---

Het laatste nieuws uit het metalen wereldje, grotendeels verzameld door Richard V., Richard G., Nima, Neithan, Ramon en Horst. Elke dinsdag vind je hier een nieuw weekoverzicht. Wil jij het meteen weten dat er nieuw nieuws is? Volg ons dan via http://twitter.com/lordsofmetal

LAATSTE UPDATE: (09 maart 2010)

IRON MAIDEN are pleased to announce that their forthcoming new studio album will be called ‘THE FINAL FRONTIER’, and is expected be released late summer of this year. The announcement comes with news of a North American Tour with Very Special Guests Dream Theater to open in Dallas, Texas, on 9th June and finish in Washington D.C. on 20th July, making it Maiden’s most extensive North American tour in many years. Following these shows in USA and Canada The Final Frontier World Tour will travel back to Europe for a few selected major festival and stadium shows with the band planning to continue to many other countries in 2011.The full Live Nation North America press release for the US and Canadian dates is posted here.

ALICE IN CHAINS recently teamed up with Popcult and Devil's Due Comics to create a comic book "sequel" to the conceptual video for the band's current single, "Your Decision". A page was set up online featuring a master storyboard with the book's opening chapter, where fans were then asked to post their ideas for what they think should be the next chapter in the story. All new chapter ideas could be read and voted on by other users, with the five most liked submissions used as the basis for five new chapters. The final comic book is now available as a free PDF download at this location.

METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER, ANTHRAX, HEAVEN & HELL, RAMMSTEIN and ALICE IN CHAINS are among the confirmed bands for the Bulgarian edition of the Sonisphere festival, set to take place June 22-23, 2010 at Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia, Bulgaria. The festival will not strike down in the Netherlands, this year.

METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER, ANTHRAX, MOTÖRHEAD, 3 INCHES OF BLOOD and SMOKE BLOW have been confirmed for the Swiss edition of the Sonisphere festival, set to take place on Friday, June 18, 2010 at Degenaupark in Wil/Jonschwil, Switzerland. Also newly added are UNEARTH and 36 CRAZYFISTS, who will perform on the festival's opening night (Thursday, June 17) in the camping area.

Trustkill Records has announced the signing of DECEPTION OF A GHOST. The band's new album, "Speak up, You're Not Alone", was recorded with Jamie King (BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, FOR TODAY, HE IS LEGEND) and is scheduled for release this summer. http://www.myspace.com/deceptionofaghost

SABATON will release their fifth album, "Coat Of Arms", in Europe on May 21 via Nuclear Blast Records.

On March 10, ALICE IN CHAINS will launch a weekly video tour diary via MySpace. This video blog will capture backstage and on-the-road moments from the concluding dates of current North American tour. New footage will be launched each Wednesday for three weeks.

SEVENDUST will release its new album, "Cold Day Memory", on April 20 via the band's own 7Bros. Records through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. http://www.myspace.com/sevendust

EX DEO has released a teaser for the band's new music video, "The Final War (Battle Of Actium)". Check it out below. The clip, which was helmed by renowned director Ivan Colic and producer Stanimir "Staca" Lukic (MOONSPELL, KAMELOT, DEATHSTARS, TYPE O NEGATIVE) in Belgrade, Serbia, will make its online debut on March 15 (Ides of March) in honour of the god of war, Mars. Iacono previously stated about the new video: "After much discussion with the director Ivan Colic, we decided to go with 'The Final War (Battle Actium)' as the next video clip for [EX DEO's debut album] 'Romulus'. I love the song 'In Her Dark Embrace', which was initially the planned video track, but we've decided to bring the whole production one step higher and film 'The Final War (Battle Actium)'. The story line is amazing for this song and we will be able to capture not only Roman battle scenes and all the blood you want, but also the true story behind the war that turned Rome from a republic into an Empire. We're going full force with this one!" you can watch the teaser here

OFFICIUM TRISTE have parted ways with drummer Ronald Lagerwaard and have replaced him with Niels Jordaan (IN AGE AND SADNESS). The band states, "Ronald simply couldn't commit to the plans we have concerning OFFICIUM TRISTE's future. Because of this we had to make a difficult decision as we really appreciated Ronald as a person and as a skilled drummer. "As a band we do want to perform live on a regular basis and that simply wasn't possible due to logistics and personal affairs." Regarding Ronald's replacement, OFFICIUM TRISTE says, "After some serious brainstorming who would be an ideal drummer, we decided to ask Niels Jordaan, who in the past pounded the drums for the now-defunct band IN AGE AND SADNESS. Since we shared the stage with IN AGE AND SADNESS several times in the past, we knew Niels would be a good replacement. Niels gladly accepted our offer and we are currently rehearsing material with Niels." OFFICIUM TRISTE is currently writing material for its fifth full-length album.

"Kurbads", the new album from SKYFORGER, is scheduled for release in Europe on April 26 and in North America on May 11 via Metal Blade Records. For more information, you can go here

POWERWOLF have parted ways with drummer Stefane Funebre and have replaced him with Tom Diener. The band states, "Tom already toured with us as temporary replacement for Funebre during the last 12 months and in the meantime has become a true member of the pack and a master of the ceremony."

MADDER MORTEM is set to unearth a new box of treasures with its new EP, "Where Dream and Day Collide", due out this May on Peaceville Records. The EP contains three brand new songs from the bandmembers' warped imaginations, along with the single and album versions of the title track, taken from the sublime 2009 release, "Eight Ways".

"Valleys of Neptune", a newly curated album of 12 fully realized studio recordings, more than 60 minutes of music never commercially available on a Jimi Hendrix album, from the artist Rolling Stone magazine called the greatest guitarist of all time, is available for streaming in its entirety at this location.

AS I LAY DYING recently entered the studio to begin recording their fifth full-length album, "The Powerless Rise", for a spring release via Metal Blade Records.

DENIAL FIEND is putting the finishing touches on its follow-up to 2007's "They Rise" for a late 2010 release via Ibex Moon Records. According to guitarist Sam Williams, the as-yet-untitled CD will contain eight "gore-filled tracks," including "Hell Asylum", which will feature guest guitar solos from Steve Swanson (SIX FEET UNDER, MASSACRE), Ralph Santolla (DEICIDE, OBITUARY, ICED EARTH) and James Murphy (DEATH, TESTAMENT, OBITUARY). All of the guitar and drum tracks for the new album have been completed and the bass and vocals are nearly done. Mixing is set to begin at the end of March. http://www.myspace.com/denialfiendband

"The Longest Year", the new video from KATATONIA, can be viewed here. The clip was directed by Charlie Granberg, who has previously worked with BLOODBATH and MY DYING BRIDE, among others. KATATONIA will release a new EP, "The Longest Year", on March 15 via Peaceville Records.

Former SEAR BLISS members István Neubrandt (guitar), Attila Kovács (guitar), Zoltán Pál (trombone) and Zoltán Schönberger (drums) have launched a brand new band called I DIVINE.

The Straits Times reports that organizers on Tuesday cancelled the fourth B'estFest in Bucharest, Romania in July, traditionally one of Eastern Europe's biggest rock festivals, blaming the economic crisis. "Because of the recession still affecting many branches of global economy, B'estFest's organizers, the Emagic company, has made the decision to postpone this year's edition," the group said in a statement. "An event of this size has enormous costs, which cannot be supported exclusively by ticket selling, on this market affected by cuts in the marketing and advertising budgets," Laura Coroianu, Emagic CEO, said in the statement. MOTÖRHEAD was among the performers at last year's festival.

