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The news posted here is what we get from Labels/Bands/Distros/ and anyone else who can be trusted about news concerning bands and releases. When we get updates,they are at the top of the page,so that it is easier for you to find and read.


UPDATED 12/03/06


NJ's TEN FEET FROM MURDER news update

Taken from myspace.com/tenfeetfrommurder:

TFFM headed for the studio.

Ten Feet From Murder will be heading to the studio to record a 3 song E.P. which will be available in the beginning of 2007.

We have hired Chris "Gibby" Gibson of UPSTART STUDIOS in Hoboken. Chris will Engineer the project. We are scheduled to be in his studio on December 8-10, 2006.

We are excited about working with Chris, he has recorded many National acts out of his studio in Hoboken and has an outstanding reputation in the Industry.

I will keep everyone posted.

Ed TFFM


NJ's DTA finish NEW album!!

Taken from www.dtaband.com:

Invidious is completely mixed down! The artwork is complete as well. The new logo is in (top of the page) and will be making it's appearence all over the site soon. Jon Canady has done an outstanding job on our cover art and cd package. There are two brand new songs on our myspace page http://www.myspace.com/dtaband they wont be there for long so get a listen in now.

Ordering info will be posted here and at myspace soon, so keep checking back. We are also planning a complete site overhaul very soon. Jon Canady is also going to be involved with that so it should be interesting to see what concepts we can come up with!

If you or someone you know is looking for art work on a professional level, you can contact Jon here joncanady.com


NJ's ARCTIC FLAME to begin recording new album

New Jersey's ARCTIC FLAME has entered the studio to begin work on their new album. As seen on their website:

Recording for the next cd has begun. Drummer Mike Paradine entered Dead City Recording Studio on Friday and finished up the drum tracks on Monday night. Mike Sabatini of Attacker is behind the board for the nine songs on this new album. Song titles are, "Nosferatu", "Angelblood", "Relentless", "Unknown God", "Double Edge Sword", "Desert Moon", "Lords of the Wasteland", "Shadow of a Broken Man" and "Down to the Bone". Next up, the guitars......

Visit www.arcticflamemetal.com for more info.


NYC's PHOENIX REIGN about to release new album/Feature in newspaper

NYC's PHOENIX REIGN were originally slated to be featured in a local Queens newspaper. The artical was to discuss the band's history and their new album being released very soon. Unfortunately, the artical's publication has been postponed. PR has posted the following on their site:

Well this is wierd ending for November. 1st a show is postponed and now our newspaper article will not be available til December 14th. Maybe this is all happening for a reason? Im not sure, but our album is being mastered, and will hopefully be done within the next couple of weeks. Were working on the artwork as this is being written, so maybe there is a reason all of these things are happening. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Keep checking www.phoenixreign.com for more news.


NYC's GODS OF FIRE reveal new song

GODS OF FIRE recently performed a last-minute set with their friends in Punk/Metal Karaoke. The show was apparantly VERY well received, and GODS even performed a brand new song, "The Land Beyond The Dark" from their as of now untitled new studio album. Look for more news at www.gods-of-fire.com or myspace.com/godsoffire


VELVET REVOLVER To Begin Recording Next Week

VELVET REVOLVER has issued the following update:

"We've been writing songs for a few months now, and we've been in pre-production with the great Brendan O'Brien hashing out the tunes for the past few weeks. We'll be going into the recording studio next Monday the 11th to start recording the new album, with Brendan producing.

"As you may know, Brendan has done a lot of amazing records, including ALL of the [STONE TEMPLE PILOTS] albums, so expect nothing short of fantabulous.

"The new songs are sweet and we can't wait for ya'll to hear 'em."

VELVET REVOLVER frontman Scott Weiland told Billboard.com last week that he has abandoned the idea of weaving an overall concept throughout the album. "In my opinion, there are so many schlock concept albums that have come out in the past year," he said. "The ground is way too over-fertile with concept records. I prefer to write a lean and rather vicious rock'n'roll record. I think that would be a better contribution to rock'n'roll at this moment."

VELVET REVOLVER's 2004 debut, "Contraband", was certified double-platinum for sales in excess of two million copies in the United States.


BLIND GUARDIAN Confirmed For U.K.'s BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Festival

German power metallers BLIND GUARDIAN have been confirmed for the Bloodstock Open Air festival, set to take place Saturday, July 7 at Catton Hall in Derbyshire, England. Also scheduled to appear are Finnish folk metallers KORPIKLAANI.

For more information, visit www.bloodstock.uk.com.

First-week sales (approximately 3,000 copies) of BLIND GUARDIAN's "A Twist in the Myth" in the U.S. landed Germany's favorite sons at No. 21 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart and No. 288 on the Billboard Album chart. The CD debuted at position No. 4 in Germany and No. 3 in Greece.


BLACK SABBATH: 'The Dio Years' Collection Tentatively Due In April

Rhino Records has set a tentative April 3, 2007 North American release date for the new Ronnie James Dio-era BLACK SABBATH best-of set, appropriately titled "Black Sabbath: The Dio Years". The single-disc collection will include a couple of brand new tracks that are currently being recorded in England by the lineup of Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice, as well as liner/sleeve notes by Garry Sharpe-Young of Rockdetector.com. "I've been given a track listing, but I can't divulge that yet," says Garry. "There are a few interesting tracks on there, though."

In related news, it's looking likely that Garry Sharpe-Young's BLACK SABBATH book "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" will undergo a third amendment next year in light of the HEAVEN AND HELL project (the "new" band featuring Dio alongside original BLACK SABBATH members Iommi and Butler, plus Appice). "There's constant demand for this book and there is a lot more material still to add, both old and new," states Garry. "Some good surprises in store."

"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" can be bought at Amazon.com. The book includes exclusive interview content with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Cozy Powell, Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, Glenn Hughes, Ray Gillen, Tony Martin, Geoff Nicholls, Rob Halford, Bob Daisley, Lee Kerslake, Carmine Appice, Tommy Aldridge, Neil Murray, Dave Spitz, Eric Singer, David Donato, Jeff Fenholt, Bobby Rondinelli, Rudy Sarzo, Phil Soussan, Randy Castillo, Bernie Torme, Brad Gillis, Jo Burt, Pete Way, Dana Strum, Terry Chimes, Lita Ford, Steve Vai, Don Airey, Lindsey Bridgewater, Terry Nails and many, many more. Additional details: eight-page discography appendix detailing 264 career albums and singles from BLACK SABBATH, Ozzy Osbourne, Ronnie James Dio, Bill Ward, Geezer Butler and Tony Iommi.

As previously reported, HEAVEN AND HELL has been confirmed for next year's Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 6-9, 2007 in Sölvesborg, Sweden. An exclusive New York City concert date for HEAVEN AND HELL in the spring of 2007 has already been booked but the exact details have not yet been revealed. Additional U.S. shows are being scheduled for late summer 2007.

As previously reported, Dio recently revealed to Classic Rock magazine that HEAVEN AND HELL will likely headline next year's Monsters of Rock festival in England.

Ozzy Osbourne has sent his best wishes to HEAVEN AND HELL, while adding that the classic BLACK SABBATH lineup — including drummer Bill Ward — will release a new album and mount a tour late next year.

"Heaven and Hell" was the name of the first album Dio recorded with BLACK SABBATH, back in 1980.


UPDATED 11/28/06


JAG PANZER: Double Live Album 'In Planning Stages'

According to a brand-new posting on JAG PANZER's official web site, the Colorado-based power metal veterans are in the planning stages of recording a new double live album. The CD will be recorded and released in 2007. More information will be made available soon.

Back in August 2006, JAG PANZER guitarist Mark Briody had the following to say regarding the band's long-awaited live CD release:

"Things are progressing VERY well in preparing for the live album. Lots of help from Century Media and an A+ concert promoter I'll name when the details are finalized. I will say this: No one has EVER seen a JAG PANZER show like this one. Every show we've done in the past years has been done with shoestring budgets and minimal gear (whatever we could check on a plane). This will be a full-on headlining show — all your favorite PANZER tunes, special merch, tons of gear and other surprises."

According to Briody, JAG PANZER releases will figure prominently in Century Media's yearly "10-Year Reissues" series. Since 2007 is the 10-year anniversary of "The Fourth Judgement", look for a "very cool new version" of that album next year, according to the guitarist. Plans include a new cover, remaster, inclusion of the original demo tracks, liner notes and photos.

JAG PANZER's last studio album, "Casting the Stones", was released in October 2004 via Century Media. Said to be "a more aggressive version" of 2001's "Mechanized Warfare", the CD was recorded in part at Tampa's Morrisound Studios with producer Jim Morris.


VADER To Re-Record 25 Songs For Anniversary Album

Polish death metallers VADER have posted the following message on their official web site:

"As you might know, in 2007 VADER won't appear on any regular European tour. Instead of this, the band is going to play on some summer festivals. The band's appearance at Wacken Open Air (Germany), Kaltenbach Festival (Austria) and Party.San (Germany) have been already confirmed. Apart from that, at the beginning of March VADER is going to play a short tour of Japan (together with BRUTAL TRUTH). Afterwards panzermachine will appear on their first Australian tour (which is pre-scheduled to take place in April or June) and play the [rescheduled] tour in Russia, Belorus, the Ukraine and Baltic countries. At the beginning of September VADER kick off the second part of Polish Blitzkrieg 4 Tour, invading such places like Rzeszów, Bialystok, Zielona Góra, Poznan and many more.

"In 2008 VADER will celebrate the 25th anniversary. On that occasion in March 2007 the band will enter Hertz Studio to re-record 25 best songs from their entire discography. These songs will be released on band's special jubilee album. The release will also feature tons of DVD bonuses like archival recordings, live shows, videoclips and some other specials. Jaroslaw Szubrycht, well-known Polish journalist (who has recently finished a book about SLAYER) will write a biography of VADER. More details will follow soon."

VADER's "Impressions in Blood" album entered the Polish national chart at position No. 8. The band's video for the song "Helleluyah (God Is Dead)" has been posted online at YouTube.com. The clip was shot with director Andrzej Wyrozebski, who is said to be one of the leading movie producers in Poland. Janusz Król (known from the Polish fantasy movie "Wiedzmin") was responsible for all special effects and the whole set design. Slawomir Panasewicz (who has worked on over 140 video clips!) was a cameraman.

"Impressions in Blood" was recorded at Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland and features artwork by Greek artist Seth (ROTTING CHRIST, PARADISE LOST). A full-length MP3 of the song "Warlords" can be downloaded at this location.


OMEN Begins Work On New Studio Album

Veteran power metallers OMEN are currently working on their newest CD, "Hammer Damage", to be released in 2007. In the meantime, the group is looking to schedule select festival appearances and shows in 2007. If you are interested in booking a date with OMEN, please send a request to AListMusic@yahoo.com.

In other news, OMEN will perform at a benefit concert on Saturday, December 16 at O'Rileys in Dallas, Texas. The concert, which will benefit Dawn and Steele Lane, is scheduled to kick off at 2:00 p.m. Other bands slated to appear include HABITUAL, MICHAEL HARRIS, TOOTH & NAIL, JUDAS RISING and JAY SHANNON.

As previously reported, a video clip OMEN performing the song "Death Rider" live at the Boricua Metal Fest III in Cayey, Puerto Rico on November 11, 2006 has been posted online at YouTube.com.

OMEN's current lineup consists of founding member Kenny Powell (guitar) along with PHANTOM-X members Kevin Goocher (vocals), Danny White (drums) and Glenn Malicki (bass). Plans also exist for the group to release a new live CD featuring live recordings from the "Eternal Black Dawn" lineup, as well as bonus live tracks from 1986 featuring the original lineup (with original vocalist, JD Kimball, who passed away in 2003).

OMEN's last studio album, "Eternal Black Dawn", came out in 2003 via Mausoleum Records.


UPDATED 11/16/06


AXEMASTER Completes New Demo

Reformed Ohio-based power/thrash metal band AXEMASTER, who found success in the '80s and '90s with two albums released by Azra International and two CDs issued via Unisound Records, have finished recording a new three-song demo — the group's first new material in 15 years. Check out the tracks "Lost", "Unresting Place" and "Marching into Madness" at this location.

In other news, AXEMASTER guitarist will be interviewed by WQNA radio (outside Chicago) this Friday, November 17 at 4:30 p.m. More information is available at www.wqna.org.

