project.
He continues, "ICED EARTH is going to be taking some downtime. I've been very, very busy. I haven't taken any kind of vacation in six years and I have been non-stop ICED EARTH for three-and-a-half years — from the beginning of the writing of both of these records through the recording, the touring — and there has been a lot of touring... it's just time. I need to step back from it a little bit. And I've got other things planned for this year which I'll be announcing in due course, but my goals are for right now are to get the DVD finished and (then) to get away completely — no cell phones, no e-mail, no contact with the outside world, just me and my family at a very nice isolated place, no music business, no nothing, and it's going to be awesome. That's going to be cool and I plan to come back completely recharged and ready to kill."
Regarding the kind of projects Jon will be working on after returning from vacation, he says, "You're going to have to wait and find out, my man. I mean, I'm just not ready to divulge yet. I've got a few irons in the fire and some things I'm very excited about. Hansi [Kürsch; BLIND GUARDIAN] and I have planned late in 2009 to get together to do DEMONS & WIZARDS stuff so that's going to be cool. We saw each other in Cologne (earlier this year) and made plans and I think it's realistic to say that there will be a third DEMONS & WIZARDS album probably mid-to-late 2010. We're going to have two songwriting sessions. We are committed to doing the bulk of this in person. One of the things I felt like from the last DEMONS album was that we had this window of opportunity where we had to get it done and we kind of let time dictate the schedule instead of our feelings, and that was probably a mistake. I mean, I'm proud of that record ('Touched By The Crimson King', 2005) and it sold killer and it's a good album but I think Hansi and I are capable of a lot more especially when we get back to the root reasons of why we did this thing together.
"We are not going to be bogged down by schedules — we're going to do this as we see fit and we're not going to let a particular window of opportunity dictate that this is when we have to do it. We're going to do it as it feels natural — and if we feel that in spring of 2010 that we don't have the songs yet, then we'll push it back. I mean, we don't have to do it on any specific schedule. We had a really long talk about it and I'm really looking forward to it because I always enjoy working with Hansi and just spending time with him. So, our first get-together is going to be late in the year, but before that I've got a few things going on and like I said, we'll announce it in due course."
Regarding the name and content of the forthcoming ICED EARTH live DVD, Schaffer says, "It's going to be called 'Festivals Of The Wicked'. It is going to be (include) Wacken 2007 (with Tim Owens). The four headliners that particular year were SAXON, ICED EARTH, BLIND GUARDIAN, and IN FLAMES — at that point the most successful Wacken ever — 70,000 people. It was a massive show. We're (also) including Rock Hard 2008 and Metalcamp 2008, and there will be some extras like a behind-the-scenes kind of documentary, videos from 'Framing Armageddon' and 'The Glorious Burden' era, the EPK — the electronic press kit. I think it will be interesting for the fans to see. It's kind of a video biography that was done for industry people. It's something that the fans would not typically see. It's going to have a Ross Halfin photo gallery. Rudy De Doncker from Belgium, who's done a lot of photos of the band through the years — we're going to have his photo gallery there too. There's going to be a lot of stuff. I think we're looking at a three-DVD set. I guess it's possible it could end up being four, but I think the plan right now is to squeeze all the stuff on three, so we should be able to do that.
"The DVD thing is new to me — we haven't done one before with the exception of the 'Gettysburg' thing, but that doesn't really count. That was just a Surround Sound version of that song that sorta snowballed into a little documentary about the battle. This is an actual concert release. When we hand in a CD master there is a three-month turnaround time — that's what the labels like to have to prep things up and get press in order. It also depends on whether we can reach the goal of getting this thing wrapped up before I leave, but I would expect the latest release day would be fall of this year."
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15 апр 2009
DOMAIN: Another New Song Posted Online
 German metallers DOMAIN have posted a new song "Circle Of Give And Take", on their MySpace page. The track comes off the group's ninth album, a concept effort entitled "The Chronicles of Love, Hate and Sorrow", which was released on March 13. The CD artwork was created by famous Brazilian metal artist Gustavo Sazes, who "bridged between the traditional DOMAIN artwork concept and the requirements of the album story," according to a press release.
Completed at Meadow Studios in Darmstadt, Germany with producer and guitarist Axel Ritt at the helm, "The Chronicles of Love, Hate and Sorrow" is a metal opera based on the novel "Die Leiden des jungen Werther" by the famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Released for the first time in 1774, the story "Die Leiden des jungen Werther" became a key work in German literature regarding the "Storm And Stress" period and describes an impossible love against all moral concepts, which provokes extreme emotional reactions up to the point of a spate of suicides among young readers of the novel.
