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26 янв 2009
ABANDONED Parts Ways With Drummer, Announces Replacement
 German thrashers ABANDONED have parted ways with drummer Sven Vormann (DESTRUCTION, JESUS CHRYSLER SUPERSKUNK). According to the band, Sven was forced to leave the group "due to a general lack of time because of his day job and stuff." Vormann's full-time replacement in ABANDONED is Jan S. Mischon, who filled in for Sven temporarily on a recent tour with TANKARD and helped the band out when they played Wacken Open Air and Earthshaker festivals in 2005.
ABANDONED is planning to enter the studio in May to begin recording its third album for a late 2009 release.
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26 янв 2009
NILE Preparing To Hit The Studio
 South Carolina-based technical death metal band NILE is writing songs for its sixth full-length album, tentatively due this summer/fall via Nuclear Blast Records. According to Revolver magazine, the group plans to hit the studio in March or April, and guitarist/vocalist Karl Sanders says the CD will likely be NILE's most eclectic offering to date. "We're going to some very unexpected places," he said. "I've been listening to some oud music [the oud is a Middle Eastern lute — Ed.], Iranian music, and some Hindu stuff, and that stuff's definitely rubbing off on the new songs."
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26 янв 2009
SATYRICON\'s \'Black Crow On A Tombstone\' Video To See MTV2 Premiere
 Norwegian black metal band SATYRICON's brand new music video — for the song "Black Crow on a Tombstone" (see clip below) — will make its MTV2 debut this weekend as part of the network's long-running "Headbangers Ball" program. The song will kick off the show and is the roll-out track from the group's seventh studio album, "The Age of Nero", which sold around 1,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD debuted at No. 18 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
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26 янв 2009
ABSU: New Song Posted Online
 Texas-based mythological occult metal outfit ABSU has posted a new song, Girra's Temple, on the group's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's new self-titled album, due on February 24 via Candlelight Records. The CD was more or less engineered by the band, mixed by none other than J.T. Longoria at Nomad Recording Studio (KING DIAMOND, SOLITUDE AETERNUS, etc.). It was mastered by Proscriptor at his studio Tarot Productions.
Guest musicians on the album include the following:
Ashmedi (MELECHESH)
Blasphemer (ex-MAYHEM, AVA INFERI)
Equitant (ex-ABSU, EQUITANT)
David Harbour (ex-KING DIAMOND, DAVID HARBOUR)
Michael Harris (DARKOLOGY, MICHAEL Harris)
Mindwalker (THE FIRSTBORN)
Nornagest (ENTHRONED)
Vorskaath (ZEMIAL)
"Absu" track listing:
01. Between The Absu Of Eridu & Erech
02. Night Fire Canonization
03. Amy
04. Nunbarshegunu
05. 13 Globes
06. …Of The Dead Who Never Rest In Their Tombs Are The Attendance Of Familiar Spirits…Including:
A.) Diversified Signs Inscribed
B.) Our Earth Of Black
C.) Voor
07. Magic(k) Square Cipher
08. In The Name Of Auebothiabathabaithobeuee
09. Girra's Temple
10. Those Of The Void Will Re-Enter
11. Sceptre Command
12. Ye Uttuku Spells
13. Twix Yesterday, The Day & The Morrow | 0 | |
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26 янв 2009
JAG PANZER: New Album Title Announced
 Veteran Colorado power metallers JAG PANZER have set "The Scourge Of Light" as the title of their new album. The band, which is currently unsigned following a lengthy stint with Century Media Records, is scheduled to play the Play It Loud festival in Italy at the end of February and the Rock Hard festival in Germany in late May.
JAG PANZER last year announced the addition of Christian Lasegue as the group's new lead guitarist. Those familiar with the band's "Chain of Command" release will recognize his name as the lead axeman on that album.