AXEMASTER recently inked a deal with the Greek label Burning Star Records to re-release their debut album, "Blessing in the Skies", on CD. "It will be a remastered version of the entire release and will include three bonus tracks (which will make a total of 12 songs, six of which have never been available on disc) as well as a video for the song 'Slave to the Blade'," according to a recent band update. "It will be released as a digipack and feature new and improved artwork along with a 12-page booklet which will include vintage pictures from 1986-1988 (some never before seen), liner notes, and song lyrics. The release date has been set for December."


ZONARIA Signs With PIVOTAL ROCKORDINGS

Swedish death metal act ZONARIA has inked a deal with Pivotal Rockordings. The band will enter Black Lodge Studios (SCAR SYMMETRY, CENTINEX) on November 20 with producer Per Nilsson (SCAR SYMMETRY) to begin the tracking its as-yet-untitled album for a late spring release. The mixing will be handled by Jonas Kjellgren (SCAR SYMMETRY, CENTINEX, ex-CARNAL FORGE).

Commented guitarist Emil Nyström: "We are really excited about the signing with Pivotal Rockordings. We have been in talks with them for quite a while and it didn't take long before we realized that they were the right label to release our debut album. We've grown really fond of the personnel and the way they work. They are really willing to go 100% for ZONARIA!

"The recording is starting this Monday, November 20th! It's been quite hectic the last weeks, loads of rehearsing. How this release from the 'Rendered in Vain' single is that we're not recording it ourselves, but we are working with Per Nilsson, which is going to be a blast! We are also expecting major miracles from Jonas Kjellgren behind the mixing tables! We really love all his work and we're confident that he'll do some really great things with our songs! The artwork will of course be handled by Seth, and we are really looking forward to what he can create for our debut!

"We are all very excited to hear what the new album will sound like and are equally excited to dive into the recording process! Especially since we all have developed a lot, not just as musicians and composers: but in all ways! So this debut is going to be the pay off for all the hard work we have put into this band! The metal community can expect a great album in late spring of 2007 and loads of shows in all of Europe. We are planning tours already."


REVEREND: New Album To Feature DAVID WAYNE's Last Lyrics

REVEREND has released a limited number of photographs of its recording sessions with Grammy Award-wining producer Joe Trevino of Blue Cat Recording Studios at the band's official MySpace page. According to a press release, discussions are underway as to what the new CD will be titled, with the current possibilities being "Resurrected", "Resurrection" and "Crossing Over".

REVEREND's upcoming CD will include the last lyrics penned by late REVEREND/METAL CHURCH singer David Wayne, titled "With This Needle I Thee Wed". "This song will no doubt be a controversial song, but is aimed at the addictions of life, and how it changes people forever," the band explains in the press release. Songtitles set to appear on the album include (in no particular order):

01. In the End
02. Epitaph
03. Prelude
04. Darkened Horizon
05. Ships of Illusion
06. Visions
07. With This Needle I Thee Wed
08. Universal Metal
09. River of Hate (Styx)
10. Unconscious Suicide

The upcoming CD will be the group's first with new frontman Michael Lance (ex-ANCIENT CROSS), who replaced David Wayne earlier in the year.

Wayne died on May 10, 2005 due to complications from injuries he sustained in a head-on automobile accident several months earlier. He was 47 years old.


DEADLY BLESSING Vows To Continue Following Singer's Departure

The remaining members of South New Jersey metal band DEADLY BLESSING have issued a statement regarding the sudden departure of singer Ski (as first reported by BLABBERMOUTH.NET yesterday).

"DEADLY BLESSING is shocked and somewhat saddened to hear of Ski's sudden departure," the statement begins. "Although we do not fully understand his reasoning, we wish him well.

"We had just returned from a successful show in Puerto Rico only to have received an e-mail stating he was leaving, giving no respect to his so called 'brothers.' Not a phone call, not a face-to-face meeting, an E-MAIL. Real 'Christian,' like, huh? For Ski to post this information on OUR website without even as much as a discussion within the band was completely out of line, definitely unprofessional and one might say immature. Than again, he posted every shit this band ever took, even though it was thought of as a bad idea by other members.

"Ski is a confused individual who obviously needs some kind of guidance to fill a void left by some other emptiness in his life. We WILL NOT let this person's emptiness drain the soul of this band. We do not know what that void is because there was never any co communication between him and the band about his personal life, nor should there have been. We knew he was 'born again,' that's it. We believe we respected that in unspoken terms.

"DEADLY BLESSING is a family, almost like a perfect circle (like most families), but it was never truly complete because of a certain member. He showed the ultimate form of selfishness in this situation, which is the opposite of everything so-called 'Christian-like.' No attacking here, just honesty.

"All of us have overcome personal adversities to the best of our abilities, without crutches or blankets to shield us. We accepted, dealt with and overcame from within. The four of us are warriors and we will continue to fight and claw our way through. DEADLY BLESSING will find a new vocalist and will carry on and rock even harder. No one person is bigger than this band. WE WERE NOT SKI'S BACKUP BAND, WE ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN BAND, WE ARE A KICK-ASS BAND, PERIOD. We will make this work, or go down in flames trying. For our family, friends, ourselves and most importantly our fans. We will not stop. You are only witnessing the beginning of what lies ahead. The best is yet to come!"

As previously reported, a video clip of DEADLY BLESSING performing a cover of LIZZY BORDEN's "Notorious" live at the Boricua Metal Fest III in Cayey, Puerto Rico last Saturday (November 11) has been posted online at YouTube.com.

DEADLY BLESSING's version of "Notorious" is slated to appear on the LIZZY BORDEN tribute album, entitled "Baptized in Blood", to be released via Metallicarchangel Records. Other bands that are expected to appear on the CD include TWISTED TOWER DIRE ("Godiva"), ICARUS WITCH ("Rod of Iron"), FAITH FACTOR ("American Metal"), MALAKIS REIGN ("Hell is for Heroes"), MYSTIC FORCE ("Me Against the World"), OCTOBER 31 ("No Time to Lose"), IMMORTAL AVENGER ("Be One of Us"), SOLEMNITY ("Visions"), SILENCE, MOBSCENE, STRONGHOLD and LIGEIA.

DEADLY BLESSING recorded "Notorious" in early March 2006. According to Ski, the recording sessions — which marked the band's first time in the studio since the recording of their classic "Ascend from the Cauldron" in 1988 — "went great."


CELTIC FROST: WACKEN OPEN AIR Performance To Air On German TV

CELTIC FROST's monumental performance at the 2006 Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany will be shown on the pay TV channel "Premiere" in Germany. More information can be found by clicking here. This program is available for purchase only if you have a subscription with the channel. The specific program and air times are as follows:

"Konzertpaket 3 – Soulfly/Celtic Frost"

First broadcast: Nov. 17, 00.00 - 02:00 Uhr

Repeat broadcasts:

Nov. 18, 18:00 - 20:00 Uhr - Premiere Direkt
Nov. 19, 21:00 - 23:00 Uhr - Premiere Direkt
Nov. 23, 21:00 - 23:00 Uhr - Premiere Direkt
Nov. 24, 00:00 - 02:00 Uhr - Premiere Direkt
Nov. 25, 18:00 - 20:00 Uhr - Premiere Direkt
Nov. 26, 21:00 - 23:00 Uhr - Premiere Direkt


TWISTED TOWER DIRE: 'Back To Running At Full Steam Again'

Virginia's "classic metal" act TWISTED TOWER DIRE has issued the following update:

"As many fans might know, TWISTED TOWER DIRE vocalist of nine years Tony Taylor has officially left the band and is now singing for German metal band CUSTARD. He is still like a brother and TWISTED TOWER DIRE wishes him all the best. TWISTED TOWER DIRE has officially welcomed VIPER vocalist Johnny Aune into TWISTED TOWER DIRE and they've have been playing a great strain of shows with him. Johnny's joining TWISTED TOWER DIRE has re-energized the band and they look forward to taking the new version of the band all over to show off the new lineup. Finally, TWISTED TOWER DIRE is back to running at full steam again (after a nearly two-year lull) with upcoming shows abroad and in Europe in 2007. They are very excited to reunite with old friends in Germany AND meet new ones in Greece! In the band's down time they are working hard at writing material for their fifth album much of which has already been written and demoed by Scott Waldrop. Albeit fans haven't yet had the chance to absorb TWISTED TOWER DIRE's progression through 'Netherworlds', the material they're currently constructing is pushing the band further towards catchy THIN LIZZY, UFO, B.O.C., NWOBHM anthems without cutting their strong '80s cult metal roots. New album 'Netherworlds' album out February 23 on Remedy Records."

The follow-up to 2003's "Crest of the Martyrs", "Netherworlds" was recorded at Killabrew Studios in Annandale, Virginia with producer Matt Crooks. The track listing is as follows:

01. Starshine
02. Netherworlds
03. Fortress
04. Casualty of Cruel Times
05. Tales of Submission
06. The Killing Kind
07. Dire Wolf
08. No One Left to Blame
09. Firebird
10. Crionics (SLAYER cover) (digipack only)
11. Stand Up and Shout (DIO cover) (Japanese bonus)


HELION: New Song Available For Download

Finnish melodic metallers HELION have released "Devil's Tattoo", the first song off their upcoming album "Mercury Rising", as an MP3 download. Check it out at this location. A clip of another new song, "Darkness Remains", is also available through the band's web site.

The cover artwork for "Mercury Rising" has been posted online at this location. Tentatively due before the end of the year, the follow-up to 2005's "Shadow of the Sun" was recorded at Studio Sound Supreme (AMORAL, PAIN CONFESSOR, ROTTEN SOUND) and is the group's first CD to feature new guitar player Kimmo Korhonen. As an added bonus, a remixed version of "Pay Day" will also be included on the effort.


It's Official: CRADLE OF FILTH Parts Ways With Drummer ADRIAN ERLANDSSON

After months of rumors and speculation, British extreme metallers CRADLE OF FILTH have officially confirmed the departure of drummer Adrian Erlandsson. According to an official press release, "Erlandsson has found that his two side projects NEEDLEYE and NEMHAIN are taking up more and more of his time and has made the decision to leave COF so he can concentrate more of his energies on them."

Commented Adrian: "I have enjoyed my time with CRADLE but it is now time to move on. I feel I am going out on a high as 'Thornography' is definitely our best album to date."

Over the course of the last few months, rumors of Adrian's departure have been gaining strength, with several "in-the-know" parties claiming that Adrian was fired from the group just days before they were to sign a new publishing deal. As a result, it was reported (but not officially confirmed) that Erlandsson was relegated to the status of a "session" member (whereby he was paid only for time worked and was not entitled to any publishing or artist royalties), a situation which was rumored to have strained his relationship with the band's frontman Dani Davey (a.k.a. Dani Filth).

In the last few weeks, Erlandsson — a native Swede who was in AT THE GATES and THE HAUNTED prior to joining CRADLE OF FILTH — has been getting increasingly involved in outside projects — such as NEMHAIN (which is fronted by Erlandsson's wife, fetish model Morrigan Hel; a.k.a. Amber England) and NEEDLEYE — culminating in his non-appearance in CRADLE OF FILTH's new video for the song "Temptation".


JAG PANZER Frontman Lays Down Vocals For BATTLE CRY EP

Colorado-based power metallers BATTLE CRY have finished recording a song called "The Battle Cry of Freedom" with a special guest appearance by JAG PANZER's Harry "The Tyrant" Conklin.

Commented the band: "We have finished 'The Battle Cry of Freedom', which is a very cool civil war song that we 'metalized' with Harry Conklin as guest vocalist.

"Working with Harry was an awesome experience, and we're very proud of the outcome. Harry has also agreed to do some Gregorian-style chants for our epic 'The Inquisition', which I am sure will also be remarkable.

"I know we said we were shooting for a Halloween time-frame for the [upcoming self-titled debut EP], but that obviously has slipped, so now we're looking at a Christmas/New Year's release. Also, we haven't been able to work out a schedule with Mike Pittman from DISTANT WARNING. Unfortunately, we have to move forward with getting this done, so Tristen Madrid will be the only drummer appearing on this project. We hope to work with Mike in the future."

A short sample of "The Battle Cry of Freedom" can be heard at this location.

BATTLE CRY's self-titled debut EP is being recorded at Enharmonic Studios in Colorado Springs and is slated for release on the band's own Nightfall Records label.


TNT: New Songtitles Revealed

Norwegian/British hard rockers TNT have revealed several songtitles that are set to appear on the group's first album with new vocalist Tony Mills (ex-SHY). The CD, which is being recorded in Toten, Norway with producer H.P. Gundersen, will contain the cuts "Something Special", "I Cant Go on with This Feeling", "Golden Opportunity", "Fountain of Love" and "Are You Blind", among others.