"The Chronicles of Love, Hate and Sorrow" contains 10 tracks, with a bonus track included with the limited-edition version of the album.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Picture The Beauty
02. Sweeping Scars
03. Angel Above
04. Circle Of Give And Take
05. He Is Back
06. Inner Rage
07. Digging Their Graves
08. Haunting Sorrows
09. The Last Dance
10. 12 O'Clock
Bonus track:
11. Two Brothers & The Sinners Chess | 0 | |
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14 апр 2009
VADER Signs With NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS
 Polish death metallers VADER have inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Records.
Commented the band: "We are very glad that after so many years VADER finally joined one of the biggest metal labels in the world. We really believe in their potential, experience and famous German reliability. We are pretty confident that the cooperation will be successful both for the band and the record label. Now VADER is ready to explode! We have been waiting for such a solid record deal for sooo long so it's safe to say that the new era in VADER's career has just begun!"
Added guitarist/vocalist Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek: "This is absolutely amazing, that VADER is now a part of Nuclear Blast family!!! Can't find words how proud we are!!! Only great things may happen when traditions meet together... I so much believe, that VADER will give one more Blast to this Nuclear history of metal!!! Let start the fire — TOGETHER!!!"
Jaap Wagemaker, A&R Nuclear Blast, stated: "VADER have a history of almost 25 years of releasing death metal highlights and have built up a reputation of being one of the hardest touring bands in the scene! After many attempts both parties have finally come together and VADER have found a new home at Nuclear Blast! This summer VADER will release their new album 'Necropolis', which will not only be their debut for Nuclear Blast, but also another chapter in the history of the band with a totally renewed line up! Watch out for the new VADER as they will only return stronger than ever! VADER is still improving after all these years, so it is safe to say that the best of these death metal kings is still to come, so we, at Nuclear Blast are looking forward to start the propaganda machine!"
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14 апр 2009
PROFANE OMEN: \'Left To Disintegrate\' Video Released
 "Left To Disintegrate", the new video from Finnish metallers PROFANE OMEN, can be viewed here. This clip was shot by Timo Honkanen, Maria Jaskari, Jere Kilpinen, Petri Koivunen, Toni Salminen and PROFANE OMEN. It was directed and edited by Toni Salminen. The song comes off the band's sophomore full-length album, "Inherit The Void", which recently entered the national chart in the band's home country at position No. 9. The CD was recorded with producer Ville Sorvali of MOONSORROW and Aleksanteri Kuosa.
"Inherit The Void" track listing:
01. Seconds (intro)
02. Base
03. Information
04. Superpowertrip
05. I Have Seen
06. Left To Disintegrate
07. In The Middle I Breathe
08. Right To Retaliate
09. Generation Doom (Count Me Out)
10. Dealers Of Guilt
11. Dodge
Based in Lahti, Finland, PROFANE OMEN was formed in 1999 and released its debut album, "Beaten into Submission", in 2006. An EP, "Disconnected", followed in 2007.
PROFANE OMEN is:
Jules Näveri (ENEMY OF THE SUN) - Vocals
Antti Kokkonen (Andy J. Bonfire) - Guitar
Williami Kurki - Guitar
Tuomas Saarenketo - Bass
Samuli Mikkonen - Drums | 0 | |
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14 апр 2009
BURY YOUR DEAD To Release New Album Next Month
 Boston, Massachusetts-based hardcore/metal band BURY YOUR DEAD will release its new album, "It's Nothing Personal", on May 26 via Victory Records.
Guitarist Brendan "Slim" MacDonald previously stated about the group's new material: "I say it every time we go into the studio: 'This is the best thing ever that we have ever written ever and it's meaningful because and ever and stuff,' but let's be honest — [2008] for us hasn't been anything short of a shitty coin toss. Between the awesome tours and heading overseas twice, there were a fair amount of remedial bullshit to have to get over, and I promise you will hear about most of it somehow or another on the record.
"This record has it all. You will be able to circle pit in your bedroom and make out with your girlfriend/boyfriend to it! Best of both worlds, I know. I mean, if you're into that kind of thing, then you'll like it, I guess."
BURY YOUR DEAD's self-titled album was released in March 2008 via Victory Records. The CD was recorded at Florida's Audiohammer Studios, the exact facility where their previous release, "Beauty and the Breakdown", was conceived. BURY YOUR DEAD also brought back producer Jason Suecof (TRIVIUM, GOD FORBID), continuing with the theme of tradition. | 0 | |
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14 апр 2009
INTO ETERNITY Drummer To Teach At Berklee College Of Music
 Drummer Steve Bolognese of Canadian extreme progressive metallers INTO ETERNITY has issued the following update:
"I'm psyched to be able to say that the Berklee College Of Music has invited me back to teach at the World Percussion Festival for the third year in a row. This is a tremendous honor for me, especially considering I was denied acceptance to attend 10 years ago, based on academics without an audition. Now, here I am being invited to teach. Needless to say, I'm incredibly excited. I love teaching and I have had such a good time the past two years. I know this year won't be any different."