JAG PANZER's last studio LP, "Casting the Stones", was released in October 2004 via Century Media. Said to be "a more aggressive version" of 2001's "Mechanized Warfare", the CD was recorded in part at Tampa's Morrisound Studios with producer Jim Morris. | 0 | |
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26 янв 2009
RAZOR OF OCCAM: New Song Available For Download
 A new RAZOR OF OCCAM song entitled "Altar Of Corruption" is available for download at this location. The track comes off the London, England-based black/thrash metal band's third full-length album, "Homage To Martyrs", which is scheduled for release on March 13 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy and March 16 in the rest of Europe through Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded at Necromorbus studios (WATAIN, AVERSA SEFIRA, MÖRK GRYNING) in Sweden with producer Tore Stjerna. According to a press release, "what you get to hear on 'Homage To Martyrs' is the perfect amalgamation of raw black metal and the thrashing mania of SLAYER's 'Reign In Blood'. As raw, relentless and intense as it can get! Merciless sharp riffing and pure brutality from the darkest vaults of down under. You will hardly find any band out there that is sounding more metal than RAZOR OF OCCAM!"
"Homage To Martyrs" track listing:
01. Altar Of Corruption
02. Bite Of Dogmata
03. Day Of Wrath
04. Heat Of Battle
05. Immortal Code
06. Pattern On The Stone
07. Flame Bearers
08. Shadow Of The Cross
The cover art (see here) and layout duties for the album were handled by Aurelien Police.
Originally spawned from the South Australian desert in the late Nineties, the music of RAZOR OF OCCAM still emulates the harshness of its birthplace. Never content to follow the mainstream, the band's lyrics eschew the mystical nonsense typical of the genre and instead highlight the harsh reality of the godless, uncaring and awe-inspiring universe we inhabit.
RAZOR OF OCCAM has predominately been a self-reliant act, securing gigs, festivals and tours in Europe and its homeland. The band has played alongside renowned acts such as ASPHYX, PRIMORDIAL and DISMEMBER, and has completed a European tour with GOSPEL OF THE HORNS.
The band has two releases to date: "Diabologue" (Damnation) and "Pillars of Creation" (Circle of Tyrants). | 0 | |
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26 янв 2009
MY DYING BRIDE: New Album Artwork Unveiled
 U.K. godfathers of doom MY DYING BRIDE will release their new album, "For Lies I Sire", on March 23 via Peaceville Records. The follow-up to 2006's "A Line of Deathless Kings" was recorded with longtime producer Mags.
Check out the cover artwork below.
"For Lies I Sire" track listing:
01. Fall With Me
02. My Body, A Funeral
03. The Lies I Sire
04. Bring Me Victory
05. Echoes From A Hollow Soul
06. ShadowHaunt
07. Santuario Di Sangue
08. A Chapter in Loathing
09. Death Triumphant
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26 янв 2009
DEVILS WHOREHOUSE: New Album Title, Track Listing Revealed
 DEVILS WHOREHOUSE — the "horror-death rock" side-project of MARDUK guitarist Morgan Håkansson — has finished mixing its new full-length album. Entitled "Blood & Ashes", the CD is currently being mastered and is set to be unleashed in early April via Regain Records.
"Blood & Ashes" track listing:
01. Oceans Turn To Blood
02. Wicked One
03. Speak The Name Of The Dead
04. The Cult Of Death
05. Werewolf
06. Demons Of The Flesh/Tight White Ropes
07. Shadows Never Change
08. Smell Of The Ancient Ones
09. Face The Master
10. Werewolf Nation
11. Snakes Out The Mouth Of Hell
DEVILS WHOREHOUSE will perform at the Fiendforce festival in Solingen, Germany on April 25.
After a lengthy hiatus, DEVILS WHOREHOUSE, returned this past fall with the release of an EP titled "Werewolf". The effort was made available in three different formats — CD, 7" and 12" picture disc.
DEVILS WHOREHOUSE current linup:
Morgan - Bass
Makko - Guitar
Maelstrom - Vocals
Hrafn - Drums | 0 | |
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26 янв 2009
METALLICA, IN FLAMES, THE HAUNTED, EVERGREY Honored At SWEDISH METAL AWARDS
 METALLICA, IN FLAMES, THE HAUNTED and EVERGREY are among the artists who were honored at the second annual Swedish Metal Awards, which were held last night (Friday, January 23) in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The complete list of winners is as follows:
Best Hard Rock: BULLET - "Bite The Bullet"
Best Death Metal: IN FLAMES - "A Sense Of Purpose"
Best Glam/Sleaze: GEMINI FIVE - "Sex Drugs Anarchy"
Best Heavy/Power Metal: SABATON - "The Art Of War"
Best Punk/Hardcore: KID DOWN - "I Want My Girlfriend Rich"
Best Metal: THE HAUNTED - "Versus"
Best Alternative Metal: EVERGREY - "Torn"
Best Newcomer: DEAD BY APRIL
Best Video/Director: IN FLAMES - "Alias" / Patric Ullaeus
Best Live Act: SONIC SYNDICATE
Best International Album: METALLICA - "Death Magnetic"
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26 янв 2009
CADAVERIA Announces New Guitarist
 CADAVERIA, the Italian band featuring former OPERA IX vocalist Cadaveria and ex-OPERA IX drummer/NECRODEATH vocalist Marçelo Santos (a.k.a. Flegias), has announced the addition of guitarist Dick Laurent to the group's ranks.
