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9 èþë 2009
NIGHTWISH Singer: \'I Have Often Thought About Why The Most Caring People Die First\'
 NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon has posted the following message on her official blog:
"I've spent my evening in front of the TV and followed the memorial of Michael Jackson. I cried over and over again when the wonderful speakers talked and the great singers performed. The hardest part of it all were when Michael's daughter spoke about her father and how great he had been as her father and that she loved him so. That was almost to tough to watch...
"I have often thought about why the most caring people die first... Why is it that the meanest and most ego-centrical people live long and just torment the people around them with their bitterness and hate? And the caring and warmest people that give and think about others and live with their heart unprotected and outside the body leave so soon?
"I do believe that God needs the good people for better purposes or maybe even to save them from the pain and sorrows they need to go through being hurt and tormented by the hating and mean people of this world. By being misunderstood and questioned in their deeds to try and help and nurture others. Tormented with others jealousy, envy and hate..
"It takes a big courage to try and change other people and their ways since most people are afraid of changes. It takes a lot of pain to live a life putting yourself out in front of the crowd, showing your own caring soul and heart. It takes lots of your own innocence and love to stand against the hardness of many peoples cruelness and misbelieves. It takes a lot of sacrifice and hard decisions to follow the beliefs that things can be healed, fixed and helped if you go against the dark and mean minds that try to hurt and take you down...
"Still there will be those good and caring people that will be born to try and make a difference and heal the world. No matter the pain they continue the path. They strive and go against the hard words, the laughter of the mockers, the cruel and wicked actions against them. They may cry and suffer in the sacred and hidden place where no one sees but still they continue their caring path.
"But sometimes and way to often, it hurts so much that they need help to make it through the pain... and way to often their body and souls cant take the burden to long and need to get away from this hard place...
"But when many of the good people leave us, they prove that they did make a huge impact. Their legacy and deed will live in so many many peoples hearts and souls forever. Their words and trying to change things might not change the whole world, but make a deep impact on those who understood what they tried to do and will follow their paths and continue the hard work they started."
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9 èþë 2009
BRAINSTORM Signs With AFM RECORDS
 German melodic metallers BRAINSTORM have inked a deal with AFM Records. The band was previously signed to the Metal Blade label.
BRAINSTORM's latest album, "Downburst", registered the following first-week chart positions: Hungary: #15; Germany: #53; Switzerland: #96.
Metal Blade in June 2007 released the first-ever BRAINSTORM DVD, "Honey from the B's (Beasting around the Bush)". The box set was released in digipack format "with special metal effect." The disc entered the Hungarian Music DVD chart at position No. 18. | 0 | |
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9 èþë 2009
METALLICA: French DVD Setlist Revealed
 Tonight's (July 7) METALLICA concert in Nimes, France at Arènes de Nîmes was professionally filmed for a forthcoming DVD release. The disc will be made available on October 19 through French music stores and online shops only, as well as via the band's official web site, Metallica.com.
According to the MetOnTour.com web site, which is described as "your FREE virtual backstage pass to every METALLICA show," METALLICA's setlist for tonight's concert was as follows:
01. Blackened
02. Creeping Death
03. Fuel
04. Harvester Of Sorrow
05. Fade to Black
06. Broken, Beat And Scarred
07. Cyanide
08. Sad But True
09. One
10. All Nightmare Long
11. The Day That Never Comes
12. Master Of Puppets
13. Dyers Eve
14. Nothing Else Matters
15. Enter Sandman
- - - - - - - - - - - -
16. Stone Cold Crazy
17. Motorbreath
18. Seek and Destroy
WorMee will stream METALLICA's concert in Nimes from July 10 until July 13. You just need to register with the site to watch, and the stream is available to everyone around the world.
As previously reported, METALLICA's three concerts in Mexico City were also filmed for a separate DVD release. The band played Mexico City for the first time in a decade on June 4, June 6 and June 7, with the group keeping the shows on its schedule despite the recent outbreak of swine flu that originated in the area.
METALLICA has issued several DVDs in the past, including "Cliff 'Em All", "Cunning Stunts", "S&M With The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra" and "A Year And A Half".
The band, recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, continues to tour behind "Death Magnetic", which has sold 1.78 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. They'll play Europe throughout the summer before returning to North America in the fall.
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9 èþë 2009
POWERMAN 5000 Completes Work On New Album
 According to a posting on POWERMAN 5000's MySpace page, the band has completed work on its new album, tentatiely due before the end of the year. The group writes, "It's hard to believe but it's true! Release date, track listing, artwork, tour dates all coming soon."
POWERMAN 5000 will embark on a U.S. headlining tour in the fall.
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9 èþë 2009
GRIEF OF WAR: Entire New Album Available For Streaming
 "Worship", the new album from Tokyo thrash disciples GRIEF OF WAR, is available for streaming in its entirety on the band's MySpace page.
"Worship" is being released today (Tuesday, July 7) via Prosthetic Records.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Crack Of Doom
02. Disorder
03. Captured Soul Eternity
04. New Kind Of Wicked
05. Revolt
06. Built My Brain
07. Worship
08. Into The Void (feat. Shane Gibson of KORN)
09. Midnight Sun
10. Lost
Check out the cover artwork here.
GRIEF OF WAR, who call their kamikaze brand of thrash "samurai crunch," first made an international splash with their 2005 debut, "A Mounting Crisis...As Their Fury Got Released" (reissued worldwide by Prosthetic in early 2008). "Worship" should garner the Japanese quartet even more acclaim, thanks in part to a sharp production that was mastered by Ted Jensen of New York's legendary Sterling Sound, who has previously put the final touches on works by acts ranging from KISS to KREATOR.
