NEWS ARCHIVE 2007
NEWS ARCHIVE 2007
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28 december 2007
After the successful "Claws of Steel", French metallers MYSTERY BLUE will be recording its 6th album - from December 26th till the end of January - in the famous H.O.A. Studios (Silent Force, Angra, Vanden Plas, Pink Cream 69, etc.), Karlsdorf ( Germany). The mixing, planned for end of February, will again be carried out by the Master of the genre Achim Köhler (Accept, Primal Fear, Brainstorm, Sinner, etc.) A release date will be announced soon.
28 december 2007
The Swordbrothers Festival just had their latest edition last week but laready announced their line-up for next years edition. The festival wil take place in Club Juz, Andernach, Germany on 13 september 2008.
Bands that are confirmed:
STEEL PROPHET (USA)
SALEMS WYCH (USA)
EXILED (USA)
RAVENSTHORN (USA)
HOLY MARTYR (I)
CROM (D)
CONQUEST OF STEEL (UK)
METALHEAD (D)
28 december 2007
X-WORLD/5, the new band featuring KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque alongside ex-HAMMERFALL bassist Magnus Rosén and PAGAN\'S MIND vocalist Nils K.Rue, will release its debut album, \"New Universal Order\", on February 29, 2008 via Germany\'s AFM Records. For more information, including audio samples, visit www.x-world5.com.
28 december 2007
ANTHRAX has issued a press release officially announcing its new singer. Dan Nelson (32) is a virtual unknown, having fronted several local bands in the Long Island/New York area, including DEVILSIZE and ME, MY ENEMY. Drummer Charlie Benante says, \"Rob [Caggiano, ANTHRAX lead guitarist] called me and said, \'I have a singer, you should check him out.\' We gave him a shot, and he floored us.\" ANTHRAX has not yet announced a release date for an upcoming album, but the band is in the middle of the writing process.
28 december 2007
NOVACT checked in with the following statement: "We regret to announce that after 6 fantastic years novAct will quit. After the departure of Jeroen earlier this year, new developments in Roy his personal career made him decide to also leave novAct. This course of events left the other 3 members with no other choice than to quit. We are very sorry to do so but in the current setting we find that we must not pursue the unrealistic. Individually we will have to find our own musical destinies and so we undoubtedly will. We can look back to 6 wonderful years with lots of superb gigs and a time in which we've made and met a lot of new friends. It ended sooner than we had hoped for. We we're quite close to recording our second CD, but unfortunately it didn't come to be. We thank all friends and fans who have supported us tremendously through those years; you have been the main reason we could enjoy novAct so much and have the time of our lives for as long as it lasted. As far as we are concerned we will say goodbye in style with one last show somewhere early 2008 in which Jeroen will also play the bass one last time. We really hope to meet you all there one more time. Watch the website for a definitive date. Keep on rocking!!
28 december 2007
The first names of bands that will play on the 2008 edition of the Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium ar confirmed. Graspop will take place from the 27 juni until the 29 juni.
Here they are : IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, WHITESNAKE, MINISTRY, SONATA ARCTICA, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, VOLBEAT, MY DYING BRIDE, AT THE GATES, FORBIDDEN, HOLLENTHON, DEATHSTARS, CONVERGE, COMEBACK KID.
28 december 2007
US Thrash Metal band IMAGIKA has signed a worldwide deal with Locomotive Records for the release of their new CD "Feast For The Hated" The release date is April 25 - 2008 for Europe and a non confirmed date in May for the rest of the world. The band is very happy to part of the labels great roster of artist. The bands last CD "My Bloodied Wings" will still be released by Sleaszy Rider in Europe. This is a re-release with new art and the bonus track "Haunt Me". The release is scheduled for Jan. '08. Imagika has also signed with the Extreme Music Agency for all future bookings.
Long time bassist Elena Luciano has left the band after 6 years due to "personal issues." Imagika wishes her all the best. Her replacement is SF Bay Area Metal veteran Jim Pegram. Also Corey Krick comes in as second guitarist. Both new members bring a fresh attitude and enthusiasm to the band and Imagika looks forward to their future involvement.
28 december 2007
NEVERMORE frontman Warrel Dane has set "Praise to the War Machine" as the title of his debut solo album, due in April - 2008 via Century Media Records. Former SOILWORK guitarist Peter Wichers recently completed mixing the CD at a studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
"The album sounds amazing and I am really proud of the songs on this one," said Wichers, who co-wrote most of the material on the LP
with Dane.
www.warreldane.com
17 december 2007
Vocalist Ann Boleyn (HELLION) and guitarist Juan Garcia (AGENT STEEL) have joined forces with original DÉTENTE members Dennis Butler (drums), Caleb Quinn (guitar) and Steve Hochheiser (bass) to perform as DÉTENTE at next year's installment of the Headbangers Open Air festival, set to take place July 24-26, 2008 in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany.
PARADOX are the latest act confirmed for the Headbanger's Open Air, which is scheduled to take place July 24th - 26th, 2008 in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany.
Bands currently set for the festival include: ABANDONED, AMULANCE, ANCESTRAL, AXEHAMMER, BLACK HAWK, DEADLY BLESSING, DEATH SS, DÉTENTE, IMPALER, LETHAL, MESSENGER, MORTAL SIN, NEW EDEN, PARADOX, PRAYING MANTIS, REBELLION, RESISTANCE, SEASONS OF THE WOLF, SEVENTH CALLING, SUPREMACY, SWEET SAVAGE, THE GATES OF SLUMBER, WILD DOGS.
17 december 2007
US progressive metallers DIVINE RUINS have parted ways with guitarist Sean Noon.
Says the band, "After several months of working with guitarist Sean Noon it has become clear to us, that he his incapable of progressing with us as a full time member and writer for Divine Ruins ...his inabilities and lack of professionalism have led us to to this point, we feel that it is in the band's best interest that we let him go from Divine Ruins."
Following the "firing" of guitarist Sean Noone, US progressive metallers DIVINE RUINS are currently seeking a guitarist who "must have the will and the drive," according to a band update. "We plan to tour Europe in June 2008. Interested parties please e-mail us at metalsoldiers@netzero.com. Visit www.myspace.com/divineruinsmetal for more info. Keep the metal flame burning."
17 december 2007
Norwegian prog-metal masters PAGAN'S MIND will be one of the three headliners of ProgPower Europe 2008 organizers have announced. ProgPower Europe is celebrating their 10th anniversary and the festival will be a full three-day event with three bands on Friday, October 3rd and six on Saturday (4th) and Sunday (5th) at JC Sjiwa in Baarlo, The Netherlands.
Organizers add: "Pagan's Mind will return to ProgPower Europe after their excellent performances back in 2003 and 2005, but this time they will offer you a full show of almost two hours. Tickets will go on sale on January 2, but check out www.progpower.eu for all the details."
Other band confirmed for ProgPower Europe 2008 include SUSPYRE and DIVISION BY ZERO.
17 december 2007
Clammy, bassist for Canadian thrash legends EXCITER has issued the following update:
"The last of the recording is complete. We're well into the mixing of "Thrash, Speed, Burn" now, and personally, I am blown away by what I'm hearing!! This CD is gonna crush! The interviews, for the bonus material, are being edited now, and we'll be getting the artwork, etc... together shortly. Only a little more to go now!! I can't wait for this CD to drop!" As previously reported, Thrash, Speed, Burn, will now be released via Massacre Records on February 22nd.
Songs to appear on the release include: 'Thrash Speed Burn', 'Demon`s Gate', 'Evil Omen', 'Hangman', 'In Mortal Fear', 'Crucifixion', 'Betrayal', 'The Punisher', 'Massacre Mountain', 'Rot The Devil King'. "Thrash, Speed, Burn" will be issued as a regular CD and limited CD digipak.
Exciter's 2007 line-up features original guitarist John Ricci, Rik Charron (drums), Clammy (bass) and new singer Kenny Winter.
17 december 2007
JUDAS PRIEST have just been confirmed as another one of the headlining acts to play at next year's instalment of the Bang Your Head festival set to take place on June 27-28, 2008 in Balingen, Germany. The show will be Priest's only open-air German appearance in 2008.
The billing is shaping up as follows with three more acts to follow: JUDAS PRIEST, QUEENSRŸCHE, SAXON, TRAMP'S WHITE LION, GREAT WHITE, RAGE, GRAVE DIGGER, AGENT STEEL, TANKARD, OBITUARY, ONSLAUGHT, ENSIFERUM, KORPIKLAANI, FORBIDDEN, AGENT STEEL, LIZZY BORDEN, SECRECY, BREAKER, TYR, AGE OF EVIL, CONTRACRASH.
All further details about the Bang Your Head!!! may be found at the BYH!!! homepage (see LINKS).
Tickets are availaible at ticket-hotline (+49-74 57-94 46 12) and via the homepage. Prices are 65, - Euro (plus shipping) at pre-sales including a free shirt (limited offer). Tickets are limited to a number of 20,000.
17 december 2007
TESTAMENT have confirmed the release date for their forthcoming album, The Formation Of Damnation - April 29th via Nuclear Blast. Testament are currently putting the finishing touches to the album at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California with producer Andy Sneap (MACHINE HEAD, EXODUS). Testament 2007 features Chuck Billy on vocals, Alex Skolnick on lead guitar, Eric Peterson on rhythm guitar and Greg Christian on bass. Paul Bostaph (ex-SLAYER, EXODUS) was recently named as the band's drummer. The Formation Of Damnation is tentatively scheduled for a spring 2008 release via Nuclear Blast.
17 december 2007
ICED EARTH mainman/guitarist Jon Schaffer has issued the following statement:
"Hello, dear friends!
"Once again the winds of change are upon us, and this time I can say that I am very happy about the result.
"While out on the European tour I had several in depth discussions with many loyal ICED EARTH fans. A common theme of these discussions was how much Matt is missed. I agreed with the fans that things were not the same and that it was a very special period in ICED EARTH's history. "When I heard several months ago that Matt [Barlow] was going to be doing a project in music again, I was thinking about contacting him and seeing what his intentions were. I didn't act on this because I was so focused on the writing of the new epic, and frankly, it just didn't seem realistic. "Well, after getting out on the road and speaking with many of you directly, I decided to call Matt and see how he was doing and if he was interested in working together again. I am proud to say that he is coming back to ICED EARTH and we will be getting back to work in the studio very soon. "Matt will be singing on Part 2 of the 'Something Wicked' concept CD and we will be looking forward to getting out on tour and delivering a series of ICED EARTH shows that will rival any in the history of the band. And there will be a proper DVD filmed from this period, something we’ve all been waiting for. "I want you all to know that it was you who made this a reality. I have missed Matt's presence onstage and in my personal life in a big way over the past few years, so I appreciate your honesty in our discussions. It did help me realize the decision to move forward with pursuing this. The fans have spoken and we have delivered! "You true fans know that I'm a straight shooter, I say what I mean and mean what I say. And though I value your opinions greatly, you must believe that this is a decision that comes completely from the heart and is not motivated by anything other than what feels the best for ICED EARTH. This is the way that things have always been dealt with, for better or for worse, but always honestly and from the heart. "Tim Owens is a great and talented singer and I wish the best for him and his future on a personal and professional level. "There will be more news soon as to further developments and plans. This will push back the release of Part 2 a bit. Not because we couldn't be ready to record in time, but because of a new addition to Matt's family in early 2008!
"I am very happy to announce that ICED EARTH is truly BACK!"
6 december 2007
ANGER AS ART, the Los Angeles-based thrash metal band featuring Steve Gaines (ABATTOIR, BLOODLUST, PAGAN WAR MACHINE, DREAMS OF DAMNATION), has been confirmed for the Dokk'em open-air festival, set to take place August 9, 2008 near Leeuwarden, Netherlands. Also appearing on the bill are DIAMOND HEAD, TRAIL OF TEARS and VENGEANCE.
Commented ANGER AS ART in a statement: "We are fortunate to have a large fan base in Holland, so the chance to go and perform for them (finally!) is a thrill. We had to decline an appearance this year at Mario's Metal Meeting with RAVEN, so we are happy to have a chance to make it up to the fans. We are looking forward to bringing our brand of old school speed/thrash to Dokk'em."
6 december 2007
Guitarist Lou St. Paul of the long-running Ohio metallers WINTERS BANE has released the following statement:
"There have been rumors of Tim 'Ripper' Owens (BEYOND FEAR, ICED EARTH, and ex-JUDAS PRIEST) singing on next WINTERS BANE album. I wanted to let everyone know exactly what's going on. "Tim and I have been talking for some time, off and on, about recording a sequel to 'Heart of a Killer', our 1993 release. In the last month or so, Tim and I both agreed that if the right conditions were met, like the right label, contract, tour support and other details, we would put forth our best effort, making, of course, another 'Killer' album, and do a major tour. At this point Wendy Dio (Niji Management) is still accepting offers from labels and will continue to do so until the beginning of next year. "We've had some ideas for the making the follow-up for some time. We have both been busy in other projects and until recently have been fortunate enough cross paths again. So keep your fingers crossed and you might have another WINTERS BANE/Ripper album in 2008."
6 december 2007
Rock Avenue Records has released RAZOR - "The Evil Invaders Live" featuring the Canuck thrash legends live in Toronto, Ontario on Friday, May 10th 1985. Although the cover art shows current singer Bob Reid, the album was recorded in 1985 in Toronto just after the release of the legendary Evil Invaders album. According to a press release, "the CD features ten cut-throat live tracks, plus three songs from from a 1984 demo". Limited to 1000 copies worldwide." Recording line-up: Stace "Sheepdog" McLaren on vocals, Dave Carlo on guitars, Mike Campagnolo on bass and Mike Embro on drums.
6 december 2007
New Jersey based holy metallers FAITH FACTOR, fronted by former DEADLY BLESSING vocalist Ski, have issued the following update:
"Yes we are currently in talks with Charis Core Management to handle all US deals and Dragonight Agency from Poland to handle all overseas deals. We have done a lot of things on our own up to this point and for only having a three-song EP it has taken us far. We needed someone else to handle the business end of things so we can start on the next album entitled Against A Darkened Sky." Faith Factor will be heading into the studio in January to commence work on "ten brand new songs of US power metal, with Christian lyrics."
6 december 2007
VIRGIN STEELE have issued the following update: "Dockyard 1 will be re-releasing the classic Virgin Steele albums Noble Savage and Age Of Consent. Both albums will be re-mastered, and feature previously unreleased bonus tracks, and new full colour booklets with new photos and commentary/liner notes." Said leader David DeFeis: "The purpose of these re-issues, is not necessarily to have the Fans who already purchased them buy them again, but attempt to reach out to those who have not yet heard of Virgin Steele. I am happy to once again be working with Dirk Putzke and Christine Stephan. I have known them for a long time now, and our association has always yielded exciting, positive results, and been absolutely great! I look forward to a very Magickal year ahead with them."
6 december 2007
VAINGLORY, fronted by vocalist Kate French (CHASTAIN) and featuring lead guitar virtuoso Corbin King, has parted ways with guitarist John Michael Youngblood. An as-yet-undisclosed replacement has already been found.
6 december 2007
HOLY MOSES have set "Bloodbound" as the title of their new album, tentatively due in the spring. According to a press release, fans can expect another "blast of old-school thrash with modern elements and the classic HOLY MOSES style," featuring "the queen of growls, Sabina Classen!" HOLY MOSES will team up with OBITUARY for a European tour in January 2008. Also appearing on the bill are AVATAR.
6 december 2007
OVERKILL will release its second DVD, "Live at Wacken Open Air 2007", on February 5. The 50-minute disc was shot during the band's headline set at the festival in front of an audience of 40,000, and will feature songs that span OVERKILL's 28-year career, including "Walk Through Fire" from the group's new disc "Immortalis", "Rotten to the Core", "Elimination", "Fuck You", "In Union We Stand", "Necroshine", "Skull and Bones", "Old School" and "Wrecking Crew". The show was previously released as the limited-edition bonus DVD in the Germany digipack edition of "Immortalis".
6 december 2007
MERCILESS DEATH are set to enter the studio this week to begin work on the follow up to their debut album, Evil in the Night. In addition to the new album, MERCILESS DEATH are laying the ground work for another full US tour in March 2008. The band will also be making their first European appearance at the KEEP IT TRUE festival in Germany on April 4th 2008, to be followed by a full European tour.
6 december 2007
Metal Heaven inked a deal with DRIVER, featuring powerhouse vocalist ROB ROCK and acclaimed guitarist/producer, ROY Z (Halford, Bruce Dickinson). An album release is due for spring 2008.
6 december 2007
Jorn Lande is currently at Tommy Hansen's Jailhouse Studio in Denmark mixing his new solo album for a March 2008 release (to be made available under the JORN banner). "We are planning to come see many of you guys and gals around Europe next year — and hopefully other parts of the world as well," states Lande.
6 december 2007
AXEL RUDI PELL will release a new double DVD, "Live Over Europe", on February 25, 2008 via SPV. The set will contain a full show recorded at this year's Rock Hard Festival in Germany plus a bonus DVD containing "bootleg" footage from the Wacken Open Air and Bang Your Head!!! festivals, among others.
6 december 2007
The European release of BENEDICTUM's new album, "Seasons Of Tragedy" has slightly delayed from the originally announced dates of January 11th. The album will now be released via Locomotive Records in Europe on January 25th. The album will be released in North America on March 4th. Seasons Of Tragedy will feature guest appearances by bassist Jeff Pilson (ex-DOKKEN/FOREIGNER) and guitarists Craig Goldy (DIO/HYDROGYN), Manni Schmidt (GRAVE DIGGER) and George Lynch (ex-DOKKEN). The 10-track release will include Benedictum's cover of ACCEPT's 'Balls To The Wall', and will be available initially in a digipak edition featuring a cover of RAINBOW's 'Catch The Rainbow'.
6 december 2007
LEGION OF THE DAMNED has set a January 2008 release date for "Feel the Blade" (Massacre Records), a reissue of the the "Elegy for the Weak" CD originally released under the band's previous moniker OCCULT. The new version of the LP will contain two new songs that didn't appear on the original "Elegy for the Weak" album, a new cover and a bonus DVD.
27 November 2007
US rock legends Y&T have confirmed three live dates in 2008 including an appearance at the Rock Hard Festival which will take place May 9th - 11th, 2008 at the Gelsenkirchen Amphitheatre in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
Y&T 2008 live dates include:
May
9 - Gelsenkirchen, Germany - Rock Hard Festival
10 - Hellendoorn, Netherlands - Lantaarn
11 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands - Cultuurpodium Boerderij
27 November 2007
RAVEN is putting the finishing touches on its new album, "Walk through Fire", at Assembly Line Studios with engineer/mixer Kevin 131 (PROJECT: FAILING FLESH, DECEASED, DYSRYTHMIA, GARDEN OF SHADOWS). A spring release is expected.
27 November 2007
Displeased Records will release a new DVD from recently reunited progressive thrashers TOXIK in December. Entitled "Dynamo Open Air 1988", the set will include the group's performance at the Dynamo Open Air festival in Eindhoven, Holland on May 23, 1988 as well as the band's concert at the Dynamo club in Eindhoven that took place two days earlier. A DVD+CD combo will also be made available in a limited run of 2,000 copies.
27 November 2007
The new ATTACKER album "Standing The Test Of Time" will be available on November 27th. The CD will contain 16 tracks, including four tracks from each of the band's releases. Tracklisting: '(Call On) The Attacker', 'Slayer's Blade', 'Disciple', 'The Hermit', 'Zero Hour', 'Captives Of Babylon', 'Desecration', 'Revelations Of Evil', 'Soul Taker', 'Jack', 'Sleepy Hollow', 'The End', 'The Unknown', 'Nail It Down', 'I Am Sinn', 'This Is Power'.
27 November 2007
EXCITER have issued the following update on their forthcoming album, "Thrash Speed Burn": "The recording of Thrash Speed Burn is moving along. The music and vocals are complete for eight of the 10 songs. On the remaining two, all that's left is lead and backing vocals. Then it's mixing time, and off to Massacre for mastering and release. We have also videotaped interviews with each band member for inclusion in some special edition versions that Massacre plans on releasing. There are no details as yet about that package, though. "Thrash, Speed, Burn", will now be released via Massacre Records on February 22nd. Exciter's 2007 line-up features original guitarist John Ricci, Rik Charron (drums), Clammy (bass) and new singer Kenny Winter.
27 November 2007
Brazil's Marquee Records will release the "Tortured Souls" box set from the legendary Canadian death/thrash metal band SLAUGHTER. Acording to the label, the set features over four hours of pure '80s rage split into four CDs, containing demos, rehearsals, live tracks and the hard-to-find STRAPPADO album from 1986. Two massive booklets feature interviews, liner notes, lyrics, pictures. Also included are three exclusive stickers and and a poster. The box set is hand-numbered and limited to 1,100 copies. Shipments will start on December 5.
http://www.marquee.com.br/english/slaughter.asp
27 November 2007
QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali has confirmed the passing of the group's singer, Kevin DuBrow, at the age of 52. Michael Politz of The Vegas Eye reported earlier today that DuBrow was found dead in his Las Vegas home on Sunday, November 25. According to Politz, DubRow — whom Politz calls "one of my closest friends" — recently celebrated his 52nd birthday in New Orleans "where he ate great food and even caught THE CULT at The House of Blues." Although the band has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, bassist Kelly Garni, who was one of the founding members of QUIET RIOT, has posted the following message on the Randy Rhoads (late QUIET RIOT/OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist) web site www.RandyRhoads.tk: "I ask this to all of you not only for myself but for other friends and family. I ask that no one here offer any speculation or opinions, theories or other things that could be construed as negative or, and I'm sorry for this, even sympathetic, right at this immediate time. I am already within hours of this having to deal with untrue rumors and speculation and that only adds fuel to that. There is a tendency for the subject of Kevin to incite flames on every board and now is not the time for that. I will explain to everyone here the facts and the truth in the next 24 to 48 hours as I realize this will effect us all. So please, until then, be patient. All details and other pertinate info will be passed on to you here when it becomes available to me. Thank you."