CADAVERIA is currently writing material for its fourth album, tentatively due later in the year via Season Of Mist. The band has also lined up dates in France and South America.
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26 янв 2009
LION\'S SHARE: \'Dark Hours\' Artwork Available
 Swedish melodic heavy metal masters LION'S SHARE will release their new album, "Dark Hours", on March 25 via Blistering Records. The follow-up to 2007's "Emotional Coma" was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren (OPETH, SYMPHONY X, PARADISE LOST, AMON AMARTH) and features guest appearances by SYMPHONY X guitarist Mike Romeo (guest solo on "Behind The Curtain"), and drummers Conny Pettersson (from Earache Records death metal act ANATA) and Richard Evensand (CHIMAIRA, SOILWORK).
"Dark Hours" track listing:
01. Judas Must Die
02. Phantom Rider
03. Demon In Your Mind
04. Heavy Cross To Bear
05. The Bottomless Pit
06. Full Metal Jacket
07. The Presidio 27
08. Barker Ranch
09. Napalm Nights
10. Space Scam
11. Behind The Curtain
12. King Of All The Kings (bonus track – limited-edition digipak and Japanese version)
The band states: "The new songs are simply awesome and everybody that has heard it thinks it's our best album to date. The red thread lyric-wise on this album is that all songs are about things that happened in the late Sixties; a decade known for many good things. However, we're not describing the happy times of the Sixties: We give you the 'Dark Hours'. Musically, it's more straight-forward and faster than ever. The songs are filled with energy and great hooks." | 0 | |
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26 янв 2009
SANCTIFICATION: New Drummer Needed
 SANCTIFICATION, the Swedish death metal band featuring current/former members of GOD AMONG INSECTS, IN BATTLE and SOULDRAINER, may be forced to cancel its appearance at this year's installment of the House Of Metal festival — set to take place February 27-28 at Folkets Hus in Umeå, Sweden — due to "drummer problems." According to guitarist Tomas Elofsson, "The drummer that we were to use [Tony Westermark of SOREPTION] has a lot to do right now and it doesn't look good at the moment. This is a shitty situation, to say the least, but what can we do? We do have a few guys that we are talking to about future gigs and tours, but as of now, no one is ready to take on the House Of Metal gig on such short notice, and that we understand. It is just five weeks until the gig, so like I said, it doesn't look good at the moment. Me, Markus [Edvardsson, guitar], Masse [Magnus Broberg, vocals] and Andreas [Mellkvist, bass] feel pretty fucking bummed out about this but hey, what can we do?!"
SANCTIFICATION recently posted the title track of its upcoming album, "Black Reign", on the group's MySpace page.
SANCTIFICATION's current lineup consists of Tomas Elofsson (guitar) and Markus Edvardsson (guitar) alongside two session members. It is as follows:
* Magnus "Masse" Broberg (a.k.a. Emperor Magus Caligula) (DARK FUNERAL) - Vocals
* Tomas Elofsson - Guitar
* Markus Edvardsson - Guitar
* Andreas Mellkvist (OLTUED) - Bass | 0 | |
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26 янв 2009
HELLSAW: \'Cold\' Artwork Unveiled
 Austrian black metal mongrels HELLSAW have unveiled the cover artwork (see here) for their new album, "Cold", tentatively due in the spring via Napalm Records. The band once again tapped DARK FORTRESS guitarist V. Santura to produce the new CD.
HELLSAW originally planning on laying down 12 tracks for the new effort but ended up writing a special song ("Wounds") during the recording sessions and decided to include it on the album.