"Worship" features a contribution by one other notable individual: KORN lead guitarist Shane Gibson, who performs a blistering solo on the song "Into The Void". So how did a member of one of the biggest metal bands in the world — nu, true or otherwise — end up jamming with a comparatively obscure, retro-minded group from The Land of the Rising Sun? Vocalist/bassist/lyricist Manabu Hirose, who also recorded, engineered, produced and mixed "Worship", explains it was quite easy: "Since Ken (Sato, GRIEF OF WAR's lead guitarist) likes shredding guitarists, and he knew Shane would come to Japan while we were recording, he made contact with Shane and asked him to play on the album. We sent him the demo of 'Into The Void', he liked the song and we welcomed him to the studio when he visited Japan." | 0 | |
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9 èþë 2009
DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA: New Song Posted Online
 Swedish avant-garde rock band DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA has posted a new song, "A Tap Dancer's Dilemma", on the group's MySpace page. The track comes off DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA's new album, "Sing-Along Songs For the Damned and Delirious", which is due in Europe on September 21 via Ascendance Records. The CD's cover art was made by the acclaimed Swedish illustrator Peter Bergting, most notable for his work with the graphic novel "Gängkrig".
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9 èþë 2009
JORN\'s \'Dukebox\' Collection Due In August
 AFM Records has set an August 28 release date for "Dukebox", a 16-track best-of from powerhouse Norwegian hard rock vocalist Jorn Lande (MASTERPLAN, MILLENIUM, ARK). The CD will contain "many highlights" from Jorn's previous solo albums and "will be an interesting item for all die-hard fans and 'newcomers' as well," according to a press release.
"Dukebox" ( cover) track listing:
01. Man Of The Dark
02. Starfire
03. Young Forever (new version)
04. Soul Of The Wind
05. Living With Wolves
06. War Of The World
07. Sunset Station
08. We Brought The Angels Down
09. The Inner Road
10. Tungur Knivur
11. Stormcrow
12. Out To Every Nation (new version)
13. Lonely Are The Brave
14. Blacksong
15. Shadow People
16. Duke of Love
JORN's brand new studio album, entitled "Spirit Black", was released on June 5 in Europe and will be issued in the USA on July 14 via Frontiers Records.
Jorn Lande's strong and diverse voice and solid songwriting skills have now become legendary in the hard rock world. In a career spanning over 30 albums releases and as frontman for MILLENIUM, ARK and MASTERPLAN, Jorn was recently featured on spectacular projects such as Tobias Sammet's AVANTASIA, along with stars like Alice Cooper and Eric Singer (KISS), Rudolf Schenker (SCORPIONS), Bob Catley (MAGNUM) and in Arjen Lucassen's recent concept album with AYREON.
"The musical style and direction is now more defined and less experimental. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel anymore, I just want to write good quality hard rock songs that people can relate to and identify with," states Lande. "As we entered into the new millennium, I realized and accepted that my strength as a singer was more classic rockoriented. If you buy a Jorn album today, you know what you will get. True classic hard rock music."
Jorn is getting ready to tour the world at the end of summer 2009 with his band formed by Jgor Gianola and Tore Moren on guitars, Nic Angileri on bass and Willy Bendiksen on drums.
Check out more audio samples at this location.
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9 èþë 2009
CLUTCH: Entire New Album Available For Streaming
 "Strange Cousins From the West", the ninth studio album from Maryland rockers CLUTCH, is vailable for streaming in its entirety at AOL Music.
"Strange Cousins From the West" will be available both digitally and through retail on July 14. Produced by CLUTCH and J. Robbins at Magpie Cage Studios in Baltimore, the effort is the first CLUTCH studio LP to be released on the band's own Weathermaker Music, through RED Distribution.
"Strange Cousins From the West" includes the POPPO'S BLUES BAND cover song "Algo Ha Cambiado", which CLUTCH vocalist Neil Fallon sings in Spanish. Poppo was a legendary Argentinian hard rock singer/guitarist throughout the '70s and '80s.
The title "Strange Cousins From the West" was taken from a line in the song "Minotaur".
Although CLUTCH has toured the world extensively over the past two years and released multiple CLUTCH-related projects, "Strange Cousins..." is the band's first original studio work since 2007's "From Beale Street to Oblivion" which featured the hit "Electric Worry".
"Strange Cousins From the West" ( cover) track listing:
01. Motherless Child
02. Struck Down
03. 50,000 Unstoppable Watts
04. Abraham Lincoln
05. Minotaur
06. The Amazing Kreskin
07. Witchdoctor
08. Let a Poor Man Be
09. Freakonomics
10. Algo Ha Cambiado
11. Sleestak Lightning
A new widget featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the recording sessions for "Strange Cousins From the West" is available at this location.
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9 èþë 2009
JOB FOR A COWBOY: \'Unfurling A Darkened Gospel\' Video Released
 "Unfurling a Darkened Gospel", the new video from Glendale, Arizona extreme metallers JOB FOR A COWBOY, can be viewed here. The clip was shot on location in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and at the city’s distinguished music venue, The First Unitarian Church. The clip was lensed by Doug Spangenberg for Space Monkey Studios (LAMB OF GOD, MAROON 5) and features JOB FOR A COWBOY doing what the band does best; bringing its electrifying live show directly to a crowd of rabid music fans.
"Unfurling a Darkened Gospel" comes off JOB FOR A COWBOY's highly anticipated sophomore album, "Ruination", which is being released today (July 7) via Metal Blade Records. The 10-song follow-up to 2007's "Genesis" was tracked and mixed at AudioHammer studios in Sanford, Florida with producer Jason Suecof (THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, DEVILDRIVER, TRIVIUM).