"Time Immemorial", the new video from INTO ETERNITY, can be viewed below. The track appears on the group's concept album, "The Incurable Tragedy", which sold 1,900 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The clip, which features vocalist Stu Block in a prominent role, was filmed in Montreal in August, just before the group embarked on the Summer Slaughter Canada tour. That trek was followed by a run alongside the legendary ICED EARTH, which capped off a year that also saw the band tour with SYMPHONY X, AT THE GATES and THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, among others. | 0 | |
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14 апр 2009
AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED: Entire New Album Available For Streaming
 Springfield, Massachusetts grindcore act AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED has made its fourth full-length album, "Agorapocalypse", available for streaming in its entirety at www.agorapocalypse.com. Due on April 14 in North America (April 20 internationally) via Relapse Records, the CD was recorded by the band's own Scott Hull at his Visceral Sound studios and contains 13 tracks, including"Question Of Integrity", "Trauma Queen", "Agorapocalypse Now" and "Flamingo Snuff". The artwork was created by AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED visualist Florian Bertmer.
"Agorapocalypse" will be issued on CD, a limited-edition LP packaged with a 12"x12" full-color, 28-page booklet, and a mailorder-only long-box CD set that includes a full-color poster, four-piece pin set and an embroidered patch.
AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED's J. Randall and Florian Bertmer recently teamed up to design AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED-related skate-decks, including those with "Agorapocalypse" artwork. These decks and more are available now at this location.
"Agorapocalypse" marks the full-length recording debut of new vocalist Kat (SALOME), who joined the band in 2007.
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14 апр 2009
ZAO: New Song Posted Online
 Influential heavy music act ZAO has posted a new song, "What Will You Find?", on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's new album, "Awake?", which is scheduled for release on May 5 via Ferret Music. The follow-up to 2006's "The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here" was recorded in Latrobe, Pennsylvania (near Greensburg); Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Encinitas, California; and San Marcos, California. AS I LAY DYING frontman Tim Lambesis and Daniel Castleman headed up the proceedings, along with ZAO's Scott Mellinger, for what is shaping up to be another monumental ZAO album.
According to a posting on ZAO's MySpace page, "Awake?" features a brand new version of "Romance of the Southern Spirit", which "has finally been given the sonic quality it deserves with a brand new recording that smashes the basement b-side version you've heard."
"Awake?" track listing:
01. 1,000,000 Outstretched Arms Of Nothing
02. Entropica
03. The Eyes Behind The Throne
04. Human Cattle Masses Marching Forward
05. Romance Of The Southern Spirit
06. What Will You Find?
07. Awake?
08. Quiet Passenger Pt. 1
09. Reveal
10. Quiet Passenger Pt. 2/The World Caved In
Commented the band: "We can't wait for you guys to hear this album! We are very proud of it, and in our humble opinions, it is very reminiscent of what you have come to know and love about ZAO over the years. Every band likes to say, 'This new album is our best yet,' so we won't say that to you. We know that albums like 'Blood & Fire' and 'Liberate' will always be fan favorites and they are special to us as well. But with that being said, believe us when we say that we strongly feel 'Awake?' is a more than worthy addition to our catalog."
ZAO's "Where Blood & Fire Bring Rest" was hailed as "one of the most the most influential albums of 1998" by Alternative Press magazine. That album, which introduced frontman Dan Weyandt to the heavy music scene, and follow-up "Liberate te ex Inferis", which introduced guitarist and songwriter Mellinger, continue to be cornerstone albums to a new generation of bands drawing influence from ZAO's dark, passionate and creative music.
"ZAO is a band that has influenced all types of bands in the heavy music genre, from the DEFTONES and to my band," offers Lambesis. "I'm very excited be a part of bringing them the production their band has always deserved. This record will be the ZAO sound that fans and musicians like myself have been waiting to hear for a long time."
The lineup for this ZAO album is the same as "The Fear...": Longtime co-conspirators Weyandt and Mellinger alongside bass player Martin Lunn and drummer Jeff Gretz (FROM AUTUMN TO ASHES). "Recording Jeff Gretz's drums was the most relaxing and professional studio experience I've ever been a part of," boasts Lambesis. "That guy is a true pro and the standard by which I will judge every other drummer I record at Lambesis Studios in the future."
ZAO's two Ferret Music albums, "The Fear Is What Keeps Us Here" (2006) and "The Funeral Of God" (2004), are among the biggest selling and most important in the band's impressive catalog. "Funeral" was produced by Erik Rachel (EVERY TIME I DIE) and "The Fear..." was recorded by Steve Albini (NIRVANA). The band has toured with IN FLAMES, TRIVIUM, SHADOWS FALL and in the past took bands like UNDEROATH and UNEARTH on tour as their opening acts. | 0 | |
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14 апр 2009
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14 апр 2009
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14 апр 2009
TO/DIE/FOR Calls It Quits
 Finnish gothic metallers TO/DIE/FOR have officially disbanded.