Mills previously stated about the material: "[it] has all the diversities that I personally had hoped for, with the balls of TNT and the elegance of QUEEN and the post-perspective of various '70s production attitudes. 'Something Special' rocks from top to bottom with complicated backing arrangements and 'I Cant Go On With This Feeling' smacks of the same colour and underlying power. The album will be completed in February with the direction of the producer H.P. Gundersen, who to me seems like a modern-day Andy Warhol … George Martin. A very talented guy who can seem to create unthinkable arrangements and follow them through to their completion with great ease. An important find. Discussions are underway with various record companies for the release of the album with some labels already committed to the project."

As previously reported, Norway's Metal Express Radio recently conducted an interview with Tony Mills. Listen to the chat in two parts: Part#1, Part#2.

Mills joined TNT as the replacement for longtime singer Tony Harnell, who left the group in April.

Harnell's final release as a member of TNT was the "Live in Madrid" DVD, which came out in September via MTM Music. The set, which was filmed on April 1, 2006 in Madrid, Spain, was accompanied by an 82-minute audio CD plus booklet liner notes from Harnell about his work with the group as well as an additional tour documentary by Darren Paltrowitz.


UPDATED 11/14/06


NYC POWER METAL BAND ZANDELLE - New Album out NOW

Zandelle's 2nd release under LMP Records (Hamburg, Germany) entitled VENGEANCE RISING is now available in Europe!!!

Coming to the U.S. January 16, 2007

Visit myspace.com/zandelle for more details.


NYC POWER METAL BAND GODS OF FIRE - Begins Work On New Album

An official message from guitarist "Saucy Jack":

Mortals, in our quest to make you feel more like deities instead of mere humans we would like to give you a brief update on the state of our otherworldly affairs.

We are working on new music presently. New gig dates should be announced shortly - however we want to make sure we will crush you with some new face melting material.

In other news...Prometheus has given his liver to a Siren instead of a Griffin this month. He is betrothal has ended and his marriage has begun. If you see him congratulate him. Do not throw him metal horns - marriage is not very metal.

Until we feel like posting again,
Saucy Jack


WITCHFINDER GENERAL Reunites, Begins Work On New Album

WITCHFINDER GENERAL, one of the few bands of the NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) era to opt for the classic early BLACK SABBATH dirge rather than the more uptempo metal of most of their countrymen, has reformed and is presently holding auditions to replace singer Zeeb Parkes. "Derm [drummer Dermot Redmond], Rod [Hawkes, bass] and Phil [Cope, guitar] are back together and it's official," reads a press release. "They start recording two tracks next weekend with a view to doing the third album. The band are currently looking for a vocalist to replace Zeeb.

"We have been asked so many questions about what has happened to Zeeb Parkes? The name Zeeb Parkes was invented purely for the band. When the band split, Zeeb Parkes ceased to be. The character behind Zeeb Parkes who wishes to keep his identity anonymous has moved on to other things."

Commented Phil: "It is no secret that the friendship between Zeeb and myself has finished. Looking back Zeeb was an inspiration to us all and I have some great and happy memories of him, so many that I could write a bestseller about it! But Zeeb is into other things now and I wish him all the best.

"We are back together hopefully to record the 'elusive' third album. There may even be a track including the first rhythm section of Steve [Kinsell, drums] and Toss [McCready, bass], if they can be forced out of retirement ha! ha! This is a small thanks to everyone who has stood by the band. The guys have no plans to ever play live again but at least new material is on its way."

For more information, visit www.witchfindergeneral.net.


UPDATED 11/09/06


METAL CHURCH: 1983 Demo Recordings Available For Free Download

Seattle metallers METAL CHURCH have uploaded tue original 1983 demo recordings of the songs "Hitman" and "Deathwish" (both instrumental and with David Wayne's vocals), along with two other early works. Click here to read the history of these songs as well as download them.

METAL CHURCH's latest album, "A Light in the Dark", was released in Europe on June 19 (June 27 in the U.S.) via SPV. The CD includes a new version of the classic "Watch the Children Pray" as a tribute to vocalist David Wayne, who passed away in May 2005.

Guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, who doubled as sound engineer and producer during the recordings, had previously promised an offering featuring all the important trademarks of typical METAL CHURCH tracks. "Before our new drummer Jeff Plate joined the band, I would have claimed that the new album will be a traditional heavy metal album through and through," he said. "Now I'm not so sure we may end up experimenting with the odd unusual idea, but we'll stay within the framework defined by the band's history. 'A Light in the Dark' will represent what the name METAL CHURCH has been standing for for the last twenty years."

METAL CHURCH's current band lineup consists of Vanderhoof (guitar), Ronny Munroe (vocals), Jay Reynolds (guitar), Steve Unger (bass) and Jeff Plate (drums).


Vocalist WADE BLACK Quits LEATHERWOLF

Vocalist Wade Black (LEATHERWOLF, CRIMSON GLORY, SEVEN WITCHES) has issued the following update:

"Greetings metal freaks worldwide!

"I wanted to take a few minutes of your time to update you on the latest goings on.

"I have been fortunate enough to travel the world bringing metal to the masses. Without a doubt, the best thing to come out of my metal career has been traveling the globe and meeting the heart of metal — the fans — and giving everything I have to give on the stage for you. I have absolutely been able to live the dream.

"There is, of course, the reality side of things, and this is where things often get unpleasant.

"Like many other musicians in our genre, I have a career outside of music that is necessary in order to provide a reasonable lifestyle for my family. If I have to miss work to fly out to do recording sessions, rehearsals, or tours, I don't get paid.

"While I have enjoyed giving a new voice to LEATHERWOLF and supporting the new album, the harsh economic reality of my current musical situation is that the compensation for the studio and live work I've done hasn't even offsetted the lost wages I've missed while supporting LEATHERWOLF in the studio and on the road.

"More important than the financial aspects is the time away from my family. My wife and children have been very patient and supportive of me, and they deserve to be the highest priority in my life. You only have one chance in life to be the best parent you can be. There are no studio tricks or retakes to gloss over the missed opportunities to be there for your family.

"I am therefore letting you all know that effective immediately, I will no longer be singing for LEATHERWOLF.

"My sincerest best wishes go out to Leatherwolf for continued success, and also my sincerest thanks to Chris Leibundgut at A.R.M. productions for his support and guidance!

"Is this the end of Wade Black's career of metal? HELL NO!

"After much thought and consideration, I have decided to start my own band locally. This will allow me to complete the solo material I've been working on over the years, play out live on a regular basis (something you can't do when the rest of the band is 3,000 miles away), and eventually release an album under my new metal identity: BLACK REIGN.

"We will be playing material from the four internationally released albums I have done as well as the new BLACK REIGN material, and maybe a few covers of some metal classics. This will allow me to continue my career as a musician without sacrificing my commitment to my family."

LEATHERWOLF's latest album, "World Asylum" (featuring Black), came out in Euroe in June via Massacre Records.


MALICE Guitarist: New Material Will Be 'Heavier Than Ever'

More information has been revealed about the reunion of '80s Los Angeles heavy metal legends MALICE, featuring the three original guitar slingers (Mick Zane, Jay Reynolds and Mark Behn) alongside Pete Holmes (BLACK 'N BLUE, MICHAEL SCHENKER) on drums and newfound vocal sensation Brian Allen. According to Jay Reynolds, Brian Allen has not left his other band LAST EMPIRE. "He is currently in the studio finishing tracks on LAST EMPIRE's second album with new guitar shedder John Jaunese," says Reynolds. "The new MALICE lineup just completed rehearsals in Los Angeles and is currently writing for a new release for 2007. The emphasis on the new MALICE material is on being heavier than ever." European festival appearances are planned for next summer.

MALICE's two Atlantic releases — "In The Beginning" and "License to Kill" — are available Stateside on WEA label Wounded Bird and have continued to sell over the years. The band also plans to release several live DVDs from the '80s and possibly a retrospective of past demos and unreleased songs.

MALICE guitarist Jay Reynolds is currently a member of METAL CHURCH.


ATROPHY Reissues Detailed

Metal Mind Productions has set a November 27 release date for reissues of the classic ATROPHY albums "Socialized Hate" and "Violent By Nature". Both CDs will come in a new digipack edition on golden discs, digitally remastered using 24-bit technology, and will be limited to a hand-numbered 2,000 copies. Each title includes three bonus demo tracks and a bootleg video. The details are as follows:

"Socialized Hate" track listing:

01. Chemical Dependency
02. Killing Machine
03. Matter of Attitude
04. Preacher, Preacher
05. Beer Bong
06. Socialized Hate
07. Best Defense
08. Product of the Past
09. Rest in Pieces
10. Urban Decay
Bonus tracks:
11. Chemical Dependency (demo)
12. Rest In Pieces (demo)
13. Preacher, Preacher (demo)
14. Socialized Hate (bootleg video)

"Violent by Nature" track listing:

01. Puppies and Friends
02. Violent by Nature
03. In Their Eyes
04. Too Late to Change
05. Slipped through the Cracks
06. Forgotten But Not Gone
07. Process of Elimination
08. Right to Die
09. Things Change
Bonus tracks:
10. Suicide Pact (demo)
11. Product Of The Past (demo)
12. Beer Bong (demo)
13. Violent By Nature (bootleg video)

BNR Metal Pages says: Hailing from Arizona, ATROPHY fit right in with contemporaries such as EXODUS and FORBIDDEN, playing energetic, crunchy thrash. "Violent by Nature" was the more varied album, but lacked the spark and immediacy of "Socialized Hate". Two former members (James Gulotta and Tim Kelly) have recently been seen in a new band called HEAD CIRCUS, self-described as "still heavy metal and aggressive as always". At one time an album was planned, but their current status is uncertain.


UPDATED 7/30/06


Former JUDAS PRIEST Singer TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS To Guest On Ohio's WRQK

Former JUDAS PRIEST and current ICED EARTH/BEYOND FEAR frontman Tim "Ripper" Owens will be interviewed Sunday, July 30 at 10:00 p.m. on Canton, Ohio's WRQK (Rock 107) 106.9 FM. More information is available at www.wrqk.com.

BEYOND FEAR's self-titled debut album was released in early May via SPV Records. The CD was recorded at the legendary Morrisound Studios in Tampa, Florida, under the direction of producer Jim Morris. The album consists of 12 haunting metal numbers, which, according to Owens, "show unmistakably where my musical roots lie: in the classic heavy metal of the Eighties. However, I've transported that traditional metal style into the present, lending it its own touch."

BEYOND FEAR's lineup is completed by John Comprix (SPAWN, 13 FACES) on guitar, Dennis Hayes (ex-WINTERS BANE, SEVEN WITCHES) on bass, Dwane Bihary (MISSING SKIN) on rhythm guitar, and Eric Elkins (CRYPTKICKER, ALL YOU FEAR) on drums. The band recently completed a European tour as the opening act for ANTHRAX.


STEEL PROPHET Is Promising A 'Huge Surprise' For Their Fans

STEEL PROPHET founders Steve Kachinsky (guitar) and Vince Dennis (bass) are currently working on new songs, according to a posting on the group's official web site. "In addition to that, the band has a HUGE surprise in store for their fans, but it's just too big to reveal right now!" the posting adds.

STEEL PROPHET's upcoming CD will be their first with new singer, Bruce Hall (AGENT STEEL). Hall joined STEEL PROPHET following the departure of Nadir D'Priest, who sang on the group's "Beware" CD (2004, Massacre Records). D'Priest originally joined STEEL PROPHET as the replacement for Rick Mythiasin, who has since launched a new project, MYTHIASIN.

STEEL PROPHET had previously released five records through the Nuclear Blast label and three via Art of Music/Brainstorm.


KAMELOT Hard At Work On New Songs

KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood has posted the following message on the group's official web site:

"Greetings from Wolfsburg, Germany! Home of Volkswagen, they are everywhere here. We are here working on the new songs for the upcoming album and follow-up to 'The Black Halo'. It is going very very well on the new songs. It's incredibly hot here in Germany at the moment, even hotter than Florida where I live. We are already planning tour dates for Europe again that we hope to announce very soon. It will likely be spring 2007 and we will unveil our biggest stage ever. I also have previewed some of the footage from the upcoming DVD and it looks really amazing. The artwork is nearly complete and our friend Mattias Norén in Sweden is working very hard on the whole booklet. As soon as we have an official release date you will hear it here first."