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9 èþë 2009
GUILT MACHINE: First Audio Sample Released
 AYREON mastermind Arjen Lucassen's new project, GUILT MACHINE, will release its debut album, titled "On This Perfect Day", via Mascot Records on the following dates:
Germany, Austria, Switzerland: August 28
Rest of Europe: August 31
North America: September 29
The artwork was created by Christophe Dessaigne, a talented new artist whom Arjen discovered (quite by chance) while browsing Flickr. Coincidentally, it turned out that Chris is an AYREON fan, and was thrilled beyond belief when Arjen asked him to do the artwork! The GUILT MACHINE logo and packaging layout were created by Thomas Ewerhard.
"On This Perfect Day" will be released in three different editions:
* Limited-edition 32-page digibook (CD + DVD)
* Special-edition digipack 24-page booklet (CD + DVD)
* Regular-edition jewel case, 24-page booklet (CD only)
Limited-edition digibook track listing:
CD (all editions):
01. Twisted Coil (11:43)
02. Leland Street (8:03)
03. Green and Cream (10:32)
04. Season of Denial (10:22)
05. Over (6:11)
06. Perfection? (10:46)
DVD (limited and special editions only):
Audio bonus tracks:
01. The Stranger Song (L. Cohen) - vocals Jasper (4:53)
02. Michelangelo (J. Campbell) - vocals Arjen (3:23)
03. Fan Messages (8:14)
04. Perfection? - guide vocals Arjen (9:37)
05. Twisted Coil - radio edit (4:17)
06. Pull me out of the Dark - radio edit (Green and Cream) (3:36)
07. Over - radio edit (3:56)
Video:
01. Trailer "On this Perfect Day" (4:33)
02. Making of the Trailer (3:44)
03. Interview with GUILT MACHINE (40:03)
The song "Twisted Coil" is available for streaming in three parts on the GUILT MACHINE MySpace page.
GUILT MACHINE is:
Arjen Lucassen: Instruments, Backing Vocals
Jasper Steverlinck (ARID): Vocals
Chris Maitland (ex-PORCUPINE TREE): Drums
Lori Linstruth (ex-STREAM OF PASSION): Lead Guitar
As AYREON fans have come to expect from Arjen, the music of GUILT MACHINE ranges from dark and heavy to atmospheric and melancholic. But GUILT MACHINE introduces some new twists as well, particularly when it comes to the vocals. Rather than putting together an ensemble cast of vocalists from the prog, rock and metal scene, Arjen has enlisted the talents of a single alternative rock vocalist, Jasper Steverlinck.
How did Arjen get an alternative rock vocalist to switch genres and sing on a prog rock project? "In the beginning, it was hard to convince Jasper to sing on this album, because he comes from a completely different musical background," Arjen said. "He didn't even know what prog was, but we've made a believer out of him! What I admire about Jasper's voice, besides its beautiful clear timbre, is the emotion and credibility he puts into his performance and his enormous range. Because this project features just one singer I needed someone versatile enough to portray all of the different moods, and Jasper didn't disappoint. And he's a really nice and dedicated guy as well!"
For GUILT MACHINE, Arjen also chose to record with a different drummer, Chris Maitland (ex-PORCUPINE TREE). "Chris was the ideal choice this time, having both the power for the heavy sections and the subtle touch needed in the more atmospheric parts," Arjen said.
Rather than the explicit storyline you would expect in an AYREON release, the songs of GUILT MACHINE revolve around a central theme. Instead of looking outward into a world of fantasy or science fiction, the songs look inward, exploring the destructive psychology of guilt, regret and the darkest form of secret — the secrets we hide from ourselves.
"At first I asked my partner and personal manager Lori to quickly write scratch lyrics for one of the songs so I could record some guide vocals," Arjen said. "I was so impressed by what she produced that I asked her to write the lyrics for all the songs. I was unable myself to create the type of darkly enigmatic, open-ended lyrics I wanted for these songs, my specialty being sci-fi lyrics about sinister aliens. She definitely gave the songs an extra dimension with her lyrics, exorcising the demons we both had faced in the past few years. It's also no secret that I've always been a big fan of her melodic guitar style, so she also plays all the guitar solos on this album."
Despite these differences, GUILT MACHINE still has much in common with AYREON. The songs are mainly long, "epic" tracks that feature dynamic contrasts between softer, dreamy sections and powerful, heavy passages. There are intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, soaring melodies, and an eclectic selection of instruments — all what you'd expect from an AYREON release.
"In my view this is my best side project so far," Arjen said. "It comes completely from the heart, for it was written and recorded during a new inspiring phase in my life after my heavy depression. This being an entirely new project there were no expectations whatsoever, which enabled me to just let my inspiration guide me without any (outside) pressure."
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9 èþë 2009
IZEGRIM: \'Point Of No Return\' Video Released
 "Point Of No Return", the new video from Dutch female-fronted thrashers IZEGRIM, can be viewed here. The band's first-ever promotional music clip was produced by Arno Zuidgeest.
"Point Of No Return" is the title track of IZEGRIM's new EP, which came out in March 2009 via Rusty Cage Records. The CD contains three brand new songs and a re-recorded version of "Angel Of Demise" (which originally appeared on 2002's "Guidelines For Genocide".
IZEGRIM's most recent full-length album, "Tribute to Totalitarianism", was released March 2008.
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9 èþë 2009
JUDAS PRIEST: Entire \'A Touch Of Evil: Live\' Album Available For Streaming
 JUDAS PRIEST's forthcoming "A Touch of Evil: Live" live album is available for streaming in its entirety at MetalSucks.