Commented singer Jape Peratalo: "My nerves, stress level and life came to the point that I really need to get some rest and say goodbye for these stressful and still nice days with TO/DIE/FOR.
"Since 2005, we have been through so many shitty things. We have been unlucky to meet so many shitty promoters etc. FUCK YOU ALL (this is for all of those socalled promoters who ruined some of our tours, and are also one of TO/DIE/FOR's killers). Also, I have to thank some promoters, like AYU from Mexico! And, of course, we met other great and friendly promoters too around the world! But...a few assholes really can kill you!?
"Italy visit a couple of years ago,and U.S tour 2007 really sucked a huge part of my/our energy and motivation. It was a miracle that I continued after U.S tour until these days!
"Now, one booking agency tried to handle our first South American tour and also things with this did not work. Local promoters here and there did not pay their part
for the main promoters in time etc. They just could not handle things, which had to be clear. I am so sad and pissed off this tour did not happen... AGAIN! We are so sorry for our fans there.
"There was only nine shows totally confirmed for almost five weeks? And many more not that 'handled' things. They seemed to be working very hard for us, but still... Again, I felt like 'we have been through this shit before.' Also, all these lineup changes always stressed me a lot and made me sad, but still everyone who played with me in TO/DIE/FOR were great persons! Every lineup change killed a little part of me...well, except one!
"With our latest lineup, we tried to write new songs, and we had some 'raw' songs, but there was one big problem! No one seemed to like same kind of songs. Latest album came out in 2006 and after that we had only one new song? And we are not satisfied with it either. Some things must be wrong, I think!? Also, I felt like 'something is trying to drive TO/DIE/FOR's music to wrong direction.' I am gothic and that's it.I do not like heavy metal riffs (actually, I hate it!) and too many hooks here and there. I want it more simple! I want people to remember TO/DIE/FOR as it was on 'All Eternity' [1999], 'Epilogue' [2001] and 'IV' [2005] days.
"I could write many lovely words about every TO/DIE/FOR members I ever played with, but biggest thanks I HAVE TO give for Tonmi Lillman. He is my soulmate what comes to writing music.
"So... as you understand, i am not gonna continue anymore this TO/DIE/FOR suffering, hassle and chaos. It is my time to relax and get new things into my life. We had a lot of fun, we met interesting people here and there. We got new friends etc. Many great things also happened.
"Other members are having their bands. Joonas is playing with MALPRACTICE, Antza is playing in I.D. EXORCIST (and Antza is the guitarist who fucking rocks!), Josey plays punk somewhere, Santtu still plays drums in a couple of local bands here (with Miikka Kuisma). Newest and latest TO/DIE/FOR member Toni is also having a lot of different kind of music projects. Tonmi Lillman (one of my heroes) is working at the studio in Helsinki and also he is still playing drums in VANGUARD and AJATTARA. Alli is playing his guitars at home, Juska is studying something weird things somewhere.
"And believe or not, also we had a lot of fans around the world and all I can say for them is 'I am not sorry at all, and still I am very sorry. This just had to happen right now, and BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU. And we will meet again anyway somewhere, somehow, someday.'
"I am singing and writing songs in a band called SUNDOWN SINDROME. We just recorded our first promo CD in Germany, and we are trying to find a great label for us soon as possible. One thing is sure... I am gonna hit the road very soon with new plans and with my new band.
"I am feeling so fresh and happy with SUNDOWN SINDROME. It feels so great to start from the clean table. Every member of this band are in a same boat! We already feel like brothers. No stress, just rocking!
"After all... Some may be pissed off because of my decision, and some may be happy But this is my life. Do we continue someday? Who knows? Personally, I am listening my heart as always."
TO/DIE/FOR's fifth album, "Wounds Wide Open", was released in Finland in October 2006. The follow-up to 2005's "IV" was recorded by Samu Oittinen at Fantom Studios and by Jari-Jukka Nippala at Sonic Image, and was mixed at Sweden's Abyss Studios by Peter Tägtgren (DIMMU BORGIR, CELTIC FROST).
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14 апр 2009
Trailer For RUNNING WILD Tribute Album Available
 A one-and-a-half-minue trailer for "ReUnation - A Tribute To Running Wild" — the upcoming tribute to German metal legends RUNNING WILD which will contain cover versions of songs exclusively from the albums "The Rivalry" (1998), "Victory" (2000), "The Brotherhood" (2002) and "Rogues En Vogue" (2005) — can be viewed here.
Tentatively due in the fall as a limited-edition double CD (sold for the price of a single album), "ReUnation - A Tribute To Running Wild" will feature artwork (see below) by Romanian graphic artist Costin Chioreanu, who has previously worked with such bands as ABSU, CENTINEX, DEMONICAL, NEGURA BUNGET and THUNDERSTORM.