27 November 2007
Metal Blade has set a January 8, 2008 release date for the DVD version of GWAR's "Phallus in Wonderland", which was originally issued on VHS in 1992. The DVD special features include instant scene access, options to play songs only and curtain call.
27 November 2007
20 years after releasing their debut "City ad Mortis" DEFENDER will start recording their first full lenght CD. The Dutch cultband will start recording in the "Legacy Studios" the second week of December. The album will be released summer 2008.
27 November 2007
HAIL OF BULLETS, the new band featuring GOREFEST drummer Ed Warby, THANATOS guitarists Stephan Gebédi and Paul Baayens, former PESTILENCE/ASPHYX singer Martin Van Drunen and former HOUWITSER bass player Theo van Eekelen, has inked a deal with Metal Blade Records. HAIL OF BULLETS was formed in late 2006 through a mutual love for old-school death metal bands like AUTOPSY, BOLT THROWER, MASSACRE, CELTIC FROST and DEATH. In the summer of 2007, the band entered a Rotterdam studio to record a four-song promotional CD, which was mixed by the infamous death metal guru Dan Swanö in Sweden. Swanö stated upon the CD's completion: "If this promo doesn't get you guys a good record deal, I will eat my laptop!" HAIL OF BULLETS will enter the studio in February 2008 to begin recording its as-yet-untitled debut album for a May European release. The band is planning to promote the CD with a number of live appearances during the European summer festival season.HAIL OF BULLETS' entire four-song promotional CD is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.
27 November 2007
Progressive metallers SYMPHONY X have scheduled the following European headlining dates in February/March 2008:
Feb. 13 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
Feb. 14 - Cologne, Germany - Live Music Hall
Feb. 15 - Hellendoorn, Netherlands - Lantaarn
Feb. 16 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands - Boerderij
Feb. 17 - Stuttgart, Germany - Die Röhre
Feb. 19 - Berlin, Germany - Columbia Club
Feb. 20 - Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp
Feb. 21 - Nurnberg, Germany - Hirsch
Feb. 22 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
Feb. 23 - Munich, Germany - Backstage Werk
Feb. 25 - Florence, Italy - Viper Club
Feb. 26 - Piacenza, Italy - Fillmore
Feb. 28 - Barcelona, Spain - Sala Heineken
Mar. 01 - Bergara, Spain - Sala Jam
Mar. 02 - Bordeaux, France - Krakatoa
Mar. 04 - Lyon, France - Transbordeur
Mar. 05 - Paris, France - Bataclan
SYMPHONY X will embark on a North American headlining tour in April 2008. Support on the shows will come from EPICA and INTO ETERNITY.
15 November 2007
New Jersey based holy metallers FAITH FACTOR, fronted by former DEADLY BLESSING vocalist Ski, have issued the following update:
"We're heading into the recording studio in January '08 to start recording our debut full length album called "Against A Darkened Sky", while still shopping for a label. It will consist of 10 brand new songs of US power metal, with Christian lyrics. We have just signed on with Charis Core management, and are preparing for our debut German show in November 15th at Keep It True. We would love to add a symphonic keyboard player, if we could find one anyone interested come to faithfactor.info or skdg777@yahoo.com ."
15 November 2007
Quebec's HANKER have begun recording their upcoming CD with KATAKLYSM guitarist and producerJean-François Dagenais. According to the band, "things are going very well so far and the sound seems very tight and heavy! Drums and bass are in the can and we are now working on the rhythm guitar tracks. The album should be completed around Christmas and will be released in the spring of 2008."
Although this will be Hanker's fifth studio album, it's the first with bassist Laurent Imbeau and drummer Sylvain Trembley.
15 November 2007
PRESTO BALLET, the project led by METAL CHURCH guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, will release its second album, "The Lost Art of Time Travel", on February 22, 2008 via Inside Out Music. The follow-up to 2005's "Peace among the Ruins" will include the following tracks: "The Mind Machine", "Thieves", "I'm Not Blind", "One Tragedy at a Time", "You Are Here", "Easy Tomorrow" and "That You're Alive".
15 November 2007
Chavis Records has set a November 27 reelase date for "Standing the Test of Time", the "best-of" release from New Jersey metallers ATTACKER. As a bonus, and in addition to the limited CD packaging, fully enhanced packaging content will be available for free digital download online when the CD is purchased. The enhanced digital packaging will contain lyrics, photos, icons, wallpapers and much more for fans to download.
15 November 2007
Southern California metal band LEATHERWOLF have parted ways with guitarist Geoff Gayer in the wake of the group's European tour which had to be cut short by one date. "First of all, we would like to apologize to the Rock House crew in Pescara, Italy and all the fans that were looking forward to seeing us live. We were very much looking forward to playing for you all and ending our trip on a high note. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. Geoff's unacceptable behavior prevented us from carrying on after last night's gig at the Black Horse in Cermenate, which was ruined by Mr.Gayer's alcohol-induced stupor and will go down as the most embarrassing performance in the long history of LEATHERWOLF. We will spare you the details but it was ugly - now we know how the members of UFO must have felt like every time Michael Schenker had one of his 'episodes.' "We are on our way back home to Orange County as we speak and will evaluate the situation and go from there. Working with Geoff in his current state is absolutely out of the question yet we are aware that replacing a key member and major creative force will not be easy. Ideally, we'll move on with a local Southern California guitar talent who we can write, rehearse, and gig with on a regular basis and gear up for 2008......
15 November 2007
CORONER's 1986 "Death Cult" demo has been made available for download at www.MetalKult.com.
15 November 2007
DEADLY BLESSING has been confirmed for next year's installment of the Headbangers Open Air festival, set to take place July 24-26, 2008 in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows: ABANDONED, AMULANCE, ANCESTRAL, AXEHAMMER, BLACK HAWK, DEADLY BLESSING, DEATH SS, DÉTENTE, IMPALER, LETHAL, MESSENGER, NEW EDEN, PRAYING MANTIS, REBELLION, RESISTANCE, SEASONS OF THE WOLF, SEVENTH CALLING, SUPREMACY, SWEET SAVAGE, THE GATES OF SLUMBER, WILD DOGS.
15 November 2007
FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, GIRLSCHOOL, TOKYO BLADE and ARTILLERY are among the confirmed bands for the Keep It True 11 festival, set to take place November 15, 2008 at Soundpark-Ost (ex-Rockpalast) in Würzburg, Germany. The festival billing is shaping up as follows: FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, GIRLSCHOOL, TOKYO BLADE, ARTILLERY, FORTE, EVIL, BLASPHEME, FAITH FACTOR, HELLHOUND.
Ticket sales will start on January 1, 2008. For more information, visit www.keep-it-true.de.
15 November 2007
Veteran San Francisco Bay Area metallers EXODUS have made a new DVD available via their official webstore, The Exodus Store. Entitled "Double Live Dynamo!", the disc contains the following track listing:
October 27, 1985 - Dynamo Club, Eindhoven, Holland: Exodus, Bonded by Blood, And Then There Were None, Hell's Breath, Deliver Us from Evil, Deathrow, Pleasures of the Flesh, Lesson in Violence, No Love, Piranha, Strike of the Beast, Metal Command, Impaler
May 17, 1997 - Dynamo Open Air, Eindhoven, Holland: Bonded by Blood, Exodus, Pleasures of the Flesh, And Then There Were None, Piranha, Deliver Us from Evil, No Love, Lesson in Violence, Strike of the Beast.
15 November 2007
That Jack Frost is one hard working gentleman, and he continues to shred n' roll on the forthcoming SEVEN WITCHES release, ‘Deadly Sins.’ With a release date of November 2nd. In addition to Frost’s impressive six string skills, the album features two other metal giants in their respective fields – ex-Hades/Watchtower vocalist Alan Tecchio (who also appeared on Seven Witches’ ‘Amped’ release), as well as Armored Saint,Fates Warning,Anthrax bassist Joey Vera. ‘Deadly Sins’ turned out to be one of the trickiest Seven Witches releases to complete – a solid year in the making – due to the fact that it is a concept record (based on the "7 Sins of Mahatma Gandhi"). Frost (who also co-produced the album, along with Joey Vera who also mixed the release) is proud of this lofty metallic accomplishment - "This is a major up step for us. A masterpiece that we all put our hearts and souls into. This record never gives you time to sleep, as its on 11 from the start to the end, truly the best work of my career."
31 October 2007
Due to circumstances the Swedish rockers from TORCH had to cancel their appearance at Mario's Metal Meeting on 11/11/2007.
As a replacement I booked the upcoming Swedish metallers from RAM to fill the caused space in the line up.
RAM promised to play a very very special show at the festival so be there otherwise you will regret it!!
Hope to see you all on 11/11/2007 at the 013 venue in Tilburg, The Netherlands
If you still didnt buy your tickets; dont wait to long because the date is coming near :)
Cheers;
Mario van Dooren
www.013web.nl
www.mariosmetalmania.com/festival.htm
- RAVEN (UK/USA)
- RAM (Sweden)
- DIVINE RUINS (USA)
- DREAMLAND (Sweden)
- DOUBLE DIAMOND (Belgium)
- IMPERIOUS REX (USA)
Please spread the word......
31 October 2007
Dutch metallers from POWERVICE reunited and are looking for a capable singer. Here's a note which is on their website:
As you probably know, Powervice started recording a full-length album last winter. During those recording sessions we ran into some major problems in the studio. As a result we have a record with no vocals and the band got disbanded. Some say we collapsed due to high expectations and the pressure that comes along with recording a dubut record while your band is buzzing around the underground scene. Well, this might be true, we probably worked a bit too hard and didn't have the luck to complete the whole thing before we were about to take our spring break earlier this year. As I stated earlier on this website, we weren't expecting any positive news on this situation and at that point we forced disband the group. To my suprise, things cleared up alot earlier than I expected and during the summer, most of us were back on speaking terms. Soon we started to get things organised again. But unfortunately, one thing has to be accepted. And that is that Rogier Stockbroeks will no longer be part of the band. He is now playing with another band from the Netherlands called Engine of Pain and we wish him all the best in the future!
This brings us to the next step. How to find ourselves a new singer. As we talked to numorous singers over the last few months we decided to start looking for a new singer through open auditions. So we are looking for a guy who is willing to join our band for recording and touring and be a part of our future. This means NO SESSION SINGERS, unless your name is Ronnie James Dio or alike....
Powervice is know in the scene for their hard work and dedication to its band and music, and we want to be back with a bang! If you think you are our new "David Coverdale" and you can imagine yourself rocking out in the picture below, please get in touch with us through info@powervice.com
Be Good!
Ries Doms, on behalf of Powervice!
31 October 2007
New record label for PLEURISY:
After recording their new CD "Seizure" the Dutch Death Metal Unit Pleurisy got itself a new recordlabel. Seizure will be released by Sleaszy Rider Records at the end of this year.
You can listen to two songs on Pleurisy's Myspace www.myspace.com/pleurisy.
31 October 2007
Germany's Massacre Records has pushed back the projected release date of the new EXCITER album, "Thrash Speed Burn", to February 22, 2008 from the previously announced November 9.
"Thrash Speed Burn" will mark EXCITER's recorded debut with new singer Kenny "MetalMouth" Winter, who joined the band in October 2006.
31 October 2007
Reunited California metal band DÉTENTE has been confirmed for next year's installment of the Headbangers Open Air festival, set to take place July 24-26, 2008 in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows: ABANDONED, AMULANCE, ANCESTRAL, AXEHAMMER, BLACK HAWK, DEATH SS, DÉTENTE, IMPALER, LETHAL, MESSENGER, NEW EDEN, PRAYING MANTIS, REBELLION, RESISTANCE, SEASONS OF THE WOLF, SEVENTH CALLING, SUPREMACY, SWEET SAVAGE, THE GATES OF SLUMBER, WILD DOGS.
31 October 2007
PARADOX have posted a new song, "Infected", on their MySpace page. The track comes off the group's fourth album, "Electrify", which is due on January 10, 2008 via AFM Records. The CD was produced by guitarist/vocalist Charly Steinhauer and was mixed and mastered at the Hansen Studios in Denmark by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, DESTRUCTION, HATESPHERE). Other songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Second Over Third By Force", "Monument", "Portrait in Grey", "Hyperspeed Hallucinations", "Bridge to Silence", "Disconnected", "Cyberspace Romance", "Electrify", as well as a cover of BLACKFOOT's "Good Morning". Joining Steinhauer and guitarist Kai Pasemann in the group's current touring lineup are drummer Roland Jahoda (formerly of SOUL DEMISE) and bassist Roland Keller.
31 October 2007
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE and the reunited San Francisco Bay Area thrashers FORBIDDEN have been confirmed for next year's Bang Your Head festival, set to take place June 27-28, 2008 at Messegelände in Balingen, Germany.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows: SAXON, TRAMP'S WHITE LION, GREAT WHITE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN'S RISING FORCE, RAGE, GRAVE DIGGER, TANKARD, ENSIFERUM, ONSLAUGHT, FORBIDDEN, KORPIKLAANI, LIZZY BORDEN, AGENT STEEL, BREAKER, TYR, AGE OF EVIL, CONTRACRASH.
31 October 2007
DEATH ANGEL are currently in the studio working on the follow-up to their comeback album, "The Art Of Dying". According to the band, the new record will be called "Killing Season". They are due to reveal song titles and other details soon. Guitarist Rob Cavestany offered the following: "This album's gonna be brutal man, it's heavy but it's inspiration. We're not just doing this album so we can go party now and get out on tour you know. This is about working for you know my kid and our families and their futures."
31 October 2007
WATCHTOWER / SPASTIC INK guitarist RON JARZOMBEK is now getting back to his instructional guitar DVD, and it's looking like it will be on 2 separate DVDs. He may be doing two 2-hour videos with playing examples, theoretical concepts, and animated explanations, featuring songs and excerpts from both Spastic Ink CDs, both his solo albums, and the just released "The Machinations Of Dementia" CD.
16 October 2007
The original FORBIDDEN line-up will be getting back together for a few shows in 2008! That means Russ Anderson, Craig Locicero, Paul Bostaph, Matt Camacho, and Glen Alvelais- will bring something that so many of their peers, old school fans and especially the younger generation of fans that never got to see Forbidden live have been asking for. A TRUE Forbidden Re-union!!!
Craig Locicero stated:
"We want to show everyone what we used to do was as relevant and powerful as anybody else of that era. The gravity of our influence is really dawning on us now and we're very humbled. We owe it in turn back to those who supported our influenced us in the past. We'll be concentrating mostly on Forbidden Evil and Twisted Into Form material to give the people what they want. The time is right and it's gonna be a lot of fun. 2008 will also be the 20th anniversary for the release Forbidden Evil. It'll be VERY HEAVY and we're all excited to get started."
Paul Bostaph said this:
"Though out the years I've been asked about Forbidden by many people. Fans and friends alike have been wanting to see us play live again. I'm very happy to see this become a reality! I've been honored to play in some great bands. To play with Craig, Glenn, Matt and
Russ(a truly great vocalist) again will be a longtime wish come true. I hope Forbidden fans get a kick outta this as much as I will!"
Forbidden is looking to book one Bay Area show for late January early February and look into some Festivals in Europe, Japan and Australia starting in late May. These will all be exclusive gigs and there are no plans for a full-on tour, at least not for the near very future. Locicero last says, "We'll put our Blood and Guts into it and give it all we've got! Get ready to have your heads ripped off Motherf*ckers!!!"
.
16 October 2007
The organizers of the Keep It True IX festival IX — which is set to take place November 3, 2007 at Sporthalle in Dittigheim, Germany — have announced that Danish metal band EVIL (who were due to replace TOXIK at the event) have been forced to cancel their appearance at the festival due to a wrist injury suffered by drummer Freddie Wolf. Replacing them on the bill will be long-running Los Angeles-based thrashers HIRAX.
HIRAX is currently writing and rehearsing new material for a full-length album titled "El Rostro de la Muerte" / "The Face of Death". The album's cover will feature artwork by Ed Repka, the undisputed king of thrash metal art. A 10-country European tour is also in the works for May 2008, including a headlining appearance at Long Live Metal!!! festival Chaptire 2 in Wattrelos, France.
Keep It True IX festival final running order:
ENFORCER: 15:30 - 16:15
PORTRAIT: 16:35 - 17:20
STEEL ASSASSIN: 17:40 - 18:25
PAGAN ALTAR: 18:45 - 20:00
SACRED OATH: 20:20 - 21:35
HIRAX: 21:55 - 23:10
LEATHERWOLF: 23:30 - 01:00
16 October 2007
Reactivated Canadian thrashers SOOTHSAYER will perform at the Trois-Rivières Metalfest on November 3 alongside QUO VADIS, BLINDED BY FAITH and REANIMATOR, among other bands. The Quebec City concert and the Trois-Rivières Metalfest appearance are being filmed for an upcoming DVD that will also contain footage from SOOTHSAYER's early days, including interview material. The DVD will be released in 2008 on Galy Records. SOOTHSAYER recently released a CD containing the group's classic 1986 demo "To Be A Real Terrorist" along with a 1987 live concert recorded at Le Spectrum in Montreal, Canada — all remastered earlier this year. Available on Galy Records, the CD comes will a six-page, full color booklet with rare pictures, flyers and liner notes from Rob Urbinati (SACRIFICE), Brian Lehfeldt (WEHRMACHT), James Plotkin and more. All CD ordered online via www.myspace.com/troopsofhate will come with a new sticker and an original 1987 SOOTHSAYER pin.
SOOTHSAYER reunited for the first time in 17 years for an exclusive appearance at "1982 - 2007: 25 ans de Métal Québécois", a three-day festival celebrating 25 years of Quebec metal, which took place from August 31 to September 2, 2007 at Club Soda in Montreal. A total of 12 bands performed at the event, with eight among them reuniting specifically for the festival.
16 October 2007
The Bang Your Head festival 2008 is scheduled for June 27th - 28th at Messegelände in Balingen, Germany. Confirmed acts include: AGENT STEEL, AGE OF EVIL, BREAKER, CONTRACRASH, ENSIFERUM, GRAVE DIGGER, GREAT WHITE, KORPIKLAANI, LIZZY BORDEN, ONSLAUGHT, RAGE, SAXON, TANKARD, TYR, WHITE LION.
16 October 2007
Auburn Records has confirmed that Cleveland classic metallers BREAKER will reunite with original singer Jim Hamar for next year's Bang Your Head!!! festival, in Balingen, Germany. Hamar was part of the band for their classic '80s album, Get Tough (reissued in 2000 as a double CD, stuffed with rarities) and the '99 Accept EP, where he can be heard covering the Accept standard from which the band lifted their name. In his days outside Breaker, Hamar fronted area acts ROTTERDAM and NIGHTCRAWLER.
16 October 2007
AFM Records has set a November 23 release date for HELSTAR's "Sins of the Past", a "best-of" album featuring re-recordings of the band's classics along with two brand new tracks. The first edition of "Sins of the Past" will come in a special CD layout. A limited picture vinyl version will also be available.
"Sins of the Past" track listing: 01. Burning Star, 02. Suicidal Nightmare, 03. The King Is Dead, 04. Evil Reign, 05. Baptised In Blood, 06. Witch's Eye, 07. Tyrannicide, 08. Harker's Tale, 09. Angel of Death, 10. Dracula's Castle, 11. Face the Wicked One, 12. Tormentor (new song), 13. Caress of the Dead (new song) + Additional video material (approx. one hour in length)
An all-new album of original HELSTAR material is tentatively due next summer. Formed in 1982, HELSTAR achieved legendary status with such albums as "Burning Star" (1984), "Remnants of War" (1986), "A Distant Thunder" (1988) and "Nosferatu" (1989). After the band broke up in the early Nineties, vocalist James Rivera played in a number of groups such as VIGILANTE and NEW EDEN before reuniting with HELSTAR for the "Multiples in Back" CD in 1995. After the LP was issued, the band split up once again. Rivera subsequently released albums with the bands, DESTINY'S END, DISTANT THUNDER and KILLING MACHINE before joining VICIOUS RUMORS prior to the the recording of their latest album, "Warball".
16 October 2007
BYFIST, 1980s & 90s thrash metal masters; have signed with a European Record Label, for the release of “Preserving the Past.”
BYFIST, featuring members of REVEREND, are set for a European release of their long awaited CD, “Preserving the Past.” The CD, re-mastered by MetalAges Records at Cyberlla Studios, will be released by Rock It Up Records (GE), combines the three previous EPS into one full length CD.
BYFIST shunned the glam Metal scene by delivering a raw, no fluff, and no frills metal in the vein of early JUDAS PRIEST. Over the years the band released more EPs including "You Should Have Known (1988)” and "Adrenalin (1989).” Adrenalin, produced by David Wayne (METAL CHURCH, REVEREND), was originally recorded at Silver Cloud Studios in California with Joe Floyd of WARRIOR. Critics have compared BYFIST to the likes of ARMORED SAINT, early ANTHRAX and METAL CHURCH among many other historic thrash metal bands. It is rumored that the EP "You Should Have Known" moved over 150,000 units worldwide! BYFIST had the opportunity to tour with bands such as MSG, FATES WARNING, MANOWAR, FRANK MARINO, SAVATAGE, and TROUBLE.