KAMELOT's first-ever DVD, "One Cold Winter's Night", was shot in Oslo this past February. "We have 18 cameras on this shoot and the concert was nearly two hours long," vocalist Khan had previously stated. The disc was edited by Patric Ulleaus (DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES) and will include special guest appearances by Simone Simons (EPICA), Sascha Paeth and Snowy Shaw (ex-KING DIAMOND, DREAM EVIL), plus many others.

Also on the KAMELOT-related front, the first-ever KAMELOT anthology, "Lunar Sanctum", will be released by Sanctuary Records. It will feature some classics as well as unreleased live cuts from the band's last concerts in Tokyo.

KAMELOT will team up with EPICA for a North American tour beginning on September 19 in West Springfield, Virginia.


VOIVOD: 'Katorz' To Receive 'Special' Vinyl Release In November

VOIVOD's new album "Katorz", which came out today, will receive a vinyl release through The End Records in the fall. The band plans to release a deluxe vinyl version of "Katorz" in November. The LP will come in color vinyl and will include special artwork and packaging designed by VOIVOD artist/drummer Michel "Away" Langevin. The release will be limited to 1,000 copies and sold exclusively through The End Records' mailorder. There will be a pre-order for the LP.

Night of the Vinyl Dead last week also announced plans to release "Katorz" on vinyl. The limited edition of 500 hand-numbered copies, featuring black vinyl and a gatefold color insert, will arrive on July 27.

For more information and artwork, visit www.nightofthevinyldead.com.

As previously reported, on Thursday July 27 at 6 p.m. EST VOIVOD fans and music fans worldwide can catch the gala launch of "Katorz" live with the band on www.bandeapart.fm and on Sirius Satellite Radio (channel 93). The two-hour audio/video special will also air again Canada-wide at midnight on Espace Musique (100.7 FM in Montreal).


GODS OF FIRE To Perform In 'Air Guitar The Musical'

After bringing down the house as the special musical guests of the 2006 New York City and Boston regional U.S. Air Guitar competitions, New York City-based power metal/thrash act GODS OF FIRE has been tapped to be the live band for a musical about the phenomenon.

The story centers around an electric guitarist named Drew who has gotten lost in his own self-hatred and pretension. Through the prodding of his exasperated wife and best friend, Drew is drawn into the world of Air Guitar, where mulleted contestants compete to be the greatest player of pretend guitar in the world. Drew, much to his dismay, discovers that he is really good at playing the invisible guitar, and finds all the fame that has eluded him as an actual guitarist.

The GODS OF FIRE will be on stage in full costume performing a full-on metal score. In addition to backing up the cast for the high energy power metal songs, the GODS will be performing all the air guitar solos live on stage.

Tickets for the show, which takes place at the Harry de Jur playhouse in lower Manhattan, go on sale July 28 at www.fringenyc.org.

The GODS OF FIRE are currently writing the follow-up to their 2005 debut album, "Wrath of the Gods".

"Air Guitar the Musical" performance dates:

Aug. 11 @ 7:45 p.m
. Aug. 15 @ 10:00 p.m.
Aug. 16 @ 6:15 p.m.
Aug. 26 @ 1:00 p.m.
Aug. 27 @ 2:15 p.m.

GODS OF FIRE regular performance:

Aug. 12 - New York, NY @ Arlene Grocery


PRIMAL FEAR: 'Metal Is Forever' Cover Artwork Posted Online

German power metallers PRIMAL FEAR have posted the cover artwork for their upcoming "best of" collection, "Metal is Forever - The Very Best of Primal Fear", tentatively due on September 29 via Nuclear Blast Records (JVC in Japan). The artwork was created by Stephan Lohrmann, who was also responsible for the cover of PRIMAL FEAR's "Black Sun" album. Check it out at this location. The 16-track compilation will also include a special bonus CD of "classic metal tracks."

PRIMAL FEAR recently inked a new multi-album worldwide deal with Frontiers Records. The band has started writing songs for their upcoming album which is tentatively scheduled to be released before the summer of 2007. A European tour will follow the album's release.


HAMMERFALL: New Album Title, Track Listing Revealed

Sweden's HAMMERFALL has set "Threshold" as the title of its new album, due in the U.S. on October 31 via Nuclear Blast Records (October 23 in Europe, except in Germany, where it will arrive on October 20). The complete track listing for the CD is as follows:

01. Threshold
02. The Fire Burns Forever
03. Rebel Inside
04. Natural High
05. Dark Wings, Dark Words
06. Howlin' With The 'Pac
07. Shadow Empire
08. Carved In Stone
09. Reign Of The Hammer
10. Genocide
11. Titan

HAMMERFALL's video for "The Fire Burns Forever", the brand new track the band recorded with some of the Swedish participants in the European Athletics Championships, has been posted online at YouTube.com. The single track will be available as download only between August 6 and September 6, exclusively at the iTunes music store and Nuclear Blast Musicshop. HAMMERFALL and the athletes will also perform "The Fire Burns Forever" at the official opening of the Championships on August 6 in Gothenburg, Sweden.


BRAINSTORM: More European Tour Dates Announced

German power metallers BRAINSTORM have scheduled the following European dates during the coming months:

Jul. 28 - Metalway Festival - Gernika (E)
Jul. 29 - Metalway Festival - Jerez (E)
Aug. 05 - Metal Dayz - Pratteln (CH)
Aug. 11 - Sziget Festival - Budapest (H)
Aug. 18 - Deichbrand Festival - Cuxhaven (D)
Sep. 30 - Bloodstock 06 UK Metalfest - Derby (UK)
Dec. 29 - Matrix - Bochum (D)

BRAINSTORM's latest album, "Liquid Monster", was released last year via Metal Blade Records. The CD was mixed at House Of Music Studios in Winterbach, Germany with producer Achim Köhler.


VICIOUS RUMORS To Release 'Warball' In October

Veteran San Francisco Bay Area metallers VICIOUS RUMORS have changed the projected title of their new album to "Warball" from the previously announced "Sonic Rebellion". The CD was recorded at Trident Studios in Pacheco, CA by Juan Oretga and includes guitarists Brad Gillis (NIGHT RANGER) and Thaen Rassmussen. The group's first CD with new vocalist James Rivera (HELSTAR, KILLING MACHINE, SEVEN WITCHES) is being described as "a darker and more aggressive version" of the band's classic "Digital Dictator" album (1987). An October release via Mascot Records is expected. A European tour with AGENT STEEL will follow in March 2007.

VICIOUS RUMORS' current lineup includes Gillis, Rivera, drummer Larry Howe, guitarist Geoff Thorpe, and bassist Dave Starr.


AGENT STEEL Signs With MASCOT RECORDS

California-based metallers AGENT STEEL have inked a deal with Holland's Mascot Records. The band is currently recording its new album for a tentative early 2007 release. A European tour with labelmates VICIOUS RUMORS is expected to kick off in March.

Commented guitarist Juan Garcia: "The recording of the new album is coming along great vocals are finished and sound killer! Guitar tones are heavy! Drums tracks are solid as ever! And the bass tone will make Cliff Burton proud. Ten new songs, some minor touch-ups and some guitar solos still need to be completed before Bill Metoyer mixes down the new tracks."

The tentative track listing for the new CD is as follows:

01. Wash The Planet Clean
02. Fashioned From Dust
03. Hail To The Chief
04. Wormwood
05. Liberty Lying Bleeding
06. Tiamat's Fall
07. Lamb To The Slaughter
08. Cold Blood
09. WPD (Worldwide Pandemic Devastation)
10. Extinct


GLENN HUGHES To Headline Bulgaria's 'The Week Of The Sea'

Legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes will be headlining a special week-long event in Kavarna, Bulgaria, on Monday, August 21 at the Kaliakra Stadium.

The event, translated as "The Week Of The Sea", a celebration of the people and region of the Black Sea, is organized by Bulgarian 'Man Of The Year", and Mayor of Kavarna, Tsonko Tsonev. Tsonev was responsible for inviting Glenn for the New Year's Eve show in Karvarna, as well as being the man behind the concerts in Kavarna by such acts as WHITESNAKE, DEEP PURPLE and SCORPIONS.

Tsonev says: "I and the people of Bulgaria are very proud to be able to invite Glenn back to Kavarna again, and we are especially proud that, after sharing New Year's Eve with him, we will also be sharing Glenn's birthday with him during a time of celebration for the people of our region."

There is no admission for the concert. It is Tsonev's personal "thank you" to the people as part of the week-long celebration for the region, as well as being an open invitation for Glenn fans everywhere to come and experience the concert and Black Sea region of Bulgaria.

There is a possibility that Glenn will be shooting a video clip during his time in Bulgaria.

Hughes' latest solo album, "Music for the Divine", is available now on Frontiers Records. The CD was recorded in Chad Smith's (RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS) house in Los Angeles and again features Smith on drums and longtime Glenn Hughes collaborator JJ Marsh on guitar. Also featured are RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS guitarist John Frusciante and Mark Killian, who has provided the string arrangements and keyboards.


KINGDOM COME Announces New Album Title

KINGDOM COME has set "Ain't Crying for the Moon" as the title of their new album, due in Europe on October 13. The CD will be issued in Russia and the Baltic States on September 15.

In other news, former KINGDOM COME bassist Frank Binke, who played with the group in 2001, has rejoined the band.

KINGDOM COME's upcoming CD will be the follow-up to "Perpetual", which came out in 2004. The band cancelled their U.S. tour in early 2005 due to problems in obtaining correct work permits in time for the trek.

KINGDOM COME are tentatively sheduled to embark on a number of North American dates this October with HELLOWEEN. A Russian tour is planned in November.


IRON MAIDEN Announces North American Tour Dates

IRON MAIDEN has announced that they will be beginning their 2006 World Tour with eight dates across the USA and three dates in Canada starting October 4 in Hartford, CT.

Tickets for the shows will start going on to the general public from the weekend of August 12, with details of local box office and on-sale times at www.ironmaiden.com. IRON MAIDEN has also arranged for a special fan club pre-order for all shows beginning August 1 and running through to the public on-sale date. Details of this will be sent directly to them beforehand.

This follows the recent announcement that their highly anticipated new studio album "A Matter of Life and Death" will be released on September 5 on Sanctuary Records.

Says vocalist Bruce Dickinson: "This is the first time we've started a tour in the States for many, many years. It's going to be great to get out there so the fans can get to hear the new material and see the new show first for a change. We're all incredibly pleased with the album, and the tremendous response of those people who have had the chance to hear it so far. Their reaction has been phenomenal and we expect to play a lot of it on tour.

"We will be bringing the full show to America, which we are currently putting the final touches to, and we fully intend to make it as spectacular and memorable as we can. And of course, our mate Eddie has already booked a place on the plane with us."

On the topic of "A Matter of Life and Death", Bruce comments, "This album has to be our best since working with Kevin Shirley (producer). There is such a wide scope of musicianship on this album. Every one of us has put everything into this record and it's really paid off."

The upcoming North American dates represent the beginning of the "A Matter of Life and Death World Tour", which will continue into Japan and then travel through to Europe, finishing with two shows at London's Earls Court Arena just before Christmas. All the shows on the European leg have been on sale since March and reaction to the dates has been incredible, with the majority of shows already sold out months in advance.

Accompanying IRON MAIDEN on the USA tour (excluding the Hartford and Los Angeles ) are new U.K. metal sensation, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, who have been receiving rave reviews while on tour with GUNS N' ROSES throughout Europe.

IRON MAIDEN North American tour dates:

Oct. 04 - New England Dodge Music Center - Hartford, CT
Oct. 06 - Agganis Arena - Boston, MA
Oct. 07 - Tweeter Center At the Waterfront - Camden, NJ
Oct. 09 - Colisee Pepsi Arena - Quebec City, QC
Oct. 10 - Bell Centre - Montreal, QC
Oct. 12 - Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum - Uniondale, NY
Oct. 13 - Continental Airlines Arena - East Rutherford, NJ
Oct. 16 - Air Canada Centre - Toronto, ON
Oct. 17 - Palace of Auburn Hills - Auburn Hills, MI
Oct. 18 - Allstate Arena - Rosemont, IL
Oct. 21 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Irvine, CA


FALCONER Completes Work On New Album

Swedish epic/power metallers FALCONER have finished recording their fifth studio album, entitled "Northwind" — their first since the departure of singer Kristoffer Göbel and return of Mathias Blad.