So far the following bands/tracks are confirmed to appear on the set:
CRYSTAL VIPER - "Libertalia"
MAGICA - "Victory"
ORDEN OGAN - "Skull & Bones"
SATANOCHIO - "Siberian Winter"
SKILTRON - "Ballad Of William Kidd"
THUNDERSTORM - "Welcome To Hell"
5TH SONIC BRIGADE - "Angel Of Mercy"
SUIDAKRA - to be announced
WARHEAD - "Faceless"
WILD KNIGHT - "Tsar"
MOTORJESUS - "The Rivalry"
RUNNING WILD released a "best of" compilation, entitled "Best of Adrian", in November 2006 via G.U.N. Records. The set includes selections covering the previous nine years of the band's recording history (while they've been signed to the G.U.N. label).
RUNNING WILD's last collection of new material, "Rogues En Vogue" (2005), entered the German album charts at position No. 39. The CD was produced by RUNNING WILD mainman Rolf "Rock'n'Rolf" Kasparek and features the lineup of Kasparek (vocals, all guitars), Peter Pichl (bass) and Matthias Liebetruth (drums).
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14 апр 2009
BORKNAGAR: New Album Title Revealed
 BORKNAGAR mainman Øystein G. Brun has issued the following update:
"The title of the new BORKNAGAR album will be nothing less than: 'Universal'.
"As the musical and lyrical approach of the album has shaped up during the production of the new album, the title 'Universal' is the title that shines through and mirrors the essence of the album. 'Universal' is a title that is broad enough and huge enough to project the giant character of this album, both musically and lyrically.
"The production of the new album is going as planned and the album will be mixed at Toproom studios by the end of April. We can assure you that the new album will come with a massive, energetic and vital production that few can match, by far the best production we have had so far. The album is planned to be released through Indie Recordings in September, later this year, an actual date will be issued later!"
The band announced in March 2008 that Jens Ryland (guitar) and Erik Tiwaz (a.k.a. Tyr; bass) had returned as permanent members of the band.
Jens Ryland was a longtime member of BORKNAGAR and contributed to "The Archaic Course", "Quintessence" and "Empiricism" albums before he quit in 2003 due to other priorities in life.
Erik Tiwaz joined the band in 2000 and participated on "Empiricism" as a regular member. In 2004 he quit the band due to personal reasons but contributed as a session musician to "Origin" in 2006.
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14 апр 2009
MADDER MORTEM: \'Eight Ways\' Artwork Revealed, Audio Samples Available
 Norway's MADDER MORTEM will release its new album, "Eight Ways", in Europe on May 18, and in North America on June 16 via Peaceville Records.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Formaldehyde
02. The Little Things
03. Armour
04. Resolution
05. A Different Kind Of Hell
06. Riddle Wants To Be
07. Where Dream And Day Collide
08. The Flesh, The Blood And The Man
09. Get That Monster Out Of Here
10. Life, Lust & Liberty
11. All I Know
12. The Eighth Wave
Check out the cover artwork here.
Audio samples are available at this location.
The band says, "We're also working on two music videos for the new album. The release dates and details for these will be published later."
MADDER MORTEM's last album, entitled "Desiderata", came out in March 2006 via Peaceville Records. The CD was recorded at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden and at Space Valley Studios. Mastering duties were handled at Strype Audio in Oslo.
MADDER MORTEM was previously signed to Century Media Records.
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13 апр 2009
STRATOVARIUS, Ex-SONATA ARCTICA Members Join Forces In CAIN\'S OFFERING
 According to an article in the Japanese magazine Burrn!!, STRATOVARIUS singer Timo Kotipelto and former SONATA ARCTICA guitarist Jani Liimatainen have joined forces in a new band called CAIN'S OFFERING. The group's debut album, "Gather The Faithful", will be released in July. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "13th Disciple", "Stolen Waters", "More Than Friends" and "Morpheus In a Masquerade".
Commented Jani, "The drums [for 'Gather The Faithful'] were recorded at Drumforest Studios last November/December, the bass at Astia Studios during February, the basic guitar tracks were laid down in the beginning of March at Studio 57, and last couple of weeks we've been camping out in the woods with Timo recording the lead vocals. We still have two more songs to record, but all in all, things are going smoothly."
CAIN'S OFFERING is:
Timo Kotipelto (STRATOVARIUS, KOTIPELTO) - Vocals
Jani Liimatainen (ex-SONATA ARCTICA) - Guitar
Mikko Harkin (ex-SONATA ARCTICA) - Keyboards
Jukka Koskinen (ex-NORTHER, WINTERSUN) - Bass
Jani Hurula - Drums
More information will be made available at www.cainsoffering.com.