3 October 2007
SHATTER MESSIAH, featuring ex-NEVERMORE/ex-ANNIHILATOR guitarist Curran Murphy & ex-ARCHETYPE/ex-BREAKER vocalist Greg Wagner, have announced that the release date of their new album "God Burns Like Flesh" will be October 29th through Dockyard 1.
God Burns Like Flesh (cover art on the left) tracklist is as follows: 'Idolater', 'God Burns Like Flesh', 'Pathway', 'Stripped Of Faith', 'Dirge Of The Christ', 'Buried In Black', 'This Is The Day', 'Tomorrow Immortal'.
3 October 2007
Danish metallers PYRAMAZE — whose current lineup includes ex-ICED EARTH vocalist Matt Barlow — have entered the studio on October 1 in Haderslev, Denmark to begin recording the follow-up to to "Legend of the Bone Carver".
Barlow joined PYRAMAZE as the replacement for Lance King who left the band last November. The group's third album is tentatively due next spring.
PYRAMAZE's latest CD, "Legend of the Bone Carver", was released last year via Massacre Records (Europe) and Nightmare Records (USA and Canada).
3 October 2007
Long-running German metallers PARADOX will release their fourth album, "Electrify", on January 10, 2008. The CD was produced by guitarist/vocalist Charly Steinhauer and is currently being mixed and mastered at the Hansen Studios in Denmark by Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, DESTRUCTION, HATESPHERE). Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Second Over Third By Force", "Monument", "Portrait in Grey", "Hyperspeed Hallucinations", "Bridge to Silence", "Infected", "Disconnected", "Cyberspace Romance", "Electrify", as well as a cover of BLACKFOOT's "Good Morning". Joining Steinhauer and guitarist Kai Pasemann in the group's current touring lineup are drummer Roland Jahoda (formerly of SOUL DEMISE) and bassist Roland Keller.
3 October 2007
DEATH ANGEL, the legendary Thrash metallers from the Bay Area, entered the studio with Producer Nick Raskulinecz (FOO FIGHTERS, RUSH, VELVET REVOLVER, etc.) to begin recording their new album for an early 2008 release.
3 October 2007
SEVEN WITCHES new CD "Deadly Sins" is to be released November 20th. Here's the tracklisting: 'Deadly Sins', 'Science', 'Commerce', 'Worship', 'Knowledge', 'Pleasure', 'Wealth', 'Man Of The Millennium', 'Politics', 'The Answer'.
3 October 2007
OVERKILL are confirmed to support MOTORHEAD on the following European dates in November/December:
November
20 - Kerkrade, Netherlands - Rodahall
22 - Leipzig, Germany - Haus Auensee
23 - Elmshorn, Germany - Elbmarschenhalle
24 - Bremen, Germany - Pier 2
26 - Stuttgart, Germany - Messe Congresscentrum B
27 - Koln, Germany - Palladium
28 - Munchen, Germany - Zenith
30 - Erfurt, Germany - Thuringenhalle.
Deecember
1 - Saarbrucken, Germany - E-Werk
3 - Berlin, Germany - Columbiahalle.
OVERKILL recently inked a new deal with Bodog Music, and will release their new studio album, Immortalis, on October 9th. The album features the following tracks: 'Devils In The Mist', 'What It Takes', 'Skull And Bones' (featuring LAMB OF GOD's Randy Blythe), 'Shadow Of A Doubt', 'Hellish Pride', 'Walk Through Fire', 'Head On', 'Charlie Get Your Gun', 'Hell Is', 'Overkill V'. Overkill have also scheduled an in-store performance on Saturday, October 6th at 2 PM at Vintage Vinyl Records in Fords, New Jersey.
Longtime MOTORHEAD cover artist Joe Petagno has spread the following statement: "The Kiss Of Death rather befittingly signals the end of an era. I will no longer be doing cover art versions of the 'head' which I created in 1975 for the band Motorhead. This is due to irreconcilable differences between myself and the bands current Management Singerman Entertainment. It has been a long, exciting and industrious journey, full of art and intuition, difference in repetition, and creative innovation. I feel I accomplished something unique in Metal history over the last 31 years by breathing life again and again into a figment of my own imagination, an image or better an entity which has taken on a life of it's own, which I actually believe goes beyond the music it was created to represent. I'm damn proud of that! Nonetheless everything comes to an end, and officially announce that there will be no more 'heads' from my hand. I will of course continue doing the 'Metal As f**k Album Cover Art' that I am known and respected for world wide, until they have to pry the brush from my dead left hand! THE HEAD IS DEAD! R.I.P!"
3 October 2007
VADER's new live DVD entitled "And Blood Was Shed in Warsaw" is scheduled for release on the 15th October 2007 (Europe) / 5th November 2007 (USA).
3 October 2007
PAGAN'S MIND will team up with FATES WARNING for some shows in Germany and in the Netherlands.
10.11.07 - NL - Zoetermeer - Boerderij
11.11.07 - DE - Frankfurt - Batschkapp
12.11.07 - DE - Hamburg - Markthalle
14.11.07 - DE - Ludwigsburg - Rockfabrik
15.11.07 - DE - Köln - Live Music Hall
16.11.07 - NL - Weert - Bosuil
17.11.07 - NL - Hellendoorn – Lantaarn
without Pagans Mind
19.11.07 - Athens, Greece - Gagarin 205
21.11.07 - London, England - Underworld
22.11.07 - Madrid, Spain - Copernico
23.11.07 - Barcelona, Spain - KGB
22 September 2007
TORCH, the CULT metallers from Sweden will be the co-headliners of the first edition of Mario's Metal Meeting on 11/11/2007!!
The Mario's Metal Meeting billing is now complete and the promotion starts!!
The pre-sale for the tickets will start today, Saturday 22th of September. Tickets are available for 15 Euro.
Mario's Metal Meeting I
- RAVEN (USA/UK)
- TORCH (Sweden)
- DIVINE RUINS (USA)
- DREAMLAND (Sweden)
- DOUBLE DIAMOND (Belgium)
- IMPERIOUS REX (USA)
11. November 2007
013, Tilburg, The Netherlands
www.013web.nl
www.mariosmetalmania.com/festival.htm
22 September 2007
Another cancellation just a few weeks before the 2007 edition of theTilburg Headbangers Fest starts:
HELLISH CROSSFIRE had to cancel their performance due to reasons that we, as organisation, dont want to talk/discus about....:(
Its beyond our guilt and we regret it a lot... So what to do, just a few weeks before it al starts???
Call the First Aid?? NO, book FIRST AID, an Old School Thrash Metal band from Berlin.
Expect a german execution of bands like Overkill or otherwise visit their MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/firstaidmetal
Hope you all will still show up in large numbers because the line-up nevertheless is outrageous!!
INNERWISH (Greece)
CRUSTACEAN (The Netherlands)
EMERALD (The Netherlands)
HYADES (Italy)
GUN BARREL (Germany)
ONE BULLET LEFT (The Netherlands)
ALTER EGO X (The Netherlands)
FIRST AID (Germany)
www.tilburgheadbangersfest.com
Mario van Dooren & Marco van Empel
22 September 2007
Replacement for ANGUS for the next edition of the SwordBrothers Festival on 22 December 2007 will be MEMORY GARDEN (Power/Doom from Sweden).
The festival will take place in Juz Andernach (Germany). (see LINKS)
Line up:
DOOMSWORD (I)
ZANDELLE (USA)
MEMORY GARDEN (SWE)
NIGHTMARE (F)
SILVERFIST (E)
SKELATOR (USA)
KINGSCROSSING (USA)
ICY STEEL (I)
22 September 2007
New Jersey-based Christian power metal band FAITH FACTOR, featuring ex-DEADLY BLESSING singer Ski, will be heading into the studio on October 7th to commence recording their debut full-length called Against A Darkened Sky. The album will feature "10 new songs of US power metal".
Faith Factor's website can be found at this location.
22 September 2007
Pete Blakk, guitarist for the classic KING DIAMOND lineup that recorded the legendary albums Them, Conspiracy and The Eye is returning to the metal arena. Pete will make his triumphant return to metal on September 29th when he takes the stage with Wade Black's (CRIMSON GLORY, LEASH LAW, LEATHERWOLF) BLACK REIGN at the Bourbon Street Night Club in New Port Richey, Florida. Also appearing will be DOCTRINE and JON OLIVA'S PAIN. Also appearing on stage with Black Reign will be guitarist Rick Renstrom (ROB ROCK, LEASH LAW). Black Reign rehearsals are underway with the revamped line-up that includes Chris Baylor on bass and Jesse Martillo (Crimson Glory) on drums. Black Reign's set list includes songs from Crimson Glory, Leatherwolf and will now feature several King Diamond classics. You can also catch this metal onslaught on October 2 at Bourbon Street in support of WIZARD OF OZZ.
22 September 2007
ATTACKER have announced a new definitive Best Of collection titled Standing The Test Of Time to be released later this fall. Standing The Test Of Time will contain 16 neck snapping metal tracks from the bands lengthy music career. The collection will be release through Chavis Records and distributed worldwide by the BCD Music Group. The legendary heavy metal band Attacker has signed with Chavis Records for the worldwide digital distribution of their complete catalog including the critically acclaimed 'Battle At Helms Deep', plus 'The Second Coming', 'Soul Taker' and 'The Unknown'. The bands physical CD releases of their entire ctalog are available through Sentinel Steel Records.
22 September 2007
VENGEANCE signed a deal with METAL HEAVEN and will start this new collaboration with a live CD entitled "Same/ Same..But Different". The material on this album was recorded at various shows during their latest tours together with Axel Rudi Pell and Sinner.
22 September 2007
LOUDNESS guitarist AKIRA TAKASAKI will release his new solo album, Black Brown, on September 26th. The tracklist is as follows: 'Midnight Train', 'Live Or Die', 'Black Brown', 'High-Top', 'Today's News', 'Funky Babe', 'Wild Spending', 'Fire Dance', 'Heavy Stone', 'Touch Your Skin', 'Back In Kawachi', 'Bass Man', 'Slow Drive To The Moon', 'Apologize'.
22 September 2007
IRON MAIDEN announce their most ambitious and extraordinary touring plans ever -- and are very pleased to announce that this will include Australia for the first time in 15 years! The 'SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME' World Tour 2008 will be in three sections, starting in February and March 2008 with the first leg encompassing major concerts in 20 selected cities on five continents in seven weeks including India, Japan, North America, Central and South America, and, of course, Australia, opening in Perth on Feb 4 and continuing through Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane: The tour then continues with more concerts in North America in late May and June before finishing with a third leg in July and August encompassing major stadiums and festivals all over Europe. During the tour the band is expected to play to well over one and a half million fans and travel close to 100,000 miles.
In an historic first, Iron Maiden, their 60-strong crew and support staff and over 12 tons of equipment will be travelling around the world en masse for the first leg of the tour in a specially commissioned and converted Astraeus Boeing 757 decorated with Maiden and Eddie designs! Vocalist Bruce Dickinson, who is a qualified Airline Captain flying for Astraeus Airlines, will pilot the plane on its epic mission, flying over 50,000 miles. Comments Bruce Dickinson, "We had the idea last year of converting a jumbo jet into effectively what would be a flying 113 ton 'splitter bus' for touring and we have been working seriously on it ever since. It's pretty complex but in the end we were able, with a lot of help from Astraeus Airlines, to overcome all the technicalities of customising the plane for our purposes. We are taking out the back 10 rows of seats to fit in a customised cargo hold that we can use again in the future if this jaunt works. This is in addition to all the standard storage holds. By taking band, personnel and equipment in one form of transport it makes all the touring so much easier and overcomes the logistical difficulty of people and equipment going in different planes. We can even work out exactly how big our carbon footprint is and take care of that responsibility! We will be packing as much of the show into the plane as we possibly can for this first leg and intend to give the fans something very special to remember. And it allows me to combine 2 of my greatest passions, music and flying!!
To tie in with forthcoming 2008 releases on DVD of the classic 'LIVE AFTER DEATH' and 'MAIDEN ENGLAND' concert videos (more details coming soon) this tour, aptly entitled 'SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME', will revisit the band's history by focusing almost entirely on the 80's in both choice of songs played and the stage set, which will be based around the legendary Egyptian Production of the 1984-85 'Powerslave Tour'. This will arguably be the most elaborate and spectacular show the band have ever presented, and will include some key elements of their Somewhere In Time tour of 1986/7, such as the Cyborg Eddie.
Steve Harris comments; "On the last tour we opened the show by playing our new album 'A Matter of Life and Death' in its 80 minute entirety. We thought we needed the challenge and it proved the right thing to do. However, it can be hard on the fans playing so much new material and we really appreciated the superb support they gave us. So now l guess it's payback time. It's tremendous to be able to use the profile of the DVDs to do what is effectively an 80's show. It will be enormous fun and by changing the approach to the songs we play tour by tour it keeps it fresh and interesting for both the band and the fans alike. l think 'Powerslave' was an incredible show with the Egyptian theme and look forward to seeing it all again myself. We have been planning this for a few years and hoping to take it to Australia -- so we are all delighted that it has now worked out. I would also like to say that we are all are very grateful to our loyal fans in Oz who have kept the Maiden flag flying all these years and we are sorry to have disappointed you for so long. Thanks and see you there"
Rod Smallwood, Iron Maiden's Manager, further commented; "Following Bruce's various hints from on stage this last year about our plans for 2008 ("We are taking some time off to build some pyramids!"), fans have been pestering me for details of the tour and especially asking which songs from that era will be played. That may be as easy as a run in the hills but we will keep our aces close to our chest on this issue. I know it would only take a couple of minutes but at this stage of planning, I'd have to be clairvoyant to know what they will do. I'm sure though it will be no revelation for you that we intend to make up for those wasted years by visiting a large number of hallowed metal venues around the world. Historically 'Powerslave' was an incredibly important album for the band and it would be madness if we didn't give the fans a taste of the full on Iron Maiden show from that time. With our jumbo there really is no rime nor reason why the band cannot now visit fans almost everywhere as many have been real troopers to have waited this long. Heaven only knows what the band will choose but if l could and did tell you now l would have to shoot you! You'll all have to be patient and see. But it will be spectacular. No fear!!"
22 September 2007
San Diego, California heavy metal band CAGE has announced the addition of drummer Norm Leggio, formerly of the legendary prog-metal band PSYCHOTIC WALTZ, as the band's newest member.
Norm Leggio previously performed on all PSYCHOTIC WALTZ releases between 1986 and 1996. He also is the owner of San Diego, California all-metal record store Blue Meannie Records in El Cajon. In addition, he was the co-host of the metal radio show "Another State of Mind" on San Diego, California Clear Channel radio station Rock 105.3 FM for many years. Commented CAGE vocalist Sean Peck: "To say we are totally excited is an understatement! Norm brings an entirely new level of drumming to our band that will definitely be noticed immediately at all of our upcoming shows and in our new material we are already hard at work on. We have been friends with Norm for a long time and it is very cool to have him in the CAGE family. We know our fans will be stoked to hear and witness his amazing hand speed and tasty fills. I know he is excited to be heading out on the road again to greet all the CAGE and PSYCHOTIC WALTZ fans around the heavy metal world." CAGE's latest CD, "Hell Destroyer", was released on May 18 in Western and Eastern Europe via MTM Music; May 22 in the USA and Canada via Destroy All Records Entertainment/BCD Music Group; May 18 in Mexico via Asenath Records/Iguana Records and May 21 in Central and South America via Dynamo Records.
22 September 2007
Drummer Joey Daub of the the much-missed late '80s/early '90s technical-thrash metal band BELIEVER has issued the following update:
"It's time for some more BELIEVER info, folks! It's official: Kurt [Bachman; guitar/vocals] and I have just finished tracking drums and guitars for five new songs for pre-production. We are now back to focusing on writing as well as adding bass, vocals, etc. to the recorded tracks. "We are currently laying out our MySpace page and should be online in the middle of September, so look out for it. "Our goal with the new record is to give the hardcore fans the BELIEVER that they know and love and also gain some new fans. We feel that so far we're meeting that goal. BELIEVER has always tried to add new elements on each recording and we will do so on this one, too. "Even though pre-production is taking place at Trauma Studios, for our writing sessions we have been doin' it old school at Kurt's new house . . . analog cassette four-track, portable DAT player, unfinished basement, random carpet laying around and so on. "A quick note on my drum carpet . . . Kurt and I are somewhat superstitious and don't want to change anything due to the tunes flowing along, but the cat has taken a liking to it and has been pissing and droppin deuces on it. We just can't seem to change ANYTHING! It is quite nasty back there but it must be helping somehow with the writing, ha-ha."
22 September 2007
DREAMSCAPE, the progressive metallers from Munich are hitting the road to bring the new material from their album "5th Season" live on stage by supporting SIEGES EVEN – a really quite attractive package, which will attract every progressive fan to come to the concert hall.
Confirmed dates:
05.10. DE-München, Metropolis
06.10. DE-Weiher, Musichall
07.10. NL-Baarlo, Progpower Europe Festival 2007
08.10. DE-Hamburg, Markthalle
09.10. DE-Aschaffenburg, Colosaal
10.10. DE-Stuttgart, Die Röhre
11.10. DE-Oberhausen, Zentrum Altenberg
12.10. CH-Uster/Zürich, Rock City
13.10. AT-Wien, Reigen
14.10. DE-Reichenbach, Bergkeller
15.10. DE-Bünde, Universum
16.10. BE-Verviers, Spirit of 66
15.11. DE-Berlin, Live Style (ohne Dreamscape)
16.11. DE-Rüsselsheim, Rindprog Festival (ohne Dreamscape)
17.11. NL-Geleen, Rocco´s Cafe (ohne Dreamscape)
22 September 2007
Unfortunately RAZOR had to cancel their appearance at KIT X, cause gutiarist Dave Carlo has exams during this weekend and cannot do the show. We are in talks with them to redo the show on KIT 11.
Replacement for RAZOR will be Bay Area legends HEATHEN.
KEEP IT TRUE X
"Reign Of The Tyrant"
TITAN FORCE (USA)
HELSTAR (USA)
(exclusive European Gig in "Remnants Of War Line Up" playing the album "Remnants Of War" in its entirety)
OMEN (USA)
ATTACKER (USA)
(exclusive "Battle At Helms Deep" Show)
SENTINEL BEAST (USA)
(First European Show ever!!)
MERCILESS DEATH (USA)
METAL INQUISITOR (GER)
STRIKEMASTER (MEX)
PHANTOM X (USA)
Friday April 4th 2008 Lauda-Königshofen Tauberfrankenhalle
JAG PANZER (USA)
(Exclusive and ULTIMATE Jag Panzer show (min. 2h) plus very special guest Bob Parduba!!)
MANILLA ROAD (USA)
(Exclusive German Show/Mark Shelton back on Vocals!!)
HEATHEN (USA)
(exclusive European Show)
DOOMSWORD (ITA)
(Special Guest: Nightcomer, singer from 1st Album)
CAGE (USA)
PHARAOH (USA)
(Exclusive european show)
CRESCENT SHIELD (USA)
(Exclusive european show)
DEMON EYES (FRA)
FUELED BY FIRE (USA)
BATTLE RAM (ITA)
Saturday April 5th 2008 Tauberfrankenhalle Lauda-Königshofen
22 September 2007
LEATHERWOLF have announced their first European dates since reuniting with original lead vocalist/guitarist Michael Olivieri and guitarist Carey Howe earlier in the year. The reconvened Triple Axe Attack will be headlining Germany's Keep It True Festival and are playing an additional half dozen select dates in Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy. "We are very much looking forward to playing Europe again after doing the Bang Your Head!! Festival last summer and we would like to thank all the promoters who are putting their faith in us on rather short notice", states guitarist Geoff Gayer. " We're just coming off our first show with Mike and Carey back and it was amazing how natural it felt to play together again so we'll definitely be ready to kick some serious ass for all our European friends. The setlist will include a good cross section of songs from all the LEATHERWOLF albums, everything from 'Spiter' and 'Kill And Kill Again' to 'Gypsies and Thieves', 'Wicked Ways', 'Behind the Gun' and 'The Grail', so everybody, old school and new school, should be going away happy. Can't wait!"
Confirmed European tour dates are as follows:
Nov. 01 - Underworld Club, Athens, Greece
Nov. 02 - Cult Club, Thessaloniki, Greece
Nov. 03 - Keep It True IX Festival, Dittigheim, Germany
Nov. 04 - Dynamo Club, Eindhoven, Holland
Nov. 05 - De Rots, Antwerpen, Belgium
Nov. 07 - Rock City, Uster, Switzerland
Nov. 08 - Black Horse, Cermenate, Italy
3 September 2007
RAVEN, the NWOBHM Godfathers of Thrash will headline the first edition of Mario's Metal Meeting on 11/11/2007!!
Also true metallers DOUBLE DIAMOND from Belgium have confirmed their appearance at MMMeeting!
The line up so far: RAVEN (UK), DREAMLAND (Sweden), DIVINE RUINS (USA), DOUBLE DIAMOND (Belgium) & IMPERIOUS REX (USA).
Also some sad news because US-metallers RAVENSTHORN had to cancel their perfromance due to problems in the bands line-up!
As substitute for Ravensthorn will be announced very soon!!
