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26 December 2008

US war metal legends AT WAR will be entering Pyramid Studios on January 4th 2009 to start recording their first album in 20 years, entitled Infidel. Engineering the album will be Alex Perialas best known for his work during the golden age of thrash by engineering such benchmark albums by ANTHRAX, TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, NUCLEAR ASSAULT and S.O.D., amongst others.
Formed in 1983 by guitarist Shawn Helsel, bassist and vocalist Paul Arnold and drummer Dave Stone, At War went on to solidify themselves as one premier metal bands in the American underground. After the reviews and college radio play of their 1985 demo Eat Lead, At War went on to release their albums Ordered To Kill (1986) and Retaliatory Strike (1987) for New Renaissance Records. A follow up to Retaliatory Strike was recorded in 1994 but ultimately scrapped which prompted At War to go on an indefinite hiatus only to have the beast awaken from its slumber in 2006 to begin working the material that would become Infidel. After a succession of triumphant return performances throughout the US and Europe in 2008 At War signed with New York's Heavy Artillery Records for the release of Infidel, their first studio album in 20 years.

26 December 2008

Greek old school thrashers SUICIDAL ANGELS have issued the following update:
"As it is now confirmed, we can announce that everything's set for the recording of the second Suicidal Angels album. Recordings will be held at Prophecy And Music Factory Studios in Germany, under the direction of producer R.D. Liapakis, who, as many might know, is an accomplished fellow Greek musician and recording engineer, lead singer of the heavy metal group MYSTIC PROPHECY.
The yet untitled record will contain nine tracks of pure thrash metal, which we can't wait to play live by the way! It will be recorded in March and released (hopefully) later in 2009. One of the songs, 'Jesus Lies', has already been performed live in various occasions and can also be heard through our upcoming DVD, Live Domination, the production of which has been unfortunately hampered by some artwork issues, that will very soon be resolved. This song will give you an idea of the straight-in-your-face approach we have adopted while writing new material, that we hope you like. So everything's rolling and March draws near! Moreover, the plans for a 2009 European tour are in motion, many shows have already been confirmed and we can't wait to see you all again and have a hell of a time. More on our upcoming tour will be posted soon, as the final details will be worked out early in 2009.

26 December 2008

After almost 20 years of silence, US heavy metallers SCREAMER have been reactivated and released a new album independently called "What Excites You". Screamer 2008 features lead guitarist Ron Valeo, bassist Paul Bigalke, lead singer Bill Carter, guitarist Mike DeRose and drummer Pat Hainault. Screamer formed in 1985 and released an album titled, Target: Earth three years later.

26 December 2008

Netherlands-based metallers PESTILENCE have announced more European tour dates in support of their first album in 15 years, "Resurrection Macabre":

April
9 - Oslo, Norway - Inferno Festival
10 - Enschede Netherlands - Atak
13 - Koeln, Germany - Underground
16 - Erstfeld, Switzerland - Transilvania Live
17 - Muenchen, Germany - Backstage
22 - Darmstadt, Germany - Steinbruch Theater
23 - Halle, Germany - Easy Schorre
24 - Oelnitz, Germany - Schuetznhaus
28 - Athens, Greece - Gagarin (with GRAVE, BENEDICTION)

Pestilence entered Jacob Hansen Studios in mid-October to record the new album Resurrection Macabre, which will be released in 2009 by Mascot Records. The band will record 11 new songs and for the limited edition three bonus tracks.
Leader Patrick Mameli is currently working on new material which he has described as a modern mixture of Testimony Of The Ancients (1991) and Consuming Impulse (1989), more technical and brutal than all previous albums.

26 December 2008

Veteran thrash/death outfit THANATOS will release their fifth full-length "Justified Genocide" through Deity Down Records in the first quarter of 2009. "Justified Genocide" was recorded at Excess in Rotterdam, Netherlands and mixed by Dan Swanö (NIGHTINGALE, EDGE OF SANITY and BLOODBATH fame) at Unisound in Sweden. In 2009 Thanatos will celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary since they first emerged from the Netherworlds. Currently the quartet is comprised of founding member Stephan Gebédi (guitars/vocals, guitars in Hail of Bullets), Paul Baayens (guitars, HAIL OF BULLETS, ASPHYX), Marco de Bruin (bass) and drummer Yuri Rinkel (MELECHESH).

16 December 2008

Toronto thrashers SACRIFICE check in with the following update from vocalist/guitarist Rob Urbinati:
"We had a great week at Rouge Valley Studio here in Toronto. Gus Pynn completed his drum tracks, most the guitars are done and it sounds devastating already. Darius the engineer, and Alex assisting have both been amazing to work with. True to our word, we went in with no click track, no triggered samples, and no quantized drum sound, so expect a totally human sounding recording. We can't wait for everyone to hear this new stuff...recording will hopefully be completed by the end of January. I hate hype, but I will say that we are extremely happy with the way things are going in the studio...we will let the music do the talking. To put everyone's fears to rest... yes, there is a lot of really fast thrash metal.

16 December 2008

WEHRMACHT has issued the following update: "For the last two months, Marco Zorich [guitar], Shann Mortimer [bass], Tito 'Mezzy' Matos [vocals], Brian Lehfeldt [drums] and myself, John Duffy [guitar], have begun rehearsing all the old WEHRMACHT material and are booking shows for the beginning of the year. Yes, it's actually all five original members. Unbelievable!!! I honestly have to say that we sound even heavier and just as fast as in the old days and the material is coming along well. We haven't played together since '91, so it was a little rusty at first. "The set list as of today includes: Beirmacht; You Broke my Heart...; Shark Attack; Napalm Shower; Suck My Dick; Muncheez and Fast as a Shark (ACCEPT cover). In 1987, New Renaissance Records released WEHRMACHT's debut album entitled "Shark Attack". Although "Shark Attack" was well received by the metal underground, until 1999, it was never available in America on compact disc. After "Shark Attack", the band set out to record their second album. That album, "Biermacht", was released in spring of 1988 on CD, LP, and cassette. Despite substantial pre-orders for "Biermacht", many record shops and distributors returned the products to the record company after discovering a song entitled "Suck My Dick" was listed on the album's cover. Many distributors also complained about the cover artwork. http://www.myspace.com/wehrmachtband

16 December 2008

WHIPLASH will release a 25th-anniversary DVD in late 2009 entitled "25 Years Of Thrash". According to the group, the disc will feature "true stories that cover the band's history with Roadrunner Records and beyond, 1985-1990, 'Power And Pain', 'Ticket To Mayhem', 'Insult To Injury'; The Massacre years, 1996-1998, 'Cult Of One', 'Sit Stand Kneel Prey'; 'Thrashback'." It will also include rare concert footage, photos, interviews, backstage footage and much more. "25 Years Of Thrash" will also "take you back in time, hands on the mixing board in very raw setting as the band shares their experiences of the writing and recording of some of the greatest WHIPLASH albums released to date

16 December 2008

The brand new studio album from CRYSTAL VIPER titled ‘Metal Nation’, will be released on February 1 through Karthago Records (CD version) and High Roller Records (limited vinyl version). The CD was recorded at the brand new MP Studio in Poland with engineer Mariusz Pietka and producer Bart Gabriel.

16 December 2008

Bob Mitchell (ex-ATTACKER) has announced plans to release an album of remakes of classic-rock tracks from such artists as The Who, Deep Purple and Krokus, just to name a few. Joining Mitchell in the project is Mike LePond (Symphony X) along with guitarist Frank Oquendo (Denim And Leather) and session musician Bruce Gatewood on drums. The CD, titled ‘Days Gone By’, will be released sometime in early 2009. Proceeds from CD and digital sales will go to charity, with the beneficiaries being the American Heart Association and the Christ Hospital Foundation.

16 December 2008

PESTILENCE entered Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark last month to begin recording its new album, "Resurrection Macabre", for a March 16, 2009 release via Holland's Mascot Records. The band recorded a total of 14 songs during the session — 11 new tracks and three classic PESTILENCE cuts (as chosen by the fans) to be included on the limited-edition first pressing: "Out Of The Body", "Chemo Therapy" and "Lost Souls". Joining guitarist/vocalist Patrick Mameli in PESTILENCE's current recording lineup are Tony Choy (ATHEIST, CYNIC) on bass and Peter Wildoer (DARKANE, NON-HUMAN LEVEL) on drums. Patrick has previously described the band's new material as a modern fusion of "Testimony of the Ancients" (1991) and "Spheres" (1993), but even more technical and brutal. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Hangman (Into The Mind Of An Executioner)", "Synthetic Grotesque (Trying To Create Through Cloning)", "Fiend (Drugaddiction)", "Resurrection Macabre (The Return Of The Pestilence)" and "Hate Suicide (Last Hours Of A Suicide-Bomber)".

16 December 2008

Rumors are circulating about a forthcoming FAITH NO MORE reunion. According to Dutch radio station Arrow Classic Rock a reunion of Faith No More is at hand. Thusfar no official statement of such is given out. Bassplayer Bill Gould has denied the rumors, yet circles around singer Mike Patton claim that there is reason to believe a Faith No More reunion is being prepared.

16 December 2008

HEAVEN AND HELL — the band featuring BLACK SABBATH members Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums) — has entered Rockfield studios in Wales, England to begin recording its new album, the group's first since SABBATH's "Dehumanizer" (which was also recorded at Rockfield) in 1992.

16 December 2008

GOD DETHRONED entered Soundlodge studios in Germany in October with producer Jörg Uken to begin recording its new album, "Passiondale", for an April/May 2009 release via Metal Blade Records. "Passiondale" will be a concept album about World War I.

16 December 2008

PRIMAL FEAR entered the studio on November 28 to begin recording their new album, ‘16.6’, due in early 2009 via Frontiers Records.

28 November 2008

On January 20th, MVD Audio will reissue the self-titled CD from Canada's EXCITER with new artwork. Originally released in 1988, Exciter features the following songs: 'Scream Bloody Murder', 'Back In The Light', 'Ready To Rock', 'O.T.T.', 'I Wanna Be King', 'Enemy Lines', 'Dying To Live', 'Playin' With Fire', 'Eyes In The Sky', 'Termination'.

28 November 2008

BELIEVER have inked a deal with Metal Blade Records for the release of their new studio album, due in early 2009. Regarding what fans can expect to hear from BELIEVER's first studio album in 15 years, guitarist/vocalist Kurt Bachman previously said, "Will it sound like 'Extraction from Mortality' [1989], 'Sanity Obscure' [1990], 'Dimensions' [1993]? Well, we think you'll hear a splash of each, but we didn't set out to just rehash the old. That would be boring and offer nothing new for you to hear. With that said (and I will remind you again once the release date draws closer), if you don't expect a total rewrite of the past then we think you'll be pleasantly surprised." The new BELIEVER CD will include guest appearances by Joe Rico (SACRIFICE), CKY/WORLD UNDER BLOOD guitarist/vocalist Deron Miller and Rocky Gray (EVANESCENCE, SOUL EMBRACED, LIVING SACRIFICE), among other musicians.

28 November 2008

FLOTSAM & JETSAM have set ‘The Cold’ as the title of their new album, due in early 2009 via Driven Music Group, the label created by former KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. According to guitarist Mark Simpson, the CD will feature "10 songs — ALL brutal, ALL killer, NO filler!! We are currently finishing up guitars and starting on vocals." Songtitles set to appear on the CD include ‘Black Cloud’, ‘Secret Life’, ‘Hypocrite’, ‘Falling Short’ and ‘Take’. The cover artwork will once again be created by Travis Smith (Opeth, Nevermore), "which we are extremely excited about because of his amazing skill and vision," says Simpson.

28 November 2008

MEGADETH is in the early stages of the songwriting process for the band's new album, which is tentatively expected sometime next year via Roadrunner Records. The CD is once again being helmed by British producer Andy Sneap, who produced MEGADETH's last album, "United Abominations". MEGADETH's forthcoming LP will be the group's first with guitarist Chris Broderick, who replaced Glen Drover at the end of last year.

28 November 2008

LEGION OF THE DAMNED's new album "Cult of the Dead" is due on December 19 via Massacre Records. The LP will be made available in three different formats: as three-disc deluxe edition including a bonus CD and a bonus DVD; a limited-edition digipack with a bonus DVD and as regular jewel case CD. The three-disc deluxe edition will include a CD containing a recording of the band's performance at Germany's Rock Hard festival in 2006 and a DVD featuring footage of LEGION OF THE DAMNED playing the entire "Cult of the Dead" album in the band's rehearsal room plus interview clips. According to Massacre Records, LEGION OF THE DAMNED has been confirmed to play at next year's Graspop Metal Meeting on June 27, 2009 in Dessel, Belgium.

28 November 2008

BLOODBOUND, the Swedish melodic, heavy metal band featuring members from STREET TALK, TAD MOROSE, MORGANA LEFAYand PYRAMAZE, have signed a worldwide deal with BLISTERING RECORDS.
The band's third album “Tabula Rasa” will be released by BLISTERING RECORDS in early 2009.
The band has kept busy since their inception in 2004, having released two previous albums Nosferatu (2006) and Book Of The Dead (2007), and played numerous shows across Europe with the likes of HammerFall, Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity, Evergrey and Pretty Maids.

For more information and updates on the band, please check the following websites:
http://www.blisteringrecords.se
http://www.myspace.com/bloodboundonline

18 November 2008

ENFORCER, METAL INQUISITOR, MANILLA ROAD and RAZOR have been confirmed for the Headbangers Open Air festival, set to take place April 23-25, 2009 in in Brande-Hörnerkirchen, Germany. The festival billing is shaping up as follows: ANGEL WITCH, BULLET, DEATHRIDERS, ENFORCER, JACOBS DREAM, JAMESON RAID, KILLERS, LONEWOLF, MANILLA ROAD, METAL INQUISITOR, NIGHTSHADE, PARADOX, PORTRAIT, Q5, RAZOR, TANKARD, ZED YAGO.

18 November 2008

Keep it True festival 11 is just over there already booked 10 bands for the 2010 edition of the KEEP IT TRUE festival:
KEEP IT TRUE XIII

WHIPLASH (USA)
HADES (USA)
TYGERS OF PAN TANG (UK)
SATANS HOST (USA)
(with Harry Conklin!! First European Show Ever!!)
OBSESSION (USA)
(First European Show)
SIREN (USA)
(with Doug Lee)
ADX (FRA)
HEART OF CYGNUS (USA)
CRYSTAL VIPER (POL)
STRIKER (CAN)
+
2 Headliners!!!