Commented guitarist Stefan Weinerhall: "'Northwind', the fifth album of FALCONER, is a return to the folkish style after some experiment on the last one. Very melodic and catchy, and with Mathias back on vocals he gives the album that extra epic touch that none other can do. The album is not a concept album although the title sums up the atmosphere of both the music and the lyrics. From catchy metal to sweet ballads to medieval minstrels gone electrified, there´s something for all tastes."

"Northwind" will be released as a limited first edition featuring a bonus CD containing four Swedish folk songs and a video documentary of the album recordings.

"Northwind" track listing:

01. Northwind
02. Waltz with the Dead
03. Spirit of the Hawk
04. Legend and the Lore
05. Catch the Shadows
06. Tower of the Queen
07. Long Gone By
08. Perjury and Sanctity
09. Fairyland Fanfare
10. Himmel Så Trind
11. Blinded
12. Delusion
13. Home of the Knave
14. Black Tarn (instr)
15. Child of the Wild 2006 (Japan bonus)

Bonus CD:

01. Kristallen Den Fina
02. Ridom Ridom
03. Liten Vätte
04. Vårvindar Friska
+ video documentary of the recording

"Northwind" will be released on September 22 (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and September 25 (the rest of Europe) via Metal Blade Records.


BLOODSTOCK And WACKEN OPEN AIR Officially Unite

The organizers of the U.K.'s Bloodstock festival have issued the following press release:

"Six years of running the U.K.'s number one independent metal festival is no small deal. Each year the Bloodstock team have fought hard and long to bring you a festival to be proud of, run for fans by fans.

"We already have a long-standing relationship with (W:O:A) Wacken Open Air. Wacken was and still is run for fans by fans and our German counterparts freely gave any advice Bloodstock needed over those formative years.

"So it is with the greatest pleasure we can now announce that Wacken Open Air has now joined Bloodstock as our business partner. This can only be a good thing for the metal scene in the UK. Our partners in no way wish to change the feel or structure of Bloodstock but will enhance the festival in so many ways these will become apparent over the coming months."

For further information on the lineup performing at the Bloodstock indoor festival on September 29-30, 2006, go to www.bloodstock.uk.com.


UPDATED 1/23/06


NARNIA: More Tour Dates Announced

Swedish metallers have NARNIA have lined up the following dates:

Jan. 28 - Venue TBA - Keuruu, FIN
Feb. 04 - Venue TBA - Malung, SWE
Apr. 21 - Elements Of Rock - Uster, SWI
Apr. 30 - VappuGospel - Kouvola, FIN

As previously reported, Attic Arcade/Gencross has set a March 23, 2006 Japanese release date for the new NARNIA album, entitled "Enter the Gate". The Swedish metallers are currently negotiating a European release for the CD, which is being described by the band as "the most well-sounding and well-performed NARNIA album to date." The follow-up to 2003's "The Great Fall" features backing vocals by Mats Leven (THERION, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, AT VANCE) and contains "the most melodic and catchy songs since 'Long Live the King' from the late '90s but in a brand new sound and approach," according to the band.

In other news, MCM Music will be releasing a CD version of the band's 2003 concert performance ay Owener Rocknacht in Germany. The show, which was previously released on DVD under the title "At Short Notice....Live in Germany", has now been edited and remastered for the CD version. The title remains the same and the release is set for January 23.

NARNIA's fourth full-length album, "The Great Fall", was released in April 2003 through Nuclear Blast. The CD, which was produced at The Dream Factory in Jönköping, Sweden by Carl-Johan Grimmark, featured guest appearances from former YNGWIE MALMSTEEN/current HAMMERFALL drummer Anders Johansson and SAVIOUR MACHINE singer Eric Clayton.


HAMMERFALL Join Forces With Swedish Women's Curling Team For 'Hearts On Fire' Video

HAMMERFALL guitarist Oscar Dronjak has posed the following message on the band's official web site:

"In preparation for the Olymic Games in February, we joined forces with one of Sweden's brightest hopes for a gold medal: The Women's Curling Team. They won both the World and the European Championship in 2005, and are now looking to make it a triple with an Olympic victory as well. In order to secure that, they have enlisted the musical inspiration of HammerFall in the form of 'Hearts On Fire', for which a video was recorded last week. With heavy metal as a source of strength, the girls can now focus on bringing home the gold.

"The video was a blast to record, an attitude shared by everyone involved. The result is an amusing and, for us, a little unusual video. A single will be released (in Sweden only), to accompany the clip."

Check out a picture of HAMMERFALL with the Swedish Women's Curling Team at this location.

HAMMERFALL's latest album, "Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken", was released in March 2005 via Nuclear Blast Records. The follow-up to 2002's "Crimson Thunder" was produced and mixed by Charlie Bauernfeind (BLIND GUARDIAN, HELLOWEEN).


ANVIL, BLITZKRIEG Confirmed For SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL

ANVIL, BLITZKRIEG and THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND have been confirmed for this year's installment of the Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 8-10 in Sölvesborg, Sweden. The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):

ANVIL
BLITZKRIEG
CACTUS
CATHEDRAL
CELTIC FROST
DEEP PURPLE
DORO
EASY ACTION
EVERGREY
FIREWIND
FROM BEHIND
GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS
JADED HEART
JEFF HEALEY BAND
JOURNEY
KROKUS
LORD BELIAL
METAL CHURCH
MOLLY HATCHET
NEVERMORE
RAISE HELL
STRYPER
THE SENSATIONAL ALEX HARVEY BAND
THE STORYTELLER
THE SWEET
VENOM
W.A.S.P.


ELVENKING: 'The Winter Wake' Release Dates Confirmed

Italian folk/power metal band ELVENKING have announced the worldwide release dates for their third album, "The Winter Wake". The follow-up to 2004's "Wyrd" was recorded at Sherpa Studios (Italy), mixed at Sonic Pump Studios by Nino Laurenne and was mastered at Finnvox Studios by Mika Jussilla. The CD will be issued in the following territories:

Jan. 20th - Japan and Korea (Attic Arcade Records)
Jan. 27th - Germany (AFM Records)
Jan. 30th - Rest of Europe (AFM Records)
Feb. – South America (Laser) and Russia (CD Maximum) March 21 - USA (Locomotive)

For Japan and Korea, the bonus track will be the non-album song "Petalstorm" and for all the other editions, the bonus track will be a cover version of SKYCLAD's "Penny Dreadful", plus a video documentary.

As previously reported, a full-length version of the new ELVENKING track "The Wanderer" has been posted online at this location (.WMA file). Check out the album cover artwork at www.elvenking.net.

ELVENKING recently announced the departure of guitarist Jarpen. For the time being, the group will go on as a five-piece.


FALCONER Prepare To Enter Studio

Swedish epic/power metallers FALCONER are preparing to enter the studio to begin recording their new album — their first since the departure of singer Kristoffer Göbel and return of Mathias Blad.

Commented the band: "The first rehearsal has just taken place with the complete new line-up. Finally we got to hear some of the new songs with vocals and I'll tell you it sounded awsome.

"At this time we have almost everything ready for the new album and as it looks now there will be a couple of traditional folk songs as bonus tracks on the first edition of the upcoming CD. However, there's still time to make more contributions to the tracklist.

"I don't think we have been this well prepared for the studio ever before, so hopefully we don't have to be stressed during the last days.

"We will enter the studio in February, then carry on in the summer with the vocals and mixing. Although it feels like we have to wait to get the result it's good to be able to take a step back and reflect and melt the impression and then get back and finalize it.

"A good guess would be that the album will be released in September 2006.

"I can hardly wait to hear the result myself.

"Although it's in many ways a return to the old style there is still elements of a refreshing feeling. Don't know exactly what it is though, more variety, more details, more produced or maybe it's just a feeling."

FALCONER's fourth studio album, "Grime Vs. Grandeur", was released in May 2005 via Metal Blade Records. The CD features guest performances by Snowy Shaw (MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND, DREAM EVIL) on drums and Andy LaRocque (KING DIAMOND) on additional lead vocals.


STEEL ATTACK: 'Diabolic Symphony' Due In April

Massacre Records has set an April 21 release date for the fifth full-length album from Swedish metallers STEEL ATTACK, entitled "Diabolic Symphony". The follow-up to 2004's "Enslaved" was recorded at Black Lounge Studio in Sweden with engineer Jonas Kjellgren and will feature "hard riffs combined with rich melodies and brilliant metal," according to guitarist Johan Jalonen Penn.

STEEL ATTACK's fourth album, "Enslaved" was issued in October 2004 via Arise Records. The album was supported by a 12-day European tour with Germany BLACK ABYSS and Canada's EXCITER.

STEEL ATTACK is:

Anden Andersson - Bass
John Allan - Guitar
Ronny Hemlin – Vocals
Johan Jalonen Penn - Guitar
Tony Elfving – Drums


ANDRE ANDERSEN, PAUL LAINE, DAVID READMAN Team Up For 'III' Project

Frontiers Records has announced the release of the new exciting ANDRE ANDERSEN / PAUL LAINE / DAVID READMAN "III" project on March 24.

The project came together after Andre Andersen (keyboard maestro and mainman of ROYAL HUNT) and Paul Laine (former singer of DANGER DANGER) decided to work together as a result of the mutual respect they held for one another.

As a basis for the project, Andre started to write "straight rock tunes." Says Andersen, "It was a challenge to push these songs in a 3.5- to 4-minute frames, ditching those longer instrumental passages, elaborate intros and such. But it was fun nevertheless. The whole sound landscape is pretty much 'in your face.' Every player did a great job so the main point of this album — no thrills, pure rock — came across as planned."

After the first recording sessions, Andre felt the desire to expand the project to include another powerful and strong vocalist he had admired for some time, namely PINK CREAM 69 frontman David Readman. David liked the demos that Andre prepared for the project and in a few weeks the record was completed.

"Both singers are great," says Andre, "and even if I crafted the songs particularly for their vocal styles, they made my job a lot easier."

"III" track listing:

01. Rise *
02. Dust To Dust +
03. The Way It Goes *
04. Straight To The Heart +
05. Tell Me Your Lies *
06. Don’t Need A Thing +
07. End of My Rope *
08. Scared To Live +
09. Bulletproof *
10. Learning To Fly +

*Lead vocals – Paul Laine
+Lead vocals – David Readman

Check out audio samples at this location.


VENOM: More U.K. Tour Dates Announced

British black metal pioneers VENOM have announced the following dates:

Mar. 23 - Glasgow, UK @ Garage
Mar. 25 - London, UK @ Mean Fiddler
Mar. 26 - Manchester, UK @ Academy 2
Jun. 8-10 - Sölvesborg, SWE @ Sweden Rock Festival

As previously reported, VENOM have finished mixing their new album, "Metal Black", at the Townhouse Studios in London. The album contains 14 new songs, including "Antechrist", the demo for which can be heard at this location. A March release via Castle Records/Sanctuary Group is expected.

According to an official press release, "Metal Black" "sees original founder band member Cronos creating a new masterpiece of metal together with [drummer] Antton and [guitarist] Mykvs. With 14 brand new roaring and vital tracks, VENOM are again taking the goat by the horns and reinventing their own original style . . . 'Metal Black' [is] an album that harkens back to the writing style of the '80s VENOM with a powerful production to incinerate any sound system, truly demonic in every sense and with the delivery of a charging beast."

Commented Mykvs: "The album has a very raw feel. The intensity of the songs is awesome. We recorded the album as a live band, three demons bleeding for the heaviest metal we could create, and our new album will show that VENOM keeps getting stronger and heavier. Lay down your souls, muthafuckers, we have returned."

VENOM are planning additional European dates and are also looking at hitting America by early summer.


EPICA Seek Fan Input For Paradiso Photo/Soundbook

EPICA's performance at the Paradiso in Amsterdam, Holland on May 4 will be filmed for an upcoming DVD. To make this evening even more special, EPICA will also be presenting their unique photo and soundbook, "The Road to Paradiso". This book will contain a lot of pictures and stories but will also feature an audio CD with interviews, unreleased live material and other rarities. The band wants the book to be made for the fans, but also by the fans.

For more info on this topic and how to participate in this unique project, go to this location.

As previously reported, EPICA have been confirmed to make their debut U.S. appearance at ProgPower USA VII festival on September 15 and 16 Earthlink Live in Atlanta. Also scheduled to perform are SAVAGE CIRCUS (featuring former BLIND GUARDIAN drummer Thomen Stauch and IRON SAVIOR vocalist/guitarist Piet Sielck), PYRAMAZE (featuring Lance King, former vocalist for BALANCE OF POWER) and WASTEFALL.