For more info: www.mariosmetalmania.com/festival.htm
3 September 2007
Former NEVERMORE/ANNIHILATOR guitarist Curran Murphy has issued the following update on his current project SHATTER MESSIAH (also featuring ex-ANNIHILATOR drummer Robert Falzano):
"I spent the last three weeks frantically tracking, re-writing and re-recording the second SHATTER MESSIAH album 'God Burns Like Flesh'. All of the guys threw down with the most amazing effort I have seen from any band I have ever played in, it was awesome! "I spent the last two days (about 32 hours straight with no breaks) on mixing and sending the files to Germany for master and artwork details as well. Talk about down to the fucking wire! Had to meet that label deadline, baby, to make for a good release time for this new record!!! Now it is all up to the fine people at Dockyard 1 to put this monster out and move some units, baby! I literally was recording guitar solos at 7 a.m. the day of delivery, back against the wall, and having vocalist Greg Wagner throw down vocals while I am doing emails with our manager and my artwork guy AND the record label WOO HOO! Damn damn damn, I look back on it and just laugh at how I get myself into these adventures and then also remind myself I wouldn't change a fucking thing about it! "Love this job and I love this game!"
DCA Recordings in April released the critically acclaimed debut album by SHATTER MESSIAH, "Never to Play the Servant". The CD was released last year in Europe, and had only been available as an import outside the continent.
3 September 2007
U.K. epic progressive metallers BIOMECHANICAL have announced the addition of guitarist Chris Van Hayden to the group's ranks. "His awesome solid rhythm playing and solos convinced us that he is the man for the job!" the band writes in a statement. "Chris is also the main collobarator of the band CHAOSGENESIS." The groups adds, "Chris has been a fan of the band and is very exited to be joining BIOMECHANICAL. The excitement is mutual and we are looking forward to completing the lineup and going on the road." The band is now looking for a bass player to complete the lineup. Interested parties can e-mail the group at info@biomechanical.co.uk
BIOMECHANICAL recently parted ways with Jamie Hunt (guitar), Chris Webb (guitar) and Jon Collins (bass) due to "personal reasons." Jonno Lodge and Gus Drax have since joined the group as their new drummer an guitarist, respectively. BIOMECHANICAL's new CD, "Cannibalised", is due to be released early 2008 via Earache Records.
3 September 2007
Guitarist Steve Smyth has officially parted ways with NEVERMORE, citing personal and business differences.
“All things find their end eventually, and at this time, I wish to make it clear that this was mutually agreed between the band and myself.
I will continue on with other aspects of my music career, including the upcoming release of The EssenEss Project, an all instrumental album, in the vein of progressive rock, that is now finished and being prepared for release. After a year and 4 months of being out of the touring scene due to ill health and then a kidney transplant, I have finally been given a full health clearance by my doctors to go back on the road, and I am now ready to return to the stage.
3 September 2007
Classic '80s New Jersey metallers DEADLY BLESSING have been laying low since Ski announced his departure. A few songs with new vocalist Stephen Childs have surfaced online (and on a sampler from Germany's Heavy magazine), but a September 15th benefit will mark Childs' live debut. The band will be headlining the Kegs For Legs benefit. The show is being put together for Jack Gormley, owner of Sound Hall Studios, as well as a fellow musician. He recently lost both of his legs to a hereditary vascular disease. His insurance paid for one of his prosthetics - the benefit is aimed to raise some funds for Jack to get the other one. The show will feature seven bands as well as food, beer.
3 September 2007
Legendary Canadian thrashers SOOTHSAYER has just released their classic 1986 demo, To Be A Real Terrorist, including a 1987 live concert recorded at Le Spectrumin Montreal, Canada on CD through Galy Records. All remastered by two members of the band in 2007. This is truly a jewel in the history of metal in Quebec. 6 pages full color booklet with rare pictures, flyers and liner notes from among others Rob (SACRIFICE), Brian (WEHRMACHT), James Plotkin and more. All CDs ordered online via www.myspace.com/troopsofhate or www.myspace.com/galyrecords will come with a new sticker and an original 1987 pin of Soothsayer.
Soothsayer will also reunite for the first time in 17 years for an exclusive appearance at 1982 - 2007: 25 ans de Mettal
Quebecois (www.myspace.com/25ansmetalquebecois), a three-day festival celebrating 25 years of Quebec metal, set to take place from August 31st to September 2nd at Club Soda in Montreal.
3 September 2007
VADER will release their third DVD in October. The DVD entitled "And Blood Was Shed In Warsaw" will feature the footage from the band's concert at Stodola Club in February 2007, which was the final stop of the tour promoting their latest album "Impressions in Blood". As a special surprise for the fans, the concert featured also a guest appearance of Orion: a member of two other great Polish metal acts: Vesania & Behemoth. The DVD is scheduled for release on 15th October in Europe and on 5th November in USA (via MVD) and will also include: fully animated menu, band bio, discography, interview with Peter, brand new video clip "Sword of the Witcher" (taken from the forthcoming RPG game "The Witcher"), desktop images, photo gallery, weblinks, and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. "And Blood Was Shed In Warsaw" DVD will be also available in a special DVD+CD limited swing case edition!
3 September 2007
FATES WARNING will be on tour over Europe in November 2007.
10.11.07 - NL - Zoetermeer - Boerderij
11.11.07 - DE - Frankfurt - Batschkapp
12.11.07 - DE - Hamburg - Markthalle
14.11.07 - DE - Ludwigsburg - Rockfabrik
15.11.07 - DE - Köln - Live Music Hall
16.11.07 - NL - Weert - Bosuil
17.11.07 - NL - Helendoorn - Lantaarn
3 September 2007
The upcoming DESASTER album "666 - Satan's Soldiers Syndicate" which will be unleashed on September 7th (G/A/S/I) / September 10th (Europe) will contain a bonus video part recorded at the Rock Xmas Festival in Naila/Germany 2006.
3 September 2007
EXODUS have completed work on their new album "The Atrocity Exhibition - Exhibit A"
due October, 26th via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California with producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, MACHINE HEAD, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY).
23 August 2007
After 15 years of silence America's ancient thrash-metal trio is back. AT WAR will co-headline the WORLD WAR IV METAL FESTIVAL August 26, in Brooklyn, New York. In 1986, Virginia's At War got its share of fame with the release of their debut album, ORDERED TO KILL on NEW RENAISSANCE RECORDS. The band followed-up their first offering with RETALIATORY STRIKE in 1988, which landed the band on the top of all major metal radio charts in the nation. At War was described in Kerrang Magazine as America's answer to Motorhead. At War appeared headed for international acclaim when the 1990 grunge pushed aside metal from the forefront. At War includes original members: PAUL ARNOLD, SHAWN HELSEL, and DAVE STONE. The band's management reports that, in order to preserve the original sound and integrity, the original equipment on which the albums were recorded has been rebuilt. Merchandise will be available.
23 August 2007
ANVIL's new album, "This Is Thirteen", is now available on CD. It is a limited edition with 1,000 copies made.
Also, upcoming Anvil live dates include:
August
25 - The Underworld - London, UK
26 - Astor Theater - Deal, UK
28 - Negasonic Music Club - Aalst, Belgium
29 - Negasonic Music Club - Aalst, Belgium
30 - Muziekcafe de Gloppe - Leeuwarden, Holland
31 - Dynamo Rock & Metal Cafe - Eindhoven, Holland.
September
1 - B-hof - Wurzburg, Germany
15 - Beachland Ballroom - Cleveland, OH.
23 August 2007
CAGE have parted ways with drummer Mikey Neil. The band wishes the best of luck to Mikey on any new musical venture that he may seek. Now the search is on for a new drummer to fill the big shows that Mikey Neil leaves behind. Cage is currently seeking the ultimate heavy metal monster drummer that has the musical chops; looks; attitude, the ultimate double bass drum kit and the hunger to join the world's most vicious heavy metal band. The band is looking for a drummer who plays in the musical styles of either Bobby Jarzombek (HALFORD); Dave Lombardo (SLAYER); Tommy Aldridge (WHITESNAKE); Scott Travis (JUDAS PRIEST); Nicko McBrain (IRON MAIDEN); Mikkey Dee (MOTORHEAD) and Max Duhamel (KATAKLYSM). All interested drummers who are willing to relocate to San Diego, California need to e-mail a personal biography, band / recording history; pictures (full body and live in action) and pictures of their insane drum kit to CAGE's management at the following e-mails: contact@desertrockusa.com, desertrockusa@hotmail.com.
23 August 2007
Steve Grimmet's GRIM REAPER and JAGUAR are among the acts confirmed for the Heavy Metal Maniacs Festival VIII, which will take place Saturday, October 27, 2007, at Manifesto in Hoorn, Holland. Acts confirmed include: JAGUAR, STEVE GRIMMETT'S GRIM REAPER, BULLET, PREDATÜR, DOUBLE DIAMOND.
Tickets are 17 euros at the door (pre-sale 15 euros). For tickets contact maniacs@heavymetalmaniacs.com.
23 August 2007
San Francisco Bay Area thrash legends EXODUS have confirmed the title and tracklisting of their forthcoming album, due out through Nuclear Blast later this year. "The Atrocity Exhibition... Exhibit A" was produced at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, CA by Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, MACHINE HEAD, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY) and features the following tracks: 'A Call To Arms', 'Riot Act', 'Funeral Hymn', 'Children Of A Worthless God', 'As It Was, As It Soon Shall Be', 'The Atrocity Exhibition', 'Iconoclasm', 'The Garden Of Bleeding', 'Bedlam 123'.
23 August 2007
US Progressive metal legends FATES WARNING have announced a string of European live shows for November. The band are also in the process of setting up some possible US warm-up shows and maybe one more European date. Bobby Jarzombek (drums) and Frank Aresti (guitars) will be joining Ray Alder (vocals), Joey Vera (bass) and Jim Matheos (guitar) for all dates.
Confirmed dates are as follows:
November
10 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands
11 - Frankfurt, Germany
12 - Hamburg, Germany
14 - Ludwigsburg, Germany
15 - Cologne, Germany
16 - Weert, Netherlands
17 - Helendoorn, Netherlands
23 August 2007
San Francisco Bay Area metallers TAUNTED are halfway done writing material for their follow-up to their 2006 release "Zero".
The new material is said to be "even darker but not a conceptual CD but more dealing with world issues and some vampire influenced thrash".
The band played at the last edition of Germany's Headbangers Open Air Festival (see Live Reviews).
23 August 2007
Canuck metal legends PILEDRIVER have sent the following update:
The band is currently preparing to enter the studio to begin work on their anxiously awaited new CD. The band hope to have it released before the end of the year."
Piledriver are confirmed for the Metal On Metal 25th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, September 15 at The Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio. Other acts on the bill include RAVEN, ANVIL and DESTRUCTOR (Forever In Leather CD release show!). All four bands will be doing full headlining sets.
The concert will celebrate the 25th anniversary (1982-2007) of Bill Peters' "Metal On Metal" radio program, heard every Friday night in Cleveland on WJCU 88.7 FM and streamed 'live' worldwide at www.wjcu.org. The very popular underground radio program has featured import and independent heavy metal for parts of the past three decades. 2007 also marks the 25th anniversary of Anvil's now classic "Metal On Metal" album, which was released on Attic Records in 1982 and the theme song of the radio program.
23 August 2007
Both 'Sophisticated' and 'Uneven', two rare outputs from the SIEGES EVEN catalogue, are finally available again. The CDs were recorded back in 1995 and 1997. The re-releases have been remastered and come with new liner notes. For ordering information go to the following link:
www.quixote-music.de
23 August 2007
Danish metallers IRON FIRE have parted ways with drummer Jens Berglid. The group's official statement on the matter reads as follows:
"After three years and two albums Jens B has decided to leave Iron Fire due to family issues. We have known this for quit some time now, but we did not want to go official with the news before we where sure to have the right replacement for Jens. After months of auditions we found the Danish metal machine with the German name Fritz Wagner, he will be the new drummer of Iron Fire and we are really exited to have some new energy in the band. Now we can finally focus on writing new songs and get ready for the Tour Of Triumph that will hit the road later this year. We wish Jens the best of luck in the future with his family and his other bands and welcome Fritz Wagner into the brotherhood. News about the Tour Of Triumph will be posted as soon things are confirmed."
23 August 2007
On September,21, the MEKONG DELTA CDs "Dances Of Death", "Kaleidoscope", "Visions Fugitives" and "Pictures At An Exhibition" will be re-released through AFM Records. The records "Mekong Delta", "The Music Of Erich Zann" and "The Principle Of Doubt" will be re-released on August, 28, so all the new fans of Mekong Delta have the possibility to get the old Material and complete their Mekong Delta collection.
23 August 2007
DESTRUCTION frontman Schmier brought his old band HEADHUNTER back to life. He originally founded this band after his short split from Destruction at the end of the eighties.
With Headhunter, Schmier released the 3 outstanding records „Parody of Life“ (1990), „A Bizarre Gardening Accident“ (1992) and „Rebirth“ (1994), together with Jörg Michael (ex Saxon/Stratovarius) on drums and Schmuddel on guitar. This three records were out of print for a long time and it was only possible to buy them at high price on ebay or from private collectors. Now, the albums will be re-released through AFM Records with a remastered sound and a new booklet with old pictures, liner notes and all lyrics. The release date will be September, 07, 2007.
16 August 2007
Amulance, Black Hawk, Impaler, Messenger, New Eden, Seasons Of The wolf and The Gates of Slumber have been confirmed for next year's installment of the Headbangers Open Air festival, which is scheduled to take place July 24-26, 2008 in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
ABANDONED, AMULANCE, ANCESTRAL, BLACK HAWK, IMPALER, MESSENGER, NEW EDEN, SEASONS OF THE WOLF, SEVENTH CALLING, SUPREMACY, THE GATES OF SLUMBER.
The tenth edition of the Headbangers Open Air festival took place July 12-14 in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany and was billed as "the biggest garden party in the world" (see Live Reviews). The venue was the yard of a burnt down and restored farm in the German countryside, where festival promoters Thomas Tegelhütter opens his garden every year for the metal hordes. The theme of this year's show was "The Garden Burns!" The festival, co-sponsored by Rock Hard magazine, regularly sells out with thousands of metalheads attending each year.
16 August 2007
BEYOND FALLEN is looking for a new drummer. This person will hit the ground running and be required to learn the songs quickly to be ready to play live, and begin to write the next album. The band has been together 4 years and this will only be our second lineup change (drummer). The band is from Wilkes-Barre, PA. They are signed to Melissa Records in Europe, and they have just recently traveled to Germany to play shows, with more overseas travel very likely in the future. The band has many very favorable reviews. They also travel out of Northeast PA to play shows with national acts in the US, and plan on doing more of this. The band has some very good things happening, and this is a great opportunity for someone looking to do what we do. They need a person who is professional, talented, creative, dedicated, dependable and easy going... and loves playing real metal more than anything else. If money is your only motivation, then this is not the band for you - but if you really enjoy metal, writing your own songs and travelling overseas to play then you could be in our band. If you are a pro, then most of this stuff is common sense.
Contact the band by sending an email to Joe Karavis.
16 August 2007
AVANTASIA, CHILDREN OF BODOM, KREATOR, SONATA ARCTICA are officially confirmed for the Wacken Open Air 2008, scheduled for July 31st - August 2nd, in Wacken, Germany. The aforementioned bands join headliners IRON MAIDEN, who are rumored to be resurrecting the Powerslave stage show next year.
16 August 2007
TOXIK are looking for a new bassist. Due to private circumstances, bassist Brain Bonini had to leave the band, who already have a 2-week European tour scheduled in November, including co-headlining the Keep It True festival and headlining the Ragers Elite festival. The remaining Toxik members - original vocalist Mike Sanders and guitarist Josh Christian, plus new drummer Lou Caldarola - are looking for a skilled bassist to fill in the group lineup. Possibly from the New York area, interested parties can contact the band at toxik@toxikmusic.com.
16 August 2007
Metal Mind Productions will re-release remastered edition of one of the most intriguing releases in the history of Belgian metal scene: "Brutal Destruction" by CYCLONE, one of the best Belgian thrash metal bands to date, and certainly the most aggressive one. Storming the metal scene of the 80's, the group presented a truly powerful combination of violent riffs and shrieking vocals, grounding their style in the vicinity of such bands as Slayer and early Metallica. It's the first CD release of the album. The new digipack edition, limited to numerated 2000 copies, digitally remastered using 24-bit process and released on golden disc, will be available on 27th August 2007 in Europe / 22nd October 2007 in US (via MVD).
16 August 2007
THE GATHERING singer Anneke van Giersbergen will release the debut album from her new band AGUA DE ANNIQUE, entitled "Air", on October 30 via The End Records. Currently available for streaming on the band's official web site (in the "Listen" section) are two full-length tracks • "Day after Yesterday" and "Beautiful One". A "beautiful" animated music video for the song "Day after Yesterday" is also in the works.
16 August 2007
Four dates in Spain have been added to the upcoming Double Headliner Tour featuring PRIMAL FEAR and U.D.O., in Sevilla in Madrid respectively.
The complete schedule is now as follows:
October
13 - Geleen, Netherlands - Hanenhof
15 - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
16 - Rome, Italy - Alpheus
18 - Sevilla, Spain - Sala Q (NEW DATE)
19 - Madrid, Spain - Macumba (NEW DATE)
20 - Bergara, Spain - Sala Jam
21 - Barcelona, Spain - Apolo
23 - Bordeaux, France - Theatre Barbey.
November
9 - Antwerp, Belgium - Hof ter Lo. December
11 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
12 - Fulda, Germany - Kreuz
13 - Stuttgart, Germany - LKA
14 - Memmingen, Germany - Kaminwerk
15 - Duesseldorf, Germany - Phillipshalle
16 - Braunschweig, Germany - Meier Music Hall
18 - Nuernberg, Germany - Hirsch
19 - Tuttlingen, Germany - Alte Festhalle
20 - Muenchen, Germany - Metropolis.
16 August 2007
Producer/guitarist Peter Wichers (ex-SOILWORK) has just came back from Baltimore's Wrightway Studios after recording drums together with Dirk Verbeuren for WARREL DANE's solo record. The record will be tracked in Nashville. NEVERMORE frontman Warrel Dane is expected to issue his solo debut in early 2008. A previous message from Dane stated, "The recording will start pretty soon, but since I have Nev shows coming up in August, Pete can get this thing going and I'll end up doing vox on my off time from Nev shows. Matt's (guitarist Matt Wicklund - ex-HIMSA) songs are killer as well"
5 August 2007
German's NOCTURNAL have cancelled their performance at the Tilburg Headbangers Fest on 29 September 2007; As an excuse the band told MMM that their singer couldnt get a day off from his job.....
The young dutch boys from ONE BULLET LEFT, who recently played as support act with Megadeth and also played the Waldrock festival in The Netherlands are the replacements for Nocturnal. For more information click here.
5 August 2007
Metal Mind Productions will be re-releasing four BULLDOZER albums - "The day of Wrath", "The Final Separation", "IX" & "Neurodeliri". These are titles from Roadrunner Records archives in a new digipack editions limited to numerated 2000 copies. All titles re-issued on golden discs are remastered using 24-bit process and feature rare bonus tracks. Release date: 13th August 2007 (Europe) & 8th October 2007 (USA via MVD).
In other Metal Mind news:
Metal Mind Productions will be re-releasing the "All Hail to Thee" album from ZNOWHITE, expanded with bonus tracks from EP "Kick'em when They're Down" and live album "Live Suicide" (from 1985). This is classic material from Roadrunner Records archives in a new digipack edition limited to 2000 copies digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on gold disc. It will be released on 6th August in Europe & on 3rd September in USA (via MVD).
5 August 2007
EXCITER whose classic Heavy Metal Maniac album was defining speed metal even before METALLICA's Kill 'Em All, have signed with Massacre. The lineup is John Ricci (guitars), Rik Charron (drums), Clammy (bass) with new singer Kenny Winter. The band just started recording their new album Thrash, Speed, Burn - song titles are: 'Thrash Speed Burn', 'Demon`s Gate', 'Evil Omen', 'Hangman', 'In Mortal Fear', 'Crucifixion', 'Betrayal', 'The Punisher', 'Massacre Mountain', 'Rot The Devil King'. The album will be out on November 9th so beware the definite speed metal attack.
5 August 2007
DIMMU BORGIR have issued the following statement: "Due to Hellhammers injury (the x-ray report confirms a severe neck prolapse causing his right arm to numb out) he will be unable to play drums for DIMMU BORGIR on the remaining festivals this summer and the upcoming European tour, also featuring AMON AMARTH and HATESPHERE. Hellhammer will go into treatment and a possible surgery for this shortly. Taking his place will be Tony Laureano (NILE, ANGEL CORPSE, AURORA BOREALIS), who also played for DIMMU BORGIR during Ozzfest 2004 and festivals in 2005. We wish Hellhammer a swift and successful recovery!" The European leg of "The Invaluable Darkness" tour kicks off in Amsterdam on September 23rd and will finish in their hometown Oslo on November 6th.
5 August 2007
Dutch metallers BUNKER have issued the following update:
"For the recording sessions of the upcoming album, Nullify, we will team up with Wannes Gubbels (PENTACLE, ASPHYX) on bass and Martin van Drunen (ex-PESTILENCE/ ex-BOLTTHROWER) on vox. Martin will also perform live with Bunker at future gigs.