20 Bands, Two Days, April 2010,
Lauda-Königshofen, Tauberfrankenhalle
Tickets will be available on KIT 12 in April 2009!!

18 November 2008

Singer Jake E from Swedish metallers DREAMLAND has issued the following update:
"So good folks! Just a couple of days left until we will enter Sonic Train Studios to start the recording of our yet unnamed third album. Once again together with the master mind Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND). Alexx (Lindskog) will start with the drums on Friday the 21st and then the Sonic Train will continue 'til the end of January when the album is scheduled to be finished! We are all looking forward to finally put the new songs on tape for all you fans out there! And we promises that you won't be disappointed!" Dreamland will release their new album in March 2009 via Dockyard 1.

18 November 2008

DEATH ANGEL has issued the following update: "As many of you may or may not know, Dennis [Pepa, bass] has departed from the band. We wish him all the best. So now it's time for someone new to join the pack! We are now accepting applications for this position. Do you have what it takes? If you wanna give it a shot, please send bio, photo, demo and or link to your website / MySpace page so we can check you out! Send your info to: deathangelbass@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Oh yeah, better have your passport in order as we are doing a week of dates in Australia in March and who knows what else... Let's JAM!"

18 November 2008

KREATOR will release "Hordes Of Chaos" in Europe on January 19, 2009 via SPV Records (except in Germany, where it will be issued on January 16). The CD will arrive in the U.S. on January 13. The new album will be available in three different versions. The jewel case edition includes the ten regular album songs, and the deluxe version features an additional bonus DVD with an atmospheric making-of in super-8 quality courtesy of a Berlin filmmaker. As a third option, the ultra-deluxe version comes with a t-shirt, a worthwhile photo book and an extended version of the bonus DVD, as well as the CD.

18 November 2008

WHIPLASH have uploaded a pre-production/demo version of another new song, "Madman At The Helm", to their MySpace page. The band will enter the studio in early March to begin recording its sixth album, "Unborn Again", with guitarist/vocalist Tony Portaro handling the production duties. Co-producing the effort will be Harris Johns, who has previously worked with CORONER, HELLOWEEN, KREATOR, SEPULTURA, SODOM and VOIVOD, among many others. The band will also document the full recording session and edit the footage into a free bonus DVD. In related news, the band will release a 25th-anniversary DVD in late 2009 entitled "25 Years Of Thrash". According to the group, the disc will feature "true stories that cover the band's history with Roadrunner Records and beyond, 1985-1990, 'Power And Pain', 'Ticket To Mayhem', 'Insult To Injury'; The Massacre years, 1996-1998, 'Cult Of One', 'Sit Stand Kneel Prey'; 'Thrashback'." It will also include rare concert footage, photos, interviews, backstage footage and much more. "25 Years Of Thrash" will also "take you back in time, hands on the mixing board in very raw setting as the band shares their experiences of the writing and recording of some of the greatest WHIPLASH albums released to date."

18 November 2008

SAXON's new studio album, "Into The Labyrinth", will be out on January 12, 2009 (Germany: January 9; USA: January 13). February 2009 will see the band embark on another major world tour, only one month after the album release. "Into The Labyrinth" was recorded at the Twilight Hall in Krefeld, Germany, under the direction of Charlie Bauerfeind. SAXON laid down 13 new songs at BLIND GUARDIAN's studio, starting with monumental opener "Battalions Of Steel" through "Demon Sweeney Todd" and "Valley Of The Kings", which both cover historic events, to the final slide guitar blues track "Coming Home" (fans are already familiar with the electric version of this track from SAXON's "Killing Ground" album). "The new material was written in England and at my house in France," singer Biff Byford explained. "Stylistically, I would describe the album as an even balance between 'Lionheart' and 'The Inner Sanctum', a mix of powerful, in-your-face rock songs and pure heavy metal tracks. We're very happy with the production and proud of 'Into The Labyrinth'."

18 November 2008

PARADOX have set "Riot Squad" as the title of their fifth album, due late summer 2009. According to the band, the songwriting process for the follow-up to this year's "Electrify" (AFM Records) "is over and finest thrash metal songs like 'Hollow Peace', 'Dream Hero', 'Rise In Rank', 'Nothingness', 'Psychofficial', 'Timegrain', 'Planet Terror', 'Evolution Reset' are already partly recorded." PARADOX is also expected to re-record one or two classic '80s songs from "Product Of Imagination" or "Heresy".

18 November 2008

MARTYR will support LIZZY BORDEN on the following European tour dates:

Dec. 06 - Essen, Germany - Turock
Dec. 09 - Frankfurt, Germany - Die Halle
Dec. 10 - Glogow, Poland - Mayday
Dec. 17 - Sala, Sweden - Rockland
Dec. 18 - Copenhagen, Denmark - The Rock
Dec. 19 - Gotenburg, Sweden - Sticky Finger
Dec. 20 - Lubeck, Germany – Treibsand


18 November 2008

MELIAH RAGE are currently mixing their as-yet-untitled new album at The Outpost in Stoughton, MA. The record - which will feature returned frontman Mike Munro - will be mastered by producer Rich Spillberg at the end of November. The album will be released in early 2009. Meliah Rage 2008 also feature Anthony Nichols (guitar), Jim Koury (guitar), Darren Lourie (bass) and Stu Dowie (drums).

18 November 2008

NAPALM DEATH have completed work on their their new album, "Time Waits For No Slave", due out in February via Century Media Records. The album was produced by Russ Russell. The drums were tracked at Parlour Studios in Kettering and guitars, bass and vocals were done at Foel Studios in Wales. The album was mixed at Parlour Studios.

18 November 2008

Following the European versions of the "Assassins Of War" MCD and the "Thrash And Destroy" DVD, SELFMADEGOD continues to release HIRAX material for the European territory. The time has come for the 22-song CD "Not Dead Yet". The disc consists of Raging Violence (1985, Metal Blade) and Hate, Fear And Power (1986, Metal Blade), the classic first two albums. The front cover images have been created by renown artists Pushead (Septic Death) and Mad Marc Rude. The release will see its street date in November on SELFMADEGOD RECORDS

4 November 2008

Time schedule available for Mario's Metal Meeting II:

15:00 doors open
16:00-16:30 Courageous
16:50-17:35 Arctic Flame
17:55-18:45 Shadowkeep
19:05-20:05 Wolf
20:30-21:45 Vicious Rumors


Place & date of this happening:
The 9th of November at the 013 venue, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Please check out the 013 website for more details.


http://www.mariosmetalmania.com
http://www.013.nl
http://www.myspace.com/viciousrumors
http://www.myspace.com/wolfheavymetal
http://www.myspace.com/shadowkeepuk
http://www.myspace.com/arcticfire
http://www.myspace.com/courageousmusic

Please spread the news!!
Greetings, cheers & hope to see/meet you all overthere!
Mario van Dooren

23 October 2008

Reunited Italian thrash metal legends BULLDOZER have inked a deal with Scarlet Records. The group's new album, "Unexpected Fate", is scheduled for release in April 2009. The follow-up to 1988's "Neurodeliri" sees bassist/vocalist Alberto Contini and guitarist Andy Panigada (guitar) joining forces with new drummer Manu (ex-DEATH MECHANISM).
Alberto Contini previously stated about the new CD, "The new album will be 100% BULLDOZER, 100% performed sound. It will be real!"

23 October 2008

THE EXALTED PILEDRIVER (a.k.a. PILEDRIVER) will release a new album. "Metal Manifesto" will be released on October 31 through Northern Storm Records. The band's first album in 22 years was mixed by veteran Neil Kernon (CANNIBAL CORPSE, NEVERMORE) and it follows up the classic cult discography of the band: "Metal Inquisition" (1985) and "Stay Ugly" (1986).

23 October 2008

METAL CHURCH have cancelled their participation in the upcoming OVERKILL European tour which is scheduled to kick off on February 20, 2009 in London. According to an official statement, METAL CHURCH guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof "[has been] suffering from back problems for a long time. After several treatments this summer, all looked good, but last weekend it got so bad again that his doctor warned him [against doing] a bigger tour before the problem is solved. We all are very sorry about this, but the health of Kurdt is [more] important than taking the risk!"

23 October 2008

AT WAR have signed with New York's HEAVY ARTILLERY RECORDS for the release of Infidel, their first studio album in 20 years, which tentatively is set for release in March of 2009.

23 October 2008

WOLF are working on their 5th album called "Ravenous" at Studio Seven in Örebro, Sweden with renowned producer Roy Z (JUDAS PRIEST, HALFORD, BRUCE DICKINSON.
The band have started a personal recording blog/diary. According to an update, "they will guide you through the recording of 'Ravenous', in their own way, whenever they goddamn feel like it! Not only technically, musically, metallicusly, but also behind the scenes and in their head-wise. Yes, they're very special. We will update this as time goes by and we'll use the same blogspace, so keep on checking this spot for ongoing updates. Join us, as we'd like to take you on a ride called Ravenous! The circus is in town!"
"Ravenous" will see the light of day in early 2009 on Century Media Records.

Wolf live dates:
November
9 - Tilburg, Netherlands - Mario's Metal Meeting 2 @ 013 venue
22 - Malmö, Sweden - KB (supporting TRIVIUM)
29 - Lörrach, Germany - Metalforces Festival

23 October 2008

Florida death metallers LOWBROW - featuring members of OBITUARY, SIX FEET UNDER, DEATH and NASTY SAVAGE - have issued the following update:
"It appears that we have the finalized tour dates. The Lowbrow - Buried In Europe tour will kick off October 30 in Gouda, Netherlands and runs through November 8 in Adelsheim, Germany. Support for this tour includes Belgium's BLOODWRAITH and Switzerland's REQUIEM. WARMASTER from Holland, supports for the first two dates. This is Lowbrow's first tour of Europe and we know that it is long over do. Experience Lowbrow the way you should...LIVE!!!!"
Lowbrow - Buried In Europe dates:

October
30 - De Gonz - Gouda, Netherlands
31 - De Rots - Antwerp, Belgium
1 - Ratskeller - Schildau, Germany
2 - Exit Chmelnice - Prague, Czech Republic
3 - Smerr Pub - Zilina, Slovakia
4 - Viper Room - Vienna, Austria
5 - K 17 - Berlin, Germany
6 - Rock City - Uster, Switzerland
7 - Salzhof - Freistadt, Austria
8 - Live Factory - Deathomania Festival - Adelsheim, Germany

23 October 2008

Former GRIP INC. vocalist Gus Chambers passed away on October 13, 2008 at the age of 52. Chambers, who resided in Coventry, England, reportedly took his own life. Gus moved to America and formed SONS OF DAMNATION before hooking up with SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo and German guitarist Waldemar Sorychta in GRIP INC. They released three acclaimed albums in the mid-to-late '90s — "Power of Inner Strength" (1995), "Nemesis" (1997), and "Solidify" (1999) — and finally came back with a fourth entitled "Incorporated" in 2004.

23 October 2008

TWISTED SISTER is planning a 25th-anniversary re-release of its classic 1984 album "Stay Hungry", featuring loads of bonus material, including one brand new track that the band is set to record later this month. "There's gonna be two discs — it's gonna be the original album remastered, and it's gonna have all the outtakes, including about fifteen songs that we never finished; all two verses and a chorus," guitarist Jay Jay French revealed during an October 10, 2008 appearance on Eddie Trunk's "Friday Night Rocks" radio show. "In much the same way that everybody's throwing the kitchen sink in these historical records — we're gonna have that — plus we're gonna have a brand new song that we're recording in two weeks."

23 October 2008

"Perpetual Flame", due on October 14, CD will be the first-ever YNGWIE MALMSTEEN effort to be released via Rising Force Records (distributed via Koch) and it will mark the debut of Malmsteen's new singer, ex-JUDAS PRIEST/ICED EARTH front man Tim "Ripper" Owens. Featuring twelve tracks (which stretches to almost 70 minutes total), the album was produced and engineered by Yngwie himself, and mixed by Roy Z (who has previously worked with JUDAS PRIEST and BRUCE DICKINSON, among others). Joining Yngwie and Ripper on the album are keyboardist Derek Sherinian and drummer Patrick Johansson (Yngwie contributed bass, additional keyboards, and vocals, as well), but on tour, Michael Troy is supplying keyboards, and Bjorn Englen is laying down the bass.

23 October 2008

EXODUS recently completed work on a re-recording of "Bonded By Blood". Produced by guitarist Gary Holt, the new CD - entitled "Let There Be Blood" - was recorded at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California; JKZ Production Studio in San Rafael, California; with vocal tracks recorded at J. Rod Production Studios in New City, New York. Andy Sneap mixed the CD at his Backstage studio in Derbyshire, England. An October 28, 2008 release through Zaentz Records is expected.

12 October 2008

Reactivated New Jersey metallers WHIPLASH are in the final stages of recording their long-awaited anticipated CD, "Pitbulls In The Playground", due in early 2009 followed by a summer tour. Portaro reunites with former drummer Joe Cangelosi once again after 19 years for their latest studio effort, which is being produced by founding member Tony Portaro who recently completed his studies with Rick VanBenschoten and Susan Nuziata at NYU.
Portaro remained the pillar of the band while the lineup went through many changes over the course of their six full-length CDs, including "Cult Of One" in 1996 and "Sit Stand Kneel Prey" in 1997. During that time, Cangelosi supplied the drumming on "Cause For Conflict" for Germany's premier thrash band KREATOR, which was released in 1995. Portaro handled the guitar work for Billy Milano's M.O.D. on a European tour in early 1998 with drummer Tony Scaglione, inviting the return of the original WHIPLASH lineup for a reunion CD entitled "Thrashback".
Portaro comments: "We owe this long-awaited breath of fresh new material to our fans. WHIPLASH stays true to their roots with the power-thrash riffs and double bass that broke us into the industry."
WHIPLASH is a three-piece power trio hailing from New Jersey. The band was assembled back in 1984 when Tony Portaro and Tony Scaglione joined forces, recruited Tony Bono on bass and released their first CD, "Power and Pain", in 1985 on Roadrunner Records. The debut CD was followed up by their first live performance at Ruthie's in Berkley, California with POSSESSED and DEATH ANGEL.