JUDAS PRIEST has chosen 10 songs not previously released in live album form for "A Touch of Evil: Live", which is due out July 14, in the midst of the band's U.S. summer tour.
"A Touch of Evil" includes live renderings of longtime fan favorites such as "Painkiller", "Dissident Aggressor", "Riding on the Wind", "Between the Hammer & the Anvil" and "Eat Me Alive", as well as "Hellrider" from "Angel of Retribution", the group's 2004 reunion album with frontman Rob Halford, and two tracks — "Death" and "Prophecy" — from last year's rock opera "Nostradamus".
"I love those songs," Halford told Billboard.com. "All of those songs just crush. Because they've never been recorded live in this way, it's just something fresh to put out. And when you listen to it and think this band has been around for three decades, with a combined age of 250-something years...I mean, how cool is that? It's a very fierce record and just captures the band's attitude and feeling in a very strong, determined way."
Recorded by Martin Walker and Brian Thorene during JUDAS PRIEST's mammoth 2005 and 2008 world tours, "A Touch Of Evil: Live" marks the first PRIEST album that producer Tom Allom has worked on since 1988 (co-producing along with the band). It was such Allom-produced albums as the aforementioned "Unleashed In The East", as well as "British Steel" and "Screaming For Vengeance" (among others) that made PRIEST not only one of the premier metal acts, but one of the leading global rock acts.
"A Touch Of Evil: Live" track listing:
01. Judas Rising
02. Hellrider
03. Between The Hammer & The Anvil
04. Riding On The Wind
05. Death
06. Beyond The Realms Of Death
07. Dissident Aggressor
08. A Touch Of Evil
09. Eat Me Alive
10. Prophecy
11. Painkiller
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8 èþë 2009
THE 69 EYES: \'Back In Blood\' Promo Video Available
 Finnish goth metallers THE 69 EYES will release their new album, "Back In Blood", in Europe (excluding Finland) on August 28 via Nuclear Blast Records (September 15 in the U.S. through The End Records). The CD, which was tracked with the Grammy-winning producer Matt Hyde (SLAYER, MONSTER MAGNET, FU MANCHU), features a guest appearance by MONSTER MAGNET's Ed Mundell. The recording process took place both in Helsinki and Los Angeles.
A promotional video for the album can be viewed here.
The first single from the album, "Dead Girls Are Easy", is described in a press release as "a nasty power anthem for sleazy pin-ups complete with a sing-a-long chorus aimed at those online chicks with the looks that kill!" The video for the song was directed by MTV superstar and close friend Bam Margera and the artwork was designed by Estevan Oriol, whose work has graced countless covers from such artists as CYPRESS HILL, THE TRANSPLANTS and SNOOP DOGG.
"Back In Blood" track listing:
01. Back In Blood
02. We Own The Night
03. Dead N' Gone
04. The Good, The Bad & The Undead
05. Kiss Me Undead
06. Lips Of Blood
07. Dead Girls Are Easy
08. Night Watch
09. Some Kind Of Magick
10. Hunger
11. Suspiria Snow White
12. Eternal
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8 èþë 2009
MEGADETH: New Song \'Headcrusher\' Available For Free Download
 MEGADETH's brand new track entitled "Headcrusher" is available for free download at the Roadrunner Records web site (free e-mail sign-up required).
"Headcrusher" comes off MEGADETH's twelfth studio album, "Endgame", which is due on September 15 through Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded at the band's brand new, self-built studio in San Marcos, California — Vic's Garage — which was named after the legendary and iconic Vic Rattlehead character.
"Endgame" track listing:
01. Dialectic Chaos
02. This Day We Fight!
03. 44 Minutes
04. 1,320'
05. Bite The Hand That Feeds
06. Bodies Left Behind
07. Endgame
08. The Hardest Part Of Letting Go... Sealed With A Kiss
09. Headcrusher
10. How the Story Ends
11. Nothing Left To Lose
"Endgame" was helmed by Mustaine and acclaimed British producer Andy Sneap (EXODUS, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY, MACHINE HEAD). Sneap also manned the boards for 2007's "United Abominations".
According to a press release, "Endgame" "boasts the technicality, ferocity and snarl that's synonymous with MEGADETH and Mustaine. It's a violent masterwork that represents Mustaine's best work in nearly two decades. In a musical world dominated by bands that make generic, blanket statements, 'Endgame' finds Mustaine, once again, making informed and substantial lyrical declarations about the state of the world we live in."
Commented Mustaine: "Thematically, I've never been known to be a silent bystander in a world that needs our participation. As more is revealed about our former President's legacy, a little-known yet staggeringly frightening document which was signed into law, named 'Endgame', has been uncovered. The album 'Endgame' is the most energetic music offering I have penned in over a decade and is far more believable than knowing someone signed 'Endgame' — the document — into law. The album is also the perfect 'ass-kicking' music to listen to once you are done reading the aforementioned document!"
He added, "This new album is my proudest moment since the famous (or infamous) 'Rust in Peace' album. With this album, I am also very excited to be introducing my new lead guitarist, Chris Broderick, to the world. I have always felt lucky to have had top shredders in that position, but after touring with Chris in support of my last album, I couldn't wait to get into the studio and see what he could do."
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8 èþë 2009
KISS Drummer On New Album: \'No Ballads, No Slow Songs, No Filler\'
 KISS drummer Eric Singer has issued the following update via the band's official web site:
"You wanted the best?
"Well, the wait is almost over...
"I have been hearing KISS fans say for a longtime that 'All's we want is NEW KISS music'... Well, sometimes wishes do come true!
"Last December, Paul [Stanley, guitar/vocals] called me up saying he wanted to make a new KISS record. He seemed very keen and was very specific about the approach to our latest endeavors. He basically said he wanted us to make a KISS record and music in the purest sense. Meaning no outside writers, the BAND plays on everything, and we use vintage equipment.