Bunker have terminated the collaboration with Appease Me and Cadlelight and are currently negotiating with several labeels to ensure proper distribution.:
"Nullify" will be available in early 2008.
5 August 2007
CIRCLE II CIRCLE, led by ex-SAVATAGE vocalist Zak Stevens, has signed a worldwide deal with Intromental Management.
"I'm thrilled to be working with a band that has not only established their reputation in the metal scene as a premiere talent, but is poised to take it to the next level with our help. I have been a fan of Zak's ever since his days in the mighty Savatage when I first heard Edge of Thorns", said Intromental's Managing Director, Claus Jensen. Adds Stevens, "We're very excited about the limitless potential that this cooperation presents for us. Intromental's reputation and professionalism is outstanding. Their new partnership with Glenn Harveston directing operations in the USA was also a major factor in our signing with Intromental. We're looking forward to great things to come." North American Promotional Director, Glenn Harveston, has declared his intentions for the band as well, "We are going to get the record in the stores and the band out on the road here in the States. Period. We are going to kick off the new year right with Circle II Circle, CIRCUS MAXIMUS and MANTICORA joining forces for a North American mini-tour in early 2008."
5 August 2007
Dutch metallers OUTBURST check in with the following update:
"Hello there! We have some updates for you. We added a couple more shows for the fall and these will be among the last ones we will play for the "Fair And Balanced" album. The writing process for the new album is coming along nicely and by the end of September we will start making demo recordings of 13 - 14 songs and the actual studio recording will take place at the end of the year. Expect some really brutal stuff!
Speaking of brutal, next week we will play the Brutal Assault Festival in Czech Republic, hell fucking yeah! We’re super excited to play in front of a lot of crazy Czechs. And let us not forget that we will play a mega-cool show as a ‘warm up’. This Sunday, come thrash with us and SEPULTURA in Utrecht at the Tivoli venue. There are still some tickets left at the door. Hope to see you bang your head in front of the stage!"
5 August 2007
"Chicago-based metal band EDEN'S FALL have announced the addition of guitarist Aron Sakurai (pictured, ex-SIGN OF CHAOS) to the group's ranks. The band's current lineup is as follows: John Barr (lead vocals), Dan Gronowski (bass, vocals), Tony Gronowski (guitar, vocals), Aron Sakurai (guitar), Ray Smith (drums).
5 August 2007
Canada's HANKER have issued the following update: "Due to a schedule conflict, the band will enter studio during November 2007 instead of August as originally planned. Nevertheless, the new Hanker CD is still scheduled for release at the beginning of 2008 on the Skyscraper Music label."
5 August 2007
German thrashers HOLY MOSES recently announced that they would be on tour with OBITUARY, beginning in January, 2008. Dates for the trek, which will also feature support from Sweden's AVATAR, have since surfaced, and are as follows:
January
3 - Zwolle, Holland - Hedon
4 - Tilburg, Holland - O 13
5 - Osnabrueck, Germany - Hyde Park
6 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
8 - Warsaw, Poland - Proxima
9 - Krakow, Poland - Studio
11 - Vienna, Austria - Planet Music
15 - Milan, Italy - Alcatraz
16 - Lyon, France - CCO
17 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 2
18 - Bergara, Spain - Sala Jam
19 - Madrid, Spain - Heineken
21 - Rennes, France - Antipode
22 - Paris, France - La Locomotive
23 - Bochum, Germany - Zeche
24 - Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp
25 - Schweinfurt, Germany - Stattbahnhof
26 - Glauchau, Germany - Alte Spinnerei
27 - Prague, Czech Republic - Abaton
29 - Budapest, Hungary - A 38
30 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
31 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
February
1 - Strasbourg, France - La Laiterie
2 - Antwerpen, Belgium - Hof Ter Loo
3 - London, England - The Fridge
5 August 2007
THRESHOLD singer Andrew "Mac" McDermott leaves band
Nuclear Blast Europe has issued the following THRESHOLD update:
"Singer Andrew "Mac" McDermott has decided to leave the band for good. "Mac's still not been in touch directly but he wrote a statement on the band forum confirming that he's left“, states keyboarder Richard West. Former singer Damian Wilson, who already stood in at the band’s shows at Metal Camp and Earthshaker festival, will continue helping out Threshold vocal-wise. "Damian's agreed to do the next shows and hopefully we can work out a way for him to do all the remaining tour dates."
5 August 2007
Netherlands based metallers NON-DIVINE have issued the following update:
"Busy weeks for the guys of Non-Divine in August! They will support QUEENSRŸCHE and NEVERMORE at four club-shows to promote their debut concept album, Asylum 45."
Dates include:
August
14 - Paradiso - Amsterdam, Netherlands (with Queensrÿche)
15 - Effenaar - Eindhoven, Netherlands (with Queensrÿche)
24 - Plato - Helmond, Netherlands (with Nevermore)
25 - Elsrock - Rijssen, Netherlands (with Nevermore)
26 July 2007
New Jersey metallers OVERLORDE have announced that Chris Colfax has permanently joined the group as the band's vocalist. The band looks forward to working with Chris as they write and prepare for the release of their second CD on Sonic Age Records.
A live MP3 of 'Snow Giant', taken from the band's set at Brooklyn Metalfest II, is now available for download at the band's MySpace page. This is the first publicly available Overlorde recording with Chris on vocals. Check out pictures of the show both at the band's MySpace page and website (see LINKS).
26 July 2007
BIOMECHANICAL members Jamie Hunt (guitar), Chris Webb (guitar) and Jon Collins (bass) appear to have quit the band following an argument with the group's frontman John K. (a.k.a. Yiannis Koutselinis) over the band's future.
In a statement released earlier today, Webb said, "John K. from BIOMECHANICAL has given remaining band members Jamie Hunt, Chris Webb and Jon Collins an ultimatum to stay or go. Jamie, Jon and Chris said they didn't want to go into the politics of it all, but after a heated debate broke out John K. made the decision that BIOMECHANICAL was no longer going to be known as a band, but known as a John K. project, leaving Jamie, Chris and Jon as unpaid session musicians. Jamie, Chris and Jon, all feel they have given 100% to BIOMECHANICAL the band but regretfully have chosen to part ways with John K. and his project. They wish John K. all the best with his future project. Jamie, Jon, Chris and former BIOMECHANICAL drummer Matt C. have decided to form a new band together, and will be looking for a new singer…. All genres of metal singers are welcome to apply."
BIOMECHANICAL's new album, "Cannibalised", is due to be released early 2008 via Earache Records.
26 July 2007
Christian hard rockers STRYPER will play five shows in Spain in November.
The details are as follows:
Nov. 07 - Santiago de Compostela - Capitol
Nov. 09 - Palencia - Fronton Municipal Eras de Santa Marina
Nov. 10 - Madrid - Joy Eslava
Nov. 12 - Bilbao - Santana 27
Nov. 13 - Barcelona - Apolo
STRYPER's latest CD, "Reborn", is available on Big3 Records. "Reborn" marks STRYPER's first complete studio release of original material in over a decade, since 1990's "Against the Law", and features 10 original tracks as well a new version of the previously released track "In God We Trust". The album was recorded in Massachussetts at Blue Jay Studio, Mixed Emotions, and singer Michael Sweet's home studio.
Original STRYPER members Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar), Oz Fox (lead guitar), and Robert Sweet (drums) are joined in the group's current incarnation by bassist Tracy Ferrie. NOTE: "Live in Puerto Rico" was filmed while original bassist Tim Gaines was still a member of the band.
26 July 2007
Guitarist/vocalist Rob Urbinati of the reunited Canadian thrashers SACRIFICE has issued the following update:
"People have been asking for an update... It's coming along slowly like every other SACRIFICE album. "We have been using 'Atrocity' as the tentative album title.
"We have about five songs done, lots of ideas. I want to compare it to something, but it is a continuation of SACRIFICE. Dont worry, it doesnt sound like a style of new thrash...it is us. If anything, I, myself am looking at 'Forward To Termination' as the moodsetter. Listening to a lot of stuff that influenced us then...old METALLICA, SLAYER, MERCYFUL FATE, TROUBLE, EXODUS, D.R.I., DISCHARGE, RUSH, Di'Anno MAIDEN. One thing I think we are all on board with, is that the drums will be real. None of this sampled sound with all the mistakes fixed... it will sound human. I am totally sick of that production style. It's time to bring a human sound with feeling back. Titles: 'Hiroshima', 'The Great Wall', 'Give Me Justice', 'Absolute Power Corrupts', and a bunch more tentative titles. "Our writing credo right now is 'no fucking compromise.' No fucking around. Yes, there will be some melody like all SACRIFICE, but make no mistake, this will be a fucking punishing thrash album." For the first time in 15 years, SACRIFICE reunited last September to headline the Day Of The Equinox II festival in Toronto, Ontario at the Opera House. The band's original lineup of guitarist/singer Rob Urbinati, guitarist Joe Rico, bassist Scott Watts and drummer Gus Pynn performed tracks from their classic metal releases: "Torment In Fire" (1986), "Forward To Termination" (1987) and "Soldiers of Misfortune" (1990).
26 July 2007
Metal Mind Productions will re-release two albums from long-Germany's PARADOX — "Product of Imagination" and "Heresy" — on August 13 in Europe and October 8 in North America (via MVD). Both titles are expanded with bonus material — live tracks, demos and video clips. In addition, each title will be made available in a new digipack edition on golden disc, digitally remastered using 24-bit technology, limited to a hand-numbered 2,000 copies.
The beginnings of PARADOX go back to 1986 when vocalist/guitarist Charly Steinhauer and drummer Axel Blaha formed the band in Würzburg, Germany. Markus Spyth (guitars) and Roland Stahl (bass) joined the band to complete PARADOX's first official lineup. Year 1986 also brought the group's first demo tape sent to Roadrunner Records who decided to sign the band for a worldwide record deal.
26 July 2007
Melissa Records, the Dutch label exclusively dedicated to releasing metal from the USA, is proud to reveal the tracklist and artwork for the upcoming debut album by New England’s THREE HEADED MONSTER, 3HM for short.
3HM will feature eight songs of instrumental metal madness, in a style that deftly mixes power and thrash metal with a truckload of guitar shred. The song titles are: 'Varan', 'Perfect-Plex', 'The Beast Of Odo Island', 'Ultimate Rage', 'Bloodbath II', 'Ides Of March', 'Bitter End', 'Engines Of AKI'.
Comments guitarist Chris Cecchini in the band’s studio diary: "So late last year we walked into Jay Maas' Getaway Studios, determined to make the very best funk/r&b/jazz fusion album for you. Then suddenly, we remembered that we were a metal band and that we didn't have any funk/jazz/fusion songs, all we had were metal songs! Would this still be the greatest funk album of all time?! Then most of us (except Andy) remembered that funk was really gay and we soon discovered that we had the makings of a bad ass metal album on our hands, and away we went!" The striking artwork (pictured) comes courtesy of Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove Design (www.darkgrove.net). Yrlund is well-known for his work on numerous sleeve and booklet designs (SEVENTH CALLIN, TÝR, EVERON and SATYRIAN to name but a few).
3HM will be released on Melissa Records in the fall of 2007, together with Evolution Bound, the debut album from technical power metallers ANCIENT CREATION.
26 July 2007
Former PAGAN'S MIND guitarist Thorstein Aaby, who played on the band's 2000 debut "Infinity Divine" and 2002 follow-up "Celestial Entrance", has passed away today (July 24th). He was 36. A statement from the band reads as follows:
On the night of 24th of July, our dear friend Thorstein passed on. After a long time of illness,things took a turn for the worse the last weeks. Thorstein has been a respected member of the local music environment since the mid-eighties, later nationwide and also outside of Norwegian borders - all well deserved.
Well known for his skills with the guitar as well as his easy going personality - he was the kind of guy who got more and more friends for each gig he did. Thorstein did two albums while he was in Pagan's Mind; Infinity Divine and Celestial Entrance, and after parting with the band Thorstein quickly moved on and joined SMALLTOWN ROCKETS.
26 July 2007
German power metallers ANGEL DUST have issued the following update:
"The new album will be called "VII", which is quite obvious. The seventh album will released in 2007. A exact date is not certain yet, the recordings are making very slow progress.
VII will feature the following tracks: 'Before My Fall', 'Shoot The Needle', 'Marching - Stampeding', 'Alien Man', 'One More Time', 'Street Of Iron Will', 'Consumed', 'Fear No Evil'.
Angel Dust 2007 features: Dirk Assmuth (drums), Bernd Aufermann (guitar), Christian Pohlmann (bass), Steven Banx (keyboard), Carsten Kaiser, (vocals)
26 July 2007
The following is an update from famed vocalist James Rivera (HELSTAR, DESTINY'S END, SEVEN WITCHES, VICIOUS RUMORS) regarding the recording process for HELSTAR's new album:
"The band completed the basic tracking of the new album, guitar solos and all. The basic tracks were recorded at Bravo Studios in Houston, and trust me - these simlpy being the basic tracks, this album will be heavy and dark! As for the vocals, I am on my metal crusade to the western hemisphere of the US. My first stretch of the journey began Tuesday, July 17th, from Houston to El Paso, which believe it or not, is half of the trip to LA; that's how big Texas is! There I stayed with a metal comrade from INNOCENT EXILE, one of the best bands in the area. From El Paso my next stop will be Flagstaff, Arizona, a small town that is rumored to have the best climate in the US. Following Flagstaff, I will then travel to Las Vegas, where I've managed to squeeze in two shows in the area with my BLACK SABBATH and JUDAS PRIEST tribute entitled SABBATH JUDAS SABBATH. From there it's on to Bill Metoyer's in Northridge, California where the screams from Hel will begin! Once I have arrived and begun recording, I will send another update."
26 July 2007
Brothers and former SEPULTURA bandmates Max and Igor Cavalera are making music together again. Along with Marc Rizzo (SOULFLY) and Joe Duplantier (GOJIRA), they are known as INFLIKTED.
26 July 2007
Dutch progressive metalband CIRRHA NIVA has found a new vocalist to replace the recently departed Arnold Kloek. The new singers name is Legrand and he did an amazing 5-song audition. He learned the songs in only a few weeks and was very convincing while performing for and with the band. The minute they started playing the first song, it felt so good that the band offered Legrand the job right after the audition. More info and details can be found on the bands's website (see LINKS).
26 July 2007
CANDLEMASS
have confirmed the dates for their upcoming European tour, which kicks off late August.
The details are as follows:
Aug. 31 - Malmö, Sweden - KB
Sep. 01 - Copenhagen, Denmark - The Rock
Sep. 02 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
Sep. 03 - Berlin, Germany - Kato
Sep. 04 - Nürnberg, Germany - Hirsch
Sep. 06 - Essen, Germany - Turock
Sep. 07 - Eindhoven, Holland - Dynamo
Sep. 08 - Würzburg, Germany - Soundpark Ost
Sep. 09 - Rijssen, Holland - Lucky
Sep. 11 - Leeds, UK - Rio's
Sep. 12 - London, UK - Dingwalls
Sep. 13 - Antwerp, Belgium - Trix
Sep. 15 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
Sep. 16 - Milano, Italy - Transilvania
Sep. 19 - Budapest, Hungary - A 38
Sep. 20 - Krakow, Poland - Studio
Sep. 22 - Flensburg, Germany - Roxy
Sep. 23 - Göteborg, Sweden - Sticky FIngers
Sep. 24 - Linköping, SwedenvAtmosfär
Sep. 26 - Stockholm, Sweden - Klubben
Sep. 29 - Thessaloniki, Greece - Idrogios
Sep. 30 - Athens, Greece - Gagarin 205
CANDLEMASS' new album, "King of the Grey Islands", has entered the Greek chart at position No. 10. As previously reported, the CD debuted on the German Media Control chart at No. 83.
"King of the Grey Islands" is the first CANDLEMASS album to feature singer Robert Lowe (SOLITUDE AETURNUS), who replaced Messiah Marcolin earlier in the year. CANDLEMASS celebrated its 20th anniversary at a special concert held at Stockholm's Kolingsborg on March 31, 2007. The band performed with no less than seven (!) different vocalists at the show — including the band's former singers Johan Langquist and Tomas Vikström, plus Lowe.
18 July 2007
BIOMECHANICAL has posted the following message at the band's MySpace page:
"Unfortunately Matt C has left Biomechanical for personal reasons. He is one of the best drummers we had the fortune to work with and we wish him all the best!
We are just about to finish our third album but it seems the release will be delayed as a result of the live situation plus the record label wants to make sure that the release will happen on a time where it will get it's maximum support. Will announce the new release date soon.''
Biomechanical are on the lookout for a drummer. For any enquiries please email info@biomechanical.co.uk.
BIOMECHANICAL's new album, "Cannibalised", is due to be released early 2008 via Earache Records.
18 July 2007
Prodisk will reissuing the entire catalog from Canadian cult metal band OBLIVEON. Out of print for many years, "From This Day Forward" (1990), "Nemesis" (1993), "Cybervoid" (1996) and "Carnivore Mothermouth" (1999) will finally be available again to all metal fans on September 4 in all good record stores. Prodisk will offer various packages for this very special occasion.
OBLIVEON will play in Montreal for one night only at Les 25 Ans Du Métal Festival on August 31.
18 July 2007
Reactivated Australian thrashers MORTAL SIN have inked a deal with Riot Entertainment. The group's new album, "An Absence of Faith", will be released later in the year.
MORTAL SIN last year recorded nine live tracks with producer Phil McKellar as a pre-production demo for this upcoming full-length release.
18 July 2007
OVERKILL has set "Immortalis" as the title of its new album, due this fall via Bodog Music. The group's collaboration with Bodog reunites OVERKILL with Jonny and Marsha Zazula, previous owners of Megaforce Records, the label responsible for putting metal on the map and bringing OVERKILL's New Jersey thrash metal to the world. The Zazulas are now a part of the Bodog Music team in the United States.
The upcoming album and corresponding East Coast tour will feature OVERKILL's latest lineup, which along with Ellsworth, includes original bassist D.D. Verni, guitarists Derek "The Skull" Tailer and Dave Linsk, as well as the newest member to join the band, drummer Ron Lipnicki. Ellsworth says Lipnicki "adds a new dimension of brutality to a proven formula. I was knocked on my ass by his talent. We look forward to debuting him on our upcoming Bodog Music release."
18 July 2007
UFO guitarist Vinnie Moore is working on his upcoming solo album which will feature BLACK LABEL SOCIETY bassist and drummer Van Romaine. 11 songs will appear on the long-awaited follow-up to his 2001 Shrapnel release "Defying Gravity". Moore website has posted the following update: "Vinnie has been in the studio recording keyboards for his new record with keyboardist Tim Lehner. The sessions are going well and will be finished this week. The mixing is tentatively scheduled to start in July or August. Please stay tuned for more details."
18 July 2007
HOLY MOSES will be on tour with OBITUARY in January 2008. The tour will be all over Europe. The tour dates will follow soon.
18 July 2007
SIEGES EVEN will appear at the first German ProgPower-Festival Rhein Main 2007 in Rüsselsheim on November 16 at Das Rind). NEMO from France will open the festival, followed by Sieges Even. THE FLOWER KINGS will be headlining.
18 July 2007
Tampa, Florida-based DENIAL FIEND - the new project that unites vocalist Kam Lee (MASSACRE, DEATH) with bassist Terry Butler (Massacre, Death, SIX FEET UNDER), drummer Curtis Beeson (NASTY SAVAGE), and Sam Williams (DOWN BY LAW, PSEUDO HEROES) - are hitting the road in Europe this fall. The five-piece will also headline under the legendary monicker MASSACRE. Other acts on the bill include JUNGLE ROT, EXTERMINATOR and ASHURA.
Dates are as follows:
October
26 - Berlin, Germany- K17
27 - Stockholm, Sweden - TBA
28 - Kopenhagen, Denmark - TBA
29 - Flensburg, Germany - TBA
30 - Glauchau, Germany - Alte Spinnerei
31 - Koln, Germany - TBA
November
1 - Adelsheim, Germany - TBA
2 - Pratteln, Switzerland - TBA
3 - Munchen, Germany - TBA
4 - Eindhoven, Holland - TBA
14 - Tilburg, Holland - TBA
15 - Belgium - TBA
16 - Manchester, UK - TBA
17 - Dublin, Ireland - TBA
18 - London, UK - TBA
18 July 2007
THRESHOLD's singer Mac has astonished his fellow band members by deciding NOT to perform at this weekend's Metal Camp and Earthshaker festivals in Slovenia and Germany. "Mac was due to arrive in England on Saturday for band rehearsals, but on Saturday morning he sent us a short email saying he has to get on with his life and he's not coming", keyboarder Richard West states. "It was totally unexpected and we're all shocked by the news. Mac won't answer our phone calls so we can't get any more information from him. With two festivals to perform next weekend our only option was to cancel the shows or find a replacement singer.
"Fortunately the band's previous singer Damian Wilson has come to the rescue and will perform at the festivals with the band for the first time since 1997! Richard: " He's now very busy learning the new material in time for Friday's show in Slovenia. We don't know what the long-term solution is, our focus right now is on the two festivals, we'll see how they go and take it from there." Damian Wilson is currently lead singer for the band HEADSPACE.