WHIPLASH's current lineup:
Tony Portaro - Guitar/Vocals
Joe Cangelosi (ex-KREATOR) - Drums
Rich Day Bass (ex-PRIMAL SCREAM) - Bass

12 October 2008

Australian melodic prog-power metallers EYEFEAR, featuring former PEGAZUS singer Danny Cecati, have announced the title of their upcoming fourth album - The Unseen will see the light of day on November 7 via Dockyard 1. As a special extra feature the band added a video to the song 'Dreams' to the album.
The Unseen tracklisting: 'Hypnosis' (intro), 'Illusions', 'Bridge To The Past', 'The Unseen', 'Always Reasons' 'Wasting Away (Alone)', 'From Darkness Till Dawn', 'Confessions', 'A Clouded Mind'.

12 October 2008

New Jersey-based holy metallers FAITH FACTOR, fronted by former DEADLY BLESSING vocalist Ski, are releasing their debut album, "Against A Darkened Sky", on November 1st via Retroactive Records.
The tracklisting is as follows: 'Evila Si Eh', 'Keep It True', 'The Rapture', 'In Gods Shadow', 'In Remeberance', 'Light Replaces Darkness', 'Armor Of God', 'Divine Temptation', 'Ascend Unto Heaven', 'Sinners Prayer'.

12 October 2008

BELIEVER ink three-album deal for new album. Kurt Bachman from US thrashers BELIEVER have issued the following update:
"Hello once again! We have been mixing and are almost 50% finished. We are extremely stoked with the mix so far and think you will all be pleasantly surprised as well. It's heavy, it's unique, it's Believer and beyond. We hope to finish mixing in the next few weeks and then on to mastering. We have also signed a three record deal that includes world-wide distribution, but we'll wait for the official press release to let you know who it's with and when the potential record release date will be. It's an exciting time in the Believer camp to say the least! There will also be new merch available for this record with amazing artwork. Please stand by for more info in the weeks to come and thanks again for your patience."

12 October 2008

PESTILENCE will enter Jacob Hansen Studios mid October to record the new album Resurrection Macabre, which is released in 2009 by Mascot Records. The band will record 11 new songs and for the limited edition 3 bonus tracks. The bonustracks will be 3 classic PESTILENCE songs and you can vote for your favourite song. The 3 songs voted most for, will be re-recorded in the studio. Visit www.pestilence.nl to vote!

12 October 2008

Vocalist/guitarist Dave Hewson of the legendary Canadian band SLAUGHTER (which later evolved into STRAPPADO) has issued the following update:
"[I] just wanted to let everyone know that longtime drummer for SLAUGHTER and STRAPPADO, Brian Lourie, has died of a heart attack at the young age of 39. Brian was one of the best people I have ever met and was a huge part of SLAUGHTER joining in 1987-88 'till we disbanded in 1992. His sense of humor and love for life made him such a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. I will try to [release] more info as it comes. Love you, bro."

12 October 2008

According to a posting on SODOM's official web site, the group's original drummer, Chris Dudek (a.k.a. Witchhunter), passed away yesterday (Sunday, September 7). No further details are currently available.
Dudek made a special guest appearance on SODOM's latest album, "The Final Sign of Evil", which was released as a double vinyl package on February 1, 2008 via SPV Records. The LP features re-recordings of the material from the German thrashers' classic first EP, "In the Sign of Evil", plus no less than seven bonus tracks, all of which were originally written during the "In the Sign of Evil" era or earlier but were never officially released. In addition to Dudek, guitarist Josef "Peppi" Dominic (a.k.a. Grave Violator) — who was featured on the original 1984 EP — appeared on the new recording.

12 October 2008

Vocalist/guitarist Rob Urbinati of the reunited thrashers SACRIFICE has issued the following update: "We are extremely excited to say we have booked studio time in December, to begin tracking our new album which we have titled 'The Ones I Condemn'. Until then, we will be getting the songs as tight as possible, because we will be miking the drums without samples and without click tracks to sound human, and really feel the fury of the new tracks. We may post some demo stuff here soon." In other news, SACRIFICE is planning to release a new DVD, ‘Live ReAnimation’, before the end of 2008, featuring the band's complete reunion show from September 2006 at the Day Of The Equinox II festival in Toronto, Ontario at the Opera House. The group's original lineup performed tracks from their classic metal releases: "Torment In Fire" (1986), "Forward To Termination" (1987) and "Soldiers of Misfortune" (1990). Other song titles set to appear on the CD include ‘The Great Wall’, ‘Give Me Justice’ and ‘Absolute Power Corrupts’.

12 October 2008

DREAMLAND will enter Andy La Rocque's (KING DIAMOND, DEATH) Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden this fall to begin recording their new album for a March 2009 release via Dockyard 1. According to the band, "the recording will start in the middle of November and the album is scheduled to be mixed and mastered in the beginning of January 2009. We still have no release date or a title for the album but as soon as we have any new information we will post it on our official web site."

12 October 2008

IRON FIRE have set ‘To The Grave’ as the title of their new album, tentatively due in early 2009 via Napalm Records. According to the band, "the mix is now finished." Songtitles set to appear on the album include ‘The Beast From The Blackness’, ‘Doom Riders’, ‘The Demon Master’, ‘Hail To Odin’ and ‘March Of The Immortals’.

12 October 2008

AT THE GATES have issued the following update: "The reunion shows for 2008 have come to an end. We want to thank everybody involved for making them happen. A massive 'thank you' goes out to our partners in THE HAUNTED, DISFEAR, NEMHAIN, SLAKTATTACK etc. for understanding the importance of doing these last couple of closing shows. "What happens now, you might ask? Well, we are currently working on collecting a bunch of filmed material and we will begin to film and edit some footage for an upcoming documentary. More news about this at a later date. In the meanwhile, please respect our current status, and try to understand that our main priority lies with our current bands and prior commitments. "Thanks everybody for making this a memorable summer for us all."

12 October 2008

SIEGES EVEN have disbanded, here’s the official statement from the band: “Due to internal differences the band decided to split up.Thanks to everybody who helped the band over the years. Arno and Markus will pursue their new band SUBSIGNAL. Alex and Oliver will also attend to their new projects.

12 October 2008

OBITUARY’s John Tardy has issued the following update: "For the last few weeks, Donald [Tardy; OBITUARY drummer and John's brother] and I have been locked in our studio finishing up writing, recording and producing our debut TARDY BROTHERS 'Bloodline' release. This is something we have talked about for a couple of years and it was not until we set up our own studio that we could find the time to get this done. Check out www.tardybrothers.com and I will let you know all about what we did. It is really something you have to hear."

12 October 2008

Candlelight Records recently announced the signing of Oakland, California based DEFIANCE. The band currently featuring vocalist Steev Esquivel (Skinlab), guitarist Jim Adams, bassist Mike Kaufmann and drummer Mark Hernandez (Vio-lence, Forbidden) has started early tracking of their new album at Trident Studios and Greendot Studios in East Bay, California. The currently untitled album is expected for Spring 2009 release.

9 September 2008

The line-up for this years instalment of Mario's Metal Meeting is completed!
German metallers Courageous will open the festival on the 9th of November:

- VICIOUS RUMORS (USA)
- WOLF (Sweden)
- SHADOWKEEP (UK)
- ARCTIC FLAME (USA)
- COURAGEOUS (Germany)

Place & date of this happening:
The 9th of November at the 013 venue, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Please check out the 013 website for more details.
Presale starts saturday, the 13th of September!

http://www.mariosmetalmania.com
http://www.013.nl
http://www.myspace.com/viciousrumors
http://www.myspace.com/wolfheavymetal
http://www.myspace.com/shadowkeepuk
http://www.myspace.com/arcticfire
http://www.myspace.com/courageousmusic

Please spread the news!!
Greetings, cheers & hope to see/meet you all overthere!
Mario van Dooren

5 September 2008

British-American power unit SHADOWKEEP, who have already carved a name for themselves with two outstanding albums, Corruption within and A chaos theory, have signed with Dutch label Melissa Records.
Over the course of the last few years, the band formed by guitarists Chris Allen and Nikki Robson have had to deal with several setbacks. Allen and Robson have never, however, erred in their determination to continue what, in our here-today-gone-tomorrow music culture, essentially is an exceptional musical endeavour: to create dynamic, technical powermetal with melodies that stick in the mind. Metal built to last, so to speak.
On their forthcoming third album The hourglass effect, an apocalyptic concept piece based on lyrics by new vocalist Richie Wicks, ShadowKeep have truly perfected their craft: blistering rhythm guitars and dual leads, soaring vocals, razor-sharp arrangements and a stunning production from Threshold-guitarist Karl Groom make for a fittingly aggressive yet sophisticated album that has all the trademarks of a future classic. For a taste of what's to come, check out the new tracks 'ShadowKeep' and 'Riot on earth' at their MySpace.
The hourglass effect is set for a late 2008/early 2009 release by Melissa Records, based in The Netherlands and known for their dedication to traditional US-metal. Earlier releases include Mindfire by Beyond Fallen, Evolution bound by Ancient Creation and Monuments by Seventh Calling. ShadowKeep have already been confirmed to play at the second installment of Mario's Metal Meeting in club 013, Tilburg, The Netherlands on November 9, 2008.

14 July 2008

Mario's Metal Mania had a short conversation with ex-Abattoir frontman Steve Gaines about ANGER AS ART's upcoming debut gig in Europe on the Dokkum Open Air festival on the 9th of August!

MARIO: Hi, how are you doing lately? Already nervous for your first appearance with AAA in Europe at the Dokkum Open Air?
STEVE: Healthy as a horse!! Nervous is not the word, but rather we are anticipating it like you wouldn't believe. It will be AAA's first Euro appearance, and we are ready to tear the place apart. Hope a lot of our Dutch friends are gonna be there.

MARIO: What can we expect overthere? Are you only playing AAA songs or maybe also some Abattoir, Bloodlust or other bands material?
STEVE: Well, we promised an Abattoir song, but I don't want to say which one - keep people guessing up until showtime. All the rest is Anger As Art - including some new material from album #3 that we will start to work on after summer.

MARIO: What do YOU expect to find overhere? How are the reactions so far about the upcoming gig in Europe?
STEVE: I expect to find metalheads that are more pure than there are here in the USA. Don't get me wrong - we have great fan support here. But thus far being in communications with some of our friends in Europe - they know all about us, our history, and such. I hope it feels like a homecoming - at least, that is what I 'expect', if that doesn't sound arrogant.

MARIO: Are you doing any other shows beside the Dokkum gig?
STEVE: only this one - yet. A lot of promoters thought they could finagle us into doing an Aba-lust concert, so to speak. So we had to stand our ground. We need to come over, and prove that we are worthy - I have no problem paying my dues. Even after all these years!

MARIO: And what about todays line-up of AAA?
STEVE: Yes, we have added 2 new members - Angelo Espino on Bass, and Dave Chedrick on drums. We have known them both for years, and played with them in the past. They were formerly in Hirax together - and in fact they played Dokk'em together in 2004. They both have added a lot more of a thrash vibe to us than I thought was possible. Grateful to have them. And we look forward to seeing you all in Holland next month!!! Thanks Mario for letting me share a few words here. Who knows? Let's talk about coming over for Mario's Metal Meeting - if you have another one! Thanks for the brotherhood, and we will talk soon.

14 July 2008

The running order for the Headbangers Open Air festival is is online now:

Thursday (24 July 2008):
18:00 18:40 Messenger
19:00 19:50 Ancestral
20:10 21:10 Deadly Blessing
21:30 22:30 Benedictum
22:50 24:00 Exodus

Friday (25 July 2008):
13:30 14:05 Black Hawk
14:20 15:05 Paradox
15:20 16:15 Mortal Sin
16:35 17:20 Sweet Savage
17:35 18:30 Lethal
18:45 19:35 At War
19:50 20:40 Impaler
21:00 21:55 Detente
22:15 23:35 Blaze Bayley
23:35 24:00 Mannstoll Feuershow
24:00 01:30 Sodom

Saturday (26 July 2008):
12:00 12:35 Stone Cold Black
12:50 13:35 Abandoned
13:50 14:50 Destructor
15:05 16:05 Praying Mantis
16:20 17:10 Axehammer
17:25 18:25 Wild Dogs
18:40 19:30 Rebellion
19:45 20:35 New Eden
20:55 22:05 Picture
22:25 23:45 Beehler
23:45 24:15 Mannstoll Feuershow
24:15 01:45 Death SS

For more info go to: http://www.headbangers-open-air.de

14 July 2008

Guitarist/vocalist Kim McAuliffe of the veteran British all-female hard rock band GIRLSCHOOL has reportedly told Classic Rock journalist Dave Ling that the band's upcoming 30th anniversary album will feature a plethora of special guests, including Tony Iommi (BLACK SABBATH), Ronnie James Dio (BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO), Lemmy and Phil Campbell from MOTÖRHEAD, "Fast" Eddie Clarke (FASTWAY, ex-MOTÖRHEAD) and a couple of members of TWISTED SISTER.

14 July 2008

ICED EARTH's new full-length studio album, "The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)", will be released through SPV Records on the following dates: Germany, Austria, Switzerland: September 5. Rest of Europe: September 8. USA, Canada: September 9. "The Crucible of Man (Something Wicked Part II)" continues where ICED EARTH's 2007 release, "Framing Armageddon (Something Wicked Part I)" left off. "The Crucible of Man" features the return of frontman Matt Barlow who was mainman/guitarist Jon Schaffer's original voice of choice to introduce the "Something Wicked" saga back in 1998 as a trio of songs which concluded their album, "Something Wicked This Way Comes '.

14 July 2008

There will be no Arnhem Metal Meeting this year. After four successful editions the organization encountered so much problems for the 2008 edition they called it quits. According to an AMM spokesman: "The venue in which the fest was held all previous meetings doubled its fee, and so did all bands that might have been suitable candidates for the 2008 edition. This could drive the price of tickets up to ridiculous heights, so it would be better to cancel the whole thing instead of going bankrupt at the end of the day."

14 July 2008

At the 1th of November the first edition of the Halloween Rock Fest will take place at venue La Vida (formerly known as Noorderligt) in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Bands that will perform are: VENGEANCE, SOUTHERN WHEREWOLF FARM & IRONING MAIDEN (Iron Maiden tribute).
For more info: http://www.halloweenrockfest.com/.