"Guess what? The end result is everything I could have hoped for.
"I have to say this has been the most fun and pleasure making a record I have ever been involved in. The chemistry and overall vibe really made for such a great atmosphere and the playing, sounds and songs just really capture what KISS is all about. Classic rock & roll.
"As we were working up song ideas, everyone was very in tune and conscious of our goals at all times. Gene [Simmons, bass/vocals] and Paul would retrace their steps from the past and focused on paying tribute to their roots of the early styles of classic KISS by paying close attention to the way they sang and the sounds of the instruments.
"The camaraderie between everyone and especially Gene and Paul really made it easy for all to bring the best out of each other.
"Paul took the reigns and headed up the project like the leader that he has been for over 35 years but, this time with a renewed, inspired and very patient style (he is a great dad after all). He really knew what he wanted from each of us individually and collectively.
"We did the 11 new songs in small batches by getting into a rehearsal studio first to work up ideas. We then would move to the recording studio. The recordings would entail all of us playing 'live' together in the room. As we captured each performance, we would then add extra guitar parts and usually put a guide vocal on the track so we could live with it for a few days and make sure the tempos and vibe was right.
"By the way, we used NO click tracks on this record I am proud to say. We really went for capturing the live feel and essence of each song. And, Paul, Gene, Tommy [Thayer, guitar] and myself are the only musicians playing these songs. A true band effort and performance!
"As for the songs? Well, no ballads, no slow songs, no filler... The band really has come full circle. Just pure straight-ahead rock and roll that has all the elements that made you love KISS from day one. Everyone sings lead on a song (Tommy and myself) and even trade off vocal lines and parts throughout the record.
"Believe me, the wait IS over and well worth it!
"I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it...
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8 èþë 2009
DOPESTARS INC Ready to Release 21st Century Slave
 After the brilliant EP 'Criminal Intents', the complete new studio album from the digital warriors is now finally released. And unlike the implication of the album title, DOPE STARS INC. aren¹t slaves of the technological world. They¹re loud, warlike, angry and political. They use the medium of cybertech but combine it with the fury of punk. They combine flimmering sequencers with aggressive guitars; distorted vocals with persistently infectious melodies. And they arise out of the sordid darknessof modern cities to live on the edge of the abyss. Shimmering outlaws of the virtual reality who fight the system by using its own methods.For a long time now, their music has not only been influenced by the elements of cyberpunk, new metal, electro, industrial and rock.
DOPE STARS INC. are above all the musically realised version of William Gibson¹s 'Neuromancer¹, Neal Stephenson¹s 'Snow Crash¹ and in terms of their sound,the further development of films such as 'Bladerunner¹. They show us the world how it is. Dirty, shimmering, full of neon glare and beautiful light. But between all the superficialities are concealed feeling, but above all furious, rebels who tear down the boundaries and defy all categorisation: and all the while still damn young, loud and sexy. The album also shouldn't be without a few sensitive love songs. And just as SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK once celebrated '21st Century Boy', DOPE STARS INC. really have become symbols of the new era.
This is the sound of the new millennium.The first edition of' '21st Century Slave'; is released as a lavish 6-panelled digipak with an extensive booklet full of sombre illustrations which perfectly sets the visual scene for the story and which can be described without over-exaggeration as a work of art. A collectors¹ piece which no fan of DOPE STARS INC. should be without!
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8 èþë 2009
Flowers from Exile
 The expectations were high for this new album of Rome . Flowers from Exile is a personal album in which a wide scale of melancholic and depressed emotions are packaged into excellent compositions from the hand of Jerome Reuter and Patrick Damiani. The tracklist is divided into four sections, each with a distinct theme. This is a conceptual approach that regarding the lyrics of Jerome Reuter makes one contemplative. Some songs even reflect loss and mourning. A highlight is the song ‘The Secret Sons of Europe’ which contains beautiful flamenco guitar playing and has a great emotional layer. ‘The Hollow Self’ is a darker ambient track which serves as introduction to the second part of the album. ‘A Legacy of Unrest’ is next and starts with sharp guitar and pounding drums. There is hope reflected in the sounds and a-cappella vocals in this track. ‘To Die Among Strangers’ was already known from the preceding EP and in all its melancholy it reminds of the work of Leonard Cohen and this also goes for the splendid title track ‘Flowers from Exile’. Next up are another two highly impressive songs with ‘Who Fell in Love with the Sea’ in which Jerome almost whispers and the acoustic guitars perfectly suits this ballad and next is ‘Swords to Rust – Hearts to Dust’ from which speaks much passion and longing. I have to say that musically there are hardly any surprises with Rome . This new album doesn’t present any musically new approaches but instead demonstrates a ripened and fully grown series of songs and very thoughtful and poetic lyrics. Flowers from Exile is a beautiful album Rome can be proud of. | 0 | |
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8 èþë 2009
AEROSMITH Guitarist Putting Finishing Touches On New Solo Album
 AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry has told Billboard.com that he's just finishing mixing the follow-up to his 2005 Grammy Award-nominated solo album, "Joe Perry", and expects it to be mastered next week. He plans to release a single in late July or early August, with the album coming out this fall.