ASTRAL DOORS have been confirmed for this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 5-7, 2010 in Wacken, Germany.

EQUILIBRIUM have announced the addition of vocalist Robse to the group's ranks.

ACCEPT and EXHORDER have been confirmed for this year's installment of the Rock Hard festival, set to take place May 21-23, 2010 at the Amphitheater in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

NEGATIVE will release its fifth album, "Neon", on June 2.

According to Metal Israel, a number of METALLICA fans in Israel have vowed to boycott the band's May 22 appearance at Ramat Gan stadium in Tel Aviv after the concert's promoter, Marcel Avram, announced that he would charge no less than 600 shekel (around $159 based on the current exchange rate) for the cheapest seats, with the floor seats costing double that amount. A Facebook page has been launched in an effort to bring attention to this issue and over 540 fans have reportedly already "committed" to boycotting the show.

HOLY MOSES have been confirmed for the 10th-anniversary edition of the Bloodstock festival, set to take place August 13-15, 2010 at Catton Hall, Derbyshire, United Kingdom. http://www.bloodstock.uk.com/

EVANESCENCE frontwoman Amy Lee has confirmed that the band will enter the studio this week with Grammy Award-winning producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, THE ROLLING STONES, PETER GABRIEL, CHRIS CORNELL) to begin recording its third album for a late fall 2010 release.

Billboard have revealed their 2010 MONEY MAKERS LIST - the hard rock/metal friendly entries (with Billboard commentary) are: #34 - KISS: $11,833,930 Kiss spent 2009 on the road promoting its highest-charting album, the Walmart exclusive Sonic Boom, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and sold 238,000 copies. The new set helped Kiss earn $10.6 million in touring revenue and $879,000 in album sales. #24 - TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: $14,606,313 Steady sales of its holiday-themed albums during Christmastime aren't the only thing Trans-Siberian Orchestra relies on each year: The band consistently sells out arenas during the nine-week winter season with its over-the-top laser- and light-filled concerts. Last year, the Paul O'Neill-led group sold 815,000 albums and earned nearly $13 million in touring revenue. #10 - METALLICA: $25,564,234 Metallica had at least two things to celebrate in 2009: its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the release of "Guitar Hero: Metallica." Along with touring revenue - the band pulled in $22.8 million from 55 arena shows reported to Boxscore that drew more than 968,000 fans – Metallica sold 694,000 albums in 2009. The majority of those sales came from its Rick Rubin-produced 2008 release, Death Magnetic (297,000). Album sales revenue totaled $1.6 million. And most of Metallica's track download earnings came from its 1991 hit 'Enter Sandman', which sold 450,000. #4 - AC/DC: $43,650,466 Although the overwhelming majority of AC/DC's 2009 earnings came from touring international arenas and stadiums (it pulled in $41.4 million from concerts and ranked No. 4 on Billboard's 2009 tally of the top 25 highest-grossing tours), the Australian rockers also experienced consistent album sales from their catalog. Indeed, the group's highest-selling album was its 2008 Walmart exclusive, Black Ice, which shifted 227,000 copies. But coming in at a close second was the classic Back In Black, with 215,000 copies. In total, the group sold 1.1 million albums in 2009. Check out the entire list (topped by U2) at www.billboard.com.

OZZY OSBOURNE's lawsuit over use of the BLACK SABBATH name can go forward, a Manhattan federal judge ruled last week. Osbourne is accusing guitarist Tony Iommi of illegally trademarking the moniker of their legendary band, and wants a piece of Iommi's profits from use of the name. Lawyer Andrew DeVore argued yesterday that Osbourne signed away all his rights to the Black Sabbath trademark after he quit the band in 1979. Osbourne's lawyer, Howard Shire, called that agreement a "red herring" that was "repudiated" when the singer rejoined in 1997 and took over "quality control" of the band's merchandise, tours and recordings. Judge John Koeltl urged both sides to consider resuming mediation.

Organizers for the 2010 installment France's HELLFEST, scheduled for June 18th - 20th in Clisson have announced the final batch of acts for this year's event. Acts on the bill now include: 16, AIRBOURNE, ANNIHILATOR, ANVIL, AS I LAY DYING, ASPHYX, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, BIOHAZARD, BLASPHEME, BRANT BJORK AND THE BROS, CANDLEMASS, CARCASS, CARNIFEX, ALICE COOPER, CROWBAR, DECAPITATED, DEFTONES, DELAIN, DOOM, THE DEVIL'S BLOOD, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, DEW-SCENTED, DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, DISCIPLINE, ELECTRIC MARY VULCAIN, ELUVEITIE, ENSIFERUM, EVILE, EX DEO, EXODUS, THE FACELESS, FEAR FACTORY, FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM, FREAK KITCHEN, GARCIA Plays KYUSS, GODFLESH, GOROD, HYPOCRISY, IHSAHN, IMMORTAL, INFECTIOUS GROOVES, JELLO BIAFRA, KALISIA, KATATONIA, KISS, KMFDM, KNUCKLEDUST, LOUDBLAST, MAGRUDERGRIND, MARDUK, MASS HYSTERIA, MONDO GENERATOR, MONKEY 3, MOT?RHEAD, MY DYING BRIDE, NACHTMYSTIUM, NECROPHAGIST, NEVERMORE, NILE, OMEGA MASSIF, OTARGOS, OVERKILL, PRIMAL FEAR, RATT, RAVEN, SABATON, SAXON, SICK OF IT ALL, SIGH, SKARHEAD, SLAYER, SOLACE, STONE SOUR, TAMTRUM, TWISTED SISTER, U.D.O., ULVER, UNEARTH, URGEHAL, WATAIN, WISDOM IN CHAINS, Y&T, YAWNING MAN, THE YOUNG GODS. Further festival details at www.hellfest.fr.

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS have issued the following update: "STP fans, brace yourselves for the brand new Stone Temple Pilots album, set to release on May 25th! Here's an exclusive, first look at the tracklisting
from the self-titled album." Stone Temple Pilots tracklisting: 'Between The Lines' 'Take A Load Off' 'Huckleberry Crumble' 'Hickory Dichotomy' 'Dare If You Dare' 'Cinnamon' 'Hazy Daze' 'Bagman' 'Peacoat' 'Fast As I Can' 'First Kiss On Mars' 'Maver'.

EXODUS will be releasing their ninth studio album, Exhibit B: The Human Condition, this spring. Guitarist / songwriter Gary Holt checks in about what the band was looking to capture art-wise and why the final version chosen nailed it: "We wanted to portray the violence of man at its finest, so we started with our own version of the Leonardo da Vinci sketch [of Vitruvian Man], but done the 'Exodus' way! I was pointed in the direction of Colin Larks of Rainsong Design for the cover and he killed it! To me, the artwork represents man and his affinity for bloodshed, ignorance, and all-around ability to be led like sheep to the slaughter. The image fits the songs on this record perfectly. The whole layout is going to as sick as the record itself!" Exhibit B: The Human Condition was recorded this past December in Northern California with producer Andy Sneap (MEGADETH, ARCH ENEMY, KREATOR).

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY will soon head into the studio to record the first new Black Label Society album in three years. The band will hole up in Wylde's newly-constructed state-of-the-art home studio. Veteran drummer Will Hunt has signed on for the new album and upcoming tour around the release of the new Black Label Society album, due out in summer, 2010 on E1 Music.