10 July 2007
Mario's Metal Meeting is a new initiative from Mario's Metal Mania webzine and the festival will take place on 11/11/2007 at venue 013, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
The first bands that did confirm are:
DREAMLAND (Power Metal from Gothenburg, Sweden)
RAVENSTHORN (Old School Horror/Heavy Metal from Chicago, Illinois, USA)
DIVINE RUINS (US / Power Metal (with ex- Shadowkeep frontman Ronnie Stixx) from San Antonio, Texas, USA)
IMPERIOUS REX (Speed Metal from Los Angeles, California, USA)
Organizer & webmaster Mario van Dooren is still busy with a more wellknown headliner and hopes to announce this band within a few weeks.....keep an eye on Mario's Metal Mania for the latest news!!
10 July 2007
GRIM REAPER has replaced MALICE on the billing of the Headbangers Open Air festival, set to take place July 12-14 in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany.
The running order for the event is as follows:
Thursday, July 12:
SIXTH ALLOY (GER) 18.00-18.45
SILVER FIST (ESP) 19.00-19.50
INTENSE (UK) 20.05-20.55
GRIM REAPER (UK) 21.15-22.20
WOLF (SWE) 22.40-24.00
Friday, July 13:
ETERNAL LEGACY (USA) 14.00-14.45
KAOS (USA) 15.00-15.45
RAVEN BLACK NIGHT (AUS) 16.00-16.45
KALEDON (I) 17.00-17.45
BEYOND FALLEN (USA) 18.00-18.50
PARAGON (GER) 19.05-19.55
WARNING SF (USA) 20.10-21.05
VENGEANCE (NL) 21.25-22.20
SINNER (GER) 22.40-23.50
HALLOWEEN (USA) 00.10-01.20
Saturday, July 14:
DECEPTIVE SILENCE (GER) 12.00-12.45
KNIGHT ERRANT (TUR) 13.00-13.45
HOLLOW GROUND (UK) 14.00-14.45
THE BLACK (I) 15.00-15.45
TAUNTED (USA) 16.00-16.50
AVENGER (UK) 17.05-17.55
BULLET (SWE) 18.10-19.05
WRETCH (USA) 19.20-20.15
MOONSORROW (FIN) 20.30-21.40
CANDLEMASS (SWE) 22.00-23.20
RAGE (GER) 23.50-01.20
10 July 2007
Founded 1982 in Texas, HELSTAR went to a legend of the us metal scene with such albums like “Burning Star” (1984), “Remnants Of War” (1986), “A Distant Thunder” (1988) and “Nosferatu” (1989). After the split in the beginning of the nineties, James Rivera played in bands like Vigilante and New Eden before Helstar did a reunion and the album “Multiples In Back” in 1995. After the album, the band split again.
Afterwards, Rivera released several records with "Destiny's End", “Distant Thunder” and “Killing Machine” before he joined Vicious Rumors and did the recordings of their latest album. After playing with Vicious Rumors on this years “Bang Your Head” Festival, Rivera signed a long dated contract for Helstar with AFM Records.
Currently, the band is working in the studio and re-record some of the classics from the first Helstar records to put them on a best of album which will be released on November, 19, through AFM Records. This album will also contain 2 brandnew tracks! The new studio album of Helstar will be released around summer 2008. The AFM staff is proud to announce this new signing and ressurect the cult!
10 July 2007
Metal Mind Productions will release the first two albums from BLESSED DEATH on CD. "Kill or be Killed" and "Destined for Extinction" will each be made available in a new digipack edition on golden disc, digitally remastered using 24-bit technology and limited to a hand-numbered 2,000 copies. Both titles will be released on August 6 in Europe and September in the U.S. (via MVD).
To this day, BLESSED DEATH remains one of the most interesting and respectable metal bands of the whole '80s thrash scene. In their times, they easily proved that, next to TESTAMENT, SLAYER and KREATOR, there was still room for originality in complex speed/thrash combinations. "Kill Or Be Killed" was one of the most thrilling debuts in the thrash history of the '80s. The release was a testimony of the band's supreme thrash abilities: fast riffs, angry drums and the piercing vocals of Larry Portelli, whose insane screams and melodic singing blended into a truly hypnotizing combination. "Destined for Extinction", more complex and intense than the debut, introduced nine destructive tracks, all exposing sheer brilliancy in composing technical speed/thrash. For the band, this was a definite step forward towards excellence — far better production and more aggressive sound made this album into a masterpiece.
10 July 2007
Atlanta's HALLOWS EVE have issued the following update:
"The next Hallows Eve recordings are in progress and feature the line-up of original lead vocalist Stacy Andersen as well as Doyle Bright, formerly of RIGOR MORTIS, plus Chris Abbomonte on guitars, and still holding down the rhythm section are Tommy Stewart, bass, and Dane Jensen, drums. The first new Hallows Eve song from this line-up will be available for listening very soon!"
10 July 2007
After their upcoming Headbangers Open Air appearance on June 13th/14th, in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany, Swedish power thrashers WOLF will be parting ways with bassist Mikael Goding.
10 July 2007
Longtime UK rockers GIRLSCHOOL have issued the following update:
"Original member Kelly Johnson (guitar) has been fighting an ongoing battle with cancer of the spine. For anybody who would like to send their best wishes or a personal message to Kelly please leave one here on the forum or at girlschool@hotmail.com and we'll make sure she gets it."
10 July 2007
EXODUS entered Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California on June 10 with producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, MACHINE HEAD, NEVERMORE, ARCH ENEMY) to begin recording their new album for a late 2007 release via Nuclear Blast Records. According to guitarist Lee Altus (also of HEATHEN), "Things are going really well! And we're almost done. All that's left to do are my solos and then we're on to mixing. As far as release date, I think that the label [Nuclear Blast] is shooting for late September early October."
EXODUS guitarist Gary Holt previously stated about the group's new material, "Everyone always talks about how their next record is the next this or that, all I'm going to say is this next record is a crushing landmark in EXODUS history. I am stoked. Truly. Man, this new shit is aggressive with a capital A! Thrash metal at its hardest."
10 July 2007
Legendary German progressive thrash outfit MEKONG DELTA has inked a deal with AFM Records for the release of its "comeback" album, "Lurking Fear". Due on August 24, the CD will be available as a standard jewelcase as well as a double vinyl album. The limited-edition digipack will include a bonus DVD containing the band's December 21, 1991 concert in Frankfurt, Germany.
As previously reported, MEKONG DELTA's current lineup includes mainman/bassist Ralf Hubert alongside drummer Uli Kusch (ex-MASTERPLAN, HELLOWEEN), singer Leo Szpigiel (ANGEL DUST, CROWS, SCANNER, DUKE) and guitarist Peter Sjöberg (also known as Peter Lake from THEORY IN PRACTICE).
Commented Hubert: "I dismissed one song idea after another and around 2005, I finally found what I was looking for. A fusion of all the music I wrote in the past, so to say: an 'Erich Zann is Dancing in an Kaleidoscope full of Doubt having Visions Fugitives.' Right at this point of time, Peter Lake, probably one of the best guitar players in Europe, contacted me and I knew that the time is right to do a new album."
Zardoz Music in 2005 released a two-CD, 22-song compilation, entitled "The Principle of Doubt", containing selections from various MEKONG DELTA albums.
10 July 2007
Heavy metal vocalist ROB ROCK (ex-IMPELLITTERI, DRIVER, JOSHUA) has been updated with the following message:
"The new ROB ROCK soloalbum 'Garden of Chaos' is now complete! So far the reaction to the album has been fantastic! Keep an eye out in August/September for the new release. The album was produced by ROB ROCK guitarist CJ Grimmark and co-produced by Roy Z (JUDAS PRIEST, BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD) and Rob Rock. Rob wrote seven of the 11 tracks with longtime partner Roy Z, and the other tracks were co-written by Rob with Gus G. (FIREWIND), CJ Grimmark, Bob Rossi, and Liza Rock. The album was mixed and mastered at Hansen Studios in Denmark by Jacob Hansen."
10 July 2007
Reunited '80s Sacramento, California thrash band SENTINEL BEAST is currently working on its second album, due out before the end of the year. In the meantime, the group has scheduled several Sacramento dates, including July 20 at the Kennel Club, August 11-12 at The Roadhouse, and August 19 at The Kennel Club with VICIOUS RUMORS.
Sentinal Beast has been confirmed for the Keep It True X festival, dubbed "Reign Of The Tyrant", set to take place April 4-5, 2008 at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany. The band will also appear at the Up The Hammers festival in Athens, Greece. A European tour with OMEN is said to be in the works.
SENTINEL BEAST was formed in Sacramento in 1984 by Debbie Gunn, Mike Spencer (bass), and Scott Awes (drums). During this time, the axes were played by Greg Williams and Jerry Fraiser, later to be replaced by Barry Fischel and Mark Koyasako. Discovered by Kerry King of SLAYER, the band recorded and released the influential "Depths of Death" album, on Metal Blade Records, in 1986 and the band later went on to open shows for the likes of SLAYER, EXODUS, MEGADETH, MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND, and others. The band broke up when Mike Spencer joined FLOTSAM AND JETSAM as the replacement for Jason Newsted when the latter left for METALLICA. Debbie Gunn departed for Chicago shortly after to front ZNOWHITE, then relocated to Europe to join the all-female thrash pioneers, ICE AGE.
SENTINEL BEAST has returned with the belting vocals of Debbie Gunn, Kenny Eckhart and Dana Lindstrom on guitars, Nic Atomica X on bass, and the fresh drum attacks of Scott Fuller. Watch for upcoming SENTINEL BEAST reissues with bonus tracks on Evil Legend Records.
10 July 2007
KING DIAMOND's management has issued the following statement:
"Most regretfully we have been forced to postpone the King Diamond Europe tour, scheduled for the fall of '07. King has, over the past month and a half, been suffering from severe pain in his back, and following several visits to doctors, specialists and most recently an MRI scan; he has been diagnosed a herniated disc in the spine, and prescribed absolute rest for several months. Failure to follow the doctors orders will cause irreparable damage to his spine, and for obvious reasons, there is no way he can go on tour and perform, with all the travel and physical activities this would include. We expect King to recover fully after a prolonged period of rest, and we are determined to reschedule the tour dates, not cancel the tour. Further details of the re-schedule of the Europe tour will be given at www.covenworldwide.org as soon as possible. Since we will need some time to reschedule; tickets already purchased will be refunded the way this is usually done. The U.S. tour will not be affected by this. All should be well by early 2008."
10 July 2007
Reactivated Los Angeles-based thrashers HIRAX have announced the following fall European live dates (venue details to follow):
Sep. 20 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sep. 21 - Dokkem, Netherlands
Sep. 22 - Wattrelos, France
Sep. 23 - Biebob Belgien
Sep. 24 - Köln, Germany
Sep. 25 - Berlin, Germany
Sep. 26 - Nürnberg, Germany
Sep. 27 - Lebach, Germany
Sep. 28 - Uster, Switzerland
Sep. 29 - Lörach, Germany
Poland's Selfmadegod Records released the five-song mini-album from Hirax, entitled "Assassins of War", in March.
14 June 2007
Reformed cult German progressive metal band SIEGES EVEN has revealed the cover artwork for its new album, "Paramount", due in September via Inside Out Music.
SIEGES EVEN's current lineup consists of Arno Menses (vocals), Oliver Holzwarth (bass), Markus Steffen (guitars) and Alex Holzwarth (drums, RHAPSODY).
"Paramount Tour 2007" dates:
Oct. 05 - München, Metropolis (DE)
Oct. 06 - Musichall, Weiher (DE)
Oct. 07 - Progpower Europe Festival 2007, Baarlo (NL)
Oct. 08 - Markthalle, Hamburg (DE)
Oct. 09 - Colosaal, Aschaffenburg (DE)
Oct. 10 - Die Röhre, Stuttgart (DE)
Oct. 11 - Zentrum Altenberg, Oberhausen (DE)
Oct. 12 - Rock City, Uster/Zürich (CH)
Oct. 13 – Reigen Wien (A)
Oct. 14 - Bergkeller, Reichenbach (DE)
Oct. 15 - Universum, Bünde (DE)
Oct. 16 - Spirit of 66, Verviers (BE)
14 June 2007
New Jersey-based metallers OVERLORDE have parted ways with vocalist Bobby Lucas. Appearing on stage with the band during its upcoming set at Brooklyn Metalfest II will be singer Chris Colfax.
OVERLORDE, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2005, is said to be one of the originators of the U.S. power metal style. The band's latest CD, titled "Return of the Snow Giant", is out on Sonic Age Records.
14 June 2007
Los Angeles old-school thrashcore band OBSCENE GESTURE, which features in its ranks Chuck Profus (original AGENT STEEL drummer), George Robb (original AGENT STEEL bassist) and Juan Garcia (AGENT STEEL guitarist; ex-ABATTOIR, EVILDEAD), has inked a deal with Xtreem Music for the release of its full-length debut, entitled "Living in Profanity".
Due on August 1, "Living in Profanity" was produced by Rob Hill (POWERMAN 5000, AGENT STEEL, TOURETTES) and includes 21 tracks at a blistering 37 minutes. The band is currently setting up a West Coast tour, including dates with fellow L.A. bands AGENT STEEL and INSECTICIDE.
According to a press release, OBSCENE GESTURE's music is "a relentless mixture of old-school '80s thrash, hardcore and punk in the vein of bands like D.R.I., CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, SLAYER, LETHAL AGGRESSION, CRUMBSUCKERS and THE ACCUSED."
For more information, visit www.obscenegesture.net.
14 June 2007
San Francisco-based power metallers IMAGIKA has signed a new record deal with Sleaszy Rider Records for the release of their "My Bloodied Wings" CD in Europe.
The CD will be repackaged for the release. A fall release date is expected. The original version was released in North America by Crash Music last July. Sleaszy Rider will also release Imagika's new CD next spring. The band will record the CD in late August with Andy LaRocque again handling the production.
Imagika has also recruited Noor LaCroix as their new guitarist to replace Pat Toms who left the band last year.
14 June 2007
Canuck metallers ANVIL will be doing a small European tour in August/September 2007.
Dates are as follows:
August
25 - The Underworld - London, England
26 - Tba - Deal, England
28 - Negasonic Music Club - Aalst, Belgium
29 - Negasonic Music Club - Aalst, Belgium
September
1 - Cafe Cairo - Wurzburg, Germany
Anvil's recently completed new album, "This Is Thirteen", appears to be sitting in limbo with no label or release date confirmed. Produced Chris Tsangarides (Metal On Metal, Forged In Fire) in 2006, the album will contain 13 tracks.
14 June 2007
Dark melodic rockers, ICARUS WITCH have been called up from the Magick Records farm team at the Cleopatra Label Group to become the priority roster band for Cleopatra Records. The label states "It's an exciting time at Cleopatra with our new distributor, Koch providing a major label level of coverage. Icarus Witch is poised to reap the rewards of this new merger, based on the outstanding performance of 2005's "Capture The Magic" album, we feel this band will become a major player in the hard rock scene with the September 11th release of "Songs For The Lost". Judging from the mixes we're hearing, this record will not only set the band apart from their peers but is really breaking new ground with classic metal song writing set to a slamming modern production from Eric Klinger (PRO-PAIN)."
"Songs For The Lost" will be released simultaneously in Europe by Italy's Cruz Del Sur Music.
14 June 2007
San Francisco Bay Area metallers LAAZ ROCKIT have issued the following update:
"Laaz had a great time at the European shows in April. We would like to thank all the fans that were able to come out and support us . The Keep it True festival in Germany was truly an epic show that will go down in Laaz's history as an ass wupin'. With all the positive feed back from our fan's and sales of the DVD we are pleased to announce that we will be embarking on new record for the masses."
"This is going to be an exciting and long overdue project " say's singer Michael Coons. "We owe it to our fans and ourselves to make this record a special one" adds guitarist Aaron Jellum. The band adds: "We hope to get the project done this year for release early '08. We appreciate all the visits and comment's to the site. Keep your eye's peeled and you ears open for more re-releases of our back catalog on Old School Metal Records!"
Laaz Rockit's reissue of their City's Gonna Burn album is avaiable via OSM Records. This will be the first re-release of the band's back catalog. City's Gonna Burn was remastered by Colin Davis at Imperial Mastering (www.imperialmastering.com). The artwork was updated by Mark DeVito of MetalBabies (www.metalbabies.com).
The CD includes the following tracklisting: 'City’s Gonna Burn', 'Caught In The Act', 'Take No Prisoners', 'Dead Man’s Eye', 'Forced To Fight', 'Silent Scream', 'Prelude', 'Something More'. Bonus Tracks: 'Prelude To Death', 'Black Leather', 'Silent Scream'. OSM Records plans to remaster and re-release the Laaz Rockit back catalog all the way up to Annihilation Principals over the next year.
14 June 2007
Danish metallers MANTICORA have issued the following update:
"Manticora and Intromental Management are very proud to announce that Manticora will be one of the official support band on the up-coming European KING DIAMOND tour that will run from October through December 2007. Manticora will take part of the continental European part of the tour, meaning that the first Manticora supported show will be in Warszaw, Poland on November 6th and the last show will be in London, in early December. Manticora will share the support slot with fellow colleagues and good friends LOCH VOSTOK. Now, go buy your ticket for the show."
Confirmed King Diamond, Manticora, Loch Vostok fall European dates include:
October
17 - Voxhall - Aarhus, Denmark
19 - KB - Malmö, Sweden
20 - Amager Bio - Copenhagen, Denmark
23 - Tavastia - Helsinki, Finland
24 - Tavastia - Helsinki, Finland
26 - Teatria - Oulu, Finland
27 - Pekkahoune - Tampere, Finland
29 - Klubben - Stockholm, Sweden
31 - Arenan - Gothenborg, Sweden
November
2 - Metal Massacre III - Linköping, Sweden
3 - Betong Screamfest - Oslo, Norway (headline show)
6 - Stodola Club - Warsaw, Poland
7 - Club Studio - Krakow, Poland
9 - Retro Music Hall - Prague, Czech Republic
10 - Masters Of Rock Cafe in Zlin, Czech Republic
21 - Alcatrazz - Milan, Italy
14 June 2007
Texas prog/power metallers KRUCIBLE are currently searching for a permanent drummer. The band features new vocalist Lance King (BALANCE OF POWER, PYRAMAZE), Eric Halpern (LEATHERWOLF, HELSTAR) on guitar, Shane DuBose (promoter of showcase night at ProgPower USA) on bass guitar, Don LaFon (SIX MINUTE CENTURY) on guitar and Adam Rawlings (VICTIM, MINDCRIME) on keyboards.
Those up for the gig, send a message to: nightdiscs@aol.com
14 June 2007
BLITZKRIEG are releasing their new album, "Theatre Of The Damned", via Armageddon Music on August 10th. The album was recorded recently at Absurd Studio in Hamburg, with producer Schroedey and was co-produced by SAXON singer Biff Byford. According to a press release, "Theatre Of The Damned" offers the same authentic heavy metal of the '80's along with a super freshness and total attitude."
14 June 2007
RAVEN will return to the studio in July to resume recording material for its new album, tentatively due late 2007/early July 2008.
14 June 2007
OBITUARY have set "Xecutioner's Return" as the title of their forthcoming album. The guys re working with artist Andreas Marshall for the cover art for "Xecutioner's Return." Marshall has worked with the band for "The End Complete" and their most recent record "Frozen in Time." Tracking of the record has now been completed with mixing and mastering now on schedule in the coming weeks.
14 June 2007
On July 25th, BMG/Bronze Japan are reissuing the following classic MOTORHEAD titles as remastered limited paper sleeves: Motorhead (1977), Overkill (1979), Bomber (1979), Ace Of Spades (1980), No Sleep 'til Hammersmith (1981), Iron Fist (1982), Another Perfect Day (1983), No Remorse (1984), Orgasmatron (1986), Rock 'n' Roll (1987), No Sleep at All (1988). Each title features extensive bonus material.
14 June 2007
OVERKILL have inked a new deal with Bodog Music, who will release the band's newest studio album this fall. The signing will reunite Overkill with Jonny and Marsha Zazula, previous owners of Megaforce Records, the label responsible for putting metal on the map and bringing Overkill's New Jersey thrash metal to the world. The Zazulas are now a part of the Bodog Music Team in the United States.
14 June 2007
Singer Anneke van Giersbergen is leaving THE GATHERING:
Dear all,
We are very sorry to announce the fact that Anneke has decided to leave the band in August 2007.
Anneke has several reasons not to be a member anymore. *We really regret the fact we could not find a way to continue together.*
However, we [the Gathering] will be working on new material with male & female vocalists. Expect a CD release somewhere in 2008.
With Anneke we've made great albums and did fantastic shows, which we are very proud of!
We had a great time! We wish Anneke all the best for the future.
The remaining festivals we will play together with Anneke. No new gigs will be scheduled.
The last gig with Anneke will be the Ankkarock Festival in Finland, the 4th of August.
Also the new DVD "A Noise Severe" as well as the double live CD will still be released this summer.
Frank, Hans, Marjolein & René.
THE GATHERING has launched a vocalist search following the departure of Anneke van Giersbergen. Interested male and female vocalists are invited to send a short bio and one or two MP3s to audition@gathering.nl.
4 June 2007
At the 1st of June the pre-sale for the Tilburg Headbangers Fest at Cafe Extase, Tilburg, The Netherlands started.
Tickets are € 10,-- in pre-sale and € 12,50 at the door. There are only 250 tickets availble, so be there metalheads!!! There will also be an afterparty at Cafe Little Devil in Tilburg.
Bands confirmed for the festival are: INNERWISH, EMERALD, HYADES, NOCTURNAL, CRUSTACEAN, GUN BARREL, ALTER EGO X, HELLISH CROSSFIRE.
The afterparty will also be blessed with 2 bands: ENFORCER & INCREMENTAL.