"It's a lot different than the last one," Perry told Billboard.com. "The last one was a straight-ahead rocker. This one's got some different things on it." The album was recorded in about seven weeks at Perry's home studio, The Boneyard; he shares lead vocal duties with a German singer his wife, Billie, discovered on the Internet, and there's one instrumental track. David Hull from the JOE PERRY PROJECT and Ben Tileston, who plays with two of Perry's sons in TAB THE BAND, were also involved. | 0 | |
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8 èþë 2009
SUBSIGNAL: \'Beautiful & Monstrous\' Track Listing Revealed
 SUBSIGNAL, the new German band featuring former SIEGES EVEN members Arno Menses (vocals) and Markus Steffen (guitar), has finished recording its debut album, entitled "Beautiful & Monstrous", for a late September release via GoldenCore Records/ZYX Music. The CD was helmed by co-producer Kristian Kohlmannslehner, who worked on SIEGES EVEN's 2007 release, "Paramount". The special edition of the album, which will have an approximate running time of 60 minutes, will come with a stylish digipack cover and one bonus track. The LP will also be released as a normal jewelcase version with rounded corners, and it will be made available on double vinyl.
"Beautiful & Monstrous" ( cover) track listing:
01. Where Angels Fear To Tread
02. Paradigm
03. The Sea
04. The Trick Is To Keep Breathing
05. Walking With Ghosts
06. I Go With The Wind
07. To Hope The Road Is Long
08. Beautiful & Monstrous
09. The Last Light Of Summer
10. Rain Is The Most Beautiful Color (bonus track on special edition)
SUBSIGNAL, the new German band featuring former SIEGES EVEN members Arno Menses (vocals) and Markus Steffen (guitar), is currently recording its debut album, entitled "Beautiful & Monstrous", for a late September release via GoldenCore Records/ZYX Music. The CD is being helmed by co-producer Kristian Kohlmannslehner, who worked on SIEGES EVEN's 2007 release, "Paramount". The first edition of the album, which will have an approximate running time of 60 minutes, will come with a stylish digipack cover and one bonus track.
Commented Arno: "Drums sound amazing, booming and yet crystal clear... Markus' guitars, as always tear-jerkingly beautiful... yet monstrous! David's keyboards, just super. My backing vocals... well... crap, but who cares haha... Markus will finish up his work this week, then Ralf will unleash his thunder… The week after that I will start my lead vocals."
SUBSIGNAL describes its music as "progressive, melancholic, cutting edge, emotional, blended with a good portion of melodic heaviness."
The band will perform at the Night of the Prog festival on July 11 in Loreley, Germany. A full tour is planned for autumn/winter 2009/10.
SUBSIGNAL is:
Markus Steffen (guitar)
Arno Menses (vocals)
Ralf Schwager (bass)
David Bertok (keyboards)
Roel van Helden (drums) | 0 | |
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8 èþë 2009
MAYHEM Drummer To Guest On DEATH OF DESIRE Debut
 MAYHEM's Hellhammer (a.k.a. Jan Axel Blomberg) has reportedly agreed to lay down the drums on "ANTI-human", the debut album from German extreme metallers DEATH OF DESIRE. The CD and the accompanying "Into the Void" video will be released in late 2009 or early 2010.
"ANTI-human" track listing:
01. Tainted With Death (intro)
02. Into The Void
03. Kingdom
04. Progenies Of Doom
05. Insane Profetic Slaves (interlude)
06. Frozen
07. Tones Of Death
08. Severed Soul (passage)
09. Black Flame
10. Inner Sanctum
11. Rest My Ashes In Hell (outro)
12. A-S1 (instrumental) (bonus track)
DEATH OF DESIRE is:
Dawn Desiree (Vocals)
Lord Azmodeus (Guitar)
Hellhammer (Drums)
Lord Priapos (Bass)
Darktreth Lethe (Guitar)
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/deathofdesireband.
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8 èþë 2009
SLIPKNOT: Debut Album Reissue Coming In September
 The Pulse of Radio reports that SLIPKNOT is slated to reissue its 1999 self-titled major label debut on September 9 to celebrate the record's 10th anniversary and the band's decade as recording artists, according to a label spokesperson. SLIPKNOT has been commemorating the upcoming anniversary for much of the past year since issuing its latest record last August, "All Hope Is Gone". Singer Corey Taylor told The Pulse of Radio that things couldn't be going better for the group at this point. "Everything that we've always wanted, and that we've always pictured for this band is kind of coming true in this last year and a half," he said. "You know, this is kind of the culmination of 10 years of just barreling through the mud, you know, sweating through the dark times, and this is really the payoff. And the great thing is, is that we're old enough to appreciate it."
No other details on the release, including whether it will include any bonus or previously unavailable content, have been announced yet.
The latest single from "All Hope Is Gone" is called "Sulfur". The album has sold 795,000 copies since coming out 11 months ago.
The band will begin a short North American run of dates on August 22 in Seattle.
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8 èþë 2009
AGONOIZE Unleash Bloody New Album
 While some German sceney journalists are already predicting the creative death of the Harsh Electro genre, top dogs Agonoize are reacting in the best way possible: with a big grin on their faces and the massive, electronic aggro-stomper “Bis das Blut gefriert” on their hands, they are effectively showing all the moaners and groaners the finger and proving all points of criticism utterly wrong by delivering a superb smasher of a track. In 2009, the Berlin Bad Boys are full of sparkling energy and sport more versatile compositions than ever before. Catchy melodies, hard beats, aggressive power and lashing shouts blend with complex arrangements, presented in Agonoize’s trademark, butt-kicking bulldozer-sound. The b-side “Seelenbrecher” is also destined to breathe life onto any dance floor with a solid electronic noise-fest. One alternative version of “Seelenbrecher” plus three club-compatible remixes are topping off this little gem of a CD-single. “Bis das Blut gefriert” is a real collector’s item, strictly limited to 1000 copies and hand numbered – an absolute must-have for fans and Harsh-Electro-aficionados! We would advise to try to grab it quickly, though, as the band’s previous limited singles were sold out fast as lightning and are now going for ridiculous prices on e-Bay and Co. So, please don’t tell us that you haven’t been warned! So, who goes to say that Harsh Electro is running through a creative low? Anyone still making that assumption after listening to this single must be seriously deaf. A hellishly delicious appetizer for the new album which is due in autumn!