WARRIOR SOUL have issued the following update: "Calling all German, Dutch and British fans. We are coming to a city near you during our brief European tour. This will be preceded by the European release of Destroy The War Machine on FWR records in March. The CD will also be available at all the shows. We will be playing tracks from the new album as well as the very best from the Warrior Soul repertoire. There will also be some surprises. See you out there..." Warrior Soul dates, with support from Sweden's AVATAR, include: March 25 - Hamburg, Germany - Knust 26 - Berlin, Germany - Columbia Club 27 - Bochum, Germany - Zeche 28 - Frankfurt, Germany - Batschkapp 29 - Munich, Germany - Backstage 30 - Stuttgart, Germany - Ruhre 31 - Saarbrucken, Germany - Garage. April 2 - London, UK – Islington Academy 4 - Birmingham, UK - Academy 2 5 - Sheffield, UK - Academy 2 7 - Weert, Netherlands - Bosuil 8 - Hengelo, Netherlands - Metropool.

Status Minor is in the studio. The new album, Ouroboros, will be released in fall 2010. It's a concept album and it's going to feature a guest singer Anna Murphy from Eluveitie. www.statusminor.com

In Virtue have entered the studio to begin recording their new full-length album, ‘Embrace the Horror’, for a late 2010 release via an as-yet-undetermined record label. The follow-up to last year's ‘Delusions of Grandeur’ will be a loose concept album about the end of the world and will contain about 12 songs. The band has already laid down the drum tracks at Prairie Sun Recording studios in Cotati, California with engineer Jason D'Ottavio (Shrapnel Records) and will be recording the remaining tracks over the next several months. www.invirtue.net

Essence has entered Medley Studios in Copenhagen in to begin recording its debut album, ‘Lost in Violence’. Due later in the year, the CD will be produced by Soren Andersen and mastered by Nikolaj Vinten. www.myspace.com/essencemetal

Arcane Dimension has completed recording its new album, ‘The Becoming’, at Spheric Reality Studios in Marin County, California. The track ‘Eleventh Insight’ is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Elimi Elimi has posted two new songs — ‘Chapter Two: Don’t Speak’ and ‘Chapter Three: Like Sulphur’ — on its ‘MySpace page. Both cuts come off the group's new album, ‘Asylum’, which will be released in March via Eerie Art Records www.elimi.org

‘Hoodoo’, the new album by Krokus will receive a U.S. release on May 25 via SonyMusic Independent Network (SIN) and in Europe on February 26 via the band's new deal with the Swiss branch of Sony Music. The CD was recorded by Dennis Ward (who previously worked on Krokus' ‘Hellraiser’ album) at House of Music Studios in Winterbach, Germany, with additional recordings at Pink Bild and Ton (engineered by ex-Krokus member Jürg Naegeli) in Solothurn, Switzerland and Henson Studios, Los Angeles. Photography, artwork and graphic design was handled by Martin Häusler.

‘Majesty And Decay’, the eighth album from Immolation, is due on March 8 internationally (one day later in North America) via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded Millbrook Sound Studios in New York with longtime producer Paul Orofino. Mixing duties were handled by Zack Ohren, who has previously worked with Decrepit Birth, Suffocation and All Shall Perish, among others. The new album contains 10 songs plus two intros.

Mystic Prophecy has parted ways with temporary drummer Matt C., who played with the group during its recent tour with Stratovarius. Because of "occupational and personal reasons," it's not possible for Matt to remain with the band permanently. Mystic Prophecy is seeking a drummer "who feels confident to play their material and is seriously interested in becoming their new member," according to a press release. Interested parties can contact the band at martin@deathsquad.de or rdlia@aol.com.

Bang Tango entered the studio last month to begin recording its first studio album in almost five years. The CD is being produced and engineered by Larry Eleya.

3 Inches Of Blood have been confirmed for the Dokk'em open-air festival, set to take place June 11-12, 2010 in Raard (near Leeuwarden), Netherlands. The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
3 Inches Of Blood
Dejafuse
Destruction
Dylath-Leen
Lanhannya
Manic Movement
Methusalem
Nightmare
Picture
Revamp
Stream Of Passion
Skeptical Minds
For more information, visit www.dokkemopenair.eu

Keep Of Kalessin will release their new album, ‘Reptilian’, on May 10. The band will play a few select shows in Norway in support of the release.

This Or The Apocalypse recently entered Spin Studios in New York with Josh Wilbur (Atreyu, Avenged Sevenfold) and Chris Adler (of Lamb Of God) to begin recording the follow-up to the band's 2008 album, ‘Monuments’. A spring release via Good Fight Music is expected. For more information, click here.

Sael will release its debut album, ‘The Sixth Extinction’, on April 30, 2010 via Pictonian Records. The CD was recorded at the Drudenhaus (Anorexia Nervosa, Asmodee, Reverence, Ultra Vomit, Necroblaspheme) and Echoes (Annthennath, Otargos, Offending, Angmar) studios and was mixed and mastered by Neb Xort at the Drudenhaus in early 2010. www.myspace.com/moonlitmutilation

Norma Jean are back in the studio this month to record their fifth studio album and debut for new record label, Razor & Tie. The currently untitled LP will be released this summer, and is being recorded in Atlanta, Georgia at Glow in the Dark Studios with producer Jeremy Griffith.

Horned Almighty have inked a deal with Candlelight Records. The band will enter the studio in April to begin recording its fourth CD, ‘Necro Spirituals’, for a late 2010 release. The group states, "The effort will yet again be mixed and mastered by Jacob Bredahl [Last Mile, ex-Hatesphere] who did a phenomenal job on our last album." Check out audio samples on the band's MySpace page.

Sinbreed will release its debut album, ‘When Worlds Collide’, in Japan on March 24 via King Records. The Japanese version of the CD will contain the exclusive bonus track ‘Ride On’. ‘When Worlds Collide’ will be made available in North America on April 6 via Nightmare Records and in Europe on March 26 through Ulterium Records. The CD was produced by Flo Laurin, mixed and mastered by Markus Teske (Vanden Plas, Symphony X), and it includes guest appearances by Joost van den Broek (After Forever) and Morten Sandager (Mercenary) on keyboards, and Thomas Rettke (Redkey, ex-Heaven's Gate) on vocals. The artwork was created by Felipe Machado Franco (Iced Earth, Ayreon). www.sinbreed.com

GBH has announced plans to release their eleventh studio album, ‘Perfume and Piss’, via Hellcat Records on April 6. Fans can check out a new song, ‘Kids Get Down’, on the band's MySpace page.

The Cult have finished recording four new songs at a Los Angeles-area studio with producer Chris Goss (Masters Of Reality, Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age) for a brand new EP, to be released this summer. More details will be revealed soon.

Stone Temple Pilots’s first new album in nine years will now be released on May 25 via Atlantic Records.