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13 апр 2009
CIVILIZATION ONE Preparing To Enter Studio
 CIVILIZATION ONE, the band led by singer Chitral "Chity" Somapala (ex-FIREWIND, FARO, AVALON) and bassist Pierre-Emmanuel Pélisson (MALADAPTIVE, ex-HEAVENLY), is preparing to enter Pelissound Studio in France to begin recording its sophomore album for a late 2009 release. The CD will be mixed by Markus Teske (VANDEN PLAS, AMASEFFER, DOMINICI).
Commented Somapala: "It was already recorded earlier with the old band members. Due to [the lack of] interest of the old members towards the band, myself and the bassist decided to go searching for replacements with a professional attitude! I was quite disappointed but now I personally feel all happened for the best. We have killer songs and I guarantee this will be a brilliant album with versatility."
CIVILIZATION ONE in December announced the addition of British guitarist Tim Mills (ex-ICED EARTH, ELKIE BROOKS) to the group's ranks. | 0 | |
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13 апр 2009
OTEP Signs With VICTORY RECORDS
 Victory Records has signed Los Angeles recording artist OTEP. The first release under the new alliance is OTEP's highly anticipated fourth full-length studio album, "Smash the Control Machine", due on August 18, 2009. Singer, songwriter, renegade Otep Shamaya says of the album, "The economic crisis is hitting every working family in this country. The album and its title track, 'Smash The Control Machine', will lay bare the greed and corruption that fostered this calamity, but will also focus on the undying spirit of the working class that always fights the good fight. The title is a line from a William S. Burroughs poem. It is my intention to create an album that serves every head of the hydra that is OTEP. From poetry, to politics, to shock and awe, to sex and righteousness, to standing up and fighting back. Like the mystical symbol of the Ouroboros (the sacred serpent swallowing its tail) all things will be brought back to circle."
OTEP's all-encompassing musical approach coupled with her shaman like artistic qualities and other creative musings have lead to over half a million albums sold over the course of three studio albums. Shamaya describes the band's music as "a total and complete mutiny on the senses. We are a fusion band by nature, inspired by many styles and tones from a variety of musical genres- rock, punk, metal, hip-hop, spoken word, jazz and classic rock. We never allow the antiquated limits of a genre confine or restrict us. Our music is universal and does not belong nor can it be contained in a nice, neat, little box."
OTEP was originally signed after only four shows, without a demo, strictly on the power of the band's live performance. Sharon Osbourne offered the unsigned act a spot on the 2001 Ozzfest tour, leading to three appearances on the festival.
Shamaya, is well respected for her lyrical content and dramatic live performances. She has also published two books of poetry, spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2008, is a gifted painter and Revolver magazine compared Otep to Woodie Guthrie and Zack de la Rocha (RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE) for her fusing of political activism and music.
Otep had this to say about signing with Victory: "When I received the news of a possible OTEP/Victory alliance, I could swear I felt the sky tremble. This triumvirate (of myself, my manager Jack Ponti and Victory Records) is going to be a terrifying coalition for some and a righteous confederation for others. For me, this is exactly the kind of circumstance I have been waiting for. I believe my creative, intellectual and political instincts and inclinations will flourish alongside the fertile minds of Jack Ponti, Tony Brummel and the amazing staff at Victory."
Victory Records founder Tony Brummel said, "Signing an artist of OTEP's caliber, intelligence, work ethic and artistic diversity sensibly expands our diverse and formidable roster. I am personally enamored by her work and believe that she has yet to realize a fraction of her potential. More importantly, her art and music have crucial meaning in a time when people need change, hope and something to believe in. We have the tools, she has the material and together we will build a culturally formidable fortress."
Manager Jack Ponti had this to add, "It both thrills and honors me to be working with OTEP and Victory Records. In my thirty years in this business, it's always been about the proper 'marriage.' I cannot convey how excited I am about the possibilities of these daunting forces joining together in what promises to be a thunderous union."
In addition to lending her support to numerous groups and causes (some being the genocide in Darfur, women's and artists' rights, marriage equality, the war in the Congo and support of President Obama), Ms. Shamaya, an accomplished, captivating and astute technophile, has started the social networks All Shapes and Sizes and Girls Out Now. On December 21, 2008 she created a popular and highly trafficked blog entitled "I'm Not A Monster". The site was an instant success and a reliable source for current events and her latest musings. Her loyal and passionate fan base are active followers of her frequent Facebook and Twitter postings. Coupled with Victory's proprietary marketing and promotional platforms (VicTorV, VictorStream, VictoryMetal and VictorME) a truly interactive and real-time artist/fan/label fusion has been realized for selling music in 2009.
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13 апр 2009
RONNIE JAMES DIO To Write Autobiography
 According to U.K.'s Classic Rock magazine, legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO) has begun writing his autobiography. It will "not be centered around myself so much as me telling my life story through the stories of those around me," he is quoted as saying.