Out 17.07.09 on Out of Line !
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8 èþë 2009
ALICE IN CHAINS: \'A Looking In View\' Video Available
 ALICE IN CHAINS' video for the new track "A Looking In View" is available for viewing at the band's official web site. (Note: You must be 18 years of age to view.)
ALICE IN CHAINS' first collection of all-new studio material in 14 years, "Black Gives Way To Blue", is set for release on September 29 through EMI Music's Virgin Records label. The disc will feature the recording debut with the group of singer William DuVall, who first got behind the mic for the band's 2006 reunion tour after original vocalist Layne Staley died in 2002.
The album title first appeared on Amazon.com without any prior announcement from the band, who made their signing with Virgin official a couple of weeks ago through a press release that did not reveal a title or release date.
An official radio single called "Check My Brain" will head to rock stations in mid-August.
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8 èþë 2009
WHIPLASH: New Album Artwork, Track Listing Revealed
 Reactivated New Jersey thrashers WHIPLASH will release their new album, "Unborn Again", later in the year via Pulverised Records. The CD was recorded at Mozart Studio with world-renowned engineer/producer Harris Johns (SODOM, KREATOR, HELLOWEEN, SEPULTURA). The band mixed and mastered the CD at Spiderhouse Studio.
"Unborn Again" track listing:.
01. Swallow The Slaughter
02. Snuff
03. Firewater
04. Float Face Down
05. Fight Or Flight
06. Pitbulls In The Playground
07. Parade Of Two Legs
08. Hook In Mouth
09. I've Got The Fire
10. Feeding Frenzy
The cover artwork was created by Ed Repka (DEATH, ATHEIST, MEGADETH, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, POSSESSED, etc) and can be viewed below. The LP will be made available in digipack CD + DVD format, which documents the making of "Unborn Again".
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8 èþë 2009
HACKNEYED: \'Deatholution\' Video Released
 "Deatholution", the new video from German death metal lunatics HACKNEYED, can be viewed below. The track comes off the group's new album, "Burn After Reaping", which is scheduled for release on August 14 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Weltraumstudios in Munich with producer Corni Bartels (DIE ÄRZTE, KILLERPILZE, END OF GREEN, MEGAHERZ etc.).
Commented drummer Tim Cox: "After long and hard work, we just finished the studio work for 'Burn After Reaping' and I can assure you that the songs will kick major ass!! It will be louder and more brutal than anything you’ve heard before! Our producer, Corni Bartels, pushed us to the limit and made the album what it is right now — a fucking killer! We have done a lot of crazy things and tried a lot to pimp the album. 'Burn After Reaping' will differ from 'Death Prevails' if it comes to songwriting and sound, but of course all known HACKNEYED trademarks have been kept. Björn Goosses of Killustrations (DEW-SCENTED, ABORTED) created the artwork [see below] which matches our expectations perfectly. It fits the album like every single song!"
"Burn After Reaping" track listing:
01. Burn...
02. Weed Flavoured Meat
03. Deatholution
04. Kingdom Of Thoughts
05. March Of The Worms
06. Bloodshed
07. Redying
08. Finger On The Trigger
09. Home Meat Home
10. Putrid
11. Last Man On Earth
12. ...After Reaping
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7 èþë 2009
VARG VIKERNES Says He Has Written Nine Songs For New BURZUM
 Varg Vikernes (a.k.a. Count Grishnackh), the BURZUM mastermind who was convicted of murdering MAYHEM guitarist Oystein Aarseth (a.k.a. Euronymous) in August 1993 and setting fire to three churches, has finished writing nine songs for BURZUM's new album, which he hopes to release next year. He tells Norway's Dagbladet that several record labels are interested in issuing the band's first LP in eleven years. "I want take my time [with the album], so that I can get it the way I like it," Vikernes says. "It will be metal, and the fans can expect to hear some real BURZUM."
Dagbladet has posted several exclusive excerpts from Varg Vikernes' as-yet-unpublished book which he wrote during his nearly-16-year prison stay. The book contains Varg's personal account of of what transpired in the years from the Norwegian black metal community's inception in 1991 until he was convicted for murder and church fires three years later.
"I am not the 'Count' that has been portrayed in the media," Vikernes tells Dagbladet. "That is just sad. Those who have known me a long time know that what was written about me was not the complete truth. But I am partly to blame for how things were presented in the press. That's why I wrote this book, which I hope to release via a publisher. I will lay this issue to rest and put what happened behind me. I will begin a new phase in life."
Dagbladet: Do you regret the fact that you killed another human being?
Vikernes: "I cannot regret the fact that I took the life of someone who wanted to kill me. I felt threatened by his plans, but it was never my intention to kill."
Dagbladet: Do you think that you can kill again?
Vikernes: "Everyone is capable of killing. But there is less chance that I will kill again, because I've been in that situation before, and so I know better how to deal with it. It is not possible to know how to behave in threatening situations before you even end up in such a situation. Had I been in the same situation today, I would have contacted the police first."
Although his parole application was denied four times — most recently in September 2008 — Vikernes received word in February that he would be released after serving almost 16 years in prison. He was finally allowed to leave this past spring, according to Dagbladet.
Vikernes currently resides in Bø, a municipality in the county of Telemark, Norway. Varg purchased the farm sometime last year and lives on the property with his French wife (whom he met while he was incarcerated) and son.