Madball have inked European deal with Nuclear Blast Records. The band's new album is scheduled for release later in the year. www.myspace.com/madball | www.nuclearblast.de/madball

Aerosmith will embark on the "Cocked, Loaded And Ready To Rock Tour" this summer. The group's schedule is as follows:
Jun. 10 - Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival
Jun. 13 - UK - Download Festival
Jun. 15 - UK - London 02 Arena
Jun. 18 - Romania – Bucharest
Jun. 20 - Greece - Athens Olympic Stadium
Jun. 23 - Holland - Nijmegen Geffert Park
Jun. 25 - Belgium - Graspop Metal Meeting
Jun. 27 - Spain - Barcelona St Jordi Arena
Jun. 29 - France - Paris Bercy Arena
Jul. 01 - Czech Republic - Prague 02 Arena
Jul. 03 - Italy - Venice Festival

‘Tattoos And Tequila’, the title track of Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil’s forthcoming solo album, and the accompanying video are available for free download at www.vinceneil.net

THERAPY? will record their three shows at the Monto Water Rats Theatre in London, England on March 29, March 30 and March 31 for the band's first official live album. Each gig will feature a different setlist drawn from the group's extensive recording career so expect a diverse selection of songs.

Filmmaker and musician Rob Zombie will bring his unique style of filmmaking to the streets of Miami on an episode of "CSI: Miami", to be broadcast next Monday, March 1 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET/PT) on the CBS television network. The episode began production last month and is Zombie's television directorial debut. Check out the trailer here. "I am very excited to be working on a show that has such an intense and unique visual angle on the classic crime drama formula and look forward to putting my own bizarre stamp on the world of 'CSI: Miami'," says Zombie.

EMERGENCY GATE will release their new album, entitled "The Nemesis Construct", on April 30 via Twilight Zone Records.

OZ has reunited and is working on a new album for a tentative November 2010 release.

DARKSPACE has been confirmed for Tom Gabriel Warrior's Only Death Is Real event at this year's Roadburn Festival. Having been described as "the black metal equivalent of the 'Eraserhead' soundtrack", there is little doubt that Switzerland's DARKSPACE is one of the most esoteric bands in metal today. Solely on strength of their visionary records and excellent live shows, DARKSPACE has earned a reputation for innovation and excellence in the music underground. The Roadburn Festival will be held once again at the 013 venue, and Midi Theatre in Tilburg, Holland from Thursday, April 15 through Sunday, April 18, 2010. www.roadburn.com

EVIL AMIDST will enter the studio in March to record their debut album, entitled "Of Ice And Skin". EVIL AMIDST is currently seeking a suitable label to release the CD.

PLATENS/ex-THY MAJESTIE vocalist Dario Grillo has completed work on the debut album from his new band VIOLET SUN. Entitled "Loneliness In Supremacy", the CD will be released later in the year via an as-yet-undisclosed label.

Selfmadegod Records will release of the "Peel Sessions" CD by Belgium's cult grind band AGATHOCLES. Due in March, the collection includes 15 previously unreleased songs recorded at BBC Radio in London, England by none other than legendary John Peel back in 1997!

WARBEAST will release its debut album, "Krush The Enemy", in late April via Philip Anselmo's (DOWN, PANTERA) Housecore Records.

Relapse Records has announced the signing of the newly formed THE HIGH CONFESSIONS. The band features in its ranks Chris Connelly (MINISTRY, REVOLTING COCKS, KILLING JOKE), Steve Shelley (SONIC YOUTH), Sanford Parker (MINSK, NACHTMYSTIUM, BURIED AT SEA), and noted recording engineer Jeremy Lemos (SMOG, STEREOLAB, JIM O'ROURKE). THE HIGH CONFESSIONS will release its Relapse debut, "Turning Lead Into Gold With The High Confessions", this summer. Audio samples will be made available shortly, with more information to be announced soon.

RED RIVER REVIVAL entered Philip Anselmo's recording studio in Louisiana last year to begin laying down tracks for its debut album for release via Anselmo's Housecore Records. The group has since issued the following update: "Through writing and recording this album together, artistic differences started to pop up along the way. It's been a blast, but RED RIVER REVIVAL are splitting ways due to the differences. There is absolutely no bad blood between any of us. We respect the hell out of each other as musicians and as good, honest people. For fans of the music, no fear! Side projects and demos are already rolling and we will be leaving [our MySpace] page up to keep everyone updated on those! Thanks to everyone involved and everyone who came out to the shows! Be patient, the new projects will be well worth the wait!"

Wednesday 13 is putting the finishing touches on a new vinyl-only release entitled "From Here To The Hearse". This very limited (1,000 copies in the U.S.) gatefold, colored LP will showcase songs from the various stages of the singer's career. It will contain songs from WEDNESDAY 13, BOURBON CROW and GUNFIRE 76 — as well as one previously unreleased track.

THERION will embark on a European tour in October/November. Support on the trek will come from LEPROUS and LOCH VOSTOK. Confirmed tour dates so far, according to Intromental Management, are as follows:
Oct. 29 - 013 - Tilburg, Holland
Oct. 30 - Oosterpoort - Groningen, Holland
Oct. 31 - Shepherds Bush Empire - London, UK
Nov. 01 - Hof Ter Lo - Antwerp, Belgium
Nov. 02 - Aeronef - Lille, France
Nov. 03 - Elysee Montmartre - Paris, France
Nov. 04 - Batschkapp - Frankfurt, Germany
Nov. 05 - Masters Of Rock Cafe - Zlin, Czech Republic
Nov. 06 - Szene - Vienna, Austria
Nov. 07 - Boogallo Club - Zagreb, Croatia
Nov. 08 - Kino Siska Club - Ljubljana, Slovenia
Nov. 09 - Alcatraz - Milan, Italy
Nov. 12 - Razzmatazz 1 - Barcelona, Spain
Nov. 13 - La Riviera - Madrid, Spain
Nov. 14 - CC John Lennon - Limoges, France
Nov. 15 - La Laiterie - Strasburg, France
Nov. 17 - Odeon - Belgrade, Serbia
Nov. 18 - Hr. Botev Sports Hall - Sofia, Bulgaria
Nov. 24 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
Nov. 25 - Backstage - Munich, Germany
Nov. 26 - DK Vitavska - Prague, Czech Republic
Nov. 27 - Almassy Ter - Budapest, Hungary
Nov. 28 - Club Studio - Krakow, Poland
Nov. 29 - Stodola - Warsaw, Poland

Serj Tankian will perform an orchestral version of his 2007 "Elect The Dead" album at a series of live shows to take place in Europe this summer. The "Elect The Dead Symphony" was first unveiled last March at New Zealand's Auckland Town Hall with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, a performance that will arrive on CD and DVD on March 9 of this year. Now Tankian will recreate that show with some of the finest orchestras in Europe, including the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, the Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Italy's Orchestra Filarmonica Italiana.

1349 will release their new album, "Demonoir", on April 26 in Europe via Indie Recordings and one day later in North America through Prosthetic Records.

GLYDER will release their third album, "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow", on April 26 via SPV/Steamhammer. The CD features stunning Mark Wilkinson artwork and a guest solo on the title track by one of rock's finest guitarists, Dave Menketti from Y&T. http://www.glydermusic.com/

FEAR FACTORY, CANDLEMASS, MOONSORROW, TANKARD and AURA NOIR have been confirmed for the 15-year-anniversary edition of the Brutal Assault festival, set to take place August 12-14, 2010 in Josefov, Czech Republic.

Vocalist Jonathan "Joller" Albrechtsen has quit Danish thrashers HATESPHERE. His temporary replacement is Morten "Kruge" Madsen of the Danish metal band MEVADIO.

Tarja Turunen recently entered Petrax Studios in Hollola, Finland to begin recording her new solo album, "What Lies Beneath", for a late 2010 release. She writes on her blog, "I recorded my first-ever piano tracks!