Dio explained that he's fitting the writing around a hectic schedule with HEAVEN & HELL, which is scheduled to release its debut album, "The Devil You Know", later this month.
"Every time I feel I'm getting halfway there, another halfway comes along," he said. "But yes, I'm writing it and it's certainly going to be very, very interesting for people interested in the bands I've been in and the people I've played with.
"You have to have a focal point, and I guess that had to be me. It's an autobiography, but within it, I tell the stories that somehow explain a little bit what [former RAINBOW mastermind] Ritchie [Blackmore]'s like or [BLACK SABBATH's] Tony [Iommi]'s like or Geezer [Butler]'s like. I don't analyze them, but just in telling the tales I paint everyone in as good a light as possible. It's not a tell-all book."
According to Dio, anyone expecting to read about on-the-road debauchery and excesses will be disappointed. "I've tried to live my life on a very straight path,' he told Classic Rock. "I'm not Nikki Sixx [MÖTLEY CRÜE] or people who go over the edge. That's alluring to a lot of people, but I'm sure being a little bit different is alluring to some other people, too."
The as-yet-untitled book is tentatively due next year.
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13 апр 2009
RESURRECTED Completes Work On New Album
 Long-running German death metallers RESURRECTED have completed work on their sixth album, "Fierce", at Soundlodge studios in Rhauderfehn, Germany with Jörk Uken (GOD DETHRONED, OBSCENITY). The band states, "We're overwhelmed by the result. Expect the most varied and vital RESURRECTED album so far embedded in an awesome production including some guest vocals of Christoph Mieves from GRIND INC. At the moment we're looking for a label to release the record but we'll keep you updated!"
The "Fierce" cover artwork (see below) was created by Plamen Kolev from Memories From Tomorrow. Songtitles set to appear on the album include "Perverse Consecration", "Divine Masturbation" and a cover version of MORBID ANGEL's "Day Of Suffering". | 0 | |
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13 апр 2009
EPIPHONE REVOLVER GOLDEN GODS AWARDS
 America's first-ever hard rock and heavy metal music award show, the Epiphone Revolver Golden Gods Awards, was held Tuesday night (April 7) at Club Nokia in downtown Los Angeles.
The winners who were honored at the show were as follows:
* Most Awesomely Good Drummer: Vinnie Paul Abbott (HELLYEAH, PANTERA)
* Best Underground Metal Band: ISIS
* Metal Industry Award: Rainbow Bar & Grill
* Best Album: METALLICA
* Honorary Headbanger: Kat Von D
* Golden God: Dave Mustaine (MEGADETH)
* Best Riff: SLIPKNOT
* Most Viral Video: PROTEST THE HERO
* Most Metal Athlete: Shaun White
* Best Live Band: SLIPKNOT
* Best New Talent: SUICIDE SILENCE
* Lifetime Achievement: Ozzy Osbourne
* Best International Band: DETHKLOK
* MySpace Readers' Choice Award: THE ACACIA STRAIN
* Most Mind-Blowing Guitarist: Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King (SLAYER)
* Hottest Chick In Metal: Marta Peterson (BLEEDING THROUGH)
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13 апр 2009
DEADLOCK Announces New Bassist
 Germany's DEADLOCK has announced the addition of bassist John Gahlert (FALL OF SERENITY, STOLEN PLEASURE, BURIED GOD) to the group's ranks. The band states, "In the end, we let our hearts speak and we chose John for his patience, his energy, his visions and his grace! We could not have done it better and we're sure to reinvent and advance our musical creation to the next level. From now on we are back with full effect and we are looking forward to see you girls and boys at one of our next shows around this planet! Please welcome John with high passion!"
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13 апр 2009
MANOWAR Recording New Song In 15 Different Languages
 MANOWAR is currently recording a song from its new album in 15 (and counting) different languages. Stay tuned for video clips of each version as they are recorded with an in-depth look at Eric Adams' odyssey into the world of multi-lingual vocals! This song, in its entirety, will debut, along with new tracks from the forthcoming album, at MANOWAR's very own Magic Circle Festival III on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at the Loreley on the Rhine River in Germany.
Donnie Hamzik, the original drummer for MANOWAR, will be on tour with the band in 2009.
MANOWAR and special guests HOLYHELL will headline some of Europe's major metal festivals, including Magic Circle.
Released on November 27, 2008, the "Magic Circle Festival Volume II" DVD features two discs packed with never-before-seen footage of songs from the first six MANOWAR albums — including some songs that have never been performed or presented on CD or DVD before. This is the first opportunity to get songs like "Blow Your Speakers", "Death Tone", "Pleasure Slave", "Violence and Bloodshed" and "Kingdom Come" on DVD. This DVD also includes the first-ever live performance of MANOWAR's epic "The Crown and the Ring". The DVD set also includes exclusive footage of MANOWAR's unprecedented record-breaking five-hour-and-10-minute show in Kavarna, Bulgaria, a documentary of the Bulgaria performance and MANOWAR performing the Bulgarian national anthem — "Mila Rodino" — with full orchestra and choir.