14 July 2008

The Keep it True organisation is proud to present the saturday headliner for the KEEP IT TRUE 12 festival. It will be "L.A.'s Most Headbanging Band" ARMORED SAINT! Now only one co-headliner is still missing

KEEP IT TRUE XII
ARMORED SAINT (USA)
LIZZY BORDEN (USA)
HITTMAN (USA) (exclusive Show, original Line Up)
ABATTOIR (USA) (exclusive Show with Steve Gaines,Mark Caro,Mel Sanchez,Juan Garcia,Rob Analeze)
TYRANT (USA) (exclusive Show, Original Line Up)
EXXPLORER (USA) (First show in Europe ever!)
LIVING DEATH (GER) (exclusive final show)
ZOUILLE & HANTSON (FRA) (A Night Of SORTILEGE)
EXUMER (GER) (feat. both singers!!)
RIGOR MORTIS (USA) (First European Show)
RUTHLESS (USA) (exclusive Show)
MILITIA (USA) (exclusive show, Original Line Up)
HELL (UK) (3 original members plus A. Sneap and M. Walkyier)
THE GATES OF SLUMBER (USA) (exclusive show)
ATLANTEAN KODEX (GER)
ASKA (USA)
MELTDOWN (USA)
IN SOLITUDE (SWE)
DEJA VU (GER)

April 24th./25th. 2009 Lauda-Königshofen Tauberfrankenhalle www.keep-it-true.de, www.myspace.com/keepittruefestival

Plus one Head- and CoHeadliner. PRESALE STARTS ON JULY 24th 2008!!!!

14 July 2008

From now on, fans can pre-listen to a complete song out of the upcoming DECADENCE "3rd stage of decay" album [release-date: august, 22nd] on Massacre Records' myspace site [ www.myspace.com/massacrerecordseurope ].
Check it out!!

20 June 2008

Saturday 25th October 2008 is the date the next Heavy Metal Maniacs festival will be held. As usual at the Manifesto in Hoorn (not that far from Amsterdam).
"We are very happy that we can announce another great bill. NWOBHM legends Cloven Hoof, who have singer Russ North back, will do an old school classic Hoof show ! In the past the HMM festival built up a tradition of having reunions of Dutch 80s metal bands. This year we hang on to this tradition by having reunions of Gilgamesj and Ear Danger. Portrait from Sweden and Roadkill from The Hague are from the younger generation and show us that the future of Heavy Metal is in good hands ! And finally we have Wizard on the festival after they had to cancell their show a few years ago. The band has been around since the mid 90s and through the years they built up a great live reputation with shows at the Wacken Open Air, Keep It True and many more."

The complete bill: CLOVEN HOOF, WIZARD, GILGAMESJ, PORTRAIT, ROADKILL, EARDANGER.
Website Heavy Metal Maniacs: www.heavymetalmaniacs.com

20 June 2008

LOUDNESS is gearing up for the release of a four disc live DVD set in August, tentatively titled The Legend Of Loudness - Complete Live Best. The first three discs will include live footage from the band's early days, with a total of 45 songs featured. Disc 4 will include never-before-scene live footage, TV appearance and the recent 'Metal Mad' video clip.

20 June 2008

BOLT THROWER have issued the following update: "We've spent the last year trying to write songs for a new album, planning to go into the studio this summer. Unfortunately, after a lot of thought, we have had to make the difficult decision to postpone the recording indefinitely. "We know everybody says that their new album is better than their last, but with us we really believed that. From day one we made it clear that we'd stop recording when we felt we'd written the ultimate BOLT THROWER album; we just never knew when that would be. We kind of took for granted that each release would get better and better. But we have realized now that our last release, 'Those Once Loyal', turned out to be that album, and basically the new stuff we have written just doesn't match up to it. We have a lot of pride in our back catalogue, and we refuse to turn into one of the many bands (like the ones we grew up listening to) who end up releasing crap, and we're also not prepared to compromise by instead releasing an album of cover versions or a 'best-of' album. "Sorry to disappoint those of you looking forward to hearing new BOLT THROWER songs, but we always said that we would never release anything we weren't happy with or that, in our view, didn't at least match up to our previous work.

20 June 2008

LAAZ ROCKIT will release their new album, "Left for Dead", on July 25 via Germany's Massacre Records.

20 June 2008

LOUD FROM THE SOUTH is a brand new festival to be held in the Netherlands. The first edition is scheduled to take place August 30 in Eindhoven, and these bands are already confirmed: Soulfly, Carcass, Laaz Rockit, Sabbat, Only Living Witness, Darkane, Motorjesus, Pilgrimz and The Lucifer Principle. More bands will be confirmed the coming weeks. www.loudfromthesouth.com

20 June 2008

HOLY MOSES have set "Agony of Death" as the title of their new album, due around September 19 via via Wacken Records/SPV. The band is currently putting the finishing toches on the new CD at the Blue Castle Studio near Hamburg with producer/guitar player Michael Hankel. HOLY MOSES will be perform two new tracks from the new album at the Wacken Open Air 2008 festival when they play the Black Stage on August 2

20 June 2008

Maniacal Records (USA) and High Roller Records (Germany) have announced a joint vinyl release for 2008, a SWEET SAVAGE two-LP release of studio material and live songs from the band's early years (1978-1981) done with the group's co-operation. Due in the summer, "Eye of the Storm - The Early Years" marks the first time that original studio recordings from the late '70s and early '80s are properly made available to the general public and also the first time that most of the songs have been committed to vinyl. The material consists of studio material and some live cuts from the early years. This is rare studio and live material that holds its own alongside the other NWOBHM greats of that era like ANGELWITCH, IRON MAIDEN, HOLOCAUST and TYGERS OF PAN TANG. 500 copies will be pressed and only 250 will be available for the USA. Half the pressing will be on green vinyl in tribute to Ireland. Contact Mike at Maniacalrecords@aol.com for pre-order information. Or if in Europe, contact Steffen at info@high-roller-records.de.

20 June 2008

AVIAN, the melodic metal band featuring singer Lance King (BALANCE OF POWER, PYRAMAZE) and guitarist Yan Leviathan, will release its sophomore album, "Ashes and Madness", on September 16 via Nightmare Records.

1 June 2008

On May 18, MICHELLE MELDRUM, leader of the band MELDRUM, wife of Europe's axeman John Norum and former Phantom Blue guitarist, was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank in critical condition. She passed away late afternoon Wednesday, May 21, 2008 as a result of a cystic growth on her brain that had restricted oxygen and blood flow to her brain rendering her brain dead. Meldrum had just completed writing and recording the bands soon to be released album with drummer Gene Hoglan, along with the new lineup Michele Madden (vocals) and Laura Christine (bass). The surviving band members plan to release the album later this year in tribute to their fallen band-mate. Those who knew Michelle recognize that she lived every moment for the music, and was regarded as both an exceptional guitarist and a nurturer by her associates, friends, family and son. Meldrum, 39 is survived by her parents and three year old son, Jake Thomas. Her family and band members appreciate all the support that has been shown over the past few days through this trying time. A memorial tribute benefit will be announced in the following weeks.

1 June 2008

Following last year's release of HIRAX's "Assassins Of War" and "Chaos And Brutality" EPs the Long Beach thrashers will release their first ever live album "Thrash And Destroy". The CD features the band's entire 75 minute performance at the Keep It True Festival IX on November 3, 2007, in Dittigheim, Germany. It's slated for a June 2008 release as CD/DVD set via SELFMADEGOD RECORDS in Europe and double vinyl gatefold and CD on Deep Six / Black Devil Records in the United States.

1 June 2008

Reunited '80s progressive NWOSFHM band ANVIL CHORUS check in with the following brief update:
"The Blade should be completed this week. When it is done, only 'Once Again' remains for guitars and vocals before the whole thing goes in for final mix!!! Look for mixes in our player soon. Blue Flames? Deadly Weapons? or......?"
According to a recent update, The Blade "will contain the wide variety of sound AC was always capable of, and known for. This is truly for you, the folks who always recognized our passion for originality and have championed the AC name for over two decades."

1 June 2008

Former CELTIC FROST frontman Tom Gabriel Fischer has announced the formation of his new band, TRIPTYKON. The first audio sample, a track called "Cucifixus", can be heard on TRIPTYKON's official MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/triptykonofficial

1 June 2008

WOLF have announced Richard "Raptor" Holmgren as their new official drummer. According to a press release, "Richard is a well-known musician [who has] previously played in several bands such as APOSTASY and HATERUSH."

1 June 2008

SAURON have issued the following statement: "After 11 years of kaos we decided to end SAURON. We feel we did what we wanted and continue the madness trough several other acts (BUNKUR, FUNERAL GOAT, FLESH MADE SIN, AVBYSMAL DARKENING, ZELFHAAT, NEMESIS INDUSTRIES and maybe more)."

1 June 2008

VENOM will now see their new album, Hell, released in Europe on June 9th and in North America on June 10th. The album was previously expected in late May. Hell features the following tracklisting: 'Straight To Hell', 'The Power And The Glory', 'Hand Of God', 'Fall From Grace', 'Hell', 'Evil Perfection', 'Stab U In The Back', 'Armageddon', 'Kill The Music', 'Evilution Devilution', 'Blood Sky', 'USA For Satan', 'Dirge' / 'The Awakening'.

1 June 2008

FORBIDDEN have tapped Mark Hernandez (HEATHEN, DEFIANCE, RE:IGNITION, VIO-LENCE, TORQUE, TECHNOCRACY, SOCIAL UNREST) to play the drums on the band's upcoming European tour.

1 June 2008

Metal Mind Productions will release a new live DVD by FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, entitled "Once in a Deathtime" (cover artwork), in Europe on June 16. The disc will contain footage of the band's March 8, 2008 performance at Metalmania Festival in Katowice, Poland, including live renditions of such classic songs as "Doomsday for the Deceiver", "No Place for Disgrace", or "I Live You Die". The DVD will also feature an interview with Craig Neilsen (drums) and Ed Carlson (guitar), biography, discography, photo gallery, desktop images and weblinks. A limited-edition version of the DVD will include will include an audio CD containing songs recorded at the Metalmania Festival.

1 June 2008

Legendary hard rock band MOTÖRHEAD has set "Motorizer" as the title of its new album, due before the end of the year via SPV Records. The follow-up to 2006's "Kiss of Death" is being recorded at FOO FIGHTERS frontman/ex-NIRVANA drummer Dave Grohl's Studio 606 in Northridge, California.
As previously reported, the life and career of MOTÖRHEAD frontman Lemmy Kilmister is being celebrated in a new documentary, tentatively titled "Lemmy" and slated for release in 2009. The film promises fans more access than ever before to Kilmister's life, and includes interviews with past and present bandmates and such peers/admirers as Slash, Dave Grohl, THE CLASH's Mick Jones, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai and wrestling superstar Triple H. Directors/producers Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski (both of whom have contributed to Billboard) are shooting the film on a combination of HD video and super 16 mm film. Other giants from the world of metal and hard rock will appear in the film as well, with details to be announced. "We haven't heard the word 'no' yet after any interview request," Olliver says.

1 June 2008

Reactivated cult German progressive metallers SIEGES EVEN will release their first-ever live album, "Playgrounds", in July via InsideOut Music. The CD will contain ten songs from the "A Sense Of Change", "The Art Of Navigating By The Stars" and "Paramount" albums recorded during the first leg of the band's "Paramount" tour 2007-2008.

1 June 2008

Reactivated San Francisco Bay Area metallers LAAZ ROCKIT have inked a deal with Germany's Massacre Records. The group's new album, "Left for Dead", will be released on July 25. Two songs from the CD — "Brain Wash" and "Liar" — are available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. "Left for Dead" was reportedly produced by Scott Sargeant by Juan Urteaga.


1 June 2008

Angel Thorne Music will release the new live album from Danbury, Connecticut's SACRED OATH on June 17. The enhanced CD "…Till Death Do Us Part" was recorded last November during the band's European tour while promoting "Darkness Visible" (Sentinel Steel Records, 2007). The CD also contains a video filmed last year for the song "Words Upon the Stone" (taken from "Darkness Visible").
Sentinel Steel Records will distribute "…Till Death Do Us Part" through its usual channels (Century Media, The End, Massacre, Battle Cry, Hellion) and will also have exclusive distribution rights for a limited number (1,000) of hand-numbered and autographed copies.

1 June 2008

New Jersey metallers OVERLORDE have parted ways with vocalist Chris Colfax and are currently seeking a replacement. According to a press release, "the band is well into preparing for its next release on Sonic Age Records, the follow-up to the highly acclaimed CD titled 'Return Of The Snow Giant'. So the vocalist should be ready to hit the ground running. Any interested vocalists should feel free to contact the band at vocal_search@overlorde.com. Let OVERLORDE know how to hear some of you work online and give us some basic information about yourself."
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/overlorde.

15 May 2008

ATTACKER have announced the addition of Walter Figueroa to the group's ranks. Figueroa is the former lead singer of SEVERED HAND (a band that features Sebastian Bach's son on drums) and he recently did a stint as vocalist for 1980s metal cover band SMELL THE GLOVE (which features SEVEN WITCHES and current JOEY BELLADONNA guitarist Jack Frost). Walter Figueroa has also been involved with hard rock band IMPRECARI and progressive rock/metal band PARADOX (New Jersey).

15 May 2008

Dan Beehler (ex-EXCITER) has issued another update regarding the activities in his camp as the BEEHLER project - the band also featuring former Exciter bassist Allan Johnson along with guitarists Sean Brophy and Scott Walsh - readies new material and gears up for a rare live appearance at Germany's Headbangers Open Air Festival, which is scheduled to take place July 24th - 26th, 2008 in Brande-Hornerkirchen, Germany. "How can I forget how cool it is to be playing with my brother in metal, Allan Johnson, were headed back to Germany for the first time since the eighties," Beehler says with excitement. "Also as you know, my brother Richard was the fourth silent member of Exciter and wrote a lot of lyrics back then like 'Under Attack' etc. When he past away in 1999, Walsh and I started Beehler in his memory and at Headbangers Open Air, get this, July 26th the day we hit the stage is the anniversary of his death. So it's extra special. I believe he's still somehow that silent member still helping us out! This is big for my family and Al. Also Brophy and Walsh have family ties to Exciter, we grew up together and they understand how important this is. We didn't just pick these guys up off the street. Not to mention, Johnson and I can't think of a better place to launch the Beehler thing. Germany was there in the beginning, stuck through the hard years and they're here for us now. It's almost like a homecoming for Al and I. I get chills when I think about it. We all are from the Joey DeMaio (MANOWAR) old school, we just want to blow peoples heads off with some classic '80's metal. The true fans deserve it!"