DARK TRANQUILLITY will embark on a European headlining tour, dubbed "Where Death Is Most Alive Part II 2010", in September. Support on the trek will come from INSOMNIUM. The dates are as follows:
Sep. 23 - Hamburg, Gruenspan, Germany
Sep. 24 - Leipzig, Conne Island, Germany
Sep. 25 - Munster, Sputnikhalle, Germany
Sep. 26 - Köln, Essigfabrik, Germany
Sep. 27 - Tilburg, 013, Netherlands
Sep. 28 - London, Underworld, UK
Sep. 29 - Vosselaar, Biebob, Belgium
Sep. 30 - Paris, Trabendo, France
Oct. 01 - Montpellier, Salle Victoire 2, France
Oct. 02 - Bilbao, Rockstar, Spain
Oct. 03 - Porto, Teatro Sá da Bandeira, Portugal
Oct. 04 - Lissabon, Incrível Almadense, Portugal
Oct. 06 - Madrid, Sala Heineken, Spain
Oct. 07 - Barcelona, Razz 2, Spain
Oct. 08 - Lyon, CCO, France
Oct. 09 - Lausanne, Les Dock, Switzerland
Oct. 10 - Bologna, Estragon, Italy
Oct. 11 - Rom, Alpheus, Italy
Oct. 12 - Milano, Magazini Generali, Italy
Oct. 13 - Zagreb, Boogaloo, Croatia
Oct. 14 - Budapest, Duerer Kert, Hungary
Oct. 15 - Wien, Szene, Austria
Oct. 16 - Ljujana, Gala Hala/Media Park, Slovenia
Oct. 17 - Graz, Orpheum, Austria
Oct. 19 - Stuttgart, Röhre, Germany
Oct. 20 - Luzern, Schuur, Switzerland
Oct. 21 - Frankfurt aM, Batschkapp, Germany
Oct. 22 - München, Backstage, Germany
Oct. 24 - Berlin, Lido, Germany
Oct. 25 - Malmö, KB, Sweden
Oct. 28 - Jyväskylä, Lutakko, Finland *
Oct. 29 - Oulu, Teatria, Finland *
Oct. 30 - Seinäjoki, Rytmikorjamoo, Finland *
Oct. 31 - Tampere, Klubi, Finland *
Nov. 01 - Helsinki, Nosturi, Finland *
Nov. 02 - Turku, Klubi, Finland *
Nov. 04 - Stockholm, Medis, Sweden *
Nov. 05 - Örebro, 700, Sweden *
Nov. 06 - Oslo, John Dee, Norway *
Nov. 07 - Göteborg, Trädgån, Sweden *
* without INSOMNIUM

NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon has scrapped her previously announced plans to release a solo album. She writes on her official blog, "The factors [that contributed to my decision] are mainly that I want to focus on my family during this break from NIGHTWISH. I am sure I will do a solo some other time, but at this time it doesn't fit into my life and then it's better to not do it than to do it and it just won't feel good. But I hope you all will follow me and the boys in NIGHTWISH from the summer when we start to work with the new album. It will be fun!!"

"Demon Class", the new video from DEMONICA can be viewed here. The song comes off the band's debut album, "Demonstrous", which is scheduled for release on February 26 via Massacre Records. The CD, which was made available in Japan on February 17, was recorded in the Bay Area, the Rocky Mountains and Copenhagen (Denmark), and was mixed at Flatline Audio in Denver, Colorado with Dave Otero (CEPHALIC CARNAGE, MARTRIDEN, COBALT).

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE/STREET SWEEPER SOCIAL CLUB guitarist Tom Morello, LINKIN PARK vocalist Mike Shinoda and SYSTEM OF A DOWN guitarist/vocalist Daron Malakian are among the musicians who make guest appearances on "Rise Up", the new album from the hip-hop/rock act CYPRESS HILL, due on April 6 via Priority/EMI. Also scheduled to appear on the CD are singer-songwriter Marc Anthony, rapper Pitbull, Everlast, Young De, Evidence, The Alchemist and comic legends Cheech & Chong.

"Destiny-Man", the third album from REQUIEM AETERNAM will be released in September to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the band.

ABRAXAS is in the studio recording its debut album, "Damnation", due later in the year.

The Daily Telegraph reports that AC/DC have officially knocked U2 off their perch as the biggest outdoor band in Australia, setting a new crowd record at Sydney's ANZ Stadium. At noon yesterday, the band had sold 212,729 tickets for their three concerts at the stadium compared with 211,747 for U2's Vertigo tour in 2006.

CINDERELLA has been confirmed for this year's Sweden Rock Festival festival, set to take place June 9-12, 2010 in Sölvesborg in southern Sweden. http://www.swedenrock.com/index.cfm

ALICE COOPER says he is in talks to develop a Broadway show. One of the ideas is to redo the concept from the 1975 album and tour for Welcome To My Nightmare.

Organizers have announced that Germany's KEEP IT TRUE XIII FESTIVAL - which is scheduled for April 23rd and 24th, 2010 at Tauberfrankenhalle in Lauda-Konigshofen - is official sold out. The current billing for Keep It True XIII (in alphabetical order): ADX, ANACRUSIS, CANDLEMASS (special 25th anniversary Epicus Doomicus Metallicus show), CRYSTAL VIPER, DEMON (special 30th anniversary show), FIFTH ANGEL, HADES, HEART OF CYGNUS, KALAPACS (special POKOLGEP show), OBSESSION, RAM, SATANS HOST (with Harry Conklin), SAVAGE GRACE, STEELWING, STRIKER, THOR, TYGERS OF PAN TANG, WATCHTOWER, WHIPLASH, WHITE WIZZARD.

OVERKILL have been added to the bill for the Swiss SONISPHERE FESTIVAL, taking place June 18th at Jonschwil Degenaupark in Zurich, Switzerland. Acts appearing now include: METALLICA, SLAYER, MEGADETH, ANTHRAX, HEAVEN & HELL, MOTORHEAD, OVERKILL, AMON AMARTH, DEVILDRIVER, LAUREN HARRIS, MASTODON, VOLBEAT, RISE AGAINST. More bands to
be announced. Further festival details at sz.sonispherefestivals.com

Original EVANESCENCE members Ben Moody (guitar) and John LeCompt (guitar) and Rocky Gray (drums) have teamed up with "American Idol" vocalist Carly Smithson and formed We Are The Fallen. The band will release its debut album, ‘Tear The World Down’, on May 11 via Universal Republic Records. http://www.wearethefallen.com

Jon Oliva’s Pain has announced a few headlining tour date to support the new release ‘Festival’. The band's DVD concert filming is set to take place on October 15 at the 013 in Tilburg, Holland. The confirmed dates so far are:
Oct. 01 - DE - Gunzendorf @ Prog Metal Night
Oct. 02 - DE - Essen @ Turock
Oct. 05 - DE - Hamburg @ New Ballroom
Oct. 06 - DE - Aschaffenburg @ Colos-Saal
Oct. 08 - DE - Köln @ Werkstat
Oct. 09 - DE - Memmingen @ Kaminwerk
Oct. 10 - DE - Ludwigsburg @ Rockfabrik
Oct. 12 - FR - Colmar @ Grillen
Oct. 13 - CH - Pratteln @ Z7
Oct. 15 - NL - Tilburg @ 013 (Live DVD Concert-No support)
Oct. 16 - BE - Vosselar @ Biebob
http://www.jonoliva.net