For more information click here.
4 June 2007
Canadian thrash metal pioneers RAZOR have been confirmed as the co-headliners of the Keep It True X festival, set to take place April 4-5, 2008 at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany.
Friday, April 4, 2008: TITAN FORCE, HELSTAR, OMEN, ATTACKER, METAL INQUISITOR, PHANTOM X
Saturday, April 5, 2008: JAG PANZER, MANILLA ROAD, RAZOR, CAGE, PHARAOH, CRESCENT SHIELD, DEMON EYES, BATTLE RAM
For more information visit their website (see LINKS)
4 June 2007
The 10th anniversary of Germany's Headbangers Open Air will take place on Thursday 12.07. - Saturday 14.07.2007 in Brande Hörnerkirchen (near Elmshorn).
Confirmed so far are: AVENGER (UK), BEYOND FALLEN (USA), BULLET (S), CANDLEMASS (S), DECEPTIVE SILENCE (D), ETERNAL LEGACY (USA), HALLOWEEN (USA), HOLLOW GROUND (UK), INTENSE (UK), KALEDON (IT), KAOS (USA), KNIGHT ERRANT (TR), MALICE (USA), MOONSORROW (FIN), PARAGON (D), RAGE (D), RAVEN BLACK NIGHT (AUS), SILVER FIST (E), SINNER (D), SIXTH ALLOY (D), TAUNTED (USA), THE BLACK (IT), VENGEANCE (NL), WARNING SF (USA), WOLF (S), WRETCH (USA).
For more information visit their website (see LINKS)
4 June 2007
Still riding high on last year's landmark album "Specs Of Pictures Burnt Beyond", ZERO HOUR's hard work and best lineup to date keeps paying off. Following their massive headlining European dates, a full US tour and intense positive coverage coming in from all over the globe over the last year, guitarist Jasun Tipton has landed a signature guitar deal by Germany's Manne Guitars (to view guitar click left). The band is currently in the studio working on their next album with more info to follow shortly on the opus' progress.
4 June 2007
Atlanta's HALLOW'S EVE have issued the following update regarding the writing/recording sessions for their forthcoming album:
"In approximately two weeks we'll drop a new Hallow's Eve song for you people to check out. No! not a 15 second sniplet... an entire song. Hang tight, metal family. It's coming!". The album, which sees original vocalist Stacey Andersen collaborating with original bassist Tommy Stewart will be released worldwide on Xtreem Music.
As previously reported, Metal Blade Records recently released a deluxe box set of remastered Hallows Eve material called History Of Terror. It includes all three of the bands Metal Blade albums. The release also includes a bonus DVD, liner notes and bonus material.
4 June 2007
LEATHERWOLF have signed a South American deal with Dynamo Productions for the release of "World Asylum" and the group's eponymous 1984 debut. A tentative release date has been set for early July.
The classic Leatherwolf line-up, including vocalist/guitarist Michael Olivieri and guitarist Carey Howe, are slated to co-headline the ninth edition of Germany's Keep It True Festival, scheduled for November 3 at the Sporthalle in Dittigheim.
4 June 2007
Cleveland based epic power metal band ETERNAL LEGACY have announced the release of their debut album, "The Coming Of The Tempest", for June 12th via Auburn Records. The album was produced by guitarist Jason Vanek and features cover art by renowned artist Mattias Noren (KAMELOT, JAG PANZER, INTO ETERNITY, EVERGREY).
The band are scheduled to play at Germany's Headbangers Open Air which will take place on Thursday 12.07. - Saturday 14.07.2007 in Brande Hörnerkirchen (see LINKS).
4 June 2007
Frontiers Records has announced the tracklisting for the forthcoming HALFORD "best of" release, "Metal God Essentials - Volume 1" out in Europe on June 8th. The album includes the Halford band's first new songs in more than four years - 'Forgotten Generation' and 'Drop Out' - plus an exclusive Attie Bauw mix for 'Redemption' and the 1999 demo version of 'Silent Screams'.
Metal God Essentials, which comes with a luxury 20 pages full colour booklet, offers a Bonus DVD featuring eight (8) Halford promotional videos in an enhanced digi-pack. Frontiers Records will also release three (3) new box sets during the fall 2007 and in early 2008.
The FIGHT and Halford box sets will feature a 5.1 DVD documentary and live concert performance, remastered audio releases, expanded booklet, rare and unreleased photos and liner notes. The box sets are tentatively titled: Fight - War Of Words The Film - Box Set, Halford - Live at Rock In Rio III - Box Set, Halford - Live Crucible World Tour - Box Set.
4 June 2007
US death metallers OBITUARY have confirmed "Xecutioner's Return" as the title for their forthcoming album. The album's release date has been pushed forward to August 28 from the earlier announced September 11 date. The band are working with artist Andreas Marshall for the cover art for Xecutioner's Return. Marshall has worked with the band for The End Complete and their most recent record Frozen in Time. Tracking of the record has now been completed with mixing and mastering now on schedule in the coming weeks.
4 June 2007
ROSE TATTOO bassist Steven King is leaving the band to pursue his own musical goals. According to frontman Angry Anderson: "The rest of the band wish 'Kingy' all the best in his future plans. Losing a member is always unsettling but time has taught me that all things happen for a reason and for the best. The band and Steven are moving in different directions so it's time for a change. These are definitely the last days for Rose Tattoo and we need to go out being true to ourselves. The songs that Mick (Cocks) and I are writing are taking a different direction. Those that like the Blood Brothers album will understand the next album. I will ask Geordie Leach to come back and play with us for a while."
4 June 2007
C-187, the new band featuring former PESTILENCE mainman Patrick Mameli (guitar) alongside Tony Choy (bass; ATHEIST; ex-CYNIC), Sean Reinert (drums; CYNIC, ex-DEATH) and Tony Jelencovich (vocals; M.A.N, ex-TRANSPORT LEAGUE, MNEMIC), is putting the finishing touches on its debut album, entitled "Collision", with Danish producer Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, INVOCATOR). The CD was recorded at Spacelab Studios in Oedt/Moers (near Düsseldorf), Germany and is scheduled for release late August via Mascot Records, with a tour to follow beginning on October 5 in The Netherlands.
4 June 2007
NIGHTWISH have finally announced their new singer. Her name is Anette Olzon, and all you need to know about this new leading lady can be found on the Nightwish homepage.
23 May 2007
US power metallers ARCTIC FLAME have issued the following update:
"Well the title for the next Arctic Flame CD has finally been established. Declaration should be finished at the end of the summer. Due to scheduling conflicts, relocation of their studio, and the recording of the next ATTACKER CD, Mike Sabatini will not be able to finish the rest of the AF project. Dave Manheimer who just completed the new SYMPHONY X record will produce the bands second effort."
23 May 2007
MOTORHEAD's upcoming European tour schedule is as follows:
May
23 - Isetres, France at L'Usine
24 - Nice, France at Theatre De Verdure
25 - Toulouse, France at Zenith
27 - Lyon, France at Halle Tony Garnier
29 - Lille, France at Zenith
30 - Nancy, France at Zenith
31 - Dijon, France at Zenith.
June
2 - Zurich, Switzerland at Winterthur, Eishalle Dewutweg
3 - Luxembourg at Rockhal
5 - Limoges, at France Zenith
6 - Caen, France at Zenith
9 - Solvesborg, Sweden at Sweden RockJune
12 - Thessaloniki, Greece at Principal Club
13 - Athens, Greece at Fencing Olympic Complex
17 - Nijmegen, Holland at Fields of Rock
20 - Rome, Italy at Olympic Stadium
23 - Zaragoza, Spain at Monsters of Rock
29 - Zrenjanin, Serbia at Road Fest Festival.
July
21 - Kreuth, Germany at Earthshaker Fest
28 - Seinajoki, Finland at Race & Rock Festival.
August
17 - Steinkjer, Norway at Steinkjerfestivalen Festival
19 - Biddinghuizen, Holland at Lowlands Festival.
23 May 2007
OVERKILL will release their new album in September/October via Bodog Music (North America) and TVT (Europe).
23 May 2007
BLACK MAJESTY update:
"We are pleased to offer a sneak preview from the forthcoming new Black
Majesty album "Tomorrowland" by featuring the album opening song 'Forever
Damned'. We hope this track gives everyone a taste of the new album. The
release date is set at June 1st for Europe with the rest of the world to
follow soon after. A digi-pack version of the new album will also be
released featuring two bonus tracks. We're looking forward to meeting
everyone in the coming months when we go on tour - if you get the chance
please come and say hello. Metal cheers from Australia, Black Majesty.
www.myspace.com/blackmajesty
UPCOMING TOUR DATES INCLUDE
13 - 15/7/2007 - Masters of Rock Open Air Festival CZECH REPUBLIC
20 - 21/7/2007 - Metal Universe Black Sun Fest. SLOVAKIA
27 - 29/7/2007 - Benatska Noc Festival CZECH REPUBLIC
1-8-2007 - Kain (Headline Show) CZECH REPUBLIC
3-8-2007 - Wacken Open Air Festival GERMANY
23 May 2007
HOLY MOSES are right now in the pre-production of the new album at the Blue Castle Studio in Hamburg, Germany. Also next to the studio production the band will play special shows during the summer and will show up for some exclusively Club- and Open Air Shows, before a huge European Tour will start in 2008. More news later.....
23 May 2007
MESSIAH'S KISS, the German/American/British metal act featuring RIOT singer Mike Tirelli, have issued the following update:
"The man who will brandish his axe at the side of George Kraft will be Jason Banks. The brother of bassist Wayne, already known in the scene when he was playing for BLAZE BAYLEY among others, came to rehearse with us at the Messiah’s Kiss headquarters in Germany between May 18th – 20th.
23 May 2007
Technical metal pioneers ATHEIST have issued the following update:
"In case you didn't already know, Atheist will be playing The Live Metal Club in Bucharest, Romania on June 21. There is also the (date yet to be confirmed) FINAL! Atheist show in NYC... this will be filmed for a DVD There will be no others! This is your last chance! (and you get to be on the DVD you lucky bastards!) Make sure you go show your appreciation!
23 May 2007
ICED EARTH mainman Jon Schaffer has posted the following update at the official Iced Earth website:
"Our new guitar player's name is Troy Seele. Troy did a few solos on the new record and will be touring with us. He's been a friend of mine for about ten years and is from the Indianapolis (Indy) area. He's by far the best guitar player in Indy and will be bringing some cool vibes to the table."
Iced Earth's new EP, "Overture Of The Wicked", is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com This title will be released on June 5th, 2007. The EP includes the new song 'Ten Thousand Strong' and a newly recorded version of the Something Wicked Trilogy featuring the songs 'Prophecy', 'Birth Of The Wicked' and 'The Coming Curse'.
23 May 2007
KING DIAMOND's management are working out details that will see the band embark on a US club tour early in 2008. Route planning and agent solicitations are underway. Metal Blade Records will release the album, "Give Me Your Soul... ", in North America on June 26th. Massacre Records in Germany will release the album on June 29th.
Give Me Your Soul... Please features the following tracks: 'The Dead', 'Never Ending Hill', 'Is Anybody Here?', 'Black Of Night', Mirror, Mirror', 'The Cellar', 'Pictures In Red', 'Gimme Your Soul', 'The Floating Head', 'Cold As Ice', 'Shapes Of Black', 'The Girl In The Bloody Dress', 'Moving On'.
23 May 2007
The title of the upcoming EPICA album will be "The Divine Conspiracy". "The Divine Conspiracy" is now being mixed, once again by renowned producer Sascha Paeth and is due to be released around August/ September this year via Nuclear Blast Records.
7 May 2007
JAG PANZER's 1998 album, "The Age Of Mastery", is being reissued on limited Grey Steel vinyl (500 hand-numbered copies) on May 5th via Night Of The Vinyl Dead. The tracklisting is as follows:
Side A - 'Iron Eagle', 'Lostful And Free', 'Twilight Years', 'Sworn To Silence', 'False Messiah', 'The Age Of Mastery'.
Side B - 'Viper', 'Displacement', 'Chain Of Command', 'Take This Pain Away', 'Burning Heart', 'The Moors'.
7 May 2007
Independent record label Melissa Records, based in The Netherlands and solely dedicated to traditional forms of metal from the USA, have announced the signing of two promising acts, ANCIENT CREATION and 3 HEADED MONSTER. A press release regarding the signings reads as follows:
Ancient Creation, hailing from the heart of Missouri, are a five-piece powermetalband with a distinctly technical edge. With a few demos under their belt, the band focuses on songs with strong melodies driven by classic guitar harmonies and vocals with a bite. The first official full-length will contain a dozen tracks that will appeal to fans of intricate compositions and fiery guitar work, stylistically leaning toward Texas metal from the mid-eighties.
Melissa Records have also added New England’s 3 Headed Monster to their roster of US underground acts. The four former high school buddies have been kicking ass for a number of years already with their all-instrumental blend of genres, varying from power and thrash to prog and old-fashioned heavy metal. While conceptually 3 Headed Monster keep their tongues firmly in cheek with monster movie and pro-wrestling themes, they’re dead serious about their metal.
Both the Ancient Creation and 3 Headed Monster discs are set for an autumn 2007 release on Melissa Records, who will kick off their releasing schedule with BEYOND FALLEN and SEVENTH CALLING this spring.
7 May 2007
SILENT FORCE have announced their confirmation for The Netherlands Eternal Rock Fest, scheduled for October 13th in Geleen. More info on the festival can be found here.
7 May 2007
A preview for the upcoming DVD from Boston thrash pioneers WARGASM has been posted online at this location. The above mentioned DVD "is going to be a historical look at the band, and will include songs from the reunion show (held September 18th at the Middle East Club in Cambridge, MA), as well as other stuff from the vaults." More details as they surface.
7 May 2007
OMEN and PHANTOM X have been confirmed for Germany's Keep It True X festival, which is scheduled to take place April 4-5, 2008 at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen.
The festival billing is now shaping up as follows:
Friday, April 4, 2008:
TITAN FORCE
HELSTAR
OMEN
ATTACKER
PHANTOM X
Saturday, April 5, 2008:
JAG PANZER
MANILLA ROAD
CAGE
PHARAOH
CRESCENT SHIELD
DEMON EYES
BATTLE RAM
More bands will be added during the coming months. For more information, visit www.keep-it-true.de.
7 May 2007
SHATTER MESSIAH, the Akron, Ohio-based band featuring former NEVERMORE/ANNIHILATOR guitarist Curran Murphy, ex-ANNIHILATOR drummer Robert Falzano & ex-ARCHETYPE/BREAKET singer Greg Wagner, has issued the following update:
"SHATTER MESSIAH would like to welcome Jason Chamberlain to the band as our new friend and bass player. Jason took the low end job for our '06 tour after Ron [Boisvert] had to bow out for personal reasons. Everyone in the SHATTER camp is still on good terms with Ron and we all wish him the best."
DCA Recordings last month released the critically acclaimed debut album by SHATTER MESSIAH, "Never to Play the Servant". The CD was released last year in Europe, and had only been available as an import outside the continent.
In June the band will embark on a North American tour as direct support to Finnish goth metal band TO/DIE/FOR. Also on the bill will be Australia's VIRGIN BLACK (The End Records) and Metal Blade recording artists EPICUREAN.
7 May 2007
PAIN OF SALVATION has issued the following update:
"We are sad to announce that Johan Langell [drums] has decided to leave the band, to focus on family. This is not a sudden decision, but something that has been pending for several years. As the band now rapidly continues to grow for each year, the time and commitment needed for being in studio and on tours increase. Not really wanting this, Johan chose to include the whole band in his doubts regarding this directly from the start, and now when the time has finally come.
7 May 2007
DREAM THEATER's new album, "Systematic Chaos", will be released on Tuesday, June 5th via Roadrunner Records. The release date may vary slightly in different countries. "Systematic Chaos" will be available as a regular jewel case edition and a Special Edition DVD version.
7 May 2007
The following classic RAINBOW albums will be repackaged into a deluxe box set due for release on May 23 in Japan via Universal International. Each disc comes as a paper sleeve replicating the original vinyl package. The box includes: Ritchie Blackmores Rainbow (1975), Rainbow Rising (1976), On Stage (1977), Long Live Rock N Roll (1978), Down To Earth (1979), Difficult To Cure (1981), Straight Between The Eyes (1982), Bent Out Of Shape (1983) and Final Vinyl (1986).
7 May 2007
AGENT STEEL have confirmed dates on the ALIENIGMA EUROPEAN TOUR 2007 with VICIOUS RUMORS and AFTER ALL.
Dates are as follows:
September
5 - Frankfurt, Germany - Nachtleben
6 - Weert, Netherlands - De Bosuil
7 - Eeklo, Belgium - Meetjeslands Metalfest 4 (CC De Herbakker)
8 - Noordwijk, Netherlands - Join
9 - Rijssen, Netherlands - Lucky & Co. (+ Candlemass)
13 - Madrid, Spain - Ritmo & Compas
14 - Palencia, Spain - Carabel
15 - Bilbao, Spain - Santana 27
16 - Barcelona, Spain - Salamandra
18 - Treviso, Italy - New Age Club Roncade
19 - Montegranaro (Fermo), Italy - Tana delle Tigri
21 - Athens, Greece - Venue TBA
22 - Thessaloniki, Greece - Venue TBA
23 - Skopje, Macedonia - Venue TBA.
7 May 2007
California-based rock legends Y&T have confirmed more upcoming tour dates.
The band's upcoming tour itinerary is now as follows:
May
17 - Oudenaarde, Belgium at Evenementenhal De Qubus
18 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands at Melkweg
19 - Hellendoorn, The Netherlands at Hellendoorn Festival (with DEEP PURPLE)
21 - Bochum-Langendreer, Germany at Matrix
22 - Augsburg, Germany at Rockfabrik Augsburg
23 - Biberist, Switzerland at RockPalast
25 - Cermenate, Italy at Black Horse Pub
26 - S. Damaso, Italy at People Of Art
July
13 - Pryor Creek, OK at Rocklahoma Pryor Creek Rock Fever Musical Festival
21 - Modesto, CA at X-Fest
August
3 - Redwood City, CA at Little Fox Theatre (Forum Fan Appreciation Night)
4 - Redwood City, CA at Little Fox Theatre (Forum Fan Appreciation Night)
October
5 - Schaumburg, IL at Chicago City Limits
6 - Cleveland, Ohio at Beachland Ballroom
11 - New York, NY at BB Kings
7 May 2007
The upcoming itinerary for DOKKEN/KINGDOM COME's Defenders Of Rock European Tour 2007.
Dates are as follows:
September
26 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
27 - Prague, Czech Republic - Retro Music Hall
28 - Vienna, Austria - Planet Music
29 - Budapest, Hungary - A38
October
2 - Karlsruhe, Germany - Substage
3 - Augsburg, Germany - Spectrum
4 - Vosselar, Belgium - Biebob
5 - Hannover, Germany - Musikzentrum
October
7 - Wigan, UK - Maximes - Z-Rock
8 - Milano, Italy - Alcatraz
9 - Rome, Italy - Circolo Degli Artisti
17 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle
19 - Fredikshaven, Denmark / Oslo, Norway - Rock The Boat Cruise
20 - Copenhagen, Denmark - The Rock
25 April 2007
Metal Blade Records will release a 3-disc deluxe re-issue of SACRED REICH's "Ignorance" and "Surf Nicaragua" on the 15th of June (G/A/S) - 18th of June (Europe). This release has been postponed for a couple of times, but it was definitely worth the wait! There will be two cds included in the package (ALL materials remastered!) as well as a bonus-dvd! The package includes liner notes by Phil Rind and Malcom Dome (Classic Rock/Metal Hammer/Radio Total Rock) and an extensive booklet with loads of yet unpublished photos.
25 April 2007
Candlelight Records has set a September 11 U.S. release date for the forthcoming album from death metal legends OBITUARY. Recording of the currently untitled album is already underway with the CD's completion expected for June 1.
25 April 2007
Guitarist Alex Auburn of the Canadian death metallers CRYPTOPSY has confirmed that the band has once again parted ways with singer Lord Worm (a.k.a. Dan Greening). No reason was given for Lord Worm's departure, but according to Auburn, this time the vocalist was "kicked out" of the band and didn't leave of his own accord.
25 April 2007
Nuclear Blast announced the signing of Dutch Symphonic Metallers EPICA. Formed by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Mark Jansen in 2002, EPICA have so far released three albums, one of them a full-length soundtrack in the vein of Hollywood composers Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman. The Dutch metallers have already toured in 24 countries all over the world including successful tours through Europe, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and the USA. Currently the band is putting finishing touches to the upcoming and yet untitled album which is scheduled for a release in August/September this year. It was recorded again at the Gate Studio with renowned producer Sascha Paeth. The band themselves is talking about the heaviest EPICA material so far.
25 April 2007
SYMPHONY X will be heading back on the road for extensive touring in support of their 4 years in the making, upcoming album "Paradise Lost" to be released world wide at the end of June. This will be a full world wide tour lasting 14 months, in an effort for fans anywhere in the world to finally get to see the masters in action. After performing in the US starting in May, territories will include a major soon to be announced tour in all of Europe in autumn. The band will also play Japan, Australia and territories in South East Asia, as well as visit Russia, India and the Middle East for the first time.