According to frontman Aries, "Cold" contains some of the most complex and intense songs in the history of the band. "We always place a lot of our beliefs and emotions in our music," he said. "Writing and recording this album was physically and emotionally draining, but having heard the final result, it was well worth it!" | 0 | |
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26 янв 2009
TERROR Parts Ways With Guitarist, Announces Replacement
 Los Angeles hardcore/metal band TERROR has parted ways with guitarist Doug Weber. According to the group's frontman Scott Vogel, Weber was "sick of living in a van 90% of each year and wanted to live a more normal life." Scott added, "We can't really blame him for that decision, as there are times when I hate this shit too. It's a real wake-up call for anyone that thinks touring is ALL fun or that TERROR, as a band, have it easy in any way. I honestly thought that Doug leaving may have been the end for us. Doug had been in the band for a very long time and I was starting to feel that all the lineup changes might start to make us look like a joke, but Nick [Jett, drums] and Martin [Stewart, guitar] sternly told me that this is NOT the end and that we have a lot more to accomplish. So we pushed on, as always."
Weber's replacement in TERROR is Jordan Posner, former guitarist for influential Toronto hardcore band NO WARNING. "The only person we had even really talked about or spoke to about stepping up to fill the Big Man's shoes was our friend Jordan," Vogel said. "For anyone that knows me or has read interviews with me, you'll know that I love NO WARNING and really all of TERROR do. Jordan has proved to be an amazing songwriter and dude so we are excited about this change." | 0 | |
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25 янв 2009
SYMPHORCE: In Writing Mode
 SYMPHORCE, the German power metal band featuring singer Andy B. Franck (BRAINSTORM) and guitarist Cédric "Cede" Dupont (ex-FREEDOM CALL), has issued the following update:
"Long time no news, right? Well, this is about to change as we have some exciting news for you.
"After we took our time to re'phorce' our batteries and think about our future, we are ready more than ever to make our next album — the possibly best SYMPHORCE album ever. For a couple of months now, the songwriting core of SYMPHORCE, Cede-Marcus-Andy, has come up with some great songs, melodies, hit wonders, chart-breakers, strip songs... whatever you might wanna call it.
We just wanted to let you know, that we're still around (more actively in the background for some songwriting now), but we'll be back with a 'BOOOM!' in mid-2009 with a new label partner, new material and some new surprises. Things you don't expect and still expect from SYMPHORCE! So get ready, fasten your seatbelt, get wicked and join us back here for some more news in the next couple of weeks!"
SYMPHORCE's "Become Death" album was released on February 23, 2007 (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and February 26, 2007 (rest of Europe) via Metal Blade Records. The CD was recorded at the House Of Music Studios in Winterbach (near Stuttgart), Germany with producer Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69). Mastering duties were handled by Achim Köhler (BRAINSTORM).
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25 янв 2009
PATH To Release \'De-Evolution\' In April
 Kenosha, Wisconsin-based death metal band PATH, which features in its ranks Jerry Sturino (ex-JUNGLE ROT), will release its debut album, "De-Evolution" ( cover), on April 7 via Crash Music.
The track listing for the CD is as follows:
01. Diversity
02. Psychodrama
03. Broken Vow
04. No Regret
05. Blind
06. Object Of A Dead Soul
07. Buried Inside
08. Fallen Pillars
09. Pawn
10. Path
11. Shame
Bonus Tracks
12. Paint It Black
13. Jager Bomb
The song "Diversity" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.
Formed in 1997, PATH has been entertaining the masses and shocking audiences for over a decade. According to a press release, "their true-life lyrics of personal rage, drugs, and political abuse" have kept them "in a state of continuous evolution." | 0 | |
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25 янв 2009
KRUX Joined By OPETH Keyboardist
 KRUX — the Swedish band featuring CANDLEMASS bassist Leif Edling, ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN singer Mats Levén, ex-ENTOMBED drummer Peter Stjärnvind, guitarist Jörgen Sandstrom (also in THE PROJECT HATE, ex-ENTOMBED/GRAVE) and OPETH/ex-ARCH ENEMY guitarist Fredrik Åkesson — has issued the following update:
"Yes, it is true, folks. KRUX will play their last two gigs in Sweden before they enter the studio to record a new album. This will probably not happen until the winter of '09/'10, but with Fredrik Åkesson's duties in OPETH and Leif Edling being busy with CANDLEMASS new album in 2009, it is not very likely that the band will be seen on a stage again that soon. So… don't miss next week shows in Stockholm — at Harry B James (Thursday, January 29) and in Gävle — at O'Leary's (Friday, January 30). KRUX promise to play a couple of odd songs from the catalogue to make things more interesting, and you will also see Pär Wiberg from OPETH do his KRUX premiere. He replaces Carl Westholm on keys, since the doctor is in Africa saving the world."