Détente — featuring original members Dennis Butler (drums), Caleb Quinn (guitar) and Steve Hochheiser (bass) alongside the group's latest addition, vocalist Tiina Teal — will release their new album, ‘Decline’, on May 21 via the band's own Cognitive label. MusicBuyMail.eu will handle the distribution in Europe. http://www.detenterna.com

A four-and-a-half-minute trailer for Slash's (GUNS N' ROSES, VELVET REVOLVER) first true solo album, simply entitled ‘Slash’, can be viewed at this location. http://slashonline.com

A 30-second audio sample of ‘Your Betrayal’, the new single from Bullet For My Valentine, is available for streaming at this location. The track comes off the band's third album, ‘Fever’, on April 26 via Jive/Zomba. http://www.bulletformyvalentine.com

Fatalist is recording a cover version of DEATH's ‘Beyond The Unholy Grave’ for the soundtrack to the movie ‘After Party Massacre’. http://www.fatalistband.com

The Dillinger Escape Plan’s new video, ‘Farewell, Mona Lisa’, can be viewed at this location. The song comes off the band's new album, ‘Option Paralysis’, which will be released on March 23 via Party Smasher Inc./Season Of Mist. http://www.myspace.com/dillingerescapeplan

Black Thoughts Bleeding will release their debut album, ‘Stomachion’, on March 26 via Silverwolf Productions. According to a press release, the plays their own brand of heavy melodic thrash metal and will appeal to fans of SCAR SYMMETRY, MESHUGGAH, IN FLAMES, and SEPULTURA. http://www.blackthoughtsbleeding.com

Bassist Eric Avery has quit Jane’s Addiction. The three remaining original members — vocalist Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro and drummer Stephen Perkins — have begun writing new music with a "mystery bassist," who has been identified by as VELVET REVOLVER and ex-GUNS N' ROSES bass player Duff McKagan. http://www.janesaddiction.com

Tesla are scheduled to release a new live album, appropriately titled ‘Alive In Europe!’, on April 23 via Frontiers Records. http://www.teslatheband.com

Feral have signed a deal with Ibex Moon Records. The band's full-length debut, ‘Dragged To The Altar’, is scheduled for release later in the year. http://www.feral.se

Salem will release their seventh full-length album, ‘Playing God And Other Short Stories’, later in the year via Pulverised Records. The album is now available for streaming in its entirety at this location. http://www.salemband.com

VAN CANTO, INGRIMM and NACHTGESCHREI have been confirmed for this year's Ragnarök Festival, set to take place April 30 - May 1, 2010 at Ostbayernhalle in Rieden/Kreuth, Germany. http://www.ragnaroek-festival.com

In This Moment is currently recording its third album, ‘A Star Crossed Wasteland’, for a summer release via Century Media Records. http://www.myspace.com/inthismoment

‘Just Breathe’ and ‘The World Is A Thorn’, two new songs from Demon Hunter, are available for streaming on the band’s MySpace page. The tracks come off the band's new album, ‘The World Is A Thorn’, which is scheduled for release on in March. http://www.demonhunter.net

Theatre Of Tragedy has stated that after nearly 17 years in existence, the band has decided to call it a day and close down and will come to an end on October 2, 2010, exactly 17 years after we started making music together. The final gig will take place on October 2 in Stavanger, Norway, where it all began. http://www.theatreoftragedy.com

Stormlord has parted ways with guitarist Pierangelo Giglioni and has replaced him with Andrea Angelini (STICK IT OUT, WITHATE). http://www.stormlord.net

HATE AMMO will release a new digital single, ‘Rise Up’, on March 15. http://www.myspace.com/hateammoofficial

Hypocrisy filmed their February 27 concert at the Blue Box club in Sofia, Bulgaria for a forthcoming DVD. http://www.hypocrisy.tv

Evile have released a digital-only single of the band's cover of PANTERA's ‘Cemetery Gates’, which is available now exclusively on iTunes. The song was recorded in 2009 for a special Metal Hammer "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN) tribute album. Tragically, it was also the last song the band recorded with its late bassist, Mike Alexander. http://www.evile.co.uk

To celebrate the release of their latest album, ‘The Guessing Game’, Cathedral has announced six live shows in late April/early May 2010:
Apr. 26 - Manchester, UK - Academy 3
Apr. 27 - Dublin, IRE - The Village
Apr. 28 - Belfast, IRE - Limelight
Apr. 29 - London, UK - ULU
Apr. 30 - Glasgow, UK - King Tut's
May 01 - Birmingham, UK - Academy 2
http://www.cathedralcoven.com

Moon is currently recording its third album, ‘Lucifer's Horns’, for an August release. http://www.witchinghour.pl

Exhale have signed a deal with Dark Balance Records for the release of their upcoming album, ‘Blind’, which is scheduled for an April 2 release. http://www.exhaleswe.com

Sick Of It All will release their new album, ‘Based On A True Story’, on April 20 via Century Media Records. http://www.sickofitall.com

Atlantean Kodex have signed a deal with Cruz Del Sur Music for the release of the band's upcoming debut album, ‘The Golden Bough’. http://www.atlanteankodex.de

The Secret has signed a deal with Southern Lord Recordings. The band is currently working its new album, ‘Solve et Coagula’. http://www.myspace.com/thesecret

OVERKILL has been confirmed for this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 5-7, 2010 in Wacken, Germany. http://www.wacken.com

DARK TRANQUILLITY has been confirmed for the 10th-anniversary edition of the Dong Open Air festival, set to take place July 23-24, 2010 in Neukirchen-Vluyn (near Krefeld), Germany. http://www.dongopenair.de

DEW-SCENTED have been confirmed for this year's edition of the Elsrock festival, set to take place August 28, 2010 in Rijssen, Netherlands. http://www.elsrock.nl

Black Label Society has cancelled its appearance at this year's Norway Rock festival — set to take place July 7-11, 2010 in Kvinesdal, Norway — in order to take part in a "major U.S. tour" during the same period. http://www.norwayrock.no

Power Quest will enter in July to begin recording their fifth, as-yet- untitled album for a late 2010 release via Napalm Records. http://www.power-quest.co.uk

Deftones will release its new album, ‘Diamond Eyes’, on May 18 via Reprise. http://www.myspace.com/deftones

Steelwing (formerly SCAVENGER) will release its debut album, ‘Lord Of The Wasteland’, in Europe on April 30, 2010 via Noise Art Records, a division of Rock The Nation. The song ‘Roadkill (...Or Be Killed)’ is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. http://www.myspace.com/steelwing

Sathanas will enter the studio in April to begin recording its new album, ‘La Hora De Lucifer’, for a late 2010 release. The band is currently searching for a suitable label. http://www.sathanas.net

Broken Teeth's video for the song ‘Blackheart’ can be viewed at this location. The track comes off the band's new album, ‘Viva La Rock, Fantastico!’, which was released on January 26 via Perris Records. http://www.brokenteeth.com

‘Beach Skeleton’, a rare track which previously only appeared on the Japanese version of Geezer Butler's 1997 solo album, ‘Black Science’, is now available for free download from Buter's website. http://www.geezerbutler.com

God.Fear.None will release their new album, ‘Over Black Clouds’, later in the year. http://www.myspace.com/godfearnone

Taproot will release its fifth album, ‘Plead The Fifth’, on April 13 via Victory Records. http://www.myspace.com/taproot