DREAMS OF DAMNATION: New Song Available For Download

An MP3 of the track "Eaters of the Dead" by Los Angeles thrashers DREAMS OF DAMNATION — featuring ex-DARK ANGEL guitarist/founder Jim Durkin — is available for download at their MySpace site at this location. The song is taken from the band's upcoming 2006 release, entitled "Epic Tales of Vengeance".

"Epic Tales of Vengeance" projected track listing:

01. Kill for Peace
02. Beyond Salvation
03. The Bloodletting
04. New Flesh
05. Patricide
06. Eaters of the Dead


DEICIDE Announce New Album Title

Floridian death metallers DEICIDE have unveiled the title of their latest album. Entitled "The Stench of Redemption", the record will be the first DEICIDE album to feature new guitarists Jack Owen (formerly of CANNIBAL CORPSE) and Ralph Santolla (ex-DEATH, ICED EARTH), who have been touring with the band since the departure of the Hoffman brothers in 2005.

In total, 10 instrumental songs have been demoed and Glen Benton is currently locked away working on suitably sick vocals/lyrical themes to rival the brutality of the compositions.

"The Stench of Redemption" will be produced by Jim Morris and the band will be entering Morrisound studios in the next few weeks to commit it to tape for a May release through Earache Records. A full European tour is currently being booked to follow the release.


QUEENSRŸCHE: 'I'm American' Single/Video To Debut In Late February

QUEENSRŸCHE have posted the following message on their official web site:

"Look out Germany... 'Operation: Mindcrime II' hits stores on March 31st, 2006. And the first single has been changed to 'I'm American'. Storyboards for the video were completed last week and will begin shooting late next week. Look for the video and single to debut towards the end of February. Once the date firms, we'll let you know."

As previously reported, QUEENSRŸCHE have pushed back the North American release date of the sequel to their platinum 1988 concept album, "Operation: Mindcrime" to April 4. The CD mixing and mastering was completed earlier in the month and the track listing has been reworked a bit, with two new tracks having been added. "Freiheit Ouvertüre" is the infamous "intro" all the fans have been chattering about, while "Convict" is a new song that was newly added after the original track listing was announced.

"Operation: Mindcrime II" (view cover art at this location) final track listing:

01. Freiheit Ouvertüre
02. Convict
03. I'm American
04. One foot in Hell
05. Hostage
06. The Hands
07. Speed of Light
08. Signs Say Go
09. Re-arrange You
10. The Chase
11. Murderer?
12. Circles
13. If I Could Change it All
14. An Intentional Confrontation
15. A Junkie's Blues
16. Fear City Slide
17. All the Promises

As previously reported, legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (BLACK SABBATH, DIO, RAINBOW) has been tapped to play the role of "Dr. X" on "Operation: Mindcrime II". Check out photos of Ronnie in the studio with QUEENSRŸCHE singer Geoff Tate at this location.

QUEENSRŸCHE drummer Scott Rockenfield and guitarist Michael Wilton recorded their parts for "Operation: Mindcrime II" in August at Synergy Studios in Redmond, WA. Michael Stone cut guitars in a studio in a "secret location" in the Bay Area.

QUEENSRŸCHE's follow-up to 2003's "Tribe" will be released in North America via the group's new label, Rhino Entertainment. "Bootleg"-quality live recordings of two tracks slated to appear on the new CD — "Hostage" and "I'm American" — are available for download at Queensryche.com.


MORBID ANGEL's Classic 'Altars Of Madness' Album To Receive DualDisc Release

Earache Records will release a DualDisc format version of the landmark death metal album "Altars of Madness" by MORBID ANGEL on March 13, 2006.

Considered by many to be a defining moment in the genre, "Altars of Madness" was first released in 1989 and is still held in reverence by the majority of death metal fans.

The DVD side of the DualDisc features the long-sought-after November 1989 Nottingham Rock City show filmed on the band's first-ever European outing, the legendary Grindcrusher Tour (alongside NAPALM DEATH, BOLT THROWER and CARCASS), and is the first MORBID ANGEL material to see an official DVD release. A free replica ticket of this show is available with the first 5,000 copies pressed. The complete track listing is as follows:

Limited edition Dual Disc DVD side:

"Live Madness '89" - Recorded live at Nottingham Rock City November 14, 1989:

01. Immortal Rites
02. Suffocation
03. Visions from the Darkside
04. Maze of Torment
05. Chapel of Ghouls
06. Guitar Solo
07. Bleed For The Devil
08. Damnation
09. Blasphemy
10. Lord Of All Fevers and Plague
11. Evil Spells

CD Side:

01. Immortal Rites
02. Suffocation
03. Visions from the Darkside
04. Maze of Torment
05. Lord of All Fevers and Plague
06. Chapel of Ghouls
07. Bleed for the Devil
08. Damnation
09. Blasphemy
10. Evil Spells
11. Maze of Torment (remix)
12. Chapel of Ghouls (remix)
13. Blasphemy (remix)


SUICIDAL TENDENCIES Begin Work On First Studio Album In Six Years

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES frontman Mike Muir has posted the following message on the band's official web site:

"We're happy to let you know that our good friend and someone that talent wise and as a person we all highly respect, Paul Northfield [producer], has flown back into town and work has started on the new SUICIDAL TENDENCIES CD.

"Paul has worked with us many times in the past, with both SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and INFECTIOUS GROOVES and most recently was out to record the show at the Olympic.

"For the next month we'll be sorting, working on and finishing up all the projects that we hope to release in the next year...of course starting with the new SUICIDAL TENDENCIES CD.

"Not titled at this time, this will be the first new SUICIDAL TENDENCIES CD in 6 years and we guarantee that it will piss off the haters...but then again, who wants to be loved by everyone? Certainly not us :)

"As for the Olympic show, we've seen some of the rough footage and we're incredibly pleased with how it's turning out. In the next couple weeks we'll also be shooting some additional interview, studio footage, etc. to be included in the live DVD. We think the people that went will agree that it captured the event and of course the people that weren't there will lie and say they were, lol. But of course that's all good.

"Speaking of good, the back is doing great. Not only am I way ahead of where I was with the first one, I've had absolutely no pain or residual side effects from the operation. I've been doing physical therapy, gotten the go ahead to get back in the gym and I've got a solid regiment of stretches and exercises specifically for my situation that has everyone confident that I should have no more problems in the future.

"Even I must admit it didn't think it would go so well, and that I would be able to consider doing more shows let alone touring in the future. That said, we won't be rushing back to do any shows or making any touring plans 'till after we complete the new SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and a few other projects that we're involved with and of course giving the back a few months in the gym etc...so it's pretty safe to say nothing before summer, but hopefully something's this year."

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES' current lineup is as follows:

Mike Muir - Vocals
Mike Clark - Guitars
Dean Pleasants - Guitars
Ron Brunner Jr. - Drums
Steve Brunner - Bass


SUPREME MAJESTY Announce New Keyboardist

Swedish melodic metallers SUPREME MAJESTY have announced the addition of 27 year-old keyboardist Mattias Holmgren to the group's ranks. Currently studying creative design in Skellefteå, Sweden while running his own audio production company Morningdew Media, Holmgren has produced material by EMBRACING and AZURE and has played drums on NAGLFAR's classic album "Vittra", which came out in 1995.

SUPREME MAJESTY have yet to announce replacements for guitarist Chrille Andersson and bassist Daniel Andersson who left the band last summer. Musicians interested in filling the positions can contact original band members Rille Svensson (guitar) and Joakim Olsson (vocals), along with new drummer Johan Rydberg, at rille@supreme-majesty.com.

SUPREME MAJESTY's third full-length album, "Elements of Creation", was released in March 2005 via Massacre Records. The follow-up to 2003's "Danger" was recorded at JFK Studio and mixed at Gothenburg's Studio Fredman by Fredrik Nordström and SUPREME MAJESTY.


BLIND GUARDIAN: 'Fly' Single Audio Samples Posted Online

Audio samples of BLIND GUARDIAN's upcoming single, "Fly", have been posted online at this location. The single, which is scheduled for release on February 24 via Nuclear Blast, will contain the following track listing:

01. Fly
02. Skalds and Shadows (acoustic version)
03. In A Gadda Da Vida (IRON BUTTERFLY cover)

Check out the cover artwork at this location.

The acoustic version of "Skalds and Shadows" and BLIND GUARDIAN's version of the IRON BUTTERFLY classic "In A Gadda Da Vida" (previously covered by SLAYER) will only appear on the single and will not be featured on the band's much-anticipated new album, tentatively titled "A Twist in the Myth". More information about the single can be found at this location.

As previously reported, BLIND GUARDIAN recently replaced drummer Thomen Stauch, who left the band in April after 20 years. The new man behind the kit is fellow German Frederik Ehmke, who is said to be "fairly unknown in the world of metal." Working songtitles for the new CD include "Carry the Blessed Home", "The Edge", "In Search for the Lionheart", "Market Square", "Another Stranger Me", and "Otherland".


GOAT HORN: New Album Will Rival METALLICA's 'Master Of Puppets'

Canadian metallers GOAT HORN will be entering the studio this spring to record the follow up to their "Threatening Force" EP. The band are currently in talks with a handful of labels about a possible release of their new CD, which is expected this fall.

In other news, GOAT HORN's upcoming CD has been hand-picked as one of the "50 Most Anticipated Albums" in the February 2006 issue of Decibel magazine. Other bands featured is this issue include IRON MAIDEN, HATEBREED, IN FLAMES, LACUNA COIL, MASTODON, SLAYER and SHADOWS FALL.

Regarding what the fans can expect from the band's upcoming release, bass player Jason Decay said, "Basically what you can expect is something that you can sit up on a pedestal next to 'Master of Puppets'."

For more GOAT HORN information, including audio samples, visit www.myspace.com/goathorn.


GAMMA RAY, PRIMAL FEAR, ORPHANED LAND Confirmed
For Germany's WACKEN OPEN AIR Festival

GAMMA RAY, ORPHANED LAND, ABORTED, PRIMAL FEAR, WINTERSUN, EKTOMORF, ATHEIST and BLOODTHORN have been confirmed for next year's Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 3-5, 2006 in Wacken, Germany. EKTOMORF will perform on the "True Metal Stage" on August 4. The festival billing is now shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):

ABORTED
ATHEIST
BLOODTHORN
BORN FROM PAIN
CANNIBAL CORPSE
CELTIC FROST
CHILDREN OF BODOM
DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER
EKTOMORF
EMPEROR
END OF GREEN
FINNTROLL
GAMMA RAY
IN EXTREMO
KORPIKLAANI
NEVERMORE
ORPHANED LAND
PRIMAL FEAR
SOILWORK
SUBWAY TO SALLY
WINTERSUN


IN FLAMES: 'Come Clarity' Clear Cube Available Via Mail-Order

According to Rockdetector.com, Nuclear Blast Records will release a unique plexiglass cube version of the latest IN FLAMES album, "Come Clarity". Limited to 1,000 pieces, the hi-tech cube includes the album tracks split over two separate discs, a DVD and a CD-ROM.

The "Come Clarity" cube won't be available in the shops. This one-off design will only be available through the Nuclear Blast mail-order store. Go here, search "In Flames" then check the "Come Clarity Box" details in the product list.

IN FLAMES undertake a headline tour of the USA in January supported by TRIVIUM, DEVILDRIVER and ZAO. In March the band hit Europe with back-up from SEPULTURA.


CHILDREN OF BODOM: More North American Tour Dates Announced
More North American Tour Dates Announced

Finland's CHILDREN OF BODOM will embark on a three-and-a-half week North American tour beginning on March 18. Support will come from BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, and on select dates, CHIMAIRA (marked *) and an as-yet-undisclosed special guest (marked +; believed to be GOD FORBID)). The dates are as follows:

Mar. 18 - New Haven, CT @ Toads *
Mar. 19 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom *
Mar. 20 – Norfolk, VA @ Norva *
Mar. 21 – Towson, MD @ Recher Theater *
Mar. 22 – Providence, RI @ Lupos *
Mar. 24 – Toronto, ONT @ Koolhaus *
Mar. 25 – Cleveland, OH @ House Of Blues +
Mar. 26 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall +
Mar. 27 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Zoo +
Mar. 29 – Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues +
Mar. 30 - St. Louis, MO @ Pops +
Mar. 31 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada Theatre +
Apr. 01 – Tulsa, OK @ Cains Ballroom +
Apr. 03 - Las Vegas, NV @ House Of Blues +
Apr. 04 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre +
Apr. 05 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre +
Apr. 07 – Sacramento, CA @ Colonial Theatre +
Apr. 08 - San Francisco, CA @ Slims +
Apr. 10 - Anaheim, CA @ House Of Blues +

CHILDREN OF BODOM's latest album, "Are You Dead Yet?", was released in the U.S. on October 25 via Spinefarm Records. The album has been declared to be one of the first priority UMG international releases through Universal's Fontana Distribution system. The U.S. version includes a previously unreleased bonus track that is exclusive to the U.S. release — a cover of the RAMONES classic "Somebody Put Something In My Drink".