20 April 2007
The "original" lineup of LEATHERWOLF and reunited New York progressive thrashers TOXIK will headline the Keep It True 9 festival, set to take place November 3, 2007 at Sporthalle in Dittigheim, Germany. The festival (already sold-out) billing is shaping up as follows:
LEATHERWOLF (USA)
TOXIK (USA)
SACRED OATH (USA)
PAGAN ALTAR (UK)
STEEL ASSASSIN (USA)
PORTRAIT (SWE)
ENFORCER (SWE)
20 April 2007
Former ICED EARTH frontman Matthew Barlow has reportedly joined Danish metallers PYRAMAZE as the replacement for Lance King. The news was revealed in the brand new issue of the German magazine Rock Hard, which features an in-depth interview with Barlow and a short question-and-answer session with Pyramaze guitarist/songwriter Michael Kammeyer.
In other news, Drummer Bobby Jarzombek left ICED EARTH: "I've had to step down from my Iced Earth duties. I would've liked to be part of the new album but, unfortunately, I couldn't give Jon Schaffer a touring commitment when he asked me a few months ago. So he decided to bring back Brent Smedley who was available to do both the album and the corresponding tour. I really enjoyed my time in Iced Earth but regrettably the timing of my involvement wasn't the best. Ultimately, the only touring we were able to do behind The Glorious Burden was a short run in the US and a couple of European festivals before things came to a halt. Soon after that I was approached about doing some shows with Sebastian, which turned into a full-time situation pretty quickly. Good luck to Jon, Tim and the rest of the guys - I'm sure they'll make a kick ass record."
20 April 2007
"The legends of splatter rock" THE ACCUSED will be joining forces with THE DAYGLO ABORTIONS and GOLERS for the upcoming Third Time's A Harm tour.
Dates for the trek through Europe include:
May
18 - Prague, Czech Republic - 007
19 - Leipzig, Germany - Venue TBA
22 - Berlin, Germany - Cassiopia
23 - Hamburg, Germany - Hafenklang
24 - TBA
25 - Sneek, Netherlands - Bollwerk
26 - Ulm, Germany - Beteigeuze
27 - TBA
28 - Munich, Germany - Feierwerk
29 - Vienna, Austria - Arena
30 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Channel Zero
June
1 - Bilbao, Spain - Santana 27
2 - Madrid, Spain - Lorca Rock Festival
3 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 2
4 - Palma, Spain
6 - Weinheim, Germany - Venue TBA
7 - TBA
8 - Kontich, Belgium - Lintfabrik
9 - TBA
10 - Rotterdam, Netherlands - De Baroeg (early show)
20 April 2007
Wacken Open Air 2007 (www.wacken.com) is scheduled for August 2nd - 4th in Wacken, Germany. Organizers report: "POSSESSED - one of the death/black metal scene founders will perform exclusively their reunion show at the W:O:A 2007!"
Acts on the Wacken bill now include: 1349, ALL THAT REMAINS, AMORPHIS, AS I LAY DYING, BELPHEGOR, BENEDICTUM, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, BLACK MAJESTY, BLIND GUARDIAN, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, CHTHONIC, COMMUNIC, DESTRUCTION, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER, DIMMU BORGIR, DIR EN GREY, DISILLUSION, ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK, ENSLAVED, FALCONER, GRAVE DIGGER, HAGGARD, HEAVEN SHALL BURN, ICED EARTH, IMMORTAL, IN FLAMES, J.B.O., KAMPFAR, LACUNA COIL, LETZTE INSTANZ, LORDI, MENDEED, MOONSORROW, MOONSPELL, MUNICIPAL WASTE, NAPALM DEATH, NARZISS, NEAERA, NORTHER, POSSESSED, RAGE & LINGUA MORTIS ORCHESTER, SACRED REICH, SAMAEL, SAXON, SCHANDMAUL, SODOM, SONIC SYNDICATE, THE SORROW, STORMWARRIOR (featuring GAMMA RAY's Kai Hansen), STRATOVARIUS, SVBWAY TO SALLY, SWALLOW THE SUN, THE VISION BLEAK, THERION, TYR, UNHEILIG, VADER, VITAL REMAINS and VOLBEAT.
20 April 2007
Brazilian drummer Fabricio Ravelli has parted ways with L.A. thrashers HIRAX.
20 April 2007
KING DIAMOND is planning a tour in support of their new album, "Gimme Your Soul ... Please". Manager Ole Bang has confirmed it: "Without going into detail, I can say that this is correct. More info as we firm it up." Metal Blade Records will release the album in North America on June 26th. Massacre Records in Germany will release the album on June 29th. Guitarist Andy La Rocque was in Dallas, TX recently finishing the mix of the album, which King Diamond declares "is the best album yet I am positive about it. It's more King Diamond there has ever been. The story is very dark, perhaps one of the darkest I have ever done before."
20 April 2007
AGENT STEEL will team up with VICIOUS RUMORS and AFTER ALL for the Alienigma European Tour 2007 beginning in early September.
Dates are as follows:
Sep. 05 - Frankfurt, Germany - Nachtleben
Sep. 06 - Weert, Netherlands - De Bosuil
Sep. 07 - Eeklo, Belgium - Meetjeslands Metalfest 4
Sep. 08 - Noordwijk, Netherlands - Join
Sep. 09 - Rijssen, Netherlands - Lucky & Co.
Sep. 13 - Madrid, Spain - Ritmo & Compas
Sep. 14 - Palencia, Spain - Carabel
Sep. 15 - Bilbao, Spain - Santana 27
Sep. 16 - Barcelona, Spain - Salamandra
Sep. 18 - Treviso, Italy - New Age Club Roncade
Sep. 19 - Montegranaro (Fermo), Italy - Tana delle Tigri
Sep. 21 - Athens, Greece - [to be announced]
Sep. 22 - Thessaloniki, Greece - [to be announced]
Sep. 23 - Skopje, Macedonia – [to be announced]
20 April 2007
Australian melodic power metal band BLACK MAJESTY will issue its third album, entitled "Tomorrowland", on June 1 in Europe through Limb Music Products.
11 April 2007
Xtreem Music has announced the signing of one of the oldest and most legendary extreme metal bands, Florida's death/thrashers HELLWITCH.
HELLWITCH formed back in 1984 and released several demos and 7" EPs during the second half of the '80s before issuing a highly acclaimed debut album, "Syzygyal Miscreancy", in 1990 and a mini-CD, "Terraasymmetry", in 1992. They recorded a few more demos through the '90s until they finally completed their 2005 recording, "The Epitome of Disgrace", which led to an agreement with Xtreem Music. HELLWITCH's sophomore album will be recorded this summer for a late summer release. As previously reported, Open Grave Records recently announced that HELLWITCH's classic album "Syzygial Miscreancy" will be part of the Open Grave Records Underground Reissues series along with "Pictures of Heaven" from CRUCIFER and "Vomiting The Trinity…The Exterminance Discography" from EXTERMINANCE.
The original "Syzygial Miscreancy" was released in 1990 via Wild Rags Records, and was recorded at legendary Morrisound Studios with veteran producer Scott Burns. A fall release is expected.
11 April 2007
Veteran heavy metal band WINTERS BANE will record an EP this month with their new lineup: Lou St. Paul - guitars, Jeff Sheeler - vocals, Jeff Curenton - drums, and Bryan Morris - bass. The EP will feature four tracks, including a reworking of 'Dark Paradise' from their Girth album, as well as three songs from Winters Bane's unreleased Season Of Brutality album: 'Hate Spilled Over', 'Deadman Walking', and 'Brink Of Destruction' (Season Of Brutality" was recorded in 1995 and was going to be the follow-up to their classic Heart Of A Killer - which featured former JUDAS PRIEST/ICED EARTH/BEYOND FEAR singer Tim "Ripper" Owens - release, but the album was shelved). The band will soon be selling this limited edition EP at their concerts and on their web sites (see LINKS).
11 April 2007
DREAM THEATER's upcoming album, "Systematic Chaos" is scheduled for release in June 2007 on Roadrunner Records. The album was produced by guitarist John Petrucci and drummer Mike Portnoy and was engineered and mixed by Paul Northfield.
11 April 2007
ONCE DEAD, the Christian metal band featuring former members of VENGEANCE RISING, has inked a deal with Open Grave Records. The group is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on its debut album, "Visions of Hell", tentatively due this summer.
11 April 2007
For the first time ever; Dutch metal pioneers DEFENDER will hit some stages in Europe. All gigs will be played with the three different line-ups, so everybody can see all Defender members in action and has the opportunity to meet them! After these shows the guys will enter the studio again to finish their new album. The first one will be at this weekends "Keep It True" festival at 14-04-2007 in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany. The second one will be a headlining show at the "Up The Hammers" festival at 21-04-2007 in Athens, Greece.
11 April 2007
Heavy metal vocalist ROB ROCK (ex-Impellitteri, Driver, Joshua) has set "Garden of Chaos" as the title of his new album, due later this year via AFM Records (Europe) and JVC/Victor Entertainment (Asia). The CD is currently being mixed in Denmark with producer Jacob Hansen.
11 April 2007
Dutch progmetalband CIRRHA NIVA has parted ways with vocalist Arnold Kloek.
11 April 2007
NOCTURNAL RITES returns with a new album called "The 8th Sin". The album will be released by Century Media Records on May 28th, 2007. The new album was produced by the band themselves, co-produced by Shep and mixed by Mattias Eklund & NOCTURNAL RITES at Toontrack Music in Umea, Sweden.
11 April 2007
Swedish heavy metal band DESTYNATION (formerly Eternia) is back in the studio to record the follow-up to their acclaimed debut album, "Rising Up" (2006). According to a press release, the new songs are "heavier and more melodic and the sound will be more agressive and harder and it will blow everyone away!" An October/November release via Sonic Age Records is expected.
11 April 2007
DIMMU BORGIR will hit the European road with AMON AMARTH as support.
Tourdates so far:
Sep. 23 - Amsterdam - Paradiso (NL)
Sep. 24 - Tilburg - 013 (NL)
Sep. 25 - Cologne - E-Werk (GER)
Sep. 26 - Brussels - AB (BE)
Oct. 04 - Paris - Elysee Montmartre (FR)
Oct. 06 - Marseille - Le Moulin (FR)
Oct. 07 - Barcrelona - Razzmatazz 2 (ES)
Oct. 09 - Lisbon - Coliseum (PO)
Oct. 10 - Madrid - Joy Eslava (ES)
Oct. 11 - Bergara - Sala Jam (ES)
Oct. 13 - Pratteln - Z7 (CH)
Oct. 14 - Milan - Alcatraz (IT)
Oct. 15 - Ljubljana - Exhibition Hall (SI)
Oct. 16 - Vienna - Planet Music (AT)
Oct. 17 - Budapest - Petofi Csarnok (HU)
Oct. 19 - Prague - Retro (CZ)
Oct. 20 - Warsaw - Progresja (PO)
Oct. 21 - Berlin - Columbiahalle (GER)
Oct. 22 - Hamburg - Docks (GER)
Oct. 23 - Wiesbaden - Schlachthof (GER)
Oct. 25 - München - Georg Elser Halle (GER)
Oct. 26 - Leipzig - Werk II (GER)
Oct. 27 - Stuttgart - Nuclear Blast Festival (GER)
Oct. 29 - Copenhagen - Store Vega (DK)
Oct. 30 - Lund - Mejeriet (SE)
Nov. 01 - Helsinki - House Of Culture (FI)
Nov. 02 - Oulu - Tearia (FI)
Nov. 04 - Stockholm - Arenan (SE)
Nov. 05 - Gothenburg - Tragarn (SE)
Nov. 06 - Oslo - Sentrum Scene (NO)
The new album of Dimmu Borgir will be avaible on april the 24th.
"In Sorte Diaboli" will be the first concept album of Dimmu Borgir.
11 April 2007
Legendary guitarist Paul Gilbert (ex-MR. BIG, RACER X) will embark on his first-ever European solo tour in May/June.
The dates are as follows:
May 04 - Paris, France - Le Boule Noire
May 06 - Bilbao, Spain - Kafe Antzoki
May 07 - Madrid, Spain - Ritmo & Compas
May 08 - Barcelona, Spain - Apolo
May 09 - Gran Canaria, Spain - Sala Paraninfo
May 10 - Cortemaggiore, Italy - Fillmore Club
May 11 - Rome, Italy - Stazione Birra
May 12 - Florence, Italy - Siddharta Club
May 14 - Reichenbach, Germany - Die Halle
May 17 - Ljubljana, Slovenia - Media Park
May 18 - Graz, Austria - Orpheum
May 19 - Zagreb, Croatia - TBA
May 20 - Budapest, Hungary - A38
May 21 - Prague, Czech Republic - Futurum
May 22 - Munich, Germany - Backstage
May 23 - Nurnmebrg, Germany - The Hirsch
May 24 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix
May 25 - Copenhagen, Denmark - The Rock
May 28 - Hamburg, Germany - Fabrik
May 29 - Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp App
May 30 - Tilburg, The Netherlands - 013
May 31 - Amstelveen, The Netherlands - P60
June 02 - Roselare, Belgium - Schwung Festival
June 03 - London, UK - Mean Fiddler
June 04 - Dudley, UK - JB's
June 05 - Leeds, UK – Rio's
Gilbert is touring to promote his all-guitar instrumental CD, "Get out of My Yard".
28 March 2007
MTM MUSIC announced the signing of San Diego based "modern day power metal" band CAGE. Their new album 'Hell Destroyer' is scheduled for a May 18th release.
28 March 2007
Frontiers Records has set a May release date for "The Revenge", the greatly anticipated second charter of the ALLEN/LANDE musical alliance.
28 March 2007
Legendary Canuck thrashers PILEDRIVER have posted a video of the new track, 'When I Saw Yer Face', from the Metal Manifesto Demos 2006, at this location.
Piledriver continue work on the long, long-awaited followup to 1986's "Stay Ugly.
Upcoming Piledriver live dates include:
April
7 - Kutten4ever Festival/The Ballroom - Hamburg, Germany
8 - Asgärd Pub - Annaburg-Buchholz, Germany
9 - Magnet Klub - Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, Germany
10 - Kunstverein - Nuremburg, Germany
12 - Country Star - Albignasego/Padova, Italy
14 - Keep It True Festival VIII/Tauberfrankenhalle - Lauda-Königshofen, Germany
19 - 3X Pub - Bedizzole BS, Italy
21 - Up The Hammers Festival/Underworld Club - Athens, Greece
22 - Rock Bottom - Thessaloniki, Greece
28 March 2007
The reunited "Remnants of War"-era lineup of HELSTAR shared the stage with TESTAMENT last night (Tuesday, March 27) at the Scout Bar in Houston, Texas.
Commented HELSTAR bassist Jerry Abarca: "This show was GREAT!!! Sold out... You had to walk on top of people just to get anywhere. If you missed it, maybe next time. HELSTAR made an official announcement last night. HELSTAR will be recording a new album. This year!!! And will be shopping for a great label. We did play a new one for the crowd and it was a frenzy of madness. To be all honest it was it was a madhouse and of course I had to come to work today. I was well worth it. Thanks for everyone's time and we hope to see you in the near future..."
HELSTAR's current lineup includes Abarca, guitarists Larry Barragan and Rob Trevino, vocalist James Rivera (also in VICIOUS RUMORS, KILLING MACHINE), and drummer Russell DeLeon.
28 March 2007
ANTHRAX are currently in Chicago writing material for their new album. Guitarist Scott Ian provided the following brief update: "Five killer songs. We wrote the fastest, sickest riff we've ever played. It's out of control." It is presently unclear who will be singing on the forthcoming Anthrax disc
28 March 2007
MELDRUM, the Swedish/American band led by former PHANTOM BLUE guitarist Michelle Meldrum (wife of Europe axeman John Norum), has inked a deal with Frontiers Records for the European release of the band's sophomore album, "Blowin' Up the Machine".
MOTÖRHEAD mainman Lemmy Kilmister makes a guest appearance on the track "Miss Me When I'm Gone", for which he wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music. In addition, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD/ex-DARK ANGEL drummer Gene Hoglan can be heard on four songs, while Meldrum's former PHANTOM BLUE bandmate Linda McDonald was responsible for laying down the drum tracks on the rest of the CD. Gene Hoglan previously played with Meldrum in the '80s thrash outfit WARGOD.
28 March 2007
MELIAH RAGE has been busy writing music for the band's next record, tentatively due before the end of the year. According to the group, "the music thus far is heavier and more riff-oriented than the last two releases, but has all the elements of classic MELIAH RAGE."
28 March 2007
On March 16, original SHOK PARIS drummer BILL SABO suffered heart failure and passed away. Sabo, together with guitarist and cousin Eric Marderwald, guitarist Ken Erb and bassist Kel Berkshire, were the founding members of Shok Paris - a band that would later become one of the most popular Cleveland metal bands of the 1980s.
MMM send their condoleances to the family & friends of Bill Sabo !
28 March 2007
ARCH ENEMY has announced that original guitarist Christopher Amott is rejoining the band immediately. The band, having finished an intense 18 month touring cycle all over the world promoting the "Doomsday Machine" album and "Live Apocalypse" DVD, are currently busy working on songs for their new studio album.
28 March 2007
NWOBHM legends BLITZKRIEG have signed with Armageddon Music. The band is just finishing the new album called 'Theatre Of The Damned' in the Absurd Studio in Hamburg, together with producer Schroedey. The album will be co-produced by Biff Byford (SAXON).
28 March 2007
VOIVOD drummer Michel "Away" Langevin has confirmed that the band will enter the studio this fall to begin recording the follow-up to last year's "Katorz". Voivod bassist Jason "Jasonic" Newsted was sidelined last October by injuries to his left shoulder, right bicep and right rotator cuff. The former Metallica/Flotsam & Jetsam member, who was injured trying to catch a 90-pound piece of equipment that had fallen from atop of his amp, underwent surgery and is said to be taking part in a rehab schedule that could last up to nine months.
The group is also finalizing plans to re-release their early back catalog on The End Records. Langevin said the band will start with 1986's "Rrröööaaarrr", the following year's "Killing Technology" and '88's "Dimension Hatröss". He said each LP will be remastered and upped with a bonus DVD.
21 March 2007
Detroit based HALLOWEEN are about to release a DVD entitled "Acoustic Hell with Brian Thomas of Halloween". It is a all acoustic set put together and performed by the bands lead singer Brian Thomas. It is done in a MTV's "Unplugged" type of setting. Guest guitarists include: Donny Allen (Halloween), Billy Gray (Halloween), Paul Duffy (PHX), and Shawn Moore (Abandon). Performances include many Halloween classic songs, an unreleased track, and a couple other tracks written by Thomas. A real up close and personal look into the history of the band, and a first for an acoustic set. A true collectable DVD for any Halloween fan.
21 March 2007
Keep It True Festival organizers have issued the following update:
"ARTILLERY had to cancel their show at KIT due to problems with the singer and bassist. The Stützer brothers (guitarist Michael / bassist Morten) want to express, that they are also disappointed that they couldn't work it out finally. Since there is not much time to book a good new band, we decided to put DESTRUCTOR on the position of Artillery. This will make lots of fans happy that couldn?'t get a ticket for the Friday show. The band will play a full headlining show on Friday and replace Artillery on the Saturday and play some different songs than on Friday. I hope you all will be satisfied with our decision."
As previously reported, Keep It True VIII is scheduled for April 13th in Dittigheim, Germany at Sporthalle and the 14th in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany at Tauberfrankenhalle. The lineup is as follows:
April 13th (sold out): DESTRUCTOR, TANKARD, WARRANT (Germany), IVORY NIGHT.
April 14th: LAAZ ROCKIT, DIAMOND HEAD, SABBAT, LETHAL, DESTRUCTOR, PILEDRIVER, DEFENDER, BULLET, TWISTED TOUR DIRE, BULLET and CAULDRON.
In other news "Storm of Steel", a new limited-edition EP from Cleveland, Ohio's legendary power/thrash band DESTRUCTOR, will be released by Auburn Records to coincide with the band's Keep It True VIII festival appearances in Germany on April 13 and April 14.
The track listing is as follows:
01. Storm of Steel (2007 Keep It True version; previously unreleased)
02. Tear Down the Heavens (from the forthcoming "Forever In Leather" album)
03. World of War (from the forthcoming "Forever In Leather" album)
04. We Are Ready (demo; previously unreleased)
05. Sonic Bullet (live; previously unreleased)
06 . Storm of Steel (live; previously unreleased)
07. Storm of Steel (original 1990 "Heavy Artillery" version)
The specially priced, limited-edition EP initially will be sold exclusively at the festival.The release date for DESTRUCTOR's forthcoming album, "Forever In Leather", has been slightly pushed back due to unanticipated studio delays. A new release date will be announced soon.
21 March 2007
Dutch prog metallers SPHERE OF SOULS have issued the following update:
"Lead guitarist Anand Mahangoe and drummer Ruud van Diepen recently left Sphere of Souls in an amicable split. The band is currently searching for replacements. Interested parties should contact Rob Cerrone. In the meantime, Anand has announced plans to resume live activities with a solo band.
21 March 2007
ICED EARTH's Jon Schaffer is currently holed up in Morrisound studio in Florida, with Jim Morris, mixing the first single from the band's forthcoming, still untitled two-disc concept album. The "single" is entitled 'Overture Of The Wicked' and is compried of four songs: 'Ten Thousand Strong', 'Prophecy', 'Birth Of The Wicked' and 'The Coming Curse'. The final trio were originally released on Something Wicked This Way Comes ('98), but the new versions will feature Tim "Ripper" Owens (BEYOND FEAR/ex-JUDAS PRIESTS) on vocals. The first part of the dual-CD is expected this fall (following select European festival dates), through SPV.