Drowning Pool will release their new, self-titled album in April via Eleven Seven Music. http://www.drowningpool.com

Anew Revolution will release its third CD, entitled ‘iMERICA’, on May 18, 2010 via E1 Music. http://www.anewrevolutionband.com

The Haunted is putting the finishing touches on a new concert DVD/CD, ‘Road Kill’, to be released later in the year via Century Media Records. http://www.the-haunted.com

Finntroll’s new album, ‘Nifelvind’, has registered the following first-week chart positions:
Finland: #8
Germany: #31
Switzerland: #41
Austria: #61
http://www.finntroll.net

At War’s new video, ‘Make Your Move’, can be viewed at this location. The song comes off the band's first album in 20 years, ‘Infidel’, which was released in August 2009 via Heavy Artillery Records. http://www.myspace.com/atwartheband

1349 will release their new album, ‘Demonoir’, on April 26 via Indie Recordings. http://www.legion1349.com

Attitude Adjustment has announced the following European tour dates:
Apr. 30 - Belgium - Antwerpen - Trix Bar
May 01 - Netherlands - Drachten - Iduna
May 02 - Netherlands - Rotterdam - Baroeg
May 03 - Germany - Hamburg - Hafenklang
May 04 - Germany - Rostock - Zwischenbau
May 05 - Germany - Leipzig - Zoro
May 06 - Germany - Karlsruhe - Alte Hackerei
May 07 - Germany - Berlin - Tommyhaus
May 08 - Denmark - Fredericia - Ungdommenshus
May 09 - Denmark - Copenhagen - The Rock
May 15 - Netherlands - Amsterdam - Friek Fest 8
http://www.myspace.com/attitudeadjustment07

Dauntless has announced the addition of vocalist Micko Hell (DENIGRATE, MILLION DOLLAR BEGGARS) to the group's ranks. http://www.dauntlessdeath.com

Inmoria — the new Swedish project featuring Charles Rytkonen (MORGANA LEFAY) on vocals, Christer Andersson (TAD MOROSE) on guitar, Danne Eriksson (ex-TAD MOROSE) on keyboards, Henke Westin (BLAZING SKIES) on bass, and Peter Moren (TAD MOROSE, STEEL ATTACK) on drums — has parted ways with Germany's Massacre Records and is seeking a new label home. Interested parties can contact the group at contact@inmoria.com. http://www.inmoria.com

Keyboard virtuoso Mistheria is currently recording his new album, entitled ‘Dragon Fire’, set for release in the second half of 2010 via [url=http://www.lionmusic.com]Lion Music[/ur]. http://www.mistheria.com

Death Angel are currently recording their new album for a tentative September release via Nuclear Blast Records. http://deathangel.com

ENSIFERUM and MACABRE have been confirmed for the 15-year-anniversary edition of the Brutal Assault festival, set to take place August 12-14, 2010 in Josefov, Czech Republic. http://brutalassault.cz

Axel Rudi Pell will release his thirteenth studio offering, ‘The Crest’, on April 26. http://www.axel-rudi-pell.de

Apocalyptica have set ‘7th Symphony’ as the title of their seventh studio album, which is scheduled for a summer release. http://www.apocalyptica.com

Ibex Moon Records has announced the signing of Chicago's Cardiac Arrest. The band's third full-length album, ‘Haven For The Insane’, was recorded in the winter of 2008/2009 at Kai Kauffman's Polymorph Media Studio and is scheduled for release on May 25. A track from the album, entitled ‘The Blade That Reaps’, is available for streaming on the Cardiac Arrest MySpace page.

Down 'N' Outz, the new band featuring Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott alongside members of The Quireboys, is putting the finishing touches on its debut album.

Nightwish manager Ewo Pohjola of King Foo Entertainment Ltd tells Finland's MTV3 that singer Anette Olzon's surprise revelation that she is expecting her second child will not affect the band's plan to begin recording its new studio album this fall. "Anette's pregnancy doesn't alter our plans in any way."

Cavus recently entered the studio to begin recording their full-length debut for a late 2010 release via Listenable Records. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/cavusmusic.

Hate Ammo has inked a deal with the Swedish label Supernova Records, a division of Bonnier Amigo Music Group. The group will release a new single, ‘Rise Up’, "on all digital platforms" on March 15.
www.myspace.com/hateammoofficial

Loudness will release a new album, ‘King Of Pain’, in Japan on May 19 via Tokuma Japan Communications. The CD will include a 32-page booklet, a Loudness original pick, and application card (valid only in Japan). More information will be made available soon. Loudness has scheduled the following European tour dates:
July 16/17 - Bang Your Head!!! - Balingen, Germany
July 18 - Zwarte Cross - Lichtenvoorde, Netherlands
July 19 - Dynamo Club - Eindhoven, Netherlands
July 20 - Knust - Hamburg, Germany
July 22 - On Stage Club - Athens, Greece
July 23 - Matrix - Bochum, Germany
July 24 - Colos-Saal - Aschaffenburg, Germany

Raven’s Creed have recruited Stian "Iscariah" Smorholm (ex-Immortal, Dead To This World) to handle the vocals on the band's second album, ‘A Conspiracy Of...’. The group states, "Stian will not be able to become a full-time member as he lives in Norway, but we are positive we will be able to do some shows with him at some point. Ravens Creed is currently writing material for their second album, ‘A Conspiracy Of...’, at the band's own Tenko studios for a tentative late 2010 release via Doomentia Records once again. The album will be recorded by The Moot Group studios in Nottingham (same team that worked on Ravens Creed's last album, ‘Albion Thunder’) by Johnny Carter and Paul Yeadon.

Daemon’s Gate has finished mixing and mastering its first demo CD with Connie Andreszka (Mystic Prophecy, Evidence One). The group is currently working on its debut album for a late 2010 release. www.myspace.com/daemonsgateofficial.

Dryll, the U.K.-based metal band featuring legendary ex-Venom guitarist Jeff "Mantas" Dunn and former Venom drummer Antony "Antton" Lant (brother of Venom frontman Conrad "Cronos" Lant), will enter the studio next week to begin recording its as-yet-untitled debut album. The group has been rehearsing and writing material since adding Lant and former Def-Con-One bassist Craig Elliott to its lineup in October.
www.myspace.com/metaldryll

Sõjaruun (featuring members of URT) have finished recording to their second EP, "Talv". The effort will be released in the early spring via Black Devastation Records in two formats — regular jewel case and limited edition 10” mini-LP. The track ‘Kui Kostab Sõjasarve Hüüd’ is available for streaming on the band's MySpage page. http://estonianmetal.com/bands.php?id=216

Danzig has set ‘Deth Red Sabaoth’ as the title of its new album, due this spring. Drummer Johnny Kelly (TYPE O NEGATIVE, SEVENTH VOID) and Tommy Victor (PRONG, MINISTRY) will appear on most of the tracks. Night Of The Vinyl Dead recently released a vinyl version of DANZIG's 2002 album, ‘777 - I Luciferi’ (limited 500 copies), which was previously released on CD only through Eagle-Spitfire Records. The band has been confirmed for the next European festival appearance:
Jun. 10 - Sölvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock Festival
Jun. 11 - Tampere, Finalnd - Sauna Open Air
http://www.danzig-verotik.com