CHILDREN OF BODOM's fifth album, "Are You Dead Yet?" is the follow-up to 2003's "Hate Crew Deathroll", which has sold in excess of 200,000 copies worldwide.


MASTERPLAN Frontman JORN LANDE: New Solo Album Details Revealed; Audio Available

MASTERPLAN vocalist Jorn Lande (ex-ARK, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) will release his fourth solo album, "The Duke", shortly through Germany's AFM Records. The CD was produced by Lande and PAGAN'S MIND guitarist Jörn Viggo Lofstad, and was mixed at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark by Tommy Hansen. Recording musicians include:

Jorn Lande (vocals)
Jörn Viggo Lofstad (PAGAN'S MIND) - Guitar
Tore Moren (CARNIVORA) - Guitar
Morty Black (TNT) - Bass
Willy Bendiksen (COMPANY OF SNAKES) -Drums

Also featured on drums is Stian Kristoffersen of PAGAN'S MIND and FIREWIND, who appears on a newly recorded version of "Starfire", from Lande's debut, and the tracks "Stormcrow" and "After the Dying".

"The Duke" includes a cover version of THIN LIZZY's "Are You Ready". Japanese versions of "The Duke" add an extra track, entitled "Noose".

"The Duke" track listing:

01. We Brought the Angels Down
02. Blacksong
03. Stormcrow
04. End of Time
05. Duke of Love
06. Burning Chains
07. After the Dying
08. Midnight Madness
09. Are You Ready (THIN LIZZY cover)
10. Starfire (2005 version)
11. Noose (Japan only)

Check out audio samples at MelodicRock.com.

(Thanks: Rockdetector.com)


ADAGIO Guitarist To Record Instrumental Solo Album

Guitarist Stephan Forté of the French progressive metallers ADAGIO is currently working on material for his first instrumental solo album. The style of the CD will be very influenced by Romanian, Hungarian and Middle Eastern traditional music, and it will feature some well-known guests, according to a posting on the group's web site.

As previously reported, ADAGIO will open for former LED ZEPPELIN frontman Robert Plant on March 24 in Tunis, Tunisia as part of the "International Mediterranean Guitar Festival". The concert will mark the first show of ADAGIO's "Dominate Tour", which will follow later in 2006.

ADAGIO's new album, "Dominate", was released in Japan on December 16 via Avalon/Marquee. The CD was produced by Stephan Forté and Kevin Codfert, and was mixed at House of Audio Studios in Germany by Dennis Ward.

"Dominate" is ADAGIO's first CD with new frontman Gus Monsanto.

ADAGIO parted ways with singer David Readman (PINK CREAM 69) in July 2004 due to "professional differences."


MORTAL SIN To Film 'Weapons Of Mayhemic Destruction' DVD At Sydney Gig

Reactivated Australian thrashers MORTAL SIN will be filming their February 4 concert at The Gaelic Club in Sydney, Australia for an upcoming DVD, entitled "Weapons of Mayhemic Destruction", to be released later in the year. The band will be playing a special two-hour set in Sydney, including the the group's classic 1986 debut, "Mayhemic Destruction", in its entirety (to mark the album's 20th anniversary), plus some of their recently penned material. Also appearing on the bill will be ALARUM and DARKER HALF. MORTAL SIN's new single, "Out of the Darkness" (view cover at this location), containing a recently shot video, plus live tracks taken from the band's Australian tour with ANTHRAX, will also be released on the day.

"Out of the Darkness" was recorded October 29-30, 2005 at Megaphon Studios with producer Phil Mackellar and is available for listening online at www.myspace.com/chewysinner.

MORTAL SIN parted ways with drummer Wayne Campbell and guitarist Joe Buttigieg last year and replaced them with Luke Cook (drums) and Nathan Shae (guitar). A three-song demo was completed in late 2004 at Party Pig Studios in Sydney. The recording, featuring the cuts "Out of the Darkness", "Lost Within" and "Rise or Fall", marked the first time the band had laid down any new material since 1996.

MORTAL SIN's new album, "Far from Extinction", is tentatively due later in the year via an as-yet-undetermined label.


ATHEIST Regroup, Announce Exclusive Festival Appearances

Seminal technical metal pioneers ATHEIST have regrouped for a run of exclusive live performances.

Guitarist/vocalist Kelly Shaefer has reassembled what is widely considered the band's classic recording lineup (Shaefer, guitarist Rand Burkey, bassist Tony Choy, and drummer Steven Flynn) for two exclusive festival performances; Italy's Evolution Festival and Germany's Wacken Open Air. Shaefer comments, "We're very excited to be able to get back on the stage and play these insane tunes hit the air again the proper way with Flynn, Burkey and Choy. It's going to be very exciting and something not to be missed!"

ATHEIST will take part on Evolution Festival (scheduled for July 16 and 17 in Brescia, Italy) and Wacken Open Air (scheduled for August 3-5 in Schleswig Holstein, Germany). These will be the first in a series of exclusive festival performances announced. Shaefer continues, "We would like to make a great festival run this year and expose as many as possible to the music we lived and died for. Many thanks to the Evolution Festival and Wacken for helping to give many people who never got to see ATHEIST live a chance to see us one last time. This is our chance to make the music we worked so hard to create come alive one last time, and we guarantee that it will not disappoint."

ATHEIST has recently had its wildly-influential catalog (1988's "Piece of Time", 1993's "Elements", and the 1991's legendary "Unquestionable Presence") reissued internationally via Relapse Records. Additionally, "Unquestionable Presence" was recently featured in Decibel magazine as part of its ongoing Hall of Fame feature. The Hall of Fame feature highlights influential and pivotal releases in metal history, and "Unquestionable Presence" joins of ranks of previously profiled classics such as SLAYER's "Reign In Blood", SEPULTURA's "Roots", and AT THE GATES' "Slaughter of the Soul", among others.


INFERNAL MAJESTY: New Song Posted Online

Long-running Canadian metallers INFERNAL MAJESTY have uploaded a demo version of a new song, entitled "Systematical Extermination", at their official web site. The track is the title cut of the band's upcoming album, which is being recorded in Vancouver for release later in the year via Greece's Black Lotus Records. The follow-up to 2004's "One Who Points To Death" will mark the recording debut with the band of new singer Brian Langley (MECHA MESSIAH), who replaced longtime frontman Chris Bailey in 2005.

In an interview with MetalEater.com conducted this past summer, Langley had the following to say about the new album's musical direction: "The guitar is going to be very complex — very big-sounding. The vocals — not to say that I'm going to be singing like clean vocals or anything like that, but I can definitely do the low growls and the high screams. I can do the Halford banshee wails but they won't like that (laughs). It doesn't really suit INFERNAL either. When I sing the songs, I obviously look at how Bailey WOULD do them, but at the same time, I try to bring something new and fresh — give it my kind of stamp of approval on it or whatever. I think they’re really going to like the sound on it. I know the Coach (Eric DeBoer) has been practicing harder. His drumming is even more insane than it was on 'One Who Points to Death'. My jaw just drops. I watch the Coach drum all the time and I don't know how he does it."

"Systematical Extermination" projected track listing:

01. Against All Gods
02. Return
03. Heathenism
04. Burnt Beyond Recognition
05. Systematical Extermination
06. From Paradise To Hell
07. Crusade
08. Nation of Assassins

"Systematical Extermination" is expected to be released in early 2006 via Greece's Black Lotus Records.


METALLICA, SLAYER Members Confirmed
To Attend ZAKK WYLDE's HOLLYWOOD'S ROCKWALK Induction

Rob Zombie, Slash and Duff McKagan of VELVET REVOLVER, Robert Trujillo of METALLICA, Kerry King of SLAYER, John 5 (MARILYN MANSON, ROB ZOMBIE), baseball greats Mike Piazza and Scott Spiezio, wrestlers Steve Austin and Jericho, Vinnie Abbott and Rex Brown (ex-PANTERA), Jerry Cantrell and Michael Inez (ex-ALICE IN CHAINS), and Jim Ladd are among the new stars confirmed to attend the Hollywood's RockWalk induction of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY/OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Zakk Wylde, set to take place at 7425 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood, CA on Tuesday, January 17 at noon. Also scheduled to attend are Ozzy and Shadon Osbourne. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Wylde has played a significant role in the solo career of BLACK SABBATH frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who handpicked Wylde in 1987 at the age of 19 to be his new axe slinger. In addition to his responsibilities as Ozzy's guitarist, Wylde was responsible for co-writing many of Ozzy's best-selling multi-platinum albums, including "No Rest for the Wicked", "No More Tears" and "Ozzmosis". In 1998, Wylde formed his own band, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, while still maintaining his role as Osbourne's lead guitarist. To date, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY has released six albums and has sold in excess of one million units worldwide. Wylde's musical mastery has spawned numerous instrument product endorsements. His signature products include four custom Gibson guitars, a custom Epiphone guitar, a limited-run Marshall amplifier, EMG Picks-Ups, GHS Strings and Dunlop Pedals.

Hollywood's RockWalk is the only sidewalk gallery dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution rock 'n' roll, blues and R&B. Zakk Wylde's handprints and signatures will reside alongside other equally accomplished musicians and innovators such as ERIC CLAPTON, JIMI HENDRIX, LOU REED, JOHNNY CASH, AEROSMITH, IRON MAIDEN, B.B. KING, VAN HALEN, JAMES BROWN, GEORGE MARTIN, STEVE MILLER, SONIC YOUTH, BRIAN WILSON, CARLOS SANTANA, CARL PERKINS, JOHN LEE HOOKER, THE RAMONES, BONNIE RAITT and HOLLAND-DOZIER-HOLLAND, among others.

For more information, visit www.rockwalk.com.


UPDATED 1/12/05

HALLOWEEN: New Songs Posted

Detroit's "Heavy Metal Horror Show" HALLOWEEN have posted new songs on their myspace page. Check it out HERE.

British Metal Legends VENOM Confirmed For SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL

British black metal pioneers VENOM have been confirmed for this year's installment of the Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 8-10 in Sölvesborg, Sweden. The festival billing is shaping up as follows (in alphabetical order):

CACTUS
CATHEDRAL
CELTIC FROST
DEEP PURPLE
DORO
EASY ACTION
EVERGREY
FIREWIND
FROM BEHIND
GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS
JADED HEART
JEFF HEALEY BAND
JOURNEY
KROKUS
LORD BELIAL
METAL CHURCH
MOLLY HATCHET
NEVERMORE
RAISE HELL
STRYPER
THE STORYTELLER
THE SWEET
VENOM
W.A.S.P.

As previously reported, VENOM will play their first U.K. gig of the new millennium on Sunday, March 26 at the Manchester Academy.

VENOM have finished mixing their new album, "Metal Black", at the Townhouse Studios in London. The album contains 14 new songs, including "Antechrist", the demo for which can be heard at this location. A March release via Castle Records/Sanctuary Group is expected.

According to an official press release, "Metal Black" "sees original founder band member Cronos creating a new masterpiece of metal together with [drummer] Antton and [guitarist] Mykvs. With 14 brand new roaring and vital tracks, VENOM are again taking the goat by the horns and reinventing their own original style . . . 'Metal Black' [is] an album that harkens back to the writing style of the '80s VENOM with a powerful production to incinerate any sound system, truly demonic in every sense and with the delivery of a charging beast."

Commented Mykvs: "The album has a very raw feel. The intensity of the songs is awesome. We recorded the album as a live band, three demons bleeding for the heaviest metal we could create, and our new album will show that VENOM keeps getting stronger and heavier. Lay down your souls, muthafuckers, we have returned."

VENOM are planning additional European dates and are also looking at hitting America by early summer.


ATTACKER: New Song Posted Online

A brand-new ATTACKER track, entitled "This Is Power", has been posted online at this location. The song comes off the reunited New Jersey metallers' upcoming album, "The Unknown", due on April 11 via Sentinel Steel Records. The album will be released on CD and classic vinyl.