15 May 2008

PILEDRIVER have inked a deal with Northern Storm Records. The group is currently working on its long-awaited new album, "Metal Manifesto", which will be mixed by Neil Kernon (QUEENSRŸCHE, NEVERMORE, CANNIBAL CORPSE, DEICIDE).

15 May 2008

US thrash masters FORBIDDEN have announced a string of live dates throughout Europe during June and July.
Dates are as follows:

June
20 - The Rock - Copenhagen, Denmark
21 - Turock - Essen, Germany
22 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
23 - Radar - Torino, Italy
24 - Stuk - Maribor, Slovakia
25 - Sotto Tetto - Bologna, Italy
26 - Bang Your Head - Hechingen, Germany
27 - Bang Your Head - Balingen, Germany
28 - Graspop Metal Meeting - Dessel, Belgium

July
3 - Markthalle - Hamburg, Germany
4 - Dynamo Club - Eindhoven, Netherlands
5 - Waldrock Festival – Burgum, Netherlands

15 May 2008

German progressive metallers SIEGES EVEN will release the first live album in their career. The CD will be entitled Playgrounds, containing ten songs from the albums A Sense Of Change, The Art Of Navigating By The Stars and Paramount. Recorded during Part I of the Paramount tour 2007/08, Playgrounds will hit the stores by the end of July via Inside Out Music.

15 May 2008

Reunited California-based metallers DÉTENTE (featuring HELLION's Ann Boleyn on vocals) have confirmed a new live date in Oberhausen, Germany on July 26th at Helvete Club.
Upcoming Détente live dates now include:

July
5 - Tidalwave Metal Fest 2008 - San Francisco, California
19 - The Black Castle - Los Angeles, California
25 - Headbanger's Open Air - Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
26 - Helvete Club - Oberhausen, Germany
27 - Ballroom Hamburg - Hamburg, Germany

October
4 - MartoHell Metal Festival - Barcelona, Spain

15 May 2008

CANDLEMASS are currently recording a new EP, "Lucfer Rising", for a tentative Septeber release via Nuclear Blast Records. It will include two brand new tracks — "Lucifer Rising" and "The White God" — plus a whole bunch of live tracks from the previous tour. A new album will be recorded in the fall for a spring 2009 release.

15 May 2008

RIOT mainman/guitarist Mark Reale has issued the following update:
"I'm in the process of working with all the members from the original 1988 lineup (Reale, singer Tony Moore, bassist Don Van Staven and drummer Bobby Jarzombek) and have begun writing material for a new record with them. Although some members do have prior commitments, hopefully the new record will be released in the late fall of 2008."

15 May 2008

IMPELLITTERI mainman/guitarist Chris Impellitteri has issued the following update:
"First, I want to thank Guitar World magazine for including IMPELLITTERI in their 50 'Fastest Guitarist of All Time' article. That was really nice of them to include me. I am definitely guilty of playing hyper-speed all too often. However, many people tell me I am the guitarist who probably started the craze of hyper-speed shred with the IMPELLITTERI 'Black' EP. (oops — HA!) SHRED ON!!
"Now on to [IMPELLITTERI's] new record titled 'Good and Evil'. The new music is being mixed in Vancouver with Greg Reely (DEVILDRIVER, FEAR FACTORY, etc.). I can say that this is by far the most amazing recording I have been involved with. It is filled with amazing riffs, fast shredding solos, screaming vocals, and of course a brutal rhythm section. "The goal of this record was to make a historic album that will rival 'Van Halen 1', OZZY's 'Blizzard of Oz', PANTERA's 'Cowboys from Hell', YNGWIE's 'Rising Force', METALLICA's 'Master of Puppets', and even new artists like CHILDREN OF BODOM and AVENGED SEVENFOLD. "And so, IMPELLITTERI 'Good and Evil' is my attempt to rival the best. Hopefully, we have done our job well!! It was not easy.
"And now for all of the patient fans — Rob Rock [vocals] is officially back in the band."

ROB ROCK has also recently announced his involvement with Lou St. Paul (WINTERSBANE) in FIRES OF BABYLON. The multi-talented vocalist said, "Yea, it's feast or famine for me. (laughs) 'The Year Of The Rock' I guess! I'm also working on a new DRIVER album with Roy Z (HALFORD, BRUCE DICKINSON). I plan to get all the recordings done by this summer so I can concentrate on my Live DVD/CD for the Rob Rock band in September at ProgPower USA. Maybe I'll get a break in 2009." Rock claims the Gardens Of Chaos line-up, completely comprised of Swedish musicians, will be rehearsing (maybe a surprise gig?) in Florida prior to the PPUSA appearance. More info if/when it becomes available.

27 April 2008

Angelo Espino, whose work in Thrash Metal includes Hirax, Reverend (w/ David Wayne), Dissinter, Uncle Slam, Once Dead, Vermin, LSN, and many others has officially joined the ranks of OSM Records artist ANGER AS ART (led by ex-Abattoir singer Steve Gaines).
The band released the following statement: ''This was a coup for us to get someone of his caliber. We knew that a change was going to happen with Javier. However the timetable was moved up very rapidly in March. It came to our attention that Angelo was available and interested, so we made him an offer. Angelo and Dave played together in what we thought was Hirax's best lineup ­ so they have that rhythm section vibe already in place, and it really shows when we play live. We wish Javier the best, and we part as friends and family.''
Espino's first shows with Anger As Art were at Seattle Metal Fest on April 5, and also in support of Testament, and OSM label mates Laaz Rockit in Southern California. For the So Cal dates, AAA contracted Medal Media Productions to shoot a concert video ­ which should see an early summer release. More information forthcoming.
Anger As Art plan to enter the studio to begin work on album #3 (as of yet untitled) in September or October ­ after additional appearances in the USA and Europe this summer.

27 April 2008

FORBIDDEN have tapped former MACHINE HEAD/TESTAMENT drummer Chris Kontos for their upcoming European tour. The band are rumored to be in talks with Nuclear Blast Records about recording a new studio album for the label. The proposed deal would also include the release of a new full-length live album, to be recorded on the band's upcoming European tour.

27 April 2008

RIDE THE SKY, the new band featuring ex-HELLOWEEN drummer and MASTERPLAN founder Uli Kusch alongside ex-TEARS OF ANGER/BEYOND TWILIGHT singer Bjørn Jansson, guitarist Benny Jansson, and bassist Mathias Granås (XSAVIOR), has split up. According to the group, "Neither the bandmembers nor record company seem to have the urge to make a second album. There was not much media focus and together with a minor support from the record company, we came to the point where it was just not worth the work to even try to complete a second album."

27 April 2008

DESTRUCTION are scheduled to enter Hansen Studios in Ribe, Denmark today (April 21) with producer Jacob Hansen to begin recording their new album, entitled "D.E.V.O.L.U.T.I.O.N." An August 29 European release is expected. There are also plans for a full DESTRUCTION DVD release later this year.

27 April 2008

METAL CHURCH have issued the following update: "After much consideration and many qualified applicants we have come to a decision on a new guitar player. We have chosen Rick Van Zandt. Rick is a very gifted player who spent many years in the Seattle metal scene in bands like THE END, ROTTWEILLER and THE RONNY MUNROE BAND. Some of Rick's influences are Steve Vai, Richie Blackmore and Eddie Van Halen." Metal Church are putting the finishing touches to their new album, This Present Wasteland, due out this fall via SPV.

27 April 2008

UK bassist Adrian Lambert (BIOMECHANICAL, SON OF SCIENCE, ex-DRAGONFORCE) has joined new U.S.-based melodic speed metal band COLDERA.
http://www.myspace.com/officialcoldera

27 April 2008

CRADLE OF FILTH are currently in the studio recording the follow-up to 2006's "Thornography", tentatively due later in the year via Roadrunner Records. Commented guitarist Paul Allender: "I've almost finished the guitars on the new album, the new material is totally intense, it truly is some of the fastest stuff we have ever done and its fully loaded with orchestration. I can't wait for everyone to hear it."

27 April 2008

Following last year's release of HIRAX's EP "Assassins Of War", the Long Beach thrashers have recorded six new songs with producer John Haddad for their upcoming album, "El Rostro de la Muerte". This will be the band's first full-length since the 2004 release "The New Age Of Terror". The album will also include re-recordings of classic HIRAX tracks "Broken Neck" and "Blind Faith" as well as the bonus track "Chaos And Brutality" from the European EP released last year.

16 April 2008

X-WORLD 5 - the new band based around former HAMMERFALL bass player Magnus Rosen, PAGAN'S MIND vocalist Nils K Rue, guitar players Andy La Roque (KING DIAMOND) and Reeves Gabrels (DAVID BOWIE), as well as drummer Big Swede - will release of their debut album, New Universal Order, via AFM Records on May 16th. The Tracklist of New Universal Order is as follows: 'CyberChrist', 'Man Machine', 'Charge To War', 'Stand Up', 'A Cryptic Message', 'Crooked Cross', 'Lunar Voyage', 'Argonaut' and 'New Eden'.

16 April 2008

FIRES OF BABYLON, the new band cranking out classic 1980's-style shredding US heavy metal, featuring guitarist Lou St. Paul (WINTERS BANE), vocalist Rob Rock (ROB ROCK band; ex-IMPELITTERRI), bassist Kelly Conlon (ex-DEATH, MONSTROSITY), and drummer Robert Falzano (SHATTER MESSIAH; ex-ANNIHILATOR), will see their debut full length released through Metal Heaven Records on April 25th. The tracklist for the debut is as follows: 'Falling To Pieces', 'Devilution', 'When The Kingdom Comes', 'Lake Of Fire', 'Holy Resurrection', 'Going Through Changes', 'Lazarus Rising', 'Revolution Coming', 'Generation Of Destruction', 'Castles Are Burning'.

16 April 2008

TESTAMENT's ninth studio album is slated for release on April 29th via Nuclear Blast. The follow-up to 1999's The Gathering, Damnation features the original Testament line-up of vocalist Chuck Billy, guitarists Eric Peterson and Alex Skolnick, and bassist Greg Christian, with the addition of friend and former member, Paul Bostaph.

16 April 2008

RAM, the traditional Gothenburg, Sweden-based heavy metal band featuring Leif Larsson (ex-FROZEN EYES, NME WITHIN) and Morgan Pettersson (ex-B-THONG), has entered Studio Bongo in the group's hometown to begin recording the new RAM album, due before the end of the year.

16 April 2008

HOLY MOSES has set "Bloodbound" as the title of its new album, tentatively due this summer.

16 April 2008

TIMO TOLKKI has decided to end STRATOVARIUS and has formed a new band called REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE. The debut album is entitled "New Era" and will be released on June 6th 2008 on Frontiers Records. New Era is the album that was meant to be the next Stratovarius album. Instead, Timo called a few friends for the recording sessions and the album features all the lead vocals from Michael Kiske (ex-HELLOWEEN) and Tobias Sammet (EDGUY, AVANTASIA, along with Timo's lead guitar lines and melodic Power Metal anthems that made him one of the pioneers and trademark performers of the style. Tolkki is looking for a permanent line-up for the band, so if you are interested, check out the details at www.timotolkki.com.

16 April 2008

BENEDICTION have commenced the recording sessions for their new album, entitled "Killing Music". The band has launched a studio diary. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Killing Music", "Dripping With Disgust", "Rats In The Mask (Controlopolis)", "They Bleed", "I Am The Betrayer" and "Dissembler". A late 2008 release via Nuclear Blast Records is expected.

16 April 2008

METAL CHURCH have issued the following update:
"Ronny Munroe (vocals] just flew into Seattle to finish the final vocal tracks for the new release. We are very pleased with the way it is turning out. Look forward to more updates along with some studio photos." METAL CHURCH's new album, tentatively titled "This Present Wasteland", is scheduled for release later in the year. The band recently parted ways with guitarist Jay Reynolds (also of MALICE) for "personal reasons." A replacement guitarist has not yet been announced.

16 April 2008

HALLOWS EVE are putting the finishing touches on a new studio album, tentatively due later in the year. The CD, which features original lead vocalist Stacy Andersen, was produced by Doyle Bright of RIGOR MORTIS and is said to be "a conscious effort to achieve the feel and sound of 'Tales of Terror' (1985) and 'Death and Insanity' (1986)," according to bassist Tommy Stewart.
Lets just wait and see (hear)........

16 April 2008

New Jersey metallers ATTACKER have parted ways with vocalist Bob Mitchell "due to ongoing personal and financial circumstances that unfortunately prevent any further cooperation between the parties," according to a press release. "The band wishes Bob the best of luck in his future endeavors and thanks him for the great run they had together."
ATTACKER is currently seeking a replacement lead vocalist. All interested parties can submit demo material at mike@attacker.tv.

Former ATTACKER vocalist Bob Mitchell has released the following statement regarding his departure from the group:
"Just wanted to express that I had the greatest time at the Keep It True festival over the past weekend. ATTACKER rocked Germany once again and everyone was, as usual, gracious and enthusiastic about what we have accomplished. "With that said, it is with heavy heart that I announce my departure from ATTACKER. Outside of the band, I have commitments to college as I am currently earning my Associate's Degree and will soon be entering the nursing program, my work at the hospital, which is my greatest passion and my family. In truth, I just could not commit myself at a 100% level and with each passing day it became more difficult. It just isn't fair for me, nor is it fair for the band, and so I chose to make this decision. Also, on a light note, I wish to announce that I will be a first-time father and I will be married as of this July. "I must make it clear that I love ATTACKER. I am the man I am today because of this great band. I have been blessed for having the opportunity of fronting such an amazing group of the talented musicians and friends. "I walk away without regrets and with a sense of pride and accomplishment. I thank all of you for the great times and wonderful memories. I love ATTACKER, I love our fans for now and always."
ATTACKER performed a special "Battle At Helm's Deep" show at the Keep It True X festival on April 4, 2008 at the Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany.