Arma Gathas will release its debut album, ‘Dead To This World’, on April 26 via Metal Blade Records. ARMA GATHAS features former CATARACT guitarist Simon Fülleman, ex-BORN FROM PAIN singer Ché Snelting, MACHINEMADE GOD and ex-CORNELIUS guitarist Marc Niedersberg, ex-DISLOYAL drummer and drum student Max van Winkelhof and Alex Härtel on bass. The song ‘The Rise And Fall’ is available for streaming at the band’s MySpace page. http://www.armagathas.com

Fatal Embrace have signed a deal with Metal Blade Records for the worldwide release of their new album, ‘The Empires Of Inhumanity’. http://www.fatal-embrace.net

Firewind’s 2008 album, ‘The Premonition’, will be released on vinyl on March 8 via Century Media Records. This is the band's first-ever vinyl release will contain one bonus track. The band is currently working on material for a new studio album, tentatively due later this year. http://www.firewind.gr

Son Of Aurelius will release their debut album, ‘The Farthest Reaches’, on April 13 via Good Fight Music. http://www.myspace.com/sonofaurelius

Five Star Prison Cell is currently recording their third album, ‘Matriarch’, in Sing Sing Studios in Melbourne, Australia. http://www.fivestarprisoncell.com

Mantric will release its debut album, ‘The Descent’, on April 26 via Prosthetic Records. http://www.myspace.com/mantricofficial

Sevendust will release its new album, ‘Cold Day Memory’, on April 20 via the band's own 7 Bros. Records through Warner Music Group's Independent Label Group. The band’s new single, ‘Unraveling’ will be released via iTunes on March 2 and is available for stream on the band’s MySpace page. http://www.sevendust.com

Hirax’s new video, ‘El Rostro de la Muerte’ (‘The Face of Death’), can be viewed at this location. The track comes off the band's latest album, ‘El Rostro de la Muerte’, which was released in October 2009. http://www.blackdevilrecords.com

The new video from the new Swedish project Inmoria (featuring members from MORGANA LEFAY, TAD MOROSE, BLAZING SKIES and STEEL ATTACK), ‘In My Dreams’, can be viewed at this location. http://www.inmoria.com

Brother Firetribe — the Finnish AOR/hard rock band featuring NIGHTWISH guitarist Emppu Vuorinen — released a concert DVD, ‘Live At Apollo’, on February 12 via Spinefarm Records. The disc was shot on April 15, 2009 at the Apollo in Helsinki and features a guest appearance by NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon on the song ‘Heart Full Of Fire’. http://www.brotherfiretribe.com

W.A.S.P. is currently working on a video for the song ‘Crazy’, taken from the band's latest album, ‘Babylon’. http://www.waspnation.com

Audiovision will release its second album, ‘Focus’, in Europe and North America on April 23 through Ulterium Records. The track ‘Invitation’, as well as samples of other songs from the album, are available for streaming on the band’s MySpace page. http://www.myspace.com/audiovisionsweden

Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen has been confirmed for this year's edition of the Wacken Open Air festival, set to take place August 5-7, 2010 in Wacken, Germany. http://www.wacken.com

The American heavy rock band Valkyrie has signed a deal with Meteor City Records. The label will reissue the band's self-titled debut album and the follow-up effort, ‘Man Of Two Visions’, on July 5. http://www.thevalkyrierides.com

L.A. Guns has signed a deal with the Steve Vai-owned label Favored Nations/Jibboom, which is Favored Nations Entertainment's rock/metal division. The label will reissue the 1999 L.A. GUNS album, ‘Shrinking Violet’, sometime this summer. The LP will be completely repackaged with new artwork and five brand new, never-before-heard, live bonus tracks. http://www.laguns.net

Virgin Snatch, will release their fourth album, ‘Act Of Grace’, on March 22 via Mystic Productions. http://www.virginsnatch.net

Hacride has parted ways with its original drummer Olivier Laffond and has replaced him with Mike Roponus (OM MANI). http://www.hacride.com

The first song from Borknagar’s new album, ‘Havoc’, is now available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. http://www.borknagar.com

Satan’s Host has been rejoined by Harry Conklin (a.k.a. Leviathan Thisiren). http://www.satanshost.com

Down has signed a deal with E1 Music for the release of the long-awaited rockumentary, ‘Diary of a Mad Band’, tentatively due this spring. http://www.down-nola.com

Circle II Circle last year parted ways with drummer Tom Drennan and replaced him with Johnny Osborn (X-THIRTIEN, DR. BUTCHER). The band also decided to carry on as a four-piece following the departure of guitarist Bill Hudson (WRITTEN IN BLOOD, ex-CELLADOR). http://www.circle2circle.net

Papa Roach is currently in the studio laying down five brand new songs for inclusion on a live album that will be out sometime later this year. http://www.paparoach.com

Imagika have announced the addition of guitarist Robert Kolowitz (HELLHOUND, BLACKSTORM, RAPIDFIRE) to the group's ranks. IMAGIKA’s new album, ‘Portrait Of A Hanged Man’, will be released on March 19 via Metalville. The song ‘The Hit’ is available for streaming at the band’s MySpace page. http://www.imagikametal.com

A brand new track from Scorpions, ‘Raised On Rock", is now available for purchase via amazon.com. The song comes off the band's final studio album, ‘Sting In The Tail’, which will be released in Europe on March 19 via Universal Music Enterprises. http://www.the-scorpions.com

Edenbridge has set ‘Solitaire’ as the title of its seventh album, due in May. In other news the band has parted ways with bassist Simon Holzknecht and is now seeking a replacement. http://www.edenbridge.org

Nominion will release their fourth album, ‘Monumentomb’, on March 23 via Deathgasm Records. The band recently announced the addition of vocalist Henke Skoog (EVISCERATED) to the group's ranks and has also scheduled the following dates:
May 07 - Sundsvall, SWE - Club Deströyer
May 08 - Jönköping, SWE - Zaragon Rock Club
May 09 - Göteborg, SWE - Club Centurion
http://www.nominon.com

BLEEDING THROUGH's Brandan Schieppatti has joined forces with musical polymath Mick Kenney (ANAAL NATHRAKH) to create the new project Sorrows. Audio samples are available for streaming on the band's MySpace page. http://www.myspace.com/sorrows

Misery Index's discography collection of splits and EPs, ‘Pulling Out The Nails’ (named after the first song the band wrote), has just been released on CD through the band's own Anarchos Records imprint, and will soon be made available on double vinyl through Power It Up. http://www.miseryindex.com

The new video from Igneous Human, ‘Demonride’, can be viewed at this location. The song will also appear in the Swedish movie ‘The Road Viking’ and parts of the film can be seen in the video clip. The track comes off IGNEOUS HUMAN's latest album, ‘Pyroclastic Storms’, which is available now on Tractor Productions. http://igneoushuman.com

Listenable Records will re-release the classic 2002 album from Immolation, ‘Unholy Cult’. The 2003 ‘Bringing Down The World’ DVD has been added as a bonus. An extra-special vinyl edition featuring a picture disc will also be made available at a later date. The band’s eighth album, ‘Majesty And Decay’, is scheduled for release on March 8 via Nuclear Blast Records. http://www.everlastingfire.com

Serenity have set ‘Death & Legacy’ as the title of their new album, tentatively due before the end of the year. http://www.serenity-band.com

Poisonblack’s fourth album, ‘Of Rust And Bones’, will be released via Century Media Records on March 22. The song ‘Buried Alive’ is available for streaming on the band’s MySpace page. http://www.poisonblack.com

<< Het nieuws van vorige week