As previously reported, ATTACKER and Sentinel Steel have announced that copies of the the group's newest album will be on sale at the very site where the band solidified their comeback, at the Keep It True Festival in Germany on Saturday, April 8 — three days before the album's worldwide release on April 11.

ATTACKER will be on tour in Europe starting on Saturday September 16 with a headlining appearance at the Swordbrothers Festival in Andernach, Germany. Stops will also include Italy, Greece and Belgium. The European trek will be sponsored by Eat Metal Records.


Former SINERGY And TO/DIE/FOR Drummer Joins Finland's VANGUARD

Finnish gothic metal band VANGUARD have announced the addition of drummer Tonmi Lillman (ex-TO/DIE/FOR, SINERGY, HATEFRAME, KYLÄHULLUT) to the group's ranks. "VANGUARD's bass player O.D. has left the band to pursue other interests and drummer Tipi has taken the role of bassist," reads a posting on the band's web site. "The empty drummer's chair will be filled by metal veteran Tonmi Lillman. Tonmi is known besides his superg drumming, for his producing. He has produced a lot of metal including more than one of TO/DIE/FOR's records."

VANGUARD's debut album, "Succumbra", was released last year on the Armageddon Music label. Audio samples are available at www.vanguard.fi.


SAVAGE CIRCUS: 'Dreamland Manor' Gets North American Release

SAVAGE CIRCUS, the new band featuring former BLIND GUARDIAN drummer Thomen Stauch and PERSUADER members Jens Karlsson (vocals, guitar) and Emil Norberg (lead guitar), will release their debut album, "Dreamland Manor", in North America on March 21 via Century Media Records. An MP3 for the track "Evil Eyes" has been posted online at this location. The North American version of the CD, which was issued in Europe last August, will include the "Evil Eyes" video. Commenting on the album’s North American release Stauch said, "We are proud to confirm having signed a deal with the right label for 'Dreamland Manor''s North American release! Century Media has convinced us with their long-time experience of releasing great metal albums in the United States of America."

Seeing his musical style diverge from that of his primary band, BLIND GUARDIAN, Stauch yearned to compose music reminiscent of their classic albums, "Tales From The Twilight Worlds" and "Imaginations From The Other Side". Stauch founded SAVAGE CIRCUS in 2004 and immediately sought like-minded musicians to round out the band’s lineup. Longtime friend Piet Sielck (IRON SAVIOR) recommended members of the Swedish band PERSUADER, guitarist Emil Norberg and vocalist Jens Carlsson, whose sophomore album he had produced. Instantly feeling a connection with their musical style, Stauch contacted Norberg and Carlsson who agreed to work with him. Stauch then turned to Sielck asking him to complete the band's circle, playing guitar and recording bass tracks. Following the 2005 recording of "Dreamland Manor" and his musical visions realized, Stauch decided to leave BLIND GUARDIAN, making SAVAGE CIRCUS his full-time band.


VOIVOD Frontman: New Album Is A 'Monster'

VOIVOD frontman Denis "Snake" Belanger has started laying down tracks for the group's much-anticipated new album with producer Glen Robinson (VOIVOD's "Nothingface", TEA PARTY, GWAR) at Multisons studio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The singer has posted his third entry on the band's blog about the studio work that includes studio updates, tidbits and photos:

"Good work yesterday, I talked to Jason [Newsted, VOIVOD/ex-METALLICA bassist] and described the sound we have so far. Ripping, cuts-like-a-knife guitar, crunchy and dirty bass sound just the way I like it, and massive thunder drums. The more I was talking to him, the more he was excited. At the end of the conversation I felt like he was about to jump on a plane right away.

"It's such a big thrill to finally be delivered from the pressure on our shoulders and to see the excitement on everybody's face. After one listen Ron McGregor told me 'You have a monster on your hands.' I know...

"Now, time to go to the studio!"

This is the first album in the band's 20+ year career that will not feature founding guitarist Denis "Piggy" D'Amour working alongside his bandmembers in the studio. D'Amour died August 26, 2005 in a Montreal hospital from complications of advanced colon cancer.

In order to record the album drummer Michel "Away" Langevin — along with Belanger and bassist Jason "Jasonic" Newsted — are utilizing all of the guitar parts that Piggy had recorded for the record on his laptop with ProTools before his death.

VOIVOD's as-yet-untitled new album should surface sometime later this year on The End Records in North America.


WITCHERY: New Song Available For Download, Album Cover Art Posted

A brand-new WITCHERY track, entitled "Plague Rider", taken from the group's upcoming album "Don't Fear the Reaper", has been made available for download at this location. Scheduled for North American release March 21, the album was recorded at Berno Studios (AMON AMARTH, DARK FUNERAL) in 2004, with mixing duties entrusted to Tue Madsen and his Antfarm Studios (THE HAUNTED, HEAVEN SHALL BURN). The original artwork by David Diaz (P.O.D.) can be viewed here. The North American release features an exclusive track, a cover version of SATANIC SLAUGHTER's classic "Legion of Hades".

Begun in 1997 when their cult band SATANIC SLAUGHTER splintered, WITCHERY started as guitarists Patrik Jensen (THE HAUNTED) and Richard Corpse, vocalist Toxine, drummer Mique, and bassist Sharlee D'Angelo (ARCH ENEMY, MERCYFUL FATE). In 1998 they recorded their pioneering debut, "Restless and Dead", released that year by Necropolis Records. The album was so extremely well-received that WITCHERY released the "Witchburner" mini-album later that year. The EP featured two original songs and four covers bearing witness to the individual musicians' influences. Not long after its release, WITCHERY embarked on 1999's infamous U.S. tour with EMPEROR and BORKNAGAR. Their second full-length album, "Dead, Hot and Ready", was unleashed soon thereafter, and a six-week early 2000 European tour followed. "Symphony for the Devil", the band's 2001 release, was recorded at Berno Studio (AMON AMARTH, DARK FUNERAL) in Malmö, Sweden with new skinsman, Martin "Axe" Axenrot (BLOODBATH, OPETH). Returning to tour North America later that year with THE HAUNTED, WITCHERY again left fans spellbound with their live performance.


BLACK SABBATH, PANTERA, MEGADETH, IRON MAIDEN Members Featured In 'Story of Metal' Documentary

VH1 has announced the premiere of "Heavy: The Story of Metal", a four-part documentary tracing the evolution of heavy metal music and culture, from its dark, grim beginnings in Birmingham, England to the worldwide force that it remains to this day.

In a series of four themed hours premiering Monday-Thursday, May 1-4 at 9 p.m, "Heavy: The Story of Metal" explores four decades of music, each hour examining this powerful and often misunderstood genre, from metal's pioneers to its love of glam and excess; from the fight for metal's rebellious soul to its storied flirtation with the devil:

Episode One traces metal's roots in the late-'60s in the bombed-out industrial town of Birmingham England to the spectacular rise of KISS and "glam metal" in the early 70's.

Episode Two examines metal's growing pains during the '70s when both high-brow rock critics and punk rock threatened its very existence. By decade's end, bands such as IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and DEF LEPPARD gave birth to what became known as "The New Wave of British Heavy Metal."

Episode Three sees metal thrive in, of all places, sunny California. VAN HALEN, POISON, MÖTLEY CRÜE — it's the world of hair metal. And, keeping everyone's Jacuzzi-soaked ego in check, a little film called "Spinal Tap" emerges.

Episode Four takes a walk on the dark side: GUNS N' ROSES, METALLICA, thrash, grunge, and how the music and images of MARILYN MANSON became associated with the Columbine massacre.

Told from the perspective of the musicians, promoters, writers and fans who have kept metal's flame alive for four decades, "Heavy: The Story of Metal" contains revealing, hilarious and sometimes shocking conversations. Interviews include Sebastian Bach, Jerry Cantrell, Phil Collen, Bruce Dickinson, Fred Durst, Ace Frehley, Rob Halford, Scott Ian, Tony Iommi, Chris Jericho, Lemmy Kilmister, Chuck Klosterman, Jani Lane, Tommy Lee, Doc McGhee, Bret Michaels, Dave Mustaine, Vinnie Paul, Mark Putnam, Riki Rachtman, Dave "Snake" Sabo, Nikki Sixx, Slash, Dee Snider, Geoff Tate, Eddie Trunk, Rob Zombie and more.

In the same vein as VH1's critically acclaimed, award winning 2004 hip-hop chronicle "And You Don't Stop", "Heavy: The Story of Metal" combines interviews, verite moments and rare and exclusive footage and photos, to bring metal's history to life while examining the considerable pop-culture impact of the loudest music that ever was.

"Heavy: The Story of Metal" is produced by 441 Productions in conjunction with VH1. Stephen Mintz serves as Supervising Producer. Matt Maranz is Executive Producer for 441 Productions. Brad Abramson, Shelly Tatro, and Michael Hirschorn serve as Executive Producers for VH1.


SAXON: Mexican/South American Tour Dates Announced

Veteran British heavy metal band SAXON have added several Mexican/South American tour dates to their current itinerary. Confirmed shows so far are as follows:

Mar. 16 - Desert Rock Festival 2006 - Dubai, UAE
Apr. 21 - Rockweekend - Horst-America, NETH
Apr. 23 - Astoria - London, UK
Apr. 24 - Wulfrun Hall - Wolverhampton, UK
Apr. 25 - Waterfront - Norwich, UK
Apr. 26 - Academy 2 - Manchester, UK
Oct. 07 - Palacio De Los Deportes / Live 'n' Louder Festival – Mexico City, MEX
Oct. 12 - River Plate Stadium / Live 'n' Louder Festival – Buenos Aires, ARG
Oct. 14 - Caninde / Live 'n' Louder Festival – Sao Paulo, BRA

As previously reported, SAXON were originally slated to embark on an American tour last May but ended up cancelling the dates as a result of singer Biff Byford wanting to stay by his family's side after his house in the Normandie area of France burned down. In that incident, Biff, his wife and their children got out of the house at the very last minute and nobody was hurt.

SAXON are continuing to tour in support of their latest CD, "Lionheart", available now on SPV Records. The follow-up to 2001's "Killing Ground" features artwork by Paul R. Gregory, who has previously worked with the group on the now classic "Crusader" album.


Former HIRAX Guitarist Joins ONCE DEAD

Former HIRAX guitarist Glenn Rogers has officially joined ONCE DEAD, the Christian metal band featuring former members of VENGEANCE RISING. "Glenn, as most of you know, was one of the original founding members of VENGEANCE, and had written many of the songs with us prior to Roger Martinez, Larry Farkas and Glen Mancaruso joining the group," guitarist Doug Thieme writes on the band's web site. "Glenn left our group to join DELIVERANCE, and then later joined HIRAX.

"The addition of Glenn offers us an incredibly talented guitarist, an awesome song writer, as well as a longtime friend. We are very excited about Glenn joining us and we look forward to working with him on the upcoming album.

"We are now in the process of writing the new material, recording demos, choosing a studio, producer etc... Glenn, myself and Larry [Farkas] are now beginning to work on some new material together that will have a powerful triple guitar attack, true to old-school speed metal, and with the skills of Mr. Jim Chaffin on drums we will exploit our punk and thrash influences as well. We are all incredibly pumped on the new material, and this just may be our best stuff ever."


CELLADOR: Album Title Revealed

Nebraska-based extreme power metallers CELLADOR has issued the following update regarding the progress of the recording sessions for their debut album:

"We are back in Omaha after our three-week trip to Tampa, FL for the recording of our Metal Blade debut album at Mana Studios under producer Erik Rutan, entitled 'Enter Deception'. We have laid down all the drums, bass, rhythm guitars, and about 50% of the lead guitars. We will be returning for vocals, leads, and the mixing of the album in March.

"The recording process and the resulting product we have heard so far has us nothing short of ecstatically optimistic. I can assure you that this first CELLADOR release will not have your typical European power metal production. Expect to hear rampant and destructive sounding blasts, insanely heavy guitars, over the top shredding, and overbearing amounts of catchiness.

"'Enter Deception' will be 8 tracks long and the Japanese release will include one bonus track. The release is tentatively set for late spring 2006. Artwork is being done by JP Fournier, a French artist who we have been a fan of for a long time. You can check out some stuff he has done at his web site, which is www.jp-fournier.com. An update on the art will up within the next two weeks. Also in the meantime expect to see CELLADOR play several scattered shows over the next two months, so far including dates with SONATA ARCTICA, AGENTS OF MAN, THE RED CHORD, and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER. A couple new songs will be debuted at these shows."


UPDATED 1/11/06

The news for 2005 has been archived. I am working on an update for 2006. More to follow.