16 April 2008

CELTIC FROST have released the following statement via their official web site:
"CELTIC FROST singer and guitarist Tom Gabriel Fischer has left CELTIC FROST due to the irresolvable, severe erosion of the personal basis so urgently required to collaborate within a band so unique, volatile, and ambitious."
It was reported earlier in the year that CELTIC FROST was putting together an album tentatively titled "Monotheist Companion" that will feature unreleased songs from 2006's "Monotheist" sessions and rearrangements of tracks from the album. The disc is tentatively due in the summer.

16 April 2008

British heavy metal legends SAXON have scheduled the following dates:

April 23 - London, England - Shepherds Bush Empire
April 30 - Tokyo, Japan - O East
May 01 - Nagoya, Japan - Club Quattro
May 02 - Osaka, Japan - Club Quattro
May 05 - Brisbane, Australia - The Arena
May 06 - Melbourne, Australia - Billboard
May 07 - Sydney, Australia - The Forum
June 06 - Sölvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival
June 07 - Nürburgring, Germany - Rock Am Ring
June 08 - Nürnberg, Germany - Rock Im Park
June 21 - Basque, Spain - Kobetasonik Festival
June 27 - Dessel, Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
June 28 - Balingen, Germany - Bang Your Head Festival
July 05 - Wacken, Germany - Wacken Rock Seaside
July 12 - Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona Metal Open Air Festival
July 18 - Osterode, Germany - Rock Harz Open Air
July 26 - Lichtenvoorde, Holland - Zwarte Cross Festival

26 March 2008

Headbangers Open Air festival (24-26 July) update:
EXODUS und 3 INCHES OF BLOOD make a stop during their festivaltour to sing us an extreme lullaby.... We`re extremely enthusiastic about the confirmation of BEEHLER (with original Exciter members Dan Beehler and Allan Johnson) , Beehler will mainly play songs of the first 3 Exciter Albums ( HM Maniacs....). Bill Peters (Auburn Records) and his DESTRUCTOR changed their travelplans to stop at HOA . The Gates of Slumber and Seasons of the Wolf delayed their tours and had to cancel .With US thrashers AT WAR our billing is almost complete .

Confirmed now : 3 Inches of Blood (Can), Abandonned (Ger), Amulance (USA), Ancestral (Ita), At War (USA), Axehammer (USA), Beehler (Can), Benedictum (USA), Black Hawk (Ger), Blaze Bayley (UK), Deadly Blessing (USA), Death SS (Ita), Destructor (USA), Detente (USA), Exodus (USA), Impaler (USA), Lethal (USA), Messenger (Ger), Mortal Sin (Australia), New Eden (USA), Paradox (Ger), Picture (NL), Praying Mantis (UK), Rebellion (Ger), Resistance (USA), Sodom (Ger), Sweet Savage (Ire), Wild Dogs (USA).

http://www.headbangers-open-air.de
http://www.myspace.com/headbangersopenair

26 March 2008

The Los Angeles, California-based '80s classic heavy metal band WARRIOR has announced its reunion with original vocalist Parramore McCarty and guitarist Joe Floyd. The complete 2008 reunion WARRIOR lineup is as follows: Parramore McCarty (Vocals), Joe Floyd (Guitars), AC Alexander (Guitars), Rob Farr (Bass), Dave DuCey (Drums).
WARRIOR is currently recording its fifth album at Silvercloud Studios with guitarist Joe Floyd behind the controls. Commented McCarty: "I, for one, am very excited to have WARRIOR back in motion. It is great fun and challenging to be writing and recording with Joe and Dave again! At this point, we have a few rhythm tracks done and they are kicking my ass hard! I know in my heart there is a certain magic that shines through anytime Joe and I work together. So get ready all you metal freaks, because here we come!" Floyd added: "I'm stoked to be hitting the stage with Perry again and the band lineup is killer! The response from the fans has already been overwhelming. There is no stopping this train." Stated Alexander: "WARRIOR is an unmistakable sound and an undeniable band. Listen to the records...You can hear the magic unfold in the working / writing relationship between Joe and Parramore...To watch it unfold right before my eyes in the studio is incredible. I am privileged to be a part of this legendary force in rock." Farr commented: "The energy and vibe between the new lineup is strong. It's an honor to play bass in this legendary metal band. I can't wait to bring the songs of past, present, and future to the people. Get ready for the onslaught!" Said Ducey: "I am so pleased to see this classic metal band back on track! Being a member of WARRIOR since 1995, and drumming on the last three releases, I can't wait for the band to unleash its new fury! The sleeping giant has awoken."

WARRIOR has released four CDs: "Fighting For The Earth" (1985); "Ancient Future" (1998); "The Code Of Life" (2001) and "The Wars Of Gods And Men" (2004). Germany's NL Distribution has just re-released the legendary WARRIOR debut CD, "Fighting For The Earth".

26 March 2008

STEEL PROPHET have finished all instrumental and vocal tracks for two new studio songs. The songs are tentatively titled 'Transformation Staircase' and 'Trickery of the Scourge'. Sessions took place at Horacio's (Colmenares/guitars) studio in La Puente and the band was very pleased with the results. Steel Prophet's line-up features original singer Rick Mythiasin.

26 March 2008

The Fields Of Rock Festival, scheduled to take place June this year in Biddinghuizen (The Netherlands) has been cancelled. Organizer Mojo pulled the plug due to poor ticket sales, which they blame on lacking real big headliners for this year's edition. More info can be found here: www.fieldsofrock.nl

26 March 2008

VAINGLORY, fronted by vocalist Kate French (CHASTAIN) and featuring lead guitar virtuoso Corbin King, has inked a deal with Locomotive Records. The group is hard at work recording the follow-up to 2007's self-titled "Vainglory" CD for a July 2008 release. The new album is tetatively titled "Manifesting Destiny" and will contain 11 "bone-crushing, devastatingly heavy tracks," according to a press release. "The sound of this CD will be a bit different than the previous in that the songs are heavier, tougher, the choruses bigger, and feature the best performances from all the bandmembers." Joining King and French in the band's current lineup are bassist Chris Banja and new drummer Mike Oliviero.

26 March 2008

WHITESNAKE's new album, Good To Be Bad, will be issued as a strictly limited double-vinyl release via SPV / Steamhammer in Europe on April 18th. The LP release coincides with Germany's CD release of the album. Other release dates include the rest of Europe on April 21st and North America on April 22nd. Good To Be Bad will be available as a regular jewel case version and a bonus CD version featuring an extra disc in a cardboard sleeve, poster, photocard and sticker.

26 March 2008

NEVERMORE have set "The Year Of The Voyager" as the title of their upcoming DVD, due this fall via Century Media Records. The disc will contain footage of the band's October 11, 2006 concert at the Zeche club in Bochum, Germany.

26 March 2008

Keyboardist Bobby Williamson of the Texas metal band OUTWORLD has issued the following update:
"Due to overwhelming and stressful tasks that I took on, rehearsal schedule problems, sleep deprivation and damage to my hearing (tinnitus), I have made the decision to leave OUTWORLD. This was a hard decision to make, but I feel it's best for me.
"Rusty Cooley [guitar] and I, the founding members of this band, began OUTWORLD years ago with the vision of putting together an amazing metal band that could measure up with the quality of bands like SYMPHONY X, DREAM THEATER, etc., and I think we conquered that vision to a degree. However, things have changed for me, it became not fun anymore and too hard to persevere with little positive return.
"But I'm not done with music! And I look forward to writing music of my own...not sure which direction I will take yet as far as a project or a band. "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of those devoted fans we have gathered over the years that truly believed in us. You helped us win the Famecast video competition, an amazing and gloriful accomplishment that each of us will never forget. Cheers to you! Hopefully OUTWORLD fans will continue to follow each member in OUTWORLD as we take on other endeavors. I feel OUTWORLD will go down as the best metal band that never reached its full potential in the music industry."

26 March 2008

Iron Kodex Records has announced the signing of Sweden's traditional metal hopefuls PORTRAIT. The band's self-titled debut album is scheduled for release on April 3.
According to a press release, "Portrait" will feature eight songs of highly energetic traditional metal in the vein of bands like SAVAGE, MERCYFUL FATE, early IRON MAIDEN and WITCHCROSS and come with an exclusive cover artwork by renowned Bulgarian artist Dimitar Nikolov.
Founding member Christian Lindell commented on the debut album: "If our previous stuff sounded more like Sledgehammer, you can compare our new album a lot more with IRON MAIDEN. As a whole the album is more worked-through. We paid more attention to the fine-tuning of the songs. Some of the tracks, [such as] 'Hell' and 'A Thousand Nightmares', are faster than our previous material. Both tracks remind more of BATHORY or MOTÖRHEAD than anything we did earlier... with a very Danish touch, though, in the vein of WITCHCROSS, EVIL, KIM SIXX... In some places we have acoustic guitars and one long, epic piece titled 'The Adversary'. You will definitely be able to recognize, that you're listening to PORTRAIT, but you will also find things, which differ from our earlier material."

16 March 2008

US prog-metallers ZERO HOUR are confirmed for ProgPower Europe 2008. The festival is celebrating their 10th anniversary and it 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.
THRESHOLD and PAGAN'S MIND will be two of the three headliners of ProgPower Europe 2008. Other bands on the bill now include GHOST BRIGADE, DIVISION BY ZERO, PATHOSRAY, SUSPYRE and ZERO HOUR.

16 March 2008

"Formed in January of 2008, PROPHESY hails from the United States and Germany. Featuring vocalist Brian O'Connor (ex-VICIOUS RUMORS) guitarist Fabian Schwarz (PARADOX, RUNAMOK, THE NEW BLACK) and guitarist Charly Steinhauer (Paradox). Uniting East with West, these well established professional musicians have banded together to create a international metal force. With countless records, tours, radio play, magazine write ups and festival performances to thousands of fans worldwide between them, Prophesy is ready to release their heavy assault of powerful aggressive melodic metal to the masses."

16 March 2008

Sean Reinert, drummer for reunited metallers CYNIC, has issued the following update:
"Many of you might be in the 'know' but for those of you who are unaware, Cynic has been booked for the Waken Festival in Germany this August. We will be filling in a few more dates around this for a small first run. We anticipate a full world tour to coincide with the release of the new CD this fall. Plans include Western Europe, US and South America. Hopefully we can also get to Japan!"

16 March 2008

ICED EARTH introduce new bassplayer:
"Freddie Vidales from San Antonio, Texas has been selected to pound the pavement (and a few eardrums) on the road with Iced Earth in 2008 as the band's new bass player. Prior to joining Iced Earth, Freddie was the bassist and frontman for 10 years in his own band called, INFUSION. Freddie has been influenced by bands such as IRON MAIDEN, BLACK SABBATH, DEATH, KING DIAMOND, and of course, Iced Earth. You can hear and see Freddie covering tracks from a few of the bands above not only on bass, but also guitar at his personal MySpace page."
Says Jon Schaffer, "I feel like Freddie is the right guy for the gig, he has the chops, the attitude, and from the videos I've seen, a commanding, energetic, and intense stage presence that will fit in nicely with what Iced Earth has always strived to be. I had a strong feeling about him based on the material that he sent and our phone discussions, so I asked him to fly up here before the slated auditions were to commence later in the month. After meeting Freddie in person and watching him play up close and personal, I didn't feel the need to continue the search. He's going to fit right in. We welcome him on board and look forward to jamming together at our first gig at Chicago Powerfest on May 2! Finally, I would like to personally thank everyone who auditioned for the position, and I wish you the best in your future endeavors!"

16 March 2008

Dutch Progressive metallers FEED FORWARD have released their latest album, "Barefoot And Naked" (see Archive CD/DVD reviews), via Rusty Cage Records. A press release follows from the label: "For some time we were looking for a progressive metal band. Finally we found one with an added bonus: Female vocalist Biejanka! The band has been around for five years now, and found its own unique style."

16 March 2008

After completing a successful trip to Switzerland and Germany in February, UK power metallers CONQUEST OF STEEL once again prepare to hit the continent as they embark on a tour taking in Holland, Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic and Switzerland. The tour kicks off on the 20th March at The Ship in Croyden (London).
Full details as follows:

March
20 - Croyden, UK - The Ship
21 - Antwerp, Belgium - De Rots
22 - Eindhoven, Holland - Dynamo Café
23 - Berlin, Germany - Kopi
24 - Prague, Czech Republic - Exit Chmelnice
26 - Uster, Switzerland - Rock City
27 - Ghent, Belgium - The Frontline
28 - Amsterdam, Holland - The Cave supprt Jinx
29 - Leeuwarden, Holland - Mukkes
30 - Tilburg, Holland - Little Devil

Conquest of Steel will then take a break from gigging to concentrate on writing material for their upcoming third album to be recorded during summer 2008 and to be released early 2009.

9 March 2008

BENEDICTUM & PICTURE are the latest acts confirmed for the Headbanger's Open Air, which is scheduled to take place July 24th - 26th, 2008 in Brande-Hornerkirchen, Germany. The US metallers from BENEDICTUM- who recently released their new album "Seasons Of Tragedy" - will co-headline on July 24th. PICTURE was the first "real" Dutch heavy metal band. Formed in 1979, they were especially popular in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy for their live performances. They still have a huge fan base in South America, Mexico and Japan.PICTURE supported AC/DC, TED NUGENT and SAXON in the Netherlands. With SAXON, they did a full European tour in 1981. Later on they toured with ROSE TATTOO in Germany and headlined tours in Italy and Israel.
In other news SEVENTH CALLING have cancelled their appearance.

Bands currently set for the festival include: ABANDONED, AMULANCE, ANCESTRAL, AXEHAMMER, BENEDICTUM, BLACK HAWK, DEADLY BLESSING, DEATH SS, DETENTE, IMPALER, LETHAL, MESSENGER, MORTAL SIN, NEW EDEN, PARADOX, PICTURE, PRAYING MANTIS, REBELLION, RESISTANCE, SEASONS OF THE WOLF, SUPREMACY, SWEET SAVAGE, THE GATES OF SLUMBER, WILD DOGS.

9 March 2008

Members of '80s German thrash metal cult EXUMER began negotiating a full-fledged reunion for 2009. The projected reunion includes a new album, re-releases of the band's two albums from the 1980s and a substantial tour.