Video footage of KRUX's March 25, 2008 performance at Kafé 44 in Stockholm can be viewed here.
KRUX's sophomore album, entitled "II", was released in October 2006 via GMR Music. The follow-up to the band's self-titled debut, "II" was recorded at Studioland studio in Upplands Väsby, Sweden.
"Krux" was released in 2002 via Holland's Mascot Records. A live DVD containing the band's entire performance from May 18, 2003 at Kägelbanan in Stockholm, Sweden, plus a promo video for the track "Black Room" and an interview, followed in 2003.
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25 янв 2009
CEMETERY OF SCREAM : more details about the new album
 One of the most intriguing bands on Polish atmospheric dark metal scene returns with a new, disturbing album.... Cemetery of Scream’s newest offering entitled “Frozen Images” ( cover) constitutes a unique and innovative work, on which the new vocalist, Olaf Różański, leaves his ice-cold fingerprints. The album has a very different character than the band’s previous releases while still maintaining the ethereal style of their music, which fluently shifts between the worlds of reality and fiction. The lyrics, mysterious and symbolic, ranging from the themes of vampires and ancient rituals to Lewis Carroll-style conundrums, for once more confirm that this band is really not afraid to look into the darkest nooks and crannies of the human soul. The music on this album is wild, fast, and majestic, yet some melodious and chart-topping tracks can also be heard on it. On the technical side, the production utilizes modern sound and recording technologies in a perfectly balanced fashion. It is a gem of petrifying visions evoked at the witching hour. “Frozen Images” will appeal to all who love the moods known from Katatonia's or Paradise Lost’s albums.
Tracklist:
1. The Ashes Bridge
2. Bluebird
3. Prince Of The City's Lights
4. Geisha Out Of Dreams
5. Million As One
6. In Your Blood
7. Sapphire Sun
8. Golden Lullaby
9. Cat's Grin
10. Black Flowers
11. Ritual Fire Dance
12. Night In White Satin
You can hear a preview track “In Your Blood” on Myspace.
Metal Mind Productions set the release day for 2nd February 2009 in Europe and 10th March 2009 in USA (via MVD).
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25 янв 2009
SPIRITUS MORTIS Announces New Singer
 Long-running Finnish doomsters SPIRITUS MORTIS have announced the addition of singer Sami Hynninen (a.k.a. Albert Witchfinder; REVEREND BIZARRE, THE PURITAN) to the group's ranks.
SPIRITUS MORTIS is hard at work on its third album, tentatively due before the summer via Firebox Records. A seven-inch single will precede the full-length CD, also via Firebox.
A new song, "The Rotting Trophy", is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.
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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25 янв 2009
POWERWOLF Collaborating With Choir On New Album
 Multinational metalheads POWERWOLF are collaborating with the Musikhochschule Saarbrücken, a conservatory for classical music, on their forthcoming third album. Last week, the band spent two days at the conservatory recording choir arrangements for eight of the songs on the new CD with a specially assembled choir of 25 men and women, most of them students or graduates of the conservatory. The choir was conducted by Francesco Cottone, who also composed the choir arrangements. (See photos: 1, 2, 3, 4.)
"It was overwhelming," frontman Attila Dorn reports. "It is a great privilege to work with such a professional choir and such a dedicated conductor. And we're not speaking of mercenaries here: All of the educated musicians did it for the honor, and some of the classical singers even outed themselves as real metal fans. We're absolutely excited about how great the choir stuff fits into the songs and how huge and heavy it all sounds. Expect a bunch of great anthems of majestic metal to come!"
The as-yet-untitled album will be mixed by Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman in Sweden in February and will be released April 24 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, and April 27 in the rest of Europe via Metal Blade Records.
POWERWOLF's second LP, "Lupus Dei", was released in May 2007 through Metal Blade.