"It was completely random that we ended up buying a home here," Vikernes tells Dagbladet. "We wanted a quiet and peaceful place with beautiful scenery outside the city. It is so beautiful up here. Here we can be by ourselves. But there is a lot of work that is required to maintain the house, lawn and garden."
Photo is displayed from Dagbladet.
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7 èþë 2009
ILLDISPOSED: New Album Track Listing Revealed
 Danish extreme metallers ILLDISPOSED will release their new album, "To Those Who Walk Behind Us", on August 28 via Massacre Records. The CD was recorded at AB Studio in Aarhus, Denmark and was mixed at Fredman Studio in Sweden with Fredrik Nordström. 11 tracks will appear on the new ILLDISPOSED LP (out of a total of 16 that were completed during the songwriting sessions), which will be available as a jewel case CD, limited digipack with bonus material and strictly limited box set with exclusive t-shirt. The group says, "We guarantee you won't be disappointed!"
"To Those Who Walk Behind Us" track listing:
01. Blood On Your Parade
02. For The Record
03. Just Come And Get Me
04. Seeking Truth - Telling Lies
05. Sale At The Misery Factory
06. To Those Who Walk Behind Me
07. If All The World...
08. My Number Is Expired
09. Johnny
10. This Unscheduled Moment
11. Nu Gik Det Lige Så Godt
The limited digipack edition will include two bonus tracks.
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7 èþë 2009
LAVETT Begins Recording Debut Album
 LAVETT, the new Swedish five-piece consisting of musicians who have spent the last ten years making albums and touring with such acts as DARK TRANQUILLITY, LOST HORIZON, BESEECH, TWDSO (THOSE WE DON'T SPEAK OF) and SUNDOWN/CEMETARY, has entered Studiomega in Varberg, Sweden to begin recording its debut album.
LAVETT made its live debut at Sticky Fingers in Gothenburg, Sweden on January 30. Check out photos at www.lavett.net.
According to a press release, LAVETT's sound is "a perfect blend of their musical ideals. Taking the listener from beautiful landscapes of melodies to a raw, unpolished and powerful rock nirvana. Even though you may know the LAVETT members from before. You'll have had no way to prepare yourself for what they're bringing to your speakers this time around."
LAVETT is:
Daniel Heiman (LOST HORIZON, HEED) - Vocals
Michael Niklasson (DARK TRANQULLITY) - Bass
Robert Vintervind (BESEECH) - Gutar
Manne Engtröm (BESEECH, FATAL EMBRACE) - Guitar
Christian Silver (SUNDOWN, CEMETARY) - Drums
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7 èþë 2009
EXODUS Frontman Launches GENERATION KILL
 GENERATION KILL, the new crossover outfit featuring EXODUS frontman Rob Dukes, has released its first demo track, "Hate", via the band's official MySpace page.
***UPDATE: The MySpace page appears to have been taken down.***
According to a press release, GENERATION KILL — whose lineup also includes Rob Moschetti (ex-PRO-PAIN, M.O.D.) on bass and Sam Inzerra (MORTICIAN) on drums — is currently in the studio working on more material and preparing to do a small East Coast tour later in the year.
Commented Moschetti: "I think this is the best shit I have ever done. If you like the studio recording, prepare to be blown away by our live show."
GENERATION KILL is:
Rob Dukes - Vocals
Rob Moschetti - Bass/Backing Vocals
Lou Lehman - Lead Guitar
Jason Trenczer - Lead Guitar
Sam Inzerra - Drums
According to GENERATION KILL's official bio, "The original concept of the band was to break away from the current formula. By embracing their roots and incorporating them into the project, GENERATION KILL is a true crossover band. Each song has its own identity, and mood, which gives the band its original sound without abandoning their influences.
"By adding two lead guitarist/song writers to the band, a whole new dimension has been introduced to GENERATION KILL. While Jason Trenczer adds technical guitar work, Lou Lehman adds catchy riffs and solos.
"The final ingredient to the band is veteran drummer Sam Inzerra. Sam has a death metal background which adds speed and power to the project. Each member of the band takes part in the writing process. While each member has established himself in legendary and underground bands, let it be known that this is no side project."
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7 èþë 2009
DEVILDRIVER: Entire New Album Available For Streaming
 "Pray For Villains", the fourth full-length album from Santa Barbara, California's DEVILDRIVER, is available for streaming in its entirety on the web site of the German branch of Roadrunner Records.
"Pray For Villains" is scheduled for release on July 14 via Roadrunner Records. The effort — which will also be made available as a special-edition CD/DVD package featuring three bonus tracks, a behind-the-scenes DVD and expanded artwork — was recorded at Edge of the Earth studios in Los Angeles with producer Logan Mader (FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, GOJIRA, DIVINE HERESY).
"Pray For Villains" track listing:
01. Pray For Villains
02. Pure Sincerity
03. Fate Stepped In
04. Back With A Vengeance
05. I've Been Sober
06. Resurrection Blvd.
07. Forgiveness Is A Six Gun
08. Waiting For November
09. It's In The Cards
10. Another Night In London
11. Bitter Pill
12. Teach Me To Whisper
13. I See Belief
Bonus tracks (special edition):
14. Self-Affliction
15. Dust Be The Destiny
16. Damning The Heavens
17. Wasted Years
Disc Two - DVD (special edition):
01. "Making-Of" Documentary
02. Interviews
"Pray For Villains", the new video from DEVILDRIVER, was shot on April 9 with director Nathan Cox (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, MARILYN MANSON, LINKIN PARK).
DEVILDRIVER recently re-signed with Roadrunner Records after previously issuing three full-length albums through the label. In addition, the band has secured a new management company in the shape of Davis Entertainment Group.
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Nightwish