9 March 2008

Singer Ski (ex-Deadly Blessing) issued an update on FAITH FACTOR: "We are currently in the recording studio, working on our debut full length cd called "AGAINST A DARKENED SKY". Eight new songs of US power metal plus 3 remastered songs of the debut cd 777 ep. We have also written a song called 'Keep It True', in honor off such a great festival and fans, of Europe, a new power ballad "In Rememberance", and the 11 min epic "Ascend Unto Heaven". The release date is 11/1/08 or sooner, we are working hard to have it when we play Keep It True 11 on nov 15th 08"
Metal Blessings
Ski

9 March 2008

UFO's live DVD "Showtime" has been scheduled for release on state-of-the-art HD-DVD, including, along with the extras from the regular release, additional bonus material, an "on the fly" menu which can be operated while you are viewing the film, and exciting picture-in-picture interviews. The Showtime HD-DVD will be out on February 22nd in Germany, the 25th throughout the rest of Europe and April 8th in North America via SPV.

9 March 2008

Dutch prog metallers SPHERE OF SOULS have issued the following update:
"Sphere Of Souls are pleased to announce the addition of lead guitarist Alex Rosenhof of PICTURE OF THE MOON and drummer Milan Ridderhof, formerly of DAISY VAIN. Alex and Milan replace former members Anand Mahangoe and Ruud van Diepen respectively, who left the band in early 2007.
The new Sphere Of Souls line-up is currently rehearsing material from the band’s 2006 debut From the Ashes…, released by Lion Music. Material for a second album is also in the works and the band will resume live work within the next few months.

9 March 2008

VICIOUS RUMORS have enlisted new guitarist Kiyoshi Morgan. According to a press release "Kiyo is a long time SF Bay Area pro, playing lead guitar in several tribute bands covering the styles of SLAYER, JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN and ALICE IN CHAINS. With the support of Gibson Guitars and Sfarzo Strings, Kiyo has found an identity in Vicious Rumors as an old school rock and metal guitarist with powerful anthem riffs and blistering, yet musical leads!"
Guitarist Geoff Thorpe comments: "Kiyo just fit in and sounded great!! Our guitar styles blend really well......and this guy can shred!! Our new line up is as strong as ever. I can't wait to unleash the new VR beast"

The new line up is: Geoff Thorpe: guitar/vocals, Larry Howe: drums/vocals, Stephen Goodwin: bass/vocals, Ronnie Stixx: lead vocals, Kiyoshi Morgan: guitar.

9 March 2008

AGENT STEEL, LAUREN HARRIS and TESLA have been confirmed for this year's Graspop Metal Meeting, set to take place June 27-29, 2008 at De Boeretand in Dessel, Belgium.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows: 36 CRAZYFISTS, AGENT STEEL, ALCHEMIST, APOCALYPTICA, ARCH ENEMY, AT THE GATES, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, BEHEMOTH, BLACK STONE CHERRY, BLEEDING THROUGH, BRING ME THE HORIZON, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, COMEBACK KID, CONVERGE, DEATHSTARS, DEF LEPPARD, DYING FETUS, FORBIDDEN, HELMET, HOLLENTHON, ICED EARTH, IMMORTAL, IN FLAMES, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, KISS, KORPIKLAANI, LAUREN HARRIS, MADBALL, MINISTRY, MORBID ANGEL, MY DYING BRIDE, NILE, NOVEMBERS DOOM, OBITUARY, OPETH, PRIMORDIAL, ROTTING CHRIST, ROSE TATTOO, SABATON, SAXON, SOILWORK, SONATA ARCTICA, SYMPHONY X, TESLA, TESTAMENT, THROWDOWN, VOLBEAT, WHITESNAKE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN

9 March 2008

MORBID ANGEL are currently auditioning guitar players for their upcoming tour. Interested parties should contact worldentertainment@comcast.net "Pros only" need apply. MORBID ANGEL is currently in the studio working on material for its first studio album since 2003's "Heretic". The upcoming CD will mark the group's first release to feature frontman David Vincent since 1995's "Domination". The band is presently unsigned, having parted ways with Earache Records following "Heretic"'s release. Although MORBID ANGEL's upcoming album does not currently have a name, its title will likely begin with the letter "I", in keeping with the band's tradition of titling their albums in alphabetical order beginning with 1989's "Altars of Madness", and continuing through "Heretic".

9 March 2008

Vocalist DOOGIE WHITE and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN have decided to part company after six and a half years together. Doogie joined the band in September 2001 and recorded two albums 'Attack' and 'Unleash the Fury'. "I had a long chat with Yngwie today and it is clear that he wants to move musically in a new direction. It's great news that he will be expanding on his undoubted talents both as a writer and guitarist. I just want to thank, publicly, Yngwie and the many band members past and present that I have worked with. It seems appropriate that we started our working relationship in South America in Sept 2001 and finished in South America in December 2007. Now anyone need a singer??"
In related news, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN's new CD is now in its final stages of creation, with a tentative release date of July 2008. The new lineup that will be Yngwie on guitars, Tim "Ripper" Owens (ex-JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH) on vocals, Bjorn Englen on bass, Michael Troy on keys, and Patrik Johansson on drums. The new Yngwie Malmsteen lineup will be appearing at the MusikMesse 2008 in Frankfurt, Germany which runs from Thursday, March 13th to Saturday the 15th.

9 March 2008

AUTUMN has announced the addition of singer Marjan Welman to the group's ranks. She replaces Nienke de Jong, who recently announced her departure from the band.

9 March 2008

NEVERMORE vocalist WARREL DANE will finally see a North American release on May 13th. Praise To The War Machine - is due for release on April 29th in Europe via Century Media Records. The complete Praise To The War Machine tracklisting: 'When We Pray', 'Messenger' (featuring Jeff Loomis), 'Obey', 'Lucretia My Reflection', 'Let You Down' (featuring Chris Broderick), 'August', 'Your Chosen Misery' (aka 'Feel Failure'), 'Praise To The Warmachine' (featuring James Murphy), 'Brother', 'Patterns', 'This Old Man', 'Aeon'.

9 March 2008

ICED EARTH complete with returning vocalist Matt Barlow will complete the bill at this year's instalment of the Bang Your Head Festival, set to take place on June 27th - 28th in Balingen, Germany.

The billing is shaping up as follows: JUDAS PRIEST (headliner), QUEENSRYCHE (headliner), SAXON, ICED EARTH, TRAMP'S WHITE LION, GREAT WHITE, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, RAGE, GRAVE DIGGER, AGENT STEEL, TANKARD, OBITUARY, ONSLAUGHT, ENSIFERUM, KORPIKLAANI, FORBIDDEN, AGENT STEEL, LIZZY BORDEN, SECRECY, BREAKER, TYR, AGE OF EVIL, CONTRACRASH.

9 March 2008

JOB FOR A COWBOY and UNEARTH are the latest acts confirmed for this summer's Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place July 31st - August 2nd, in Wacken, Germany. The Wacken Open Air Festival will be headlined by IRON MAIDEN (on July 31st).

The current line-up includes: AS I LAY DYING, AT THE GATES, AUTUMN, AVANTASIA, AXXIS, BEFORE THE DAWN, CARCASS, CHILDREN OF BODOM, CORVUS CORAX, CREMATORY, CYNIC, DESTRUCTOR, DREAM OF AN OPIUM EATER, ENEMY OF THE SUN, ENSIFERUM, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, EXODUS, EVOCATION, GIRUGUMESH, GOREROTTED, GORGOROTH, GRAVE, HATEBREED, HEADHUNTER, IRON MAIDEN, JOB FOR A COWBOY, KAMELOT, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, KREATOR, KRYPTERIA, LEAVES' EYES, LORD BELIAL, LORDI, MACHINE MEN, MERCENARY, NIFELHEIM, NIGHTWISH, OBITUARY, OPETH, AXEL RUDI PELL, POWERWOLF, PRIMORDIAL, PSYCHO PUNCH, SABATON, SALTATIO MORTIS, SOILWORK, SONATA ARCTICA, STURM UND DRANG, THE BONES, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD, UNEARTH, VAN CANTO, WATAIN, WARBRINGER.

25 February 2008

On March 26th, Bronze Records in Japan will be releasing MOTORHEAD's early catalog as Limited Edition Paper Sleeves. The following remastered titles will be available: Overkill (1979), Bomber (1979), Ace Of Spades (1980), No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (1981), Iron Fist (1982), Another Perfect Day (1983), Orgasmatron (1986), Rock 'N' Roll (1987), No Sleep At All (1988).

In other news:
MOTORHEAD's Mikkey Dee, guitarist Phil Campbell and frontman Lemmy "have all gathered in Los Angeles to begin working on a follow up to the Kiss Of Death album."

25 February 2008

VOIVOD will enter the studio this spring to record its final album using songs left behind by founding guitarist Denis "Piggy" D'Amour, who died in August 2005 from colon cancer. An official band statement reads as follows:
"There remain 13 songs that Denis D'Amour (Piggy) had written with the band that have yet to be recorded. Michel Langevin (Away) and Denis Belanger (Snake) will track the last songs this spring bringing all the past and present members together to participate in a homage to the guitar legend of Piggy and the legacy of 25 years of a brotherhood forged by exploring metal, rock and punk ethics with an other worldly premise.
Jean-Yves Theriault (Blacky) and Eric Forrest (E-FORCE) have eagerly agreed to contribute bass tracks along with Jason Newsted (Jasonic). The End Records and Nuclear Blast will release this final record once completed. VOIVOD may play select shows after the release as a thank you to the fans and to bring closure to a great career."

25 February 2008

Patrick Mameli has set "Resurrection Macabre" as the title of the new album from the resurrected late '80s/early '90s death metal outfit PESTILENCE, tentatively due in early 2009 via Holland's Mascot Records. Joining Mameli in the group's new lineup are Tony Choy (ATHEIST, CYNIC) on bass and Peter Wildoer (DARKANE, NON-HUMAN LEVEL) on drums. Patrick is currently working on new material which he has described as a modern fusion of "Testimony of the Ancients" (1991) and "Spheres" (1993), but even more technical and brutal. The group's new album will tentatively be recorded this fall by Danish producer Jacob Hansen (RAUNCHY, INVOCATOR) and produced by Patrick himself.

25 February 2008

ICED EARTH,with returning vocalist Matt Barlow, will complete the bill at this year's instalment of the BANG YOUR HEAD FESTIVAL, set to take place on June 27th - 28th in Balingen, Germany.
The billing is shaping up as follows: JUDAS PRIEST, QUEENSRYCHE, SAXON, ICED EARTH, TRAMP'S WHITE LION, GREAT WHITE, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, RAGE, GRAVE DIGGER, AGENT STEEL, TANKARD, OBITUARY, ONSLAUGHT, ENSIFERUM, KORPIKLAANI, FORBIDDEN, AGENT STEEL, LIZZY BORDEN, SECRECY, BREAKER, TYR, AGE OF EVIL, CONTRACRASH.

25 February 2008

IMAGIKA will release their new album, "Feast for the Hated", in the U.S. on May 20 via Locomotive Records. The CD will arrive in Europe on April 25.

25 February 2008

UFO's live DVD Showtime has been scheduled for release on state-of-the-art HD-DVD, including, along with the extras from the regular release, additional bonus material, an "on the fly" menu which can be operated while you are viewing the film, and exciting picture-in-picture interviews. The Showtime HD-DVD will be out on February 22nd in Germany, the 25th throughout the rest of Europe and April 8th in North America via SPV

25 February 2008

MARTY FRIEDMAN's forthcoming album "Future Addict", is due to be released in Japan on March 12th via Avex. This album features reworked, reconstructed, completely remade versions of some of the coolest songs from Marty's entire career. According to his website, "everything from his first band, DEUCE, to his current Japanese stuff, it is all in there and all of it is on steroids. There are also three new songs including the first single, 'Simple Mystery'. Vocals on the entire album are handled by none other than Marty's longtime drummer, Jeremy Colson, making his worldwide vocal debut.

25 February 2008

METAL CHURCH have issued the following update:
"Due to personal reasons, Jay Reynolds [also of MALICE] has left METAL CHURCH. We thank him for his contributions to the band, and wish him all the best in future endeavors.
"Jay's replacement has not been decided upon yet, but it will be announced when a decision has been reached."

25 February 2008

San Diego, California-based, female-fronted metallers BENEDICTUM have been confirmed for this 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, BENEDICTUM, BLACK HAWK, BLAZE BAYLEY, DEADLY BLESSING, DEATH SS, DÉTENTE, IMPALER, LETHAL, MESSENGER, MORTAL SIN, NEW EDEN, PARADOX, PRAYING MANTIS, REBELLION, RESISTANCE, SEASONS OF THE WOLF, SODOM, SWEET SAVAGE, THE GATES OF SLUMBER, WILD DOGS

25 February 2008

VENOM's forthcoming is called ''Hell'' and is set for release in May - 2008 through Universal.Update from the band:
"Packed with 13 brand new malevolent tracks from the masters of black metal, Venom are now preparing to unleash this thunderous sequel to their 2006 Metal Black album. With song titles such as: 'Armageddon', 'Straight To Hell', 'Hand Of God', 'USA For Satan', 'The Power & The Glory', 'Evil Perfection', 'Kill The Music' and the title track 'Hell'.
The new album truly shows the power and intensity that is Venom, the trio of Cronos, Antton and Rage deliver the metal album of 2008."

25 February 2008

WHITESNAKE are releasing their new album ''Good To Be Bad'' through SPV / Steamhammer in Germany on April 18 - 2008, rest of Europe on April 21st and North America on April 22nd. The 11 new songs, written by Coverdale and guitarist Doug Aldrich (who also co-produced the album with Coverdale & Michael McIntyre) provide a good balance of eight rocking tracks and three ballads. Coverdale feels it's the first 'real' Whitesnake album in almost 20 years, commenting "It's very butch. Very muscular..."

13 February 2008

HOT NEWS:
VICIOUS RUMORS is proud to announce Ronnie Stixx as our new lead singer.
The Ball keeps rolling with a new CD and tourdates to follow. Ronnie showed up and blew the band away with his powerful voice. The first night he sang with us it was like he was in the band for years. It was amazing Geoff Thorpe said. Ronnie was born in Los Angeles and raised in San Antonio Texas. He has made a name for himself in the metal world with a vocal style that is melodic and aggressive. Ronnie's main influence's are such great vocalist as Carl Albert (VR) Tony Harnell (TNT) and Ronnie James Dio. Ronnie is no stranger to the big stage performing at major festivals through out Europe and the USA. He has fronted such bands as England's SHADOWKEEP and America's DIVINE RUINS. The VR Machine is back!!! A new CD and new Blood. Major world wide touring is in the works. The first show is March 29 at the Britannia Arms in Cupertino Ca.