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25 янв 2009
WARNING Split Explained
 British doom legends WARNING have split up after 15 years of existence and two albums. The band's sole remaining original member, Patrick Walker, commented: "The decision to discontinue WARNING has been both a pain and a purgation to me. For the past two years or so, WARNING has been a considerably important part of my life, what with travelling and playing shows, writing new music and a gradual but increasing interest in the band, largely helped by Cyclone Empire's re-releasing of both records and making them for the first time easily obtainable to people. However, I started the band in 1994. I was a different person when I began playing with WARNING; I had different musical objectives; different ideals; different influences and inspirations. Now, in order to make music that retains some semblance of integrity and wholeness, I realize I need to move on. This shouldn't be thought of as 'the end' of something; I have, after all, been the sole remaining original member of the band in its most recent lineup for almost a year now; in this respect, WARNING is little more than a band name. So before I complete work on what will be the material for the next album, I need a new band; a new context within which to work.
"I hope people continue their interest in my music, and all further information concerning it will be officially made known through Cyclone Empire with whom I am very happy to say I will continue to work as originally proposed."
WARNING debuted in 1999 with "The Strength To Dream". With this album, the band gained a cult status within doom metal circles, but they soon disbanded after their 2001 European tour with JACK FROST. They regrouped in 2005 to perform at the Doom Shall Rise festival in Germany, and released a second album, "Watching From A Distance", in 2006 to much wide acclaim. Both LPs were reissued on CD in 2008 by the label Cyclone Empire, "The Strength To Dream" featuring new artwork. At the same time, "Watching From A Distance" was released by the Metal Supremacy label as a limited-edition gatefold double-vinyl.
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23 янв 2009
Former PANTERA, PHANTOM-X Members Join Forces In MILLENNIAL REIGN
 Former PHANTOM-X guitarist Dave Harvey has joined forces with original PANTERA and current JUDGEMENT DAY (WHITESNAKE tribute) singer Donny Hart in a brand new progressive/melodic metal project called MILLENNIAL REIGN. The group, which is currently seeking a second guitarist, bassist and keyboardist, has uploaded some of its early material to the MILLENNIAL REIGN MySpace page.
Harvey and drummer Danny White both left PHANTOM-X in July of last year. Danny has since returned to classic metal band ASKA and will also be rejoining OMEN, which is fronted by ASKA vocalist George Call.
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23 янв 2009
NIGHTWISH: \'Made In Hong Kong (And In Various Other Places)\' CD/DVD Pushed Back A Week
 Nuclear Blast Records has pushed back the release date of "Made In Hong Kong (And In Various Other Places)" ( cover), the new CD/DVD from Finnish/Swedish symphonic metallers NIGHTWISH, to March 13 from the previously announced March 6. The set will contain a DVD documentary (with a running time of approximately 45 minutes) of NIGHTWISH's world tour in support of the band's latest album, "Dark Passion Play", as well as a CD featuring live recordings from the trek. The documentary footage was reportedly directed by Ville Lipiäinen.
Fan-filmed video footage of NIGHTWISH performing in Hong Kong on January 24, 2008 can be viewed here.
NIGHTWISH frontwoman Anette Olzon recently hired a well-known Swedish management company, Hagenburg Management (EUROPE, THE CARDIGANS), to handle her personal affairs. Olzon believes that in the long run, the expertise of a big company like the one she is currently working with will also help King Foo Entertaiment, which manages NIGHTWISH.
"It was a hard decision for me [to hire a personal manager] because I didn't want problems with the band," she told MeNaiset, the most popular women's magazine in Finland. "I said that I have different needs in these areas than the rest of the guys. I, for example, need clothing sponsors which doesn't interest the rest of the band. Now I have a person who will be able to take care of that kind of stuff."
NIGHTWISH issued a digital-only collection of demos and B-sides titled "The Sound of Nightwish Reborn", on September 2, 2008. This release, which clocks in at nearly 70 minutes of music, retains "must-have" status for all NIGHTWISH diehards, since it includes a bevy of exclusive material, such as demo versions of songs from the "Dark Passion Play" sessions that were recorded prior to singer Anette Olzon joining the band and that feature Marco Tapani Hietala handling the vocals, as well as B-sides.
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23 янв 2009
TOXOCARA Parts Ways With Singer, Announces Replacement
 Vocalist Kevin Quilligan has left TOXOCARA, the Dutch death metal band featuring members of PROSTITUTE DISFIGUREMENT and THE MONOLITH DEATHCULT. He will play his final gig with the band on January 30 in Niederkruchten, Germany. His replacement is Niels Feekes (VICTIMIZER). The group says, "[Niels] will reinforce our troops and will be heard on the next full-length album that we are working on at this moment."