Watch a two-minute trailer for "Magic Circle Festival Volume II" DVD here.
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12 апр 2009
HEAVEN & HELL: Audio Samples Of Entire \'The Devil You Know\' Album Available
 Audio samples of all 10 tracks that appear on "The Devil You Know", the debut album from HEAVEN & HELL — the band featuring BLACK SABBATH members Tony Iommi (guitar), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) — are available for streaming at the German online record store JPC.de.
The Best Buy-exclusive version of "The Devil You Know", the debut album from HEAVEN & HELL — the band featuring BLACK SABBATH members Tony Iommi (guitar), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) — will be available as a CD+DVD featuring a bonus disc containing 22 minutes of studio performances, interviews about making the new album, and other behind-the-scenes content.
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12 апр 2009
HATEBREED Covers SLAYER\'s \'Ghosts of War\'; Full Video Released
 The video for HATEBREED's cover of the SLAYER classic "Ghosts of War" can be viewed below. (Note: Video stream may not be available to soem non-U.S. residents). Helmed by "Live Dominance" director Kevin Custer, the clip is the first to feature returning HATEBREED guitarist Wayne Lozinak. The track comes off the band's forthcoming covers album, "For The Lions", which is scheduled for release on May 5, 2009.
"For The Lions", to be released on E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records), is the follow-up to the band's #1 Billboard charting DVD, "Live Dominance" (released September of 2008).
The songs on "For The Lions" were carefully selected by HATEBREED to represent a panoramic view of some of their favorite artists and greatest musical inspirations. Having completed the album in 2008, the band felt their work wasn't done yet and just returned to the studio with original guitar player Wayne Lozinak to record additional tracks for the album. The four new covers are among the most bludgeoning the band has yet to record. They are "Ghosts Of War" (SLAYER), "Supertouch/Shitfit" (BAD BRAINS), "Thirsty" (BLACK FLAG) and "Suicidal Maniac" (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES).
"For The Lions" was produced, engineered and mixed by long-time band associate Chris "Zeuss" Harris.
"For The Lions" track listing:
01. SLAYER - Ghosts of War
02. CRO-MAGS - It's The Limit
03. SUICIDAL TENDENCIES - Suicidal Maniac
04. SEPULTURA - Refuse/Resist
05. METALLICA - Escape
06. BAD BRAINS - Supertouch/Shitfit
07. MISFITS - Hatebreeders
08. D.R.I. - Evil Minds
09. MADBALL - Set It Off
10. SICK OF IT ALL - Shut Me Out
11. BLACK FLAG - Thirsty
12. NEGATIVE APPROACH - Sick Of Talk
13. CROWBAR - All I Had I Gave
14. MERAUDER - Life Is Pain
15. AGNOSTIC FRONT - Your Mistake
16. JUDGE - Hear Me
17. OBITUARY - I'm In Pain
18. SUBZERO - Boxed In
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12 апр 2009
REBELLION: New Album Details Revealed
 REBELLION, the German band that features in its ranks former GRAVE DIGGER members Uwe Lulis (guitar) and Tomi Göttlich (bass), will release its new full-length album (the third part of the "History of the Vikings" saga), "Arise: From Ragnarök to Ginnungagap - The History of the Vikings Volume III" on July 24 via Massacre Records. A four-song EP will precede the full-length CD in May. It will contain two tracks from the album, a bonus song and a new version of "Rebellion (The Clans Are Marching)", which was originally recorded by GRAVE DIGGER. A new video clip will also be included. The band is also working on a DVD release which will cover the last eight years of its history It will include studio, touring and backstage footage. A fall release is expected.
REBELLION's last album, "Miklagard - The History Of The Vikings - Volume II", came out in 2007 via Massacre/Soulfood.
REBELLION is:
Gerd Lücking - Drums
Tomi Göttlich - Bass
Michael Seifert - Vocals
Simone Wenzel - Guitar
Uwe Lulis - Guitar
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12 апр 2009
KORPIKLAANI: New Album Artwork Unveiled
 Finnish folk metallers KORPIKLAANI will release their sixth album, "Karkelo" (English translation: "Pleasure" or "Party"), on June 26 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Petrax studio in Hollola, Finland.
Check out the cover artwork below.
KORPIKLAANI will soon headline the Paganfest in the U.S. alongside PRIMORDIAL, MOONSORROW, BLACKGUARD and SWASHBUCKLE. The group will also perform at the Barby Club in Tel Aviv, Israel on October 16.
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Spiritus Mortis