12 February 2008

A Headbangers Open Air festival update: SODOM will headline Friday July 25th. and BLAZE BAYLEY is confirmed for Saturday July 26th (playing heeps of Maiden songs)
Jadi-Anne from SUPREMACY is pregnant (congratulations!) therefore Supremacy`s HOA-show is delayed to 2009.

Confirmed so far: Abandonned, Amulance, Ancestral, Axehammer, Black Hawk, Blaze Bayley, Deadly Blessing, Death SS, Detente, Impaler, Lethal, Messenger, Mortal Sin, New Eden, Paradox, Praying Mantis, Rebellion, Resistance, Seasons of the Wolf, Seventh Calling, Sodom, Sweet Savage, The Gates of Slumber, Wild Dogs.

For more info visit their website (see LINKS)

12 February 2008

HIRAX have issued the following update:
"We have begun pre-production for the new HIRAX album, 'El Rostro de la Muerte'. Songtitles to date include 'Baptized By Fire', 'Death Militia', 'Battle Of The North', and re-recorded versions of 'Blind Faith' and 'Broken Neck'. Expect more new songs and a lot of surprises. This will be our FASTEST and HEAVIEST album to date, with an emphasis on the technical playing, aggressive double bass drumming, and dual guitar attack! Massive guitar riffs, pounding bass guitar, the vocals — sharp, clear and up front! The production will be top-notch with John Haddad back at the helm again. He also handled the duties for 'Assassins Of War' and 'Chaos And Brutality' EPs. There will be a new HIRAX DVD, 'Thrash And Destroy', including our entire performance at the Keep It True Festival IX [on] November 2007. Six-camera angle video shoot, high quality, professional audio and video. Wait til you see it!!!"

12 February 2008

Former MORBID ANGEL bassist/vocalist Steve Tucker, ex-GRIP INC./ HEATHEN bassist Jason VieBrooks and former FORBIDDEN/MANMADEGOD drummer Steve Jacobs have joined forces in a brand new band which is presently going under the moniker LOWA. We're calling the band LOWA for now. The name will most likely change but ran with that due to not having a solid name when the shows were booked. We've recorded five songs to shop but will play 10 live." He added, "This is the happiest all of us have ever been in a band. We all write very well together and get along great and are looking forward to taking this around the world."

12 February 2008

RAVEN have posted a new mix of the track 'Breaking You Down' from their upcoming album, Walk Through Fire, at www.ravenlunatics.com. Walk Through Fire is tentatively due this spring and will feature these other tracks: 'Long Day's Journey', 'Bulldozer' and 'Walk Through Fire'.

12 February 2008

CELTIC FROST are putting together an album tentatively titled "Monotheist Companion" that will feature unreleased songs from 2006's "Monotheist" sessions and rearrangements of tracks from the album. The disc is scheduled for a summer release.

12 February 2008

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, will enter Excess studios in Rotterdam, Holland in February to begin recording its debut album for a May release via Metal Blade Records.

12 February 2008

Guitarist Alan Jordan of ONSLAUGHT has released the following statement: "It is with immediate effect that I will no longer be a part of ONSLAUGHT. I had the best part of three very happy years with the band and recorded what I considered to be a great album and DVD, both of which I'm very proud to be a part of. "Some internal circumstances within ONSLAUGHT changed and certain ideas were moving in a very different direction to what I envisaged. "I have no long-term plans at this moment in time, but would like to thank all the fans across the globe that I have met and spent time with. Respect to you all."

12 February 2008

LOUDNESS will release their new album, "Metal Mad", through Tokuma Communications on February 20 in Japan. Release dates for other territories have not yet been announced

12 February 2008

The Dutch heavy metal band ROADKILL is in URGENT need of a new vocalist ! Our singer Marc Mes has to leave the band directly, completely unexpected, due to serious family circumstances. The bandmembers are supporting his decision and want to wish Marc and his family all the best. After the release of the "Dark Side" EP, ROADKILL is now in a fase of many gigs for the upcoming period.Therefore we ask serious candidates to contact us as soon as possible. For more info, please visit www.myspace.com/roadkillheavymetal and www.roadkill.nl.
Candidates can send their mail to info@roadkill.nl, please mention in the subject line " VOCALIST ". Tell us something about yourself in the mail, add your contact-info and we will appreciate it if you can add some mp3's or links to a website or MySpace, so we can check you out. ROADKILL wants to state that all planned shows for the upcoming weeks will go ahead ! Till we have found a new singer, the band gets help from a temporary vocalist. Please visit the website or MySpace for the upcoming gigs with Vengeance and Joe Stump !

12 February 2008

Los Angeles based CRESCENT SHIELD is working on the follow-up for their great ''The Last of My Kind'' album. The new album will be released by CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC after summer 2008, but some details are beginning to be unveiled such as that the album will be entitled, "The Stars of Never Seen", and Gerry Alanguilan (Marvel/DC), after the excellent result of his cover-illustration for ''The Last of My Kind'', will be again responsible of the artwork.

12 February 2008

Many of you already were aware that after the release of ''Road Of Bones'', IGNITOR was hit by two departures that inevitably put on ice their live-activity as well as the composition of new material: first left singer Erika, then it was the turn of guitarist Annah Moore. The band started looking out for replacement and the first, great result is that the search of a new guitarist has ended, having original guitarist Beverly Barrington rejoined the band!
''We're excited about ''re-igniting'' the sparks of inspiration for songs like 'Demon Slayer' and 'Last King Tiger' affirmed drummer Pat Boyle, expecting some good news on the vocal-front by the end of January. Stay tuned! www.myspace.com/ignitor

16 January 2008

Colorado metallers JAG PANZER have announced the addition of Christian Lasegue as their new lead guitarist. Those familiar with the band's "Chain of Command" release will recognize his name as the lead guitarist on that album.
Guitarist Mark Briody comments: "We had set the bar pretty high for lead guitar playing with our first full-length album. There was much concern among fans and critics as to whether or not we could maintain such a high level of musicianship in the lead guitar department. Christian quelled those concerns about two seconds into his first solo. A large part of the underground popularity of 'Chain of Command' is easily attributed to the electrifying guitar playing of Christian Lasegue. Christian was a great guitar player back then and his chops are light years beyond that today. I'm excited to be working with him again."
Christian first gig back with the band will be on stage as headliners at the prestigious Keep It True festival this April in Germany.

16 January 2008

EXCITER have issued the following update: "The new EXCITER album 'Thrash Speed Burn' is completed! The final mixes were put together last week, the interviews have been edited, and the artwork is in the final stages. Everything is on its way to Massacre and the CD should be out in late February. It's been a long road, but it has been worth it, and the final product RIPS!!!" Due on February 22, "Thrash Speed Burn" will mark EXCITER's recorded debut with new singer Kenny "MetalMouth" Winter, who joined the band in October 2006.

16 January 2008

Utah-based progressive/power metallers KATAGORY V have officially parted ways with lead vocalist Lynn Allers and guitarist Marc Hanson. This comes only a few short months after the release of the band's fourth album, "Hymns of Dissension" (Nightmare Records in the USA, Burning Star Records in Europe).

16 January 2008

Dave Mustaine has finally officially confirmed that MEGADETH has parted ways with guitarist Glen Drover and replaced him with Chris Broderick (NEVERMORE, JAG PANZER).
"I've noticed [on the Internet] that people are pissed with me over the way things were handled with Glen quitting the group," says Mustaine, "but they're gonna be pissed even more when they hear how fierce we are with Chris! MEGADETH is playing at a new level."

16 January 2008

German progressive metallers DREAMSCAPE have been confirmed as one of the support acts for SYMPHONY X on their upcoming European tour. Also scheduled to appear are Norway's CIRCUS MAXIMUS. The package will play all dates below except London (Astoria) and the Atarfe Vega Rock festival in Spain; the London show will have EPICA as an opening band.

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 - Bergara, Spain - Sala Jam
Feb. 29 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz 2
Mar. 01 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
Mar. 02 - Bordeaux, France - Krakatoa
Mar. 04 - Lyon, France - Transbordeur
Mar. 05 - Paris, France - Bataclan
Mar. 06 - London, England - Astoria
Mar. 08 - Granada, Spain - Atarfe Vega Rock Festival

16 January 2008

British metallers BOLT THROWER have issued the following update:
"If you're wondering why there hasn't been a lot of Bolt Thrower news for a while, that's because we are still in writing mode for the new album, which we plan to record in the summer. And during the break between the recording and mixing of the album, we will play Party.San Metal Open Air Festival in Bad Berka, Germany on 7-9th August, our only festival of the year.

16 January 2008

Rock Candy Records, a label focusing on the reissue of vintage hard rock from the '70s, '80s and '90s, set up and run by former Kerrang! writers/current Roadrunner A&R executives Dante Bonutto and Derek Oliver, will re-release WARRIOR's classic "Fighting for the Earth" LP later in the year. More information will be made available soon. In other news, WARRIOR mastermind/guitarist Joe Floyd is once again working with the group's original frontman Parramore Thomas McCarty, who sang on WARRIOR's first two albums. No further details are currently available.

16 January 2008

HEADHUNTER, the reunited German band featuring DESTRUCTION frontman Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer, STRATOVARIUS drummer Jörg Michael, and guitarist Schmuddel (ex-TALON), is currently mixing its comback album, "Parasite of Society", with Achim Köhler in Stuttgart, Germany. According to a posting on the DESTRUCTION web site, "this pure metal masterpiece will be released in April 2008 via AFM Records in Europe, Candlelight Records in the USA, and King Records in Japan." HEADHUNTER had its trio of albums originally issued during Schmier's years away from DESTRUCTION — "Parody of Life" (1990), "A Bizarre Gardening Accident" (1992), and "Rebirth" (1994) — re-released on September 7, 2007 via AFM Records.

16 January 2008

STORMWARRIOR will release its third studio album, "Heading Northe", on February 22 via Dockyard 1. The CD was recorded at the group's own Thunderhall Studios and was mixed with Piet Sielck (SAVAGE CIRCUS, IRON SAVIOR) before it was mastered at Tommy Hansen's (HELLOWEEN, HAMMERFALL, PRETTY MAIDS) Jailhouse Studios in Denmark.

16 January 2008

DEAD HEAD signed a record deal with Displeased Records. Expect the new full length in the summer of 2008!

5 January 2008

Stormspell Records will re-release CAULDRON BORN's "Born of the Cauldron" LP on January 7.
According to a press release "Born of the Cauldron" is "undoubtedly one of the best U.S. power metal gems from the mid-'90s! A honest, crunchy epic metal, with soaring high-pitched vocals, and sword and sorcery/fantasy lyrics based on Robert E. Howard stories. The album quickly generated cult status in the underground, and faithful and dedicated support by many fans worldwide. The original pressing on Undergroound Symphony from a decade ago has been sold out ever since, and became hot collector's item, often clocking $100+ on eBay. Now, thanks to Stormspell Records everyone should be able to obtain it for a fraction of that price!"
The album has been remastered from the original DAT tapes by Corbin King (VAINGLORY), packaged with 12-page stapled booklet with revamped artwork, new introduction and liner notes written by Howie Bentley, and one exclusive bonus track added as bonus: cover version of "Lucifer's Hammer" by the mighty WARLORD. This 10th-anniversary hand-numbered edition, limited to 1000 copies, will be released in three different versions.
To order, go to this location.

5 January 2008

The lineup for NWOBHM legends TOKYO BLADE includes founding lead guitarist Andy Boulton, former ARREST lead guitarist Bryan Holland, current OVERLOADED vocalist Chris Gillen and drummer Lorenzo Gonzalez and former MINDCANDY bassist Frank Saparti.
The band are currently booking a European tour with confirmed dates in November 2008 on the NWOBHM Festival II in Athens (November 8th), Greece and the Keep It True Festival (November 14) in Germany. The band recently started rehearsals with an eye on writing and recording a new studio album.
"This is the band that Tokyo Blade never was and always should have been!" original founding guitarist Andy Boulton recently stated. "The first rehearsal was simply unbelievable, the classic Tokyo Blade songs are so heavy and powerful. Its going to be unreal when we get onstage and then into the studio" commented fellow guitarist Bryan Holland.

5 January 2008

HUMAN PARADOX, the new project featuring JACOB'S DREAM vocalist Chaz Bond, CHOPS FROM HELL/LEGACY guitarist Darin Moore and LEGACY drummer Andy Hall are currently hard at work recording their debut at Refraze Studio, Dayton, Ohio. JACOB'S DREAM recently performed at The CrossFire Concert in Puerto Rico on October 13 in support of their Metal Blade Records release, "Drama Of The Ages" and are currently working on it's follow-up, Dominion Of Darkness.
"Human Paradox will be much more heavy, progressive and technical than our previous projects with lots of 'over the top' playing and odd time meters - including a nine and a half minute epic," says guitarist Darin Moore. A sneak peak can be seen at www.myspace.com/darinjmoore. The band is also seeking a 'skilled' keyboardist to complete the project. Anyone interested can contact the band through the above mentioned site for more info.

5 January 2008

US thrashers BELIEVER have issued the following studio update:
"Joey has completed tracking drums except for one "interesting" tune. He will be completing this next weekend. I have finished tracking the initial rhythm guitar tracks also. So far, we are very happy with how things are sounding. We hope to start tracking bass and more guitars over the weekend. We'll try to get some studio footage posted in the near future, so that you can witness some of the madness that's taking place.
I hesitate to predict a release date, but we are shooting for a May/June timeframe. If we can get it out quicker we will, but as you know, we don't like to rush things. It's been fourteen or so years, so I'm sure a couple of extra months won't cause any distress. We just want it to sound amazing for you. As for how we will release the new material, this is still being discussed. Once we are in the mixing phase we will be finalizing the release plans and letting you know. Thanks again for your patience and support. Have an excellent and safe New Year!"
In other news, Metal Mind Productions recently released remastered versions of Believer's three albums: Extraction From Mortality, Sanity Obscure and Dimensions on November 5th in a new digipak edition, limited to numerated 2000 copies. Digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on golden discs.

5 January 2008

The final demo recorded DEFIANCE prior to morphing into INNER THRESHOLD is now available for download from DEFIANCE's web site. The demo, recorded in the winter of 1994 was produced by Rob Beaton (HEATHEN, DEFIANCE).

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