Commented Kevin: "My decision to leave TOXOCARA is based on a couple of reasons. One of them being a lot of stress in my personal life. This has nothing to do with any of the other members in TOXOCARA whatsoever, both on a personal or band-related level. I'm going to take it easy for a few months, try to graduate and get things back in order. I'd like to thank everyone for their support, the Toxocrew and especially Martijn, Michiel, Vince, Sanne and Anne for being a killer band and amazing people. These four years have been a hell of a ride! I can assure you I will be back soon with other bands and/or projects, as will TOXOCARA (and it's gonna be heavy!), so keep in touch with both!"
TOXOCARA's second full-length album, "The Great Rebellious", was released in Janaury 2008 via Twilight-Vertrieb Records.
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23 янв 2009
IN THIS MOMENT Singer To Appear In PLAYBOY Magazine
 Vocalist Maria Brink of the Southern California-based female-fronted band IN THIS MOMENT will be featured — fully clothed — in the March 2009 "rock" issue of Playboy magazine, the group's manager, Rob "Blasko" Nicholson of Mercenary Management, revealed to Possum of Altitude TV. The issue is expected to hit newsstands on February 13. In addition, IN THIS MOMENT will take part in this summer's Warped Tour, which is scheduled to kick off in late June.
IN THIS MOMENT is preparing to embark on a massive North American trek alongside MUDVAYNE and NONPOINT beginning February 3. This run comes on the heels of the band's most successful year yet, which saw frontwoman Maria Brink landing major cover features in Inked, Revolver and Metal Edge (on stands now) as the group's latest album, "The Dream", sold more than 8,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 70 on The Billboard 200 chart. The CD's first single, "Forever", tore up the Active Rock chart, led by heavy airplay from such tastemaker stations as WCCC (Hartford), KFNK (Seattle), KXTE (Las Vegas), WJJO (Madison) and Sirius' Octane.
"Talking Metal"'s Mark Strigl and John Ostronomy covered IRON MAIDEN's "Run to Hills" with IN THIS MOMENT members Maria Brink, Chris Howorth and Jeff Fabb. The never-before-heard track, engineered and mixed by GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, was recorded live at the Gibson Guitars showroom in New York City.
Strigl and Ostronomy will play an all-metal cover gig with SCREAMING METAL on Saturday, February 7 at Dingbatz in Clifton, New Jersey. The group's lineup is rounded out by HADES/NON-FICTION members Dan Lorenzo and Alan Tecchio, and OVERKILL drummer Ron Lipnicki. Many special guests will soon be announced.
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23 янв 2009
ISIS: New Album Title, Release Date Announced
 ISIS, the innovative Los Angeles-by-way-of-Boston-based band, has set a May 5 release date for its much-anticipated new album, "Wavering Radiant" (Ipecac Recordings). The CD, produced by Joe Baressi (TOOL, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE), will receive a limited-edition vinyl release on April 21. TOOL's Adam Jones contributed guitar to two songs from the LP.
ISIS' latest album, "In the Absence of Truth", was released in October 2006 through Ipecac.
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23 янв 2009
EXILIA: New Song Posted Online
 Italian female-fronted quartet EXILIA has posted the song "Are You Breathing?" on the band's MySpace page. The track comes off the group's new album, "My Own Army", which will be released on February 20 via AFM Records. The CD was recorded at Principal Studios in Ottmarsbocholt (near Münster), Germany. ILL NINO drummer Dave Chavarri joined the band in the studio to produce a selection of songs and ILL NINO singer Cristian Machado contributes guest vocals.
Commented frontwoman Masha Mismane: "We can tell you in advance: it rocks! We are all very excited and I can tell you, that this album will be the heaviest record so far since the birth of EXILIA. We managed to 'unleash' even more hidden talents of our great guitarist Alien and with the return of our great drummer Ale, there is no lack of power! After a lot of hard work on melodies and lyrics over the past year, I'm also very pleased with the outcome of my vocals! There are definitely unique elements within every song. I wanted to give them an edge whilst maintaining the original and true characteristics of EXILIA. I can honestly say I can't wait to perform these songs live for you guys to enjoy!"
Check out the "My Own Army" artwork here.
EXILIA will team up with ILL NINO and GOD FORBID for a European tour in February/March.
EXILIA filmed a video for "Are You Breathing?" on December 17 with director Tobias Dannappel.
EXILIA's sophomore full-length album, "Nobody Excluded", was released in July 2006 via G.U.N./BMG Records. The follow-up to 2004's "Unleashed" was produced by Udo Rinklin and recorded by the infamous Resetti Brothers (Jörg Umbreit and Vincent Sorg), with Jeff Collier helping out with the vocal recordings.
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23 янв 2009
GRAHAM BONNET Replaces TONY MARTIN In SAVAGE PARADISE; Acoustic Performance Available
 Former BLACK SABBATH singer Tony Martin has left SAVAGE PARADISE, the new band featuring Mario Parga (FORCEFIELD, COZY POWELL) on guitar, Kevin Valentine (KISS, CINDERELLA) on drums, Tim Luce (ALCATRAZZ) on bass and Eric Ragno (TAKARA, VOX TEMPUS, CHINA BLUE) on keyboards. His replacement is none other than the legendary Graham Bonnet (RAINBOW, MSG, ALCATRAZZ).
Commented Mario Parga: "Tony was unable to record the new SAVAGE PARADISE album due to various other commitments that all came up at the same time. We're still good friends and will undoubtedly work together in the future, and I wish him great success with his own projects.
"I've know Graham for over twenty years during which time we've been very good friends; he's like an older brother to me. We've worked on several recordings together but never played in the same band so we're both looking forward to working within SAVAGE PARADISE. Graham doesn't need any introductions, everyone knows what a unique and totally amazing voice he possesses, and I'm very excited and pleased to have him onboard."
Video footage of Mario Parga, Graham Bonnet, Tim Luce and Eric Ragno performing acoustically on January 17, 2009 at the Fishman booth at this year's NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California can be viewed below.
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23 янв 2009
AMORAL: New Single Posted Online
 Finnish metallers AMORAL have posted their first single with new vocalist Ari Koivunen, "Year Of The Suckerpunch", on their MySpace page. In addition to the title track, which was written and composed by guitarist Ben Varon, the single — due in Finland on February 11 — will include a cover of the MISFITS song "Dig Up Her Bones".
AMORAL's as-yet-untitled new album was recorded at Sound Supreme Studios in Hämeenlinna, Finland and is currently being mixed for a May release.
Ari Koivunen, 24, is best known as the winner of the 2007 Finnish national TV talent competition "Idols". He has released two solo albums thus far — 2007's "Fuel For The Fire" and 2008's "Becoming".
A photo of the new AMORAL lineup can be viewed below.
Vocalist Niko Kalliojärvi left AMORAL in order to focus on other projects. He made his final appearance with the band at the Thrashia Läpi Yön festival at Tammela, Finland on August 23, 2008.
AMORAL in 2007 entered the album chart in Finland at position No. 5 with the band's latest effort, "Reptile Ride".
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23 янв 2009
DELAIN: \'April Rain\' Artwork, Track Listing Revealed
 DELAIN — the Dutch gothic rock/metal project founded by ex-WITHIN TEMPTATION keyboardist Martijn Westerholt (brother of WITHIN TEMPTATION's Robert Westerholt) — has revealed the track listing and cover art of its eagerly awaited new album, "April Rain", which hits stores March 30 via Roadrunner Records.
"April Rain" follows DELAIN's acclaimed 2006 debut "Lucidity", which featured guest appearances by members of WITHIN TEMPTATION, NIGHTWISH and LEAVES' EYES.
"The new album is a real group effort, [and] that's what we're most proud of," says Westerholt.
After a successful tour in Germany in December 2008, DELAIN will launch the new album in Amsterdam on March 19 at a special event at the Melkweg venue. Westerholt says: "After that we'll tour Europe with KAMELOT and do multiple headline shows throughout Europe. I'd never intended DELAIN to be a real touring band… but now that we've become one, I'm definitely enjoying it to the fullest. We're looking forward to seeing our fans again real soon!"
"April Rain" track listing:
01. April Rain
02. Stay Forever
03. Invidia
04. Control The Storm
05. On The Other Side
06. Virtue And Vice
07. Go Away
08. Start Swimming
09. Lost
10. I'll Reach You
11. Nothing Left
"April Rain" will also be available as a limited-edition digipack, including bonus content.
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Abandoned
